The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

The shadow did not move further. It seemed to be waiting for something or thinking about some important decision. After a moment, it turned and left, blending into the night, as if it had never appeared.

The next morning, the sun pierced through the mist and awakened the sleeping camp. Under the first ray of sunlight, everyone was ready to go, with tension for the unknown challenge and desire for victory on their faces.

"According to the guidance of the Book of Wisdom, the ancient ruins should be located deep in the dark forest in the east." Li Zixue checked her equipment while introducing her research results to everyone. "It is said that there are many unknowns and dangers there, but we must go there."

"Dark Forest, the name doesn't sound simple." Yueyue teased, but there was no fear in her tone. The rune in her hand became brighter because of her determination.

Su Mo smiled and said, "No matter how dark the forest is, as long as we are here, the light can penetrate everything." His eyes were warm and firm, and the healing power seemed to be passed on to everyone along with his words.

The traveler quietly packed his bag. He didn't say much, but every movement seemed very skillful, as if he was already used to long journeys and unknown explorations. "Let's go, time waits for no one," he said simply and forcefully.

As the leader of the team, Zhao Ming was the last to set off. He turned and looked at everyone, his eyes flashing with unquestionable determination: "No matter what lies ahead, we must face it together. Protecting the light is not only our responsibility, but also our belief."

The team set out on a journey to the dark forest. As they went deeper, the light around them gradually weakened, and every leaf in the forest seemed to be stained with mystery and uneasiness. But even so, their trust and determination in each other, like the brightest lights, illuminated the way forward.

As they were walking, a hunter who happened to meet them in the forest saw them and his eyes were full of surprise and curiosity: "Where are you going? This dark forest is not a place to joke around."

"We are going to find out the truth and uncover the secret of the 'Lord of Black Boots.'" Zhao Ming answered frankly, with a determination in his tone that should not be underestimated.

The hunter shook his head, half in admiration and half in worry, and said: "Young man, your courage is commendable, but don't forget that deep in the forest hides horrors that even old hunters dare not easily set foot in. It is better to be careful."

"Thanks for the reminder. We will be careful." Su Mo responded politely. His smile had a soothing power that made the hunter nod and watch them leave.

As they go deeper, challenges and puzzles come one after another, but every difficulty makes the team closer and everyone's strength is unprecedentedly enhanced. And the mysterious whisper echoes in their hearts, becoming the driving force that pushes them forward.

Finally, after solving a complex maze trap, they came to the entrance of an ancient and solemn ruins, where the clues in the Book of Wisdom were confirmed. What awaits them is the ultimate showdown with the "Lord of Black Boots" and the ultimate test of their deep understanding of light and darkness.

"We are here." Zhao Ming stood at the entrance of the ruins, his voice was soft but full of power. Behind him were his comrades who fought side by side, their eyes burning with the flame of faith, fearless and fearless.

"Yes, we are here." The traveler responded in a low voice. His eyes looked beyond the gate of the ruins and seemed to see a wider world and the upcoming final battle.

And at this moment, an unknown energy wave came from the depths of the ruins, as if it was a warning from the "Lord of Black Boots" about their arrival, and also foreshadowing that the climax of the story was about to come.

"Then let's get ready." Su Mo's words were calm but full of determination. He looked at each team member, his eyes full of trust and hope.

"For light, for this continent." Li Zixue clenched the book of wisdom in her hand. The light of wisdom flowed around her, as if the long river of history was crowning them.

Yueyue, Zhao Ming, and all the team members were infected by this strong belief. They stuck together and prepared to meet the final challenge.

"Are you ready, friends?" Zhao Ming's voice rang out in the team, and everyone responded with a firm nod.

At this time, a traveling merchant happened to pass by and witnessed this scene. His mouth opened slightly, and his eyes were full of disbelief: "You...you really plan to go in? That is a place that even the legendary warriors dare not try easily!" His voice was full of disbelief, mixed with a hint of admiration.

"Yes, we have to do this." Yueyue replied with a smile, the rune stone in her palm flashing a brighter light, which was the fearlessness of unknown challenges and the trust in companions. "Some things have to be done by someone."

The Traveling Merchant shook his head and sighed, but his eyes were full of respect: "May the gods bless you, brave warriors. If the world needs heroes, you will be the ones."

After bidding farewell to the traveling merchant, the team continued to move forward, each step was taken with determination and perseverance. When they passed through the last dark forest, an ancient and huge stone door suddenly appeared before them. It was the entrance to the ruins described in the Book of Wisdom.

"It looks like we have arrived at our destination." The traveler's voice was low and calm. His fingers gently touched the stone door, as if he could feel the weight and vicissitudes of history.

"Wait, there seems to be something engraved on the door." Li Zixue leaned in to take a closer look. Her fingers slid along the ancient symbols, and the light of wisdom lit up, interpreting the obscure inscriptions. "This is a warning, warning visitors of the dangers here, but it also mentions... Only those with pure hearts and firm beliefs can pass through this door."

"Then let us prove our worth." Zhao Ming stepped forward and gently placed his hand on the stone door. A warm and powerful force surged from his body and resonated with the stone door. In the surprised eyes of everyone, the stone door slowly opened with a dull rumble, as if the ancient guards were recognizing them.

As the door opened, an ancient and mysterious atmosphere blew in. Inside was a vast space filled with intricate mechanisms and unsolved mysteries. Just as they were about to step in, an old and mysterious voice suddenly echoed in the empty hall: "Welcome, Guardians. Your courage and wisdom are indeed impressive, but the real test has just begun."

"Who's there?" Zhao Ming looked around vigilantly, his hand unconsciously clenching the hilt of the sword.

"I am the guardian spirit of this ruin. For a long time, I have been waiting for a brave man who can unlock the secrets of the Lord of Black Boots." The voice continued, "If you can pass all the trials I set, you will find the key to the hiding place of the Lord of Black Boots."

"We accept the trial." Su Mo answered on behalf of everyone, his eyes flashing with firmness and determination.

Following the guidance of the guardian spirit, they went deeper into the ruins step by step. Each trial was an extreme test of wisdom, strength and teamwork. Every time they overcame a difficulty, the surrounding environment would change, as if the ruins themselves were responding to them and recognizing their efforts.

After going through countless mechanisms and puzzles, they finally came to a magnificent hall. In the center of the hall was a gem shining with a strange light. That was the key to the hiding place of the "Lord of the Black Boots".

"We did it." Li Zixue panted, gently stroking the gem with both hands. The Book of Wisdom opened automatically, as if guiding their next move.

At this moment, a sneer came from the shadows, and the Lord of Black Boots slowly stepped into the light. His dark eyes revealed coldness and disdain: "I didn't expect that someone could really make it this far, but the game ends here."

"We won't let you succeed." Zhao Ming stepped forward, his sword pointing at the Lord of Black Boots. The surrounding space solidified due to the confrontation between the two sides.

"Really? Then let me see how powerful your so-called 'light' is." The Lord of Black Boots raised a mocking smile, and a battle that would determine the fate of the continent was about to begin.

Just when the atmosphere was tense to the extreme, a mysterious voice sounded in their ears again, this time more clearly, with an indescribable power: "Remember, true power lies not only in defeating the enemy, but also in protecting everything you cherish. The light will always be with you."

This sudden encouragement ignited a spark of hope in everyone's heart. They looked at each other, without words, the tacit understanding and trust were enough to explain everything.

"For the sake of light and our homeland, we will not retreat." As Zhao Ming finished speaking, the battle horn officially sounded.

The battle broke out in the hall, and the sword shadows and magic radiance intertwined into a dazzling light net. The power of the Lord of Black Boots was far beyond everyone's imagination. Each of his attacks contained destructive power, and even the most solid defense seemed shaky.

"Be careful!" Yueyue's shout pierced the air. She threw out several talismans, forming a barrier to block the heavy blow from the Lord of Black Boots. However, the shock wave still caused Zhao Ming's body to shake, and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth.

"Zhao Ming!" Li Zixue hurried forward, her wisdom illuminating Zhao Ming's pale face, and she anxiously checked his wound, "Your wound..."

Zhao Ming forced a smile, enduring the pain, but his eyes were full of determination to win: "I'm fine, don't be distracted. We can't lose this battle!"

Su Mo and the Traveler teamed up to fight against the Lord of Black Boots, one hard and one soft, both offensive and defensive. However, the opponent always seemed to be able to predict their moves, narrowly avoiding fatal attacks each time, and the swiftness of the counterattack caught people off guard.

"You are too naive. You think you can overturn my plan with the strength of a few people?" The Lord of Black Boots sneered. He unleashed dark magic and the whole hall fell into chaos.

In this desperate darkness, a light suddenly lit up. It was the Book of Wisdom in Li Zixue's hand. Its light was brighter than ever before, illuminating the surroundings and everyone's hearts.

"The light of wisdom guides us forward." She chanted softly, and the book of wisdom flipped, releasing a mysterious power that strengthened everyone's fighting power.

Zhao Ming was encouraged and stood up. The power in his body was boiling with his will. The sword light was like a dragon, and he rushed straight to the Lord of Black Boots: "Your darkness can't cover our light!"

Just when the battle was at a stalemate, suddenly, the Lord of Black Boots made a fatal mistake, and Zhao Ming seized the opportunity and pierced through his shield with a sword, hitting him in the chest. The Lord of Black Boots trembled, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face.

"Impossible... How could I lose..." His voice became weaker and weaker, and finally disappeared into the air, turning into a puff of smoke and dissipating, leaving only a dim gem - the source of the Black Boots Lord's power.

Everyone gathered around Zhao Ming. Although his injuries were severe, his spirits were still high. Yueyue cast a spell quickly, and a healing light surrounded him, and his wounds gradually healed.

"Thank you, Yueyue. We did it." Zhao Ming looked at her gratefully, his eyes flashing with anticipation for the future.

"We did it together, Zhao Ming." Su Mo patted his shoulder, his eyes full of brotherly love. "There are more challenges waiting for us, but we are no longer fighting alone."

"Yes, the road to light is never smooth, but we have each other." Li Zixue said softly, the Book of Wisdom lying quietly in her hands, as if affirming all this.

At this moment, the mysterious voice sounded again, this time it seemed closer, as if it was right beside my ear: "Remember, the real journey has just begun. Protecting the light is not only about fighting against darkness, but more importantly, illuminating each other's hearts."

"Yes, we will light the way forward." Zhao Ming stood up straight and looked at his teammates firmly, with endless courage and determination in his eyes.

"So, where's the next stop?" the traveler asked curiously, raising his eyebrows.

"No matter where we are, as long as there is light, we will move forward." Zhao Ming's response was sonorous and powerful. Then he smiled and turned to everyone, "Friends, are you ready? A new adventure is waiting for us."

"Always be prepared!" A unanimous response came from the team, full of infinite passion and vitality.

"Let's set off, towards the unknown, towards the light." Zhao Ming waved his sword and pointed it towards the sky. At that moment, it seemed that even the sky was bright. The sunlight penetrated the clouds and sprinkled on everyone's face, reflecting their resolute and unyielding faces.

"Wait a minute, Zhao Ming." Yueyue suddenly spoke up, took out a small talisman from her pocket and handed it to him, "This is a special locator I made. No matter how far we are apart, we can use this to find each other. After all, the road ahead is still long, and we can't guarantee that we can always walk side by side."

Zhao Ming took the talisman, feeling the warm power and deep trust contained in it, and nodded solemnly, "Thank you, Yueyue. With this, our hearts will never lose their way." (End of this chapter)