The streets of Yan City were alive with whispers, shadows, and the scent of incense. After the rooftop battle, Lin Dong and Li Yan moved cautiously through narrow alleys, their steps silent, eyes sharp. The city, vast and ancient, felt like a living creature — breathing, watching, and waiting.
Li Yan glanced sideways. "We can't keep running forever. We need a place to rest… and learn more about this Seal."
Lin Dong nodded. His chest still burned with the Seal's energy. Every pulse reminded him of the fight, of Lei Tian's power, and of the responsibility now binding him.
"There's an old merchant district north of here," Li Yan said. "Hidden libraries, relic shops… someone there might know about spirit relics."
They slipped through the crowded streets, avoiding the watchful eyes of Lei Tian's scouts. Lanterns swayed in the evening breeze, casting long shadows that flickered across crumbling walls. Street performers moved like ghosts, selling wares of bronze, jade, and incense.
At the heart of the district, they found a small, unassuming shop tucked between two larger buildings. Its wooden sign swayed, etched with faint golden characters: "Heirloom & Antiquities."
Inside, the shop was dim. Shelves lined every wall, cluttered with relics, talismans, and ancient scrolls. Dust motes danced in the fading light. Behind the counter stood a thin, elderly man with eyes sharp as daggers.
"Looking for knowledge or treasure?" he asked, voice low and gravelly.
Lin Dong stepped forward. "Knowledge. About… this."
He held out the spirit core from the Plains Wyrm. The shopkeeper's eyes widened ever so slightly at the golden pulse emanating from it.
"The Seal," the man whispered. "I thought it was lost. Many believe it to be a legend — a power that chooses its host, not the other way around."
Lin Dong's pulse quickened. "Can you tell me more?"
The old man nodded slowly, leading them to a back room. Ancient scrolls and tomes littered a low table. He spread one open — illustrations of a talisman, glowing with intricate runes, resembling the mark on Lin Dong's chest.
"This Seal," the shopkeeper explained, "was created centuries ago by the Heirloom Sect. It was meant to store and awaken spiritual energy, granting the host abilities far beyond ordinary cultivation."
Lin Dong's eyes narrowed. "Heirloom Sect?"
"Yes," the man said. "Once, your family was connected to them — guardians of knowledge, keepers of hidden power. Many fell, scattered, hunted by rival clans. But the bloodline survives, even if hidden."
Li Yan exchanged a glance with him. "You mean… Lin Dong has ancestors tied to the Seal?"
"Indeed," the shopkeeper said. "And that is why the Seal has chosen him. It recognizes the bloodline. But caution — the Seal is as dangerous as it is powerful. If your heart is not balanced, it will consume you."
Lin Dong's fingers curled around the spirit core. A warmth spread through his hand, traveling up to the Seal's mark. He could feel fragments of memories — faint, echoing: his father training him as a child, stories of clans and ancient battles, the smell of herbs and burning talismans.
"There's more," the shopkeeper continued, reaching beneath the counter. He produced a small, dust-covered box. Carved on its lid were runes identical to the Seal's mark. "This belonged to your father. He left it hidden, knowing the day would come when the Seal chose a successor."
Lin Dong opened the box. Inside lay a thin jade blade, its surface inscribed with runes that pulsed faintly, almost in sync with the Seal on his chest. Next to it was a small scroll, tied with crimson silk.
He picked up the scroll. Unrolling it, he read the first line:
"The Seal chooses its master, but mastery comes from understanding. The power within is not given, it is earned — through trial, wisdom, and sacrifice."
Lin Dong's heart raced. This was more than a weapon. It was a key — to his heritage, to his destiny, and perhaps to defeating Lei Tian.
Li Yan leaned closer. "So… what now?"
Lin Dong held the jade blade in one hand, the spirit core in the other. The Seal on his chest pulsed, golden light wrapping around his fingers.
"Now… we prepare," he said, eyes firm. "Lei Tian knows my name. The Seal knows me. And Yan City… it holds more than enemies. It holds answers."
Outside, the streets of the merchant district hummed with life. Lanterns swayed, shadows shifted, and whispers carried in the wind. Somewhere, far away, the pulse of hidden clans stirred. The first steps toward destiny had been taken — and the next trials were already moving in.
Lin Dong lifted the jade blade, golden light reflecting on his determined face. The Seal thrummed in recognition, a heartbeat in sync with his own.
"I will become stronger," he murmured. "For the Seal… for my family… and for everything they've taken from me."
And somewhere in the depths of Yan City, Lei Tian's gaze met his — unseen, patient, and hungry.