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

"The exit is just ahead," Lu Yan said, pointing to the bright light ahead. "Let's go quickly."

Everyone quickened their pace and finally saw the exit. However, just as they were about to leave, a group of dark figures holding weapons suddenly appeared before them, blocking their way.

The leading man sneered: "Hand over the artifact, and I will spare your lives."

Lin Chen gripped his weapon tightly, glaring fiercely at the other party: "Do you think we are easy to bully?"

The man in black stood up and said in a deep voice, "Brothers, fight and protect the artifact!"

The two groups immediately engaged in a fierce battle. Amidst the flashing of swords and sabers, everyone's expression appeared extremely determined.

"It's so exciting!" A little boy watched secretly from the side, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "When I grow up, I want to be a hero like them!"

Not far away, several villagers were watching from afar. One of the elders sighed, "I never thought that this small village would witness such a thrilling battle."

The battle gradually subsided, and Lin Chen and his companions repelled the group of unidentified individuals. Lu Yan stepped forward and said solemnly, "Although the problem has been temporarily resolved, greater challenges lie ahead."

The old priest nodded and added, "We must formulate a new plan as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the artifact."

Lin Chen took a deep breath, his eyes determined: "No matter what dangers lie ahead, we will face them together."

Xiaomei patted Lin Chen's shoulder gently and said softly, "We will definitely succeed."

Lu Yan looked up at the night sky, dotted with stars, like countless pairs of eyes silently watching them. He turned to Lin Chen and said, "Now, we need to find a more secluded place to hide the artifact, otherwise people will keep coming to us."

Lin Chen nodded, tightened his grip on the weapon, and his eyes were filled with determination: "Then let's set off now."

Everyone followed Lu Yan through the secret passage and eventually arrived at a forest at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. Under the moonlight, the forest seemed exceptionally quiet. The occasional roar of wild animals in the woods added to the tension.

A young soldier gasped and asked, "Are we really safe here?"

The old priest said slowly, "This is a sacred place beneath the snow-capped mountains. Only those with pure hearts can find it. Those greedy cannot set foot here."

Xiaomei gently patted the young warrior's shoulder and comforted him, "Don't worry, this place is indeed very secret, and we have so many strong people protecting you."

At this moment, a gust of wind blew, the leaves rustled, and a few night birds flew up from the treetops, startling ripples. In the distance, there was a faint glow of a campfire, and it seemed that there were some human figures moving around.

Lu Yan signaled everyone to stop and carefully observe the surroundings. Then, he whispered, "There's a group of people camping ahead. They're probably from a nearby village. We have to be careful not to attract their attention."

"Those villagers won't harm us," the old priest said. "Although they don't know the truth, they have no ill will towards us."

As soon as he finished speaking, several villagers poked their heads out from the nearby bushes, their faces filled with curiosity and nervousness. One of them, a young woman, stepped forward and asked softly, "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Lin Chen smiled slightly, trying to make his voice sound calm: "We are travelers passing by here and are lost. Can you tell us where this place is?"

The village girl looked at the weapons in their hands, a hint of surprise in her eyes: "Are you brave warriors? This is a holy place, ordinary people cannot enter casually."

The man in black interrupted, "Don't worry, young lady. We just want to find a safe place to rest for the night."

"Then you should be careful," the village girl warned. "A lot of strangers have appeared here recently, and everyone is very vigilant."

"Thank you for your reminder, we will be careful." Lin Chen nodded to express his gratitude.

Just as everyone was about to leave, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps in the distance. Several villagers ran over in panic, shouting, "Oh no! There's a group of strangers approaching from the foot of the mountain. There are a lot of them, and they look malicious!"

Everyone suddenly became alert. Lu Yan quickly turned around and looked at Lin Chen: "We must leave here as soon as possible. We can't delay any longer."

Lin Chen nodded and turned to the others: "Let's go, follow Lu Yan quickly."

The group sped up their pace again, passing through dense woods until they finally reached a hidden valley. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, with only a narrow entrance, it was indeed a perfect hiding place.

"This place is really suitable for hiding. Even the sound of the wind has become much softer." Xiaomei said softly.

Just when everyone breathed a sigh of relief, Lu Yan suddenly frowned and looked off into the distance with a serious look: "The situation is more complicated than we imagined. We need to make a more thorough plan."

Lin Chen nodded: "Then what suggestions do you have?"

Lu Yan pondered for a moment and said, "We need to find a real shelter and a trustworthy ally. The elders on the snowy mountain may be able to help us."

"Then let's go find the elders," the old priest nodded in agreement. "They are the true guardian of this snowy mountain."

Everyone started packing up and preparing to set off again. Just as they were about to leave, a figure suddenly appeared at the entrance of the valley - a kind old man, holding a cane in his hand, slowly walking towards them.

The old man's eyes revealed a trace of wisdom. He looked at the crowd and said, "I know why you are here. I am one of the guardians of the snow mountain and I am willing to provide you with shelter."

Lin Chen's eyes lit up, and he hurried forward a few steps and said respectfully, "Old man, that's great. We need your help."

"Please follow me," the old man waved his hand, motioning for everyone to follow him, "Let us discuss together how to protect this precious hope."

Everyone followed the old man's footsteps and disappeared into the depths of the valley. Behind them, the starlight continued to flicker, as if witnessing everything.

"Can we really successfully protect the artifact?" Xiaomei asked softly.

"Of course we can," Lin Chen replied firmly, "As long as we unite as one, there is nothing we can't do."

The old man's figure gradually merged into the night, leaving behind a vague but determined back. And outside the valley not far away, unknown challenges still awaited them...