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

After passing through the last patch of woods, the team finally reached an open area, with rolling mountains clearly visible in the distance. Just as everyone quickened their pace, they suddenly heard the sound of rapid horse hooves from the front.

"Huh? Someone's coming!" Alia said vigilantly.

Just as he finished speaking, a rider in military uniform, looking anxious, galloped over from a distance and pulled up in front of the group. "Are you... the group led by Qin Feng?" the man asked, still panting, his eyes scanning everyone's faces.

"I'm Qin Feng. What happened?" Qin Feng immediately stepped forward and asked.

The rider dismounted, his tone brimming with urgency. "A mysterious force has been spotted on the border, heading our way. They're estimated to be less than five kilometers away! Our scouts were surrounded after discovering this. The situation is dire. Could you provide assistance?"

Upon hearing this information, everyone present simultaneously tightened their weapons. "Let's go, lead the way!" Qin Feng made a decisive decision. "We must rescue those soldiers as soon as possible and prevent the enemy from infiltrating further."

Soon, under the guidance of the rider, Qin Feng and his companions arrived near the scene of the incident. They saw a dozen or so warriors in black armor and with grim faces engaged in a fierce battle with a small group of scouts who were trapped in a tight encirclement. The scene was extremely tragic.

"Everyone, spread out and surround the rescue!" Qin Feng gave an order, and the entire team immediately split into two parts and quickly approached the battlefield.

The battle was about to break out, and the two sides soon fell into a melee. Mo Liusu brandished his spear with unstoppable force; Alia dodged left and right with her agility; Lin Ze and Xiao Jie cooperated with each other, skillfully using various skills to suppress the enemy...

During this intense battle, even the villagers watching were stunned by the spectacle. "Wow...are these the legendary heroes? So impressive!" a child exclaimed, his mouth wide open in amazement. "Yes, their aura is definitely beyond the reach of ordinary armies," an elderly man nearby nodded in agreement.

Just as the situation was gradually shifting in Qin Feng's favor, one of the black-armored warriors suddenly stopped and let out a strange cry. Suddenly, countless cracks appeared on the seemingly calm ground around them, and countless small monsters emerged from them.

"Oh no! This is a trap!" Qin Feng's heart tightened and he reacted quickly, "Everyone retreat, maintain a defensive formation!"

Although the sudden change made the situation even more complicated, the calm response of Qin Feng and his team members brought great comfort to those around them. "Captain is right, we must ensure our own safety first," Alia reminded, "otherwise there is no way we can continue to provide support."

At this moment, another group of figures wearing different equipment appeared in the distance again - it was a famous mercenary group that I had heard of before.

"Look over there!" a villager shouted excitedly, pointing in the direction of the newcomers. "They've joined the battle! Looks like we have a chance of winning!"

Seeing more reinforcements appear, everyone ignited a fire of hope. However, at this moment, the leading black-armored warrior suddenly spoke: "Hmph, even if another hundred of us come, it will be useless... The real showdown has just begun..." With that, he turned into a puff of black smoke and disappeared without a trace.

At the same time, the monsters, seemingly out of control, began to slowly retreat back into the rift. All that remained on the battlefield were slightly confused glances from both sides, and even more confusing speculation about the future.

"What the hell is going on? They clearly have a bigger conspiracy," Lin Ze muttered to himself, frowning. "Whatever, at least we can breathe a sigh of relief now." Qin Feng took a deep breath, turned his head and looked at everyone, and said firmly, "But this doesn't mean the crisis is over. We need to be even more vigilant in the days ahead!"

"That's right." Mo Liusu echoed, "No matter what challenges await us ahead, we will fight side by side to the end."

As the sun gradually sets in the western sky, a new night is about to come. Facing the upcoming greater test, how will Qin Feng and his companions choose?

"Alright, guys, let's take a short break before we set off again." Qin Feng suggested, "Remember everything that happened today. It will become one of the sources of strength that guides us forward."

An old man standing on the outskirts of the crowd whispered, "The courage and conviction displayed by these young people are truly commendable. I believe their names will soon spread across the continent..." Just as Qin Feng and his companions were preparing to take a short break, a young villager approached him with a look of awe and anticipation. "Sir, may I...may I join you?" he stammered.

Qin Feng was slightly stunned, then he smiled encouragingly: "Your courage is commendable, but now is not the time. Go back and train yourself well, and come to us when you are ready."

"Yes! Thank you, sir!" The young man was so excited that he kept thanking her, turned around and ran back to the crowd.

At this time, an older-looking lady came over and patted the boy on the shoulder, "Come on, young man, you will definitely become a great person like them." She looked at Qin Feng with eyes full of hope.

At night, the team members gathered around a campfire, discussing their next plan. Suddenly, a strange figure approached quietly, alerting several of them. "Don't worry, I'm here to help," the figure said in a deep, magnetic voice.

"Who are you? Why do you say you are helping us?" Lin Ze asked vigilantly.

The man smiled slightly, revealing a row of white teeth that shone brightly in the moonlight. "I am one of the guardians of this land. I rushed here as soon as I learned you were in trouble."

"What do you mean by guardian?" Alia interrupted curiously.

"In this world, humans are not the only ones fighting. Many unknown forces are silently protecting this land and ordinary lives. And my existence is one of them."

After hearing this, Xiaojie blinked his eyes and asked curiously: "Then can you help us defeat those monsters?"

The other party nodded. "Of course, but the key is to find the real reason behind these things. Only in this way can we solve this problem thoroughly, rather than just treating the symptoms."

Just as everyone was lost in thought, they heard the sound of footsteps not far away. Everyone immediately became alert, only to discover that it was the scout captain who had been controlled by the black-armored warrior, slowly approaching.