A shimmering silver light flickered within his eyes as a profound resonance emanated from the Wisdom Box, beckoning to the mark of the Shadow Phoenix that had already appeared of its own volition.
He felt the Wisdom Box release an enchanting aura that drew him irresistibly toward it. In but a moment, he found himself kneeling, his hands tenderly caressing the smooth surface of the ancient artifact.
As Xiao Ming's gaze fell upon what appeared to be the locking mechanism, he observed that it was fashioned in such a way that only a finger-mark, applied from above, could unlock it.
He pondered for a brief while, then placed his right index finger upon the designated unlock area. The instant his finger made contact with the mechanism, the area subtly receded, as if in response.
Then, a sudden prick stung his fingertip. Yet, when he inspected it, the surface remained unmarred, devoid of any visible pricking implements.
