In the quiet of night, Shenlong sat alone in his quarters, the dim glow of a candle casting shadows on the walls. His mind drifted back to Elder Zhi's warning and the layers of suspicion that seemed to cling to him. He knew he had to grow stronger, not just to silence the voices of doubt but to protect the legacy within him—the power of the pendant that had revived his journey.
He carefully retrieved the Qin pendant from beneath his robe, holding it between his fingers. It pulsed faintly with an energy that felt both familiar and foreign. The pendant's origins were a mystery, yet it held vast knowledge, revealing fragments of ancient cultivation techniques, alchemical formulas, and martial arts forms that no one else in the clan possessed. But Shenlong couldn't help but wonder: why had it chosen him, an adopted child without apparent lineage?
As if responding to his thoughts, the pendant began to glow brighter, casting an ethereal light across the room. Then, as if summoned by his curiosity, a voice—a soft yet commanding voice—echoed within his mind.
"Shenlong, the time has come for you to seek the Temple of the Forgotten. There, you will find the first piece of your true legacy."
Shenlong's eyes widened, heart pounding as he tried to make sense of the voice. It was neither male nor female, yet it felt ancient, carrying the weight of centuries. He had heard whispers of the Temple of the Forgotten from the old legends, a place where powerful cultivators once meditated, leaving behind fragments of their knowledge. However, it was said to be hidden in a remote realm, guarded by powerful beasts and treacherous terrain.
"What… what do you mean?" Shenlong whispered, both in awe and trepidation.
"Your destiny lies beyond this clan," the voice replied. "If you wish to unlock the full power of the Qin pendant, you must seek out the ancient ruins scattered across the realms. Only there will you find the answers to your questions and the strength to fulfill your legacy."
As the voice faded, Shenlong clenched the pendant tightly, his resolve strengthening. This journey would be perilous, and he would need to prepare. But he had come too far to turn back now. The Qin pendant had reignited his hope; now, he would follow its guidance, no matter where it led.