---
Jin stepped into the grand hall, his bare feet meeting the smooth, cold marble. The vast chamber was dimly lit, with golden lion emblems adorning the high walls and a large, glowing chandelier hanging above. Five figures sat on raised thrones at the end of the hall, their gazes sharp and their presence commanding. Each wore a long white-and-gold robe, with a lion's head emblazoned on the chest—marking them as the elders of the Golden Lion Clan.
Among them, at the center, sat Eldred, Eleanor's father and the clan patriarch. His sharp golden eyes were fixed on Jin, filled with scrutiny and a protective fire. Eldred's presence was an imposing beacon, radiating authority and a hint of threat.
Jin walked forward, the silence in the room thick and suffocating. His steps echoed against the walls as he stopped a few paces before the elders, unsure of what to do next.
"Does this boy not know how to greet his betters?" one of the elders muttered, his voice laced with irritation.
Jin remained still, his mind racing. "I… apologize," he said, bowing slightly.
Eldred leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Jin, is it? My daughter has spoken on your behalf, yet I find myself unconvinced. A man with no memory, wandering our lands—why should I trust you?"
Before Jin could respond, another elder interjected. "Patriarch, his origins are unknown. He could be a plant from a rival clan or worse—a trap. We cannot risk the safety of our people."
Eldred nodded gravely. "That is why we must test him. Jin, you must prove yourself if you wish to stay within these walls."
Jin's fists clenched. He had no memory, no proof of his intentions, and now his character was being questioned. But he knew resistance would only make things worse. "What would you have me do?"
---
One of the elders rose from his seat and produced a small, glowing artifact—a crystalline orb etched with intricate runes. The artifact pulsed with an ethereal light.
"This is a Helon of Truth," the elder explained. "It reveals lies and deceit. You will answer our questions while holding this. Any falsehoods will expose you."
Jin hesitated but stepped forward and took the orb in his hands. The moment he touched it, a warm sensation coursed through him, as though the artifact was probing his very soul.
"Where are you from?" another elder asked, his tone sharp.
"I don't know," Jin replied honestly, his voice steady.
The orb glowed with a gentle blue light, confirming his words.
"Are you a spy sent by our enemies?"
"No," Jin said, shaking his head.
The orb remained blue.
They bombarded him with question after question—about his past, his intentions, and his allegiance. Jin answered truthfully, but his lack of memory meant he could provide little beyond the present. The elders seemed both frustrated and intrigued by the results.
---
Finally, an elder stood and approached Jin with another artifact—a small, intricate disc engraved with runes. "This will measure your strength. Hold it."
Jin took the disc, and the runes immediately began to glow. A soft hum filled the air, growing louder as the light intensified. The elders leaned forward, their expressions shifting from suspicion to astonishment.
"Element Conduit level?" one of them whispered, disbelief in his voice.
"That's impossible. Only prodigies reach such a level at his age," another murmured.
Eldred's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. Element Conduit—a level that took most cultivators years of grueling effort to attain. It was unheard of for someone so young and inexperienced to reach it.
"Could he be from one of the Four Great Families of the Western Continent?" an elder speculated.
The others exchanged wary glances. The possibility was both exciting and dangerous. If Jin truly hailed from such a lineage, it could mean great opportunities for the Golden Lion Clan—or devastating consequences if mishandled.
Eldred, however, remained cautious. He could sense the thoughts brewing among the elders, their subtle glances revealing plans to manipulate Jin's potential for their own gain.
"Enough," Eldred said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. He rose from his seat, his imposing figure towering over the hall. "Regardless of his origins, Jin has proven that he is not a threat—for now. However, I will not risk the safety of this clan. He will remain under observation."
---
Eldred's gaze hardened as he looked at Jin. "One final condition. You will take an oath of silence about everything you witness or hear within these walls. Speak of this clan to anyone outside, and your life will be forfeit. Do you accept?"
Jin hesitated but nodded. "I accept."
A faint smile tugged at Eldred's lips, though it carried no warmth. "Good. Now, leave us. Someone will escort you to Elder Elliot."
As Jin turned to go, Eldred's voice stopped him.
"And Jin," he said, his tone cold and unwavering, "if you so much as harm a hair on my daughter's head, there will be no place in this world where you can hide."
Jin met his gaze, unflinching. "I would never harm her."
The patriarch said nothing more, and Jin left the hall, a servant waiting outside to guide him.
---
Jin followed the servant through a series of corridors, his mind swirling with the events in the hall. The elders' suspicion, the revelations of his strength, and Eldred's warning all weighed heavily on him.
Eventually, they arrived at a smaller chamber. Inside, an elderly man sat cross-legged on a raised platform. His long, white beard flowed down his chest, and his eyes gleamed with wisdom.
"Elder Elliot," the servant announced before bowing and leaving.
The old man studied Jin for a moment before gesturing for him to sit. "So, you're the boy causing all this commotion," Elliot said, his voice soft yet commanding.
Jin sat down, unsure of what to expect.
"Do not worry, young one," Elliot continued. "I am not here to judge you. I am here to guide you. Tell me—what do you seek?"
Jin hesitated before answering. "I don't know. I've lost my memory… I don't even know who I am."
Elliot nodded, his expression kind. "Then let us start with this: You are Jin. That is enough for now."
The elder's words were simple, but they struck a chord within Jin. For the first time since waking in the forest, he felt a sliver of peace.
"Now," Elliot said, his tone growing serious, "we have much to discuss. Your journey is only beginning, and the road ahead will not be easy. But if you are willing to walk it, I will help you find your path."
Jin nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'm ready."
---