That evening, Shenlong returned to his quarters, feeling a newfound weight pressing down on him. Elder Zhi's words had unsettled him more than he cared to admit. He had hoped to keep the pendant's powers concealed until he was strong enough to fend off those who might try to claim it. But as his abilities grew, so did the interest and suspicion from others.
Just as he was about to begin his evening meditation, there was a soft knock on the door. Shenlong opened it to find a familiar face—Xiaolan, his childhood friend and former fiancée, the one who had once stood by his side during his days of glory. Since their engagement had been called off, they had drifted apart, and she had avoided him like everyone else.
"Xiaolan?" Shenlong said, his voice tinged with surprise.
She gave a hesitant smile, her eyes holding a mixture of nostalgia and regret. "May I come in, Shenlong? I… I wanted to talk."
Shenlong nodded and stepped aside, allowing her to enter. He closed the door, studying her expression as she moved to the center of the room. She looked the same as he remembered—her dark hair flowing down her back, her eyes as sharp and intelligent as ever. But there was a sadness in her gaze, a hint of vulnerability he hadn't seen before.
"Shenlong, I wanted to apologize," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "When your cultivation stagnated… I didn't stand by you as I should have. I let others' opinions sway me, and I pushed you away."
Shenlong felt a pang in his chest, memories of their broken engagement resurfacing. He had loved her, trusted her, and her abandonment had only added to his suffering. But looking at her now, he could see the weight of her own guilt.
"I won't pretend it didn't hurt," Shenlong replied softly. "But I understand. The clan can be ruthless, and everyone expects so much. It's easy to lose sight of what matters."
Xiaolan nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "You're stronger than I gave you credit for. Seeing you now, after all that's happened… I realize I was wrong. I should have trusted you. And I wanted you to know that… I still believe in you, Shenlong. I always have."
Her words stirred something deep within him, but Shenlong remained guarded. He could feel the weight of his new path, the ancient legacy he carried, and he knew it set him apart in ways that few could understand.
"Thank you, Xiaolan," he said, his voice steady. "I appreciate your words. But the path I'm on now is one I must walk alone."
Xiaolan looked away, a flicker of pain crossing her face. She gave a small nod, understanding his unspoken message. "Then I'll pray for your success, Shenlong. I'll be here if you ever need me."
As she left, Shenlong felt a strange sense of closure. The wound of her betrayal hadn't fully healed, but he could now move forward without the bitterness he had carried for so long.