Page 360
Page 360
"Perhaps it's because they sensed the power of justice within us," Xiaoyun, who had remained silent until now, explained. Just then, a deep yet melodious voice came from the depths of the forest...
Immediately afterward, a group of warriors, seemingly of elven descent but tall in stature, appeared in their sight. "Welcome to the borderlands of the Misty Forest—the Valley of Light," said a female warrior at the head, with clear, bright eyes and long silver-white hair. "I am Leia, the guardian of this place. Now that you brave travelers have successfully overcome the outer trials and demonstrated your exceptional talent and courage, please allow me, on behalf of all living beings, to welcome our friends from afar." She spoke with a smile.
Chapter 945 Quickly Eliminate the Source
Chapter 945 Quickly Eliminate the Source
Everyone was pleasantly surprised to hear this. "Thank you, Ms. Leia!" Zhao De quickly returned the greeting and expressed his gratitude.
Before they could exchange more words, several NPCs who looked like villagers came running from another direction. One of them seemed particularly anxious: "Something terrible has happened! Monsters have attacked the village, and everyone is injured..."
Upon hearing this news, Zhao De and the others immediately decided to lend a helping hand without hesitation. "Don't worry, folks, as long as we're here, we'll never let you get hurt!" As he spoke, Xiao Lin was already poised to rush over and help.
Thus began their first adventure in this unknown territory...
-
Just as the team was about to set off for the scene of the incident, a strange-looking figure quietly approached.
Wait, young man. This man was dressed in tattered clothes, his face weathered, but his eyes were unusually sharp. He seemed to know some secret, his tone heavy and full of warning.
Zhao De stopped and looked at the old man who had suddenly appeared with a puzzled expression. "Who are you?"
The old man shook his head and said softly, "I'm not a resident here, but I've seen too many people who venture in and never come out. This road is fraught with danger. If you want to live to see tomorrow's sunrise, you must be extremely careful."
Xiao Yun, standing to the side, frowned and asked warily, "Grandpa, are you saying there's even bigger trouble inside? What exactly do you mean?"
The other party did not answer directly, but pointed to the gradually thickening black fog in the distance and sighed, "Those long-forgotten demons are gradually awakening. If the source is not eliminated quickly, they will sweep across the entire continent."
After saying this, he quickly left the scene and disappeared, leaving everyone with endless room for thought.
At this moment, Ayao looked at her companions and asked, "What should we do? Should we check if what he said is true before making any plans?"
Han Lin thought for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Yes... that's certainly the way to go. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory! Besides, that senior clearly doesn't want to see innocent lives lost in vain."
Zhao De nodded. "Alright, let's proceed with the rescue plan first. But we should also pay close attention to what the prophecy mentioned."
Everyone agreed to Han Lin and Zhao De's suggestion and quickly headed towards the attacked village. They quickened their pace along the way, trying to minimize their stops, but they still attracted the curiosity of several passersby.
"Where are you all rushing off to?" a burly man chopping wood asked curiously, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"The village ahead has been attacked; let's go help," Zhao De replied briefly, his tone filled with a sense of responsibility and determination.
The burly man first showed surprise, then his eyes filled with respect: "Oh my! So you're off to do good deeds... You're all so brave! I hope those demons can be wiped out as soon as possible. It's been a long time since our forest has seen such a commotion." He stopped what he was doing and waved to the group to show his encouragement and support.
When the group of five arrived at the edge of the village, they found it just as the villager had described: the place was in ruins, many houses had collapsed and were damaged, and the survivors appeared to be in shock, some injured and others searching for their relatives. "It's so tragic..." Ayao murmured, her heart filled with sorrow for the people who had suffered this disaster.
Chapter 946 The Situation Stabilized
Chapter 946 The Situation Stabilized
Just then, an elderly man with a full head of white hair, who looked like the village chief, stepped forward shakily, his face full of gratitude. "Brave warriors... you have brought the light of hope! Thank God for sending such heroes to this place... please help everyone."
Han Lin patted the old man on the shoulder and comforted him, "Don't worry, grandpa, we will do our best to help the residents here restore order and protect everyone."
After saying that, the group immediately divided up their tasks: Xiao Lin used his agility to move through the ruins to search for any survivors who needed rescue; Leia used her sensitivity to the environment to scout the surroundings in case of another enemy attack; Zhao De joined forces with the remaining young people in the village to build defensive fortifications; and A Yao and Xiao Yun were responsible for providing emergency treatment to the wounded and calming down those who had lost their minds due to fear.
As night fell, the village gradually quieted down, and the previously chaotic situation was finally brought under control. However, just when everyone thought they could finally get some rest, a strange and deafening roar echoed from afar—a sound that clearly did not belong to any known human creature.
Upon hearing the commotion, Han Lin and the others reacted swiftly, grabbing their weapons and preparing for battle. "They're here! Get ready for battle!" the leader shouted solemnly.
The villagers realized that danger was imminent again, and they gathered together, picking up whatever items they could use as weapons, to prepare for the challenge...
Just then, the mysterious old man they had just encountered suddenly reappeared in their line of sight, a meaningful smile on his face.
"You've all done very well... but this is far from over..." With that, he turned and vanished without a trace, leaving only a single sentence lingering in the air—
"The real test has only just begun."
Led by Han Lin and Zhao De, the team immediately went into battle mode. Everyone was tense and preparing, gripping their weapons tighter, their hearts filled with uncertainty and vigilance.
"Who exactly is that old man? The way he speaks is unsettling..." A young villager whispered among himself, holding a thick wooden stick. His companion also looked puzzled, but more than that, he was uneasy.
"Shh, don't speak! Listen, that sound... it's coming!" Zhao De commanded in a low voice, his eyes sharp as an eagle's piercing through the deepening night. Indeed, strange noises came from the nearby forest, as if some monster was moving towards them.
Suddenly, a massive shadow appeared at the village entrance, its heavy footsteps growing ever closer. It possessed a body far larger than any human could match, covered in thick scales that reflected a chilling light in the moonlight. It was a troll!
The crowd began to scream in panic: "My God! What is that thing? It's a hundred times more terrifying than the legends!"
Just then, Han Lin drew his sword and stepped forward, his gaze resolute. "Calm down, all of you! Now that we're here, we won't let this place become a place ravaged by demons again." His words, though concise, were full of power, instantly silencing the surroundings.
"Leya, use magic to illuminate its weakness; Kobayashi, Zhao De, prepare to coordinate the attack; the rest of you, execute the defensive deployment as before—protect everyone no matter what!" With Han Lin's command, everyone quickly found their positions, forming a solid defensive line.
Chapter 947 Take Care of Yourself
Chapter 947 Take care of yourself.
Leia waved her hands a few times, and it seemed as if tiny lamps lit up in the air, converging into a bright yet soft beam of light that shone directly onto the enormous figure in front of her...
At this moment, the villagers, who had previously seemed somewhat scattered and chaotic, suddenly became united: "For our homeland, let's fight!" One of the little girls grabbed her older sister's arm and said, "Sister, look how brave the brothers are... I want to be a hero like them when I grow up!" The little girl's words, though childish, were exceptionally inspiring.
Finally, after a fierce battle, the troll fell. Just when everyone thought it was safe, the mysterious old man reappeared.
"Congratulations on passing the test," the old man said with a smile, "but this is just the beginning. There is much more unknown ahead..." With that, he turned and left, leaving a group of dumbfounded people standing there.
"Wait a minute—what exactly do you mean? Is there some deeper secret hidden behind this disaster?" Han Lin hurriedly chased after him and asked.
But all that answered him was the sound of footsteps fading into the distance and faint words carried on the night wind:
"The answers to everything lie on the journey, and a brave heart will guide you on your way... Take care, young man."
The villagers looked at each other, their eyes filled with both confusion and determination. "No matter what, we will follow you until we find out the truth," an elderly man broke the silence, his voice unusually calm yet firm.
At this moment, everyone's face was filled with an unprecedented courage and determination...
“Let’s go, let’s head towards our next destination,” Ayao suggested softly, her eyes gleaming with an indomitable light.
"Yes, as long as our belief is strong enough, there is nothing we cannot overcome," Han Lin replied, nodding slightly in the direction of the team.
Amidst the mysteries left behind by the enigmatic old man and the unwavering gaze of the villagers, the group embarked on their journey to their next destination. The scenery along the way was beautiful yet subtly eerie, keeping everyone on their guard.
"Where are we going now?" Ahui, a young man in the group, couldn't help but ask, his eyes filled with curiosity about the unknown and a little unease.
Han Lin stopped and turned to look at the always optimistic young man: "According to the map, there is a place called 'Nether Valley' not far ahead. Legend has it that some kind of powerful treasure is hidden there."
"Ah! That... cursed land?!" Zhao De exclaimed in surprise. "I heard my grandparents mention that place when I was a child. It's said that anyone who gets close to it will encounter unpredictable dangers."
“It is precisely because of the numerous dangers that we should proceed with even greater caution,” Leia’s gentle yet firm voice rang out. “Moreover, if such a treasure truly exists, it might be of some help in resisting potential future enemies.”
Hearing Leia's words, Kobayashi, who had been somewhat fearful, suddenly straightened his back: "Then let's cheer each other on!"
Just then, a deep and slightly sinister voice interrupted their conversation: "Hey, looks like you're here to find treasure too?"
Everyone turned around and saw an old hunter dressed in strange clothes slowly emerging from the depths of the woods, his eyes revealing the coldness and vigilance of someone who had been through many battles.
Chapter 948 A Meeting of Minds
Chapter 948 A Meeting of Minds
“That’s right,” Han Lin stepped forward, introduced himself and his companions, and asked if they knew anything more about the inner workings of the Netherworld Valley.
The old hunter shook his head: "I've been in there a few times, and each time I almost didn't make it out... It's too dangerous there, not worth the risk for something based on rumors."
Upon hearing this, whispers erupted from the villagers watching behind them. "Oh my god... that sounds terrifying," a little boy whispered, shrinking back behind his sister.
“But we will not give up.” Ayao looked firmly in the direction where the old hunter’s fingertips trembled slightly, her voice full of challenge, “Because our mission is not only to protect those we care about, but also to protect this land from the harm of evil forces.”
Seeing this, the old hunter looked thoughtful. "The young lady speaks very well... In that case, I'll accompany you for a while. After all, I'm also very curious to see if we can uncover the secret this time."
With the addition of the experienced old hunter as an ally, the journey became somewhat smoother. When they finally reached the mountain pass leading to the Valley of the Dead, they were greeted by a suffocating silence—a thin black mist hung in the air, and even breathing seemed strangely clear…
"This is...?" Zhao De muttered to himself, a hint of tension flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. "No matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead may be, please believe that we can face and overcome all obstacles together!"
Just as everyone was preparing to step into the unknown territory, a familiar figure suddenly came running from the other side of the valley...
"It's that mysterious scholar?!" Han Lin thought to himself, realizing something was wrong. He immediately called out, "What brings you here today? Are you perhaps trying to give us some kind of test again?"
"Hahaha... You've misunderstood, brave young man." The scholar replied with a calm smile, "Actually, I've been secretly observing everyone's performance, and today I've brought a little hint that I hope will be helpful to you all—remember, 'a meeting of minds is a meeting of minds'."
She tossed a small ancient book to Han Lin and then disappeared without a trace. "What does this mean?" Leia frowned and pondered.
At the same time, a faint, thunderous sound, like the shaking of the earth, came from afar...
"We can't worry about that now!" Han Lin said decisively. "Let's deal with the immediate crisis first and then talk about everything else!" With that, he brandished his sword and led the team into the depths of the Netherworld Valley, leaving a group of supporters who were full of questions but also greatly encouraged to stand there.
"Let's go, everyone. Following them is what we should do," the old man who had been the first to speak out in support of Han Lin's decision encouraged once again.
The villagers exchanged smiles, seemingly invincible in such a united atmosphere; however, the real challenge had only just begun—
What awaits us next?
"Who knows? But as long as I have these friends by my side, I believe we can get through any difficulty!"
As the group ventured deeper into the Nether Valley, the surroundings grew increasingly dark. The chill in the air caused everyone to shiver, while Han Lin vigilantly observed the movements around them.
"What do you think this scholar meant by 'a meeting of minds'?" Leia asked as she walked, flipping through the ancient book in her hands.
Chapter 949 Terrifying Things
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