This compass was divided into six regions — five outer regions forming the outer ring, and one region in the center.
Of the five outer regions, two were blank, while the other three displayed patterns of wind, water, and fire respectively.
At first glance the patterns appeared still, but upon closer inspection, they were remarkably lifelike.
"What is this?" the Totem Dragon Clan's Clan Chief asked. With a single glance, he recognized that the compass was no ordinary object. It carried the same aura as the Mystic Crane — it was an ancient treasure.
"This item is connected to the Mystic Crane. It had always been blank before, but today these three patterns appeared one after another. I believe the other patterns will emerge soon as well," the Mystic Crane's True Immortal said.
"But what exactly they represent, even I cannot say with certainty. I suspect this may be some kind of trial — a special trial."
"A trial?"
Upon hearing these words, the members of the Totem Dragon Clan fell into contemplation. If it was a special trial, then perhaps it could explain the unusual phenomenon surrounding the Mystic Crane's activation.
*Zzzzap—*
Right at that moment, another blank region on the outer ring of the compass displayed a pattern — lightning.
"My Lord Clan Chief, could we force the Mystic Crane open?" the elders of the Totem Dragon Clan asked, turning their gazes toward the Clan Chief. They sensed something was wrong and remained deeply worried about the safety of Long Chengyu and the others.
The Clan Chief looked at the Mystic Crane and sighed. "That Mystic Crane is not so simple. Let nature take its course."
That single phrase — "let nature take its course" — was answer enough.
He had already observed the situation. The Mystic Crane was not something that could be easily forced open. Even if he tried, he could not guarantee the safety of those inside.
Moreover, since this was a trial, it was also an opportunity. Rather than forcibly rescuing those within, it was better to let them accept the arrangement of fate.
Since the Clan Chief had said this, the rest of the Totem Dragon Clan, no matter how worried they were, could only wait there.
…
Inside the Mystic Crane, Chu Feng and the others were under assault by lightning.
After the lightning passed, there was another period of calm. During this time, those glowing lights appeared on the walls once again, and Chu Feng naturally studied them carefully.
"Young Hero Chu Feng, will there be more of those torturous tempering sessions ahead?" Long Shanshan asked.
"There will," Chu Feng said.
"Alright."
Upon hearing this, Long Shanshan immediately produced another pain-relieving medicinal pill and swallowed it, preparing herself for the upcoming tempering. After having experienced the fire and lightning tempering alongside Chu Feng, she was now thoroughly convinced of his judgment.
After taking the pill, Long Shanshan sidled up closer and pointed at the glowing patterns on the wall. "Young Hero Chu Feng, what exactly are these?"
"It's a technique — a tempering technique. It's likely connected to the tempering that lies ahead."
"But it will be very difficult for you to master." Chu Feng did not conceal this and spoke frankly.
Because after each round of tempering, the glow that appeared on the wall was different.
Chu Feng had realized from the start that this was an extraordinary technique, and by now he had already grasped the complete version.
He felt this would prove helpful for what lay ahead, so he intended not only to share it with Long Shanshan but also, if the opportunity arose, to pass it along to Long Chengyu and the others.
In fact, Chu Feng had already devised a specific approach for this.
"Young Hero Chu Feng, don't underestimate me. My talent may not match yours, but it's no slouch either. In the eyes of many, I'm considered a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius," Long Shanshan said, pouting her small mouth with a hint of defiance.
"Is that so? Then can you tell what this wall contains?" Chu Feng asked.
"Ugh…" Long Shanshan had no good response and could only play coquettish. "Oh come on, Young Hero Chu Feng, you're just making things difficult for me. I already told you my talent isn't on your level."
Seeing Long Shanshan like this, Chu Feng chuckled. Then he extended his finger and gently tapped her forehead.
A technique was transmitted directly into Long Shanshan's mind.
This was a technique Chu Feng had modified. For geniuses at Long Shanshan's level, it should be something they could learn.
Though it was not as complete as the original — not even close — it would at least serve some purpose.
This was the method Chu Feng had prepared for the Totem Dragon Clan's members.
"I've modified this technique. See if you can master it," Chu Feng said directly.
"Modified?" Long Shanshan's eyes widened.
"Mm." Chu Feng confirmed with a nod.
"I can master it, but it will take some time."
Long Shanshan's answer proved one thing — even the simplified technique that Chu Feng had modified was not easy for her to learn.
"Then try your best to master it. It may come in handy," Chu Feng said.
*Rumble rumble—*
Suddenly, waves of rumbling echoed from deep within the corridor once more.