Alliance: A Great Compassion Mantra, I make the whole network autistic

Chapter 697 Illusion
The guardian pondered for a moment and said, "We must go to the sealed place and strengthen the seal. Only by using the power of the source of light can we succeed. Time is running out, we must set off immediately."

The three of them quickly gathered their thoughts and walked out along the winding secret passage. Meanwhile, the world outside the secret passage was also in turmoil because of the battle between light and darkness. The residents of the town sought shelter in panic, and strange lights flashed in the sky from time to time, foreshadowing that a bigger storm was coming.

When they returned to the edge of the town, they were greeted by chaos. Fortunately, Alan arrived in time and used his skills to help evacuate the crowd and organize a temporary defense line.

"What's the situation?" Su Ye asked Allen anxiously.

Allen wiped the sweat from his forehead and replied, "We are barely able to stabilize the situation, but if we don't solve the problem of the Void Walker in the shortest possible time, the defense here will soon collapse."

"Let's go to the sealed place now." The guardian said firmly. He led the way, and the other three followed closely behind. They passed through the town and headed towards a lonely mountain in the distance, which was said to be the core of the ancient seal.

On the way, they encountered several waves of beasts and lost souls affected by the dark forces, but with their joint efforts, these obstacles were cleared one by one. With each level, their cooperation became more tacit and their faith became stronger.

Finally, they arrived at the top of the mountain. In front of them was an ancient altar. In the center of the altar was inlaid a huge crystal stone, which was emitting a faint light. It was the last line of defense to seal the Void Walker.

"Look, the seal has started to loosen." Li pointed at the faint cracks and said worriedly.

The guardian stepped forward and placed the Source of Light on the crystal stone: "We must use the power of the Source of Light to strengthen the seal. Li, Su Ye, the two of you stand on my left and right respectively and pass on your faith and strength to me."

The three of them formed a small circle, their hands on each other's shoulders, closed their eyes, and concentrated. A pure and powerful force surged from the source of light, flowing through their bodies to the sealing crystal, and the light on the crystal gradually became brighter and more stable.

Just as the seal seemed to be stabilizing, a deep and cold voice sounded in their hearts: "It's a futile effort. Light can never truly eliminate darkness."

“Voidwalker!” The Guardian suddenly opened his eyes, his face more solemn than ever before, “We can’t let him escape.”

"Together, let's use our light to prove that he is wrong." Su Ye's voice was firm and powerful.

Li, Su Ye, Alan and the guardian joined forces, gathered all their strength at one point, and launched the final reinforcement of the seal. The battle between light and darkness reached its climax in this ancient land.

Just as the energy was about to reach its limit, a dazzling light shot up into the sky, accompanied by a loud bang. The light of the sealing crystal stabilized, becoming brighter than before, and the voice of the Void Walker also disappeared.

"We did it." Li panted, a long-lost smile on his face.

"But the battle is far from over," the Guardian reminded. "As long as light and darkness exist, balance must be maintained. We are the Guardians, and this is our mission."

"No matter what the future holds, as long as we are together, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome." Su Ye's words made everyone's hearts closely connected.

They smiled at each other, and at that moment, it was not only for the joy of victory, but also for the deep friendship between them. In a world where light and darkness are intertwined, they are not only warriors, but also indispensable partners to each other.

"You're right. No matter how many challenges there are in the future, as long as we keep bright minds and move forward hand in hand, no force can stop us." Li's words were full of power. Her eyes swept over everyone, as if silently telling them that no matter when and where, they were each other's strongest backing.

Alan interrupted with his unique optimism and sense of humor: "Hey, at least now we know that we can not only fight against a Shadow Lord, but even the Void Walker will be afraid of us! Our adventure stories will definitely be a hot topic in the town tavern in the future!"

This sentence brought a few laughs, easing the tense atmosphere. The guardian also smiled, and nodded, his eyes deep: "Indeed, our story is destined to be extraordinary. But now, we must first ensure the safety of the town, and then the wider world."

"So what's our next step?" Li asked, her tone indicating that she was ready for the next challenge.

"First, we need to return to the town and ensure the safety of the residents, while also guarding against any possible aftermath." The Guardian said, turning his head and looking into the distance, as if he was already planning his next move. "Then, we have to start studying ancient documents to learn more about the Voidwalker and how to seal him permanently. This world is too big and has too many secrets. Each of us has limited power, but we can gather together to become an indestructible barrier."

Su Ye put away the Sword of Light and said firmly: "I agree. Moreover, since we have already witnessed the profound connection between light and darkness, it is also our important task to explore how to make the two coexist harmoniously. I believe that true power lies not only in defeating darkness, but also in guiding it to find its own path to light."

Li patted Su Ye's shoulder gently, her eyes full of trust and encouragement: "Each of us has a beam of light in our hearts. When we gather it together, the darkness has nowhere to hide. Although the road ahead is long and uncertain, as long as we have light in our hearts, there are infinite possibilities."

Just as they were discussing, a burst of hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation. A town guard rushed over and said breathlessly: "Master Guardian, it's not good! Something strange has suddenly happened in the forest in the east. A strange black fog has spread. Many people who went out have not returned yet. I'm afraid..."

The guardian's face darkened when he heard this, and he immediately understood that this meant a new challenge had arrived. "We must act immediately. Li, Su Ye, the two of you go to the forest to find out the situation and rescue the trapped villagers as much as possible. Alan, you are responsible for organizing the defense of the town, just in case. I will contact other guardians to get more support. Everyone be careful, this may be a counterattack by the remnants of the shadow forces, or it may be a new threat. Remember, our mission is to protect the light, no matter what difficulties we face."

"Got it!" The three answered in unison, and then quickly acted separately according to the plan. Their figures quickly disappeared in their respective directions, leaving behind firm and determined backs.

To the east of the town, black fog was lingering, and an oppressive atmosphere enveloped the entire forest. Li and Su Ye walked side by side through the trees, their steps were both quick and cautious, and every inch of the air seemed to be lurking with unknown dangers.

"This black fog doesn't seem to be formed naturally." Li whispered. She stretched out her hand and tried to touch the thick darkness, but she felt a repulsive force that prevented her from getting close.

"It's the remnant of the shadow power, but it's also mixed with other things." Su Ye frowned, the Sword of Light trembled slightly in his hand, and the tip of the sword emitted a subtle light, illuminating the path ahead, "We must be careful."

As the two of them went deeper into the forest, a burst of urgent cries for help broke the silence. "Help! Someone save us!" The voice was weak and frightened, coming through the black fog.

Su Ye and Li looked at each other and immediately quickened their pace. Soon, they came to a small open space, where they saw several villagers huddled together, surrounded by black fog, looking particularly isolated and helpless.

"Are they the Sons of Light?" An elderly villager opened his eyes with difficulty, saw them, and a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes.

"Don't be afraid, we are here to take you home." Li comforted softly. She stretched out her arms, and a warm light spread out from her palms, slowly dispersing the black fog around her and forming a safe halo.

With the help of the two, the villagers stumbled out of the black fog area. Just as they were about to leave, the ground suddenly shook, and a huge shadow rose out of the black fog, its eyes flashing ominous red light, obviously a creature severely corroded by the power of shadow.

"It seems that Shadow does not intend to give up easily." Su Ye gripped the hilt tightly, and the light of the Sword of Light became brighter and brighter.

"Prepare for battle." Li's voice was calm and firm. The power of nature surrounded her, as if the forest itself responded to her call, with branches swaying and wind blowing.

The battle was about to start, and the two fought fiercely with the creatures contaminated by the black fog. The villagers watched in horror, but as the battle progressed, their fear was gradually replaced by miracles - every time Li's light intersected with Su Ye's sword light, it seemed to announce to the world that light would never be swallowed by darkness.

"Look, they are protecting us!" a young villager shouted excitedly, with unprecedented admiration in his eyes.

“It’s incredible, the Son of Light is even more powerful than the legend says.” Another villager exclaimed. They supported each other, and the fear in their eyes was gradually replaced by hope.

After a fierce battle, the creature corroded by the shadow finally fell to the ground under the illumination of the double light. The black fog dissipated, the sun shone on the land again, and everything returned to peace.

"Thank you, sons of light." The older villager said gratefully on behalf of everyone.

Li smiled slightly and looked at Su Ye: "We just did what we should do. Remember, light is always in your heart, even in the darkest moment."

Su Ye nodded in agreement: "Yes, as long as there is light in our hearts, nothing can defeat us."

Just as the two were about to lead the villagers back to the town, Li suddenly stopped. Her eyes passed through the treetops and looked towards the distant sky, as if something was calling her there.

"Su Ye, I think we still have an unfinished mission." Li's eyes were both determined and doubtful. "This incident may just be the prelude to a greater challenge."

Su Ye heard this with a serious expression: "I feel it too. It seems that everything has just begun. Let's go back and report to the guardian. Perhaps the ancient book contains clues for our next move."

As Li and Su Ye returned to the town with the rescued villagers, feeling the foreboding of the upcoming challenge, the Guardians were also not at peace. Allen was busy strengthening the town's defenses, while the Guardians were immersed in the ocean of ancient books, searching for the secrets of the Void Walker and the ancient seal.

"Here!" The Guardian's voice rang out in the silent library. His fingers gently slid across the ancient text on the parchment, his eyes gleaming with a light of discovery. "It seems that there is a ritual that can strengthen the seal, and may even seal the Void Walker permanently. But... it requires a very rare material - the Eternal Leaf."

"Eternal Leaf?" Li and Su Ye walked in almost at the same time. When they heard this key information, they immediately focused their attention.

"Yes, it only grows deep in the mysterious forest called 'Forgotten Land'. Not only is there a lot of danger there, but it is also said to have powerful guardians." The guardian closed the heavy book and glanced at the three people one by one, "To obtain the Eternal Leaf, we must be fully prepared."

"The Forgotten Land? It sounds like our next destination." Su Ye put away his smile and his tone became serious.

"That's true, but according to records, the Forgotten Land is filled with illusions and traps. It is almost impossible to find the correct path without a guide." The guardian murmured.

"Then we have to find a reliable guide." Li said, with determination in his eyes.

Just as they were discussing, the sound of hurried horse hooves suddenly came from outside the town, and a messenger with a dusty face and a panicked look rushed in, "Master Guardian, it's bad! A team claims to be the messenger of the Night Council and wants to meet with you. They say they have information about the Eternal Leaf."

"The Night Council?" The Guardian frowned. This name was not unfamiliar among the Guardians. They were a group of forces wandering on the edge of light and darkness, neither completely loyal to light nor succumbing to darkness.

"Why do they appear at this moment?" Li asked vigilantly.

"Whatever the purpose, it will be beneficial for us to understand the situation." The guardian decided to meet with these messengers and arranged a meeting in the town's reception room.

There were three messengers from the Night Council. Their attire revealed mystery and weirdness. The leader was a black-robed wizard, his face hidden under the hood, and his voice was cold and magnetic: "Guardian, we are not here for nothing. Eternal Leaf, what you need is what we desire as well. But our goals are different. You seek the seal, and we seek balance."

"Balance?" Su Ye raised his eyebrows. He was skeptical about such ambiguous statements.

"Simply put, avoid either side from becoming too powerful. The freedom of the Voidwalkers is not good for the world, and similarly, excessive light can lead to imbalance. We are willing to provide a map to the Oblivion Land, and in exchange, we need you to ensure that the Voidwalkers do not get out of control," the mage explained.