"Yeah, think about their fearlessness when facing the shadows, and the light emanating from the 'Soul Key'," a middle-aged man wearing a scholar's robe pushed up his glasses, with the light of wisdom shining in his eyes. "If they can lead the world to light as the ancient prophecies say, then each of us has the responsibility to support them, even if it is just to light a candle in our hearts."
The conversation in the tavern gradually converged into a belief , although people have doubts, they also have hope. Just as the topic was reaching its climax, a rush of footsteps suddenly came from the door, interrupting everyone's discussion.
A messenger rushed into the tavern panting and announced loudly: "The latest news, there is an urgent call from the Temple of Light. Light warriors and sacred relic holders from all over the world will gather. It seems that there is something big. It’s going to happen!”
This sentence was like a drop of water thrown into boiling oil, and it instantly exploded in the crowd. Everyone was whispering to each other, with different expressions, ranging from concern to curiosity.
"It seems that the story is far from over. Our world may really be turning around." The old man stroked his gray beard and raised the corners of his mouth.
"I heard that there is an ancient book in the library of the Temple of Light, which records the secrets and usage of the 'Key of Soul'. If that is really the solution..." The scholar man's eyes flashed with the light of exploring the unknown. , before the words were finished, they had already inspired the imagination of those around him.
"Whatever, Lin Feng from our village is also in there anyway. We have watched him grow up, so he is right!" An aunt patted her chest, her pride was beyond words, and the surrounding villagers nodded. , with a proud look on his face.
"By the way, do you remember the old man in the cloak? Maybe he is also a key figure." The young blacksmith had a sudden idea, which attracted nods of approval and more speculations.
While everyone was talking about it, a girl gently opened the door and walked into the tavern. Her eyes wandered among the people talking, and finally fell on the traveler who was telling the story. She was dressed simply, but she couldn't hide the extraordinary look in her eyes. She asked softly: "Excuse me, do you know where they are now? I think maybe I can help."
The traveler was stunned for a moment, then smiled. : "My child, it's good that you have such a heart. But their path is destined to be full of unknowns and difficulties. Are you sure you want to follow their footsteps?"
The girl nodded without hesitation, with light shining in her eyes: "It is the unknown and difficulty that make the journey meaningful. I believe that as long as you have a bright heart, there is no other shore that cannot be reached."
"Okay! Age is not as important as ambition," the traveler nodded approvingly, then lowered his voice and revealed some inside information he knew, "I heard that they are on their way to the temple, but only a few people know the specific route. , if you really want to help them, you might as well go to the hidden forest in the northern suburbs. There is a secret passage there that may allow you to catch up with them."
The girl nodded gratefully and said no more. , turned around and disappeared into the night outside the door, leaving only a string of firm footprints.
In the tavern, the conversation started again, but now there was more expectation and hope.
"Hey, this little girl is interesting." The old man shook the cup with a smile hidden in his eyes.
"Yes, the younger generation can always bring us surprises." The blacksmith nodded in agreement, with a trace of nostalgia in his eyes.
“May the light guide her path.” the scholar man whispered, a gentle light shining in his eyes.
As for the traveler, looking at the direction in which the girl was leaving, he felt an inexplicable warmth surge in his heart. "Every era needs heroes, but more importantly, it needs the heart to believe in heroes. Her appearance may be the best proof."
As the night deepened, the discussion in the tavern did not stop, but because The girl's decision added a bit of enthusiasm and inspiration. People talk about the past and the future, darkness and light, and those seemingly insignificant choices that can actually change the world.
"Speaking of which, are there any recent developments from the dark side?" A young businessman interjected curiously. He came from afar and was eager to get the latest information.
The old man took a sip of wine and said slowly: "The rumors are very tight. It is said that they are looking for an ancient relic in an attempt to use it to fight the power of the 'Soul Key'. If they really succeed, I'm afraid..."
The blacksmith hammered the table hard, and the sound of metal impact temporarily silenced the conversation in the tavern. "Then we can't sit still and wait for death, we have to do something!"
"Calm down, friend." The scholar man adjusted his glasses, his tone was calm but full of power, "Knowledge is our sharpest weapon. Only by understanding the enemy can we To formulate countermeasures, I plan to study those ancient books in depth, and maybe I can find clues to fight against them."
Everyone nodded, and the atmosphere gradually changed from worry to active discussion. Everyone began to think about how to prepare for the coming storm in their own position, even if their meager efforts could gather into the ocean.
Just when the conversation in the tavern was gradually becoming constructive, an old woman in the corner who had been listening silently suddenly spoke with an old and mysterious voice: "Remember, real light does not only come from outside. There is a light in everyone's heart, and more importantly, there is a light in everyone's heart. Only when they are lit together will the darkness be invisible."
These words are like a stone thrown into the lake, causing ripples. People became quiet and thoughtful, and seemed to find resonance deep in their hearts.
"Well said, old lady." The traveler was the first to applaud, followed by the applause of the whole audience, which was loud and full of power.
As night fell, the words in the tavern gradually fell silent, leaving only the crackling of the fire. Everyone was immersed in the old woman's enlightening words, each holding hope and determination, but they had no idea that the undercurrent was quietly surging.
Just as everyone dispersed, preparing to face the unknown challenge, the figure of the old woman slowly stood up, and a cold light suddenly flashed in her seemingly kind eyes. She looked around, with an imperceptible sneer on her lips, and whispered: "Ignorant light believers, do you think you can illuminate the world with just a few words? The real power is always hidden in the deepest shadows."
In the night, the old woman's figure flashed, leaving the tavern as quietly as a ghost, and walked quickly in the opposite direction to the hidden forest in the northern suburbs. Under the moonlight, her back revealed an ominous aura, completely different from the image of a wise man just now.
At the same time, Lin Feng, Allen and Lin Yaya were walking through the dense forest and heading towards the Temple of Light along the secret passage. The occasional roar of animals in the forest made the air even more tense, but their hearts were filled with bright faith, and every step they took was extraordinarily firm.
"I wonder if that little girl can find us. After all, this road is not easy to find." Lin Yaya said softly, with a hint of worry in her eyes.
"I believe she will. We just need to concentrate on our journey." Lin Feng glanced back at the winding path, his tone full of confidence in the future.
While they were discussing, the surrounding trees suddenly swayed violently, a gust of wind swept through, and a depressing atmosphere filled the air. The three of them immediately became vigilant and assumed a fighting stance.
"It's a dark force, and it's very powerful!" Allen warned in a low voice, condensing light in his hand, ready to fight. At this moment, a familiar yet unfamiliar figure slowly walked out of the darkness. Under the moonlight, the old woman's face looked extremely strange. She sneered and spoke slowly: "It's really a narrow road for enemies. Originally, I just wanted to get rid of them quietly." You guys didn’t expect it to come to your door yourself.”
"Old lady, you..." Lin Yaya was stunned, staring in disbelief at the old man in front of her who had brought them enlightenment during the day.
"Hmph, don't call me old woman. I am the senior apostle of the Shadow Council, Teresa." The old woman - or Teresa, had a cold light in her eyes, and she was surrounded by rich black hair. Fog, a powerful pressure that solidifies the surrounding air.
"The Shadow Parliament...it turns out that you have been spying on us secretly." Lin Feng held the sacred weapon tightly, the light in his eyes became brighter, "But do you think you can stop us like this? The power of light will never It was easily extinguished!"
"Innocent!" Teresa shouted angrily, and with a wave of her hand, several dark shadow arrows appeared out of thin air and shot toward the three of them.
"Get away!" Lin Feng shouted, and the three of them quickly dispersed to avoid and counterattack at the same time. The dagger intertwined with the holy light and collided with the shadow arrows, bursting out with a dazzling light that shook the surrounding trees.
The battle quickly became intense. Both sides were evenly matched, but Lin Feng felt vaguely uneasy. The opponent seemed to be stronger than expected, and the battle seemed to have been premeditated.
While Lin Feng was distracted, a sinister smile appeared on Teresa's lips. Suddenly, her figure increased dramatically, turning into a black lightning and rushing toward the unsuspecting Lin. Yaya.
"Careful!" Allen roared, and at the same time released the light shield with all his strength, trying to intercept this fatal blow.
However, at that critical moment, a light figure appeared like a ghost, it was the girl who had asked about it in the tavern before. She held a short dagger emitting a faint blue light and inserted it accurately into Teresa's attack path, abruptly changing its direction and saving Lin Yaya.
"My name is Mia. I told you that I can help." Mia's voice was calm and firm. Her appearance undoubtedly brought a turn of events to Lin Feng and the others.
“It seems that today will not end so easily.” Teresa snorted coldly, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but was immediately replaced by deeper malice.
With the addition of Mia, the balance of the battlefield began to tilt. The four of them cooperated tacitly, and the light and the newly added mysterious power intertwined, suppressing Teresa's offensive step by step.
Just when Teresa was getting exhausted and wanted to retreat, Lin Feng raised the sacred weapon high, and a bright light penetrated the night sky and shot directly at her: "End it, Teresa! Your conspiracy We can't succeed!"
Teresa roared unwillingly, and her body gradually disappeared in the light, leaving only a whisper echoing in the forest: "This... is not over yet, there is always a shadow behind the light... …”
After the battle, the four of them stood around, panting, looking at each other with lingering fear of the battle just now and determination for the future battle.
"Thank you for your help, Mia." Lin Feng broke the silence first, his eyes full of sincerity.
Mia smiled and shook her head, "It's your belief that attracted me. We all have the same goal - to dispel the darkness and welcome the light."
Lin Yaya patted Mi He put his head on Ya's shoulders and said with a heroic smile: "Welcome to our team, let's walk the road to the future together!"
Alan nodded, with light shining in his eyes: "Yes, the bright road is difficult, but we Never alone.”
Just as the four of them took a short rest and prepared to move on, there was a slight noise from the treetops in the distance, and then a familiar voice floated in the wind: "It seems that you have indeed found some interesting partners." . ”
Lin Feng and others were immediately alert, and saw a figure walking out of the bushes. It was none other than the storyteller in the tavern. He was smiling, but his eyes could not hide his insight into the situation.
"Traveler, why are you here?" Lin Feng asked in confusion, while secretly wondering whether this person was trustworthy.
The traveler lightly patted the dust on his hands and smiled: "In this world, news can always be delivered to those who need to know in various ways. Especially when certain important gears start to turn. "
"You mean..." Allen frowned, seeming to realize something.
"Yes, Teresa's actions are just the tip of the iceberg. The Shadow Council's plan is far bigger than we imagined, and the relics they are looking for may be related to the balance of the world." The traveler looked solemn, and his tone revealed unusual urgency. feel.
Hearing this, Mia's eyes flashed with determination: "If it's true as you said, then we must speed up and get ahead of them."
"But we have no control over that relic. If you don’t know anything, what should you do?” Lin Yaya asked the key question.
The traveler took out a yellowed map from his robe and slowly unfolded it: "This is an ancient parchment scroll, which marks the location of a legendary relic. It is said that the relic is hidden there. There. But the road is dangerous, and the Shadow Council will definitely send experts there."
"No matter what, this is our only chance." Lin Feng held the map firmly, "For the sake of light, for this. world, we must try.”
The four of them embarked on a journey again. This time they were no longer alone. They had a common goal in mind, and every step became more solid. As they went deeper into the dense forest, the surrounding environment became increasingly weird. Occasionally unknown sounds and strange shadows passing by reminded them that danger was everywhere.
“Look, there is light ahead!” Lin Yaya suddenly pointed to the gap in the woods ahead. A faint but firm light penetrated the dense branches and leaves, like a guide.
They speeded up and passed through the last thick bush. Suddenly, a grand and ancient temple appeared in front of them. The ray of light emanated from the center of the temple. (End of this chapter)