MM Racing Page 202
Page 202
Feng Xing explained, "This is a surveillance system we developed using remnants of ancient technology. It can detect any movement of the Netherworld Cult across a vast area. With it, it's like having eyes and ears that can see and hear a thousand miles; the Netherworld Cult will have nowhere to hide."
The traveler exclaimed in amazement, "This... is simply mythical technology! You are not only brave but also so wise; it is truly admirable! What can I do to help you?"
Zhao De thought for a moment, then said earnestly, "Traveler, your arrival may be fate's arrangement. You are knowledgeable and well-traveled; if you wish, you can help us gather information from the outside world and learn about the experiences of other regions in fighting the Netherworld Cult. Every piece of intelligence you provide could be key to our victory."
A resolute glint flashed in the traveler's eyes: "I'm willing! It's an honor to participate in such an epic. Please tell me, what should I do?"
"Alright!" Zhao De nodded, then turned around and announced to everyone, "From this moment on, we are no longer weaklings on the defensive, but warriors who control our own destiny. Every person, every action, will determine our future. Now, let us prepare for the final battle!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the crowd, mingled with resolute vows and a burning desire for victory. Children's eyes sparkled with anticipation, young people clenched their fists, and the elderly supported each other, their gazes filled with both worry and trust.
Amidst this warm atmosphere, a young mother, cradling her baby, whispered to Zhao De, "Please come back safely, for the sake of this child, for the sake of the future of all of us."
Zhao De gently stroked the child's head, his gaze resolute: "I promise you, for the sake of every smiling face on this land, I will bring back peace."
As Zhao De's promise echoed in the air, the discussion and debate among the crowd grew increasingly heated. Everyone was inspired by this determination, and a spark of hope ignited in their hearts.
An elderly man with white hair slowly walked forward, pointing a trembling finger at Zhao De, his voice filled with disbelief and excitement: "You...you really can end this nightmare? We've lived in the shadow of fear for far too long."
Chapter 271 Nowhere to Hide
Chapter 271 Nowhere to Hide
Zhao De smiled and grasped the old man's hand, his firmness seemingly conveying strength: "Yes, sir. As long as we are united, nothing is impossible. Believe in me, and believe in the power of each and every one of us."
Nearby, several young villagers gathered together, excitedly discussing the upcoming changes.
"The Eye of the Stars! It sounds like a treasure from mythology. Our village is about to defy fate!" One of the young men couldn't hide the excitement on his face.
Another girl with a ponytail chimed in, "Yes, Brother Zhao De always manages to surprise us. I've heard that even those mysterious and unpredictable masters of the Netherworld Sect have nowhere to hide in front of the 'Eye of the Stars'."
Just then, a child tugged at the adults' clothes, staring wide-eyed, and asked, "So, will we soon be able to stop hiding? Daddy said that once we defeat the bad guys, he can take me to see the sea on the other side of the mountain!"
Hearing this, the adults around couldn't help but smile at each other. One of the middle-aged women patted the child's head and replied gently, "Yes, baby, that day will come soon. With Brother Zhao De here, we are not afraid of any difficulties."
Just as everyone was immersed in an atmosphere of hope, a villager who rushed over from afar interrupted everything. He was covered in sweat and his face was full of anxiety: "It's bad! The Netherworld Cult seems to have sensed something and is gathering its forces, with our village in sight!"
These words caused an immediate silence to fall over the crowd, a hint of tension and unease crossing each face. But this unease was quickly replaced by an unprecedented sense of unity and determination.
Zhao De looked solemnly at everyone, his tone firm: "It seems the decisive battle is coming sooner than we anticipated. But that's not terrible, because we are prepared. Now, act according to the previously established plan, each fulfilling their duties and holding their posts. Traveler, you set off now, take our request, and find reinforcements. We don't have much time left."
The traveler, a lean and quick-witted young man, nodded swiftly upon hearing this, his eyes flashing with determination. "Don't worry, Brother Zhao De, I will find reinforcements as quickly as possible and will not let the village down!" As soon as he finished speaking, he vanished from sight like a black lightning bolt, disappearing into the forest path.
Zhao De turned to the villagers, his voice becoming gentle yet encouraging: "Everyone, return to your posts, strengthen defenses, and prepare for evacuation. Remember, protecting your families and yourselves is our most important task."
From the crowd, the girl with the ponytail stood out, her clear voice filled with determination: "Brother Zhao De, let me help too! Although I'm not very strong, I can take care of the wounded and do some odd jobs."
“Me too!” “Count me in!” Several young villagers responded one after another, their voices converging into an undeniable force, warm and firm.
Zhao De smiled and nodded, his heart filled with warmth: "Very good. With you all here, we are even more invincible. Now, let's begin!"
As soon as the order was given, the entire village sprang into action, every face etched with determination and hope. Children were properly settled, while the elderly gathered to pray for the young soldiers, an unprecedented sense of unity filling the air.
Chapter 272 Protecting Our Homeland
Chapter 272 Protecting Our Homeland
At that moment, ominous dark clouds began to gather on the distant horizon, foreshadowing an impending storm. But under Zhao De's leadership, no one chose to retreat; they held only one belief in their hearts—to protect their homeland until the very last moment.
In a corner of the village, Zhao De held a private meeting with several elders, discussing their final strategy. "We must make good use of the Eye of the Stars; it's not only our hope, but our only chance of victory. Elders, what do you think we should do?"
An elder with profound eyes pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "The power of the Eye of the Stars is strong, but its use is subject to harsh conditions. It can only be most effective under specific celestial phenomena. We need to calculate the timing precisely and at the same time lay a trap to lure the Netherworld Cult to the pre-arranged battlefield."
The discussion grew increasingly heated, with every detail meticulously scrutinized to ensure absolute perfection. Amidst this intense preparation, night quietly fell, and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, as if guided by destiny.
Zhao De looked up at the starry sky, silently calculating in his mind. Suddenly, a shooting star streaked across the sky, and a resolute glint flashed in his eyes, "Now! Proceed according to plan."
Under the cover of darkness, the villagers silently completed their deployment. The wounded were safely evacuated, while the young men hid in the shadows, clutching their simple but reliable weapons, awaiting the moment that would decide their fate.
In the night wind, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar, and the Netherworld Cult's group appeared at the village entrance like ghosts. The leader, dressed in a black robe, had a sinister face. He smiled coldly, "Zhao De, do you think such a small trick can escape my grasp? Hand over the Eye of the Stars, and perhaps I can spare your life."
Zhao De stood in the open space in front of the village, his figure appearing particularly lonely yet resolute. "I will not let you succeed. For our homeland, for each and every one of us, I am willing to give everything."
Hearing this, the surrounding villagers, though filled with fear, were also stirred by their inherent stubbornness. In the crowd, a girl with a ponytail bit her lip and whispered to the young man beside her, "Brother Zhao De is really brave. I want to be like him."
The young man patted her on the shoulder and said, “We are all part of this battle. As long as we are united, nothing is impossible.”
Just then, the constellations in the sky suddenly changed, and the light of the Eye of the Stars flickered, as if responding to the call of the earth. Zhao De's heart stirred, and he shouted, "The time has come!"
The villagers acted according to their pre-arranged plan, using the terrain and pre-set traps to throw the Netherworld Cult's forces into chaos. The black-robed man was enraged at the sight and was about to retaliate when he was stunned by a sudden burst of light—the power of the Eye of the Stars was fully activated, forming a dazzling curtain of light that illuminated the night sky and the hearts of everyone present.
The villagers were stunned, but even more so, they were overwhelmed with awe and excitement. An old man murmured to himself, "This...this is a miracle! We really can win!"
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhao De led his men in a counterattack, every movement brimming with power and determination. The Netherworld Cult members were forced into retreat by the power of the stars, and the black-robed man, seeing the situation was dire, attempted to flee.
"Trying to run? Not so easy!" Zhao De gave chase, and the two engaged in a fierce pursuit across the starlit fields.
Just as Zhao De was about to catch up with the man in black, the light of the Eye of the Star in the sky suddenly dimmed, as if foreshadowing something ominous. Taking advantage of the moment, the man in black sneered, turned, and disappeared into the night.
Chapter 273 The Joy of Victory
Chapter 273 The Joy of Victory
Zhao De stopped and stared in the direction he had disappeared, his eyes filled with complex emotions. "It seems this is just the beginning..."
Back in the village, the villagers flocked to him, their faces beaming with the joy of victory, yet tinged with worry about the uncertainty of the future.
The girl with the ponytail ran up to Zhao De, her eyes shining with admiration. "Brother Zhao De, you're amazing! But will that person come back? What should we do?"
Zhao De gently patted the girl's head, a bitter smile on his face. "No matter what the future holds, as long as we're united, there's no difficulty we can't overcome. However, next time, we won't give him any more chances."
As soon as Zhao De finished speaking, a slight commotion arose in the crowd, with villagers whispering and discussing among themselves.
"Zhao De is right. As long as we unite, that man in black robes won't be able to act so arrogantly anymore!" a burly man shouted, drawing nods of agreement from those around him.
"But what about the Eye of the Stars? Is it really the gods protecting us?" A young woman asked, holding her child's hand with curiosity and a hint of awe.
At this moment, an elderly man with white hair squeezed into the crowd. He leaned on his cane, and his voice, though trembling, was firm: "The Eye of the Star in ancient legends only shines when a true hero appears. Zhao De, you are our hero! But just as the stars have their bright and dark moments, our path will not be smooth sailing either."
Upon hearing this, Zhao De's gaze hardened even more. He looked around at the villagers and said in a deep voice, "The old man is right. We cannot let our guard down just because of a temporary victory. From now on, I will strengthen training, lead everyone to learn more combat skills, and study the secrets of the Eye of the Stars to prepare for the next challenge."
A murmur arose from the crowd, mostly expressing surprise and excitement, but also some voices of concern.
"Learn to fight? Brother Zhao De, isn't that too dangerous?" the girl with the ponytail asked again, her eyes filled with both anticipation and unease.
“Annie, how can you see a rainbow without going through wind and rain?” Zhao De replied gently, his gaze passing over the crowd and looking into the distance. “We must become stronger, not only to fight against that man in black robes, but also to protect everything we love.”
Just as everyone was engrossed in their conversation, a strange figure quietly appeared at the village entrance. He was a ragged traveler, looking exhausted, but his eyes gleamed with an unusual light. The villagers immediately became alert, forming a semicircle around the traveler.
"Don't be nervous, I'm not the enemy." The traveler uttered these words, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable power. "I come from the distant city of Salt, and having heard of what has happened here, I have come to offer my assistance."
Zhao De stepped forward, sizing up the uninvited guest. "Sart City? How do you know about our affairs here? And why are you helping us?"
The traveler smiled slightly and took out an exquisite star-shaped pendant from his pocket, which sparkled in the sunlight. "Because I can feel the power of the Eye of the Stars, which guided me here. As for why I helped, perhaps it's because we have a common enemy, or perhaps it's because... we both believe in hope."
Zhao De took the pendant and examined it closely. Its light seemed to echo the brilliance of the Eye of the Stars in the night sky, and a strange sense of trust welled up within him. He looked up at the traveler, a smile playing on his lips: "Well then, welcome to the group, unknown friend. May I ask your name?"
Chapter 274 Potential
Chapter 274 Potential
"Just call me Zhao De," the traveler replied simply. Then his gaze swept over the tense and curious villagers around him. "It seems you have already made some initial preparations, but to deal with a stronger threat, we need not only courage and faith, but also wisdom and strategy."
A middle-aged woman holding a child approached cautiously and asked, "Mr. Zhao De, can you really teach us more?"
Zhao De smiled and nodded. "Everyone has potential; the key is how to unleash and guide it. For example, utilizing environmental advantages, setting traps, or learning basic magical defense can greatly enhance our strength."
The villagers looked at each other, a spark of hope gradually igniting in their eyes. Even Annie, the girl with the ponytail who had been the most worried before, now had a look of longing in her eyes.
“Learn magic defense? That sounds so cool!” Annie exclaimed excitedly.
“Yes, magic is not only a manifestation of mysterious power, but also a crystallization of knowledge and wisdom,” Zhao De explained. He turned to Zhao De and said, “First, we need a safe place as a training base, and then we need to develop a detailed training plan.”
After a moment's thought, Zhao De nodded decisively: "The abandoned mine on the east side of the village has a complex and hidden terrain, making it suitable as a training ground. I will organize people to clear it out immediately. As for the training plan, I'll leave it to you, Zhao De."
The news spread quickly throughout the village, and even the oldest villagers were excited. They sat around the old locust tree at the village entrance, talking in hushed tones.
"This Zhao De might really be a savior sent by heaven."
"Yes, with Zhao De and this wise outsider, the future of our village seems full of hope."
As the sun rose and set, the abandoned mine was transformed into a simple yet fully functional training camp through everyone's efforts. Every morning, the villagers would gather here on time, and everyone, from children to the elderly, would devote themselves to training with unprecedented seriousness and enthusiasm.
A few weeks later, as the villagers finished their day's training in the afterglow of the setting sun, Zhao De and Zhao De stood on the hill, overlooking this vibrant land.
“Look, they are no longer the weaklings they once were,” Zhao De said with satisfaction.
Zhao De nodded slightly, "Yes, but they still need to undergo real tests before they can become invincible warriors."
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation. A young man came running up the hill, panting, "Brother Zhao De, Mr. Zhao De, something bad has happened! We've spotted black-robed men to the northeast, and they seem to be heading this way!"
Zhao De's expression was solemn. He turned to look at Zhao De and said, "It's time to test our results. Prepare for battle, but this time, we must take the initiative."
“I agree,” Zhao De said, a sharp glint in his eyes. “However, before that, I think it’s time to uncover some secrets about the Eye of the Stars. Zhao De, the true power of the Eye of the Stars is not just protection, but… awakening.”
"Awaken?" Zhao De frowned, his voice tinged with doubt and anticipation. "Awaken what?"
"Awaken the potential deep within every life, an ancient and powerful source of strength that resonates with the Eye of the Stars, granting ordinary people the power to fight evil," Zhao De explained slowly, his tone revealing an unwavering determination. "Now is the time to activate all of this."