49: Chapter 49 Brave Friends

"Nangong Han!" Chu Yang's heart stirred, and he shot a grateful look at this brave friend.

"I'm fine, finish it quickly!" Nangong Han wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, encouraging loudly.

Chu Yang took a deep breath, gathering power into his longsword once more. This time, he seemed to sense the mysterious energy contained within the crystal key. The light on the longsword grew even more brilliant, as if gathering endless power.

"This is..." Qing Luo's eyes revealed a look of astonishment, "This key actually possesses such power?"

"As expected of Chu Yang, truly enviable," a young Wanderer praised in admiration.

Under the gazes of anticipation from the crowd, Chu Yang leaped high into the air. His longsword transformed into a streak of light, slashing down heavily upon the stone beast. This time, the stone beast could no longer withstand it. Its body was cleaved in two, slowly collapsing to the ground, finally ceasing all movement.

"We won!" The watching Wanderers cheered, their faces filled with admiration and shock.

"Well done, Chu Yang!" Qing Luo excitedly ran forward, tightly hugging Chu Yang.

"We are not finished yet," the woman's voice sounded once more, carrying a meaningful tone. "The next task will be even more difficult."

Everyone looked towards the depths of the passage, their hearts filled with questions and anticipation.

"What is that?" Qing Luo asked in confusion.

The woman chuckled softly. "That is the true secret leading deeper into the Forgotten Land. Are you ready to face more challenges?"

Chu Yang looked up towards the end of the passage, a flame of determination burning in his eyes. "Whatever lies ahead, we will overcome it all!"

"Well said!" Nangong Han clenched his fist, speaking with full confidence. "Let's advance together!"

And so, the group continued on their path into the unknown. Everything they experienced would become legends of the future.

"Wait, who exactly is that woman?" a young Wanderer whispered.

"Who knows? But I believe she must have some ulterior secret," an older Wanderer said thoughtfully.

"Hmm, we'd better stick close to Chu Yang and the others. There might be more surprises waiting for us." The young man nodded and quickened his pace. Chu Yang's party embarked on their journey deeper into the Forgotten Land. The light within the passage gradually grew dim. The bluestone pavement occasionally emitted eerie sounds, making everyone instinctively heighten their guard.

"This place feels eerie. I'm a bit uneasy," Nangong Han said with a furrowed brow.

"It's fine. As long as we stand united, we can overcome any difficulty," Chu Yang said firmly. Simultaneously, the crystal key in his hand emitted a faint glow, seemingly illuminating the path ahead for them.

"By the way, Miss Bi Luo, do you also feel there's something special about this key?" Qing Luo asked, her eyes brimming with curiosity.

"Indeed, I sense it radiates a very mysterious aura," Bi Luo nodded. "However, its specific purpose is likely a riddle only Chu Yang can unravel."

The group pressed onward. After passing through a dense forest, they suddenly arrived at an open area. Here stood the massive ruins of an ancient castle. The air was filled with a decaying, heavy atmosphere.

"Wow, how magnificent! It looks like no one has been here for a long time, right?" a young man couldn't help but exclaim.

"Correct. This castle was once the center of power in this region, but now it has long been abandoned..." the older woman explained in a low voice.

Just then, a faint sound of footsteps came from within the ancient castle. "Who's there?" Chu Yang vigilantly drew his sword.

An old man dressed in tattered robes, his face gaunt, slowly emerged. "You... have you come seeking treasure?" The old man's tone carried a hint of mockery.

"No, we are merely passing through," Chu Yang replied politely. "Might you know any information regarding the Forgotten Land?"

The old man shook his head. "I know little, but I can tell you this place hides many secrets and dangers. For instance, every hundred years, a human soul is sealed here, becoming a ghost forever guarding this place."

Hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines. "Then how can we find a way out?" Qing Luo asked.

"The only way is to defeat the final Guardian—the Ghost King," the old man said gravely. "But be careful. He is not an enemy easily dealt with."

"Thank you for the warning. We will proceed with caution." Chu Yang thanked the old man.

As they ventured deeper, the surroundings grew increasingly bizarre. Eerie weeping sounds constantly echoed around them, as if many souls were recounting their grievances.

"This is truly frightening. Do ghosts really exist here?" a young Wanderer shivered.

"Don't be afraid. As long as we have the courage to face every challenge, there is nothing to fear," Bi Luo encouraged.

Just as the party was about to reach the castle's central area, a knight clad in black armor, exuding a chilling aura all over, suddenly appeared. "Who are you? How dare you intrude upon my domain!" the knight roared.

"We mean no harm. We merely wish to find a way to leave this place," Chu Yang replied calmly.

"Hmph! Anyone who dares disturb me must pay the price!" The knight brandished his greatsword and charged at Chu Yang.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!" Chu Yang shouted, meeting the charge head-on.

After a fierce battle, although the knight was immensely powerful, he was ultimately defeated by the combined efforts of Chu Yang and the others. "I didn't expect such a strong opponent..." Chu Yang gasped for breath, looking back at his companions.

"Well done, brothers!" Nangong Han patted the dust from his hands.

"But this is not the end. According to that old man, the most formidable enemy is still ahead," Qing Luo said with concern.

At that moment, an even more terrifying roar echoed from the distance, causing the entire ancient castle to tremble. "It seems the true trial is just beginning..." the woman's voice sounded once more.

"We can definitely overcome all difficulties!" Chu Yang gripped his sword tightly. "No matter what else awaits us ahead."

"Yes, let's face it together!" everyone said in unison.

As that voice gradually faded, the darkness seemed to hold a few more unpredictable variables. Could Chu Yang and the others successfully traverse the Forgotten Land and find their way home?

"What will happen next?" a Wanderer murmured to himself.

Another said firmly, "No matter what, we must not abandon hope. By following Chu Yang and the others, perhaps we will see the light."