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

"What...are those?" one of the villagers asked in horror.

Xiaoyu clenched the bow and arrow in her hand: "It seems that we are in big trouble. Captain (looking at Lin Chen), should we try to meet them head-on? At least give the villagers time to escape."

"Okay, but remember to be careful." Lin Chen nodded. He understood that facing unknown threats, any slight negligence could lead to unpredictable consequences.

The following scene was full of tension and intensity - sparks flew between the two sides, Lin Chen and Xiaoyu displayed extraordinary fighting skills, constantly repelling wave after wave of monsters, while the villagers gradually evacuated to a safer place under their protection.

After a hard fight, when the last group of enemies were defeated, it was already dark and everyone finally got a chance to breathe.

"Thank you, stranger." The old man shook Lin Chen's hand gratefully and said, "If it weren't for you, our village might be..."

"You're welcome. This is also my duty." Lin Chen smiled and shook his head.

At this time, Xiaoyu whispered, "Captain, look over there." She pointed to the distance, where a faint but familiar light was flickering.

"It's the guiding light!" Lin Chen's eyes lit up, and he immediately understood the next direction. "It seems we have to hurry on."

"What about us?" a villager asked. "What if the monster appears again?"

"Don't worry." Xiaoyu said firmly, "I will stay here to ensure everyone's safety."

"Miss Xiaoyu..." the old man said with emotion.

"Okay, time is running out. Take care, everyone." After saying this, Lin Chen turned and walked towards the direction of the guiding light, each step filled with anticipation and determination for future challenges.

Meanwhile, in some unknown corner, a pair of cold, ruthless eyes silently observed all this, a disturbing smile playing on their lips: "Interesting chess pieces! Let's see how far you can go..." As Lin Chen embarked on the journey of the Guiding Light, the darkness of the forest seemed to grow even darker. Xiaoyu stayed behind, escorting the villagers to the nearest shelter, while Lin Chen continued his adventure.

**Lin Chen's footsteps echoed in the darkness, and an indescribable sense of tension filled the air.**

"Captain, is it really okay for us to continue like this?" A voice came from behind Lin Chen. It was Xiaoyu's partner, the young archer Leo. He followed closely behind, a look of concern on his face. "I heard there's a cursed lake up ahead, and many adventurers have disappeared there."

"No matter how many dangers lie ahead, we must move forward," Lin Chen said firmly. "The Sky City is just ahead, and the 'Heart of Wind' is our only hope."

"Wow, the captain is so cool!" Arnold, another young soldier following behind them, couldn't help but exclaimed in admiration, "He's just like a legendary hero!"

"Arnold, please be quiet." The female magician Leah frowned. "It's always better to be cautious. We are facing an unknown and powerful enemy."

As they talked, the surroundings became increasingly eerie. Gusts of cold wind blew, and the trees rustled, as if warning them not to go any further.

Suddenly, a dazzling light flashed, illuminating a stone tablet not far ahead. The tablet was engraved with ancient characters and patterns, and it was obvious that a great battle had taken place here.

"Captain, this stone tablet..." Leo pointed at the inscription, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes, "It tells the story of the 'Sealed Land'. It is said that there is a power hidden there that can change the world."

"Indeed." Lin Chen stared at the stone tablet, pondering this history in his heart. "But we must also proceed with caution. This force can be both powerful and dangerous."

As they were discussing, several nearby hunters quietly approached, having apparently noticed Lin Chen and the others. A burly man, leading the group, approached, his eyes filled with awe and caution. "Are you also here seeking that power? I heard many have paid the price for it..."

"Don't worry, brother." Lin Chen smiled. "We are just adventurers passing through. We hope to use the clues here to reach the Sky City. We won't disturb you."

"Hmph, it's best not to cause trouble for yourself." The strong man muttered a few words under his breath, turned around and led his companions away.

"These people don't look simple either." Arnold whispered to his friends, "But our captain is even more powerful!"

The team continued to move forward, slowly advancing on a seemingly calm yet uncertain road, until they finally arrived at the cursed lake.

The lake, a deep, dark green, is tranquil and mysterious. A few white lotus flowers float on the surface, creating an eerie atmosphere. Rows of dilapidated tombstones stand by the lake, clearly the final resting place of an ancient tribe.

"Is this the legendary man-eating black lake?" Leo swallowed his saliva and asked, "I heard that anyone who dares to approach here will be cursed and unable to leave forever..."

"It's okay, just follow me." Lin Chen said calmly, but his eyes were sharp as a knife. "We need to find a way to cross this lake. Perhaps the clue to the 'Heart of the Wind' lies here."

Just as they were about to approach the lake to investigate, they suddenly heard a series of deep roars in the distance. Along with the sounds, several pairs of glimmering eyes slowly emerged from the depths of the woods...

"It seems we are not alone." Lin Chen said softly, gripping the hilt of the sword tightly in his hand.

"Captain, we encountered quite a few monsters this time," Leah said with a serious expression. "And they seem to be much stronger than before."

"Well, get ready for battle." Lin Chen nodded. "We must protect ourselves no matter what. We can't let these monsters hurt anyone."

A fierce battle ensued, a fusion of fire and magic. Lin Chen and his companions fought hard in the darkness, repelling wave after wave of enemies. Finally, with the fall of the last monster, peace returned to the surroundings.

"Is everyone okay?" Lin Chen turned around to check on his companions. After confirming that everyone was safe, he breathed a sigh of relief. "It seems we need to be more careful. I wonder what awaits us next..."

"Hey, look over there!" Arnold suddenly pointed to the distance, and saw the white lotus originally floating on the lake slowly blooming, revealing a dazzling crystal in the middle.