We agreed that you, a weak strategist, would fight against three heroes by yourself?

Although everyone was a little scared, no one backed down.

They united closely and faced this powerful enemy together. Luo Xiaoyu said indignantly: "Bah! You want to steal things? Dream on!"

Granny Lin was so angry that she was shaking all over. She pointed at the Dark Hermit's nose and shouted angrily, "You evil villain! How dare you covet our treasure? You are so heartless! Let's fight together. We must not let him succeed!"

The Dark Hermit raised a mocking smile and waved his wand. His deep voice sounded like a call from hell: "In that case, don't blame me..."

The Dark Hermit waved his wand, and a dark black light shot out like a poisonous snake, rushing towards everyone.

The light distorted the air and made a sharp hissing sound, which was creepy.

Everyone screamed and dodged in all directions. Blacksmith Zhao roared and swung the heavy hammer in his hand to meet the black light.

There was a loud "clang" sound, and the iron hammer collided with the black light, sparking a dazzling spark.

Blacksmith Zhao's palms were cracked, his arms were numb, and he staggered back a few steps, staring in horror at the black light that seemed to be intact.

The dark hermit sneered, and with a flash of his body, he nimbly dodged the golden attack.

The golden light missed its target and hit a huge rock behind it, causing gravel to fly everywhere and dust to fill the air.

"A mere trifle!" The dark hermit's voice was hoarse and harsh, full of disdain.

At this moment, the mysterious old man who had been silent suddenly moved.

He slowly raised his skinny hand and looked at the rune elf beside him. Both of them released a powerful force at the same time.

The two forces converged and merged, forming a dazzling wave of light, which surged towards the dark hermit like a surging tide.

Wherever the light waves passed, the air rippled and emitted a low buzzing sound.

The Dark Hermit's face changed slightly, obviously feeling the power of this force.

Luo Xiaoyu was unable to dodge and was hit on the leg by the Dark Hermit's black magic. He screamed in pain and fell to the ground.

She covered her injured leg, groaning in pain, her face pale.

Seeing this, Xiaohong was extremely anxious and wanted to rush over, but was stopped by Granny Lin.

"Don't be impulsive, it's too dangerous to go over now!" Granny Lin advised anxiously.

Everyone was distracted by their concern for Luo Xiaoyu, and the Dark Hermit took the opportunity to launch an attack.

Several black rays flashed by, and everyone was injured, with blood seeping through their clothes.

The air was filled with the smell of blood and the atmosphere was extremely depressing.

Doctor Zhang anxiously wanted to go forward to treat Luo Xiaoyu, but was blocked by an invisible magic barrier.

Elder Chen, who had been silent all this time, suddenly stood up at this moment.

His weather-beaten face was now filled with determination, completely different from his usual amiable appearance.

He leaned on a cane and slowly walked to the front of the crowd. He stared at the Dark Hermit with a sharp gaze. His voice was old but loud, with a hint of unquestionable majesty. "Dark Hermit, do you know the origin of this ancient scroll? It seals the ancient evil power. Once released, it will destroy all lives!"

Elder Chen's narration was like a thunderclap, exploding in the silent ruins.

The dark hermit was slightly stunned, a hint of doubt flashed in his greedy eyes, and he was obviously surprised by the old man's words.

He narrowed his eyes and looked at Elder Chen carefully, as if trying to see through what tricks he was playing.

Just when the Dark Hermit was distracted, Elder Chen suddenly moved.

He leaned on a cane and walked slowly towards the dark hermit, each step carrying a special rhythm, like an ancient sacrificial ritual.

When he approached the dark hermit, his eyes flashed, he muttered something, and formed a strange seal with his hands. A soft light burst out from his palms and instantly hit the dark hermit.

The dark hermit was caught off guard and was hit by the light. His body trembled violently and he staggered back a few steps with an expression of disbelief on his face.

When everyone saw this, they all exclaimed in surprise and looked at the usually inconspicuous Elder Chen with new eyes.

When the man in white saw this, a cold light flashed in his eyes. He looked at the mysterious old man and the rune elf, and the three of them were in tune with each other and attacked at the same time.

The man in white quickly formed seals with his hands, and a dazzling golden light shot up into the sky, converging with the powerful force released by the mysterious old man and the rune elf, forming an earth-shattering energy wave, like a roaring beast, slamming into the dark hermit.

The dark hermit was unable to dodge and was hit head-on by the energy wave. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and a mouthful of blood spurted out, staining his black robe red. His breath instantly weakened.

Seeing this, everyone cheered and their hearts were filled with joy of victory.

However, the Dark Hermit, the Man in White, the Mysterious Old Man and the Rune Elf did not give him any chance and chased after him relentlessly.

Everyone followed suit. They seemed to feel the power surging in their bodies. Everyone was full of fighting spirit and vowed to defeat this evil man completely.

The air was filled with the joy of victory, the smell of gunpowder and a faint smell of blood after the battle, as well as a sense of pride in protecting the treasure.

Xiaohong wanted to help Luo Xiaoyu up distressed, but she saw her suddenly...

Xiaohong carefully tore open the trouser legs of Luo Xiaoyu, revealing the shocking wound. The bright red blood mixed with mud made her feel heartbroken.

She blew on the wound gently, afraid of hurting Luo Xiaoyu, her eyes full of gratitude and concern, "It's all my fault that I couldn't protect you in time, does it hurt?" Luo Xiaoyu grinned, revealing a slightly pale smile, and endured the pain to comfort Xiaohong, "It's okay, this little injury is nothing, look at me, I'm still alive and well!" Her tone was still so straightforward and reckless, but with a hint of imperceptible weakness.

The man in white stepped forward and picked up Luo Xiaoyu, his movements as gentle as if he was treating a fragile treasure. His soft eyes fell on Luo Xiaoyu's face, as if to melt her, "You silly girl, you are hurt but still trying to be strong." Xiaohong looked at them, the corners of her mouth raised slightly, revealing a relieved smile. This heartwarming scene made everyone feel the beauty of friendship and love.

Everyone smiled at each other, and the tension in their hearts dissipated, and the relationship between them seemed to become more harmonious.

Just when everyone thought the danger was over and breathed a sigh of relief, something unexpected happened.

The ancient scroll suddenly emitted a dazzling light, as bright as the sun, completely covering Xiaohong's figure.

The light was hot and mysterious, mixed with strands of golden runes, as if it contained some kind of ancient power.

Everyone exclaimed,

In the light, Xiaohong felt as if her consciousness was pulled out of her body. Everything around her became blurry, replaced by a series of bizarre scenes.

She seemed to see an ancient altar towering into the clouds, a mysterious priest clad in feathered robes, and countless twisted and painful faces.

Those images flashed through her mind like a kaleidoscope of light, giving her a splitting headache and making it impossible to tell reality from illusion. Xiao Hong tried hard to grasp something, but those scenes disappeared without a trace in an instant, as if they had never appeared.

Everyone could only look at Xiaohong in the light. They were anxious and helpless, but they had no idea what Xiaohong saw.

At this moment, Xiaohong's slightly frowned brows relaxed, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, and her eyes were filled with unprecedented determination...

The blinding white light engulfed Xiaohong. Everyone stretched out their hands in horror, trying to touch the light curtain, but they were fiercely bounced back by an invisible force.

Luo Xiaoyu was the closest to the scene and was shocked so much that she staggered a few steps and almost fell to the ground.

She cried out in surprise, and watched the light grow stronger and stronger, eventually forming a huge cocoon of light that completely enveloped Xiaohong.

Golden runes flow on the surface of the light cocoon, flickering like breathing, mysterious and strange.

"Xiaohong!" Luo Xiaoyu shouted at the top of her lungs, her voice filled with fear and worry.

The situation of the others was not much better. They anxiously circled around the light cocoon, but were helpless.

"What should I do? What is going on?" Li the hunter was scratching his head anxiously, his rough face covered with sweat.

"Don't panic," Elder Chen stroked his beard and tried to remain calm. "I remember a similar situation recorded in ancient books. Perhaps we can try the 'Light Breaking Spell'."

"The Light-Breaking Spell? That is an extremely dangerous forbidden spell. If you are not careful, it will hurt the trapped person!" Doctor Zhang immediately objected, "Miss Xiaohong's current situation is unknown. It is too risky to use the Light-Breaking Spell rashly!"

"Doctor Zhang, human life is at stake, how can you worry so much?" Elder Chen's tone also became tough, "It's better than just waiting!"

The two of them were arguing and the atmosphere around them became tense.

The man in white frowned, stepped forward and said, "Please be patient, both of you. The most important thing now is to figure out the nature of this light cocoon before making a decision."

"That's easy to say," said Zhao the blacksmith in a muffled voice, "Miss Xiaohong is still in there, her life or death is unknown, how can we have time to study it slowly?"

"That's right, Mr. White, please tell me, do you have any good ideas?" Granny Lin also spoke. Although she was old, there was unquestionable majesty in her voice.

Everyone was talking at once, each holding their own opinion, and the scene was in chaos.

Granny Lin sighed heavily and raised her voice: "Be quiet! What's the point of arguing now? Let's listen to what the young master in white has to say first."

Everyone then quieted down, their eyes focused on the man in white.

He pondered for a moment and was about to speak when suddenly, several dazzling rays of light shot out from the light cocoon...

Several dazzling rays of light shot out from the light cocoon like sharp swords, so fast that people were caught off guard.

Everyone was unable to dodge and were hit one after another.

Blacksmith Zhao was the first to be hit. His thick arms were scratched by the light, and his skin was immediately torn and blood was dripping.

He let out a painful roar, his eyes turned bloodshot, and he swung the hammer in his hand angrily, rushing towards the light cocoon desperately, trying to smash it to pieces.

However, before he could get close, several rays of light wrapped around his body like snakes, binding him tightly in mid-air.

He struggled desperately, but to no avail, and could only groan in pain.

Seeing this, Li the Hunter wanted to step forward to help, but was also forced back by the light. He could only watch Zhao the Blacksmith being tortured by the light, feeling extremely anxious.

"Evil creature! Stop being so arrogant!" An old and majestic voice sounded, and an old man with white hair and a youthful face appeared in front of everyone at some point.

He held a simple wooden staff with intricate runes carved on it, emitting a faint golden light.

Next to the old man, a beautiful woman in colorful clothes and with transparent wings on her back also appeared.

She waved the staff in her hand lightly, muttering something, and countless glittering runes flew out from the top of the staff, colliding with the light emitted by the light cocoon, making a deafening roar.

The air around him suddenly became hot, as if he was in a furnace.

The old man is the guardian of the ruins, and the woman is the rune elf.

At this moment, a woman in a plain long dress and with a cool temperament appeared quietly.

She looked at the light cocoon with complicated eyes, as if she knew something.

However, before she could say anything, a black mist suddenly rose from the ground and surrounded her.

She groaned in pain, her figure gradually became blurred, and finally disappeared into the darkness.

This woman is the ancient scroll elf.

Everyone was covered in wounds under the attack of the light cocoon.

Luo Xiaoyu looked at the injured people and felt full of self-blame.

If she had not insisted on opening the ancient scroll, Xiaohong would not have been trapped in the light cocoon, and others would not have been implicated.

She bit her lips tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

While protecting everyone, the man in white was also hit by the light. His face turned pale, with a trace of blood flowing from the corner of his mouth, and he fell weakly to the ground.

Xiaohong is still trapped in the light cocoon, her life or death uncertain, and everyone's hope is gradually swallowed up by despair.

Doctor Zhang endured the pain in his body and tried hard to treat the injured, but due to the interference of light, the treatment process was very difficult.

Hunter Li looked at everything in front of him and tightly grasped the hunting knife in his hand...

Li the Hunter's pupils suddenly contracted, and a beam of light headed straight for Luo Xiaoyu!

At the critical moment, he roared and used his burly body to block Luo Xiaoyu.

The light hit his back hard, the sizzling sound of burning flesh could be heard clearly, and a burnt smell filled the air.

Li the Hunter groaned and staggered a few steps, but miraculously did not fall down.

"Brother Li!" Luo Xiaoyu exclaimed, her eyes filled with tears and disbelief.

Everyone looked at Li the Hunter in shock. He was usually timid, but now he showed such courage.

Li the Hunter clenched his teeth, beads of sweat the size of beans slid down his dark face, and the severe pain made it almost impossible for him to breathe.

But he did not retreat. Instead, he walked towards the light cocoon with determination.

Every step was like walking on the edge of a knife, and every step was accompanied by piercing pain, but he still did not hesitate.

His rough hands trembled as he stroked the runes flowing on the surface of the light cocoon, trying to find a glimmer of hope to crack it.

"What...what is he doing?" Doctor Zhang asked in astonishment, unable to believe what was happening before his eyes.

"Brother Li..." Luo Xiaoyu covered her mouth and tears burst out.

Li the Hunter's action was like a thunderbolt, splitting the fear and despair in everyone's hearts.

They were inspired by his bravery and their hope was rekindled.

At this moment, the disappeared ancient scroll elf unexpectedly reappeared, her figure looming, her voice weak but clear: "The light cocoon... connects... Xiaohong's heart... Only... together..."

When everyone heard her words, they immediately understood what she meant.

Elder Chen took the lead. He raised the cane in his hand high, muttered something, and a golden light shot out from the top of the cane and went straight to the light cocoon.

Immediately afterwards, Doctor Zhang, Luo Xiaoyu, Granny Lin, and even the injured blacksmith Zhao all injected their own strength into the golden light.

The golden light became brighter and brighter, eventually forming a dazzling beam of light that hit the light cocoon hard.

The light cocoon trembled violently, and the runes on its surface began to twist and deform.

Seeing this, everyone worked even harder to mobilize their strength.

Finally, accompanied by a crisp shattering sound, the light cocoon shattered, and Xiaohong's figure appeared in front of everyone.

Her face was pale and her expression was dazed, but there was a determination gleam in her eyes.

She looked around and saw the anxious crowd, the bruised and battered Li the Hunter, and the weak man in white.

Xiaohong staggered to the man in white and hugged him tightly...

Xiaohong fell weakly into the arms of the man in white, tears silently falling.

The man in white hugged her tightly, his eyes full of love and heartache. He stroked her hair and said softly, "It's okay, I'm here." Xiaohong found support in his warm arms. Her tense nerves finally relaxed, and she felt grateful for having survived the disaster.

Seeing this, Luo Xiaoyu burst into laughter, ran over, hugged the two of them, and shouted excitedly: "That's great! Xiaohong, you're finally back!" Everyone also gathered around, with joyful smiles on their faces, hugged each other, and celebrated Xiaohong's safe return.

The burning sensation on Li the Hunter's back was still intense, but he didn't care. He smiled innocently with tears in his eyes.

After going through this life-and-death test, the feelings between everyone became stronger and the bond between them became closer.

Xiao Hong slowly raised her head and looked at everyone. Her eyes were full of gratitude. She choked up and said, "Thank you, thank you for saving me..." She paused, her eyes became blurry, as if she was lost in memories, "I saw some strange things... in the light cocoon..."

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Xiaohong's story.

Xiaohong took a deep breath and tried to organize her words: "I saw a vast starry sky with countless stars twinkling, and then... then a magnificent palace appeared. In the center of the palace was a huge gem, emitting dazzling light..." When she said this, she suddenly stopped, frowning, as if she was trying to recall something.

At this moment, the originally calm ancient scrolls and gems suddenly emitted dazzling light again, and the light reflected each other, as if responding to Xiaohong's words.

Everyone looked at each other, their hearts filled with confusion and anxiety.

"This...what is going on?" Luo Xiaoyu asked in a low voice, with a hint of trembling in her tone.

Xiaohong looked confused and shook her head, indicating that she didn't know either.

The man in white tightly held Xiaohong's hand, stared deeply at the glittering ancient scroll and gemstone, and said in a deep voice: "It seems that there is a bigger secret hidden in it..." (End of this chapter)