The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

"Wait," Ajie suddenly stopped Zhao Ming who was about to turn around and leave, with curiosity and confusion in his eyes, "I have always had a question, since the Book of Wisdom is so powerful, why doesn't the Guardian of Light show up to help us directly? Aren't we doing well enough?" Li Zixue gently stroked the Book of Wisdom, and after a moment of silence, he replied: "Maybe the Guardian of Light has his own considerations and mission. The existence of the Book of Wisdom is more like guidance and assistance. The real growth and battle still need us to experience it ourselves. Just like the friendship between us, it cannot be replaced by any external force."

"That's right," Su Mo nodded in agreement, with wisdom beyond his age in his eyes, "The path of protecting the light is a test in itself. The existence of the guardian of light is a symbol of faith, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, we must believe that light will eventually come."

Lin Hao stood up, stretching his body which was slightly stiff from sitting for a long time, and said with a smile: "Well, it is better to act than to suspect. No matter who the Guardian of Light is, he must want to see us become more resilient and powerful. Come on, partners, gather your strength for tomorrow's challenge."

"Oh, right," Ajie suddenly remembered something and approached everyone mysteriously, "I just heard a rumor in the town that there is an ancient ruin hiding a secret treasure that can fight against darkness. If this is true, it will be of great benefit to us."

Li Zixue's book of wisdom gently opened a page, glowing faintly, as if responding in some way: "There are clues in this book pointing to the ruins. Perhaps this is another guide from the Guardian of Light."

Zhao Ming heard this and a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes: "Then what are we waiting for? Now that we have a direction, let's go and find out. We cannot miss any opportunity that may increase our strength."

As the night deepened, the conversations in the inn gradually died down, and the five people went to rest, but the desire for the unknown and the persistence for light in their hearts were as hot as fire.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the window and shone on the five young faces, they were already ready, their eyes full of determination and hope.

"Let's go, towards the light, towards the unknown." Lin Hao cheered up and raised his arm. The four of them smiled at each other and followed his steps out of the hotel door.

On the street, pedestrians hurried by. Occasionally, someone noticed this group of young people with extraordinary temperament and could not help but whisper to each other:
"Look at those people. They are so imposing and impressive. They must be doing great things."

"Yes, maybe they were the one who caused the strange phenomenon last night. We are so lucky to have such heroes in our town."

"I heard they were going to look for some ruins. It's rare to see such an adventurous spirit in this day and age."

Amidst everyone's discussions and expectations, the five people embarked on a journey to the ancient ruins.

Just as they were about to move on, a faint call reached their ears through the silence of the ruins. "Help me, please..." The voice was full of despair and pleading.

They followed the sound and found an old man imprisoned by dark magic. His body was weak, but there was an unyielding light in his eyes. "I am the guardian of this ruin. Only the true messenger of light can save me, and you are..." The old man panted and handed them an ancient badge. "This... is the key to unlocking the final secret. Use it to stop the spread of darkness."

After receiving the badge, they felt the heavy responsibility. "We won't let you down." The four responded in unison, with the light in their eyes more determined than ever.

Leaving the ruins, the sky began to turn pale, heralding the arrival of a new day. They knew that there were more unknowns waiting for them ahead, but their hearts were filled with unprecedented courage and confidence.

"No matter what the road ahead holds, we are no longer alone." Zhao Ming looked at the horizon, the morning light shining on his face, warm and full of hope.

"Because we are each other's light." Su Mo, Li Zixue and Ajie said one after another, their smiles looked particularly dazzling in the morning light.

As they walked away, they could hear the discussion of the townspeople behind them, expressing their endless admiration and expectations for them.

“They are the heroes in our hearts.”

“May their journey be filled with light.”

“Yes, every step they take inspires us and proves that even in the darkest moments, light will not give up on this world.” A young blacksmith clenched his fists, with sparks of longing in his eyes.

"Yes, think about what the little boy said, 'I also want to be a hero like them.' They fight not only for themselves, but also for everyone who has a dream." The weaver next to her continued, her fingers weaving through the colorful fabrics, as if weaving hope.

"If everyone can have undying faith and courage like them, then the world will be brighter." An old scholar pushed his glasses, his tone full of emotion.

"They are not only fighting against darkness, but also teaching us that no matter who we are, as long as we have justice in our hearts, we can become part of changing the world." The village chief stood in the crowd, his words revealing his infinite expectations for the future.

Just as everyone was talking and immersed in admiration for the four travelers, a burst of hurried footsteps interrupted everything. A little girl came running over breathlessly, holding an unsealed letter tightly in her hand. "It... It's for them! Someone just passed by on a fast horse and said that he wanted to give it to the four heroes!" The little girl's face was flushed from running, but her eyes were shining with pride.

The villagers gathered around and looked at the letter curiously. The village chief opened it carefully and read the contents of the letter: "To the Son of Light, the ancient prophecy is about to come true, and the real test is just around the corner. The Mist Island on the east coast hides a divine weapon that can balance light and darkness, but it has also been coveted by the dark forces for a long time. The world needs you, go and let the light shine in every corner again."

After reading it, there were bursts of exclamations from the crowd. They looked at each other, as if they were witnessing the beginning of a new era.

"They will go. They always appear where the world needs them most." An elder said slowly, his eyes flashing with endless trust in the four travelers.

"What can we do?" a young man asked anxiously, eager to contribute to this great cause.

“Spread the message, prepare hearts and hope. Our support is also part of their strength.” The village chief stroked his beard, wisdom and determination flowing in his words.

As the sun rises and sets, the stories of the four travelers spread quietly across every corner of the continent like a spring breeze, inspiring every ordinary soul. And on the far east coast, the Kirigakure Island is quietly waiting, which is both an unknown challenge and the key to solving all mysteries.

"Are we ready?" Zhao Ming stared at his companions, his eyes filled with both determination and tenderness.

"For the sake of light, we are fearless." Su Mo answered softly, the broken mirror in her hand flashing slightly, as if she was full of anticipation for the upcoming adventure.

"Then let's go and let the darkness see the power of light." Ajie tightly grasped the rusty key. The key seemed to be leading them to one miracle after another.

"The light of wisdom will guide our path." The light of Li Zixue's Book of Wisdom became warmer and brighter, illuminating the unknown road ahead for the four people.

They turned and left, heading towards the first ray of sunshine in the east. Their backs were stretched out under the rising sun, becoming the shadow of eternal hope in the hearts of countless people.

"Have a safe journey, our heroes." In the small town, countless voices came together into a warm blessing, accompanying their backs as they walked away.

"Look, they're leaving." The little girl pointed at the figures gradually disappearing on the horizon, her eyes full of admiration.

"Yes, little one, they are always looking for light and fighting against darkness." The blacksmith squatted down and said to the little girl gently, while quietly putting a small sword he made into her hand, "Take it, this is prepared for the heroic dream in your heart. I hope that one day, you can also stand up bravely like them."

The little girl opened her eyes wide and held the sword tightly, as if she was holding the whole world. "I will!" Her eyes were firm, which moved everyone around her.

"This is hope." The weaver sighed, and a new pattern appeared on her cloth, which was the silhouettes of four travelers. They will circulate in people's daily lives and become a symbol of courage and hope.

"Their journey is destined to be extraordinary." The old scholar pondered, as if foreseeing a brilliant future. "I hope that every heart in the world that yearns for light can find its own light on this land."

The village chief looked at the heroes walking away, with a gratified smile on his face. "Although we cannot go with them personally, we can be their solid support. From now on, let us crown the light in our own way."

The villagers dispersed one by one, but the air was still filled with longing and determination for the future. In their hearts, the backs of the four travelers not only represent individual courage and sacrifice, but also symbolize a collective power - everyone can be a light, dispelling the darkness around them.

At this time, the four travelers who were embarking on the journey to the Kirigakure Island were also feeling turbulent about the unknown that they were about to face.

"What we are facing may be an unprecedented adventure." Li Zixue's voice was a little nervous, but more excited.

"No matter what awaits us ahead, as long as we are together, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome." Su Mo's hand gently rested on Li Zixue's shoulder, giving silent support.

"Yes, and we still have this." Applejack held up the rusty key, which shone with a strange luster in the sun, as if even the air was vibrating with it. "It feels more and more alive."

Zhao Ming nodded, and the tip of his sword tapped the ground, making a crisp sound. "No matter what, we are the chosen ones. This journey is not only for ourselves, but also for the light of the whole world."

Just as they were deep in discussion, a breeze blew by, bringing with it a faint sound that sounded like a whisper or a singing, leading them in one direction.

"Did you hear that?" Su Mo listened attentively. Her vines swayed gently, as if responding to something.

"Yes, it's like nature itself is showing us the way." Li Zixue's book of wisdom automatically opened to a blank page, and then words gradually appeared, recording this mysterious guidance.

Following this invisible guidance, they passed through the dense forest and crossed the stream until a vast grassland appeared before them. At the end of the grassland, an ancient and solemn altar stood silently, with intricate totems of light and darkness carved on it, as if telling an ancient story.

"Is this the entrance to Kirigakure Island?" Zhao Ming looked around, his eyes full of excitement.

"It looks like it." Ajie walked forward, aimed the key at the groove in the center of the altar, and turned it gently. In an instant, a bright light appeared, and a staircase leading to the underground appeared.

"Are you ready, friends?" Zhao Ming's voice echoed in the suddenly solemn air. He had his sword in his hand and his posture was firm.

"As you wish, I will go through fire and water for you." Su Mo's words were accompanied by the light dance of the vines in her hands, which were green and full of vitality.

Li Zixue carefully closed the book of wisdom, her eyes flickering with a desire for the unknown: "Knowledge is power. Everything we have learned will shine at this moment."

Ajie tightly grasped the key that was once rusty but now seemed to contain endless power, with unquestionable determination in his eyes: "Let's go and start our legend."

They stepped into the stairs where light and darkness intertwined step by step. Each step seemed so heavy and sacred, as if they had stepped across the long river of time and entered another world. Below, the unknown was waiting, full of dangers and opportunities.

At the same time, the outside world has not stopped. Their legend has already spread and become a hot topic of discussion among people. In a tavern, several travelers are discussing enthusiastically:

"Have you heard? Those four warriors have found the entrance to Kirigakure Island. It is said that there is a divine weapon that can balance light and darkness hidden there!"

"A divine weapon? It sounds like a fairy tale, but if it's them, it might actually be possible."

"Yes, even an old man like me can't help wanting to be young again and do something great after hearing their stories!"

Their conversation is the most sincere respect for the four travelers, and also an awakening of the unfulfilled dreams in their hearts.

As the four of them went deeper into the depths of Kirigakure Island, they encountered an unexpected challenge - a maze created by dark magic, intricate and full of traps. As they carefully explored, they accidentally rescued an explorer trapped in it.

"Thanks to the light, you really showed up!" The explorer's name is Lin Hao. His hands are shaking, and there is both relief and disbelief in his eyes. "I thought I would be trapped here forever." (End of this chapter)