The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the Qin Clan's courtyard. Shenlong stood at the edge of the pavilion, staring out into the distance. His heart was heavy with the weight of the revelations. The family that had raised him, the people he had called father and mother, were not his true kin.
Yet, Shenlong did not feel anger toward them. They had given him love, shelter, and care for all these years. He knew they did what they thought was best for him, even if they had kept his origins a secret.
"I understand now," Shenlong murmured to himself, his voice low but resolute. "This pendant… this power… it was never meant to be dormant. I've been blind for so long."
He clenched his fists, feeling the energy flowing through his meridians—no longer stagnant but surging with newfound strength. The legacy contained within the pendant had given him more than just knowledge. It had opened his eyes to the world beyond the Qin Clan. There was so much more to his destiny than he had ever imagined.
Just then, his mother approached, her face etched with concern. "Shenlong… I know this is difficult for you. We… we didn't want to burden you with these truths until we understood more ourselves."
Shenlong turned to her, a soft smile on his lips. "Mother, I owe you and Father everything. You've given me a life, a family. I'm not angry. But now… I need to find out who I truly am."
His mother's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded. "You've always been special. We knew that from the moment we found you. But I never imagined… this." She gestured toward the pendant, its faint glow still visible against his chest.
"There are others who know more about this pendant and your past," she continued, her voice trembling slightly. "Your father and I have heard whispers over the years—rumors of a hidden bloodline, a lost lineage connected to ancient powers. But we were always too afraid to pursue it. Now, it seems you no longer have a choice."
Shenlong took a deep breath. His mother's words only fueled the fire within him. "I won't rest until I uncover the truth. But first, I need to grow stronger. This power… I can feel it, but I've only scratched the surface. The world beyond our clan is vast, and there are dangers I can't even begin to comprehend."
His mother placed a hand on his arm, her grip firm despite the worry in her eyes. "Promise me you'll be careful, Shenlong. The world can be cruel, and there are those who will want to use you for their own gain."
"I promise," Shenlong said, his voice steady. "But I won't let anyone stand in my way."