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

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Upon hearing this news, the surrounding teammates were in an uproar, and disbelief filled the air.

“Nobles? And those nobles who are usually high and mighty, always claiming to protect the people?” Leo sneered, a cold glint in his eyes. “It seems we not only have to fight the enemies in the open, but also beware of the venomous snakes hiding in the shadows.”

“Yes, we don’t have much time left.” Zhao De gripped the Heart of Elements tightly, its gentle light seemingly echoing his resolve. “Now, we have the most direct evidence; we must expose everything before they succeed.”

Chapter 287 Fighting Through a Bloody Path

Chapter 287 Fighting Through a Bloody Path

Just as everyone was preparing to leave, a series of chaotic footsteps and noises came from outside the castle. Then, a panicked voice broke the tense atmosphere: "It's bad! We're surrounded by the army of the dark forces! They seem to have anticipated our arrival!"

"As expected, they won't let us off so easily." Zhao De's eyes were resolute as he turned to his companions and said, "But this also means that the secret we possess is more important than we imagined. Get ready, we're going to fight our way out!"

Outside the castle, a dark, imposing army, like a storm cloud, obscured the entire sky. Faced with this seemingly insurmountable enemy tide, Zhao De remained remarkably calm.

"Friends, do you remember our oath? For the peace and light of this land, even if the hope is slim, we will fight to the end!" His words were like a bugle call, resonating in everyone's hearts.

"We will follow you to the death!" Every member of the team responded loudly, their unwavering resolve making the surrounding wind seem to tremble.

Just then, a deep and powerful voice rang out from the front ranks of the army: "Zhao De, hand over the Heart of the Elements, and I might consider sparing your lives."

Zhao De sneered, his eyes blazing: "A way out? In the face of betrayal and conspiracy, only fighting to the last moment is our destiny. I refuse your terms!"

"Then don't blame me for being impolite!" As soon as the other side finished speaking, the army surged in like a tide, and the battle was about to break out.

-

Amidst the fierce battle, an old man on a distant hill watched the epic fight and murmured to himself, "What admirable young people! The courage and determination they've shown might truly change the fate of this world..."

"Hey, old man, what are you muttering about?" The little boy next to him curiously came over, tugged at the old man's sleeve, and looked up with his big eyes blinking.

The old man came to his senses, patted the child's head, and a complicated look flashed in his eyes: "Child, did you see the battlefield over there? It was a battle between justice and evil, and those on the side of justice were just a group of young heroes."

"Young heroes? Are they like the heroes in storybooks, with magical powers that can defeat the great demon king?" The child's eyes sparkled with longing.

“Yes, each of them possesses extraordinary strength and unwavering faith,” the old man replied with a smile. “Especially that one named Zhao De; his composure and courage were the key to leading them to break through the encirclement.”

"Wow, I want to be a hero like that too!" The little boy jumped up excitedly, waving his little fists as if he were already on the battlefield, fighting alongside the warriors.

Looking at the child's innocent face, the old man couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions: "Child, the path to becoming a hero is never easy. But if you can maintain this innocence and courage, you will surely achieve great things in the future."

At this time, the situation on the battlefield was becoming increasingly fierce. Although Zhao De and his group were at a disadvantage, they managed to break through the encirclement with their extraordinary teamwork and perseverance.

"Everyone, follow me! We're breaking through to the west gate!" Zhao De shouted as he fought off the oncoming attacks. His voice pierced through the raging flames, giving his teammates boundless strength.

Eileen's arrows pierced the enemy with precision, each draw of her bow accompanied by a sharp whistling sound as she shouted, "Concentrate your firepower! Don't let anyone get close to Zhao De!"

Chapter 288 Seeing Through Everything

Chapter 288 Seeing Through Everything

Leo, like an enraged lion, wielded his giant axe, rampaging through the enemy ranks. Each strike was accompanied by a deafening roar and the screams of the enemy. His figure stood out conspicuously in the crowd, becoming a nightmare for his foe.

Lia moved nimbly across the battlefield, her healing magic nourishing each team member like spring rain, rekindling their fighting spirit even in despair.

Just as everyone was pushing forward, an unexpected figure suddenly appeared in their path. It was a middle-aged man with a noble face and wearing a magnificent robe.

"Halt, Zhao De." The man's voice was calm and authoritative, his eyes seemingly able to see through everything. "I am the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, and also a part of the dark forces' plan. But now I am willing to help you and prevent the real disaster from happening."

Upon hearing this, not only Zhao De and his men, but also the soldiers fighting fiercely around them all looked on in surprise.

“Prime Minister? How could you…” Eileen asked incredulously, her grip on the longbow loosening slightly.

The Prime Minister smiled slightly, his gaze gentle yet profound: "Because I, too, was once a young man with dreams, believing that this world could be a better place because of justice. Now, let me make a final effort for this belief."

"Time is of the essence, Prime Minister, please lead the way." Zhao De did not hesitate for long; his eyes revealed his trust in the Prime Minister, as well as an undeniable determination.

The Prime Minister nodded, then turned and led them down a secluded path that led directly to the heart of the royal city, to a secret chamber unknown to outsiders.

Along the way, the crowd followed closely behind the Prime Minister, and an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty filled the air. Soldiers and civilians along the roadside stopped what they were doing, whispering among themselves, their faces filled with surprise and confusion.

"Look, isn't that Zhao De and the others? Why are they with the Prime Minister?" A young soldier pointed at the departing troops and whispered to his comrade.

"This world is getting more and more incomprehensible. The Prime Minister actually personally intervened to help a group of young people who are considered rebels." His companion shook his head, looking puzzled.

An elderly woman passing by stopped, a hint of envy in her eyes: "Ah, it's so good to be young, to have such a chance to change your fate. Unlike us old bones, we can only eke out a living in this dust."

"Mommy, are those older brothers and sisters going to fight bad guys? They're so amazing!" a little girl exclaimed excitedly, tugging at her mother's clothes.

"Yes, baby, they are protecting each and every one of us." The mother gently stroked her child's head, but her eyes flickered with a complex light.

As the group ventured deeper into the royal city, the atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive. The Prime Minister led Zhao De and his entourage through winding alleyways, finally stopping before an inconspicuous iron gate.

"This is the entrance to the secret chamber, containing crucial information about the dark forces' plan. However, the entrance is sealed by powerful magic, requiring your combined strength to open it." The Prime Minister's tone turned grave. He took an ancient book from his robes and handed it to Zhao De. "This book contains the ancient incantation to break the seal. Are you ready?"

Zhao De took the book, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on the door. "For the light, for every life on this land, we are ready," he said, his voice firm and powerful.

Chapter 289 The Secret Passage Behind It

Chapter 289 The Secret Passage Behind It

The four men formed a circle, protecting the Prime Minister in the center. Zhao De softly chanted an incantation, and the air seemed to tremble. Ancient runes appeared on the iron gate, emitting a faint blue light. As the last syllable of the incantation fell, the seal shattered with a roar, and the heavy iron gate slowly opened, revealing a secret passage hidden behind it.

"Hurry up and go in, time is running out," the Prime Minister urged, his expression more serious than ever before.

When the group stepped into the secret chamber, the scene before them shocked them. The walls were covered with scrolls and maps, and on the stone table in the center sat a glowing crystal ball that reflected the entire royal city, revealing the hidden dangers within.

“Look, this is their final plan.” The Prime Minister pointed to a point in the crystal ball. “We must act immediately to stop them. Zhao De, can you trust me?”

Zhao De stepped forward and met the Prime Minister's gaze: "Your Excellency, I choose to believe in you, not only because we have no other choice, but also because your courage and determination have given me a glimmer of hope."

"Very well, then let us join hands and prepare for this final battle." As the Prime Minister's words fell, the entire secret room seemed to come alive, and a battle that would change the future quietly began.

"Hey, have you heard? Those guys really did something big with the Prime Minister!" In a corner of the tavern, several burly men whispered among themselves, their faces full of disbelief.

"What? You mean Zhao De and his gang? Those troublemakers who're always causing trouble?" One of them widened his eyes, nearly dropping his wine glass. "How could the Prime Minister be involved with them?"

“Who knows? Strange things happen every year, but this year there seem to be more than usual.” Another person shook his head and took a sip of wine. “But it is said that they have uncovered a huge conspiracy, and even the deepest secrets of the royal city have been revealed.”

On the street, two noblewomen, each holding a fan, walked and whispered to each other.

"Oh my, those children are so brave. The Prime Minister himself took charge. This is no small matter." The woman in the purple dress gently waved her fan, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes.

“That’s right! I heard they’ve found the hideout of the dark forces. The safety of our capital city depends entirely on them.” Another woman, dressed in a long emerald green dress, couldn’t hide her pride. “If only my good-for-nothing son could be this successful…”

Outside the royal city, in a desolate land, a mysterious army was rapidly assembling. Their leader, a middle-aged man with a gloomy face, received a secret report from the royal city; his fingers clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white.

"Prime Minister, how dare you betray us... Hmph, do you think finding those greenhorns will change anything?" The man sneered, his eyes fierce. "Tell my troops to prepare for battle. This time, I will let the capital know the consequences of challenging us."

Inside the secret chamber, Zhao De and his group stood around the stone table, the images in the crystal ball constantly changing, revealing every move of the dark forces.

"Your Excellency, what should we do? Time is of the essence, every minute counts." Zhao De's voice was unusually calm, but there was a barely perceptible anxiety hidden between his brows.

The Prime Minister pondered for a moment, then pulled a parchment scroll from a hidden compartment. Unfolding it revealed a detailed map marked with several key locations. "This is our plan. We will split up and strike at the heart of the enemy. Remember, unity is our greatest weapon."

Chapter 290 A Plan Is Underway

Chapter 290 A Plan Is Underway

“And what about you, Prime Minister?” a young Zhao De asked, her eyes filled with worry.

The Prime Minister smiled slightly, his gaze resolute: "I have my own plans. Zhao De, as the core of the team, you must lead everyone to complete the mission safely. Our fate rests on your shoulders."

"We understand," everyone said in unison, and the atmosphere instantly became solemn and dignified.

Just as everyone was preparing to depart, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the secret chamber. A guard rushed in, his face pale. "It's terrible, sir! The enemy army is at the city gates!"

The Prime Minister's expression was grave, but his eyes revealed a hint of expected calm. "It seems the real test has arrived. Zhao De, now is the time for you to demonstrate your true strength."

"Yes! For the royal city, for the people, we have an unshirkable duty!" Zhao De raised his fist, and the crowd behind him responded, their vows resounding throughout the secret chamber.

Zhao De and his men quickly prepared, their eyes gleaming with determination and resolve. They understood that this battle was not only about uncovering the truth, but also about safeguarding the peace and tranquility of this land.

Beneath the city gates, the two armies faced each other, the tense atmosphere almost suffocating. The enemy leader, a middle-aged man with a gloomy face, sat on his horse, sneering repeatedly: "Prime Minister, do you really think these brats you've raised can withstand the charge of my iron cavalry? Surrender, and perhaps you'll be spared a whole corpse."

Zhao De took the lead, standing at the very front of the column. His voice, though not loud, carried clearly throughout the battlefield: "We will not retreat, much less surrender. For the royal city, for the innocent people, we are willing to pay any price."

On the city wall, the onlookers, both civilians and soldiers, held their breath and discussed amongst themselves.

"Look, that young man, Zhao De, is he really the hero the Prime Minister was talking about?" a young soldier murmured to himself, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Heroes come from all walks of life. The fact that Zhao De and his friends were able to uncover such a huge conspiracy speaks volumes about their extraordinary abilities." An old soldier next to him stroked his beard, his tone full of certainty.

On the desolate wasteland outside the city, battle was imminent. Zhao De and his men cleverly utilized the terrain to their advantage, their teamwork and coordination astounding. Amidst the flashing blades and deafening battle cries, Zhao De, with his extraordinary wisdom and courage, led his team to defuse crisis after crisis.

"This...how is this possible!" Some soldiers in the enemy ranks exclaimed involuntarily as they watched their comrades fall one after another. They had originally thought this would be an overwhelming victory, but they had not expected to encounter such tenacious resistance.

On the other side of the battlefield, the Prime Minister was not idle. In his secret chamber, he rapidly mobilized the city's defenses while simultaneously dispatching secret messengers to contact allied nations and seek support. He knew this was a war where everything was at stake, and any detail could determine the final outcome.

As the battle became increasingly intense, the sky gradually turned a pale white, and the first rays of dawn pierced through the clouds, illuminating the mottled bloodstains and indomitable bodies on the battlefield.

"Zhao De, what exactly do you want?" the enemy leader roared, feeling increasingly agitated as he saw the unfavorable situation.

Zhao De's lips curled into a smile, his eyes sharp: "End all of this. You and your men, withdraw immediately, or destruction awaits you."

Chapter 291 Reinforcements

Chapter 291 Reinforcements.