As Shenlong walked back to his quarters under the glow of the moonlight, Qin Zhen's words echoed in his mind. The notion of ancient enemies, the responsibility of the pendant, and his newfound duty weighed heavily on him. The Gathering had been a proving ground, but it was nothing compared to what awaited him. This was a journey that would take him beyond his clan and push him to limits he could barely fathom.
The next morning, Shenlong rose early, feeling the urge to begin his training anew. His understanding of cultivation arts, boosted by the pendant's knowledge, had already set him leagues ahead of his peers, but he understood that this alone would not suffice. He needed to train his body and spirit, to refine not only his techniques but also his willpower.
He decided to visit the mountain beyond the clan grounds, a place known for its treacherous terrain and fierce elemental energies. It was a forbidden area for most young cultivators, but Shenlong knew that the challenges it presented were exactly what he needed.