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

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"Of course," Windbell nodded, her eyes revealing a deep understanding of the current situation. "But before that, I have a small request. I hope to have a private conversation with the three of you."

Bellflower's words heightened the tension among those present, and various speculations and questions spread like wildfire. Zhao De and Yun Ge exchanged glances and then nodded slightly, "Okay, follow me."

The group made their way through the crowd toward a relatively secluded hut in the center of the village, their faces constantly watched by curious yet slightly awe-inspiring gazes. Xue'er followed closely behind, remaining vigilant despite her unease.

Just then, an elderly man came over and asked, "Who is this old gentleman...? How does he know these things?" His words were tinged with a hint of worry and a strong interest.

Another person chimed in, “Yes, this is too sudden. What if it’s a scammer? We can’t entrust everyone’s safety to a stranger just because of something of unknown origin.”

At this moment, a young man bravely stepped forward and said, "But we also saw the crystal emitting light! Maybe it really is something important!" His face was full of excitement. "Maybe we can turn this danger into safety!"

"Hmph, what do you know!" A woman gave him a disdainful look. "It's best to be careful."

As such discussions continued, an atmosphere of both anticipation and skepticism permeated the entire village. Meanwhile, in a secret room, four people sat around a small wooden table.

Zhao De cut to the chase: "Since you say you're willing to explain, please tell us how you learned of the existence of this crystal and why you're looking for it?"

Chapter 1006 Risk

Chapter 1006 Risk

Bellflower sighed. "There are many complicated things involved. But in short, this 'Heart of the Abyss' is not a naturally formed object, but a source of power created by ancient magicians. It can control the actions of those monsters—which is why you are facing such a serious threat."

Hearing this, Xue'er couldn't help but ask her question: "But if we had it, wouldn't we be able to solve the current crisis? Why should we give it to you?"

Yun Ge was even more direct: "And how can you prove that what you're saying is true? You should know that we can no longer afford any unnecessary risks."

Faced with these questions, the old man's expression became serious: "Indeed, I can demonstrate it for everyone. But this will take time and involves great risks."

Bellflower slowly stood up, her posture beneath her long robe exuding an air of solemnity. "I can try using this crystal for a demonstration, but it requires everyone's trust and cooperation." She paused, glancing around at the crowd. "I must warn you, doing so might anger these abyssal monsters."

Yun Ge pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhao De, "What are your thoughts?"

Zhao De frowned. "It seems we have no other choice. Since Windbell Grass says she has a way to control those monsters, let's give it a try. It's better than doing nothing." After he finished speaking, he turned his gaze to the kind-looking old man. "Then please begin."

By this time, a large group of villagers had already gathered outside, waiting for news, and they were all discussing it anxiously.

"Oh dear, do you think they'll agree to this old man's request?" an older villager said worriedly.

A young man nearby interjected, "I think Zhao De and the others believe that old man. After all, he's the only one who knows the secret of this stone! Let's just wait and see."

Just then, a little girl suddenly ran into the crowd and shouted, "Mommy, come quick! There's a ball of light flashing over there!" Everyone looked in the direction she was pointing and saw a faint glow emanating from the direction of the secret room, illuminating the night sky like stars falling to earth.

A gasp of surprise erupted from the onlookers. "What's going on?"

"Could it be that mysterious crystal that's glowing?" People started discussing among themselves.

Some exclaimed in amazement, "It's amazing! It's beyond imagination!" Others, however, expressed unease, wondering, "Will this bring about something bad...?"

Just as the villagers were filled with surprise and worry, the situation inside the house became even more intense.

Bellflower held the crystal high above his head, and with a series of incantations, a blue halo appeared around him. A moment later, a slight vibration filled the air, as if the entire space was responding to his words. "See? This is part of the power to control," he said confidently. "Now, what I need to do is release this energy to temporarily suppress the actions of those abyssal creatures outside."

As the light gradually expanded, it eventually transformed into a powerful beam shooting straight into the sky. Shortly afterward, the howls that had been occasionally heard in the distance instantly subsided.

Chapter 1007 A New Type of Monster Emerges from the Darkness

Chapter 1007 A new type of monster emerges from the darkness.

"Wow! It actually works!" The boy who was eavesdropping outside the door was so excited he almost jumped up.

"Incredible..." the woman next to her exclaimed.

However, the good times didn't last long. Just as everyone was cheering because the situation was improving, another unexpected event occurred—a large black shadow suddenly appeared on the distant horizon and quickly spread out...

Xue'er, who was inside the house, was the first to notice the change. "Wait! Look over there!" Everyone turned around and saw countless new, more ferocious and terrifying monsters emerging from the darkness.

Yun Ge's expression turned serious. "They've evolved faster and become more terrifying! What should we do this time?"

Zhao De gritted his teeth and said, "We must find a fundamental solution to the problem as soon as possible."

The villagers outside, seeing the rapidly approaching black shadow in the distance, instantly turned from their jubilant mood to one of solemnity. Screams of alarm rose and fell, fear spreading like a dark cloud.

"Oh my god! What is this thing?!" a little girl asked, trembling, as her mother held her tightly in her arms.

“They…they seem to have become even more terrifying!” the old man beside him said tremulously, his eyes revealing deep unease.

At this moment, the calmest person present was a middle-aged man. "Don't panic, everyone! Old Man Windbell Grass just showed miraculous power. He will definitely help us deal with these monsters!" Although he was also obviously a little scared, he still tried his best to remain calm and give confidence to the people around him.

At the same time, the situation inside the sealed room became extremely urgent.

Zhao De looked at Xue'er, trying to find a feasible solution, "Since you say that these abyssal creatures are evolving, does that mean that our previous methods are no longer effective?"

Yun Ge frowned: "That's true, but I believe there's still a chance. As long as we can find that legendary sealed place... there lies a way to end all of this."

Upon hearing this, everyone's attention focused on the bellflower. The white-haired but piercing old man slowly nodded: "I do know of such a place. However, the journey is extremely treacherous, requiring one to cross towering mountains and face various unknown dangers."

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded at the door. A strong young villager rushed in: "Elders and warriors! The number of monsters outside is increasing, and they have broken through the first line of defense outside the village! Please make a decision quickly!"

These words immediately made everyone present feel the urgency of the situation. Zhao De decisively ordered, "Then do as you say! We must set off for that sealed land now! Every quarter of an hour wasted will result in the loss of more innocent lives!"

Just as everyone was preparing to set off, a seemingly wise young man suggested, "Wait a minute, I think we should split into two groups. One group, led by you and the core team, will explore the seal; the other group will stay here to protect the villagers and try to hold off the enemy as much as possible with the means we have."

This suggestion made the entire team think deeply. "He's right," Zhao De said, turning to ask the others for their opinions. "This would make the operation more efficient and also ensure the safety of the villagers."

A moment of silence fell as everyone weighed the pros and cons. After a moment of contemplation, the old man with the bellflower nodded in agreement: "Good idea. We need to minimize unnecessary sacrifices as much as possible."

Zhao De looked at the young man who had made the suggestion, "What's your name?"

The young man replied respectfully, "My name is Li Haoran."

Even Chapter 1008 couldn't help but be moved.

Even Chapter 1008 couldn't help but be moved.

Zhao De smiled with satisfaction. "Alright, let's do it this way. Li Haoran, you stay behind and lead a group to guard the village, trying to delay the monsters as much as possible. We'll head to the sealed land and try to resolve the problem as soon as possible."

"Yes, I will certainly live up to your expectations!" Li Haoran nodded solemnly.

At this point, Xue'er also stepped forward to express her support: "I agree with doing this. We can train some villagers who have potential but lack experience and let them participate in the defense of the village."

An old man standing nearby sighed, "Alas... I never expected to encounter such a situation. It's truly been a difficult journey... I hope you all return safely."

Just as everyone was busy packing their gear and preparing to split up, villagers came to say goodbye and offer their blessings. A child tugged at Yun Ge's clothes and said, "Brother, you guys have to do your best! We're waiting for your good news!"

Yun Ge gently patted the child's head, "Don't worry, little one, your brother will definitely get things done and come back."

Just as the group was about to separate, a voice suddenly came from the crowd, "Let me join the expedition! I can help!"

Everyone looked over at the sound and saw a young man who usually made a living by hunting—Lei Baozi, whose eyes were firm and full of confidence.

Yun Ge frowned slightly and asked, "Are you serious? This mission is extremely dangerous..."

“I know very well!” Lei Baozi answered decisively, “but I believe in my abilities, and if I can find a fundamental solution to the problem, then it will all be worth it.”

Seeing his unwavering determination, everyone present was moved. In the end, Zhao De made the final decision, "Alright, then you can come with us. But you must stay close to the group and not leave without permission."

Zhao De then gave Li Haoran a few more instructions and told him to make full preparations before leading the exploration team away from the village and heading towards their destination.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the village, several elderly men responsible for guarding the area were discussing the changing situation with great concern.

"That group of people just left. I hope they can find some effective countermeasures," a lean but shrewd and capable man said with a sigh.

Another kind-looking old lady with a full white beard comforted everyone: "Don't worry too much. Now that you've made up your mind, just prepare well for the challenge."

As time ticked by, the situation outside grew increasingly dire. A sense of tension seemed to have settled into the previously calm air...

A short distance ahead, a secluded path shrouded in dense forest came into view. That was the entrance to the unknown world they were about to encounter—

As the group traversed the dark forest and arrived at a desolate valley, Bellflower stopped. "This is the first test on the road to our destination. We must proceed with extreme caution." His words immediately added to the tense atmosphere.

Just then, a strange sound came from the depths of the forest, and everyone immediately became alert. "What is that?!" Lei Baozi lowered his voice, but he still couldn't hide his unease. "Shh..." Yun Ge made a shushing gesture, signaling the others to wait and see what would happen.

Immediately afterwards, several enormous creatures with sharp claws and teeth slowly appeared in the field of vision....

Chapter 1009 A Slight Change in Expression

Chapter 1009 A Slight Change in Expression

These creatures were clearly far more ferocious and terrifying than the abyssal creatures that had appeared before. Upon seeing this suddenly appearing, powerful enemy, even the usually composed Wind Chime Grass couldn't help but change her expression slightly. "Is everyone ready for the challenge? This may only be the real beginning..."

"They're here! Everyone stay alert!" Zhao De reacted quickly, raising his hand to signal everyone to form a defensive formation. And with those words, the battle seemed to erupt instantly.

The enormous abyssal creatures slowly approached, the ground trembling slightly with each step they took. The surrounding air seemed to be filled with a heavy pressure. Everyone gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes fixed on the monsters' every move.

Suddenly, a deep, resonant roar echoed through the depths of the forest, followed by a roar that seemed to echo from another abyssal beast, and an ominous premonition filled the air.

"Everyone hold your ground! Prepare for battle!" Zhao De shouted, directing the troops.

Just then, Lei Baozi stepped forward and said, "I'll try to attract some of these guys' attention so that the others can have a chance to fight back."

"Leopard, you're taking too much risks!" Yun Ge hurriedly stopped him, but before she could finish speaking, the other party had already shot a specially made arrow with a flame effect at the closest monster.

With a loud "bang," the seemingly hard, iron-like flesh was actually ignited. "Awooo—" The monster, now even more ferocious after being attacked, began to run around frantically, searching for the culprit.

Seeing this, the others also joined the battle. "Stay close behind me, don't fall behind!" The old man with the bellflower spoke with unusual calm and authority, as if he could give everyone boundless confidence.

Just as everyone was focused on fighting the enemy, a sudden gust of wind swept through the entire valley. Then, a silver-white figure darted into the fray with lightning speed and instantly killed two small creatures that were attacking the Thunder Leopard. "Phew... thankfully we arrived in time."

When everyone looked up, they discovered that the unexpected helper was none other than the Snow Woman, who hadn't appeared for a long time. This usually gentle and charming girl was now displaying a completely different side of herself. Not only was her combat power astonishing, but more importantly, her cold yet resolute gaze made everyone feel much more at ease.