Alliance: Start Suona, send away the stupid sister Zhou

As they were talking, the ragged old poet slowly approached again, his eyes flickering, as if hiding a thousand unfinished business. "Children, the ancient prophecy mentioned that after the bridge between light and darkness is built, five trialists will appear. They will bring unprecedented challenges and are the key to a higher level of balance."

"Five trial takers?" Lin Feng repeated, his heart filled with curiosity and uneasiness.

The old poet nodded, his tone becoming more solemn: "They are the embodiment of the five elements, representing water, fire, earth, wind, and the most mysterious fifth element - ether. To achieve true balance, one must pass the test they set."

The discussion among passers-by became heated again, and all kinds of speculations and concerns drifted away in the night wind:

"The five elements, this sounds like an ancient myth reenacted!"

"Yes, and it is said that even the most knowledgeable magicians cannot fully master the fifth element."

"If this prophecy is true, what challenges will our heroes face?"

The young scholar pushed up his glasses, his eyes sparkling with a desire for knowledge. "According to the literature, every elemental trial is a test of the trial-taker's will, wisdom, and even the soul to the limit. But after success, they will gain unprecedented power."

Irving stared at the old poet and said firmly, "Please tell us, what should we do?"

The old poet smiled mysteriously and pointed to the starry sky: "The stars have already pointed out the path you are going to take. Each star corresponds to the location of a trial participant. But remember, the real answer is always in your heart. It is your choice and persistence that will guide you through the trial."

"Guidance from the stars?" Leo looked up at the sky. The stars seemed to become brighter at that moment, as if responding to his determination.

Leah held the old poet's hand and said gratefully: "Thank you, your words gave us direction. We will not let you down."

"I believe in you." The old poet patted Leah's hand gently, then turned and left. His back looked particularly lonely and great in the moonlight. "The balance between light and darkness, the future of the world, all rests on you."

As the old poet walked away, the four gathered again. The initial confusion and hesitation were no longer in their eyes, but were replaced by indestructible faith and indomitable will.

"Let's go, friends." Lin Feng chuckled, his words full of confidence, "No matter the surging water, the scorching fire, the heavy earth, the invisible wind, or even the mysterious ether, nothing can stop us from pursuing balance."

"That's right," Alvin clenched his fists, "For the coexistence of light and darkness, for the future of this world, we accept the trial and move forward fearlessly!"

In the darkness of the night, the figures of the four people gradually disappeared into the depths of the forest, leaving behind a trail of firm footprints and the expectant eyes of the villagers.

"They will succeed, right?" The little girl held her mother's hand and watched the heroes leave, with both reluctance and conviction in her eyes.

The mother stroked her daughter's head and gently replied, "Yes, because they are messengers of light and guides of shadow. They hold the hope and strength for all of us."

"Mom, what is the real test?" the little boy asked curiously, pulling at the corner of another bystander's clothes.

"The real test is the experience that makes you stronger and allows you to learn more." The onlooker lowered his head, his eyes flickering with longing for the future. "Just like the heroes in the story, they will encounter difficulties, but every time they overcome them, they are closer to their goals."

"What kind of enemies will they encounter? Will they be scary?" the little girl interrupted. Her imagination had already constructed a series of thrilling battles in her mind.

A middle-aged blacksmith wiped his sweat and joined the conversation: "My child, the enemy is not just the monsters or enemies outside. Sometimes, the biggest enemy is the fear and doubt in your own heart. What the messengers of light have to face may be an unprecedented inner struggle, and the ability to find hope in despair."

There was a constant stream of discussion among the crowd, and every listener was interpreting the upcoming trial in his or her own way. Their trust and expectations for the Messenger of Light were evident in their words.

On the other side of the dense forest, four messengers of light sat around a campfire. Alvin was the first to break the silence: "We all know that the road ahead is difficult. However, as the old poet said, the real answer is in our hearts. We must be prepared for what is to come."

Lin Feng nodded, his eyes sharp: "No matter who these trial participants are, or what element they are, the first thing we have to do is to strengthen ourselves. We must not only increase our strength, but also deepen our understanding of light and darkness and find that delicate balance."

Leah stroked the necklace around her neck, on which hung a tiny star, as if echoing a star in the night sky: "We still need to unite all the forces that can be united. Perhaps, on the road, we will meet friends who are willing to fight alongside us."

Leo raised the sword in his hand, pointing the tip of the sword at the starry night sky: "Then it is decided. Starting tomorrow, we will act separately to find knowledge and allies that can help us pass the trial. In a month, we will reunite here, share each other's gains, and embark on a new journey together."

The firelight shone on everyone's face, showing their firm determination and unyielding will. They understood that this was not only a personal challenge, but also a protection for the entire world.

As the four were discussing, a slight voice echoed in the forest, like the whisper of the wind: "Time is running out, and unknown dangers are quietly approaching. Remember, true power comes from the light within."

The sudden whisper made the four of them look up suddenly, and looked around, but they didn't see any figure. The unknown premonition made the air heavy, but the fire in their hearts burned even more fiercely.

"No matter what it is, we will face it head-on." Alvin stood up, his eyes shining, "Because we are messengers of light." "Yes," the other three responded, their voices echoed in the night sky, stirring each other's hearts, "For light, for balance, for this world, we are not afraid of any trial!"

The vows made by the campfire spread in the silent night, as if even the earth was listening, silently giving strength and blessings. And just as the vows were still echoing, the starry sky in the distance seemed to flicker gently, as if the universe itself was affirming their decision.

“Then, let us set off from here, towards the unknown, towards challenges.” Lin Feng stood up, stretched out his hand, and shook hands tightly with his partners. At this moment, they seemed to be able to feel each other’s beliefs intertwined and converged to form an irresistible force.

Under the deep night, four messengers of light followed the guidance of the stars and set out on their respective journeys. Leo chose a road to the far north, where the ancient and mysterious Tusha Village was hidden, which was said to be the location of the Trial of the Wind. With a desire for power and a promise to his partners, he traveled alone through the desolate mountains, but unexpectedly, an unexpected storm was brewing quietly.

After several days of trekking, Leo finally arrived at the edge of Tusa Village. The village was surrounded by a strange storm, with howling winds and dust blowing up to cover the sky, as if nature itself was warning him. Regardless of the difficulties and obstacles, he stepped into the storm, not knowing that he was walking into an unknown trap step by step.

As Leo went deeper into Tusa Village, an unknown force suddenly invaded his mind. It was the first test of the Wind Trial. At first, he resisted this erosion with his firm will, but as time went on, the force gradually resonated with the shadow hidden in his body, awakening the fear and anger deep in his heart.

One night, the strong winds suddenly stopped, and the entire Tusa Village fell into an eerie silence. In the center of the village, Leo knelt on the ground, with twisted wind blades lingering around his body. His eyes flashed with an ominous light, and he was completely controlled by the power of demonization. The villagers were terrified and avoided him. Only an old shaman bravely walked towards him.

"Leo, listen to me. You are not enslaved by this power." The shaman's voice echoed in the wind, with unquestionable majesty. "You have both light and darkness in your heart. Only by accepting both sides can you find yourself."

"Accept...Accept..." Leo's consciousness struggled between chaos and clarity, his voice hoarse and painful.

At the same time, Lin Feng sensed the danger of his partner in the distance, and he immediately rushed to Tusha Village, thinking about how to save Leo. He knew that this was not only a redemption for Leo, but also a test of his own beliefs.

Arriving at Tusa Village, Lin Feng's heart sank as he looked at Leo, who was twisted by magic. He slowly walked towards his friend, his eyes firm and gentle: "Leo, when we fought against darkness together, do you remember our oath? Light and darkness coexist, and we cannot abandon either side."

"Lin...Feng..." There was a hint of clarity in Leo's voice, and his eyes flashed a familiar light in the chaos.

Lin Feng took out a crystal that emitted a soft glow. It was a mysterious item they found during their journey, and it was said to contain the power to harmonize light and darkness. He gently placed the crystal in Leo's palm, and the surrounding wind blades seemed to sense some kind of harmonious power and gradually subsided.

"Find your inner balance, Leo. We are each other's light and each other's shadow." Lin Feng's words were like a spring breeze, blowing away the haze in Leo's heart bit by bit.

After a hard inner struggle, Leo's face finally returned to its former peace. He held the crystal tightly and slowly stood up. The wind elements swirled around him, but this time, they were no longer a destructive force, but a symbol of protection and guarding.

"Thank you, Lin Feng. I almost lost myself." Leo's voice was filled with the emotion of surviving a disaster.

"We are companions, Leo. No matter when or where, we should never forget that we are each other's support." Lin Feng smiled and patted Leo's shoulder.

Amid the surprise and admiration of the Tusha villagers, the two smiled at each other, knowing that this was just a small victory in a long journey. And the mysterious crystal not only healed Leo's inner demons, but also seemed to indicate that they were one step closer to solving the mystery of the five trialists.

As the sun was setting and the evening breeze was blowing, Lin Feng and Leo were walking side by side on the way back. Behind them, the villagers of Tusa Village waved goodbye with hope in their eyes.

"Leo, where do we go to find the rest of the trial-takers next?" Lin Feng asked, his tone full of expectations for the future.

"Go east to the Verdant Forest, which is the realm of earth. It is said that there is a forgotten guardian who holds the secrets of the land." Leo looked at the distant horizon, his eyes rekindled with determination, "It is said that only those who truly understand the cycle of life and the balance of nature can see that guardian."

"The Trial of Earth doesn't sound easy." Lin Feng sighed, but then smiled, "However, with you here, is there anything we can't solve? Besides, we also have Leah and Alvin, their strength and wisdom will be our strong backing."

Leo nodded in agreement, and their conversation was full of trust and reliance on their companions. "Speaking of Leah and Alvin, they should also be preparing for the water and fire trials. I wonder what the situation is like over there, and whether they have encountered challenges like me."

"No matter what, we have to believe in them." Lin Feng's eyes were firm. "Now, our first task is to prepare our hearts and minds to face the Trial of Earth. It is said that the guardian is extremely ancient and has strict requirements for visitors. We need to find the right path and win its recognition."

The two traveled day and night, crossing the wilderness and mountains, and finally arrived at the legendary green forest. Unlike ordinary forests, every tree and every leaf here seemed to contain the power of life, and the air was filled with a faint earthy fragrance and freshness.

"It seems that we have found the right place." Lin Feng said softly. He stretched out his hand and touched an ancient tree trunk with his fingertips, as if he could feel the pulse of the earth.

"I hope the guardian is willing to see us." Leo looked around, alert for possible hidden dangers. At this moment, the ground shook slightly, as if some huge monster was approaching.

"It seems that our 'invitation letter' has arrived." Lin Feng smiled, drew out his sword, and prepared to deal with possible challenges.

The ground cracked open, and a huge stone giant rose from it. Its eyes seemed to be able to see into people's hearts. "Outsider, why did you disturb my sleep?" The stone giant's voice was as deafening as a landslide.

Leo took a step forward and said calmly: "We are messengers of light, seeking the Trial of Earth to balance the light and darkness of the world. Please tell us how to meet the guardian." (End of this chapter)