47: Chapter 47 Determination

"Do you think you can defeat me with your current strength?" the Guardian sneered, a cunning glint flashing in his eyes. "This is the depths of the Forgotten Land. What you face will be an unprecedented challenge."

"We will not fear any challenge!" Chu Yang said resolutely, his eyes filled with determination and perseverance.

"That's right! No matter how powerful the enemy, we will defeat them one by one!" Qing Luo brandished her long whip, her demeanor heroic and spirited.

Nangong Han clenched his fists, muscles tensing, and growled in a low voice, "I can't wait any longer. Let me see your true abilities!"

"Such big talk," the Guardian mocked, but the vigilance in his gaze did not diminish in the slightest. "Then let's give it a try!"

As his words fell, the entire space suddenly became eerily silent. Immediately after, countless shadowy figures surged from all directions, surrounding the group. These shadows seemed like living creatures, emitting sinister roars that sent chills down the spine.

The watching Wanderers retreated in terror, unable to believe what was happening before their eyes.

"Heavens, what are these things?" a young Wanderer cried out in alarm.

"It's too terrifying. Should we flee?" a middle-aged woman asked, her voice trembling.

But an older Wanderer stepped forward and declared loudly, "Don't panic! Look, those heroes aren't afraid. We can't desert them now!"

Encouraged by his words, the Wanderers rallied their spirits. Though fear still lingered in their hearts, at least no one spoke of running away again.

Chu Yang and Daoist Wangchuan exchanged a glance and swiftly sprang into action. The former brandished his longsword, charging towards the shadows like a bolt of lightning; the latter cast spells, forming a massive barrier in the air to keep the eerie entities at bay.

"Quickly, don't give them a chance to get close!" Chu Yang shouted.

"I know! You be careful too!" Qing Luo replied, her long whip transforming into an agile snake, smacking several approaching shadows away.

The battle continued for a while. Despite the enemy's numbers, Chu Yang and the others gradually gained the upper hand through their seamless coordination. Just as they prepared to muster their strength and annihilate all the foes, the ultimate Guardian suddenly let out a deafening roar of laughter.

"Haha, it seems I underestimated you," he said, waving a hand. The shadows that had been pushed back instantly regained their vitality, and their numbers swelled even more than before.

"This... How is this guy so strong?" Nangong Han asked, somewhat shocked.

"It's alright. As long as we persist, we'll find a weakness eventually!" Bi Luo replied.

Sure enough, after several consecutive rounds of attacks, Chu Yang noticed that the Guardian seemed to have a brief period of weakness after unleashing each skill. He decided to use this to launch a counterattack.

"Is everyone ready? The crucial moment is next!" Chu Yang shouted loudly.

Everyone nodded in understanding, then began to act according to the pre-arranged plan: first, Daoist Wangchuan would draw the opponent's attention, then the others would flank from both sides...

"It's truly unbelievable!" a Wanderer watching from not far away exclaimed. "They can coordinate so seamlessly against such a powerful enemy!"

"Exactly. I'm sure if I could one day become a hero like them, that would be wonderful," another young man said full of longing.

Just as the situation was about to reach a turning point, a cold smile appeared at the corner of the Guardian's mouth. "Fun, isn't it? But this game has only just begun—"

Before his words fully faded, he suddenly thrust both hands towards the ground and slammed down hard. Instantly, the entire space seemed to tear apart, and a dazzling beam of light shot forth, capturing everyone's attention...

"What's going on?" Qing Luo asked, puzzled.

"Damn it, get out of the way!" Chu Yang yelled, pulling the person beside him to dodge swiftly.

At that moment, a woman dressed in magnificent robes and wearing a golden crown emerged from the light. Her gaze was icy and sharp, as if she could see into the deepest secrets of one's heart...

"Welcome to the core region of the Forgotten Land," the woman began to speak. "I am the master here. If you wish to proceed, you must pass my trial."

The air grew even thicker with tension. Everyone held their breath, awaiting the next confrontation. "You are the master of the Forgotten Land?" Chu Yang tightened his grip on the longsword in his hand, his sharp gaze fixed on the mysterious woman, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

The woman smiled slightly, a smile devoid of any warmth. "You may call me that. In this land, all the rules I have established are mine to dictate."

"No matter who you are, any obstacle in our path will be cleared away," Qing Luo responded, brandishing her whip, refusing to show weakness.

At this moment, a middle-aged Wanderer watching from the sidelines couldn't help but whisper, "This lady speaks with such authority... If only she could truly lead everyone out of this mist."

"Yes, but I have a feeling this opponent won't be so easy to deal with," a younger companion interjected with some worry.

On the other side, Nangong Han and Bi Luo also began discussing strategies in low voices. "Look at the power fluctuations emanating from that lady. They're clearly much stronger than the previous Guardian's," Nangong Han analyzed.

"Exactly. And I think she must know something about us," Bi Luo nodded. "Otherwise, why would she let us pass the previous trials so easily?"

As they spoke, the golden-crowned woman suddenly spoke up, cutting off everyone's conversations. "I know you have many questions in your hearts, but now is not the time. Either accept my challenge and prove your strength, or remain here forever as my slaves—choose."

"Don't think we're afraid!" Chu Yang responded loudly, giving his companions a meaningful look, signaling them to prepare for battle.

"Oh?" The woman raised an eyebrow slightly. "Admirable courage, but I hope it's not just empty words."

As her words fell, the ground suddenly shook violently. Several deep fissures spread from beneath her feet, dividing the entire area into sections. Simultaneously, a group of bizarre-looking, armored creatures crawled out from the cracks, swiftly closing in on Chu Yang and the others.

A chorus of gasps and cries rose from the crowd of onlookers: "It's over, it's over! We've really met a formidable enemy this time!"

"No, it's not over yet!" The elder who had encouraged everyone earlier stepped forward again. "Those heroes displayed extraordinary abilities just now. I believe they can still bring us a surprise this time!"

Hearing this, many who had lost hope felt a fire of hope rekindle. Though their bodies trembled with fear, they stood firm, cheering on the heroes in their hearts.