The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

The process of approaching the top of the storm was more difficult than expected. The strong wind was like a knife cutting the face. Every step was like a struggle with the power of nature. Su Mo used her natural induction ability to guide everyone to avoid the most dangerous areas, while Li Zixue used her magic to create shelter for the team and reduce the impact of the bad weather.

"There's a cave ahead. We can go in and take shelter from the wind." Su Mo pointed to a hidden entrance. The entrance was half covered by vines. It would be easy to miss it if you didn't look for it deliberately.

The cave was unexpectedly spacious, with a never-extinguished flame burning in the center, warm and bright, dispelling the coldness of the outside world. Next to the flame, a simple giant sword was inserted on the stone platform, with a faint lightning flashing on the sword body. It was the sword of courage they were looking for.

"This is..." Before Li Zixue finished speaking, a strong pressure emanated from the sword, which made people feel awe.

"Sword of Courage, it seems we have found it." Zhao Ming walked forward and reached out to touch it, but hesitated at the critical moment.

"Draw the sword, Zhao Ming. Since fate has allowed us to find it, it proves that you have enough courage to bear its power." Su Mo encouraged.

Zhao Ming took a deep breath, gripped the hilt tightly with both hands, and exerted all his strength. With a roar, the Sword of Courage flew out, the tip of the sword pointing directly at the top of the cave, as if even the heaven and earth were shaken by its momentum.

"We did it!" Li Zixue shouted excitedly, and the Book of Wisdom flipped automatically, releasing a soft light, echoing the Sword of Courage.

"Now, only the Shield of Mercy is left." Zhao Ming sheathed his sword, his eyes filled with joy and determination for the future. "No matter where it is hidden, we will find it."

The three of them left the cave and set out on their journey again. Under the setting sun, their backs stretched out, firm and warm. Along the way, they learned more about the meaning of trust, courage and wisdom, and understood that true power is not only the addition of the holy weapon, but also the indomitable and courageous belief in the heart.

"Storm Peak has proved our courage, and the coming Shield of Mercy will surely lead us to find the great love in our hearts." Zhao Ming looked at the distant horizon, full of confidence in the upcoming adventure.

"Yes, on the road to light, we will move forward side by side." Li Zixue and Su Mo smiled at each other, standing together arm in arm, as if no difficulties could separate them.

As night fell, the three of them sat around the campfire and talked about the future. Their deep friendship and common goals shone the brightest in the night sky. In the distance, something seemed to be calling them, indicating that the next legendary chapter was about to begin.

"So, where are we going tomorrow?" Li Zixue asked softly, with a longing for the unknown in her eyes.

"Follow your heart, the shield of mercy will guide us." Zhao Ming replied with a mysterious smile on his face.
"I hope our hearts can be as bright as the starry sky, leading us through the darkness to the other side." Su Mo looked up, the stars dancing in her eyes, as if they were also silently telling the ancient secrets.

The next day, at dawn, the three packed their bags and bid farewell to the cave that gave them courage, with a heavy sense of mission in their hearts. According to the guidance of the Book of Wisdom, the clue to the Shield of Mercy seems to be hidden in a mysterious place called "Lake of Tranquility", where it is said that the purest kindness and peace in nature are gathered.

"The Lake of Tranquility, a place that sounds peaceful." Li Zixue gently stroked the Book of Wisdom, as if she could draw direction from the book. "If the Shield of Mercy is really there, there must be unusual trials waiting for us."

They traveled through forests and mountains, helping villages attacked by wild animals and saving innocent lives trapped by evil spells. Each action strengthened their faith and won praise from the local people. These experiences not only strengthened the bond between the three, but also made the names of Zhao Ming, Su Mo, and Li Zixue spread across the mainland, becoming heroes passed down by word of mouth.

Finally, at the end of a dense forest, they saw the legendary quiet lake. The lake water was clear and the waves were calm, as if it could wash away all the dust in the world. White lotus flowers floated on the lake, and the air was filled with a refreshing fragrance.

As they slowly approached, a gentle voice suddenly sounded in their hearts: "Pure-hearted ones, why are you here?"

The three of them looked around but didn't see any figure. They only felt that the voice seemed to come from all directions, and as if it came from the depths of their hearts.

"We are here to find the Shield of Mercy and to protect the peace of this continent." Zhao Ming answered with his chest puffed out. The lightning sword in his hand trembled slightly, as if responding to his sense of justice.

"Very good," the voice seemed to be smiling, "True compassion cannot be bestowed by weapons, but comes from the heart of each of you. Only by passing the test can you understand its true meaning."

As the words fell, ripples appeared on the surface of the lake and an illusion formed by water slowly rose. It was a scene they had never seen before: they were fighting side by side with their partners, rescuing the suffering and delivering hope. Every scene was filled with love and dedication.

"It seems that the test is about our own memories and choices." Su Mo whispered, her eyes becoming more determined.

"That's right. We just need to follow our hearts and make the most authentic response." Li Zixue nodded in agreement. The book of wisdom opened automatically, and pages of light illuminated their way forward.

As the illusion progresses, the test becomes more severe. They experience countless choices and sacrifices in the virtual world, and each decision is directly related to the safety of innocent lives. In the trials again and again, the three not only deepen their understanding of each other, but also deeply realize the weight of the word "compassion".

Finally, when the last scene faded away, a dazzling light emerged in the center of the quiet lake. In the center of the light, a shield emitting soft white light was quietly suspended. It was the Shield of Mercy that they had been looking for for a long time.

"We passed the test!" Li Zixue cheered, tears of excitement flashing in her eyes.

Zhao Ming slowly stepped forward. This time, he stretched out his hand without hesitation and gently touched the shield. The moment his fingers touched the shield, a warm current surged through his body. It was not only the inheritance of power, but also the purification of the soul.

"We not only received the Shield of Compassion, but also gained priceless enlightenment." Zhao Ming turned around, his eyes burning, and said to Su Mo and Li Zixue, "The real power comes from the light and compassion in our hearts."

"Yes, light and compassion are our eternal compass." Su Mo and Li Zixue responded in unison, and the three of them shook hands tightly. At this moment, they seemed to be able to feel the warmth and harmony of the whole world.

As night fell again, they sat around the campfire by the quiet lake. They were no longer nervous and tired, but were replaced by an unprecedented calmness and satisfaction. In the night sky, the stars seemed brighter than ever before.

"What should we do next?" Li Zixue held the Book of Wisdom in her hands, her eyes sparkling with infinite reverie about the future. "With the Sword of Courage and the Shield of Compassion, our strength is now far greater than before."

"Let's move on and search for the last holy artifact - the Crown of Hope." Zhao Ming's eyes were firm, as if he had seen the dawn of victory. "Only by collecting all three holy artifacts can we truly fight against the impending shadow crisis."

"Crown of Hope...what kind of trial will be waiting for us?" Su Mo whispered to himself, with both expectation and worry between his brows.

"No matter what the road ahead holds, we are no longer alone." Li Zixue held the hands of the people on both sides tightly. The power of the three people seemed to blend at this moment and converge into an unstoppable torrent.

Just as they were immersed in the warmth and plans, a strange wave suddenly spread across the lake. A shadow rose from the water and gradually transformed into an image of a woman in silver gauze and a dazzling crown on her head. Her appearance made the air around them seem to freeze.

"Travelers, I am the goddess of the lake. I have long protected the tranquility and peace here." The woman's voice was as clear as the lake water, and it carried a power that could not be ignored. "I am deeply moved by the courage, compassion, and trust you have shown in each other. Therefore, I am willing to give you some guidance."

Upon hearing this, the three of them held their breath involuntarily and listened attentively.

"The Crown of Hope is neither in the distant sky nor sleeping in the ancient ruins." The goddess waved the scepter in her hand, and a beam of light shot into their hearts. "It is hidden deep in everyone's heart. Only when the darkest moment of the world comes, those who truly believe in the existence of hope can awaken its true power."

This was like a thunderbolt, which made them fall into deep thought. It turned out that the real power was not given by external things, but the inner awakening and growth.

"But," the goddess said, "to face the coming darkness, inner hope alone is not enough. I will grant you an ancient magic that will help you become more resilient on this road."

After that, she stretched out her hand and tapped the foreheads of the three people with her fingertips. Different colors of light burst out from them respectively - Zhao Ming's lightning blue, Su Mo's natural green, and Li Zixue's wisdom purple. After the light, they could clearly feel the increase of their internal strength, as well as an unprecedented tacit understanding and connection.

“Remember, the real challenge has just begun. Keep your faith, work together, and light will eventually defeat darkness.” After saying this, the goddess’ figure gradually faded until it completely merged into the lake, leaving only circles of gentle ripples.

The three of them stood by the lake for a long time, feeling both shocked and filled with infinite longing for the future.

"Let's set off towards an unknown tomorrow." Zhao Ming was the first to break the silence, the sword of courage in his hand shining with a resolute light.

"No matter where the Crown of Hope is, as long as we are together, there are no difficulties that cannot be overcome." Su Mo's tone was firm, and her natural power seemed to be more agile.

"That's right, let us bring light to every corner until the crown of hope awakens in our hearts." Li Zixue closed the Book of Wisdom with a smile. That smile was full of fearlessness for the future and trust in her companions.

As night fell, the three of them sat around the campfire and talked about the future. Their deep friendship and common goals shone the brightest in the night sky. In the distance, something seemed to be calling them, indicating that the next legendary chapter was about to begin.

"So, where are we going tomorrow?" Li Zixue asked softly, with a longing for the unknown in her eyes.

"Follow your heart, the shield of mercy will guide us." Zhao Ming replied with a mysterious smile on his face.
"I hope our hearts can be as bright as the starry sky, leading us through the darkness to the other side." Su Mo looked up, the stars dancing in her eyes, as if they were also silently telling the ancient secrets.

The next day, at dawn, the three packed their bags and bid farewell to the cave that gave them courage, with a heavy sense of mission in their hearts. According to the guidance of the Book of Wisdom, the clue to the Shield of Mercy seems to be hidden in a mysterious place called "Lake of Tranquility", where it is said that the purest kindness and peace in nature are gathered.

"The Lake of Tranquility, a place that sounds peaceful." Li Zixue gently stroked the Book of Wisdom, as if she could draw direction from the book. "If the Shield of Mercy is really there, there must be unusual trials waiting for us."

They traveled through forests and mountains, helping villages attacked by wild animals and saving innocent lives trapped by evil spells. Each action strengthened their faith and won praise from the local people. These experiences not only strengthened the bond between the three, but also made the names of Zhao Ming, Su Mo, and Li Zixue spread across the mainland, becoming heroes passed down by word of mouth.

Finally, at the end of a dense forest, they saw the legendary quiet lake. The lake water was clear and the waves were calm, as if it could wash away all the dust in the world. White lotus flowers floated on the lake, and the air was filled with a refreshing fragrance.

As they slowly approached, a gentle voice suddenly sounded in their hearts: "Pure-hearted ones, why are you here?"

The three of them looked around but didn't see any figure. They only felt that the voice seemed to come from all directions, and as if it came from the depths of their hearts.

"We are here to find the Shield of Mercy and to protect the peace of this continent." Zhao Ming answered with his chest puffed out. The lightning sword in his hand trembled slightly, as if responding to his sense of justice.

"Very good," the voice seemed to be smiling, "True compassion cannot be bestowed by weapons, but comes from the heart of each of you. Only by passing the test can you understand its true meaning."

As the words fell, ripples appeared on the lake, and a phantom formed by water slowly rose up. It was a scene they had never seen before: they fought side by side with their partners, saving the suffering and spreading hope. Every scene was full of love and dedication. (End of this chapter)