"Why didn't the letter just explain the situation directly? Why did it have to be like that?" Chu Feng asked in confusion.
By "like that," he naturally meant how Kong Yuehua and Kong Shuanlian had threatened him by saying that Zhao Hong was in their possession.
"Kong Shuanlian and Kong Yuehua — they are members of the Kong Heavenly Clan, after all. On one hand, they harbor resentment toward you, and on the other hand, they feel they are in the wrong. Their hearts have been torn by guilt this whole time."
"They wanted to use this matter to test just how much your friends truly mean to you."
"If you really do value bonds of friendship that much, they might… let go of the grudge between you and the Kong Heavenly Clan," the Guardian Formation Clan chief said.
"So that's how it is." Chu Feng's expression shifted to one of sudden realization.
"Don't blame them. They are members of the Kong Heavenly Clan, after all. I imagine their hearts are in more pain than anyone else's," the Guardian Formation Clan chief said.
"I understand that."
"Senior, could you show me how Zhao Hong is doing right now?" Chu Feng said.
"Young Master Chu Feng, look — Zhao Hong's condition is far from optimistic."
As the Guardian Formation Clan chief spoke, he produced a blue crystal. The crystal was quite peculiar, shaped like a rectangle.
Within the crystal, the silhouette of a person flickered. The shadow was not entirely black — many parts of the body were glowing red, and the entire silhouette continuously shimmered.
"The red light represents injuries, and the flickering means her life is in danger?" Chu Feng asked the Guardian Formation Clan chief.
"Young Master Chu Feng, that is exactly right. If this silhouette disappears, it means Zhao Hong has met with misfortune," the Guardian Formation Clan chief said.
"Is there any possibility that the treasure that can teleport someone out simply won't work?" Chu Feng asked.
"No, that teleportation treasure will definitely work. I trust its power, because it was left behind by the masters of the Chu Heavenly Clan," the Guardian Formation Clan chief said with absolute certainty.
Chu Feng understood why the clan chief was so confident. Since it was a treasure passed down from the Chu Heavenly Clan, it should have extraordinary effects within the Hundred Refinements Mortal World.
"Then let's not waste any time. I'm going in now." As Chu Feng spoke, he began heading toward the ruins.
He was truly worried about Zhao Hong's safety.
"Young Master Chu Feng, please wait a moment."
But just then, the Guardian Formation Clan chief stopped Chu Feng and said to him, "Please use this as well."
At that moment, the Guardian Formation Clan chief took a box out of his Universe Bag.
The box was exquisitely crafted and clearly extraordinary, which meant the item inside must be even more remarkable. Otherwise, the Guardian Formation Clan chief would not have stored it with such care.
When the box was opened, a compass lay inside.
This compass was quite special. Though it appeared to be a solid object, Chu Feng could tell at a glance that it was a teleportation formation — and an exceedingly powerful one at that. It was a formation that Chu Feng himself was still far from being able to construct.
At the center of the compass was a small, circular dial no larger than a copper coin. It shimmered with golden light, yet its texture was incredibly soft, almost as if it were made of water. It seemed that a slight squeeze would crush it.
This small compass was also a type of teleportation formation.
Without the Guardian Formation Clan chief having to explain, Chu Feng already knew what it was for.
This had to be the legendary treasure capable of teleporting one from anywhere.
"Young Master Chu Feng, please extend your palm," the Guardian Formation Clan chief said to Chu Feng.
When Chu Feng did as he was told, the Guardian Formation Clan chief picked up the small compass, placed it in Chu Feng's hand, infused it with the power of his barrier, and formed a specific hand seal.
Hum— The small compass dissolved like water and, in the blink of an eye, merged into the center of Chu Feng's palm.
The compass was still there, but it had become like a tattoo, inscribed upon his palm.