The journey back from the Eastern Sacred Grounds felt different. Every step Shenlong took resonated with a newfound strength; his senses were sharper, his Dragon Qi stronger, and his mind clearer. The trials had changed him, and he felt as though he now carried the will of ancient dragons within him. His pendant gleamed with a golden light, as if acknowledging his new status as the heir to the legacy.
Upon his arrival, the warriors who had accompanied him to the sacred grounds gasped. Shenlong was radiating an aura unlike anything they had ever seen—a presence that demanded respect and struck awe into those around him. Even the clan elders who had once looked down on him now sensed his transformation.
Qin Zhen awaited him at the main hall, his expression both proud and cautious. "Welcome back, Shenlong," he said, his eyes glinting with approval. "You have returned stronger than before. The aura you now carry… it is that of a true dragon heir."
Shenlong bowed to his father. "The trials were challenging, but they have given me the strength I need to fulfill my destiny."
Qin Zhen nodded, sensing Shenlong's resolve. "Then it's time you learn the truth about the Black Veil Sect and why they pose a threat not only to us but to the balance of the realms."
He motioned for Shenlong to sit, and soon, the clan elders gathered, creating an atmosphere of gravity. Qin Zhen began to recount the tale of the Black Veil Sect's origins. The sect had once been a part of an ancient order dedicated to the balance of energies between realms, but a faction within them grew power-hungry, mastering forbidden techniques to control and harvest spiritual energy directly from living beings. Over generations, they became the Black Veil Sect, known for their dark practices, ruthlessness, and their goal to dominate all realms by disrupting the balance of power.
"They seek to unleash a forbidden relic, the Crimson Altar, which will allow them to siphon the life force of entire clans and reshape it to their will," Qin Zhen explained gravely. "The relic has been dormant for centuries, but our scouts have confirmed they are close to awakening it."
Shenlong clenched his fists. The Crimson Altar's power was unimaginable, and if it fell into the Black Veil Sect's hands, it could spell disaster for not only his clan but countless innocents.
"So what must we do to stop them?" Shenlong asked, his voice steady but laced with determination.
Qin Zhen met his gaze. "We are forming an alliance with other noble families and cultivation clans. Each of these families holds a piece of the ancient seal that can keep the Crimson Altar dormant. Your task is to retrieve these pieces and form a protective force around the altar."
Shenlong nodded, understanding the gravity of the mission. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect our people and prevent the Black Veil Sect from achieving their twisted goals."
Qin Zhen's eyes softened, showing a rare moment of fatherly pride. "I know you will, my son."