The Void Temple's stillness was broken only by the low hum of energy emanating from the ancient Forge of the Void. The chamber glowed faintly, the light of countless runes illuminating Xiao Tian's determined face. Beside him lay the Voidsteel he had painstakingly retrieved from the Crimson Shard Mine, its shimmering surface pulsing with latent energy.
Elder Taixu's spectral form appeared beside the forge, his presence commanding yet calm. "You have the Voidsteel, a material strong enough to contain the power of the Void Compass fragment. But forging is not a simple process. It is a delicate balance of will, energy, and precision. Are you prepared?"
Xiao Tian's silver eyes glinted with resolve. "What must I do?"
Taixu gestured toward the Voidsteel. "You will shape it into a vessel—an artifact that not only contains the Void Compass fragment but enhances its power. Void Forging is unlike anything you have done before. The forge will test your control over Void Qi, and even a small mistake could ruin the process."
Xiao Tian stepped forward, his voice steady. "I'm ready."
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The Forge of the Void
As Xiao Tian approached, the Forge of the Void roared to life, its core glowing with intense energy. The Voidsteel on the pedestal began to vibrate, resonating with the forge's power.
Taixu raised his hand, and a massive hammer materialized, its surface inscribed with glowing runes. "Take this. It is no ordinary tool—it channels the energy of the Void. Each strike will shape the Voidsteel, but only if your Qi is perfectly synchronized with the forge."
Xiao Tian grasped the hammer, its weight surprisingly balanced. He closed his eyes, centering himself before channeling Void Qi into the tool. The runes along the hammer flared to life, and the forge's energy intensified.
"Begin," Taixu commanded.
Xiao Tian struck the Voidsteel with the hammer, the resounding clang filling the chamber. Sparks of Void energy erupted with each blow, lighting up the room in bursts of silver light.
The Voidsteel began to shift under his strikes, its rough edges smoothing out. Each strike required precision and focus—too much force, and the material would shatter; too little, and it would remain unshaped.
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The Struggle of Control
As hours passed, the Voidsteel began to take shape. Sweat dripped from Xiao Tian's brow as he maintained his focus, his hands steady despite the forge's growing intensity.
Taixu's voice cut through the hum of the forge. "The Voidsteel is strong, but it resists. You must dominate it, bending its energy to your will. Do not let it control you."
The Voidsteel flared with a sudden surge of energy, as if testing Xiao Tian's resolve. The hammer in his hands grew heavier, the energy within it fighting against his control. Xiao Tian gritted his teeth, pouring more Void Qi into his strikes.
"Focus!" Taixu barked. "Control the flow of your energy! Balance is everything in Void Forging."
Xiao Tian steadied his breathing, his silver eyes narrowing. He let the energy of the forge flow through him, synchronizing with the Voidsteel. Slowly, the material's resistance waned, its energy aligning with his.
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Infusing the Void Compass Fragment
When the Voidsteel was finally tempered, Taixu gestured toward the Void Compass fragment resting nearby. "Now comes the most difficult part. You must fuse the Void Compass fragment with the vessel you've created. Its energy is volatile and will resist. If your will falters, both the vessel and the fragment will be destroyed."
Xiao Tian lifted the Void Compass fragment, its dark surface pulsing with raw power. Placing it in the center of the vessel, he began channeling Void Qi into the artifact, binding the two together.
The forge roared as the fragment's energy surged, threatening to break free. The chamber trembled, and the runes on the walls flared brightly.
"Steady yourself!" Taixu commanded. "This is the final test. Bend the fragment's energy to your will!"
Xiao Tian's hands trembled as the fragment's power fought against him, but his resolve did not waver. He focused every ounce of his will, pouring Void Qi into the fusion.
The energy in the chamber grew wild, the air crackling with tension. Just as it seemed the fragment would break free, Xiao Tian let out a sharp breath and pushed forward with one final surge of energy.
A burst of silver light filled the room, and the newly forged artifact floated before him.
---
The Void Compass
Xiao Tian reached out, his hand brushing against the artifact. It was cool to the touch, its surface smooth and flawless. The Void Compass was complete—a sleek, dark disk inscribed with glowing runes, its center pulsing faintly with the fragment's energy.
Taixu stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You've succeeded," he said, his voice carrying a hint of approval. "The Void Compass is now bound to you. It will guide you through chaotic dimensions, allowing you to traverse unstable realms with precision. But remember—its power is not infinite. Use it wisely."
Xiao Tian nodded, his silver eyes gleaming. "What's next?"
Taixu's gaze darkened. "The Void Compass will open paths to realms that should remain hidden—places filled with both opportunity and peril. Your next trial lies beyond such a realm. Rest now, for the journey ahead will test every fiber of your being."
Xiao Tian closed his eyes, his resolve unshaken. Each step brought him closer to mastering the Void, and he would face whatever came next with unwavering determination.