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“You haven’t seen her, so you wouldn’t understand,” a blacksmith said proudly, wiping his sweat. “She’s not only powerful, but also has a warm heart. She cares about everyone, whether noble or commoner. How can anyone not admire such a leader?”
As time went by, an atmosphere of preparation for war permeated every corner of Wind Whisper City, while also brimming with unprecedented unity and hope. Zhao De's figure frequently appeared throughout the city, personally overseeing the progress of various preparations. Each of her appearances drew a warm welcome and heartfelt admiration from the people.
One evening, Zhao De was talking with several craftsmen who were reinforcing the city wall. Their conversation inadvertently revealed a strong sense of determination.
"Lord Zhao De, do you really think we can win?" A craftsman with calloused hands stopped his work and looked up to ask.
Zhao De smiled slightly, his gaze gentle yet resolute: "Victory is never achieved through wishful thinking; it requires the efforts and conviction of each and every one of us. I believe that as long as we hold the light in our hearts, there is no darkness we cannot overcome."
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation. A messenger came running up, panting: "Lord Zhao De, there is urgent intelligence! We have discovered suspicious activity outside the city, which seems to indicate that the enemy is secretly gathering."
Zhao De's expression hardened, and he immediately summoned his generals and mages for an emergency meeting held beneath the city wall. In the glow of the setting sun, everyone's face appeared exceptionally solemn.
"It seems the challenge has arrived sooner than we anticipated," Zhao De said in a deep voice. "But we will not back down. Now, assign tasks, strengthen night patrols, mages prepare defensive spells, and I will personally lead a small team to investigate the enemy's situation."
Chapter 175 Taking Effect
Chapter 175 Taking Effect
"Lord Zhao De, this is too dangerous!" a young general objected worriedly.
Zhao De shook his head slightly, his eyes revealing an unwavering resolve: "For the sake of Wind Whisper City, for the sake of our homeland, I must do this. Moreover, only by understanding the enemy can we find the most effective countermeasures."
“Then, please allow me to accompany you, Lord Zhao De.” A black-robed mage who had been silent all along suddenly spoke, his voice deep and powerful, “My magic may come in handy at a crucial moment.”
Zhao De nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally settling on the black-robed mage. A barely perceptible hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes: "Alright, with you by my side, I feel much more at ease. The rest of you, proceed according to plan; we must race against time."
As night fell, Zhao De, along with the black-robed mage and a carefully selected squad, quietly left Windwhisper City. Under the moonlight, their figures quickly blended into the darkness, leaving only a trail of firm footprints.
Within the city, news of Zhao De's personal expedition spread like wildfire, sparking a flurry of discussions among the people, a mixture of worry and admiration.
"Lord Zhao De went to investigate the enemy's situation personally; he was so brave!" a woman exclaimed to a nearby vendor.
"Yes, I hope she can come back safely." The vendor sighed, his eyes full of worry. "After all, the outside world is too dangerous."
On the other side of the market, a group of young people gathered together, one of them excitedly saying, "How wonderful it would be if I could become a hero like Lord Zhao De!"
"Stop dreaming, take care of your sword first!" his friend joked, but his tone couldn't hide his admiration for Zhao De. "But seriously, with Lord Zhao De around, our Wind Whisper City has hope."
Meanwhile, deep within the dense forest outside the city, Zhao De and his group were cautiously moving among the shadows of the trees. The surroundings were so quiet that only their breathing and the occasional low growl of a wild beast could be heard in the distance. The black-robed mage's fingers lightly traced the outline of his staff, ready to respond to any potential danger.
"There's movement ahead." The scout at the front suddenly stopped and reported in a low voice.
Zhao De signaled the group to stop, exchanged a glance with the black-robed mage, and the two tacitly split up. Zhao De led the majority of the group to take a detour, while the black-robed mage used invisibility magic to sneak in alone, preparing for close-up reconnaissance.
Soon, the black-robed mage returned, his face grave: "The enemy's numbers far exceed our expectations, and they are well-equipped. They seem to be searching for something and are very vigilant."
Zhao De frowned, pondered for a moment, and then made a decision: "We must bring this news back to the city as soon as possible and make full preparations for a battle. At the same time, we must notify the friendly forces in the surrounding area to jointly resist this crisis."
On their return journey, the group encountered an enemy patrol, making a fierce battle inevitable. Zhao De led the charge, her sword flashing like lightning, each swing accompanied by the screams of the enemy. The black-robed mage's magic unleashed on the battlefield, providing powerful support to the team.
After the battle, Zhao De stood amidst the fallen enemies, her clothes slightly disheveled, but her eyes even more resolute. She gazed into the distance, a new plan forming in her mind.
Upon returning to Windwhisper City, they were greeted by enthusiastic cheers and respectful gazes from the populace. Zhao De said little, heading directly to the City Lord's Mansion to convene an emergency meeting with all key members.
Chapter 176 Defensive Spells
Chapter 176 Defensive Spells.
The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense. After giving a detailed report on the enemy situation, Zhao De proposed his strategy: "We cannot passively defend; we must take the initiative to attack and disrupt the enemy's plans. At the same time, we must strengthen our alliances with neighboring city-states and form a united front."
An older advisor hesitated and said, "This is a huge gamble, Lord Zhao De."
Zhao De's gaze was firm, and his tone left no room for argument: "It's a gamble, but also the only way out. The future of Fengyu City is in our own hands."
The meeting ended late at night. Zhao De stood alone by the window, gazing at the starry sky, his heart filled with both anxiety about the future and an unwavering belief in victory.
Just then, a soft knock came at the door, and the black-robed mage's voice rang out: "Lord Zhao De, may I come in?"
"Please come in." Zhao De turned around, a gentle smile on his face.
The mage entered the room and said slowly, "I have been researching an ancient defensive spell that may play a key role in the upcoming great war. But... it requires a great deal of magical power."
A hint of surprise flashed in Zhao De's eyes: "Tell me, what do we need to do?"
The black-robed mage took a deep breath, seemingly weighing his next words. "This spell is called 'Starlight Protection,' originating from ancient times. It can construct a temporary magical shield for the city, enough to withstand several powerful attacks from the enemy. However, to cast it, it requires the cooperation of all the mages in the city and a powerful source of magic as its core."
Zhao De stared at the mage, lost in thought. "The coordination of all the mages isn't difficult, but a powerful source of magic..."
“Yes,” the mage nodded. “For this reason, I thought of the legendary ‘Heart of the Gloom,’ a gem containing endless magic power, said to be sealed in an ancient ruin beneath Windwhisper City. If we can find it, we will have a chance of winning.”
“The Heart of the Ghostly Light?” Zhao De repeated the name, his heart filled with both excitement and nervousness. “It sounds both risky and hopeful. When do we begin the search?”
"There's no time to lose, the sooner the better," the mage said urgently. "I have prepared an ancient map, which is believed to mark the entrance to the ruins. I am willing to lead a small team to explore it together."
Zhao De straightened up, his eyes revealing determination. "Alright, I will arrange for the most reliable people to go with you. But remember, safety comes first; we cannot lose someone like you."
The following morning, Windwhisper City was once again abuzz with excitement over the preparations for the new plan. While the residents were filled with curiosity and apprehension about the upcoming adventure, they were mostly inspired by Lord Zhao De's courage and determination, and the city was abuzz with discussion.
"I heard that Lord Zhao De is looking for the Heart of the Dark Light, a treasure from mythology!" A blacksmith wiped his sweat, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
“If it were Lord Zhao De, perhaps he could really do it,” the tailor opposite her replied, her fingers deftly weaving through the fabric. “After all, she is our hero.”
In the alley, two children were imitating a sword fight, and one of them shouted, "I am Zhao De, and I will protect Fengyu City!"
The other child, not to be outdone, retorted, "Then I'll become a powerful mage and help you defeat the bad guys!"
As the entire city was immersed in an atmosphere of mixed hope and tension, Zhao De and the black-robed mage led their exploration team in secret, heading towards the unknown underground ruins. Passing through winding tunnels, they faced not only the test of time, but also unknown traps and potential guardians.
Chapter 177 What kind of power is this!
Chapter 177 What kind of power is this!
At the far end of a stone chamber, the black-robed mage lightly touched ancient runes, and a hidden door slowly opened, revealing a dazzling light—the legendary Heart of Radiance, quietly suspended in the center, radiating a soft yet captivating glow.
"Found it... finally found it!" The black-robed mage's voice trembled, his eyes filled with awe and longing for the ancient magical power.
Zhao De followed closely behind, gazing at the gem that seemed to contain the power of stars, his heart surging with unprecedented excitement. "This is the Heart of the Dark Light... the hope of Windwhisper City."
Suddenly, a deep humming sound came from the Heart of the Gloom, and the entire space seemed to tremble. The teammate next to him unconsciously took a step back, his astonishment evident.
"Everyone be careful, this gem seems to have its own will." Zhao De quickly became alert and signaled everyone to stay vigilant.
“Don’t worry,” the black-robed mage said, taking a step forward. “I have studied ancient texts about the Heart of the Radiant Light. It chooses its own master. Lord Zhao De, perhaps you need to get closer to it.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao De slowly moved forward, each step feeling exceptionally heavy. As he stood beneath the Heart of Glory, a warm yet powerful force rose from his feet, enveloping his entire body. The gem's brilliance intensified, then gradually subsided, merging into Zhao De's body.
An uproar erupted in the group, and everyone stared at Zhao De with incredulous eyes.
"What...what power is this!" a young mage exclaimed, having never witnessed such a strange scene.
"Lord Zhao De, how are you feeling?" the black-robed mage asked anxiously, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Zhao De closed his eyes and sensed for a while, then opened them, his eyes seemingly sparkling with starlight. "I felt an unprecedented power. The Heart of the Dark Light chose me, and it also chose Wind Whisper City."
"This is amazing!" The girl from the tailor shop, who had been following a small group of people and watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
The news spread like wildfire, and soon the streets and alleys of Windwhisper City were abuzz with discussion. "Lord Zhao De has obtained the power of the Heart of the Gloom!" "It seems we're saved!"
However, amidst this fervent hope, a group of men in black quietly infiltrated Windwhisper City. Their sole purpose was to seize the Heart of the Gloom and destroy the city's beacon of hope.
As night fell and the moonlight shone like water, Zhao De was discussing the next step of the plan with the black-robed mage when suddenly, a guard rushed in: "Report! An unknown force has been discovered infiltrating the east of the city, and their suspected target is the Heart of the Gloom!"
Zhao De frowned; he knew the real battle had only just begun. "Gather all available forces and prepare for battle. Black-robed mage, we need to activate Star Guardian immediately."
The monk nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Everything is ready, except..."
"But what?" Zhao De pressed.
"However, casting Star Guardian requires your full cooperation, and the consumption will be huge. Once it starts, you must withstand the enemy's offensive before the shield is established."
Zhao De laughed, a confident yet slightly fanatical smile. "Then let the enemy see that the city I, Zhao De, protect is not so easily invaded."
As Zhao De and all the mages cast their spells together, a faint blue light gradually rose above Windwhisper City, like the brightest galaxy in the night sky, gently enveloping the city. But just as the shield was about to complete, the enemy's shadow was already closing in…
Chapter 178 Not Unprepared
Chapter 178 Not Unprepared
"It seems Windwhisper City is not entirely unprepared." The enemy leader sneered, his gaze fixed on Zhao De. "However, the Heart of the Dark Light will ultimately be mine."
"Is that so? Then we'll see if you have the ability!" Zhao De's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in the night sky and startling a few birds that were roosting there.
On the streets, citizens gathered nervously, gazing up at the gradually brightening sky, their voices rising and falling in discussion.
“That’s… Star Guardian? We’re saved!” an old man said in a trembling voice, tears welling in his eyes.
"Lord Zhao De is truly our hero!" A child held his mother's hand, his face full of admiration.
Amidst this tension and anticipation, on the edge of Windwhisper City, a team of men in black quickly assembled. They were well-equipped and their eyes were cold and ruthless.
"Attack!" At the enemy leader's command, the men in black unleashed their dark magic. In an instant, dark energy surged toward the Starshine Shield like a tidal wave, attempting to tear apart this last line of defense.
"Hold on, Lord Zhao De!" the black-robed mage shouted, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, clearly indicating that maintaining the Starlight Guardian was also a huge burden for him.
Zhao De gritted his teeth, his whole body enveloped in blue light, as if he had merged with the Starshine Shield. He blocked every enemy attack with astonishing willpower, but the light of the shield began to fluctuate slightly.
“How is this possible? How can this shield be so strong?” one of the enemy mages exclaimed incredulously, having underestimated Zhao De’s determination and the unity of Windwhisper City.
"This is because...this is the belief of all of us!" Zhao De's voice rang out again, resounding through the sky and inspiring every resident of Wind Whisper City.