stonecrandall Page 198
Page 198
Zhao De bent down and gently patted the little girl's head: "Of course I will, Xiao Hua. When I bring back the sacred object, I will tell you many more wonderful stories."
"Brother Zhao is amazing!" the little boy next to him exclaimed admiringly, his eyes shining with longing.
After bidding farewell to the villagers, Zhao De and the old man traveled westward, passing through bustling towns and crossing desolate Gobi deserts. Wherever they went, people cast curious or awe-inspiring glances their way, and whispers circulated among them.
"Look, that young man is the legendary successor to the Guardian!"
"I heard he's going to find some sacred artifact, is that true?"
"If it's him, I don't think anything is impossible. After all, what can't someone who can tame monsters do?"
Amidst the admiration and speculation, Zhao De remained calm and steadfast, while a hint of worry occasionally flashed across the old man's face, as if the road ahead was not as smooth as imagined.
Finally, they arrived at the edge of the dark forest. The dense trees blocked out the sun, making it difficult for even sunlight to penetrate, and an ominous atmosphere permeated the surroundings.
"This is the Dark Forest. Be careful once you go in," the old man whispered, his eyes serious.
Chapter 253 Monster
Chapter 253 Monster
Zhao De tightened his grip on his sword and took a deep breath: "No matter what I encounter, I will not back down."
Just as they were about to step into the forest, a hurried voice came from behind: "Wait! Zhao De, take this."
Looking back, I saw the blacksmith coming up, panting, holding a piece of armor that shimmered faintly in his hand.
"This is something I stayed up all night to make for you, using rare Star Iron. I hope it can be of some help to you."
Zhao De took the armor, feeling its heavy weight and the warmth it contained. "Uncle Blacksmith, I'll remember this kindness. When I return, I'll definitely treat you to the best wine."
The old man and Zhao De set off again, entering the dark forest. Inside, the light was dim, and various strange sounds intertwined to create an eerie melody. After walking for a short while, a low roar suddenly rang out, followed by a monster resembling a wolf but several times larger than an ordinary wolf leaping out of the bushes, its eyes flashing with ferocity, heading straight for the two.
The old man quickly chanted an incantation, and a faint light barrier condensed in the surrounding air, enveloping them. "This is the guardian beast of the Dark Forest, the Silver Moon Wolf. We must be careful."
Zhao De, longsword in hand and eyes blazing, confronted the Silver Moon Wolf. "Come on, let me see your strength!"
The battle erupted instantly. The Silver Moon Wolf was incredibly fast, each pounce accompanied by a whistling sound as it tore through the air, but Zhao De deftly deflected each attack with his agile footwork and precise swordsmanship. In the midst of the maneuvering, he discovered a weakness in the Silver Moon Wolf, and with a swift strike, he slashed at an old wound on its side. Blood splattered everywhere, and the Silver Moon Wolf howled in pain, its momentum greatly diminished.
"A perfect opportunity!" Zhao De's heart stirred, and he unleashed his ultimate technique, "Star River Slash," the sword light weaving like silk, completely subduing the Silver Moon Wolf. After the battle, Zhao De did not kill it, but instead used a special method to put the Silver Moon Wolf into a deep sleep.
In the surrounding woods, some creatures that had been hiding witnessed this scene and began to discuss it amongst themselves.
"That was a human? They actually managed to defeat the Silver Moon Wolf!"
"He appears as powerful as the rumors suggest, yet he also possesses a compassionate heart."
"If he is truly the successor to the guardian, then there is hope for our forest."
The old man looked at Zhao De with more approval in his eyes: "Well done, Zhao De. But remember, the real test is yet to come."
As they ventured deeper into the forest, they encountered even more challenges: mesmerizing illusions, cunning monsters, and even ancient traps. Each time, Zhao De overcame them one by one with his wisdom and courage. Along the way, his reputation quietly spread among the various tribes.
Finally, on a moonlit night with few stars, they found the sacred place hidden deep in the forest—the Eye of the Holy Spring. The spring water emitted a soft light, as if it could cleanse the impurities of the soul.
"We've arrived. This is where the sacred relic is located," the old man said softly.
Just as Zhao De was about to approach the sacred spring, a powerful force suddenly surged out from the spring, forming a phantom figure.
"Zhao De, successor of the guardian, you have finally arrived. I am the previous guardian and the guardian spirit of this sacred spring. You must pass my test to obtain the sacred relic."
The illusory figure slowly solidified, revealing the silhouette of a valiant warrior, his eyes filled with both sternness and expectation. The surrounding life seemed to sense this extraordinary aura; for a moment, even the wind seemed to stand still.
Chapter 254 Going All Out
Chapter 254 Going All Out
"A test?" Zhao De looked up, his gaze firm. "Please speak. No matter how difficult it may be, I will do my utmost."
“Very good.” The guardian spirit’s voice echoed in the air, carrying a desolate quality that seemed to transcend time. “My test consists of three parts: knowledge, strength, and character. First, knowledge. Do you know anything about the history and mysteries of this forest?”
Zhao De pondered for a moment, then slowly began to speak: "The Dark Forest was once a place where many races coexisted harmoniously, but with the erosion of greed from the outside world, peace was gradually replaced by war. Legend has it that the Eye of the Holy Spring can not only heal all wounds, but is also the key to maintaining the balance of the forest. And the guardians are the warriors chosen to protect all of this."
Nearby, the creatures hiding in the shadows overheard Zhao De's story and began to whisper amongst themselves.
"It is no accident that he is so familiar with our history."
"That's right, he seems to have a deep affection for the forest."
The guardian spirit nodded slightly, its figure gradually becoming transparent: "Not bad, your understanding of history exceeds my expectations. Next, it is a test of strength. In this void, I will simulate your deepest fear. You must overcome it to prove your power."
As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding scenery abruptly changed. Zhao De found himself in endless darkness, with chilling low growls echoing all around him. One after another, powerful enemies he had faced before appeared and disappeared in the darkness, seemingly endless.
"Fear? Then let me see how strong your will is!" A cold voice rang out from the darkness.
Zhao De gripped his longsword tightly, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Fear cannot subdue me, it will only make me stronger!" As his words fell, an unprecedented power surged within Zhao De, and the darkness was cleaved inch by inch by the tip of his sword.
Finally, as he emerged from the simulated fear, his guardian spirit's voice rang out again: "Your will is steadfast, your strength extraordinary, and you have passed the test of power. But most importantly, the test of your character remains."
Zhao De looked up, his eyes clear: "May I ask, what is a test of one's character?"
“It’s simple,” the guardian spirit chuckled. “You must make a choice. The relic possesses the power to change the world. Once you obtain it, you will have the ability to reshape the order of this forest. But at the same time, this will also make you the target of countless forces. Will you choose to shoulder this heavy responsibility, or give it up and let the relic continue to slumber here?”
At this moment, the creatures hiding in the shadows revealed themselves, their eyes filled with anticipation and worry. A fox-like elf cautiously asked, "Zhao De, what is your decision? This concerns not only yourself, but also the future of the entire forest."
Zhao De remained silent for a moment, then said firmly, "I was born and raised here; this forest has given me everything. Protecting her is my inescapable responsibility. I choose to accept the sacred object, and no matter what the future holds, I will fight for the peace and tranquility of the forest."
Upon hearing this, the creatures around him murmured in amazement or support, their eyes filled with both admiration and worry, as if witnessing the birth of a hero while also fretting about the arduous journey he was about to embark on.
"Zhao De, your decision makes us proud." An elderly deer slowly walked to the front of the group, its voice carrying the weight of time. "But please remember, true power comes not only from sacred objects, but also from the faith in your heart and the unity of every life in the forest."
Chapter 255 War for Peace
Chapter 255 War for Peace
"Unite?" Zhao De frowned slightly, looking at the creatures around him. His doubts gradually turned into understanding. "You mean, to protect the forest, my personal strength alone is not enough. I need to unite all the lives that are willing to fight for the peace of the forest?"
"That's right." The guardian spirit's voice echoed again, with a hint of relief. "The power of the sacred artifact will be your strong support, but only by uniting all forces that can be united can you go further on your path."
Zhao De nodded, his gaze growing increasingly resolute. "Then let's begin. First, I need to meet with those forces that, driven by fear and greed, intend to seize the sacred relic. I believe that understanding and communication are more effective than direct confrontation in resolving such issues."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao De's figure vanished in a flash of light, reappearing before the gates of a magnificent castle. Outside the castle, the crowd buzzed with discussion, clearly shocked by his sudden appearance.
"Look, isn't that Zhao De, the legendary son of the forest?" a middle-aged man dressed as a businessman exclaimed to the people around him.
"What is he doing here? Could it be that he's also here to fight for the sacred artifact?" a soldier in armor asked warily.
“Impossible! Zhao De is the guardian of our forest. How could he possibly collude with those greedy fellows?” a young girl retorted, her eyes sparkling with trust and admiration for Zhao De.
Zhao De took a deep breath and stepped through the castle gates, facing the various powerful figures plotting to seize the sacred artifact. His appearance instantly froze the atmosphere in the hall, and all sorts of gazes fell upon him—surprise, suspicion, and hostility.
"Zhao De, what are you doing here?" A nobleman in a magnificent robe stood up, his eyes revealing obvious displeasure. "Do you intend to prevent us from obtaining the sacred artifact and to monopolize that supreme power?"
Zhao De looked around and smiled calmly: "I came here not to compete, but to tell you that the true meaning of power lies not in conquest and control, but in protection and balance. The power of the sacred object is great, but its true meaning lies in maintaining the harmony of the forest, not in becoming the focus of conflict."
These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion in the hall. Some people sneered with disdain, while others lowered their heads in deep thought. Still others had a gleam of being touched in their eyes.
"Empty talk! What makes you think we should believe you?" a martial artist said disdainfully.
"It's all thanks to my actions and determination all along," Zhao De replied calmly, his voice steady yet powerful, echoing throughout the hall. "I once ventured alone into the dark forest to rescue a village besieged by monsters; I walked with the wind to quell one tribal war after another caused by misunderstandings. Every step I took testifies to my commitment to this land and its people."
An old man slowly stood up, his voice weathered yet full of authority: "Zhao De, what you say is certainly pleasing to the ear, but the power of the sacred object tempts everyone's heart. How can you prove that you can resist the temptation of this power and not be devoured by it?"
Zhao De smiled and walked to the center of the hall, taking out a fragment that shimmered with a gentle light from his robes—a part of the sacred relic. "I have gained the relic's approval; its power resonates with mine. But I know deeply that this power is not a tool for conquest, but a key to protecting this land and all life."
Chapter 256 Running Freely
Chapter 256 Running Freely
The crowd was stunned, whispering amongst themselves, unable to believe their eyes. Zhao De continued, "Today, I invite you all not as opponents, but as future partners. Let us work together to find the rest of the sacred relic, not for personal gain, but to protect our home, so that the forest, humanity, and other living beings can coexist and thrive."
At this moment, a young mage hesitated before speaking: "Zhao De, your vision is certainly admirable, but people's hearts are complex and fickle. How can you guarantee that no one will betray you along the way?"
“I can’t guarantee it,” Zhao De said frankly. “But as the guardian spirit said, uniting all forces that can be united is the best way for us to face unknown challenges. I will prove with my actions that the power of trust and cooperation far outweighs any selfishness and greed.”
After a moment of silence in the hall, a farmer dressed in simple clothes broke the silence: "I am willing to follow Zhao De, for our children, so that they can still run freely on this land, free from fear and war."
Then, more people began to express their support. Although there were still doubts and anxieties, Zhao De's words had planted seeds of hope in their hearts.
"Zhao De, do you really believe that we ordinary people can accomplish this arduous task?" a haggard-looking woman asked in a trembling voice, her eyes filled with both longing and fear.
Zhao De turned around, his gaze gently falling on the woman: "It is precisely because we are ordinary people that we cherish peace and tranquility even more. Everyone has a fire in their heart, and as long as they are gathered together, they can illuminate the darkness and dispel the cold. Your courage is more precious than anyone else's, because you are fighting for your family and for the future."
From the crowd, a burly man scratched his head and chuckled憨厚ly, "I'm a rough man, I don't understand your grand principles. But Zhao De, I believe in you! Before, I only knew how to wield a hoe to till the land, but now, I'm going to pick up a sword and fight for you, for our common home!"
Zhao De gave the burly man a grateful smile, then loudly announced: "From this moment on, we are no longer isolated individuals, but an indestructible whole. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, as long as we hold hands and are of one heart, nothing is impossible."
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps broke the lively atmosphere of the meeting. A young man rushed in, panting, his face full of tension: "Zhao De! Something terrible has happened! The monsters in the Dark Forest have suddenly rioted, and several border villages have been attacked. We request reinforcements!"
Zhao De frowned and quickly made a decision: "Everyone, prepare to depart! This is our first battle to test the cohesion of our team. We must act immediately to protect the innocent and also stop any villains who might try to steal the sacred artifacts by taking advantage of the chaos."
Everyone quickly prepared themselves, and a tense yet determined atmosphere filled the hall. Zhao De walked to the young mage and gently patted him on the shoulder: "Mage, your wisdom will be our guiding light, leading us through the darkness."
A flicker of emotion crossed the mage's eyes, but his gaze hardened: "Zhao De, I will go with you and use my magic to light the way ahead."
Led by Zhao De, the group moved like an unstoppable force along the winding path leading to the dark forest. The wildflowers by the roadside seemed to sense their determination, bowing their heads to make way for them.
Chapter 257 The Arrival