"Well said, Yueyue." Su Mo stood up and stretched. His figure was stretched by the bonfire in the night. "Tomorrow, no matter what we encounter, we will fight side by side."
"Yes, tomorrow is another new day." Li Zixue also agreed, and the book of wisdom was gently turned over by the campfire, making a slight rustling sound, as if preparing for the upcoming adventure.
The mysterious traveler looked around at everyone, with an imperceptible smile on his lips: "Rest, friends. Strength not only comes from physical rest, but also from mental preparation. Tomorrow, we will witness more."
As the night gets darker, the small village returns to tranquility, except for the slight snoring of the five people around the campfire. The stars dotted the night sky, as if they were also silently paying attention to this group of travelers who were on a mission.
The next morning, the first ray of sunlight penetrated the mist and awakened the sleeping earth. Zhao Ming and his party packed their bags and prepared to embark on the journey again. The villagers gathered spontaneously to see them off with a simple breakfast and blessings.
"Heroes, please come back safely!" A woman's eyes were filled with tears, holding freshly baked dough in her hands.
"We will, thank you for your blessing." Zhao Ming took the dough, and the warmth spread from the palm of his hand to his heart.
Just as they were about to leave the village, a thin boy squeezed through the crowd and timidly handed over a cloth bag: "Brothers and sisters, I drew this. I hope you can take it with you, just like I am with you." ”
Zhao Ming bent down to take it, and when he unfolded it, he saw a rough but emotional picture - five people standing side by side in front of the majestic temple, with the sun shining and everything revived.
"Thank you, kid, we will move forward with your courage." Zhao Ming's words were gentle but firm, making the little boy's eyes light up instantly.
Embarking on a new journey, the five people felt heavier and more determined. Yueyue took out the little boy's paintings from time to time, seeming to draw some strength and inspiration from them.
"Look, even such a young child believes that we can succeed, so why should we back down?" She raised the painting, determination shining in her eyes.
"Indeed, children's innocence is often the best encouragement." Li Zixue smiled, and the book of wisdom reflected a warm light in the sun.
"Moreover, this is also our responsibility." Su Mo gripped the hilt of the sword tightly, with fighting spirit flashing in his eyes, "For the sake of these people who are looking forward to us, we must move forward."
The mysterious traveler looked up and looked ahead, with a bit of solemnity in his tone: "Soon, we will reach the ancient forest, which is the key to the temple and the first real test we face."
As we go deeper into the forest, the surrounding scenery becomes darker and darker, and there is an ominous atmosphere in the air. Suddenly, a huge beast jumped out of the forest, opened its bloody mouth, and rushed towards them.
"Get ready to fight!" Zhao Ming shouted, drawing his sword in his hand, and the others quickly entered the fighting state. The atmosphere around them was extremely tense.
After a fierce battle, the beast finally fell to the ground. The five people gasped and looked at each other, with indescribable tacit understanding and trust in their eyes.
Just as they were about to move on, a low horn sounded deep in the forest, echoing endlessly and making people feel chilly.
"Is this... a summons?" Yueyue murmured to herself, flipping the notes in her hands, trying to find relevant information.
"Whether it is true or not, we have to find out." The mysterious traveler took the lead, followed closely by the others. The key to unlocking all mysteries seemed to be hidden deep in the forest.
As they went deeper, the sound of the horn became clearer, until they came to an open area. The sight before them shocked them - a group of armored warriors surrounded an ancient altar, and above the altar, a The old man in rich clothes is closing his eyes and meditating.
"Welcome, guardians." The old man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze seemed to have penetrated the mists of time, "I have been waiting for you here for a long time."
"Who are you? Why do you know our identities?" Zhao Ming asked cautiously, his hand never leaving the hilt of the sword.
"I am the last guardian of the temple," the old man said in a vicissitudes and solemn tone. "I am waiting here just to pass on this responsibility to you - the real challenge and the fate of the world will be written by you."
"A real challenge?" Su Mo raised his eyebrows, a sharp flash in his eyes, "Then, please tell us, how can we pass the test and protect the world?"
The old man smiled and did not answer directly, but pointed to a luminous gem in the center of the altar: "The answer is right there. But remember, only those with a pure heart can touch its power."
As the five people looked at each other, an invisible belief circulated among them. In the anticipation of the villagers, the little boy and all unknown passers-by, they walked towards the gem, preparing to meet their fate.
"Together," Zhao Ming whispered, his voice firm and powerful, "the five of us, move forward fearlessly."
Su Mo gripped the hilt of the sword tightly, with a decisive smile on his lips: "No matter how dangerous the road ahead is, we will face it together."
Yueyue put away her notes, took a deep breath, and her eyes flashed with determination: "Every step we take will be recorded and become a guide for future generations."
Li Zixue caressed the book of wisdom with a calm but powerful tone: "There are thousands of grains of wisdom in the book, and there is also fearless courage and love, let us bear it together."
The mysterious traveler slowly stepped forward, his eyes full of predictions about the future: "The wheel of fate has turned, and our story will be a new chapter in which light shines on the darkness."
The five people slowly approached the gem that emitted mysterious light, and the surrounding air seemed to vibrate with their determination. The moment they touched the gem, a dazzling light shot out, and the entire forest seemed to be lit up.
"Wow! What kind of magic is this?" Not far away, several travelers who got lost exclaimed. They stopped and looked at this scene with disbelief.
"They must be the legendary guardians!" an older traveler exclaimed, with admiration shining in his eyes.
"Look, there is still hope for the world." The young woman held her boyfriend's hand tightly, her tone full of excitement and hope.
After the light dissipated, a faint glow was left where Zhao Ming and others stood. Their eyes became brighter, and there seemed to be an indescribable power lingering around them.
"How do you feel?" Su Mo asked softly, the tip of his sword gently scratched the ground, leaving a shining trace.
"It's like... something deep inside has been awakened." Yueyue lowered her head and touched her chest, as if she could feel the newly acquired power.
"Strength brings increased responsibility. Are we ready?" Li Zixue's voice was soft, but it struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.
The mysterious traveler slowly raised his arm and pointed into the distance: "The temple is close at hand, but the greatest test is always the inner struggle and choice."
"Then let us continue to move forward until every corner of the world is bathed in light." Zhao Ming waved his arms and led the team on the final journey to the temple.
Behind them, the group of passers-by stared for a long time until their backs disappeared deep into the forest.
"Are they really guardians?" asked a young traveler.
The older traveler smiled and looked deeply: "They are not just guardians, they are hope and the dream common to all of us."
"Then what else can we do for them?" the girl asked curiously.
"Believe." The old traveler simply replied, "Believe in their power, and also believe in our own. Maybe one day, when we encounter difficulties, they will also become our light."
The mysterious gem slowly blended into the bodies of the five people after they touched it, and a warm and powerful force surged, as if an ancient oath was awakening in the blood. Just as they were immersed in this sudden change, there were strange sounds coming from the depths of the forest, and the branches were swaying, as if something was approaching.
"Everyone, be careful. This power may have attracted unnecessary attention." Su Mo said vigilantly, waving the sword gently in his hand, and the sound of wind caused by the tip of the sword was crisp.
Yueyue quickly opened the notes and frowned: "According to ancient records, touching such a gem will usually attract guardian beasts or trials..."
Before he finished speaking, a gust of fishy wind blew against his face, and a huge black shadow fell from the sky, blocking the sunlight. It was a strange monster that had never been seen before, its eyes were like burning torches, exuding bloodthirsty light.
"Get ready to fight!" Zhao Ming roared, his body suddenly rose, his sword light was like a dragon, and it went straight towards the monster's throat.
The battle is fierce and cruel, and everyone uses their own specialties. Li Zixue uses the Book of Wisdom to release bright light to provide protection and assistance to the team; the mysterious traveler shuttles like a ghost and accurately attacks the monster's weaknesses; Yue Yue evades flexibly while recording the monster's attack pattern to find flaws.
Su Mo and Zhao Ming fought the monster head-on. The shadow of the sword and the wind of the fist intersected, stirring up waves of energy. However, during a fierce confrontation, Zhao Ming was accidentally swept by the monster's tail. He flew out like a kite with a broken string and fell heavily to the ground. He was unable to get up for a while.
"Zhao Ming!" Yueyue exclaimed and ran towards him quickly.
"It's okay..." Zhao Ming reluctantly sat up, with blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, obviously suffering from serious injuries.
"It must be solved as soon as possible." The mysterious traveler chanted a curse, transformed into a ball of light in his hand, and threw it towards the monster. The light exploded on the monster, but it only made it roar more violently.
The situation was critical, Su Mo's eyes flashed, and he took a deep breath. His whole body seemed to be wrapped in golden fighting spirit. His sword skills became fast and fierce, and each sword hit the monster's vital point accurately. Finally, after a fierce attack, the monster let out a last wailing cry, and its huge body collapsed.
The battle was over, but the joy of victory did not last long because Zhao Ming's injury made the atmosphere tense.
"We need to find a safe place to treat you." Li Zixue said anxiously, flipping through the book of wisdom to find a suitable healing method.
Yueyue took out the emergency herbs from her backpack and carefully treated Zhao Ming's wounds. The mysterious traveler looked around vigilantly to ensure there were no new threats.
"I'm sorry for making everyone worried." Zhao Mingqiang smiled.
Su Mo patted him on the shoulder: "Protecting our partners is also part of the protection. We are a team, aren't we?"
After a short rest and treatment, Zhao Ming's injury improved. Although he has not fully recovered, he can barely walk. They decide to move on, explore the secrets brought by the gems, and find the entrance to the temple.
Night fell again and they camped under a towering old tree. The firelight flickered, reflecting everyone's thoughtful faces. Yueyue was sorting out today's notes. Suddenly, her fingers stopped on a vague description.
"As mentioned here... on the road to the temple, the power of gems will guide us through trials, but it will also attract ancient guardian beasts. And..." Yueyue raised her head with a solemn expression, "Every trial will... There are sacrifices.”
These words were like a huge stone thrown into a calm lake, causing waves.
"We will not let anyone sacrifice." Su Mo said firmly, with unquestionable determination in his eyes.
Zhao Ming smiled bitterly and adjusted his posture to make himself more comfortable: "It seems that our journey is more difficult than imagined. But as long as we are together, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome."
The mysterious traveler was silent for a moment and then said: "It is true that the road ahead is unknown and full of dangers, but it is these trials that make us stronger. And those who are willing to face the unknown and dangers with us are the real ones. Partner.”
At this point in the conversation, the atmosphere gradually warmed up. The five people sat around the fire. Although the road ahead was full of thorns, their eyes were full of desire for the unknown and trust in each other.
"Okay, that's it for today, rest well, we will continue tomorrow." After Zhao Ming finished speaking, he smiled slightly and closed his eyes.
As the night progressed, the conversations around the fire gradually ceased, and everyone fell asleep in exhaustion and anticipation. The moonlight shines through the treetops and shines on their calm faces, adding a touch of mysterious tranquility to this extraordinary night.
In the early morning of the next day, the first ray of sunlight penetrated the mist, awakening the sleeping earth and also awakening Zhao Ming and his party. They packed up quickly and checked each other's gear to make sure everyone was in tip-top shape. Yueyue reconfirmed the clues in the notes, while Li Zixue chanted softly, and the light of the Book of Wisdom gently surrounded the team, bringing a reassuring power to the new day.
"Let's go, friends." Zhao Ming stood up and looked forward firmly, "No matter how difficult the trial is, we have each other and have unyielding determination."
As they traveled, they found that the surrounding scenery gradually changed, the vegetation became older, and the air was filled with an ancient and sacred atmosphere. As they deepened, an unprecedented sense of urgency enveloped everyone. "Attention, we may be approaching the temple." The mysterious traveler whispered. His keen perception can always detect subtle changes in the environment in advance. (End of chapter)