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

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"You...you are the heroes who went to the southern villages?" the old man asked tremulously, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

"Yes, sir, are you alright?" Zhao De stepped forward to help him up and asked with concern.

"Thank you! The bullies have taken over our village, and my family and many other villagers have been taken away. Please save them!" the old man sobbed.

The villagers who had been watching gathered around and began to discuss it amongst themselves.

"Look, this is the legendary Lord Zhao De!"

"You're really capable; you took care of those bullies in one go."

"It's so great to have someone like this standing up for us!"

"Go tell everyone, a hero has arrived!"

Zhao De turned to the crowd and said, "We not only need to rescue the villages in the south, but these suffering people in front of us also need help. Does anyone have any objections?"

"Following Lord Zhao De is our duty!" A chorus of agreement rang out from the ranks.

Chapter 614 The Misty Forest of the North

Chapter 614 The Misty Forest of the North

"Alright! Then we'll rescue the villagers here first, and then continue south. Remember, what we need is speed and precision, to minimize innocent casualties." Zhao De gave the order in a deep voice, his eyes gleaming with determination.

As the plan unfolded, a thrilling rescue operation commenced. As night fell, the team, using the moonlight as cover, infiltrated the thieves' hideout. The resourceful and courageous Zhao De led his men, successfully rescuing the imprisoned villagers and discovering the thieves' hidden treasure—a crucial clue to the lost riches.

On the way back, the old man held Zhao De's hand tightly, tears of gratitude streaming down his face: "You are not only warriors, but also guardians of this land."

"Old man, this is just the beginning. The road ahead is long, and there are many more unknown challenges." Zhao De gazed into the distance, his eyes resolute.

"Lord Zhao De, where should we go next to look for other clues about the treasure?" the female hunter asked curiously.

“According to this ancient map, the next clue points to the Misty Forest to the north, a place full of magic and danger.” Zhao De slowly unfolded the map and lightly tapped it with his finger. “There, perhaps, lies the key to unlocking the treasure.”

The villagers surrounded Zhao De, their eyes filled with anticipation and unease. A young farmer couldn't help but interject, "The Northern Misty Forest? That's a place even the bravest explorers dare not venture into! Lord Zhao De, are you really taking us to such a place?"

Zhao De smiled slightly, a smile that contained both confidence and uncertainty about the future: "That's right, but as long as there's a glimmer of hope to find the treasure and save more suffering people, I will not back down. Moreover, I believe in the strength of our team; there's nothing we can't overcome."

A burst of exclamations and murmurs erupted from the crowd.

"Lord Zhao De is truly brave and fearless!"

"With a leader like this, what is there to worry about!"

"Yes, I've heard that ancient magic is hidden in the Misty Forest. Maybe I can even learn a few tricks!"

Just then, an elderly wizard hobbled over with a cane, his eyes deep and seemingly seeing through everything: “Lord Zhao De, the northern misty forest is indeed extremely dangerous, but I am willing to use my remaining magical power to guide you. This is not only for finding treasure, but also to end the suffering on this land.”

Zhao De nodded solemnly, his heart filled with gratitude: "Master Wizard, we will remember your kindness. Let us work together for a better tomorrow."

On the eve of their departure, Zhao De gathered all the team members around the campfire, the flickering firelight reflecting on each of their faces. "Tomorrow, we will embark on a new journey. This is not just an adventure, but a challenge to ourselves. I hope everyone returns safely, so no matter what difficulties we encounter, we must unite and rely on each other." His voice sounded particularly firm in the quiet night, inspiring everyone's hearts.

A taciturn swordsman in the group suddenly spoke up: "Zhao De, I used to be a lone wolf, but you have given me a sense of belonging. This time, I will protect everyone with my life until the very last moment."

Zhao De patted the swordsman on the shoulder, his eyes full of approval: "We all have a past, but here, we write our future together."

Chapter 615 The Journey North

Chapter 615 The Journey North

The following morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the thin mist and illuminated the road ahead, Zhao De and his team embarked on their northward journey. Along the way, more and more villagers learned of their deeds and spontaneously joined them, providing supplies or offering verbal encouragement, thus growing the team ever larger.

As the group grew, the scenery changed from familiar country lanes to rugged mountain roads, and then to the edge of the legendary northern misty forest, where a mysterious and unsettling atmosphere began to permeate the air. Zhao De walked at the very front of the group, his gaze resolute, glancing back frequently to make sure that each of his followers was safe and sound.

A passing vendor, seeing the large procession, stopped in his tracks, his mouth agape in surprise: "Wow, what's going on here? Such a big commotion!" He turned to a passerby who was also watching and asked, "Do you know who they are?"

"I heard that it's Lord Zhao De leading a team to search for treasure in the Misty Forest!" the traveler replied, his eyes gleaming with disbelief. "They're really brave. It's a rare treat to witness such a feat in our lifetime!"

"Treasure? Hmph, that's the Misty Forest. Nine out of ten people who go in never come out." An old hunter scoffed disdainfully, but then sighed, "However, if we can find something that can save us from our suffering, that would be a good thing."

These discussions were keenly noticed by a young female mage in the group. She whispered to her companion, "It seems that our actions have attracted a lot of attention. This is not only a test for us, but also an opportunity to give hope to those who are still struggling in suffering."

The group ventured deeper into the fog, which thickened and visibility plummeted. Then, the elderly wizard's cane began to glow faintly, guiding the group. "Stay close to me, don't fall behind," the wizard's voice rang out, unusually calm in the fog, offering everyone a sense of security.

After several days of arduous trekking, they finally arrived at a secluded valley. Just as everyone was taking a short rest, suddenly, a melodious song drifted over, beautiful and with a mysterious magic that made everyone involuntarily turn to look in the direction of the sound.

"That singing... is coming from that lake over there," a skilled scout said, pointing to a misty body of water not far away.

Zhao De stood up, looked at the lake, and a resolute glint flashed in his eyes: "Whatever it is, since it has appeared on our path, it is a destined test. Let's go and see."

As they approached the lake, the song abruptly ceased, and a woman in a magnificent robe slowly emerged from the mist. Her beauty was breathtaking, and her eyes seemed to hold the stars and the sea. "Welcome to the Heart of the Mist, brave travelers," she said, her voice like heavenly music, soothing and delightful.

Zhao De bowed politely: "I am Zhao De. We have come here to find a treasure that can relieve the suffering of the people. May I ask, do you know anything about it?"

The woman chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her eyes: "Treasure? It certainly exists, but whether you can obtain it depends on your qualifications. I'll give you a test; once you pass, I'll inform you."

Chapter 616 Accepting the Challenge

Chapter 616 Accepting the Challenge

"A test?" A murmur rippled through the group, each face etched with curiosity and tension. The young female mage stepped forward, her gaze resolute: "Please speak. Whatever the test may be, we will give it our all."

The woman nodded slightly, her finger lightly touching the lake's surface. Instantly, the water shimmered, conjuring up a series of images: dilapidated villages, displaced people, and monsters roaming freely. The images finally settled on an ancient altar, its center radiating a beam of light, yet guarded by numerous traps and monstrous creatures. "The true treasure lies in salvation, not possession. Only by breaking the seal on this altar and releasing its power can we save the people from their suffering," the woman's voice echoed solemnly in the air.

"This..." The group fell silent for a moment, everyone deeply shocked by the scene before them.

“We are willing to accept the challenge.” Zhao De’s voice broke the silence, his eyes more resolute than ever. “For those still struggling in the darkness, we have no way out.”

The woman nodded in satisfaction and said softly, "Remember, only with compassion and wisdom can you overcome all difficulties. Go and prove your worth."

Having bid farewell to the mysterious woman, the group embarked on their journey once more, this time with a clear objective—the ancient altar. Along the way, they encountered unimaginable difficulties: cunning goblins, ferocious monsters, and mind-altering illusions. Each time, it was through mutual trust, wisdom, and courage that they managed to overcome these dangers.

After a period of arduous and painstaking effort, when they stood before the ancient altar, each of them was filled with complex emotions. The altar was surrounded by various traps and mechanisms, clearly not easily overcome.

"It seems this is the final hurdle." Zhao De looked around, took a deep breath, and asked, "Is everyone ready?"

"We are always with you!" the team members responded in unison, their unwavering determination resonating even in the air.

At Zhao De's command, the group split up, each utilizing their unique skills: the ranger used precise arrows to trigger distant mechanisms, the young female mage used spells to dismantle one magical trap after another, and the seasoned wizard used ancient knowledge to decipher clues in the ancient inscriptions on the altar. In this test of wisdom and strength, the power of teamwork was fully demonstrated.

Just as they were about to touch the beam of light, a deep roar came from the depths, and a huge shadow beast slowly appeared, its eyes like abysses, radiating a terrifying chill.

"It seems the real test is just beginning." Zhao De drew his sword, his eyes growing even more resolute. "Everyone, be careful! Attack together!"

A fierce battle unfolded on the ancient altar. Everyone fought with all their might, the battle a mix of pain and sweat, yet filled with unparalleled passion and fervor. Finally, through a clever coordinated attack, Zhao De found the Shadow Beast's weak point, piercing its heart with a single sword strike. As the Shadow Beast crashed to the ground, the entire altar trembled, and a beam of light burst forth, illuminating the entire valley.

"We did it!" A cheer erupted from the team as they hugged each other, tears and smiles mingling together.

Chapter 617 A Crack Opens in the Sky

Chapter 617 A Crack Opens in the Sky

"Look!" The young female magician pointed to the sky, where a crack had appeared in the previously cloud-covered sky, and sunlight streamed through the clouds, bringing unprecedented warmth and light.

Bathed in that beam of light, Zhao De slowly walked to the center and reached out to touch the light. A warm and powerful force surged into his body, and he knew that this force was enough to change the world.

"Zhao De, how are you feeling?" the eldest wizard in the group asked with concern, his eyes filled with both expectation and worry.

Zhao De smiled slightly, a smile that carried a newfound confidence: "I'm fine. This power... is even more astonishing than I imagined. We can do far more than we thought."

The passersby they had encountered earlier quietly gathered around, their faces filled with astonishment and awe. One villager whom Zhao De had previously helped whispered, "Look, they really did it! I thought it was just a legend; the ancient power of light truly exists."

Another young man dressed as a traveler chimed in, "They not only exist, they've mastered it. Especially Zhao De, the leader; his courage and wisdom are like those of an ancient hero reborn!"

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zhao De turned around, his gaze sweeping over each person before finally settling on the spot where the mysterious woman had appeared, though she had vanished without a trace. "Everything we've done is to give more people hope. But... this is just the beginning."

"Start?" the burly man in the group asked doubtfully, his tone full of confusion. "Is there an even harder challenge waiting for us?"

“That’s right.” Zhao De’s answer was resolute. “This power reveals a greater secret, a truth about the world, and the real threat hidden behind the darkness. We must find all the ancient altars and awaken the remaining power. Only in this way can we protect this world and prevent darkness from shrouding it again.”

The ranger's eyes gleamed with excitement: "It sounds like a new adventure! I can't wait to see what other monsters await us!"

The female mage laughed too, her smile filled with a boldness that rivaled any man's: "Yes, as long as we're together, nothing is impossible."

Just as everyone was immersed in the joy of victory and their hopes for the future, a gentle breeze blew by, and that familiar yet mysterious voice rang out once more: "Remember, true strength comes from the unity and love of people's hearts. The road ahead will be even more difficult and dangerous, but as long as there is light in your heart, you will have nothing to fear."

Zhao De looked up in the direction from which the voice came. Although the figure did not appear, his gratitude was beyond words. He took a deep breath and said firmly to the empty space, "We understand that no matter how difficult the road ahead may be, we will stand shoulder to shoulder and move forward together."

The surrounding crowd, drawn by the sudden conversation, whispered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with curiosity and reverence. An elderly man with white hair pushed through the crowd, his body trembling as he approached Zhao De. He grasped Zhao De's hands tightly, a genuine smile spreading across his wrinkled face: "Children, you are the light of hope for this land. Though I cannot walk with you, my heart will always be with you."

Chapter 618 A New Test

Chapter 618 A New Test

Zhao De gently patted the old man's hand, his gaze tender: "Grandpa, your trust and support are our greatest motivation. Please rest assured, we will protect this land and let it bask in the light once more."

Just then, a young boy came running up, panting, his eyes shining with urgency: "Lord Zhao De, something terrible has happened! The village well has suddenly dried up, and... and the ground at the east end of the village is starting to crack, as if something is about to burst out!"

These words immediately stirred the crowd, unease and fear spreading rapidly. Zhao De frowned deeply; he knew this was no accident, but a sign that the dark forces were stirring. "Everyone, prepare to depart. This is not the end, but a new test. We must go immediately, uncover the truth, and protect the innocent."

The team quickly prepared to depart, while the villagers spontaneously provided them with the necessary supplies, offering words of encouragement as they helped. A young mother, cradling her baby, had tears welling in her eyes: "Please come back safely, for our child, for tomorrow."

Zhao De looked back at the crowd, a sense of responsibility surging within him like never before: "We will not let you down. For our homeland, for the light, we swear we will never retreat!"

Just as the group was about to embark on their journey, the mysterious woman's figure suddenly appeared and disappeared in the sunlight. She whispered to Zhao De, "Remember, the real trial has only just begun. Your heart will determine everything."

Zhao De nodded firmly, his eyes shining brightly: "I will. Whatever awaits us ahead, I will face it bravely."