A gentle breeze rustled the peach blossoms overhead as Sheung sat cross-legged in the Heart Palace. Petals drifted like pink snowflakes, scattering across the glassy surface of the pool beside him. But peace refused to settle in his chest.
Longyin shimmered into existence above the water, her dragon horns gleaming faintly golden. She hovered, watching him with luminous eyes.
"Sheung Longyao," she murmured, "your mind spins like a river caught in a whirlpool. Speak."
Sheung drew a sharp breath. "Longyin… today I learned things I don't understand. About my father. About the Vault of the Name. About how they were looking for something… something powerful hidden in my sect. Was it true? Did they destroy my family for it?"
Longyin fell silent. A hush spread through the Heart Palace, the air itself seeming to tighten. For a long time, only the petals whispered as they fell.
At last, she lowered her gaze. "So the truth finds you sooner than planned. Good. Perhaps the stars intended it."
Sheung leaned forward, heart pounding. "Please. Tell me."
Longyin's light dimmed a fraction. "Very well. Listen carefully, Sheung Longyao.
This place… this Heart Palace… is not merely the spirit world of your brush. It is the hidden treasure of your entire sect.
For thousands of years, every Grandmaster of the Dragonblood Taoist Sect cultivated this inner realm, each leaving behind their wisdom, techniques, and secret arts. They expanded it piece by piece: creating vast halls, vaults of knowledge, even spirit gardens. It became a fortress, a library, and a sanctum all at once.
Your grandfather was the last to add his power here. And your father… your father sealed himself inside to protect it from those who sought to steal or corrupt it. That's why you carry this place now, Sheung. You inherited not merely a brush—but the sum of your sect's very soul."
Sheung stared, barely breathing. Around him in every direction the lanscape opened up. The misty veil that had surrounded the peach blossom tree lifted, revealing mountains and valley, halls, pavilions, caves, and other places once sacred to his lineage.
"All of these sacred spaces were each places in the heart of a grandmaster of our sect. They got to choose what to add to the heart palace and leave as a legacy for future generations to inherit....such as yourself."
Whoever possesses the Heart Palace could seize secrets powerful enough to change the balance of the Nine Schools. Techniques, lost arts… and perhaps things far more dangerous."
Sheung's voice dropped to a whisper. "Like… what?"
Longyin hesitated. "There are places inside this realm even I cannot open unless your cultivation reaches certain heights. Sealed vaults holding forbidden Fu, powerful spirit beasts, and artifacts of terrifying might. And…" Her voice softened. "One chamber stands above them all—the Dragon Cavern."
A chill ran through Sheung's veins. "The Dragon Cavern… it's real?"
"Oh, it is real," Longyin said. Her golden form pulsed with a faint, draconic aura. "Deep within the Heart Palace lies a cave where the will of the ancient Dragon resides. It is the very source of the Dragonblood Sect's power.
When your cultivation reaches the threshold, the doors will open, and the Dragon will test you. Only one of true blood may stand before it and live. Pass… and the sect's greatest mysteries—and greatest power—will be yours."
Sheung swallowed, voice hoarse. "But… is my father… could he still be alive… inside this place?"
Longyin looked away, sorrow shadowing her features. "His qi lingers in these halls. I feel it sometimes, flickering like a candle far away. But whether he survives in body or spirit alone… I do not know."
Silence stretched between them, thick as incense smoke.
Then Sheung clenched his fists. "So that's why the Vault of the Name and those other factions wanted this. They'd have destroyed everything my family protected."
Longyin nodded gravely. "Indeed. And that is why you must grow strong, Sheung Longyao. Strong enough to open the Dragon Cavern when the time is right."
A fierce glint sparked in Sheung's eyes. "But… what if I opened it sooner? What if I went in now?"
Longyin's eyes widened. "No! You are not ready. The Dragon Cavern is protected by trials that would crush your spirit if you are unprepared. You could be lost… or consumed by the Dragon's power."
But Sheung's expression hardened. "If it holds the truth… if my father might be there… I have to try."
Longyin floated closer, her voice suddenly steel. "Listen to me, boy. The Dragon Cavern tests not merely your skill, but the very essence of your soul. A single misstep and you could become the Dragon's prisoner—or worse. Do not take that step lightly."
Sheung swallowed. But deep in his heart, the idea had already taken root.
Longyin, seeing the fire in his eyes, sighed. "If the day comes that you force those doors open… pray that your Dragonblood will carry you through. For the Dragon yields only to those who can endure its flame."
Sheung exhaled shakily. "Then… I'll endure it."
Longyin hovered before him, her golden glow softer now. "So spoke your grandfather once. And your father after him. May you triumph as they did."
Above them, peach petals fell like drifting stars, and far beneath the luminous halls, the Dragon Cavern pulsed in silence… waiting.