The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

Chapter 773 Red Square

As the four were discussing, a gust of wind blew by, bringing whispers from afar, as if nature itself had blessed them for the adventure they were about to embark on. Beside the campfire, an old man suddenly stood up, his beard fluttering in the wind, and a strange light flashed in his eyes. "Warriors, allow an old man to interject. A long, long time ago, there was also a group of young people who embarked on an unknown journey in search of lost relics. They taught us that courage is not just about swinging a sword forward, but also about the fire in your heart that never goes out."

"Yes, the old man is right." A woman next to him echoed, pausing her work on mending clothes. "My grandfather once told me a legend, saying that in the darkest night, the children of the stars would lead everyone to find the lost light. Looking at you, I know that the legend is true."

In the crowd, a young scholar was carefully recording all of this, his eyes sparkling with a desire for knowledge. "Excuse me, can you tell me more about that legend? Perhaps it can provide some key clues for our hero."

A smile appeared on the old man's face, as if the memory of the past was reawakened at this moment. "The legendary son of the star has the ability to interpret ancient prophecies and can lead the lost through the most dangerous seas to find the lost treasure. However, all this requires a price, which may be sweat, tears, or even..."

“Even our lives.” Jason said, his eyes showing both a desire for adventure and an understanding of sacrifice. “However, since we have chosen this path, we have already made preparations.”

The little girl squeezed to the front row of the crowd without knowing when. She looked up at Su Mo, with both admiration and yearning in her eyes. "Big brother, you will become the child of the stars, right? Lead us to find all the light!"

Su Mo bent down and stroked the little girl's head, smiling gently but firmly. "Everyone has a star in their heart, and it will shine when you need it most. You are also a child of the stars, and one day, you will light up your own path."

At this moment, the young blacksmith suddenly stepped forward, holding the newly forged sword tightly in his hand, with unprecedented determination in his eyes. "If light needs to be protected, then let us be its shield and sword! I am willing to use these hands to forge more weapons to protect everything we love."

There was thunderous applause all around, and everyone expressed their support and encouragement in their own way. Su Mo looked around, and the emotions surging in his heart were difficult to describe. He looked up at the bright starry sky again, as if he was communicating with some invisible force.

"Friends, we will not be alone on our journey. As you said, every star is guiding us. However, the real light ultimately depends on us to find and protect it. Now, take a rest. Tomorrow, we will be in the best condition to face all the unknowns."

After the words were spoken, the crowd slowly dispersed, but the determination and hope radiating from within, burned brighter and brighter like a bonfire, illuminating the entire night.

In the small circle of Su Mo and the other three, they exchanged a look at last. It was a silent oath, a trust in each other, and a commitment to the future. In the night sky, a meteor streaked across the sky, dragging a long tail, as if leaving the most brilliant preview for this upcoming legend.

“Well,” Jason said with a hint of cunning in his tone, “Before we set off, how about we make a small bet to see who can find the first clue hidden in the ancient legend first?”

Lin Hao smiled, a hint of fighting spirit flashed in his eyes, "Bet? Let's see who can solve the first puzzle the fastest. The loser will be responsible for a week's meals."

"Haha, that sounds good." The scarred man agreed, "But I'm betting on Su Mo. This guy always brings surprises at critical moments."

Su Mo shook his head and smiled bitterly, but his eyes were full of warmth. "Okay, that's settled. But no matter whether we win or lose, we will be the strongest team in this adventure."

"It's a deal!" Everyone said in unison. The atmosphere became lively again, with tension and anticipation coexisting, as if what was coming was not only an unknown challenge, but also an opportunity to prove the strength of themselves and their team.

As laughter and promises echoed in the night sky, a subtle but unusually clear sound of footsteps approached from afar, interrupting everyone's joy. A stranger in a cloak slowly walked into the circle of light of the campfire. His face looked particularly mysterious under the shadow of the hood, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes that seemed to be able to see into people's hearts.

"Forgive me for interrupting you, travelers." The man's voice was low and magnetic. "I overheard your conversation. I may be able to provide some help in your adventure of searching for light and ancient legends."

The crowd immediately started to talk, with curiosity, vigilance, and anticipation mixed together. Su Mo walked forward and looked directly at the other person, calmly examining him: "Who are you? Why are you interested in our trip?"

The stranger smiled and took out an ancient book from his cloak. It was covered with traces of time, but it emitted a faint light. "I am just a wandering scholar, traveling across thousands of mountains and rivers, collecting ancient knowledge and secrets. This book records a clue to a legendary land. I think it may guide your journey."

The crowd gathered around, and even the little girl stood on tiptoe, trying to get a glimpse. The young scholar took the book, gently opened it, his eyes gradually became more focused, and occasionally he uttered exclamations, obviously the content of the book was extraordinary.

"Unbelievable!" The scholar looked up with excitement. "Not only are there detailed prophecies about the Children of the Stars here, but there are also maps that have never been known to the world, marking the path to the unknown!"

“It looks like we have a new member of our team.” Jason patted the stranger’s shoulder, his tone welcoming yet tentative, “Friend, would you like to join us? Let’s explore the unknown together and uncover the secrets of the world.”

The stranger hesitated for a moment and looked around. Everyone's eyes were shining with expectation and trust. "I am willing, but before that, I want to remind you that this road is not an easy one. It is full of trials and temptations. Only with a firm mind and trust in each other can we reach the end."

Su Mo stretched out his hand, palm facing up, with endless warmth and determination in his smile: "Then, welcome to join us. No matter what lies ahead, we will face it together."

The stranger smiled slightly and held Su Mo's hand tightly. At that moment, an indescribable power flowed through the team, as if it was destiny, making the hearts of each member more closely connected.

As the night deepened, the discussion around the campfire gradually faded, replaced by endless imagination and planning for the future. The little girl quietly snuggled up to her mother, her eyes sparkling with longing for tomorrow's adventure, and whispered: "Mom, will they succeed? Will they find the light?"

The mother stroked her hair gently, her eyes full of satisfaction and pride: "They will, because everyone with light in their hearts will light up the world in their own way. And your older brother and his friends are just such people."

At the delicate moment when night is about to turn into dawn, the embers of the campfire seem to reflect the glory of tomorrow. After a brief silence, Lin Hao broke the silence, his voice full of expectation, leaving a meaningful ending for this adventure story: "Then, let us set off in the first ray of morning light and start this legendary journey in search of light. As for what the future will be like, let us write our own answers."

"Well said, Lin Hao!" Su Mo's voice was full of encouragement, as if it was for all the team members and also for the indomitable self deep in his heart. Every face around the campfire was ignited by this passionate emotion, and there was no fear in their eyes, only fearless determination.

"Before we set off, I have to add one more thing." Jason pretended to be mysterious, with a sly smile on his face, "Don't forget our little bet. The person who finds the first clue will not only win dinner, but he will also have to accept a request from the other three of us, no matter what it is."

Hearing this, the scarred man laughed heartily: "Ha, then I have to work harder. Who wouldn't want to take this opportunity to let Su Mo wash my clothes for a month?"

Su Mo pretended to be helpless and spread his hands: "Oh, it seems that I have to be careful, so as not to be cheated by you guys."

The laughter and light-hearted banter invisibly shortened the distance between them, making their friendship even stronger. The little girl's eyes were shining with admiration. She seemed to have regarded Su Mo and the others as unrivaled heroes, and secretly vowed in her heart that she would become like them in the future.

"Big brother, you will definitely find the light, I have confidence!" The little girl's firm words penetrated the night, and people around her couldn't help but cast admiring glances at her.

"Thank you, little girl." Su Mo patted her head gently, "Remember, everyone has light in their heart. The key is whether you are willing to let it illuminate the way forward."

As the night deepened and the light of the campfire flickered, the conversation gradually turned to their past, dreams, and aspirations for the future. Each story was like a puzzle, and before they knew it, they pieced together a picture called "belief" in this small group.

Just as the conversation was getting better, the mysterious wandering scholar slowly spoke. His voice was low and magnetic, adding a bit of mystery to the night: "In my long research, I found a pattern - the beginning of every legend is accompanied by countless inconspicuous choices. We who are here today may have responded to a distant call and gathered here to write a new history together."

As soon as these words were spoken, a strange silence fell all around. Everyone seemed to be lost in thought, as if their hearts were touched by an invisible force.

"Yes," the old man was filled with emotion, "Who can say that our meeting was not destined? Young people, keep moving forward, use your courage and wisdom to bring true light to this world."

"The old man is right," the woman continued gently, "We will wait on this land, looking forward to your return with light and becoming a hero praised by future generations."

As the night progressed, the last star in the sky gradually disappeared, and the first ray of light at dawn was quietly coming out, heralding the coming of a new day. Su Mo and his party were ready to go, and their figures looked particularly tall in the morning light, like warriors about to embark on a great journey.

"Friends, it's time." Su Mo turned around and bowed deeply to everyone. "Thank you for your support and trust. We will set out with everyone's hope to explore the unknown light."

"For the light!" Everyone responded in unison. The sound echoed in the morning air and shook everyone's heart.

Just as they were about to embark on their journey, the old man suddenly stepped forward and handed them a small package containing a number of hand-woven amulets engraved with patterns symbolizing courage and hope.

“Take these with you,” the old man said with deep meaning, “May they give you strength when you encounter difficulties.”

Su Mo took it solemnly, his eyes firm: "Thank you, we will definitely live up to your trust."

In this way, with the blessings and expectations of the people, the four brave men took their steps towards the unknown with their mission. Behind them, the bonfire gradually went out, and in front of them was a bright road paved by the rising sun.

"Then," Su Mo's words were both a farewell to the past and a pledge to the future, "Let's set off towards the light!"

As their figures gradually disappeared at the end of the winding path, the residents of the town spontaneously gathered together and talked in low voices, their words full of awe and expectations for Su Mo and his group.

"Did you see that? The book in the hands of that young scholar seems to contain incredible power." A young villager said to his companion with envy in his eyes.

"That's right. And Su Mo. I heard that he has had a unique temperament since he was a child. Now I see that it is true." The middle-aged woman next to her echoed, her eyes full of motherly love and pride.

"The appearance of that wandering scholar is really God's help! Their journey may really change our destiny." The old man in the village stroked his gray beard, his eyes deep, as if he could travel through time and space and see the hope for the future.

“I bet, it won’t be long before their names resound throughout this continent and become legends!” A young man jumped up excitedly, his eyes full of longing, as if he could fly with them.

While the villagers were discussing, a little girl suddenly ran over, pulled the corner of the boy's clothes, looked up and asked: "Brother, do you think they can find the light and bring it back to us?"

The boy squatted down, gently touched his sister's head, and said seriously: "Of course they can, because they have light and dreams in their hearts, and we all believe in them. They will overcome all difficulties like the heroes in the story." (End of this chapter)