MM Racing Page 279
Page 279
"It's been so long...so long since anyone's been here. Are you sure you want to go in? Inside, there are secrets that even time itself has forgotten."
Zhao De looked back at his companions, his gaze resolute: "For the sake of this world, we have no other choice."
As they ventured deeper into the ruins, ancient and solemn bells echoed around them, as if tolling a prelude to the final showdown.
"Look over there!" Arya suddenly pointed to a statue entwined with vines, with indistinct patterns carved on it. "These symbols... I think I've seen them in my father's ancient books. They represent protection and rebirth!"
The scholar followed closely behind, gently tracing the cold stone wall with his fingers, his eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge: "If my guess is correct, this was once a sacred site of an ancient kingdom. These symbols are connected to some powerful magic circle, which may reveal the true secrets of the ruins."
Chapter 594 The Sacred Land of the Ancient Kingdom
Chapter 594 The Sacred Land of the Ancient Kingdom
The mysterious traveler's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile, his eyes appearing exceptionally deep in the darkness: "A secret? I'm always fascinated by the unknown."
As they explored deeper, a sudden gust of wind whipped up the sand and gravel, forming a vortex that enveloped them. When the sandstorm subsided, a ghostly figure draped in a cloak slowly emerged.
"Intruders, you have awakened the slumbering guardians. Prepare for the trial!" The ghost's voice echoed through the empty ruins, carrying an undeniable authority.
A passerby stood outside the ruins, dumbfounded, and talked to the people around him: "Did you see that? Not long after those people went in, the whole ruins seemed to come alive!"
Passerby B looked shocked: "Really? I heard that the most powerful magic of the ancient kingdom is sealed there. Are they going to challenge that?"
"A challenge? I think they're courting death!" A gruff voice rang out, belonging to a burly hunter. "Those ruins have been forbidden territory since ancient times; no one who goes in has ever come out alive!"
Inside the ruins, the four faced a battle of light and shadow warriors that had materialized, and an unprecedented fierce battle was about to break out.
"Arya, prepare your bows and arrows; Scholar, we need your wisdom to decipher these spells; Traveler, your speed is our trump card." Zhao De calmly assigned tasks, his sword already itching for a strike.
The battle unfolded amidst the interplay of light and shadow. Arya's arrows pierced the illusions with pinpoint accuracy, the scholar chanted rapidly incantations to break the spell, and the mysterious traveler moved like a phantom among the illusions, each surprise attack catching the enemy off guard.
"This...this is impossible! How could a mortal break through the ancient kingdom's defenses?" The ghost's figure appeared increasingly ethereal, his tone filled with disbelief.
Just when everyone thought victory was in sight, the ground suddenly cracked open, and an even larger shadow slowly rose. It was a behemoth formed from pure magical energy, with eyes like two burning suns, radiating an ominous aura.
"The real test is only just beginning," the behemoth's voice boomed.
"Can we win?" the child asked the old man nervously.
The old man had a deep gaze and a mysterious smile on his lips: "As long as the light in their hearts never goes out, nothing is impossible."
Deep within the ruins, Zhao De and his companions faced unprecedented challenges, and their mutual trust and understanding became their strongest support.
"No matter the outcome, at least we stood here bravely." Zhao De's words were firm and powerful, echoing in the ancient space.
"Commendable courage, lad!" A sudden voice rang out from the dark corner of the ruins, seemingly carrying the weight and recognition of time. Everyone turned their heads and saw Zhao De, dressed in tattered clothes, slowly walk out. In his hand, he held a seemingly ordinary cane that contained endless mysteries, and every step he took seemed to be stepping on a point in time.
"Who are you?" Zhao De asked warily, the tip of his sword drooping slightly, yet still poised to strike at any moment.
Zhao De chuckled, a smile that held both kindness and a hint of cunning: "Who I am isn't important. What's important is that I can help you solve your current troubles. However, there's always a price to pay."
Arya frowned; her sharp eyes had already detected that Zhao De was no ordinary man. "The price? Tell me."
Chapter 595 The Heart of the Ancient Magic Core
Chapter 595 The Heart of the Ancient Magic Core
“It’s very simple,” Zhao De said, extending his withered finger and pointing it at the terrifying behemoth. “Help me retrieve something. It’s inside this behemoth: a heart that beats with the core of ancient magic.”
The scholar pushed up his glasses, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "This doesn't sound like a small matter. Why don't you go yourself?"
Zhao De sighed, seemingly recalling some unpleasant memories: "I'm old and frail. But this heart is of vital importance to me. If you're willing to help me, I will impart to you a skill that could change your destiny."
The group exchanged glances, and finally, Zhao De nodded: "Okay, we'll help you. But if we succeed, you must keep your promise."
“That’s natural.” Zhao De nodded in satisfaction, then took out a crystal that shimmered with a faint light from his pocket. “This is a Guiding Crystal. It can temporarily stabilize the magical fluctuations of the behemoth and create an opportunity for you to attack.”
The battle escalated once more, and this time, with Zhao De's assistance, they seemed to see a glimmer of hope. Aria's arrows became even sharper under the illumination of the guiding crystal, the scholar's incantations became more precise and efficient, and the mysterious traveler searched for an opportunity to deliver a fatal blow within the tiny passages opened by the crystal.
"Look, those young people dare to challenge such a monster!" a bystander exclaimed, and a crowd of onlookers immediately gathered around.
"It's unbelievable. If it were me, I probably would have run away long ago," another person exclaimed, his tone full of envy and awe.
“I hope they succeed; their courage is admirable,” an elderly woman said softly, her eyes gleaming with tenderness.
With a deafening roar, the colossal beast finally collapsed under everyone's combined efforts. Zhao De, sword in hand, stood panting before the massive body, his eyes filled with both exhaustion and barely concealed excitement.
"We did it!" Arya cheered, the scholar showed a rare smile, and the mysterious traveler clapped softly, as if it were all within his expectations.
“Alright, it’s time to fulfill my promise.” Zhao De slowly stepped forward, his eyes becoming unusually serious. “The secret contained within that heart is enough for you to grasp a corner of ancient magic. Remember, power is a double-edged sword; only by using it wisely can you achieve greatness.”
Just as everyone held their breath, waiting for Zhao De to reveal the crucial secret, a distant yet somewhat eerie voice suddenly echoed through the ruins, shattering all their anticipation.
"Oh, it seems someone beat me to it and found the 'core'. What a pity, I thought it would be an interesting chase."
"Who?" Zhao De gripped his sword hilt tightly, his eyes blazing as he scanned the surroundings, only to find that apart from them, there was no one else in the empty ruins.
"Stop looking, you tiny creatures. You can't see me with your mortal eyes." The voice rang out again, with a mocking and arrogant tone, seemingly amused by their nervousness.
Passersby whispered among themselves, "Where did that sound come from? Could it be...?"
"Ghosts? Spirits?" Passerby B stammered, his face pale.
Zhao De's expression was solemn. He tapped his cane lightly on the ground and said in a deep voice, "Show yourself. No matter who you are, hiding your abilities is nothing but a trivial skill to a true powerhouse."
Chapter 596 Ready to Fight
Chapter 596 Ready to Fight
As Zhao De finished speaking, an invisible force seemed to tear a crack in the air, and a figure draped in a cloak slowly appeared. His face was hidden in shadow, but his eyes were like abysses, emitting a faint green light.
"Interesting. It's been a long time since I've met an old fellow with such insight as you." The figure said disdainfully, then turned his gaze to Zhao De and his group. "As for you guys, your courage to challenge the impossible is indeed impressive."
"What do you want?" Zhao De asked directly, his sword already drawn, ready to fight at any moment.
“It’s simple, I want that heart.” The cloaked figure extended a pale hand, eerie green flames dancing at the fingertips. “In exchange, I can grant you a choice—become my apostles and share in eternal power; or become ashes on my path.”
Zhao De sneered, nocked an arrow, drew his bow, and pointed it directly at the other side: "We never accept threats."
“A wise choice.” Zhao De agreed softly, while holding his cane horizontally in front of his chest, the tip of the cane shining brightly, as if preparing some kind of powerful spell.
“Oh, no rush to decide,” the cloaked figure waved his hand dismissively. “For now, let’s admire your courage and strength. If you can bring me even a little amusement, perhaps I’ll change my mind.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he vanished from the spot, leaving only a low laugh echoing within the ruins.
"This guy is not simple; we need to be careful." The scholar abandoned his usual bookish demeanor, his eyes becoming exceptionally sharp.
The mysterious traveler nodded slightly and took out a yellowed map from his robes, covered with complex symbols and markings: "According to ancient records, there is a secret passage here that can avoid direct confrontation and lead directly to the exit. But..."
“But we can’t leave,” Zhao De interrupted him. “If we leave, this ruin, and even the entire city, will be shrouded in his shadow.”
“Yes, we cannot run away,” Arya said firmly, her eyes filled with determination.
Zhao De nodded approvingly: "Alright, then let's fight side by side and prove our courage and worth in the face of this unknown challenge."
The four quickly discussed their strategy, while Passerby C listened from the side and couldn't help but exclaim, "This...this is simply the legendary League of Legends!"
"Yes, such a scene is a once-in-a-lifetime sight," a passerby, Ding, echoed, his eyes filled with admiration.
Just as everyone was preparing for battle, a soft voice quietly rang out: "Remember, true power comes not only from external gifts, but also from inner perseverance and belief. Go forth and show the world your brilliance."
The voice, like a whisper piercing through time, sent a jolt through everyone present, filling them with an inexplicable courage and resolve. Zhao De and the others exchanged glances; no words were needed, the resonance flowing between them, transforming into a silent vow.
"Are you ready?" Zhao De whispered, his eyes blazing, the arrow already on the bowstring, poised to be released.
“Anytime.” Arya gripped her short sword tightly, a resolute smile playing on her lips.
The scholars and Zhao De took their positions, the air thick with a tense yet hopeful atmosphere. Suddenly, an invisible pressure pressed down from all directions, followed by phantoms appearing out of thin air within the ruins. The cloaked figure appeared before them with a cold smile, each clone wielding a ghostly green flame, circling around them as if to trap them in this cage of despair.
Chapter 597 Encirclement of Darkness
Chapter 597 Encirclement of Darkness
"Interesting. Let me see how you break through this 'Shadow Enclosure'." The cloaked figure's voice was cold and drawn-out, echoing throughout the space.
"Everyone, split up and don't be fooled by his illusions!" Zhao De shouted. The tip of his staff shone brightly, transforming into a curtain of light that cleared a path for them.
Using their extensive knowledge, the scholars quickly deciphered the ancient runes within the ruins, guiding the team around the deadly traps. "Here, quick!"
As the group wandered through the labyrinthine ruins, gasps of surprise came from the surrounding illusions. These were the reactions of passersby. Although they were in an illusion, their presence seemed to add a sense of realism to the battle.
"Look over there! Are they really going to find a way out of that guy's encirclement?" Passerby A asked incredulously.
"It's incredible! They're braver than any legendary hero!" exclaimed Passerby B, his eyes shining as if he had witnessed a miracle firsthand.
As they ventured deeper, the cloaked figures became increasingly numerous, and danger lurked at every turn and behind every door. However, Zhao De and his companions displayed extraordinary teamwork and intelligence, constantly deciphering mechanisms, repelling the illusions, and gradually approaching the hidden passage.
“Just a little bit more, just get through this room…” Arya’s voice was weary, yet full of unyielding spirit.
At that moment, the largest phantom suddenly appeared, its eerie green flames more intense than ever before, almost tangible, threatening to burn the air itself.
"The game is over." The cloaked man's voice was icy and unquestionable.
"Not necessarily." The mysterious traveler suddenly stepped forward, the map in his hand emitting a soft light. He softly recited an ancient incantation, and the markings on the map began to correspond with the surrounding environment, revealing a previously unnoticed secret passage.
"Let's go!" Zhao De didn't hesitate and was the first to rush into the newly discovered secret passage.
The others followed closely behind, and just as they were about to enter completely, an old yet authoritative voice rang out from behind the cloaked figure: "Do you really think you can control everything?"
The voice, like ancient thunder, pierced the boundary between illusion and reality, causing all the phantoms present to freeze in surprise, even the cloaked figure involuntarily trembled. The surrounding eerie green flames seemed to dim slightly at the sudden sound of those words.