MM Racing Page 249
Page 249
Zhao De stared at the map, his blood boiling again: "The power to change the world? We won't back down, lead the way!"
The surrounding mist seemed to sense their unwavering resolve, slowly dispersing to reveal a previously hidden path. The four exchanged glances, gripped their weapons tightly, and embarked on their new journey. Along the way, they occasionally encountered other explorers or local residents, their conversations adding color to their journey:
"Look, those are the young people who defeated the giant spider!" an old merchant carrying goods exclaimed, almost dropping the bundle in his hands. "I heard they're going to go even deeper; they're truly remarkable!"
"Yes, young people these days are really bold and daring," an elderly man mending a fishing net remarked. "I hope they can bring back some good news so that our lives can be a little better."
As they ventured deeper, the terrain became increasingly treacherous, and challenges arose one after another. Once, while climbing a dangerous peak, they encountered an old hunter with only one arm, who was resting on a rock, his eyes fixed on the distance.
"Young man, the road ahead is fraught with danger, why not choose a life of ease?" The old hunter's words were tinged with the vicissitudes of life.
Zhao De stopped and answered sincerely, "Because some things are more important than comfort. For example, the courage to explore the unknown, the responsibility to protect our home, and the burning passion to pursue our dreams."
Upon hearing this, the old hunter revealed a long-lost smile: "Good, good! With this spirit, nothing in this world is difficult. When I was young, I was just like you, relentlessly pursuing my dreams. Keep going, and perhaps around some corner, you will find the answers you are seeking."
As the sun set, the four arrived at an ancient, ruined city, its crumbling walls exuding an indescribable desolation and mystery. The weathered stone carvings atop the city gate seemed to whisper tales of past glories. Zhao De gazed upon it all, a sense of unprecedented mission welling up within him.
Chapter 469 City of Illusions
Chapter 469 City of Illusions
"This is the location indicated by the treasure map, the legendary 'Phantom City'," Zhao De said softly, his voice echoing through the empty ruins.
Just as everyone was preparing to enter and explore, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar, and a ragged fugitive rushed out, his face full of fear and exhaustion.
"Help...help!" the fugitive gasped, collapsing to the ground. "There's...a monster inside!"
"A monster? What kind of monster?" Zhao De quickly stepped forward to help him up, his eyes filled with both concern and curiosity.
"I don't know... the enormous shadow devoured all light, even the strongest warriors..." The fugitive's words were cut short as his body trembled violently, his eyes filled with horrifying memories.
Zhao De exchanged a glance with his teammates and nodded resolutely: "Now that we've come this far, we can't turn back. Protecting this land and its people is our mission."
The four stepped into the ruins, each step accompanied by the groaning of the ancient stone slabs. Night deepened, the air seemed to solidify, an indescribable oppression enveloping everything. Suddenly, a low roar shattered the silence, and in the darkness, a pair of eerie green eyes quietly lit up.
"Prepare for battle!" Zhao De commanded in a low voice. The four men quickly took their positions and gripped their weapons tightly.
Just then, a gentle yet firm voice rang out from the ruins: "Don't be afraid, it's not a monster, but a cursed guardian spirit."
As the words fell, an elderly man in a long robe with a kind face slowly emerged from the shadows, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.
"Sir, who are you?" Zhao De asked in confusion.
"I am the last guardian of this city. For a long time, I have been waiting for the person who can break the curse and let this city see the light of day again." The old man smiled slightly. "Perhaps, you are the heroes of the prophecy."
"A curse? How can it be lifted?" Zhao De asked eagerly, and his teammates also looked at him expectantly.
The old man sighed softly: "This requires fearless courage, a pure heart, and true sacrifice. Only when you are willing to give up everything and touch the abandoned soul with love and understanding can the curse be lifted."
The conversation abruptly ended. The four exchanged glances, seeing resolve and trust in each other's eyes. They knew that this battle was not only for themselves, but also for the future of the world.
"No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, we will forge ahead without hesitation," Zhao De said firmly, gripping his sword tightly and leading his team into the unknown and challenging depths.
In the deep underground labyrinth, the flickering yellow torches illuminated the resolute figures of Zhao De and his companions. Their steps were heavy, yet each one was filled with unwavering determination. Ancient runes on the surrounding stone walls seemed to whisper tales of the city's past glories and sorrows.
"Look!" Li Na, who was walking at the front, suddenly stopped and pointed to an open space in front of her. There stood a giant gate carved from obsidian, with intricate patterns on it, exuding an awe-inspiring aura.
"Is this the way to the core?" Zhao De asked, his voice echoing in the empty space.
The old man nodded slowly: "Indeed, through this door you will face the source of the curse—the king who once went mad for love. His soul is forever imprisoned here, constantly releasing resentment, which transforms into a curse that shrouds the entire city."
Chapter 470 A Thousand Years
Chapter 470 A Thousand Years
Zhao De turned to his teammates: "Are you ready? We have no way out."
"Captain, we're always with you," Zhang Wei replied in a deep voice, tightening his gear.
With a muffled thud, the giant gate slowly opened, and a gust of cold wind rushed in, carrying with it sorrow and despair. Behind the gate was a void, in the center of which floated a faintly glowing soul, surrounded by endless darkness.
"You've finally arrived..." The voice was hollow and distant, as if it had traveled through a thousand years.
Zhao De stepped forward and said firmly, "We're here to end all of this. Tell us, how can we save you, and save this city?"
His soul trembled, revealing the face of a former king, a trace of gratitude flashing in his eyes: "Only the kiss of true love can unlock the shackles in my heart. But this love must be selfless and unconditional."
Lin Xiao, the most silent member of the group, suddenly stepped forward, her gaze gentle yet resolute: "If this can end your suffering, then I am willing."
Everyone was shocked, and Zhao De quickly grabbed Lin Xiao: "This is too dangerous!"
Lin Xiao gently shook her head: "My decision is made; this is my choice."
Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Lin Xiao slowly approached the dark soul, closed his eyes, and gently kissed it. In an instant, a brilliant light shone forth, like the first rays of dawn, dispelling all darkness and curses. The soul transformed into specks of light, dissipating into the air, while above the city, the long-awaited sunlight finally pierced through the clouds, bathing the earth in its glow.
-
In the city square, the crowd erupted in cheers and jubilation, celebrating the long-awaited return of light. Zhao De and his group stood in the crowd, becoming the center of attention.
“Look, there they are! The heroes who rescued us!” an old woman said excitedly, pointing at them, tears glistening in her eyes.
“It’s unbelievable, they really did it!” the young apprentice exclaimed, his eyes filled with admiration.
"What they possess is not only strength, but more importantly, the courage to sacrifice themselves," a weathered veteran remarked with deep emotion.
Amidst the praise, Zhao De turned to look for Lin Xiao, only to find her standing not far away, smiling as she watched everything. Her eyes glistened with tears, but more than anything, they showed relief and contentment.
"Lin Xiao, you made a remarkable choice," Zhao De said softly as he walked to her side.
Lin Xiao smiled and shook her head: "No, we did it together. And look..."
She pointed to the sky, where a rainbow stretched across the horizon, a symbol of the city's rebirth.
"What will we face next?" Zhao De looked at the rainbow, feeling both anticipation and a little unease.
Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew by, and the crowd in the square looked up to see several points of light appear in the sky. They quickly grew larger and eventually revealed several figures, their clothes fluttering, like celestial beings descending from the heavens.
"It's an apostle from Heaven!" Exclamations erupted from the crowd.
Several apostles slowly descended to the center of the plaza. The leader, handsome with deep eyes, surveyed the surroundings before his gaze finally settled on Lin Xiao and Zhao De. He smiled slightly, his voice clear as a spring, "Lin Xiao, Zhao De, your heroic deeds have spread throughout the realms, even shaking the Heavenly Realm. We have come to invite you both to the Heavenly Realm to receive the honor and rewards you deserve."
Chapter 471 The Celestial Realm
Chapter 471 Ascending to the Heavenly Realm.
These words sparked an even louder uproar among the surrounding crowd, filled with envy and awe.
"The Heavenly Realm! They're going to the Heavenly Realm!" A child exclaimed, his eyes wide with astonishment.
"She's truly a chosen one!" exclaimed an older woman standing nearby.
Zhao De was stunned, unsure how to answer. He looked at Lin Xiao and noticed a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "Lin Xiao, what do you think?" he asked in a low voice.
Lin Xiao was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Glory is good, but I want to know more about whether the other dark places in this world can also see the light. The invitation from the Celestial Realm is an honor, but it may also mean heavier responsibilities. Are we ready to shoulder all of this?"
Her answer gradually silenced the surrounding noise, and people began to seriously consider the significance of the young heroes' choice.
At this moment, an ordinary-looking old man squeezed through the crowd and came to Lin Xiao. He bowed deeply and said, "Young man, no matter what your decision is, remember that a true hero is not only for himself, but also for every life in this world. Follow your heart, and you have a long way to go."
The old man's words were simple yet full of wisdom, as if they had awakened someone from a dream. Zhao De and Lin Xiao exchanged a smile and made a decision in their hearts.
“Honorable Apostles, thank you for the Heavenly Realm’s recognition. But before we prepare to face new challenges, we want to first travel across this continent on our own two feet and use our strength to help more places that need light,” Lin Xiao replied firmly. Her voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable power.
The apostle paused for a moment, then smiled approvingly. “A brave and wise choice. As your messenger from Heaven, I will provide you with the necessary assistance. Heaven will always welcome you when you are ready.”
After speaking, the apostles transformed into streaks of light and rose back into the sky, leaving the city in awe and filled with endless imagination for the future.
"It seems our journey has only just begun," Zhao De said to Lin Xiao with a smile.
"Yes, but with you by my side, I'm not afraid of any challenge." Lin Xiao gently held Zhao De's hand, and the two stood side by side, facing the unknown yet hopeful future.
"So, where's the next stop?" Zhao De asked, his eyes sparkling with a hint of adventure.
“I heard that Dawntown in the Western Territory has recently been plagued by Shadow Beasts, and many families have been displaced,” Lin Xiao said, his gaze drifting into the distance, as if he could already see that suffering land. “Why don’t we start there?”
-
Chenxi Town, once a small town famous for its beautiful sunrises, is now shrouded in a persistent gloom. On the streets, vendors whisper among themselves, their faces filled with worry.
"Have you heard? Several more houses were attacked by Shadow Beasts last night. How are we supposed to live like this!" An old woman selling vegetables shook her head and sighed. The customers around her nodded in agreement, their faces filled with helplessness and fear.
Just as everyone was discussing this, a ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the entrance to the town. The two walked in slowly. Zhao De was tall and handsome, his eyes shining with determination; Lin Xiao was gentle and graceful, yet she exuded a formidable resilience. The faint light emanating from them changed the atmosphere around them.
"Look, aren't those the two heroes the Apostle mentioned?" a child exclaimed excitedly, pointing at the two figures with wide eyes. Immediately, the townspeople turned to look with curiosity and anticipation.
Chapter 472 Shadow Beast Shadow Beast VB
Chapter 472 Shadow Beast
"Are you here to help us deal with the Shadow Beasts?" A middle-aged man with a weathered face stepped forward. He was the village chief of Dawn Town, and the safety of the entire town rested on his shoulders.
“Yes, we are willing to lend a helping hand,” Lin Xiao replied gently, her eyes revealing determination and warmth, which eased the village chief’s tense expression.
"That's wonderful! It's been a long time since we've had such powerful people visiting us." The village chief nodded gratefully, and then explained the situation in the town in detail.
As night fell, Zhao De and Lin Xiao set up an array in the dense forest outside the town, waiting for the Shadow Beast to appear. Under the moonlight, their figures appeared exceptionally resolute, and an indescribable tension and anticipation filled the surrounding air.
"Are you ready? They'll be here soon," Zhao De asked in a low voice, adjusting the weapon in his hand—a sacred artifact bestowed by the heavens, capable of emitting a dazzling light in the darkness.
Lin Xiao nodded gently, clasped her hands together, and chanted a spell. The surrounding natural elements seemed to respond to her call and slowly gathered.