The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

"No matter how bumpy the road ahead is, as long as we have light in our hearts, we can illuminate each other's way." Su Mo held Bailing's hand tightly and made a promise to the vast starry sky, while Bailing shook his hand back tightly, and both of them had determination in their eyes.

"Let's go, Bailing, and head towards the Holy Light Valley. Along the way, I have a feeling that we will encounter more challenges, but we will also definitely gain extraordinary experiences and strength." Su Mo's voice was firm, and his eyes pierced through the night, as if he had already seen the legendary holy land.

They left the village, passing rolling hills and winding rivers along the way. Whenever they stopped to rest, there would always be curious passers-by asking about their destination and why they had such a unique temperament.

"Are you the warriors going to Holy Light Valley?" A traveler with a frosted face stopped and looked at the two people carefully. "Few people dare to mention that name, let alone actually look for it."

"I don't dare to be a warrior, I'm just pursuing the light in our hearts." Su Mo responded modestly, but the determination in his eyes was unquestionable.

"The Holy Light Valley is a mysterious and dangerous place. Legend has it that it not only contains endless knowledge, but also has guardians who test the determination and purity of every visitor." The traveler sighed, with both envy and worry in his eyes.

"Determination and purity, we are ready." Bailing said confidently, gently patting the cloth bag hanging around his waist, which contained some simple supplies they got from the villagers, as well as the God of War Sword containing unknown power.

As the journey progressed, rumors and legends gradually turned into strange sights witnessed with their own eyes. They passed through a cursed withered forest, where the trees were twisted and even the sky seemed to be stained with a layer of gray. As they carefully crossed, a mother and son appeared in front of them, standing helplessly among the dead trees.

"Are you also here to look for a hero to save this land?" When the woman saw Su Mo and Bai Ling, a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes, but it was soon replaced by despair. "We heard that the healers in the Holy Light Valley have a way, but we are too weak to get there."

"Don't worry, we will do our best." Su Mo agreed without hesitation, and Bai Ling had already begun to use her natural power to try to alleviate the curse in this area. Although the progress was slow, it did bring about subtle changes, and some dead branches and leaves seemed to have regained vitality.

"You...you really are the chosen ones!" the woman exclaimed, while her son opened his eyes wide, full of admiration for the hero.

Such episodes make Su Mo and Bai Ling's journey full of meaning. They are not only pursuing self-growth and strength, but also helping those struggling on the edge of darkness. The news spread quickly, and more and more passers-by knew their story. Some joined the team, hoping to witness the legendary Holy Light Valley with their own eyes; others silently cheered for them on the side of the road and sent their best wishes.

Finally, after going through one challenge after another, they arrived at the entrance of the Holy Light Valley - a secret valley hidden between the mountains. The entrance was covered by a layer of mist, looming, like a natural barrier, blocking all those who were not chosen from entering.

"We're here." Su Mo said softly, sweat oozing out of his palms involuntarily. At this moment, the God of War Sword seemed to feel the excitement of its master, and it trembled slightly, emitting a soft light.

Bai Ling took a deep breath and held Su Mo's hand: "No matter what awaits us, we will face it together. Holy Light Valley, here we come."

Just as they were about to step into the mysterious mist, a white-haired old man suddenly appeared in front of them. He was dressed simply, but his eyes were as deep as the abyss.

"It has been a long time since young people came here. Your hearts are pure and brave, and I have been waiting for a long time." The old man's tone was calm, but it made people feel awe.

"Excuse me, you are..." Su Mo asked hesitantly, not knowing whether this old man was the guardian or the guide of the Holy Light Valley.

"I am one of the guardians here, responsible for testing every soul that seeks knowledge and power." The old man smiled, his eyes moving back and forth between Su Mo and Bai Ling. "If you want to enter the Holy Light Valley, you must pass a test to prove that you not only have power, but also wisdom and compassion."

"Please tell us the content of the trial. No matter what it is, we are willing to accept it." Bailing answered firmly, her eyes flashing with a desire for the unknown and an indomitable will.

"Very good, the trial is actually very simple, but also very difficult." The old man spoke slowly, and the air around him seemed to freeze. "You need to find the lost garden deep in the Holy Light Valley and bring back a strange thing called the 'Flower of Faith'. Remember, the real challenge is not to find the flower, but how to keep your heart unpolluted and always facing the light."

"The Lost Garden...The Flower of Faith...We understand." Su Mo nodded heavily. They knew that this trial was not only a test of physical strength and wisdom, but also a baptism of their inner faith and purity.

"Then, good luck to you, young warriors." After the old man finished speaking, he turned into a ray of light and dissipated into the air, leaving only Su Mo and Bailing, who stepped into the mysterious realm of the Holy Light Valley with their longing and determination for the unknown.

The scenery in the valley is strange. The sun penetrates the mist and sprinkles on the colorful vegetation, making the whole valley look mysterious and peaceful. On the way, they encountered many exotic flowers and plants, and every step seemed to step into another world. Along the way, they also accidentally rescued a young scholar who accidentally fell into a trap. He called himself Ivan and had a strong interest in the history and legends of the Holy Light Valley.

"You are really amazing to be recognized by the guardian." Ivan followed behind them, his eyes full of admiration, "My research on the Holy Light Valley may be of help. Let's find the lost garden together."

The three of them traveled together, and Ivan's knowledge did help them solve many puzzles, such as deciphering the meaning of ancient runes and avoiding plants that looked beautiful but were actually poisonous. In the process, they also met other travelers who were seeking help from the Holy Light Valley. Each of them had a different wish, but they were all blocked by the same trial.

"It seems that we are not the only ones looking for the flower of faith." At a fork in the road, Su Mo stopped and looked at several groups of people discussing their respective directions.

"It's competition, but also mutual encouragement." Bailing chuckled, her eyes gentle but firm, "No matter who arrives first, the ultimate goal is to better protect this world."

As time went by, the journey became more difficult. Once, when they were crossing a dense forest shrouded in mist, they were suddenly surrounded by a group of mysterious shadow beasts. These creatures were made of shadows, invisible and intangible, and only the War God Sword in Su Mo's hand could barely resist them. Just as the three were in a bitter battle, a beam of warm light bloomed from Bai Ling's palm. It was the perfect fusion of her and the power of nature, which dispelled some of the shadows and won them a glimmer of hope.

“You…are you really from the Holy Light Valley?” A shadow beast whispered something that sounded like a question and amazement before disappearing.

After the battle, the surrounding environment returned to tranquility again, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind. Ivan wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at Su Mo and Bai Ling with unprecedented admiration: "What kind of power was that just now? It's incredible!"

"Everyone has a bright side in their heart. The key is whether you dare to release it." Su Mo smiled faintly, with an inexplicable power in his tone. It was the confidence and indifference that came after experiencing countless challenges.

Finally, after a hard journey, they found the legendary lost garden. It was a miracle hidden in a huge crystal cave. All kinds of exotic flowers were more gorgeous under the light refracted by the crystal. In the center of the garden, a flower emitting soft light quietly bloomed. That was the flower of faith.

"We found it." Bailing said softly, with excitement and awe in his eyes.

Just as Su Mo was about to pick it up, a gentle voice sounded: "The real test has just begun."

The speaker was an old woman in a long robe with a kind face. Her appearance came without any warning, as if she blended into the surrounding environment.

"Test?" Su Mo was puzzled.

"Yes," the old woman smiled, "The flower of faith does not belong to anyone. It represents the pursuit of light and eternal hope. You need to prove the purity of your heart and how this power will be used for justice."

"We are willing to accept any test." Su Mo and Bai Ling looked at each other and said at the same time.

"Then let us see how you understand the true meaning of faith and sacrifice." The old woman said, and slowly closed her eyes.

Suddenly, everything around them became blurry and time seemed to stand still. Su Mo and Bai Ling found themselves in a world of light and shadow, with various choices and challenges constantly playing out around them, and each choice would lead them to a different ending.

"Remember, true beliefs will not be shaken by external temptations or threats." Bailing's voice rang in Su Mo's ears. They worked hand in hand, facing every trial, and each time they upheld their principles and justice.

Finally, when everything calmed down, they returned to the Lost Garden again, holding the flower of faith in their hands. The old woman was standing by with a smile, as if she had already anticipated the outcome.

"You did a great job. A true warrior not only possesses strength, but more importantly, a firm and pure heart." The old woman praised.

"But our journey is far from over." Su Mo held the flower of faith tightly and looked at Bailing and Ivan. "The outside world still needs us. We need to bring this light back to every corner."

"Yes, let's go together." Bailing and Ivan responded in unison, their eyes flashing with longing and determination for the future.

The three of them set out on their journey home again, carrying the flower of faith and the endless wisdom and power bestowed upon them by the Holy Light Valley. They knew that the road ahead was still long and full of unknowns, but as long as there was light in their hearts, they could illuminate each other and the entire world.

"Holy Light Valley, thank you for your gift. We will let the light spread to every corner." Su Mo whispered, a farewell to this journey and a vow to the future.

Just as they were about to leave the Lost Garden, a strange wave suddenly spread in the air, as if something unusual was about to happen. The light around them began to flicker, and an indescribable sense of urgency enveloped everyone.

"What... is going on?" Alvin asked nervously, his voice trembling, obviously not expecting such a sudden change.

"It seems that Holy Light Valley is about to face an unprecedented test." The old woman's expression became solemn. "Although your journey has come to an end for the time being, greater challenges are about to come."

"Test? Does it have anything to do with us?" Bailing held the flower of faith tightly in his hand, with a look of determination and doubt in his eyes.

"Everyone who holds onto faith will become part of this test." The old woman turned to them with a deep gaze, "An ancient and powerful dark force is stirring, intending to erode every corner of this continent. Even the Holy Light Valley cannot remain immune."

Hearing this, Su Mo frowned. He slowly drew out the Ares Sword, and the light on the sword was brighter than ever before. "What should we do? How can we resist this power?"

"The answer lies not in my mouth, but in your heart." The old woman gently stroked the staff in her hand, and a beam of light rose from it, slowly surrounding them. "You have proven your strength and faith. Now, listen to the voice of the world, find partners who also have light in their hearts, and gather all the power of light to fight against the coming darkness."

Just as the three were about to leave the garden, a loud noise came from outside the valley, and then a young man in a hurry stumbled in, his breathing disordered and covered in dust.

"Holy Light Valley... help... darkness is invading..." The young man barely squeezed out these few words before falling down due to exhaustion.

Su Mo and the others looked at each other in bewilderment. The sudden turn of events caught them off guard. "We must act now. We cannot let the Holy Light Valley fall into darkness." Su Mo's words were powerful, and the light of the War God Sword became even brighter, as if responding to his determination.

They quickly settled the young man down and decided to act separately: Su Mo and Bailing went to the center of Holy Light Valley to assist in defense and preparation; Alvin used his knowledge to try to contact possible allies in various places and gather resistance forces.

"Can we do it?" At the moment of separation, Alvin seemed a little uneasy.

"We are messengers of light. As long as there is light in our hearts, nothing is impossible." Su Mo patted Ivan's shoulder and encouraged him.

"Then, we'll see you in Holy Light Valley." Bai Ling said goodbye softly. Her eyes showed not only worry about the future, but also a firm belief in victory. (End of this chapter)