pdf-ebookys Page 283
Page 283
"Look, that's Lord Zhao De's entourage!" a farmer said to his wife, pointing to the slowly advancing procession in the distance. His voice was full of admiration. "I heard they've already rescued several villages; I really hope they'll pass through our area someday."
Chapter 610 The Dark Monsters Are Invading
Chapter 610 The Dark Monsters Are Invading
“Yes, Lord Zhao De is like a legendary warrior, a messenger of light.” The wife gently stroked the child’s head, her eyes sparkling with hope. “If they could come, perhaps our lives would have hope.”
Zhao De was unaware that his name had become a symbol of hope, spreading throughout this land shrouded in darkness. His group stopped before an almost forgotten ancient ruin, shrouded in black mist, which seemed to conceal some unspeakable secret.
"Is this the source of the darkness?" A young scholar in the group pushed up his glasses, his eyes filled with both curiosity and fear.
Zhao De gripped his longsword tightly, his gaze resolute: "Whatever lies ahead, we must face it. Are you ready, everyone?"
"Ready!" the team responded in unison, their voices soft but exceptionally firm.
Just as they were about to step into the ruins, a series of hurried footsteps approached, and a ragged child ran breathlessly to Zhao De, kneeling on the ground: "Sir... please, you must save my family! They're in the village over there, and the dark monsters are attacking them..."
Zhao De crouched down and gently patted the child's shoulder: "Don't be afraid, child. Lead the way, we will help your family, and we will make all darkness nowhere to hide."
Hope rekindled in the child's eyes. He stood up and led the group toward the perilous village.
After a fierce battle, when the last wisp of black fog dissipated and the sun shone on the land again, the villagers emerged from their hiding places. Looking at the group of tired but still determined warriors before them, tears and gratitude mingled together.
"Are you really sent by God?" an old man asked in a trembling voice.
Zhao De smiled and shook his head: "We are not gods, we are just ordinary people, just like you, yearning for light and unwilling to succumb to darkness."
Just then, a woman suddenly knelt down and cried out to the sky, "Thank you, God of Light, for giving us heroes and hope!"
The crowd responded, and cries of gratitude rose and fell. Zhao De and his teammates exchanged smiles. They knew that every drop of sweat and every battle they had fought along the way had been for this moment—the smiles on people's faces and the renewed hope in their hearts.
Night fell quietly. Zhao De sat by the campfire, gazing at the still lingering dark clouds in the distance, his heart filled with mixed emotions. At that moment, a young witch quietly sat down beside him, her voice gentle yet firm: "Lord Zhao De, this war is far from over, but we have already seen the dawn of victory. You are not alone; we will all fight alongside you."
Zhao De turned his head and met her determined gaze, a surge of unprecedented strength welling up within him: "You're right. As long as the light in our hearts remains, darkness will never be able to engulf this world. Tomorrow, we will continue to move forward until the light covers every corner."
The firelight illuminated the resolute faces of the two men, and also the expectant faces of those around them. On this night, everyone planted a seed of belief in their hearts—no matter how bumpy the road ahead, as long as there is hope, no difficulty is insurmountable.
The following morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the thin mist, Zhao De and his entourage prepared to depart. Villagers spontaneously gathered at the village entrance, watching their figures gradually disappear into the distance. Children clutched wildflowers, eager to present this small but heartfelt gift to their heroes.
Chapter 611 Shadow Monster
Chapter 611 Shadow Monster
"Look, those are the heroes who saved us last night!" a little girl said excitedly to her playmate, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"When I grow up, I want to be like them, protect the village, and defeat the monsters!" The little boy clenched his fist and spoke with determination. The children around him echoed his words, as if a seed of courage had been planted in their hearts.
The villagers discussed it animatedly, their faces beaming with admiration and hope:
"What an amazing group of people! I wonder where they'll go next?"
"I've heard that the source of the dark forces is in a very far place, and their journey must be extremely dangerous."
"Yes, but their eyes looked like they had already seen victory, which was reassuring."
On their way to their next destination, Zhao De and his teammates encountered a caravan surrounded by a group of eerie shadow creatures, their situation dire. The caravan leader, seeing Zhao De and his group, cried out as if they were his saviors, "Please, help us! We can't handle these monsters!"
Without a word, Zhao De drew his sword and charged, his teammates following closely behind, and another fierce battle ensued. Passersby stopped in their tracks, watching the sudden fight in astonishment.
"Who are these warriors? How dare they directly challenge those shadow monsters!"
"I've heard they're the legendary messengers of light who bring hope and light wherever they go."
"I really hope they can pass through our town and solve the problems that are troubling us."
The battle ended in victory for Zhao De and his party. The merchants were moved to tears and rushed forward to express their gratitude, amidst a chorus of praise from the crowd.
"It's simply a miracle! Such immense power must be due to the protection of the gods!"
"No, I heard them say that they are just ordinary people, and it is their faith and courage that make them so strong."
After leaving the merchant guild, Zhao De and his group rested briefly at a remote inn. Inside, various travelers gathered around the fire, their conversation naturally revolving around Zhao De and his team:
"Have you heard? There's a man named Zhao De who's leading a group of people to eradicate evil wherever he goes. The people praise him wherever he goes."
"Do such people really exist? It sounds like a story of ancient knights-errant."
“It’s absolutely true. I have a relative in one of the villages they rescued, and he said that those people had an indescribable sense of authority and warmth.”
At this moment, a mysterious traveler joined the conversation, his deep voice tinged with curiosity: "Interesting, just who is this Zhao De? I hope I can have the honor of meeting him."
Upon hearing this, the innkeeper smiled mysteriously: "Perhaps he is hiding among us, quietly listening to our conversation."
Everyone was taken aback and looked around, only to find that Zhao De was not there. Only the flickering light from the fire danced on everyone's faces, as if telling of unknown adventures and serendipitous encounters.
"Hey, stop looking." Suddenly, a light voice came from behind. Everyone turned around and saw Zhao De walking slowly into the crowd with a smile. His appearance made the entire inn quiet down instantly, with only the soft murmur of the night wind outside the window.
"You...you are Zhao De?" a young passenger asked in surprise, his voice filled with disbelief.
Zhao De smiled and nodded, then casually found a place to sit down. His teammates followed, each finding a place to rest. Their presence seemed to make this small space extraordinary.
Chapter 612 The Source of Dark Forces
Chapter 612 The Source of Dark Forces
“We are just ordinary people, doing what we believe is right.” Zhao De’s words were simple and sincere, yet they stirred up waves of emotion among the crowd.
“Only ordinary people can do this, so what about people like us…” A middle-aged businessman sighed deeply, bowing his head in self-reflection.
“Everyone has the potential to become a hero; the key is whether you are willing to step forward.” Zhao De’s gentle gaze swept over everyone present, as if he could see into their hearts.
At this moment, the mysterious traveler stepped forward, a sharp glint in his eyes: "Zhao De, if I'm not mistaken, your target is the source of the dark forces, isn't that right?"
Zhao De was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "It seems you're quite well-informed. Yes, that's our goal, but the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, and we need more help."
The mysterious traveler's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "As for assistance, perhaps I can provide some clues, but in exchange..."
"Please speak," Zhao De said sincerely, clearly open to any information that might help them achieve their goals.
"I need your help to find a lost treasure, which is said to reveal the core secrets of the dark forces," the mysterious traveler said in a low voice, his words revealing the difficulty of the task.
“A treasure? That doesn’t sound like a simple thing. But we’re willing to give it a try.” Zhao De answered without the slightest hesitation, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future and a desire for challenge.
Upon hearing this, the surrounding crowd became even more animated, their respect for the young hero growing even stronger.
"To agree to such a request without hesitation is truly remarkable!"
"They are not just soldiers, but heroes who are willing to do anything to liberate the world."
"I also want to follow them, even if I can only do my part."
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the inn, interrupting their conversation. A messenger rushed into the inn, panting, heading straight for Zhao De: "It's terrible, Lord Zhao De! The villages in the south have been attacked by unknown creatures and urgently need assistance!"
Zhao De suddenly stood up, his gaze resolute: "Let's go, we'll set off immediately!"
"Wait, Lord Zhao De!" The mysterious traveler quickly produced an old map marked with strange symbols indicating several locations. "This is one of the clues to that treasure, and also the path to the core of the dark forces. Hopefully, it will be of assistance to you on your journey."
Zhao De accepted the heavy map, a warm feeling welling up inside him: "Thank you for your trust. We will certainly live up to your expectations." He rolled up the map, put it in his pocket, and turned to announce to the crowd: "Now, we have two missions: one is to rescue the southern village, and the other is to find the lost treasure. Warriors who are willing to accompany me, please step forward!"
Inside the inn, people looked at each other, the air thick with tension and resolve. After a moment of silence, one figure after another stepped forward, their gazes resolute, as if they were ready to face whatever was to come.
"I am willing to follow Lord Zhao De and fight against the darkness together!" A burly farmer was the first to declare, his voice filled with unwavering determination.
"And me! My bow and arrows will not harm any innocent person!" A young female hunter followed closely behind, her eyes gleaming with a fighting spirit.
Chapter 613 Every Second Counts
Chapter 613 Every Second Counts
“Although we are businessmen, we also have a responsibility to protect this land!” The middle-aged businessman who had been expressing his feelings earlier also stepped forward, accompanied by several other equally well-dressed businessmen, their eyes filled with determination.
"Alright, let's set off immediately, every second counts!" Zhao De nodded in acknowledgment, and the team quickly assembled, ready to embark on their journey.
Just as they were about to step out of the inn, an elderly man with white hair blocked their way: "Children, this road is extremely dangerous. Although I am old, I am willing to use my knowledge to guide you and lend you a helping hand."
Upon hearing this, Zhao De was filled with gratitude and bowed deeply: "We will remember your kindness, senior. Please take good care of yourself."
"Haha, young man, don't underestimate the old man. Let's go, time waits for no one!" The old man's laughter carried an indomitable strength that inspired everyone.
The procession left the inn in a grand procession, and the villagers stood on both sides of the street, watching their departing figures and whispering among themselves:
"How enviable, to be able to fight for justice."
"I hope they can return safely and bring true peace."
"If I had the chance, I would like to become someone like them."
Under the blazing sun, Zhao De and his group trudged along the winding mountain path. The occasional cries of birds and animals echoed through the dense forest, adding a touch of life to the tense atmosphere. During their journey, they stumbled upon a deserted village, its ruins overgrown with weeds, utterly desolate.
"What happened here? It looks like a catastrophe has occurred." The hunter asked, frowning, her bowstring slightly drawn back, wary of her surroundings.
"Quiet," Zhao De waved his hand and listened intently. "There's a sound. Proceed with caution."
The group slowed their pace and approached silently. In an open area in the center of the village, several sleazy-looking thieves were surrounding a trembling old man, trying to steal his only possessions.
"Stop!" Zhao De shouted, leaping out with a flash of sword light, aiming straight for the throat of the nearest thief.
The thieves panicked and instantly fell into chaos. "Where did these reckless fools come from?" The leader of the thieves drew his curved sword and glared at them fiercely.
"I am Zhao De, and I specialize in dealing with scoundrels like you." As he spoke, he had already subdued a thief and brought him to the ground, causing the others to tremble in fear.