The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

"But, Lin Hao, how exactly should we start?" Xiao Jie raised a practical question. Although he was full of enthusiasm, he also realized that there were many difficulties.

"The first step," Lin Hao paused and said clearly, "We will be divided into two teams. One team will be led by Su Mei'er and I to conduct an in-depth study of the stone sculpture and try to awaken its deeper power. The other team will be composed of Xu Mo and the new friends. You have to look for possible allies and lost relics of light based on this Chronicle of Light."

"At the same time," Su Meier added, "we need to mobilize everyone in the town and let them know our goal. Even small actions in daily life can become a force to resist the shadow."

"I agree," Xu Mo nodded, his eyes gleaming with the light of a wise man. "The exchange of knowledge and information is crucial. I will design a communication rune so that we can share information instantly even if we are separated by two places."

The plan was initially finalized, and everyone was full of confidence. At this time, a passing vendor heard their conversation, stopped, and said in a slightly surprised tone: "You, really want to challenge those terrifying shadow forces? You are so brave! If there is anything I can help with, just let me know."

Lin Hao smiled and said, "Thank you for your support, sir. In fact, everyone's support is the greatest help to us. Please tell everyone you meet that light is gathering and we are not fighting alone."

As dawn approached, the town gradually woke up and people began their busy day, but there was a different atmosphere in the air - hope and determination. Several children gathered around Lin Hao and his friends, their eyes sparkling with longing for heroes.

"Brother Lin Hao, can you fly?" A child looked up, his face full of curiosity.

Lin Hao bent down and answered gently: "I can't fly, but each of us has a pair of wings in our hearts. When the light is strong enough, it can take us over all difficulties."

The conversation ended in the morning light, leaving behind deep thoughts and endless hope. When the last starlight faded, the first ray of sunlight penetrated the clouds and shone on the town. Lin Hao, Su Mei'er, Xu Mo and the newly joined companions each embarked on a different journey, but their hearts were closely connected, with only one goal - to let light illuminate every corner of the world.

"Hey, have you heard? Lin Hao and his team seem to have discovered something incredible!" In the town's teahouse, two young men who were drinking tea were whispering.

"Yes, it is said that there is some bright stone sculpture that can enhance combat effectiveness. I also heard that they are looking for someone to study it to fight against those shadow forces!" Another young man lowered his voice, his eyes unable to hide the excitement.

“It would be great if I could join and become a hero!” The first young man said with longing in his eyes.

"Stop dreaming, let's just farm peacefully. But it would be nice if we could really make the world a brighter place."

Outside the town, Lin Hao and his team were ready to go. Xiao Jie held the stone sculpture tightly, his eyes showing both nervousness and anticipation. Su Mei'er and Xu Mo led their teams respectively, ready to execute their plans.

"Remember, each of us is key, no matter how big or small the mission is." Lin Hao emphasized this for the last time before parting, his eyes scanning each of his partners one by one, "Now, take action, the light is waiting for us to pass on."

Xiaojie's team went deep into the cave, where it was said that the secret of stone carvings was hidden. Every step was full of unknowns and dangers, but Xiaojie's heart was burning with an unquenchable fire: "Brother Lin Hao said that as long as we have light in our hearts, nothing can stop us."

At the same time, Xu Mo's team visits a forgotten ancient ruins based on clues from the Chronicles of Light. It is a desolate place with sandstorms everywhere, but Xu Mo's eyes are full of determination: "Knowledge and history will tell us the answer, and what we have to do is to move forward bravely."

In the small town, Su Mei'er and Lin Hao were also busy. They organized a seminar and invited scholars and knowledgeable people to discuss the plan. An old scholar with white hair stroked his long beard and sighed: "I haven't seen such a scene for many years. The vitality and passion of the younger generation are really gratifying."

Night fell again, and Lin Hao and others returned to the gathering point in the center of the town, with tired but satisfied smiles on everyone's faces. They shared their discoveries and experiences, and every piece of news was exciting.

"I found a description of the 'Heart of Light' in an ancient book. It seems that this stone sculpture is just the tip of the iceberg." The new young man excitedly showed the marked part in the book.

"We also have some gains over there," Xiaojie jumped out excitedly, "There is an ancient altar deep in the cave, and when the stone sculpture was placed on it, there was actually light that resonated with it!"

"Then," Lin Hao looked around, his eyes flashing with determination, "Next, we have to uncover the full picture of this secret and let the power of light fully awaken."

At this time, a hurried messenger rushed into the crowd and said breathlessly: "Oh no, there is news that the shadow forces are also looking for similar artifacts, and it seems that they want to stop your actions."

The crowd was silent for a moment, but then it was replaced by a stronger fighting spirit. Su Meier chuckled, her voice full of provocation: "Then come on, we are waiting for them. Light is not afraid of any challenge."

As the night deepened, Lin Hao stood on the tallest tower in the town, looking at the haze that was vaguely visible in the distance, and silently said in his heart: "Shadow forces, here we come. This time, light will never retreat."

"Lin Hao, what are you thinking about?" Su Mei'er's voice sounded from behind, with gentle concern.

Lin Hao turned around and smiled at Su Mei'er: "I was thinking that we encountered many unexpected helpers along the way. From the old man's "Chronicle of Light", to the encouragement of everyone in the town, and these wonderful discoveries... All of this seems to be the arrangement of fate, leading us forward."

Su Mei'er gently put her hand on Lin Hao's shoulder: "Yes, every time I think of so many people believing in us, the sense of responsibility becomes heavier, but at the same time, it also strengthens our faith."

As they were talking, a strange light suddenly flashed across the horizon in the distance, attracting everyone's attention. A little girl broke free from her mother's hand and ran to Lin Hao, her eyes shining with pure curiosity: "What is that? Is it the power of light?"

Lin Hao squatted down and gently touched the little girl's head: "Maybe, little friend. Look, even the sky is cheering for us."

The people around were talking about it. An old lady murmured to herself, "I haven't seen such a strange phenomenon for a long time. It seems that something big is really going to happen."

Lin Hao stood up and looked at everyone with a determined look: "Friends, no matter what it is, it is a call to us. Get ready. Tomorrow we will split up and act separately. We must not only find more information about the Heart of Light, but also guard against interference from the shadow forces."

Su Mei'er nodded in agreement: "Yes, time is running out. Xu Mo, you will be responsible for continuing to interpret the ancient books. Xiao Jie, you and I will go to explore the resonant altar. New friend, your understanding of the stone carvings is getting deeper and deeper. I hope you can find more clues."

The new young man puffed out his chest and said, "Don't worry, I will do my best."

Under the night sky, the four of them dispersed and made final preparations. The town returned to tranquility again, but the air was filled with an atmosphere of readiness.

The next morning, when the first rays of sunlight shone on the earth, Lin Hao and his companions had already set out on their journey. They advanced on their respective routes, and although they faced different difficulties and challenges, the light and faith in their hearts, like a bond, closely connected them.

"Look, they're setting off!" The people in the town gathered together, talking one after another, with admiration and worry in their eyes.

"I hope they can succeed and make the world full of light again." A middle-aged woman prayed in a low voice.

On the way, whether they are crossing forests, climbing mountains, or going deep into dark caves, they can always get unexpected help at critical moments. A lost traveler, perhaps the descendant of ancient civilization, provides a map to an unknown place; a wounded beast, after being treated, leads them to avoid hidden traps...

Every experience and every encounter is silently telling us that although the road to light is long and dangerous, there is always the light of kindness and courage silently guiding us.

As the sun sets, Lin Hao and Su Mei'er stop in front of an ancient temple, and before their eyes is a forgotten splendor. Carved on the stone wall are depictions of ancient legends of light and darkness, and the most eye-catching of them is a picture of the Heart of Light, which is strikingly similar to the stone carving in their hands.

"It seems that this is the place we are looking for." Su Mei'er said softly, with excitement flashing in her eyes.

"That's right," Lin Hao looked around, with an unprecedented strong premonition in his heart, "The secret of the Heart of Light is hidden here. As long as we can find it, we can bring changes to the world."

Just as the two were about to enter the temple to explore, a gust of wind blew by, bringing the sound of conversation in the distance.

"Can they really find the Heart of Light?" This is the worry of the townspeople.

"Who says it's not? After all, it's Lin Hao and his team. They can always create miracles." Another voice was full of confidence.

"Yes, the story of Lin Hao and his friends has spread to the nearby villages. Even the children have begun to imitate them, playing heroes and wanting to be part of the light." An old man was filled with emotion. His face was full of traces of time, but the light in his eyes was unusually bright.

Just as Lin Hao and Su Mei'er looked at each other and were about to step into the temple, a carrier pigeon suddenly fell from the sky and landed on the spire of the temple. It seemed to be observing them, and then made a series of crisp cooing sounds, as if giving some guidance or blessing.

"Even the creatures in nature are cheering for us." Lin Hao smiled, feeling a little warmed by this sudden auspicious sign.

"Perhaps, all life longs for light." Su Mei'er gently stroked the ancient stone pillar beside her, as if talking to the past, "and we are the bearers of this desire."

The interior of the temple was dimly lit, and the ancient murals were faintly visible under the weak light, telling legendary stories. Lin Hao took out a small flint and tapped it gently. Sparks jumped and lit an oil lamp. As the light spread, the whole space seemed to come alive, and the scenes on the murals seemed to be whispering, telling the secrets of thousands of years.

"Look, here!" Su Mei'er exclaimed softly. She found a hidden groove under a mural, the shape of which was surprisingly consistent with the bright stone sculpture in her hand.

Lin Hao carefully placed the stone sculpture into the groove. With a slight sound, the entire temple shook, and the long-sealed mechanism slowly started up. A beam of light projected from the skylight, shining right on the stone sculpture. The stone sculpture emitted a warm and soft light, echoing with the pattern of the Heart of Light on the mural, forming a complete glorious pattern.

"This... this is..." Su Mei'er was so surprised that she couldn't speak. She felt an unprecedented energy surging in her body. It was the awakening of the power of light.

"It seems that we have found the right place." Lin Hao stared at the brilliant scene with determination in his eyes, "The Heart of Light will be the key to our victory over the forces of darkness."

Just as the two were immersed in the joy of discovery, a burst of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Xu Mo, Xiao Jie and other teammates hurried over, their eyes also burning with excitement.

"We felt a strong energy fluctuation. Is it here?" Xiao Jie asked breathlessly.

"Yes, the Heart of Light has appeared." Lin Hao turned around and faced everyone, "But we don't have much time. The shadow forces will not sit idly by. We must quickly master this power and prepare for the upcoming challenges."

"So what should we do now?" The newly joined young man seemed a little impatient. He clenched his fists, his eyes full of desire to fight.

"First, we need to understand and master the true power of this Heart of Light." Su Mei'er said softly, her fingers gently touching the light surrounding the stone sculpture, and a warm and powerful force flowed along her arm throughout her body. "It is not only a source of power, but also a symbol of wisdom and hope."

"Friends, let us start this new journey together." Lin Hao raised his hand, put his five fingers together, and made a sprint forward motion. It was not only an encouragement to himself, but also a call to the team.

"For light, for this world." Everyone responded in unison. At that moment, their hearts were closely connected, forming an unstoppable force.

When night falls again, the residents of the town look up at the starry sky, and seem to feel the light gathering in the distance. The children sit around the campfire, telling the story of Lin Hao and his friends, their eyes gleaming with infinite longing for the future.

"Mom, do you think Brother Lin Hao and the others will win?" asked a childish voice.

"Of course, because they have the most precious things - hope and courage." The mother gently stroked the child's head, her eyes also reflecting the starry sky, full of trust and expectation. (End of this chapter)