Chapter 352: Awakening of Power

Ao Li and Lín Jìn encounter a giant beast resembling a qilin in a mysterious ancient city; just as they stand ready, a melodious ancient dragon chant suddenly echoes from the city's depths, a chant that seems to cross the bounds of time and space, bearing endless majesty and mystery, instantly causing the fierce beast to halt, and a flash of awe passes through its previously hostile eyes.

"It's… the voice of the Dragon Clan!" Ao Li exclaims with delight, feeling a surge of kinship. She looks toward the source of the chant and sees a golden light radiating from an ancient tower, within which faint dragon silhouettes float.

"Let's go see," Lín Jìn says, also feeling the summons of this mysterious power. The two tread carefully toward the tower; the beast does not attack again, but rather seems to make way for them.

When they reach the tower, an illusory Dragon Clan figure appears before them. The dragon is massive, emitting golden light, its scales glittering like stars, its eyes deep and wise, as if able to see through all things.

"Junior ones, it is no small feat that you have come here," the Dragon Clan illusion says, its voice booming like a great bell reverberating in the air.

Ao Li kneels on one knee and respectfully says, "Elder, we have come to uncover the conspiracy and restore the Dragon Clan's glory. We hope you can give us guidance."

The Dragon Clan illusion nods slightly, its gaze falling on Ao Li and Lín Jìn: "I can feel the steadfastness and persistence in your hearts. On this mysterious land, everything you have experienced is a test. And now is also the moment for your power's awakening."

Lín Jìn asks, puzzled, "Elder, power awakening? How does this relate to our current mission?"

The illusion slowly replies, "The Dragon Clan's power originates from inner belief and the pursuit of glory. As you seek the truth, you constantly break through yourselves; that is the key to power awakening. Only with greater strength can you oppose the Dark Abyss Society and protect the Dragon Clan's glory."

Ao Li recalls the Dragon Clan's glorious history, feeling a surge of heroism: "Elder, we will not disappoint the Dragon Clan's expectations. But how do we awaken this power?"

The illusion says, "Within this tower lies an ancient inheritance. This inheritance contains the wisdom and power of the Dragon Clan ancestors. You must enter it and receive its baptism. Yet the process is fraught with danger; a slight misstep could lead to endless ruin."

Ao Li and Lín Jìn exchange a look, both eyes filled with resolve. Ao Li says, "Elder, we are willing to try."

The illusion nods slightly, then the tower's great doors slowly open, and a powerful suction draws Ao Li and Lín Jìn inside. Inside the tower is pitch black, with only golden rays flickering in the darkness like stars in the night sky.

Ao Li and Lín Jìn follow the light forward, and suddenly a series of scenes appear around them, depicting the Dragon Clan's history—from its birth soaring the cosmos protecting peace, to later facing crises and battling evil forces.

"Look, this is the Dragon Clan's former glory," Ao Li points to a scene, showing the Dragon Clan fighting side by side with other races against dark forces; the spectacle is grand and stirs the blood.

Lín Jìn watches the scenes, his respect for the Dragon Clan deepening: "The Dragon Clan's history is a magnificent legend. We must guard this glory."

As the scenes continuously change, Ao Li and Lín Jìn feel the ancestors' steadfast belief and great power. They seem to resonate with the ancestors' souls, and their inner power surges.

At that moment, a massive golden pillar of light descends from the sky, enveloping Ao Li and Lín Jìn. Within the pillar, countless runes flash, each rune containing great power that pours into their bodies.

Ao Li only feels a torrent of energy raging inside her; she clenches her teeth, striving to guide it. Lín Jìn does the same, focusing his spirit and merging the energy into his meridians.

In this process, Ao Li and Lín Jìn recall the bits and pieces of their journey—the hardships, the life‑and‑death moments—that become the source of their power. Their conviction grows firmer, and their yearning for the Dragon Clan's glory intensifies.

Gradually, the light on Ao Li becomes ever brighter, her aura grows ever stronger. Inheritance Power merges perfectly with her own strength; she feels as if reborn. Lín Jìn likewise is surrounded by a golden energy halo, his power leaping qualitatively.

When the pillar vanishes, Ao Li and Lín Jìn slowly open their eyes, their gazes filled with confidence and resolve. At this point, they have successfully awakened a greater power.

"I feel full of power," Ao Li says, clenching her fist, feeling the surging force within.

Lín Jìn smiles and says, "Indeed, we have become stronger. Now we have a better chance to confront the Dark Abyss Society and uncover the conspiracy's truth."

The two exit the tower; the qilin‑like beast sees them and bows its head in submission. The Dragon Clan illusion appears again, pleased, and says, "Junior ones, you have succeeded. Now your power has awakened; the road ahead is yours to walk. Remember, the Dragon Clan's glory lies in your hands."

Ao Li and Lín Jìn salute the illusion again: "Thank you, elder, for your guidance; we will not disgrace the mission."

After leaving the tower, Ao Li and Lín Jìn continue exploring the ancient city. Relying on their awakened power, they easily overcome some previously insurmountable mechanisms and traps. In a hidden corner they discover a fragment emitting a faint glow.

"Could this be the key fragment mentioned in the ancient texts?" Ao Li picks up the fragment, examining it. The fragment is etched with mysterious runes, exuding an ancient and powerful aura.

Lín Jìn nods, "Very likely. It seems our efforts have not been in vain; we have already found the first key fragment."

Yet they know that gathering the three key fragments will not be easy, and the Dark Abyss Society will not let them go unchallenged. But now Ao Li and Lín Jìn are confident; they carry the fragment toward their next goal.