Courtyard House: Report enemy agents at the start, and you'll take off immediately.

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The mother leaned down and answered gently, "Yes, because he is a hero, and heroes never let us down."

Just as Zhao De was about to leave, a mysterious old man slowly emerged from the crowd. He had a full head of white hair, but his eyes were bright and piercing. He whispered to Zhao De, "Child, this journey is fraught with danger. Take this with you." As he spoke, he handed him a gemstone that emitted a faint glow.

Chapter 511 The Inner Commitment to Justice

Chapter 511 The Inner Commitment to Justice

Zhao De was taken aback and quickly declined, saying, "Senior, this is too precious, I cannot accept it."

The old man smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "It will choose its own master, and now, you are the most suitable candidate. Remember, true power comes from the inner conviction of justice."

Zhao De solemnly accepted the gemstone, feeling a warm power surge through his body. He nodded his thanks, then turned and embarked on a new journey.

Just as his figure was about to disappear from everyone's sight, the little girl's clear voice rang out: "Big brother, you must come back safely!"

Zhao De did not turn around, but his reply seemed to be carried on the wind: "Don't worry, I promise you, I will definitely return with news of victory."

Zhao De's figure quickly disappeared at the end of the winding path, and the villagers discussed among themselves, their eyes filled with both worry and unwavering trust.

"Lord Zhao De is truly brave and fearless, always charging ahead," Old Li from the grocery store exclaimed, drawing nods of agreement from those around him.

“Yes, how many heroes like that can our village have?” Aunt Wang from the tailor shop chimed in, her eyes gleaming with admiration.

Just then, a young man who looked like an apprentice squeezed through the crowd and asked excitedly, "Has Brother Zhao De gone on another adventure? I really hope to go with him and learn how to become a hero!"

The old hunter patted the young man on the shoulder, his voice weathered: "Young man, becoming a hero isn't just about following others into adventures. Look at Zhao De, his courage and wisdom were honed through countless challenges. You must first learn to protect yourself and those around you before you can talk about protecting a larger home."

As they talked, Zhao De had ventured deep into the dense forest. The mysterious gemstone felt slightly warm against his chest, seemingly guiding his direction. Suddenly, a strange fluctuation came from ahead, and the surrounding trees seemed to be pushed aside by an invisible hand, revealing the entrance to a hidden cave.

"This is it," Zhao De murmured, gripping his sword tightly as he stepped into the unknown darkness.

The cave was dimly lit, with only the sounds of dripping water and the rustling of an unknown creature. Just as he cautiously moved forward, a deep voice echoed from the shadows: "Outsider, what gives you the courage to venture into this forbidden land?"

Zhao De stopped and looked around, but saw no one. He shouted, "I am Zhao De, and I have come to solve the mystery that has been troubling our village. I believe that light can always dispel darkness."

"Ha ha, light?" The voice was sarcastic. "Beneath this abyss, light is nothing but a pipe dream. However, your courage intrigues me. Come, prove to me whether you are truly as powerful as the legends say."

As soon as the words were spoken, the darkness deep within the cave was torn apart by beams of eerie blue light, and a group of strange creatures slowly emerged, their eyes gleaming with an ominous light.

Zhao De took a deep breath, the gemstone on his chest shining even brighter, and shouted: "No matter what challenges I face, I will not back down!"

A battle erupted immediately, and Zhao De, relying on his agility and the power granted by the gem, engaged in a fierce struggle against these unknown creatures. With each swing of his sword, the painful roars of the surrounding creatures could be heard, and the encouragement from the villagers seemed to transform into an invisible force, supporting him as he continued to advance.

Chapter 512 Monster

Chapter 512 Monster.

After a fierce battle, a massive monster finally collapsed, and the other creatures scattered in panic.

Just as Zhao De was about to leave the cave, a gentle voice rang in his ear: "Well done, Zhao De. You have shown your determination and courage, which is a weapon more powerful than any gem."

Zhao De looked around in surprise, only to find that the surroundings had returned to calm, and the mysterious sound had disappeared along with it.

"Who is it? Is that you speaking?" he asked into the empty cave, but only an echo answered him.

As he emerged from the cave, sunlight once again bathed his face, and Zhao De felt an unprecedented determination. He knew the challenges ahead were far from over, but he also believed that as long as there was light in his heart, the darkness would eventually be illuminated.

On the way back to the village, the little girl and her mother were already waiting at the village entrance. Their nervous yet expectant gaze warmed Zhao De's heart.

"Big brother!" The little girl ran over excitedly and grabbed Zhao De's hand tightly. "You really did it!"

Zhao De bent down and picked up the little girl, smiling as he looked at everyone: "Yes, we've won again this time. But the battle isn't over yet; there are still many unknowns waiting for us to explore."

"Brother Zhao De, what are you planning to do next?" A young man mustered up his courage and asked the question that was on everyone's mind.

Zhao De gazed into the distance, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Next, I will find the truth behind all of this and end this crisis once and for all. And..." He paused, his tone becoming mysterious, "I have a new clue, a secret about light and darkness, an ancient tradition."

The crowd erupted in excitement once more, with murmurs rising and falling. Everyone was filled with curiosity and anticipation for Zhao De's new discovery.

"Then, big brother, will you take us with you?" The little girl looked up, her eyes filled with longing for the unknown world.

Zhao De smiled and gently stroked her head: "Everyone has their own battlefield, and your battlefield is here. Use your strength and hope to protect our home."

The conversation gradually came to an end in the afterglow of the setting sun, and Zhao De's figure disappeared into the distance once again, leaving behind the villagers' more determined eyes and their boundless hope for the future.

"Hey, have you heard? Brother Zhao De is up to something big again!" Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, several villagers sat together, whispering among themselves.

"Is it true? It was already a miracle that he led us to defeat the monster last time," a middle-aged woman asked curiously as she knitted.

The young man next to him chimed in, "That's right! They say they're going to uncover some secret of light and darkness, it sounds so exciting! It's such a blessing that our village has produced such a hero."

“A hero…” an old man stroked his white beard and said with emotion, “I remember when he was a child, he was a little crybaby. Look at him now, he has become the hope and support of all of us.”

Just as everyone was immersed in reminiscing about Zhao De's past and daydreaming about his future, a series of hurried footsteps approached, interrupting their conversation. A panting boy ran up to them, his face flushed with excitement: "B-Everyone, Brother Zhao De sent me to announce that there's an important announcement tonight in the village square! Everyone has to go!"

Chapter 513 Never Give Up

Chapter 513 Never Give Up

"Oh dear, this is so sudden!" The middle-aged woman put down her work, stood up, and dusted off her clothes. "It seems we're about to witness another miracle."

As night fell, the bonfire in the center of the village roared, illuminating the expectant faces. Zhao De stood before the firelight, surveying his surroundings; his gaze seemed to pierce the darkness, reaching the depths of everyone's hearts.

"Fellow villagers, I know you are all curious, even worried, about the journey I am about to embark on." Zhao De's voice was not loud, but unusually firm. "But please believe me, what I am pursuing is not just personal glory, but for all of us, for this world."

Whispers began to circulate among the crowd, a mixture of admiration and worry.

"Big brother, can you really find that secret?" The little girl tugged at the young man's sleeve, looked up and asked, her eyes filled with an unyielding light.

Zhao De smiled and looked at her: "As long as there is light in your heart, darkness will eventually be illuminated. I promise you, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be, I will not give up."

At this moment, an old hunter who was usually taciturn slowly stood up, his voice weathered yet powerful: "Zhao De, go in peace. We are here. You are not fighting alone."

These words stirred up a thousand waves, and the entire village began to echo in unison. The vow-like promise resonated in the night sky, deeply moving everyone.

"Go Zhao De!"

"We believe you!"

"You must come back safely!"

Faced with this weighty trust and support, Zhao De's eyes welled up with tears. He bowed deeply, then looked up at the starry sky, a determination he had never felt before surging within him.

“Then, I’ll set off first thing tomorrow morning.” His words were calm, yet carried an undeniable force. “I won’t stop until I find the answer. But until then—”

Zhao De paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on the little girl's expectant eyes.

"—I have a secret to tell you, a secret about me." His voice was deep and mysterious, causing a stir among the crowd. The old hunter raised an eyebrow, while the young men beside him whispered amongst themselves, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

"I, Zhao De, was not born into this world." These words struck like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone present. The villagers exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions filled with disbelief.

"What? How is this possible?" a middle-aged woman exclaimed in surprise, her needlework stopping involuntarily.

“Yes, I come from a faraway place with a completely different technology and civilization. But why I am here, and why I bear such a mission, is all a mystery.” Zhao De’s gaze became profound, as if he had traversed the barriers of time and space.

A child broke free from his mother's hand, ran up to Zhao De, looked up and asked, "Do you have superpowers? The kind that allow you to fly and disappear into the air?"

Zhao De bent down and gently patted the child's head, his smile warm: "If finding the light is considered a superpower, then I think I might have it."

A gasp of amazement rose from the crowd, while the old hunter nodded slowly, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. "I see. No wonder you always seem to see hope that others cannot."

Chapter 514 The Deepest Darkness

Chapter 514 The Deepest Darkness

“Therefore,” Zhao De straightened up again, his voice firm, “not only for myself, but also for the bridge connecting the two worlds, I must complete this journey. Please believe that no matter where I come from, my heart is with you.”

The little girl took a step forward, her small hand tightly gripping Zhao De's clothes, her clear voice piercing the stillness of the night: "Brother Zhao De, I believe in you. You will bring us light, right?"

Zhao De bent down and gently picked her up: "Yes, not only for you, but also for all those who are waiting for the light. I swear."

As night deepened, the village returned to tranquility, with only starlight and the campfire weaving together an undying hope. Zhao De sat alone by the campfire, gazing at the leaping flames, his mind calculating tomorrow's journey.

Just then, a deep and unfamiliar voice suddenly rang in his ears: "Traveler, your journey is still long, but I can give you a piece of advice—true light often hides in the deepest darkness."

Zhao De turned around abruptly, only to find that apart from the sleeping villagers, there was no one else around. Only a gentle breeze blew by, seemingly telling an unfinished story.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the sparse leaves, dappling Zhao De's face. He rubbed his eyes; the mysterious voice from the previous night felt like a dream, yet so real. The villagers were already busy preparing for the night. Seeing Zhao De awake, they all came forward to greet him, their eyes filled with respect and curiosity.

"Brother Zhao De, did you sleep well last night?" Li Dali, the village blacksmith, asked with a simple smile, waving his oil-stained hands.

"Not bad, except a strange voice gave me a mysterious piece of advice," Zhao De replied with a smile, while searching for the little girl in the crowd.

"Brother Zhao De!" The little girl broke free from her mother's hand and skipped over to Zhao De, handing him a golden-brown cornbread. "My mother made this. She said that if you eat this, you'll have the strength to find the light!"

Zhao De took the warm cornbread, a warm feeling welling up inside him. "Thank you, this must be the most delicious thing in the world." He took a bite, which made the surrounding villagers laugh.

After breakfast, Zhao De prepared to leave, and the villagers spontaneously gathered at the village entrance to see him off. The little girl clung tightly to his clothes, unwilling to let go.

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon, bringing light." Zhao De squatted down, gently patted the little girl's head, his eyes filled with reluctance.

Just then, an elderly man with white hair and a cane slowly walked over, and the crowd automatically made way for him. "Child, remember my words: only with great love in your heart can you be invincible." The old man's gaze was deep, as if he could see into people's hearts.

"Thank you, sir." Zhao De bowed respectfully, then turned and embarked on his unknown journey.

During his journey, Zhao De encountered all sorts of people, each of whom expressed surprise and admiration for his purpose.

"Hey, sir, I heard you're looking for some kind of light, is that true?" A small vendor carrying a cloth bag stopped and asked curiously.

“It’s true. No matter how far away, I will find it.” Zhao De’s tone was firm, and the light in his eyes made the small vendor nod involuntarily.