The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

Chapter 734 Tenderness

"It seems that the castle is indeed the key, but the solution is definitely not that simple." Sebastian frowned, his eyes wandering over the map, "We need more clues."

"I heard a legend in a nearby village that an ancient wizard sealed himself and the castle in order to protect a treasure." Leah said softly, tapping her knees with her fingers, obviously thinking about the connection between this legend and their goal.

"Treasures... If it is really treasures that have attracted the interest of the shadow forces, then we must not let them fall into the hands of evil." Su Mo's tone was filled with unquestionable determination, "Early tomorrow morning, we will go into the castle to investigate. No matter what, we must resolve this matter."

The light from the bonfire shone on the faces of the three people, revealing their resolute and courageous expressions. Although the road ahead was unknown, they all held in their hearts a persistence in light and a deep sense of responsibility for the world.

At this moment, a subtle sound broke the silence, as if something was moving in the dark. The three of them instantly became alert, and the air around them seemed to freeze. Only a low and slightly mechanical voice came from the dark:

"Welcome, heroes. Your arrival is the key to solving all this..."

Before he finished speaking, a strange creature made of light and shadow slowly stepped into the glow of the campfire. Its shape was unpredictable, as if it was the boundary between reality and fantasy.

"Who are you? What do you want to say?" Sebastian gripped the hilt of the sword tightly, his eyes sharp.

The creature bowed slightly, and the face composed of light and shadow looked extremely strange: "I am the keeper of the memory of this valley, the guardian of the sealed things. I can give you the answers you seek, but in return, I must also bear greater responsibilities..."

As the guardian narrated, pictures emerged in their minds, about the castle, about the treasure, and an upcoming storm that would shake the entire world...

"It seems that our journey is longer and more difficult than expected." Su Mo said in a deep voice. His eyes showed fear of the unknown, but more importantly, the indomitable spirit in the face of challenges.

"Then let's move on." Leah and Ivan spoke at the same time, their voices full of determination, as if no difficulties could stop them from moving forward.

Witnessed by the starlight and bonfire, the three of them were ready to go again. They knew that as long as the light in their hearts was not extinguished, it would illuminate all darkness, even in the deepest forgotten place.

"So, Guardian, tell us where to go next and why." Su Mo asked the creature of light and shadow, with a determined light flashing in his eyes, as if he was ready to accept all challenges.

"Go north, through the Eternal Forest, where there is a secret passage leading to the depths of the castle. Remember, the real trial has just begun..." The guardian's voice gradually faded away and finally disappeared into the night.

"The Eternal Forest..." Leah murmured, with a hint of curiosity and uneasiness in her eyes. "It is said that there live ancient souls and unknown magics there. Do we really want to set foot in that forbidden land?"

"If it's for the sake of the world, there is no other choice." Sebastian's answer was concise and powerful. He looked towards the north with a frown on his face. "We have seen too much darkness. Only by moving forward can we welcome the dawn."

"Before we set off, I want to go to the village," Ivan suddenly suggested, "Maybe we can find some clues about the Eternal Forest, or even get some help."

The next morning, when the three of them stepped into the bustling village again, their arrival quickly attracted attention.

"Look, those are the three heroes!" A little girl pointed at them excitedly, with admiration in her eyes.

"Are they setting off again?" An old man who was repairing a fence stopped his work and a look of concern appeared on his wrinkled face.

The three stopped in front of a grocery store. The owner was an old man with a long beard. When he saw them, he smiled and said, "Oh, you three warriors. How come you have time to come to my store today?"

"Old man, we are looking for the way to the Eternal Forest. Can you provide some information?" Su Mo asked politely.

The old man's expression became serious when he heard this: "That is not an ordinary place. It is easy to get in but difficult to get out. However, I have heard of a legend that there is a guiding stone hidden deep in the forest that can point out the right direction for those who are lost."

"The Guiding Stone?" Leah's eyes lit up and she asked quickly, "Do you know how to find it?"

The old man narrowed his eyes, as if recalling something from the distant past: "It is said that only those with pure kindness and courage can feel the resonance of the stone tablet. However, there are guardian beasts in the forest, and they will not let anyone approach them easily."

"Guardian beast?" Sebastian frowned, his sword half drawn. "Looks like we'll be busy again."

When they left the village, the three of them had a simple hand-drawn map in their hands, as well as food and blessings from the villagers. Carrying heavy expectations, they set out on an unknown journey northward.

At the edge of the Eternal Forest, the magical fluctuations in the air made people feel awe. The sunlight shone through the gaps in the dense forest, sprinkling on the wet ground in patches. Everything seemed so mysterious.

"Every tree and every leaf here seem to have its own soul." Leah sighed softly as she stroked the trunk of an old tree.

Suddenly, a low roar interrupted the silence, and a huge wolf-like creature jumped out from the shadows, staring at the three people with its green eyes, exuding an unfriendly aura.

"Guardian beast?" Sebastian quickly stood in front of the two men, the tip of his sword pointed directly at the creature, "We have no intention of offending, we are just looking for the Guidance Stone."

The giant wolf seemed to understand human language, and its roar weakened, but it was still alert. After a moment, it turned and walked into the jungle, as if signaling to follow.

"It seems that we have no choice." Su Mo sighed, and the three of them followed the giant wolf's footsteps and went deep into the unknown area.

After a series of tests and wisdom contests, they finally found the legendary Guidance Stone in a hidden open space. When they touched the stone tablet, a warm and powerful energy flowed through their bodies, and the surface of the stone tablet showed a clear path to the ancient castle.

"This is our next step." Su Mo stared at the roadmap that was becoming increasingly clear on the stone tablet, feeling both anticipation and nervousness about the unknown challenges.

The three of them set out on their journey again, knowing that with every revelation, they would be drawn into a deeper and deeper vortex. In this long journey, they are not only warriors, but also messengers of light, igniting hope with their actions and awakening every heart sleeping in the darkness.

"No matter how dangerous the road ahead is, as long as we are together, there are no difficulties that cannot be overcome." Leah's words were gentle but firm, just like the source of her strength.

"That's right," Sebastian agreed. "Let us take up the challenge, for the world and for those who are still waiting for light."

As the afterglow of the setting sun gradually faded, their figures disappeared into the dense forest, leaving behind a series of firm footsteps that echoed in the ancient and mysterious air of the Eternal Forest. The villagers' discussions and speculations also slowly subsided as time passed, but their admiration and expectations for the three heroes, like a burning flame, quietly spread in everyone's heart.

"Are they really going to fight those terrible monsters?" The little girl tugged at her father's clothes, her eyes full of curiosity and admiration.

"Yes, son. They are going to fight for peace for all of us." The father squatted down, his eyes flashing with pride and expectation. "One day, you will become a warrior like them."

In a corner of the village, several old men gathered together, talking in low voices.

"Those young people have too heavy a burden on their shoulders," sighed one of the elders with white hair and beard.

"But it is also their time. What we can do is to pass on our experience and blessings to them." Another old man nodded, his eyes full of love and reluctance.

At this moment, Su Mo, Leah and Sebastian, who are deep in the jungle, do not know that their actions have planted the seeds of hope in people's hearts. As their journey continues, more and more stories about courage, sacrifice and persistence spread among the people, inspiring everyone.

"Do you think they can find the secret that can change the world?" A young blacksmith was in the forge, hammering on the sword in his hand and chatting with his companions.

"If even they can't do it, I'm afraid no one can do it." His companion wiped the sweat off his forehead, his words full of trust.

At this time, the three of them were facing an unprecedented challenge. Led by the Guiding Stone, they passed through an underground maze full of traps and finally came to the entrance of the castle. The ancient stone door slowly opened in front of them, and a long and heavy breath came to their faces, as if the dust of history was gently brushed away at this moment.

"We're here." Su Mo's voice echoed in the empty hall, and every step seemed unusually heavy.

"Be careful, there may be traps everywhere." Sebastian warned, his sword fully unsheathed, and he looked around vigilantly.

Leah held her staff tightly, with wisdom and determination shining in her eyes. "No matter what happens, we will never give up."

As the three of them were exploring carefully, a low chanting sound suddenly came from the depths of the castle. The sound was ancient and mysterious, making people feel cold. They looked at each other, and at the same time quickened their pace and rushed towards the source of the sound.

"What is that?" Leah asked in a low voice.

"I don't know, but it must be the key to all this," Sebastian replied.

Passing through stone chambers and corridors, the sound got closer and closer until they came to a hall decorated with ancient runes. In the center, an ancient-looking wizard was chanting with his eyes closed. A faint light was floating around his body, as if he was performing some kind of ritual.

"Stop!" Su Mo shouted, and the three of them surrounded him vigilantly.

The wizard slowly opened his eyes. His eyes could see through the years. He looked at them and said in an old and distant voice: "Finally, the hero in the prophecy has appeared. Your arrival will determine the fate of this world."

"Prophecy?" Leah asked puzzledly.

"Yes, it's about three warriors who can uncover the secrets of the castle and stop the dark forces." The wizard's tone was a little relieved. "Deep in the castle is a key that can fight against darkness and protect the world, but it is also guarded by the most dangerous force."

"Key?" Sebastian frowned. "What are we going to do?"

"Only by passing three trials can you prove that you are worthy of that power." The wizard pointed around the hall, and three doors of different shapes gradually appeared on the wall. "Behind each door is a trial, which will test your courage, wisdom, and sacrifice."

"We are ready." Su Mo said firmly.

"Remember, true power comes from within, not from without." The mage's words echoed in the air, and his figure gradually faded away, leaving only the last words of advice: "Good luck to you. The fate of the world is now in your hands."

As the wizard disappeared, the hall fell silent again, leaving only three doors quietly waiting for their choice. At this moment, they realized that every step forward would be the ultimate test of their will and faith.

"Let's split up and each person will be responsible for a trial." Su Mo suggested, his eyes full of trust in his partners.

"Okay, that's settled then." Leah and Sebastian nodded in agreement and walked towards their own doors.

"Gate of Courage, here I come." Sebastian's steady voice sounded, he pushed open the door carved with patterns of ferocious beasts and battlefields, and his figure disappeared into the shadow behind the door.

"It's a trial of wisdom, I hope it will live up to everyone's expectations." Leah lightly touched the door carved with complex runes and maze patterns. The door slowly opened, revealing a soft light. She stepped in with a determined look on her face.

"As for me, I will face the test of sacrifice." Su Mo looked at the last door depicting home and tears, took a deep breath, stepped inside resolutely, and the door closed silently.

The world outside the door was still, with only the faint sounds of the three people struggling in the trial, mixed with the roar of challenge, the collision of wisdom, and the whisper of sacrifice. Time seemed to be stretched, and every second was filled with uncertainty and torment.

In the village, news spread quickly like the wind. The villagers talked a lot about the trials facing the three heroes, and worry and hope were intertwined on everyone's face.

“Will they succeed? Those trials sound even more terrifying than the legends.” The young blacksmith talked to his companion, his eyes filled with worry and endless admiration for the hero.

“If anyone can do it, it must be them.” The blacksmith’s companion responded with confidence in his tone. Their conversation drew the approval of the people around them. An invisible force gathered in this small village, which was the deep trust in the warriors from afar.

Back in the depths of the castle, the trial is drawing to a close. (End of this chapter)