The contestant is too old, sister Zhou is crazy

Yueyue's talisman stone drew spells in the air, forming a light net to capture those cunning shadow beasts; Su Mo continuously provided treatment and reinforcement for the team to ensure that everyone's combat effectiveness remained online; Li Zixue's Book of Wisdom shone brightly, and various auxiliary spells made the team more powerful; as for the mysterious shadow guard, although his body had not recovered, his mental power was like a sharp blade, cutting through the invisibility of the shadow beasts and exposing them to everyone.

After a fierce battle, the shadow beast was finally repelled, but the fog in the forest seemed to become thicker, and the road ahead became more blurred.

"We must speed up. The real danger of the Misty Forest is still lurking deep inside." Su Mo said solemnly.

At this moment, a long and strange roar penetrated the fog and echoed throughout the forest, making people shudder.

"What is that?" Zhao Ming gripped the hilt of the sword tightly, his eyes full of vigilance.

Yueyue nervously flipped through the book of wisdom: "Oh no, that cry... is the guardian of the deep fog, the legendary 'shadow beast', it has been awakened!"

"The giant shadow beast is a hundred times more powerful than the previous one. What should we do?" There was a rare hint of panic in Li Zixue's tone.

The mysterious shadow guard slowly raised his head, with a look of determination in his eyes: "We have no choice but to fight. We are the guardians of the dawn, and we must not retreat here."

Under the nervous gaze of the crowd, an unimaginably huge figure slowly emerged from the fog, a shadowy beast. The real test had come.

"Concentrate and use our unity and wisdom to defeat it!" Zhao Ming encouraged loudly, and then rushed towards the giant beast first. The others followed closely, fearlessly facing the upcoming battle.

The battle was extremely difficult, as the shadow beast had unpredictable abilities and could switch between reality and illusion at will, making every blow seem like hitting the air. However, after repeated attempts and cooperation, they began to find a way to fight the beast.

“I’ve found the pattern. There’s a slight spatial fluctuation before each materialization!” Yueyue shouted excitedly, while quickly setting up a series of spells to create opportunities for her teammates.

Li Zixue led everyone to launch a series of attacks based on the ancient knowledge in the Book of Wisdom. Each attack landed precisely at the moment the shadow beast materialized.

Su Mo's healing magic became the key to the team's sustainability, while the mysterious shadow guard relied on his control over mental power to interfere with the giant beast's perception, making it difficult to accurately predict its attacks.

"Now!" Zhao Ming seized the opportunity, gathered all his strength, and slashed at the weakest part of the shadow beast with his sword, hitting it with one strike.

The giant beast let out an earth-shaking roar, and its huge body trembled a few times in the air. Finally, it fell heavily to the ground, turned into a puff of smoke, and disappeared into the air.

After the battle, everyone stood in the ruins, panting, but with indescribable joy and sense of accomplishment on their faces.

"I didn't expect that we actually did it." Li Zixue closed the Book of Wisdom with a smile, her eyes full of hope for the future.

"There is no problem that our team cannot solve." Yueyue raised the talisman in her hand, her smile full of confidence.

"This is just the beginning, and there is still a long way to go." Su Mo looked in the direction where the fog was gradually dissipating, his tone firm.

The mysterious shadow guard nodded silently. Although he was still silent, his eyes showed a deep trust in his companions: "As long as we are together, we have nothing to fear."

"Hey, have you heard? That group of young people actually defeated the shadow beast!" A passing adventurer talked loudly in a nearby tavern, attracting the attention of people around him.

"What? Are you serious? That's an existence that has been invincible since ancient times!" A bearded uncle put down his wine glass, looking shocked.

"That's right! I saw them coming out of the Misty Forest with my own eyes. Although they were all exhausted, their pride and confidence were simply dazzling!" The adventurer described it excitedly, as if he had also participated in the feat.

The tavern suddenly exploded with people discussing one after another. There were amazement, doubts, and most of them were curiosity and envy of the group of young heroes.

"Who are they? How could they do such a thing?" A young girl couldn't help asking with admiration in her eyes.

"Hey, you may not believe it, but I heard that there is a girl holding a rune in that team. Her magic is so powerful that it can illuminate the entire battlefield in an instant!" A seemingly experienced old man joined the topic, his tone full of awe.

"Don't forget the young man who wields the sword as fast as the wind. Even shadow beasts cannot escape where his sword points. I heard that his name is Zhao Ming and he is a true warrior." A warrior in armor added, his words revealing sincere admiration.

"The owner of the Book of Wisdom is also a powerful person. It is said that she can find answers to all problems from ancient documents." A man who looked like a scholar pushed his glasses and joined the discussion.

Just as everyone was immersed in a heated discussion, the door was gently pushed open, and Zhao Ming and his group unexpectedly appeared at the door of the tavern. Their appearance immediately caused a sensation, and everyone stopped talking and looked at them.

"Look, it's them! Those legendary Dawn Guardians!" someone exclaimed in a low voice, and then the whole tavern burst into warm applause and cheers.

Zhao Ming smiled and nodded to everyone, while Su Mo, Yueyue, Li Zixue and the mysterious shadow guard also responded to everyone's enthusiasm. Each of their movements revealed a calmness and composure that came from having experienced many things.

"Everyone, your praise is too much." Zhao Ming said modestly, "We just did what we should do. What is really worth celebrating is the peace and tranquility on this land."

Yueyue looked around with a smile, the rune spinning gently in her hand: "There are more challenges waiting for us, but as long as we keep moving forward, one day, light will shine on every inch of land."

Li Zixue gently closed the book of wisdom and said firmly: "History is always made up of countless brave choices. Our story has just begun."

Although the mysterious shadow guard was silent, his tightly pursed lips and determined eyes had already shown his attitude. He was an indispensable shield in the team, always ready to face unknown challenges.

Amid the jubilation, Su Mo's voice sounded at the right time, gentle but powerful, bringing this episode to a perfect end: "Tonight's celebration belongs to all those who believe in light. But please remember, tomorrow we will embark on a new journey. Because, in order to protect this continent, the Dawn Guardians are always on the road."

As their words fell, the tavern became boiling again, people's emotions were completely ignited, and the backs of Zhao Ming and his group slowly disappeared into the night amid everyone's admiring gazes.

Outside the door, the stars are shining brightly and the night breeze is blowing gently, as if foreshadowing that a brighter and more unknown future is waiting for them.

"So, where are we going next?" Yueyue looked up at the starry sky, her eyes flashing with curiosity about the unknown and desire for challenges.

Su Mo smiled and pointed to the distance, which was an unexplored road. Under the starlight, it was full of hope and mystery: "Go to where we haven't been yet and solve the next puzzle, because we are - the Dawn Guardians."

"It sounds like a new adventure is calling us!" Li Zixue's eyes sparkled, and the Book of Wisdom gently opened in her hands, as if she couldn't wait to reveal the secrets of the future.

The mysterious shadow guard nodded. Although he still didn't speak, his body language revealed his expectation and determination for the upcoming challenge. He was always the silent guardian, proving his oath with actions.

"No matter what lies ahead, as long as we fight side by side, nothing is impossible." Zhao Ming's words were full of determination. He looked at his companions, his heart full of trust in this team.

At this moment, a low and curious voice came from a corner of the tavern: "How great it would be if I could join you and explore the unknown together!" The speaker was a stranger, dressed like a traveler, with a longing light in his eyes.

Zhao Ming walked over and patted the other person on the shoulder: "Courage and faith are our most precious equipment. If you are willing, every brave heart can become a member of the Dawn Guard."

A hint of surprise flashed in the traveler's eyes, and then he became determined: "Then I am willing to follow you, no matter how difficult the road is, I want to witness the arrival of light."

"Welcome to join us, my friend." Yueyue smiled and handed over a rune, which was a symbol of trust among the team. "Together, let's let the light illuminate the darkness."

Just as the atmosphere of joy over the new members was spreading, a familiar voice came from outside the tavern: "It seems that your team has grown again, which is great." An old man in a cloak walked in, with a kind face and deep wisdom in his eyes. "I am the guardian of the Forest of Wisdom. I have some information about the upcoming threat that I need to share with you."

Upon hearing this, everyone gathered together and listened to the old man's story attentively. He mentioned an ancient prophecy about a magical artifact that could overturn the balance of the world and was being coveted by evil forces. Protecting this artifact and preventing disasters from happening would become the new mission of the Dawnguard.

"Where is the artifact?" Li Zixue asked anxiously, and the Book of Wisdom flipped automatically, as if it was also looking for the answer.

"It is hidden in the cracks of time and space. Only true warriors who have passed a series of trials can find its trace." The old man smiled mysteriously, and then handed Zhao Ming an ancient map. "Your journey will start from here."

Zhao Ming felt the heavy responsibility after taking the map. He glanced at his companions around him, and everyone nodded firmly. The unspoken trust and support made his heart surge with warmth.

"Then let's go." Zhao Ming's words were simple but powerful. He rolled up the map, led the new and old members, stepped out of the tavern door, and stepped into the unknown night.

As they left, the tavern was once again filled with discussions, and their legendary stories continued to circulate among people. Outside the door, greater adventures and challenges were waiting for them.

“An unknown journey is always scary and exciting, isn’t it?” Yueyue whispered as they walked, the rune stone shining in her hand, illuminating the faint path ahead.

"That's right. It is this unknown that makes our lives full of color." Su Mo responded, and the healing magic gently wrapped around everyone, as if even the fatigue of the journey could be dissolved by this warmth.

"Every time I hear a new challenge, my heart beats faster." Li Zixue smiled, and the Book of Wisdom jumped gently, as if it had its own emotions in her arms. "Can we uncover all the mysteries this time?"

The mysterious shadow guard said nothing, but he walked at the end of the team, looking around vigilantly, like an invisible wall, blocking all potential dangers. His presence was the most solid support for the team.

The new traveler was looking around with curious eyes and occasionally exchanging a few words with Yueyue beside him. It was obvious that he was full of anticipation for the upcoming adventure.

"By the way, what kind of trial is that mentioned by the guardian of the Forest of Wisdom?" Zhao Ming suddenly asked, his sword tapping lightly against his boots in a steady rhythm.

“Who knows? Maybe we need to climb endless mountains or cross a dark abyss.” Yueyue guessed with a hint of mischief in her tone. “However, with our group of companions here, no matter how difficult the trial is, it will only be a spice to add to the memories.”

The conversation of the group echoed in the night, and the stars seemed to be brighter, as if pointing the way for them. In this atmosphere, they came to the entrance of an ancient ruins. Under the moonlight, the ancient stone sculptures exuded a faint glow, looking solemn and mysterious.

"It seems that this is our first stop." Zhao Ming stared at the ruins in front of him, with a determined light flashing in his eyes.

"Wait, look over there!" Li Zixue suddenly pointed to a corner of the ruins, where there seemed to be a faint light flickering, like some kind of signal.

When they got closer, they found that it was a small mechanism inlaid with various gems. There was a gap in the middle, and its shape matched the rune stone in Yueyue's hand exactly.

"It seems that this is a hint for us." Su Mo said softly, with unquestionable certainty in his eyes.

Yueyue carefully placed the talisman into the groove. In an instant, the mechanism started. With a slight mechanical turning sound, a stone door slowly opened, revealing a staircase leading underground, deep and unknown.

"Get ready, friends, the real challenge is about to begin." Zhao Ming drew his sword and walked in front. The group followed closely and stepped into the unknown abyss.

When the last person stepped onto the stairs, the stone door quietly closed, isolating the outside world, leaving only them and the endless darkness and unknown. But in this unknown, there is a light of hope and courage, because they are the guardians of the dawn, and protecting the light and fighting against darkness is their unchanging belief. (End of this chapter)