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Page 247
"The time is not yet ripe; you will know in your own time. May you have enough wisdom to unravel all the mysteries." The voice gradually faded away, leaving the group looking at each other in bewilderment.
"No matter what, there's no turning back now." Zhao De took a deep breath, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.
“That’s right,” Zhao De suddenly interjected, a resolute glint in his eyes, “Since we’ve chosen this path, let’s face it together until we uncover the deepest secrets of the Dark Forest.”
Zhao De nodded, and the four of them set off again. The scenery along the way gradually became eerie and terrifying, with even sunlight struggling to penetrate the dense canopy. Occasionally, strange animal cries could be heard, making their hearts clench.
“Look, those trees… seem to be moving?” Leah nervously pointed to a seemingly ordinary yet subtly eerie grove of trees ahead.
Chapter 461 Shadow Forest
Chapter 461 Shadow Walk Forest.
“This is another wonder of the Dark Forest—the Shadow Forest. The trees sometimes move on their own, trying to confuse intruders,” Zhao De explained, her face showing both worry and excitement. “Stay close to me, I know a relatively safe path.”
As they ventured deeper, the oppressive atmosphere around them grew heavier, and even the air seemed to be filled with unease. Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from behind, and several raggedly dressed men carrying weapons appeared hastily.
"Hey, you lot, hand over all your valuables, or else..." Before the burly man in the lead could finish speaking, he was so frightened by Zhao De's cold gaze that he took a step back.
"Don't you know that this is the Dark Forest, not the territory of any bandits?" Zhao De slowly drew his longsword, the silver blade reflecting a cold light in the dim light.
"Who...who exactly are you people?" The burly man's voice trembled, clearly feeling unprecedented pressure.
Passersby who witnessed this scene began to discuss it amongst themselves.
"Look at these guys, they're really bold, daring to provoke bandits in this dark forest!"
"That young man with the sword has an extraordinary aura. Could he be some kind of reclusive master?"
"Tsk tsk, that woman is not simple either. She has an elegant demeanor, yet she can walk freely in this forest."
"The bandits have really messed up today. This area will probably be much quieter from now on."
Taking advantage of the moment, Zhao De said to the burly man, "While we're in a good mood, why don't we hurry up and leave? You can't afford the real dangers of the Dark Forest."
The burly men looked at each other in dismay, and finally could only slink away, disappearing into the shadows of the jungle. Among the onlookers, some applauded, some whistled, and others whispered among themselves, filled with admiration and astonishment.
Continuing onward, they finally came to an open area where an ancient and mysterious stone tablet stood in the center, covered with obscure and difficult-to-understand runes.
"This is the entrance to the core area." Zhao De pointed to the stone tablet, his expression solemn. "Legend has it that only those with pure hearts who can unlock the secrets of the stone tablet can pass through safely."
Zhao De stepped forward and gently touched the ancient runes, a strange resonance welling up in his heart. "Everyone has secrets and fears they don't want to touch, and perhaps these are what constitute our 'curse.' But as long as we dare to face them, there is nothing we cannot overcome."
“You’re right, Zhao De,” Liya said gently with a smile. “We’ll face it together, whether it’s external threats or inner fears.”
“Then, let’s begin.” Zhao De’s short and powerful words revealed his firm determination.
Just as the four of them were circling the stone tablet, trying to decipher its mysteries, a strange light emanated from its surface, enveloping them...
"Look! There's light over there!" an adventurer exclaimed, attracting a larger crowd.
Is it a miracle? Or a new challenge?
"In any case, they are definitely not ordinary people."
As the light gradually faded, Zhao De and the other three stood still, their faces filled with a look of sudden realization, as if they had obtained some crucial information in that brief moment of light.
The chatter among passersby erupted again, filled with curiosity and speculation:
"Did they really unlock the secret of the stone tablet?"
Chapter 462 The Hidden Treasure
Chapter 462 The Hidden Treasure
"That light... I've never seen anything like it before. It must be extraordinary!"
"Perhaps they can find hidden treasure deep within the dark forest!"
As the crowd buzzed with discussion, Zhao De slowly turned around to face them. His words carried an indescribable power: "Everyone has an unexplored forest within their heart. Take a brave step forward, and you too can discover your own light. What we are doing today is not only to unravel a mystery, but also to tell the world that nothing is impossible."
The crowd reacted in various ways: some were surprised, some were shocked, but most were stirred with passion and longing.
His words made me feel that I could also accomplish something!
"I'm so envious. I wish I could be like them."
"Yes, perhaps I should give up my comfort and pursue my dreams."
Lia walked gently to Zhao De's side, her gaze softly sweeping over everyone: "We are all travelers, searching for answers on our own paths. Perhaps one day, we will meet again, in different places, as stronger versions of ourselves."
Suddenly, Zhao De pointed into the distance, where something seemed to be calling to them: "Look, a new journey is beckoning. We don't have much time left; we must set off immediately."
The four embarked on their journey once more, leaving the crowd behind as they watched their figures gradually recede into the distance until they disappeared at the end of the dense forest path.
"Where will they go?" a young voice asked, full of anticipation.
"Who knows? But one thing is certain: their story will become a legend for all travelers," a seasoned adventurer replied, his eyes gleaming with reminiscence and anticipation.
"I really wish I could follow in their footsteps and witness the birth of those miracles with my own eyes." Another person sighed softly, their tone a mixture of regret and anticipation.
"Hey, have you heard? In the deepest part of the dark forest lies a treasure that can change your destiny..." A seemingly all-knowing passerby began his story mysteriously, and the people around him quickly gathered around, listening with rapt attention.
In the distance, Zhao De and his group are stepping into the unknown, where they will face even more perilous challenges, deeper self-exploration, and secrets that will shake the entire world.
"No matter what lies ahead, as long as we are together, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome." Zhao De's words drifted in the wind, a promise to his partners and an expectation for the future.
Sunlight filtered through the treetops, dappling the four people and adding a touch of mystery to their unknown journey. The soil beneath their feet was damp and soft, each step seemingly treading on the edge of history and legend.
"Speaking of which, Zhao De, what was it that attracted you in the direction you were pointing just now?" Liya asked as they walked, her voice soft yet full of curiosity.
Zhao De smiled, a hint of mystery flashing in his eyes: "It's a premonition, a calling that only travelers like us can feel. It's like an ancient ballad, softly singing in our hearts, guiding us on our way."
"Ancient ballads? That sounds quite poetic," Jack, the youngest in the group, interjected, his tone full of longing. "Are they like the legends say, hiding ancient wisdom or powerful magic?"
Chapter 463 The Traveler
Chapter 463 The Traveler
“Perhaps, Jack.” Zhao De patted him on the shoulder. “Behind every legend lies a truth; the key is whether we have the courage to unveil it.”
On their journey, they stumbled upon a small town, where the residents cast all sorts of strange glances at the four of them.
"Look, it's travelers!" a child exclaimed excitedly, pointing at them and tugging at his mother's clothes.
“Yes, my child, it is said that travelers can reach the ends of the earth and bring back untold stories,” the mother replied gently, her eyes full of tender encouragement.
While taking a short break at a small tavern, they overheard the conversation of several villagers at the next table.
"Have you heard? Strange phenomena have been occurring in the Dark Forest recently; an inextinguishable light can be seen at night."
"Light? Could it be one of those legendary miracles?"
"Who knows? But if those travelers can find the reason, they will surely become heroes when they return."
Upon hearing this, Lia smiled and whispered to her companions, "It seems our destination is more interesting than we imagined."
As night fell, they decided to camp in the wild. By the campfire, the warm firelight illuminated four young and determined faces.
"No matter what we encounter on the road ahead, I believe we can overcome it together," Zhao De said firmly, his eyes shining brightly in the flames.
“That’s right,” Zhao De nodded in agreement, “and we become stronger every time we overcome a difficulty.”
Jack suddenly became excited: "Maybe we really can find that destiny-changing treasure! When that happens, I will use that power to protect everyone on this continent."
"Don't forget I'm here." Lia smiled gently, her eyes shining with a tender yet resolute light. "Our journey is not only about finding treasure, but also about finding ourselves and becoming the people we want to be."
Just as they were immersed in their boundless dreams for the future, a series of hurried yet light footsteps suddenly came from afar, interrupting the tranquil night.
"Who's there?" Zhao De stood up alertly, signaling everyone to get ready.
In the darkness, a figure slowly emerged—a traveler with an aged face and wearing a tattered cloak. He looked up, his gaze piercing the night, staring directly at Zhao De, his deep, hoarse voice exceptionally clear in the still night.
“Young people, you are not just seeking treasure, but the truth of the world. Remember, true strength comes from inner conviction and perseverance. When you are ready, come with me.”
After speaking, he turned to leave, but then seemed to remember something, turned back, and left with one last sentence, his voice filled with an inexplicable heaviness and expectation:
"Remember, the wheel of fate has begun to turn, and no one can escape its course. But you, perhaps, can change its direction..."
As soon as the words were spoken, the old traveler disappeared into the night, leaving the four of them looking at each other, their hearts filled with unprecedented excitement and unease.
"What...what does this mean?" Jack muttered to himself, his face showing both curiosity and doubt. His gaze darted between his companions, trying to find the answer.
Lia gently stroked the short sword in her hand, pondering, "Perhaps our journey is more complicated than we imagine. However, since it's the path we've chosen, there's nothing to fear."
Chapter 464 Monster Attack
Chapter 464 Monster Attack
“Yes, Liya is right.” Zhao De clenched his fists, a resolute flame rekindling in his eyes. “No matter what the old traveler’s words mean, we must continue forward until we uncover all the mysteries.”
Evan, who usually wore a carefree smile, also put away his relaxed expression and said seriously, "Sounds like the beginning of a great adventure. I like it. As long as I can protect the people I care about, I'm willing to face any challenge."
Just as the four were preparing to set off again, a commotion erupted from the tavern at the village entrance. A customer ran out, shouting in terror, "Something terrible has happened! A monster attack! Help!"
"Monster?!" Zhao De and the others immediately became alert, exchanged glances, and quickly ran towards the village entrance.
Along the way, villagers gave way and talked amongst themselves.
"Look, it's those four young outsiders!" A peasant woman, pulling her child along, whispered behind the door, "Could they be our saviors?"
MM Racing