The next evening, Lin Tian and Zhao Yue left the Zhao mansion under the cover of darkness. The jade pendant had been glowing intermittently, guiding Lin Tian toward the next step in his journey. Their destination was a small, hidden village rumored to be the site of an ancient Heavenly Dragon stronghold.
As they traveled, Zhao Yue struggled to keep up with Lin Tian's pace. She was used to luxury, not the grueling trek through forests and mountains. Yet, she didn't complain. Every time she stumbled, Lin Tian would glance back, his expression unreadable.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked during a brief pause to catch her breath. "Why let me come with you when you have every reason to hate me?"
Lin Tian sighed, leaning against a tree. "Because despite everything, I don't believe you're like the rest of your family. And… maybe part of me wants to believe that redemption is possible."
His words surprised her, and for the first time, she saw a glimpse of vulnerability beneath his hardened exterior. "Thank you," she said softly. "I won't let you down."
Their journey led them to a clearing where an ancient, weathered stone gate stood. Carved into its surface were intricate dragon motifs, glowing faintly in the moonlight. The jade pendant pulsed in response, and Lin Tian felt a surge of energy.
"This is it," he said, stepping forward.
As they approached the gate, a low growl echoed through the clearing. From the shadows emerged a massive, wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes and jagged fangs. Its fur was black as night, and its presence exuded malice.
"It's a Guardian Beast," Lin Tian said, his voice tense. "It won't let us pass without a fight."
Zhao Yue stepped back, fear evident in her eyes. "Can you defeat it?"
Lin Tian smirked, the golden aura of the Dragon's Scales enveloping him. "We'll find out."
The beast lunged, its speed defying its massive size. Lin Tian met it head-on, his fists glowing with the power of the Dragon's Breath. The impact sent shockwaves through the clearing, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
Zhao Yue watched in awe as Lin Tian fought. His movements were precise, his strikes powerful. But the beast was relentless, its claws slicing through the air with deadly precision.
Lin Tian dodged a particularly vicious swipe and countered with a blast of golden flames. The beast roared in pain but didn't falter. "This thing's tougher than I expected," Lin Tian muttered, his breathing heavy.
The battle raged on, each clash more intense than the last. Finally, Lin Tian saw an opening. With a roar, he unleashed the full power of the Dragon's Breath, engulfing the beast in golden flames. When the light faded, the beast lay motionless.
Zhao Yue rushed to his side as he staggered. "Are you okay?"
"I'll live," he said with a faint smile. "Let's go."
The gate opened as they approached, revealing a hidden sanctuary filled with ancient relics and glowing crystals. At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal holding a golden orb.
"This must be the next piece of my inheritance," Lin Tian said, stepping forward. As he reached for the orb, a voice echoed through the chamber.
"The Dragon's Eyes will grant you unparalleled vision, but with it comes great responsibility. Are you ready to bear this burden?"
Lin Tian hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "I'm ready."
As his hand touched the orb, a blinding light filled the room. When it faded, Lin Tian's eyes glowed with a golden hue, and he felt a surge of clarity. He could see beyond the physical—into the spiritual and the hidden.
"This is only the beginning," he said, his voice filled with determination. "The Abyssal Order won't know what hit them."
Zhao Yue placed a hand on his shoulder, her expression resolute. "I'm with you, no matter what."
Lin Tian nodded. "Then let's finish this."