I am the Holy Poisoner, the Empress advised me to calm down

As the Giant of Light finished his words, a warm force slowly flowed into the bodies of Zhao Tiezhu and the others. Everyone felt an unprecedented surge of strength and confidence, as if every cell in their body had been activated.

Zhao Tiezhu was the first to feel this powerful energy: "Wow! Is this the even more powerful force we've been searching for? I feel like I'm filled with boundless motivation."

Liu Yiyi, who was standing next to her, was also very excited. She gently closed her eyes and savored this wonderful feeling. "Really? This warm feeling is so great. I even feel like I can fly!"

Mo Nianran stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "But I always feel that this experience is not over yet, but just beginning. The test given to us by the City of Hearts can't be so simple, right?"

"That's right," Zhao Tiezhu nodded in agreement. "Since this is a trial ground, there are definitely more things waiting for us to face. But no matter what difficulties and obstacles we encounter ahead, I believe we can overcome them! Because we have each other!"

Just as they were discussing something, they suddenly heard a series of brisk footsteps behind them. "Oh no!" the little girl's surprised voice broke the silence of the hall. "Look outside, it seems like something happened to those residents..."

Everyone quickly turned to look towards the exit, only to see the crowd outside the palace running in panic. A sinister aura seemed to hang in the air. "What's going on?" Su Qianyu asked, frowning. "Is there another danger coming to the Forgotten Land?"

At this moment, the Giant of Light spoke again: "Don't panic, my children. A true warrior will never be disturbed by external things. The energy just now not only gives you great strength, but also enables you to deal with various crises that may occur next."

As soon as he finished speaking, the crystal platform in the center of the hall suddenly emitted a dazzling light, then transformed into a colorful portal that slowly opened. At the same time, a strange and urgent voice came from outside the door.

"Look!" A sturdy, bearded man ran over from a distance, panting and pointing toward the sky. "Over there... in the sky... there's a huge black hole... It's approaching this city!"

The onlookers turned their gazes towards the expanding black vortex in the distant sky. Lightning and thunder flashed on its surface, emitting a piercing, sharp sound, as if it was threatening to devour all life.

Some in the crowd were already crying, "It's over... It's over... Is even this place no longer safe?" Others tried to comfort others, saying, "It's okay, it's okay. I'm sure they'll be able to take care of this thing! They're heroes favored by the Heart of Light!" A brave young man, eager to give it a try, said, "Hey, buddy, don't be afraid. Who knows? It might be something good! There might be countless treasures hidden in there, hahahaha~"

Faced with the sudden situation, the little girl pulled Su Qianyu's clothes timidly and asked, "Sister, is this thing the legendary 'power of darkness'? Will it bring us destruction or salvation? If we can choose, which outcome do you think we will choose?"

Zhao Tiezhu, standing at the front, turned around and gave the little girl an encouraging smile. "No matter what, we can't let any innocent people here get hurt. Even if the road ahead is filled with unknown dangers, as true heroes we must bravely move forward! Let us set out together now to uncover that so-called dark secret!" With these words, he led the way into the mysterious portal, filled with infinite possibilities...

"Well... okay! Let's work together to overcome the difficulties." The others also agreed to follow Zhao Tiezhu's pace and move forward together.

And so, under the watchful eyes of many, the young men and women, with fearless spirit and unwavering determination, resolutely embarked on a journey to explore a new world... As for the challenges that awaited them, only personal experience could reveal the answer. As the team advanced along the newly revealed path, the surrounding scenery began to grow increasingly bizarre. Ancient murals appeared on both sides of the passage, depicting the splendor and mysteries of ancient civilizations. Some of the team members paused to examine them, marveling at their historical significance.

"Wow, look at this! This painting seems to tell the story of an ancient hero." Xiao Wang said excitedly, pointing to a picture depicting a warrior defeating a dragon with a magic sword.

"Indeed, these pictures are more than just decorations. They may contain important clues," Zhao Yan added after a moment of contemplation. "Everyone, pay close attention. Perhaps you can learn something from them."

Shadow continued to lead the team forward, occasionally looking back to remind the team members to remain vigilant. "These murals may not only be a record, but they may also carry some kind of power or magic."

At that moment, team member Li Wen suddenly stopped and pointed in surprise at a stone door not far ahead. In the center of the door was a gemstone that shone with an eerie light, making it the focal point of the entire room. "Look over there! Is that some kind of mechanism?"

Everyone turned their eyes to the stone door, only to see it slowly open and an old man in a simple robe walked out. His face was serious but kind, giving people an unfathomable feeling.

"Welcome here, children. I am one of the guardians of this holy land." The old man said in a hoarse but firm voice, "Only those with pure hearts and strong wills have the opportunity to see me."

Hearing these words, everyone in the team couldn't help but look at each other, with respect and awe in their eyes.

"This old man looks very powerful!" Liu Tao whispered to Xiao Wang beside him, "He feels like a legendary immortal!"

The old man seemed to notice their conversation and smiled slightly. "Young people's energy and curiosity are invaluable, but I must tell you that the road ahead is filled with trials and dangers. However, since you've made it this far, it means you're prepared."

"Excuse me, old man, what should we do to pass the trial here?" Shadow asked politely.

"First, you must prove your courage and wisdom," the old man replied. "There lies a maze ahead, filled with various traps and puzzles. Only a truly brave and wise heart can unravel all the difficulties and find a way out. Furthermore, each puzzle you solve will reveal a key fragment. Gathering all the fragments will unlock the door to your final destination."

Hearing this, Zhao Yan couldn't help but ask, "What if we can't solve all the puzzles? Or if we encounter some insurmountable difficulties?"

"Then your fate depends entirely on yourselves." A subtle melancholy flashed in the old man's eyes. "But this doesn't mean there's no hope. There are secret tools hidden somewhere that can help you."