stonecrandall Page 178
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"Perhaps the only answer to this question can be found by returning to Windwhisper City and speaking to the city lord," the traveler said thoughtfully, a genuine smile appearing on his face for the first time, as if a long-standing burden had been lifted.
"Furthermore, we need to check if there are any other hidden dangers in the city," Zhao De added, his gaze firm, knowing that although the battle was over, the responsibility of protecting the city was far from over.
Just as everyone was preparing to leave the ruins and return to Windwhisper City, an ordinary-looking old man suddenly appeared before them. He was dressed in rags, with a white beard, but his eyes were unusually bright, as if he could see through everything in the world.
“Brave warriors, your heroic deeds have spread throughout this land.” The old man’s voice was hoarse and deep, and every word struck a chord in everyone’s hearts. “But do you know? This is just the beginning.”
"What do you mean, old man?" Xiao Zhang asked疑惑地, still gripping the sword tightly in his hand, wary of any possible threat.
The old man smiled slightly and took out an ancient jade pendant from his robes. Intricate patterns were engraved on it, subtly echoing the runes found in the ruins. "This jade pendant is the key to unlocking the secrets of Wind Whisper City and even the entire continent. The awakening of the dark forces is merely a harbinger of a loosening seal. The real storm is yet to come."
Zhao De took the jade pendant and examined it carefully, a look of shock flashing in his eyes. "This...this is the legendary 'Heaven-Sealing Jade'! It is said that it can sense and guide its holder to the deepest darkness and light."
“That’s right.” The old man nodded, his gaze sweeping over each person. “You have already proven your courage and strength, but the road ahead is even more difficult. Are you willing to shoulder this responsibility and continue onward?”
“We have no other choice,” Zhao De said in a deep voice, his eyes filled with both determination and a yearning for the unknown. “For the sake of Wind Whisper City, for the sake of every life on this continent, we must do this.”
"Very well! Then let this old man lend you a hand," the old man chuckled, a hidden power seemingly surging within him. "My name is Yunyin, and I was once a scholar who traveled far and wide across this continent. I know much forgotten knowledge, which may be of help to you."
Chapter 163 Seeing You Off
Chapter 163 Seeing You Off
“Welcome to the team, Mr. Yunyin.” The traveler extended his hand and shook hands firmly with Yunyin, his eyes shining with a thirst for knowledge and confidence in the future.
The group embarked on their journey once more. This time, their team included a wise man and a renewed sense of anticipation for the unknown. The residents of Windwhisper City watched them depart, their voices mingling with discussion.
"Look, they've set off again, and this time they've brought that old man with them."
"Yes, I've heard he's a remarkable scholar. With his help, those warriors will surely be able to uncover even more secrets."
"I really wish I could do something for Windwhisper City like them."
"Everyone has their own mission, child. Perhaps one day, your opportunity will come." An old man stroked the head of the child beside him, his eyes full of expectation for the future.
In the afterglow of the setting sun, Zhao De and his group gradually disappeared into the distance, leaving only a series of firm footsteps echoing on the road leading to the unknown.
"Where do we go next?" Xiao Zhang asked as they walked, his tone a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation for the new challenge.
"Let's return to Wind Whisper City first, report everything that happened here to the city lord, and search for more clues about the 'Sealing Jade'," Zhao De replied, his gaze piercing through the fog ahead, as if he could already see the many trials that awaited them.
“Feng Tianyu… This name sounds extraordinary. The secrets hidden within it are probably not even recorded in the history books of Fengyu City,” the traveler said softly, a hint of excitement and curiosity on his face.
“Indeed, the Sealed Heaven Jade has been a legendary treasure since ancient times. It is said that it can reveal the secrets hidden deepest in the world, whether they are treasures or disasters.” The old man in the Cloud Hidden spoke slowly, his voice carrying the weight of time. “However, to unlock its secrets, we need to find the lost ‘Star Chart’, an ancient book that records the correspondence between all the mysterious symbols and powers in the world.”
"A star chart?" Zhao De repeated, his eyes gleaming. "If we can really find it, perhaps we can stop the coming storm a step ahead."
“That’s right.” Yunyin nodded, turning his gaze to the distance, as if he could already see the outline of that ancient map. “As far as I know, the Star Map has been divided into several fragments, scattered in various corners of the continent. To collect them all, we must start by searching for the nearest fragment.”
"Where are the latest fragments?" Xiao Zhang asked impatiently, his hand unconsciously gripping the hilt of his sword, ready to face any new challenge at any moment.
“The Shadow Forest on the east coast hides an ancient elven ruin, where the first fragment is said to be hidden,” Yunyin replied, a hint of barely perceptible worry in his voice. “But the Shadow Forest is fraught with danger, not only with ferocious magical beasts but also with creatures corrupted by dark power. This journey will undoubtedly be extremely perilous.”
"No matter what, we have to try," Zhao De said firmly, his eyes burning with an indomitable flame. "For Wind Whisper City, for the peace of the continent, we have no way out."
The group quickened their pace, the scenery rushing past them, their hearts filled with anticipation for the unknown and unwavering belief in victory. As they approached Windwhisper City, a large crowd had already gathered at the city gates, gazing at the small group with either awe or wonder.
Chapter 164 Shadow Forest
Chapter 164 Shadow Forest
"Look, they're back, and they've brought an old man with them!"
"Yes, I heard they encountered a miracle in the ruins and are now on their way to find some kind of star chart."
"That's amazing. I bet they can save the world."
Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Zhao De and his entourage entered Fengyu City. Inside the City Lord's Mansion, the City Lord listened to their report with a grave expression.
"The Star Chart... This is beyond my imagination, but for the sake of Wind Whisper City, for the sake of the continent, we must try." The city lord pondered for a moment, then stood up from his seat, his gaze firm. "I will mobilize all resources to support you, and at the same time strengthen the city's defenses, just in case."
"Thank you for your understanding and support, Lord City Lord." Zhao De bowed deeply, behind him were the equally determined gazes of his teammates.
“Then, let’s set off for the Shadow Forest immediately.” Zhao De said, pressing the Fengtian Jade tightly against his chest, as if drawing strength and courage from it.
"Wait," Yunyin suddenly spoke, taking out a yellowed map from his sleeve. "This is a map of the Shadow Forest I drew when I was young. Although it's quite old, it should still be useful."
"With this map, our chances of winning have increased even more." The traveler took the map, held it high, and his eyes gleamed with wisdom.
Just as they were about to leave the city lord's mansion, a little girl ran over, holding a wildflower in her hand, and timidly handed it to Zhao De: "Sister, this is for you, wish you good luck."
Zhao De bent down to take the flowers and gently patted the little girl's head: "Thank you. We will return safely with your blessings."
The little girl blushed with shyness, and looked up at Zhao De with eyes full of admiration: "When I grow up, I want to be an adventurer like my sister!"
"If you have a dream, go after it, kid," Zhao De encouraged with a smile, then turned to the others and said, "It's getting late, let's go."
As the group stepped out of the city lord's mansion, the admiring gazes of the guards on the city walls accompanied them with every step. At the city gate, even more residents spontaneously gathered to see them off.
"Go for it, heroes!" a burly man shouted, his voice filled with strength and trust.
"You must come back safely!" An old woman clenched her hands tightly, tears welling in her eyes, as if she were silently praying for them.
With everyone watching, Zhao De and his group embarked on their journey to the Shadow Forest. Along the way, they passed through a bustling town. Upon seeing them, the townspeople stopped what they were doing and looked at them with curiosity and awe.
“Look, those are the people who went to find the star map!” a young blacksmith whispered to his companion, his eyes full of envy. “I want to be an adventurer like that.”
“Yes, they are really brave,” his friend replied, his tone tinged with admiration.
In front of a small tavern, several travelers sat together, discussing the deeds of Zhao De and his companions.
"I've heard that young man named Zhao De once single-handedly fought against a giant dragon." A bearded man swirled his wine glass, his voice filled with amazement.
Chapter 165 Stepping In
Chapter 165 Stepping In
As they ventured deeper, the path became increasingly rugged, and the surrounding scenery grew darker and more eerie. Finally, through a thick fog, the outline of the Shadow Forest became faintly visible.
"We've arrived," the old man in the Cloud Retreat said softly, his eyes filled with both anticipation and wariness.
"Are you all ready?" Zhao De looked around to make sure everyone was fully prepared.
"I can't wait any longer!" Xiao Zhang rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with the desire to fight.
"Then let's work together to unveil the mysteries of history and find the first fragment of the star map." Zhao De's words were full of determination. She gripped the Heavenly Jade tightly, as if she could feel the power contained within it.
Just as they were about to step into the forest, the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached from afar, and a young man who looked like a messenger rode up on a fast horse.
"Wait a moment, Lord Zhao De!" The young man, panting heavily, handed over a sealed letter. "This is urgent military intelligence. The city lord requests that you open it immediately."
Zhao De took the letter, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. He quickly tore open the envelope, glanced at the contents, and his expression gradually turned serious.
"What's wrong, Zhao De?" Yun Yin asked as he saw this.
Zhao De took a deep breath and handed the letter to everyone: "Fengyu City has been attacked by an unknown force, and the city's defenses are in dire need of attention. The city lord has ordered us to return immediately to provide support."
"This..." Xiao Zhang was stunned, clearly not expecting such a sudden change.
“It seems our itinerary will have to be changed for the time being.” Zhao De frowned, but quickly regained his composure. “Protecting our homeland is equally important.”
“That’s right, we’ll set off back to Windwhisper City immediately,” Zhao De said firmly, his eyes blazing. “No matter who the enemy is, we will not let them succeed.”
The group quickly turned around, and the sound of hooves rang out again, this time with urgency and determination. The shadowy forest shrouded in mist seemed to be silently watching the group's retreating figures, as if foreshadowing the unknown challenges ahead.
On the way, they encountered several refugees fleeing Windwhisper City. They were dressed in rags, and their faces were full of fear and exhaustion.
"Are you also going to Wind Whisper City? It's very dangerous there now, you should run!" An old woman, pulling her grandson along, pleaded in a trembling voice.
Zhao De dismounted and gently comforted the old man: "Grandpa, we are the guardians of Wind Whisper City, and we are on our way back to provide support. Please tell us, what is the situation in the city?"
"Alas, it's a long story," the old woman sighed, tears welling in her eyes. "Those monsters were completely black, incredibly strong, and the city walls were almost collapsing. The city's warriors fought bravely, but suffered heavy casualties..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhang clenched his fists, his anger blazing: "These bastards, how dare they hurt our family members!"
"A monster? This doesn't seem like the work of ordinary bandits." Zhao De pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhao De. "Could the fragments of the Star Chart be related to this?"
Zhao De nodded, his expression grave: "Very likely. We must go back as soon as possible and find out the truth."
The group quickened their pace, and along the way, refugees cast grateful and hopeful glances at them, their presence seeming like a ray of light in the darkness.
Finally, the outline of Windwhisper City appeared on the horizon, but the once bustling city was now shrouded in gloom, and the smoke of battle filled the air, making people's hearts tremble.
Chapter 166 Reinforcements
Chapter 166 Reinforcements.
"Look, it's Lord Zhao De and his men returning!" a young soldier shouted from the city wall, instantly boosting morale within the city.
"Great! Reinforcements have arrived!" Another soldier excitedly patted his comrade beside him.
As Zhao De and his men passed through the city gate, the scene before them was heartbreaking: the streets were littered with signs of battle, the wounded were being urgently evacuated, and soldiers were busily repairing fortifications.
"Lord Zhao De, you're finally back!" In front of the city lord's mansion, the city lord personally greeted him. His armor was stained with blood, making it look particularly heavy. "The situation is critical. Those monsters came from nowhere and are incredibly powerful."
Zhao De stepped forward, his gaze resolute: "Rest assured, City Lord, now that we've returned, we will never allow Fengyu City to fall. Please tell me, what is the monster's weakness?"
The city lord shook his head: "No obvious weaknesses have been found yet, but they seem to be wary of light magic."
At this moment, the Heaven-Sealing Jade in Zhao De's hand glowed slightly, and a thought struck her: "Perhaps, the fragments of the Star Chart can give us the answer."