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

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"Ruins? Haha, many people have lost their lives here while chasing that illusion." A woman next to the burly man sneered, her eyes full of disdain.

“But we believe that the Key of Light will guide us to the answer.” Zhao De confidently displayed the mysterious key in his hand, causing an uproar among the locals around him.

"Look, that glowing key! Could there really be hope?" A child exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement.

“If it’s true, then you will be our heroes!” an old man said excitedly, his voice trembling as if he were expressing a long-held desire.

Encouraged by this unexpected turn of events, the three continued their journey deeper into the icy realm. They encountered blizzards and fought fierce battles against bizarre ice elemental creatures; each victory strengthened their resolve.

Finally, a massive city gate covered in ice and snow came into view—the legendary ancient city. As Zhao De approached, holding the Key of Light, the ancient stone gate slowly opened, revealing a secret path leading to the ruins.

"Unbelievable, we really found it!" Zhao De's voice echoed in the empty ancient city, filled with unbelievable joy.

Just as the three were about to step into the mysterious portal, an aged voice sounded behind them: "Remember, the real test has only just begun."

They turned around and found that the old man had been standing behind them at some point, with a profound smile on his face and endless wisdom in his eyes.

"A test? May I ask who you are...?" Li Na asked doubtfully, her eyes filled with both curiosity and wariness. Zhao De and Zhang Wei also looked puzzled, both turning their gazes to the suddenly appearing old man.

Chapter 396 The Forgotten Sculpture

Chapter 396 The Forgotten Sculpture

The old man smiled slightly, as if he had already anticipated their reaction. "I am the last guardian of this ancient city, responsible for testing everyone who tries to enter the ruins. Only those with firm wills and pure hearts can touch the true secrets."

"Firm-willed, pure and flawless..." Zhao De murmured to himself, a sense of mission inexplicably rising within him. "Then, please tell us, how can we pass your test?"

“It’s very simple,” the old man said, extending a finger to the depths of the ancient city. “That tower is the only way to the ruins. Inside the tower are seven trials, each testing your wisdom, courage, and trust within your team. Pass all the trials, and the secrets of the ancient city will be yours.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Wei's expression hardened. He patted Zhao De and Li Na on the shoulders, "Since that's the case, then we have nothing to be afraid of. We've been through so much together, what can't we solve?"

"That's right!" Zhao De echoed, his eyes flashing with determination.

And so, under the watchful eyes of the ancient city's guardians, the three embarked on their journey to the tower. The city's scenery was desolate and mysterious, with occasional forgotten sculptures, each in a different pose, seemingly telling tales of past glories.

Passing by a market ruin, several figures hiding in the shadows whispered among themselves.

"Look, aren't those adventurers from out of town? They dare to challenge the tower; they're really overestimating themselves." A sarcastic voice rang out.

"Hey, I heard that tower holds endless treasures. If they really succeed, we can benefit from it too!" another said with a hint of longing.

"Hmph, dream on. So many years have passed, how many people have gone in and never come out again? I think they're mostly dead," the first person retorted disdainfully.

These words were overheard by Zhao De and his companions who happened to be passing by. They exchanged a smile but did not stop. Zhao De said softly, "Other people's opinions are not important; what matters is the belief in our hearts."

Beneath the tower, the three exchanged a glance, said nothing more, and resolutely stepped into the entrance. The tower was dark, with only a few beams of light filtering through the gaps at the top, illuminating the steps ahead.

On each new level, they encounter unprecedented challenges: intricate mechanisms requiring wisdom to solve, or ferocious guardian creatures testing their courage and strength. Each time, they manage to overcome these dangers through their mutual understanding and trust.

When they reached the seventh floor, a bright and open space opened up before them. In the center of the secret room stood a dazzling sphere of light, radiating a warm and mysterious glow, seemingly containing the secrets of the entire universe.

"This is... the treasure of the ancient city?" Zhao De asked, half believing and half doubting.

Just then, the old man reappeared behind them. "Indeed, but this is more than just a treasure. It is the crystallization of the wisdom of ancient civilizations. Possessing it can reveal the truth of the world, or it may bring disaster."

"So, do you think we deserve it?" Zhao De looked directly at the old man, his tone firm.

The old man smiled slightly, his kind gaze sweeping over the three. "Whether it's worthwhile is not for me to judge. This is your journey, and your choice. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. If not guided by kindness and wisdom, even the brightest light will become a source of destruction."

Chapter 397 The Man of Light

Chapter 397 The Man of Light

Zhang Wei stepped forward, his expression solemn. "We understand. Whatever power this sphere of light holds, our initial intention is to protect, not destroy. Please trust us."

Li Na gently touched the edge of the sphere of light, and a warm power surged into her heart, causing her to involuntarily close her eyes and feel that purity and harmony. "This feeling... is like hope itself. How wonderful it would be if we could use it to help the world."

The surrounding air seemed to soften because of these words. At that moment, a soft yet clear voice came from the sphere of light, like a whisper from the depths of the universe, which only those who truly seek the light could hear.

"The choice is in your hands. But remember, true strength comes from within. Move forward fearlessly and never forget your original aspirations."

Zhao De, Zhang Wei, and Li Na exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with determination and hope. They knew this was not only a test for them, but also an exploration of humanity and faith.

“We’re ready,” Zhao De said firmly. The three of them simultaneously reached out and touched the sphere of light. Instantly, the sphere burst forth with countless rays of light, illuminating the entire chamber. After the light faded, the sphere transformed into a gentle stream of light, merging into their bodies and granting them unprecedented power and wisdom.

Those figures hiding outside the tower witnessed the sudden burst of brilliant light from the top of the tower, and were filled with astonishment and discussion.

"What is that? The tower... it's glowing?!"

"They...succeeded? How is that possible!"

"This light... I can feel it, the world is about to change..."

As the three slowly emerged from the tower, the residents of the ancient city flocked to them, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity.

"Look, there they are! The warriors who challenged the tower!"

"There seems to be an indescribable radiance about them..."

"Did they really find the treasure of the ancient city? Will it be our salvation, or a new beginning?"

Facing the complex gazes and whispers of the crowd, Zhao De smiled, his voice soft yet clearly reaching everyone's ears: "What we brought back is not just simple treasure, but hope. From now on, we will walk alongside you, using this strength to protect this land and everyone who harbors a dream."

A gasp of amazement erupted from the crowd, mingled with excited cheers and tears. Zhao De's words were like a warm current, piercing through the long-accumulated gloom and warming everyone's hearts.

"Is this...is this the hero we've been waiting for?" an old man asked tremulously, his eyes gleaming with hope.

"I can't believe it! I'm such an old man, I'll see the ancient city come back to life!" The older woman next to me wiped away her tears, her face full of relief.

"It seems the rumors are true! They really do possess unimaginable power!" The young men looked at each other, their eyes filled with surprise and a hint of eagerness.

Just then, a thin little boy squeezed through the crowd, ran up to Zhao De, looked up at him with eyes full of admiration: "Big brother, can you teach me to be as strong as you? I want to protect my mother and stop her from suffering."

Zhao De bent down and gently patted the little boy's head: "Good boy, everyone has the potential to become a hero. As long as you are brave, kind, and don't give up on your dreams, one day you will also become very strong."

Chapter 398 The Guardians of the Ancient City

Chapter 398 The Guardians of the Ancient City

The little boy's face flushed with excitement, and the surrounding villagers were also touched by this heartwarming scene, nodding in approval and filled with boundless anticipation for the future.

Just as the atmosphere was reaching its peak, dark clouds suddenly rolled in from the distant horizon, and a gloomy shadow quickly descended, shattering the brief tranquility.

"What's going on? The weather changed so fast!" People were panicked and started talking.

Zhao De frowned, looked up at the sky, and said in a low voice, "It seems that the real test has only just begun. Those shadows... don't seem to have formed naturally."

Li Na clenched her fists and stood firmly beside Zhao De and Zhang Wei: "No matter what comes, we will not back down. We have the strength, and even more so, the responsibility."

“That’s right,” Zhao De said with unwavering determination. “We are the guardians of the ancient city, the hope of everyone. No matter how difficult the road ahead, we will forge ahead.”

At that moment, a sharp and authoritative voice rang out from the shadows, echoing throughout the ancient city: "Commendable courage, but do you really think you can change your fate with such meager strength?"

Zhao De looked up, his gaze piercing through the layers of dark clouds, as if he could see the challenger behind the shadows: "No matter who you are, since you've come, let's see if the power of fate you speak of is stronger, or if the will and belief of people are more unshakable!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the sky above the ancient city seemed to be split in two, and the clash between light and darkness ushered in a new chapter...

"Come on, let's prove with our actions that under the light of hope, there are no insurmountable difficulties!" Zhao De's voice, filled with unwavering determination, resounded throughout the heavens and earth.

Conversations rose and fell among the crowd, each voice filled with fear of the unknown and trust in the hero.

"This scene is like an ancient myth come to life!" a middle-aged man exclaimed, his eyes fixed on the gradually clearing boundary between light and darkness in the sky, his heart filled with both trepidation and anticipation.

"Brother Zhao, who are they? Are they really messengers of fate?" A young girl tugged at the sleeve of the person next to her, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and unease.

"Don't be afraid, with Brother Zhao De and the others here, the ancient city will definitely be safe and sound." Zhao De comforted her from the side. Although his tone was firm, his clenched fists betrayed his inner tension.

Just as everyone was discussing, the shadows in the sky seemed to hear Zhao De's challenge and began to take shape. A huge figure slowly appeared, carrying an undeniable sense of oppression.

"Hmph, a mere mortal dares to defy destiny?" The figure sneered, his voice containing a world-destroying power.

Zhao De did not back down. He stepped forward, his eyes blazing: "We may be mortals, but the fire in our hearts will never be extinguished. For our homes, for our loved ones, mortals can accomplish extraordinary things!"

"What a boastful statement! Then I'll show you what irreversible fate truly means!" As the figure finished speaking, a powerful surge of energy erupted in the sky, signaling the imminent outbreak of an unprecedented battle.

Just when the atmosphere reached its peak of tension, a gentle yet wise voice came from outside the crowd: "Strength is not everything; wisdom and unity can often find a way out of despair."

The crowd turned to look at the source of the sound and saw an elderly man with white hair, holding a cane, slowly walking into the center of the square. His eyes held a wisdom and tranquility born of a lifetime of experience.

Chapter 399 Unity

Chapter 399 Unity

"The old man is right!" Zhao De nodded in agreement, a renewed fighting spirit rising within him. "We must not only bravely face the challenges, but also wisely find solutions. Everyone, get ready, let's meet this trial together!"

Zhang Wei and Li Na stood side by side, forming an impenetrable defensive line between them. "Whether human or god, anyone who threatens our homeland must pay the price!" Li Na's words were like a ray of sunshine in the cold wind, giving those around her boundless courage.

The villagers encouraged each other and picked up the tools around them. Although they were simple, they seemed to transform into weapons against fate in their hands.

"We'll protect this place together until the very last moment!" Zhao De shouted, his voice filled with confidence in the future and trust in his partners.

At this moment, the shadows in the sky seemed to sense the indomitable will of humanity, and the surge of energy became even more intense, foreshadowing an extremely fierce final battle to come.

Just as tensions were running high and the atmosphere was at its peak, the voice rang out again, this time with a hint of amusement: "Interesting. The spirit of resistance among mortals is always remarkable. So, let me see if your so-called hope and unity can transcend the 'fate' in my hands."

"Never give up!"

"Look, they show no fear whatsoever!" a villager exclaimed in a low voice, his eyes filled with a mixture of astonishment and admiration.

“Yes, this power… comes from within, and is more powerful than any spell.” Another person echoed, their words filled with disbelief.