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

"Let's try to decipher these words." Lin Xi suggested. She walked forward and gently stroked the stone tablet, as if wanting to feel the mysterious power contained in it.

As she touched it, the stone tablet suddenly illuminated with light, and the ancient text slowly began to transform into modern, common language. "The power of light is sealed here. Only a truly pure heart can break free..." the text read.

"I see," Zhao Yan said thoughtfully, "So, we have to use our sincerity to influence it?"

"That's right," Lin Xi smiled slightly, closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and silently recited a prayer. Her figure was bathed in warm light, as if the whole world was surrounded by her gentleness.

At this moment, the light on the stone tablet suddenly grew stronger, and a beam shot straight up into the sky. Within the light, an illusion appeared—an old man in a white robe, looking at them kindly.

"Young people, I am moved by your innocence and courage," the old man's phantom said slowly. "I am willing to help you break the seal here and let light shine upon this land once again."

Everyone was very excited when they heard this, especially the little boy, who jumped up excitedly: "Wow, that's amazing! This old man seems very powerful!"

Just as everyone was cheering for the impending changes, the ground began to tremble again. This time, the tremor was even stronger, as if the whole world was shaking.

"Here it comes again!" Cass drew his sword vigilantly, ready to fight any possible threat.

In the distance, the sound of horns grew louder, and a thick sense of unease filled the air. A massive demonic beast slowly emerged from the depths of the forest, its body covered in black scales, its eyes gleaming with a ferocious light.

"This is the magical beast guarding the seal!" Lin Xi exclaimed.

"Protect yourself, let's go together!" Ferens gave the order decisively, and everyone quickly entered combat status.

The monster roared and charged at everyone, brandishing its massive claws, each strike carrying the force of a hurricane. However, with everyone's coordinated efforts, its attacks were blocked one by one.

"This guy is even harder to deal with than the shadow just now!" Zhao Yan gritted his teeth.

"We must find its weakness!" Lin Xi analyzed calmly, "Everyone, be careful, don't be fooled by its aura!"

At this moment, the little boy suddenly pointed at the back of the monster and shouted, "Sister, look, there is a red mark on its back!"

Lin Xi took a quick look and indeed spotted a distinct red spot on the monster's back. An idea struck her, and she immediately shouted, "Everyone, concentrate your fire on that red spot! That's its weak spot!"

Ferens and Zhao Yan launched the first attack, stabbing the red dot with both swords at the same time. The monster howled in pain and shook violently, as if it had suffered a severe blow.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lin Xi once again cast a light spell. A dazzling beam of light burst out from her fingertips and fiercely struck the red dot of the monster. With a shrill scream, the monster finally fell to the ground, losing its ability to move.

"Great, we succeeded!" Passerby B shouted excitedly, and the atmosphere around them suddenly became relaxed.

The little boy clapped his hands and said to Lin Xi with admiration, "Sister, you are so amazing!"

Lin Xi smiled and touched his head, but looked forward with a determined gaze: "Now is not the time to relax, we still have to break the seal and release the light."

Just as they were about to continue unsealing the seal, the old man's phantom appeared in the air again, his voice filled with relief: "I admire your courage and wisdom. I have decided to hand over the power of light to you."

As soon as he finished speaking, a pure light descended from the sky and merged into everyone's body. Suddenly, everyone felt a warm and powerful force filling their bodies.

"Thank you, old man!" Lin Xi said gratefully.

"Remember, light always needs guardians of justice." The old man's voice gradually faded away, but the warm feeling remained in everyone's heart.

"We will never let this power down," Ferencz said frankly.

At this moment, the distant horn sounded again, as if foreshadowing the coming of a new challenge. Everyone exchanged glances, and their faith in their hearts became even stronger.

"No matter what lies ahead, we will not retreat!" Zhao Yan said firmly.

"Yes, let's face it together!" Lin Xi held the little boy's hand tightly and led everyone forward resolutely to meet new unknown challenges.

"I hope everything is the best arrangement..." A passerby prayed silently in his heart, and their footsteps gradually disappeared in the distance.

Just as everyone was about to move on, a low rumbling sound suddenly emanated from the earth, and the air around them seemed to vibrate slightly. The little boy nervously grasped Lin Xi's hand and asked anxiously, "Sister, is something bad going to happen again?"

"Don't be afraid, no matter what happens, we can solve it together." Lin Xi gently comforted the little boy, but there was a firm light in his eyes.

Ferens quickly looked around, his eyes alert. "This sound doesn't sound like the monsters from before. Everyone, be prepared. There may be new enemies appearing."

As soon as the words fell, the ground began to tremble violently, and a deep fissure opened up in the ground ahead. From the crack, a stream of black smoke poured out, gradually condensing into a massive shadow. This figure was even larger than the previous monster, and was shrouded in a dark aura that was chilling.

The onlookers exclaimed:

"Oh my god, what is that?! It's horrible!"

"That monster just now was already difficult enough to deal with, how come there's another one that's even stronger this time!"

Lin Xi took a deep breath and said loudly, "Don't be afraid, everyone. Although this monster looks stronger, our power of light has also been strengthened. With unity, there is nothing we can't overcome!"

Feirence nodded in agreement and said loudly: "Lin Xi is right, we must have confidence. Concentrate and prepare for the battle!"

Zhao Yan brandished his sword and said confidently, "This time, I will use my full strength. Protecting our companions is the responsibility of every one of us!"

The little boy clenched his fists tightly. Although he was still a little scared, he tried to straighten his back, imitated Zhao Yan, and said bravely: "I won't be a drag!"

Everyone worked together to assume combat stances, and the massive black shadow gradually revealed its true form. Its head resembled a giant snake, spewing dark venom from its mouth. Its body was covered in a thick layer of black scales, and every movement exuded a suffocating pressure. Most terrifying of all, countless small dark spheres floated around its massive form, as if constantly absorbing and releasing negative energy.