The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

Chapter 747 Not Outstanding

A month passed in a flash, and the forces from all over the world gathered at the entrance of Shadow Moon Forest. The four heroes stood side by side again, and behind them were warriors from all corners of the world, their eyes burning with desire for unknown challenges.

"We are about to step into the unknown, and each of us will be the writer of this history." Su Mo's words are inspiring, "Not just for victory, but also for the faces that are waiting for our return, and for the future of this world."

"Then let's get started!" Sebastian pointed his sword to the sky, and thunder responded to his call, as if heralding the prelude to a magnificent adventure.

Just as everyone was about to step forward, a gentle but firm voice came: "Please let me join. Although I am insignificant, I hope to be one of the glimmers of light."

Everyone looked back and saw the girl who had been in the corner of the tavern. She was standing straight now, with a light in her eyes that could not be ignored. The soldiers around were either surprised or praised, and whispered.

"Look, it's her, the girl who is always watching silently in the corner."

"I didn't expect she had such courage. It's really admirable."

Su Mo walked forward and looked at the girl carefully: "Do you have a name, young traveler?"

"My name is Arya. Although my power is limited, I believe that everyone can bring changes to the world." Arya replied, her tone filled with unprecedented confidence.

Su Mo smiled and held out his hand: "Welcome to join, Arya. During the journey, we will support each other and grow together. Now, let us head towards the Shadowmoon Forest and the unknown together!"

As Su Mo finished speaking, there were bursts of warm applause and cheers all around. Arya held Su Mo's hand, as if at that moment, she had become an indispensable member of the team. Under the gaze of many people, the five core members led the huge team and stepped into the deep path of Shadow Moon Forest filled with mysterious atmosphere.

"It's incredible that an ordinary person can embark on such a journey." In the team, two young men were discussing in a low voice, their eyes full of surprise.

“Yeah, maybe this is the age of heroes. Everyone has the opportunity to become part of the legend,” another person sighed.

In the forest, the light gradually dimmed, with only the occasional sunlight penetrating the treetops and shining on the ground. As they moved forward, they encountered all kinds of fantastic creatures, some of whom observed this huge team curiously, while others quickly hid for fear of disturbing these intruders.

“Look at those creatures. They seem to know the challenges we are about to face.” An elven archer whispered, her eyes flickering among the green leaves, as if she could communicate with nature.

"They feel the breath of change. All things have souls, don't they?" Leia responded with a smile. The unicorn beside her hissed softly, as if in response.

As they went deeper into the forest, the atmosphere became more solemn, until they came to an open area with an ancient and huge stone tablet standing in the center, engraved with traces of time and illegible runes.

"This is the key location we are looking for. The clues of the Stone of Balance point to this place." The low voice of the leader of the Shadow Nobles seemed particularly solemn in the silence.

Su Mo stepped forward, placed his hand on the stone tablet, closed his eyes and thought. Others also gathered around him. An inexplicable resonance arose in their hearts, as if an ancient voice was whispering.

"It requires a proof, and we must pass the trial." Sebastian suddenly spoke, and the Thunder Eagle circled around him, emitting bursts of thunder, as if warming up for the trial.

"What kind of trial?" Arya asked, with both nervousness and excitement in her eyes.

"It's a test of courage, wisdom, and sacrifice." Leia explained softly. Her fingers gently stroked the unicorn's horn, and a warm light flowed along it, as if giving her strength.

At the beginning of the trial, the team faced a series of unexpected challenges: illusion mazes, wisdom questions, and ancient guardian beasts that must be defeated by the team. Each trial tested their limits, but it was also in these challenges that the trust and tacit understanding between them reached an unprecedented level.

"Look, they really did it!" The warriors watching were amazed, many of them even shed tears of excitement, feeling proud that they could witness this moment.

Finally, with the concerted efforts of the team, the stone tablet emitted a dazzling light and slowly opened a passage leading to the underground secret room. An ancient and powerful energy wave filled the air.

"We found the Stone of Balance and the secret hidden within it." Su Mo stared at the stone that emitted a soft glow, his tone filled with incredible excitement.

"But this is just the beginning. The real challenge is still to come." The words of the leader of the Shadow Nobles reminded everyone at the right time, making them tense up again while they were immersed in joy.

Just as they were about to explore deeper, a deep and majestic voice echoed in the cave: "Are you here for light or for darkness?"

Everyone looked around, but could not see the source of the sound. This sudden unknown filled the air with tension and expectation.

"We come for balance and for the future of this world." Leia answered bravely, her eyes firm like stars.

"Then let us see if you are qualified to be the successor to this power." The voice gradually dissipated, leaving behind a series of puzzles waiting to be solved.

In the silence, Arya mustered up her courage and asked softly, "What should we do next?"

"Follow your heart and the answers will reveal themselves." Sebastian said, and the tip of the sword lightly touched the ground. The power of thunder and lightning was ready to move, ready to meet any possible challenge.

"We move forward together, whether in light or darkness, and use our actions to prove our beliefs." Su Mo's eyes swept over everyone, his tone full of determination and hope.

"Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth." The leader of the shadow nobles said in a deep voice. His figure was hidden in the dark, but no one dared to ignore his existence.

In the team, an old man stroked his long beard and whispered to the young man next to him: "Look, even the new girl is not afraid. This is an adventure that belongs to everyone. Everyone can find his or her place here."

The young man nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I used to think that heroes were just legends, but now, I stand here and become a part of this legend.”

Arya's lips curled up unconsciously when she heard this, and a warm feeling surged in her heart. She looked at her companions around her, and felt a deep sense of belonging and strength: "We are guardians and explorers. No matter what lies ahead, as long as we fight side by side, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome."

"It's time, friends." Leah leaped forward lightly, leading everyone into the newly opened secret realm. The unicorn followed her, the sound of its silver hooves echoing in the empty stone chamber, and every step seemed to be stepping on the vein of history.

In the secret room, the ancient mechanism slowly started up when they touched it, and a ray of light guided them to the depths. Along the way, the murals and sculptures told stories from long ago, and each one hinted at what kind of trial they were about to face.

"Are these statues... ancient guardians?" Arya pointed to a stone statue holding a huge hammer, her eyes full of curiosity.

"Yes, they are witnesses of history and our predecessors." Sebastian explained, his eyes revealing respect for his ancestors.

As they went deeper, they came to a vast space, in the center of which floated a dazzling gemstone, the Stone of Balance. It was surrounded by complex runes, emitting gentle yet powerful power fluctuations.

"Is this... everything we are looking for?" a soldier murmured to himself. Even a veteran like him who had experienced the battlefield could not suppress the shock in his heart.

"The Stone of Balance, a legendary treasure, is the key to maintaining the balance of the world." Su Mo answered softly, while approaching the gem cautiously, as if afraid of disturbing something.

At this moment, a gust of wind blew by, bringing with it a whisper. The sound was neither the whistle of the wind nor the words of a human, but it seemed to contain ancient wisdom: "Balance is not static, but dynamic harmony. Are you ready to take on this responsibility?"

Everyone was silent, and then, one by one, they nodded, their eyes full of determination. Arya also stood among them. Although her strength seemed small among the heroes, her heart was extremely strong.

"We are ready." Su Mo spoke on behalf of everyone. His voice echoed in the stone chamber, conveying an unyielding faith.

The Stone of Balance seemed to sense their sincerity and shone brightly. A gentle power overflowed from the gem, surrounding everyone and giving them new strength and knowledge.

"Remember, this power is both a gift and a responsibility. The road ahead is still long, and the world needs you. Go and be the spark that leads to light." The mysterious voice sounded for the last time and then gradually faded away.

When everyone opened their eyes again, they found themselves back at the entrance, but everyone knew that they were no longer the same. The power of the Balance Stone had changed them invisibly, making them stronger and more united.

"We succeeded." Arya's face was filled with indescribable joy. She looked at Su Mo, her eyes flashing with infinite longing for the future. "So, where should we go now? There are still many corners of the world waiting for us to protect."

"Yes, but before that..." Su Mo paused and looked into the distance, where the sky seemed brighter than ever before. "We still have some unfinished business. Let's go back to Bright City. There are our people and our home there. They are looking forward to our return."

"Going home... Yes, it's been a long time since I felt that warmth." Leah stroked the unicorn's mane, with a gentle light in her eyes. "Our family, they also need to know that the world is changing because of us."

"Moreover, there may be more clues about the Balance Stone hidden in the City of Light." The leader of the Shadow Nobles said after pondering for a moment, "Balance is not only the power of nature, but also in the hearts of people. We need to understand how to integrate this power into the people and let them become part of maintaining the balance of the world."

"It sounds like we have a new mission." Sebastian smiled, and the Thunder Eagle flapped its wings and flew high, as if echoing his words, "Go home, and then continue our journey of exploration and protection."

Everyone agreed, and the air was filled with a mixture of longing for home and longing for the future. They were ready to leave this secret room full of miracles and return to the City of Light.

Just as the team was about to leave, a young magician raised his hand hesitantly and asked cautiously: "But, is it safe to leave the Balance Stone here? If it falls into the hands of evildoers..."

Su Mo turned around, smiling confidently: "The Stone of Balance chose us because it believes in our strength and will. And the best way to protect it is for each of us to become its guardian. There is no need to worry, because it is already with us."

This sentence was like a warm current flowing through everyone's heart. They smiled at each other, and their tacit understanding and trust deepened again. They understood that no matter where they went, the spirit of the Balance Stone would guide them forward and become an invisible bond connecting them.

"Then let's set off and bring this light and hope back to everyone in need." Arya's voice was soft but firm. She held the weapon tightly in her hand, her eyes flashing with anticipation for unknown challenges.

"Yes, let the world witness our strength and the glory of the City of Light." A strong warrior echoed loudly, his voice was passionate, inspiring everyone around him.

In a jubilant and excited atmosphere, the group set out on the road back to the City of Light. They passed through the Shadow Moon Forest, and the fantastic creatures along the way seemed to sense something, expressing blessings or awe in their own ways, adding a bit of mythology to the journey.

"Look, even the forest knows about our victory." An elven archer chuckled, her arrow reflecting colorful light in the sunlight.

"It's not just the forest, the whole natural world is saying to us: 'Well done, warriors.'" another companion joked, causing a burst of lighthearted laughter in the team.

Behind them, the ancient stone tablet stands quietly, like a wise old man, silently guarding this land and witnessing the bravery and growth of the younger generation.

As the team walked further and further away, finally out of the embrace of the forest, the outline of the City of Light loomed on the horizon. The familiar yet unfamiliar scene made everyone feel complicated. Home is not only a harbor for rest, but also a new starting point for the journey.

"We are back." Su Mo said softly, his eyes reflecting the glory of Guangming City and the infinite possibilities of the future.

"Yes, I'm back. But the story has just begun..." Leah continued, with both emotion and expectation in her tone. (End of this chapter)