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

Lin Chen looked in the direction Arnold pointed and saw a figure vaguely moving among the trees. His eyes flashed, and he immediately signaled everyone to remain alert.

"There's some movement over there, everyone be careful!" Lin Chen said in a low voice.

Leah and Leo immediately prepared for battle, while the Guardian began to chant a defensive magic, forming a transparent shield around them.

"Come out, we have found you." Lin Chen shouted calmly.

The figure in the bushes finally emerged slowly, revealing the face of a young man. He was wearing ordinary villager clothes, and his expression was a little nervous and awkward.

"Hello... I'm a scout from the village," the man explained haltingly, "I'm not here to attack you. I just wanted to see if you need any help."

The villagers nodded in confirmation of his identity, and the old woman stepped forward and said, "He's one of the bravest young men in our village. His name is Xiaojie. He's been in charge of scouting the perimeter for enemy activity."

"So that's how it is," Lin Chen breathed a sigh of relief and put away his weapon. "Thank you, Xiaojie. Can you tell us if there are any other dangers nearby?"

Xiaojie nodded and relaxed a little. "There have indeed been some strange phenomena recently. In addition to monsters appearing, I also found some unidentified people moving around nearby. They don't look friendly."

Hearing this, Lin Chen and his teammates' eyes turned serious again. Leo whispered, "Those people are most likely the men of the man in black."

"Yes, we must be vigilant." Lin Chen said in a deep voice, "Xiao Jie, you can continue to monitor the movements of those people. If there is anything unusual, please notify us immediately."

"Understood, warriors!" Xiaojie agreed firmly, and then added, "However, I have a request. I hope you can allow me to join your team. I want to do my best to protect the village and others."

Lin Chen smiled slightly and nodded: "Welcome to join us, Xiaojie. We need more brave people like you."

"Thank you! I will try my best!" Xiaojie said excitedly, with a determined light in his eyes.

The villagers watched this scene with delight and admiration. The young man excitedly shouted, "I want to be a warrior like you and protect this land!"

Lin Chen patted his shoulder and encouraged him: "As long as you are willing to work hard, you will definitely be able to realize this dream in the future."

After bidding farewell to the villagers, Lin Chen and his group continued on their journey. With the addition of a new member, Xiaojie, the team became even stronger.

"Captain, where should we go next?" Leah asked.

Lin Chen pulled out an ancient map from his pocket, spread it out, and examined it carefully: "According to the markings on the map, the next fragment should be in the ruins not far away. We must hurry there as soon as possible."

"But, could that man in black also be ambushing us there?" Arnold asked worriedly.

"It's very possible, but we can't retreat." Lin Chen said firmly, "As long as we work together, we will definitely be able to overcome all difficulties."

"Yes, the captain is right!" Leo responded loudly, his eyes full of determination.

"Captain, I think we should find a place to rest and adjust our condition first." The guardian suggested.

"Okay, let's rest for one night in the small village ahead and set off tomorrow." Lin Chen nodded in agreement.

The group continued on their way until they finally arrived at a quiet little village. When the villagers saw them, they also expressed surprise and admiration.

"Welcome, warriors!" a kind old man came forward and said, "Please rest in our village for a while and continue your journey tomorrow."

"Thank you for your warm hospitality." Lin Chen said gratefully.

They stayed in the village, recuperating and preparing for the next challenge. However, in the dead of night, a subtle sound of footsteps broke the peace...

"Who is there?" Lin Chen stood up quickly and gripped the hilt of the sword tightly in his hand.

"Shh, don't make any noise," a familiar voice came from outside the door, "It's me, Xiaojie. I found an important clue and I have to tell you quickly."

The door was gently pushed open, and Xiaojie hurried in with a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

"What's wrong, Xiaojie?" Lin Chen asked in a low voice.

"I found a group of mysterious people sneaking into the village, and their target seems to be the ruins!" Xiaojie said anxiously.

"What?!" Everyone was shocked.

"Hurry, we have to take action quickly!" Lin Chen made a prompt decision and immediately led the team quietly towards the ruins.

The ruins in the distance seemed to be hiding more secrets, waiting for them to uncover the answers. In the night, everything seemed particularly tense and mysterious...

"Captain, can we really find the fragments and defeat those mysterious people?" Leah asked softly, with determination and anxiety in her eyes.

Lin Chen looked at her firmly. "No matter what, we must give it a try. We carry the hope of the entire world on our shoulders." Xiao Jie's words plunged everyone into a tense atmosphere. They quickly packed their gear and prepared to set out immediately. Outside, the night was as dark as ink, broken only by the occasional chirping of insects and the faint howl of wolves in the distance.

The group traveled light, quietly passing through the village under the cover of night, heading towards the ruins. Moonlight filtered through the clouds, casting a mysterious aura on them.

"Look, that's the ruins." Xiao Jie pointed to the front and saw a ruin illuminated by moonlight lying quietly in the night, looking ancient and full of unknown charm.

Suddenly, a light sound of footsteps came from the side and rear, interrupting everyone's contemplation. "Who?" Leo immediately shouted in a low voice with alertness, and at the same time drew his sword to block in front of Lin Chen.

A figure slowly emerged from the darkness. "Don't worry, it's me." It turned out to be an old man from the village, holding a bag of food. "I've prepared some dry food for you, just in case."

"Thank you so much!" Lin Chen took the food gratefully.

"Warriors, please be careful," the old man looked at them kindly, "We are all praying for your safe return."

The group continued forward and soon arrived at the entrance to the ruins. Strange symbols and statues filled the surroundings, seemingly telling ancient stories. "This place must hold many secrets," Leah whispered.

"That's right," Lin Chen nodded, "but we have to find those mysterious people first. Since they already know the information about the fragments, then..."

"Ah! Look there!" The guardian suddenly pointed to a shadow not far away, where several dark shadows were quietly moving into the ruins.