Lin Tian followed the glow for hours, through dense forests and rugged terrain. The further he went, the more he felt the pull of his ancestor's power. Finally, he arrived at a secluded valley, hidden by a thick mist.
At the center stood a massive stone gate carved with intricate dragon motifs. The jade pendant glowed brightly, reacting to the ancient symbols. As Lin Tian approached, the gate rumbled open, revealing a dark corridor lit by golden flames.
The voice of his ancestor echoed in his mind. "You have found the Dragon's Sanctuary, the birthplace of our clan's power. Here, you will face your second trial: The Dragon's Scales."
Lin Tian stepped inside, the air thick with energy. The ground trembled, and a colossal stone dragon emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing with a fierce light.
"To claim the Dragon's Scales, you must prove your resilience," the dragon rumbled. "Show me you can withstand the weight of your destiny."
The dragon released a torrent of golden flames, engulfing Lin Tian. Pain seared through his body, but he refused to fall. Gritting his teeth, he drew on the Dragon's Breath, using the golden energy to shield himself.
The flames intensified, but so did his determination. Memories of the Zhao family's scorn flashed before his eyes, fueling his resolve. "I will not break," he growled. "Not now. Not ever."
With a roar, Lin Tian unleashed his power, forcing the flames back. The stone dragon's eyes softened, and its voice boomed. "You have passed. The Dragon's Scales are yours."
Golden light enveloped Lin Tian, forming a shimmering armor that glowed faintly against his skin. He felt an unshakable strength coursing through him, his body fortified like never before.