The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

Chapter 735 Shadow

Sebastian walked out of the Door of Courage. Although he had scars on his body, his eyes were more determined; Leah followed closely behind him, with the light of wisdom flashing in her eyes; finally, Su Mo walked out of the Door of Sacrifice with a staggering step, his face was pale, but with a relieved smile on his lips.

"We all passed." Su Mo said softly. The three of them looked at each other. There was no need to say more, everything was self-evident.

The wizard appeared again, this time with clear approval on his face: "Well done, you have proved your worth. Now, go get the key. It is in the deepest part of the castle, in the guardian's sanctuary."

"The sanctuary?" Leah repeated, feeling both excited and a little nervous.

“That’s right, but to get there, you must pass through a cursed corridor. That is the final test after the trials,” the wizard reminded, with a hint of heaviness in his voice.

"We will succeed." Sebastian gripped the hilt of the sword tightly, his eyes determined.

Following the wizard's guidance, they set out on the road to the temple. The corridor was cold and depressing, and the stone walls along the way were engraved with the wails and despair of losers, but the three did not retreat, and their steps were firm and powerful.

Finally, under the illumination of a holy light, the temple appeared before their eyes. On the central altar, a key shining with pure light lay quietly, surrounded by circles of soft energy ripples, as if telling of an ancient and powerful power.

"We found it." Su Mo whispered, and the three of them slowly approached.

Just as they reached out to touch the key, the ground shook suddenly, and a deep voice echoed throughout the temple: "If you want to take the key, prove that you have the power to protect it first!"

A huge monster emerged from the shadows. It was the incarnation of the guardian, with eyes as sharp as torches and a terrifying aura.

"Get ready for battle!" Sebastian shouted, his sword unsheathed, a flash of silver light.

"I will assist you, Su Mo, be ready to support." Before Leah finished her words, the power of elements had condensed at her fingertips, and a string of brilliant spells flew towards the guardian.

The battle was fierce and difficult, and every attack of the guardian shook the castle, but the three cooperated seamlessly. Sebastian's sword cut through the darkness, Leah's magic illuminated the battlefield, and Su Mo's support at the critical moment provided the team with precious respite.

"Together, give it the final blow!" Su Mo shouted, and the three of them launched their strongest attack at the same time. The light and power intertwined into a torrent, rushing towards the guardian.

With a deafening roar, the guardian's figure gradually dissipated, leaving only the key, slowly falling in the air.

"We... succeeded." Leah reached out to take the key, tears in her eyes. She was filled with joy but also with complicated emotions about the heavy responsibility she was about to shoulder.

"But this is just the beginning." Sebastian stared at the key, his tone full of determination.

"No matter what lies ahead, we will face it together." Su Mo added, and the three of them smiled at each other. There was no need for them to say much, as their common goals and beliefs bound them closely together.

Just as they were about to leave the temple and continue their unfinished journey, an ancient whisper sounded in the air, "Remember, the key is just the beginning. The real test lies in how to use it. The darkness will not retreat easily. The roots of the World Tree have been corroded. Only by uniting all the forces of light can this land be saved."

"Unite the power of light?" Leah repeated doubtfully. The key in her hand seemed to become heavy, carrying an unknown weight.

“Yes,” the voice faded away, as if traveling through time and space, “Search for the lost fragments of light, awaken the sleeping guardian spirits, and gather the power of all the children of light. Only in this way can the true potential of the key be released and lead the world towards a new life.”

“The lost fragments of light and guardian spirits…sounds like a new adventure.” Sebastian put away his sword, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Su Mo raised his head and looked at the towering dome of the cathedral. "No matter how difficult the task is, as long as we stand together, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome."

The three set out on their journey again, with a new mission in mind. The world outside the castle is waiting for their rescue. On the way, the news spread like wildfire. Their deeds inspired more people. Every village and every city is singing the names of the three warriors. Their story has become a symbol of hope, igniting the flames in the hearts of ordinary people.

In a busy tavern, several travelers sat around the fire, chatting.

"Have you heard? Those three young men have unlocked the secret of the castle, and even the guardian was defeated by them!" A traveler exclaimed, the wine glass in his hand trembling slightly.

"It's incredible, I bet that's the beginning of a legend." Another traveler said, with envy in his eyes.

"If there are heroes in this world, they must be them." An elderly traveler sighed, his face full of wrinkles, but his tone was full of admiration.

“Don’t forget, their journey has just begun. It is said that there are even greater challenges waiting for them.” The tavern owner interrupted and refilled everyone’s drinks, with a hint of mystery in his words.

The faces illuminated by the fire were full of curiosity and expectation about the unknown. In the distance, Su Mo, Leah, and Sebastian were heading towards their next goal in the morning light. Their backs were lengthened by the rising sun, making them look particularly determined.

"No matter what awaits us ahead, we will not be alone." Su Mo turned around and gave his companions a confident smile.

"Because we have each other, and all the people on this continent who believe in light." Leia added, the staff in her hand emitting a gentle light.

Sebastian raised his sword to the sky and swore in a powerful voice, "We are the messengers of hope, and the darkness will eventually retreat!"

As they continue to move forward, a new adventure slowly unfolds, and the power from the hearts of the people is quietly gathering and becoming their most solid backing. In this continent shrouded in darkness, the fire of light has been ignited, and it will pave the way to victory under their feet.

"So, where should we find these fragments of light next?" Sebastian looked at his companions with a spark of challenge in his eyes.

"I think the answer will come at the right time." Leah smiled slightly, as if she had a premonition.

"No matter what, let's go back to the village first, bring good news to people, and replenish our equipment." Su Mo suggested, and the three nodded in agreement.

As the sound of horse hooves fades away, the story leaves suspense. Every step they take will profoundly affect the fate of this land. And those fragments of light, guardian spirits, and unknown challenges are quietly waiting for the three warriors to explore and uncover.

"The way home always makes people feel warm." Leah said softly, her eyes seemed to have passed through the mountains and saw the lights of her hometown.

"That's right, but our journey is to the stars and the sea. Home is the harbor of the soul and the place to set sail." Sebastian agreed with a relaxed smile on his lips.

"Also, don't forget those who support and look forward to us behind the scenes." Su Mo added, his tone full of deep gratitude, "Their trust is our most precious asset."

"Well said!" In the tavern, a young man who had been listening silently suddenly stood up and slammed the table, his eyes flashing with unprecedented passion, "I also want to be like you, to fight, to protect, and to create my own legend!"

"Child, there is light in everyone's heart. As long as you are willing to pursue it, you can become a ray of light that illuminates others." The older traveler smiled kindly, his eyes gently sweeping over everyone.

"Look, even this young man is inspired by your story." The tavern owner laughed and poured a glass of wine for the young man. "Come on, cheers to more heroes and a bright future!"

The crisp sound of the cups colliding is not only a recognition of past achievements, but also a blessing and expectation for the future journey. In the distance, Su Mo, Leah and Sebastian rode side by side, their hearts were also full of longing and responsibility for the future.

"Sebastian, do you still remember our original dream?" Su Mo broke the silence of the ride and looked at the distant horizon.

"Of course. It was a wish made under the stars, to be the one who changed the world," Sebastian replied, a determined gleam in his eyes.

Leah smiled softly: "Now, we are not only changing ourselves, but also inspiring others to follow the light. This power is stronger than we imagined."

"That's right, this is not just our battle, but a common battle of all those who have light in their hearts." Su Mo's words made the air around them solemn.

When they arrived at the village, they were greeted with warm cheers and hugs. The children in the village surrounded them, their eyes full of admiration and curiosity for the heroes.

"Big brothers and big sisters, did you really defeat the guardian?" a little girl asked, looking up, with stars in her eyes.

"Yes, but we are not fighting alone. Everyone has courage and wisdom in their hearts, and can become a hero as long as they are willing." Leah squatted down and gently touched the little girl's head.

"Then what can we do to become as brave as you?" another little boy asked impatiently.

"Read more, think more, and more importantly, always be kind and just." Sebastian replied with a smile, showing his sword. "This sword is not only a weapon, but also a symbol of protection and guardianship."

At night, the three of them sat around the campfire in the village, planning their next move.

"Fragment of light, where should we start looking for it?" Su Mo asked softly, the campfire reflecting on his pensive face.

Leah bowed her head and pondered for a moment, then raised her head with bright eyes: "Ancient legends mention that the first fragment of light is hidden in the center of the Forgotten Forest, where lives a wise man who knows everything from ancient times to the present."

"Forgotten Forest?" Sebastian frowned. "It is said that there are dangers lurking everywhere there, and few people who enter there come out alive."

"But this is our mission, isn't it? To face challenges, uncover secrets, and protect this land." Su Mo's eyes were firm, "We will set off early tomorrow morning."

As the night deepened, the village gradually quieted down. In the silence, the conversation between the three people seemed to still echo in the air, accompanied by the residual warmth of the campfire, foreshadowing that a new adventure was about to begin.

"No matter how difficult the road ahead is, as long as we are together, light will always dispel darkness." Su Mo's words are both a promise and an expectation for the future.

“Indeed, the battle between light and darkness has never stopped since ancient times. But the combination of the three of us may be a ray of new light in this chaotic era.” Leah’s eyes penetrated the night, as if she had seen their potential to illuminate the world.

Sebastian tapped the hilt of his sword and nodded firmly: "Then, let us become that beam of light and lead the world forward."

The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight fell on the village, the three were ready to go. The villagers gathered spontaneously to see them off. The eyes of the old and young women were full of reluctance and pride. Their presence seemed to have become the most beautiful scenery in the village.

"You must return safely, our heroes!" The village chief clenched his fists, his voice choked with sobs.

"Don't worry, we will come back with more bright news." Su Mo responded with a smile, turned around and jumped on the horse. Leah and Sebastian followed him, and the group embarked on the journey to the Forgotten Forest.

On the way, they passed many towns and villages. Everywhere they went, someone always recognized them and enthusiastically offered help or shared information. In a remote village, a white-haired old man stopped them.

"Are you... the warrior who found the guardian's key?" The old man's voice trembled slightly, but a strange light flashed in his eyes.

"Yes, old sir. Do you have any clues or need any help?" Leah asked gently. She always touches people's hearts in the softest way.

"The prophecy... the ancient prophecy mentioned three travelers and their great journey. I have been waiting all my life, waiting to convey this secret to the right person." The old man took out a yellowed map from his arms and handed it to Sebastian carefully. "The entrance to the Forgotten Forest is here. But remember, wisdom and courage are equally important. Don't be careless."

"Thank you for your guidance, old man." Sebastian took the map carefully and bowed deeply to the old man.

On the way forward, they encountered various difficulties and witnessed the tenacity and perseverance of ordinary people in the face of darkness. Whenever this happened, they would always lend a helping hand, use their strength and wisdom to light up the light of hope and inspire more people to stand up and resist.

Finally, the outline of the Forgotten Forest came into view, a region permanently shrouded in fog that scares even the bravest explorers.

"This is our next battlefield." Su Mo stared at the fog, without any fear in his tone. (End of this chapter)