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

Page 177

"You did it! You are truly our heroes!"

"What should we do next?" a young girl asked timidly, her eyes filled with longing for the future.

Zhao De gazed into the distance, where even more unknown challenges lay, but his heart was no longer filled with fear. "Next, we will continue our journey, searching for and sealing away all the messengers of evil forces until this world returns to peace. And you, each of you must believe in your own strength and work together to protect our home."

A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted from the crowd, mixed with excited discussions.

"This is incredible! I have never seen such power before!"

"They truly deserve to be called the chosen warriors, our hope!"

"That's right, as long as we are united, what is there that we cannot overcome?"

Surrounded by the crowd, Zhao De and his two companions appeared exceptionally tall in their eyes. Xiao Zhang scratched his head and smiled sheepishly, "Actually, we're just ordinary people, we just have more perseverance and courage than others."

Chapter 159 Urgent Intelligence

Chapter 159 Urgent Intelligence

Zhao De gently patted Xiao Zhang's shoulder, her gaze firm: "That's right, everyone can be a hero in their own story, the key is whether you are willing to stand up."

At that moment, an elderly man, leaning on a cane, squeezed to the front, his eyes shining with wisdom: "Children, your heroic deeds will be remembered. But remember, true peace is not just about defeating the enemy, but more importantly, about the light and understanding in people's hearts."

Zhao De nodded in deep agreement, then turned to the crowd: "The old man is right. We must not only fight against external evil, but also illuminate each other's hearts. From today onward, let us work together to spread love and justice to every corner."

In the crowd, a mother and son clung tightly to each other. The little boy looked up at his mother and said, "Mom, when I grow up, I want to be a hero like them!"

The mother gently stroked her child's head: "Good child, as long as you have a kind heart and face difficulties bravely, you will be a hero in your mother's heart."

Just as the atmosphere was warm and friendly, a messenger with a hurried expression walked through the crowd and came straight to Zhao De, handing him a sealed letter: "Warriors, this is urgent intelligence from the distant Windwhisper City. The situation is critical, please check it immediately!"

Zhao De took the letter, his hand unconsciously tightening as an ominous premonition welled up inside him. He quickly tore open the envelope, glancing at the contents, his expression gradually turning serious. Seeing this, Xiao Zhang and Zhao De also came closer, and the expressions of all three of them became solemn.

"What's wrong, Zhao De? Did something happen?" Xiao Zhang asked in a low voice, and the surrounding noise seemed to freeze at that moment.

Zhao De looked up, glanced around, and finally fixed his gaze on the mother and child. His voice was firm and resolute: "Fengyu City is facing an unprecedented crisis. An unknown dark force is eroding the city, and many innocent lives are suffering terribly. We must set off immediately to rescue the people there."

The crowd erupted in an uproar, with various concerns and anxieties spreading.

"Are you leaving again? But you just..."

"Windwhisper City? Isn't that the legendary place with the most impregnable city walls? How could it be..."

"Can they handle it? This enemy sounds even stronger than before."

Zhao De raised a hand, signaling everyone to be quiet. His eyes gleamed with unwavering determination: "We are the chosen warriors, and protecting this world is our mission. Whatever awaits us ahead, we will not back down. I believe that as long as we have light in our hearts, there is nothing we cannot overcome."

Xiao Zhang and Zhao De exchanged a glance, their eyes conveying unspoken support and trust. They nodded, ready to embark on their journey once more.

"Please rest assured, everyone, we will resolve the issues in Fengyu City as soon as possible and bring back peace." Zhao De's voice was gentle yet powerful, reassuring everyone present.

“However,” Zhao De suddenly changed the subject, “we cannot act alone; we need your help. While we are away, the temple and this place also need someone to protect them. Who can volunteer to step forward and become our strong support?”

After a moment of silence, hands slowly rose, each person displaying a resolute expression, willing to contribute their share to protecting their homeland.

Chapter 160 Unity and Courage

Chapter 160 Unity and Courage

"Good! This is the unity and courage we need!" Zhao De's face showed a relieved smile. "We will be back as soon as possible, and we'll leave this place to you all."

As Zhao De finished speaking, an elderly man squeezed through the crowd and walked unsteadily to Zhao De. His eyes shone with an indomitable fighting spirit: "Although I am old, I can still fight! Let me do my part to protect this land."

“Grandpa, you…” Zhao De hesitated, worried about the old man’s health.

"Don't let my appearance fool you, I was a soldier when I was young!" The old man patted his chest, eliciting a few light laughs from those around him, which lightened the atmosphere considerably.

“Okay, let’s go together!” Zhao De readily agreed, knowing full well that every bit of strength was crucial in this battle.

Just as everyone was getting ready to go, a simply dressed girl timidly raised her hand: "I... what can I do? Although I don't know martial arts, I can help take care of the wounded, or... cook."

Zhao De turned his head, his gaze gentle: "Of course, everyone has their own battlefield. Your help is equally important to us."

"That's great!" The girl's eyes sparkled with excitement, as if she had found her place.

"Then let's get started!" Xiao Zhang announced loudly, his voice filled with passion and determination.

The group quickly assembled and was about to set off when a ragged traveler suddenly rushed into the crowd, panting, "Wait! I'm going to Windwhisper City too! I know a secret passage that can greatly shorten the journey."

The group looked at each other, surprised by this sudden turn of events.

"Are you sure this road is safe?" Zhao De asked cautiously.

The traveler nodded, a sly glint in his eyes: "Absolutely safe, at least for those who know how to avoid traps."

"Time is of the essence, so let's trust him this once." Zhao De made the decision, knowing full well that every minute and every second could mean the survival of more lives.

Thus, led by the traveler, the group embarked on their journey to Windwhisper City. Along the way, they encountered countless unknowns and challenges, but each time, the trust and cooperation among the team helped them overcome dangers.

-

Several days later, the outline of Windwhisper City finally appeared on the horizon, but the sight before them made everyone gasp. The once magnificent city was now shrouded in an eerie black mist, and mournful howls occasionally pierced through the mist, sending chills down everyone's spines.

"This...this is Wind Whisper City?" The little boy's voice trembled as he gripped his mother's hand tightly, his eyes filled with terror.

“It’s worse than we thought,” Zhao De said in a low voice, her brows furrowed as she considered her options.

"Prepare for battle!" Zhao De gave the order, and the team quickly dispersed, each searching for the best route into the city.

As they cautiously approached the edge of the city, a guard suddenly emerged from the shadows. His armor was stained with blood, and he looked exhausted. "Are you here to help?" the guard asked in a hoarse voice, but his eyes shone with hope.

“That’s right, we’re here to dispel the darkness and save Windwhisper City,” Zhao De replied firmly.

Upon hearing this, a complex look flashed in the guard's eyes: "You've come at the right time. The situation inside the city... is terrible. Come with me quickly; we must see the city lord as soon as possible to formulate a battle plan."

Chapter 161 A Terrifying Place

Chapter 161 A Terrifying Place

The group followed the guards through the dark streets, each step fraught with unknown danger. Yet, an inextinguishable flame burned in their hearts—a yearning for light and a steadfast commitment to justice.

-

An emergency meeting was underway at the city lord's residence. The city lord was a middle-aged man with a resolute face and bloodshot eyes, clearly having not slept for several days.

"According to our intelligence, this dark power originates from the ancient ruins in the north of the city, where some unknown evil seems to be hidden," the city lord said in a deep voice, his voice echoing in the spacious hall.

“We’ll investigate those ruins,” Zhao De volunteered. “If we find the source, we’ll have a chance to wipe it out in one fell swoop.”

"Alright, it's settled then." The city lord nodded, a barely perceptible hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes. "May the light guide your path."

After the meeting, Zhao De, Xiao Zhang, Zhao De, and the newly joined traveler embarked on their journey to the ancient ruins. Their silhouettes, in the eyes of the residents of Windwhisper City, were like beacons of hope, illuminating the path ahead.

“Look, are they really going to challenge that terrifying place?” a woman exclaimed.

"Yes, I really hope they succeed," the person next to him replied, their tone full of anticipation.

"Mom, they'll win, won't they?" The little boy looked up, his eyes shining with determination.

"They will, my child. They are heroes, the guardians of our Windwhisper City." The mother gently stroked her child's head, her eyes sparkling with hope for the future.

As the four ventured deeper into the ruins, the air grew increasingly heavy, as if every breath was draining their willpower. Strange runes were carved into the ancient stone walls, emitting a faint blue light that added an air of mystery and unease to the dim space.

“These runes… I feel like I’ve seen them somewhere before.” The traveler frowned, his fingers tracing lightly across the cold stone wall as he tried to recall forgotten knowledge.

"No matter what, we have to be careful." Xiao Zhang looked around warily, gripping his weapon tightly, ready to deal with any potential threats.

Just then, a deep chanting sound came from the depths of the ruins. The sound seemed to have some kind of magic, making people uneasy.

"What was that sound?" Zhao De asked in a low voice, her eyes filled with both fear and curiosity.

“The source of the sound should be our target,” Zhao De said calmly, his eyes unusually firm. “Everyone, stay close to me and remain vigilant.”

As they ventured deeper, the chanting grew clearer until they arrived at a vast underground temple. In the center of the temple, a figure clad in black robes whispered to an altar emanating an ominous aura, the surrounding air distorted by the power emanating from it.

"Who...who are you? How dare you interrupt my ceremony!" The man in black robes turned around abruptly, his eyes blazing as he glared at the intruders.

“We’re here to end all of this.” Zhao De stepped forward, his voice echoing in the empty hall, filled with undeniable power.

"Ignorant mortals, feel the true power of darkness!" the black-robed man roared, and with a wave of his hand, several beams of pitch-black light attacked the four of them.

The battle was about to begin, and Zhao De and the others displayed their unique skills, fiercely clashing with the power of darkness. Xiao Zhang's sword light was like a dragon, slicing through streaks of black light; Zhao De's arrows were accurate, striking the black-robed man's vitals; the traveler used his knowledge of ancient texts to break through trap after trap; and Zhao De, with each strike imbued with the conviction to vanquish evil, shook the entire hall.

Chapter 162 The Black Smoke Dissipates

Chapter 162 The Black Smoke Dissipates

Just as the battle reached a stalemate, the girl—the one who had timidly offered to help—appeared at the entrance of the ruins, holding a lantern that shone with warm light. It was a lantern of light she had painstakingly crafted, hoping to bring a glimmer of hope to the battle.

"Keep going, I believe in you!" The girl's voice was soft, but it was like a spring breeze that touched everyone's hearts, giving them endless strength.

Encouraged, Zhao De and the others' fighting power increased exponentially. Finally, in a combined attack, the black-robed man let out a roar of resentment and vanished in a cloud of black smoke.

As darkness receded, the blue light within the ruins gradually brightened, and a warm and pure energy spread out, as if foreshadowing the rebirth of Wind Whisper City.

"We...success?" Xiao Zhang gasped, looking at the changes around him in disbelief.

"Yes, we did it." Zhao De smiled, looking into the distance, his heart filled with an unprecedented peace and satisfaction.

"But how did all this begin? And who is that man in black robes?" Zhao De asked, her eyes showing both relief and new confusion.