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

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The old man smiled slightly, tapped his cane lightly on the ground, and said in a gentle yet firm voice: "When we are united, miracles will happen. Children, let ancient wisdom guide you to prove the power of ordinary people."

Zhang Wei clenched his fists, his blood boiling: "Zhao De, Li Na, let's go! Let's show the world that ordinary people can also write legends!"

The three of them stepped forward in unison, each step seemingly breaking through the shadow of fear. The surrounding villagers were encouraged, and their shouts rose and fell, forming an undeniable wave of power.

"Is this the power of the human heart? It's truly astonishing." The being in the shadows seemed to be moved by this scene as well, its voice revealing a hint of interest rather than contempt for the first time.

Just then, Zhao De looked up at the enormous figure that blotted out the sun and declared loudly, "The fate you speak of is nothing but a shackle you impose on others. Today, we will break it and prove with our actions that everyone has the right to change their own destiny!"

"Haha, commendable courage! Then let me see how you use your flesh and blood to fight against this inviolable destiny!" With a deafening laugh, the power in the shadows surged again, as if it would devour the heavens and earth.

Just as a crisis was about to erupt, Zhao De suddenly stopped and took out a seemingly ordinary stone from his pocket. As the stone shimmered, strange patterns appeared on its surface, which were symbols of ancient heritage.

"Isn't this... the legendary Stone of Destiny?!" An elder in the crowd exclaimed, his eyes flashing with excitement and disbelief.

"That's right, this is a treasure passed down through generations of our clan. It has witnessed the courage of countless ancestors in the face of adversity. Today, it will also witness how we rewrite our own destiny!" Zhao De raised the stone and declared war on the shadows in the sky. At that moment, he was no longer an ordinary person, but a hero in everyone's hearts.

Chapter 400 Defending the Homeland

Chapter 400 Defending the Homeland

"What?! How is this possible..." For the first time, the being in the shadows showed panic, and its arrogant aura instantly diminished.

Just when everyone thought victory was assured, the old man suddenly spoke, his tone carrying a profound meaning: "Remember, true victory does not come from external things, but from inner perseverance and awakening. Zhao De, the Destiny Stone is merely a medium; the true power comes from within yourselves."

Upon hearing this, Zhao De felt a sudden sense of clarity. He gripped the Destiny Stone tightly in his hand, his gaze becoming even more resolute: "You're right, sir. We won't rely on any external forces; with only the undying flame in our hearts, we will show the world that the will of mortals is enough to shake destiny!"

Before the words were even finished, Zhao De, Zhang Wei, and Li Na simultaneously emitted a strange energy fluctuation, a resonance of faith and courage. Even the surrounding villagers could feel a warm and powerful force surging in their hearts.

"It seems this game is getting more and more interesting..." the being in the shadows whispered, but the contempt in its voice had been replaced by a deep expectation.

"Whether you are a god or a demon, you cannot take away our will to defend our homeland!" Zhao De's declaration echoed in the square, stirring the hearts of everyone and bringing this unprecedented contest to a close.

"Hey, have you heard? That Zhao De actually brought out the legendary Stone of Destiny!" In the town's teahouse, two simply dressed villagers whispered among themselves, their faces filled with disbelief.

“Yes, I thought it was just a legend. I never imagined that such a great hero could come from our small place.” Another person chimed in, his teacup trembling slightly, clearly shocked by Zhao De’s heroic deeds.

"The appearance of the Stone of Destiny is a major event! Our lives may be turned upside down from now on." A burly man dressed as a hunter joined the conversation, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for the future.

At this moment, several passing travelers outside the teahouse were also drawn to the topic and stopped to listen.

"The Destiny Stone... what's that? It sounds really powerful," one of the travelers asked curiously.

"You don't know? That's a divine artifact that can rewrite destiny! It's said that whoever possesses it can defy fate and even the gods dare not underestimate it." An elderly man who seemed to have seen a lot explained, and the surrounding listeners all looked at him with amazement.

Just as everyone was discussing it, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar, and a panting young man rushed into the teahouse. He was excited and almost incoherent: "Have you heard? Zhao De and the others... I saw the energy emanating from them with my own eyes! It was like... like the brightest star in the night sky!"

The teahouse fell silent instantly, everyone turning to the young man, waiting for him to continue.

“That light was warm and powerful, I… I even felt my heart beating along with it.” The young man’s hands trembled with excitement as he spoke. “And the old man was right, true power comes from within. Zhao De and the others, they awakened some incredible power with their beliefs!”

Immediately, the teahouse was abuzz with discussion. People's eyes held surprise, envy, and above all, anticipation for the unknown.

“If even they can do it, then we…” a woman who had been listening silently murmured to herself, a glint of unprecedented light flashing in her eyes.

Chapter 401 Mysterious Visitor

Chapter 401 The Mysterious Visitor

Just then, a figure silently appeared outside the teahouse. He was cloaked, obscuring his face, but exuded an indescribable air of authority. He slowly entered the teahouse, and the conversation of the crowd abruptly ceased as all eyes turned to this mysterious visitor.

“You are right, true power does indeed come from within.” The man’s voice was gentle and deep, as if it could reach the deepest part of people’s hearts. “But remember, on the road of destiny, there will always be more trials waiting for everyone. Although Zhao De and his group have taken a brave step, the road ahead is still long and full of unknowns.”

As the words fell silent, everyone in the teahouse fell into deep thought. The mysterious visitor left with a meaningful smile, turning and departing, leaving only one sentence echoing in the air:

"Remember, a miracle becomes a miracle because someone dares to believe and relentlessly pursues it. Zhao De's story has only just begun..."

These words stirred a murmur among the people in the teahouse, each feeling a slight ripple of emotion. A slender young man with bright eyes stood up, his voice trembling slightly yet resolute: "I...I also want to become someone like Zhao De. No, I want to forge my own path!"

"Young man, you have ambition!" An old man, weathered by life, patted the young man on the shoulder, his eyes gleaming with approval. "However, remember this road is not easy. Are you ready?"

"Even if the road ahead is difficult and fraught with danger, I will still give it a try!" The young man's words drew praise and encouragement from those around him, and the atmosphere in the teahouse became warm and hopeful.

At that moment, outside the teahouse, a ragged little beggar hid by the door, eavesdropping on everything inside. His dark eyes gleamed with an unusual light as he murmured to himself, "Zhao De... if even he can do it, I... I want to try too."

Just as the discussion inside the teahouse was reaching its climax, a commotion suddenly erupted outside. A messenger, drenched in sweat, practically stumbled into the teahouse: "Everyone, something terrible has happened! Zhao De and his group... they've encountered an unprecedented crisis on their way to the Dark Forest! It's said to be an ancient, ferocious monster!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the teahouse. Some people looked terrified, while many more were worried and anxious.

"How could this happen... Can Zhao De and the others pull through?" The woman from earlier clenched her hands tightly, her brows furrowed.

"Ancient magical beast?! That's a legendary existence!" a young student exclaimed, his eyes filled with both fear and curiosity.

Just then, the mysterious cloaked figure from before seemed to appear out of thin air, standing once again in the center of the teahouse. "The Dark Forest… interesting. It seems Zhao De and the others' trials have come sooner than I expected." He looked around and continued, "But remember, every crisis is an opportunity for growth. Trust Zhao De, and trust every heart that dares to pursue its dreams."

After a moment of silence, a firm voice rang out: "Yes, we should believe. After all, they showed us the possibility of miracles." The speaker was the young man who had decided to embark on the journey earlier, his eyes shining with determination and hope.

The atmosphere in the teahouse gradually warmed up, and people began to discuss how to provide assistance to Zhao De and his men, or at least pass on a message to let the outside world know about their heroic deeds and the predicament they faced.

Chapter 402 The Back of Dreams

Chapter 402 The Back of Dreams

Just as the discussion in the teahouse gradually subsided, and different thoughts arose in everyone's minds, the little beggar quietly left the doorway. His back looked exceptionally thin, but the moment he turned back to look at the teahouse, his eyes revealed a determination and resolve beyond his years.

"Zhao De... one day, I will find you. Perhaps, I can become someone's light." The little beggar whispered, disappearing around the street corner, leaving behind a silhouette of courage and dreams.

The little beggar hurried through the bustling market, a strange determination in his heart seemingly transforming into an invisible force, propelling him forward. The cries of vendors and the laughter of passersby mingled on both sides of the street, but all of this seemed irrelevant to him; his mind was solely focused on seeing Zhao De and proving himself.

"Hey, little one, where are you rushing off to?" An old craftsman who was weaving straw sandals looked up and asked gently. The little beggar stopped, glanced back in the direction of the teahouse, and whispered, "I'm going to find Lord Zhao De, and become a hero like him."

The old craftsman smiled, a hint of approval in his smile: "Oh, really? Then you'd better be prepared, the road to becoming a hero isn't easy. But it's always good to have dreams." With that, he picked up a pair of freshly woven straw sandals from beside him and handed them to the little beggar: "Wear these shoes, and they will take you wherever you want to go."

The little beggar accepted the straw sandals with surprise, nodded gratefully, and turned to continue his journey. Passersby watched this scene and began to murmur amongst themselves.

"That kid actually wants to be a hero? Doesn't he know his place?" Zhao De, a richly dressed nobleman, mocked.

"Hmph, don't underestimate people. Dreams are sometimes more powerful than money." A middle-aged traveler passing by shook his head, disagreeing with Zhao De's remarks.

As time went by, the story of the little beggar somehow spread throughout the city. Some people scoffed at it, but others were moved by his courage and secretly cheered him on in their hearts.

As the little beggar struggled across a desolate wilderness, a figure suddenly appeared before him—the mysterious cloaked man. "Interesting little fellow, your determination has impressed me. You want to find Zhao De? I can help you, but you must prove yourself first."

The little beggar's gaze was resolute: "Whatever the test, I am willing to accept it."

The cloaked figure smiled slightly and pointed to an abandoned ancient castle not far away: "There, there is a sealed magical beast. Although it is not as ancient as the one Zhao De and the others faced, it is still enough to test you. Go, only by conquering it can you truly embark on the path to find Zhao De."

Without hesitation, the little beggar ran towards the castle. The cloaked figure behind him watched his retreating figure, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "Courage and dreams, what enviable things."

Inside the ancient castle, it was dark and cold, the air thick with the smell of decay. The little beggar ventured deeper and deeper, his heart pounding, but he did not retreat. Finally, in the deepest part of the castle, a sealed monster came into view, its eyes gleaming with greedy light in the darkness.

"Come on, prove yourself." A deep voice echoed in his heart, a challenge not only to him, but also to all those who harbor dreams and forge ahead.

Chapter 403 The Real Monster

Chapter 403 The Real Monster

"Zhao De... I will definitely find you. Before that, I will make myself stronger." The little beggar took a deep breath and slowly drew an old sword that had appeared out of nowhere. Although the sword was rusty, his eyes were as bright as stars.

"Hey kid, are you sure you want to do this?" A passing merchant stopped and looked at the little beggar with disbelief. "This isn't just any vicious dog, it's a real magical beast!"

"Yes, I'm sure." The little beggar's answer was firm and calm, his gaze never leaving the magical beast, burning with an unprecedented determination.

"Tsk tsk, these young people these days are really fearless." The merchant shook his head, turned to leave, but then stopped and called back, "Hey kid, if you really make it out alive, remember to come find me, I have something good for you!"

The little beggar nodded slightly, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. Just then, a rustling sound came from the stone wall of the castle, and several thieves hiding in the shadows peeked out, their conversation a mixture of amazement and suspicion.

"Is this guy crazy? Challenging a monster all by himself?"

"Who knows? Maybe he's a hidden master."

"Expert? Haha, I think it's just a newbie looking to die!"

The little beggar heard all the whispers, but remained undistracted. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly and slowly took a step forward; at that moment, the air seemed to freeze.

With a loud bang, the monster broke free of some of its seal and roared as it pounced on the little beggar, its claws drawing vicious arcs in the air. The little beggar leaped to the side, nimbly dodging the attack, and at the same time, a flash of light appeared in his hand. Though rusty, the sword was sharp, precisely leaving a wound on the monster's body.

"What?!" The surrounding thieves exclaimed in surprise, looking at each other in shock.

The battle continued, each clash sending dust billowing through the castle. The little beggar, with his extraordinary willpower and gradually emerging combat talent, slowly weakened the monster's power. Outside, more and more passersby were drawn to this unusual battle, gathering around the castle and discussing it animatedly.

"Look, that child is really fighting a monster!"

"My God, how is this possible? He's just a beggar!"

"Dreams and courage can sometimes really create miracles."

Just as everyone was discussing, the decisive blow finally came from inside the castle. With a deafening roar, the monster's massive body crashed to the ground. As the dust settled, the little beggar, though covered in wounds, remained standing, the tip of his sword pressed against the ground to support himself.

“He…he did it!” A young girl exclaimed, her eyes brimming with tears of excitement. Her voice trembled with admiration and disbelief.

The little beggar slowly walked out of the castle, the sunlight shining on him, making him appear exceptionally dazzling. The onlookers around automatically made way for him, their eyes filled with both awe and doubt.

Just then, a richly dressed old man squeezed through the crowd, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: "Child, I was once Zhao De's teacher, and I have heard of your deeds. Tell me, what drives you to be so brave?"

The little beggar looked up, his gaze resolute: "It's a promise, a belief in a friend, and... a dedication to a dream."

Chapter 404 Defeating the Monster