Chapter 267: Blood

Hannah slowly recounted Jared's adoption story. Jared listened intently, though he wasn't surprised; he'd anticipated this.

"When we found you, you only had this jade pendant," Hannah said, opening a small box to reveal a gleaming jade pendant. "I've kept it all these years." Jared noticed traces of crimson swirling within the jade.

A surge of warmth, comforting yet indescribable, enveloped Jared as he held the pendant. It felt like an extension of himself, a resonant connection.

"Son, this is all your birth parents left," Hannah said softly. "We have no other information about them. I'm leaving it in your care."

Hannah felt relieved. "Things weren't as bad as I thought," she murmured.

"Jared, if you want to search for your birth parents, we won't stop you," Gary added. "It's your right."

"Dad, Mom, please don't worry," Jared replied earnestly. "I'm your son, and that will never change."

Gary smiled with relief. "That's right! You're my son. I'll fight anyone who says otherwise!" he declared, brandishing his fists. He wouldn't hesitate to defend Jared.

After further conversation, Jared returned to his room. Closing the door, he eagerly took out the pendant and infused it with a small amount of spiritual energy. He'd already sensed spiritual energy within, something sealed inside. However, the energy rebounded. Something was preventing its entry. He tried again, but the barrier remained unbroken.

Frustrated, Jared frowned. He was certain something was inside, but accessing it required forcing it open with spiritual energy. Then, a thought struck him. He'd seen on television that some objects only opened with blood. Could this be the key?

Without hesitation, Jared pricked his finger and dripped blood onto the pendant. Bright red light filled the room as a low buzzing sound echoed. The jade crumbled to dust, revealing a woman in ancient clothing emerging from the red glow. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

A feeling of familiarity washed over Jared. He felt drawn to her, as if he recognized her.

"My dear son, you're alive!" she beamed.

"Who are you?" Jared asked, his voice trembling.

"I know you're curious and scared," she said. "But I would never hurt you. Son, I am your birth mother. I regret abandoning you, but I had no choice. They wanted to kill you."

"Who?" Jared asked, his brow furrowed.

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