With the trials complete, Shenlong was declared one of the top competitors of the Gathering. His performance had silenced the whispers and doubts, and the Clan Master, Qin Zhen, looked on with clear approval. The once-distant figure now appeared to regard Shenlong with newfound respect, perhaps even a sense of pride.
Later that evening, Qin Zhen summoned Shenlong to his private study. The room was quiet, filled with the faint scent of incense and lined with scrolls detailing ancient cultivation arts.
"Shenlong," the Clan Master began, his voice calm yet intent, "you have proven yourself today. You have shown strength, resilience, and wisdom. But this is only the beginning. Our clan holds secrets and responsibilities beyond what you know."
Shenlong nodded, his heart steady. "I am ready to learn, Clan Master."
Qin Zhen regarded him with a thoughtful expression. "Your pendant… it is not an ordinary artifact. It carries a legacy of our clan's ancient ancestors, but also a duty. There are forces beyond this realm, enemies who seek to destroy what we have protected for centuries."
Shenlong listened intently, his mind racing. This was the first he'd heard of such a threat, and yet it felt as though it explained the weight he had always felt when carrying the pendant.
Qin Zhen continued, "You have unlocked only a fraction of its power. But in time, you will learn more. However, this power must be wielded carefully, and not solely for personal gain. Are you prepared for the responsibility?"
Shenlong took a deep breath, feeling the gravity of the Clan Master's words. "I am, Clan Master. Whatever it takes, I will uphold the legacy of the Qin Clan."
Qin Zhen nodded approvingly, a rare smile crossing his usually stern face. "Then your true journey begins, Shenlong. Prepare yourself. There will be challenges beyond anything you have faced before."
As Shenlong left the study, he felt a surge of determination. He knew that his path was only beginning, but with each step, he would rise, not just as a prodigy of the Qin Clan, but as a cultivator destined to protect a legacy far greater than himself. The trials of the Gathering had revealed his strength, but now, his mission would demand more than he had ever imagined. And Shenlong was ready.Chapter 76: A New Path Forward
With the trials complete, Shenlong was declared one of the top competitors of the Gathering. His performance had silenced the whispers and doubts, and the Clan Master, Qin Zhen, looked on with clear approval. The once-distant figure now appeared to regard Shenlong with newfound respect, perhaps even a sense of pride.
Later that evening, Qin Zhen summoned Shenlong to his private study. The room was quiet, filled with the faint scent of incense and lined with scrolls detailing ancient cultivation arts.
"Shenlong," the Clan Master began, his voice calm yet intent, "you have proven yourself today. You have shown strength, resilience, and wisdom. But this is only the beginning. Our clan holds secrets and responsibilities beyond what you know."
Shenlong nodded, his heart steady. "I am ready to learn, Clan Master."
Qin Zhen regarded him with a thoughtful expression. "Your pendant… it is not an ordinary artifact. It carries a legacy of our clan's ancient ancestors, but also a duty. There are forces beyond this realm, enemies who seek to destroy what we have protected for centuries."
Shenlong listened intently, his mind racing. This was the first he'd heard of such a threat, and yet it felt as though it explained the weight he had always felt when carrying the pendant.
Qin Zhen continued, "You have unlocked only a fraction of its power. But in time, you will learn more. However, this power must be wielded carefully, and not solely for personal gain. Are you prepared for the responsibility?"
Shenlong took a deep breath, feeling the gravity of the Clan Master's words. "I am, Clan Master. Whatever it takes, I will uphold the legacy of the Qin Clan."
Qin Zhen nodded approvingly, a rare smile crossing his usually stern face. "Then your true journey begins, Shenlong. Prepare yourself. There will be challenges beyond anything you have faced before."
As Shenlong left the study, he felt a surge of determination. He knew that his path was only beginning, but with each step, he would rise, not just as a prodigy of the Qin Clan, but as a cultivator destined to protect a legacy far greater than himself. The trials of the Gathering had revealed his strength, but now, his mission would demand more than he had ever imagined. And Shenlong was ready.