Chapter 1753

The mysterious figure did not answer Elena's words; his gaze turned to Hilda and Zhao Yang. "Since you have gained the Forest Lord's approval, you must have some capability. However, remember: the power of this forest is not something you can control. If you wish to proceed further, you must possess sufficient strength."

Having spoken, the mysterious figure's body swayed, transforming into a wisp of green smoke that vanished into the air.

Hilda and Zhao Yang breathed a sigh of relief; they knew this mysterious figure was absolutely not an existence they could oppose at present.

Elena smiled calmly. "Very well, since that mysterious figure has left, we should continue onward."

Hilda and Zhao Yang nodded. "Understood."

Thus, led by Elena, Hilda and Zhao Yang ventured deeper into the forest. During the journey ahead, they encountered many demonic beasts, but with Elena's help, they successfully met these challenges.

While penetrating deeper into the forest, Hilda and Zhao Yang also discovered many interesting things. They found that the demonic beasts in this forest seemed to obey Elena's commands. This left Hilda and Zhao Yang extremely surprised; they did not know what kind of strength Elena truly possessed.

After several days of travel, they finally arrived at the forest's depths. Here, no trees remained; instead, there was an open expanse of land. In the center of this land, a massive cave appeared before their eyes.

Hilda and Zhao Yang looked at that cave in surprise. "That... is the place where the mysterious demonic beast resides?"

Elena nodded. "Yes, that is the lair of the mysterious demonic beast. But you must be careful; the mysterious demonic beast is extremely powerful. You must possess sufficient strength."

Hilda and Zhao Yang felt a certain tension in their hearts; they knew the upcoming challenge would absolutely not be easy.

Elena seemed to perceive their worry. "Do not worry; I will remain by your side to protect you."

Zhao Yang and Hilda looked at Elena gratefully. "Thank you."

They entered the cave cautiously. The interior was dark and profound. They could only rely on Elena's faint light magic to illuminate the path ahead, and the weapons in their hands for self-defense.

After walking some distance, they suddenly heard a melodious song, as pleasant as a nightingale's.

"Is this... the mysterious demonic beast?" Hilda asked tensely.

Elena shook her head. "This is not the voice of the mysterious demonic beast, but it is also not an ordinary demonic beast. I believe this is the mysterious demonic beast's guardian."

Zhao Yang asked, puzzled: "Guardian? What does that mean?"

"Inside this cave lies the most powerful guardian of the mysterious demonic beast. If you wish to see the mysterious demonic beast, you must first pass the guardian's trial." Elena explained.

Hilda and Zhao Yang exchanged glances, understanding in their hearts that this would be their greatest challenge. They took a deep breath, preparing to face the trial.

They continued deeper into the cave and finally saw the guardian—a beautiful female elf. The aura she emanated made them feel peaceful and serene.

"Welcome, brave adventurers," the female elf said with a smile. "I am the guardian of the mysterious demonic beast, and also the guardian of this forest. If you wish to see the mysterious demonic beast, you must pass my trial."

Hilda and Zhao Yang looked at each other and nodded firmly. "We are willing to accept the trial."

The female elf smiled faintly. "Then, please receive my attack."

Having spoken, a beam of light flew from the female elf's hand, instantly transforming into a massive light cage that trapped Hilda and Zhao Yang.

Hilda and Zhao Yang felt as if a mountain were pressing down on them, rendering them immobile. They knew this meant the trial had begun. They struggled desperately, trying to escape the light cage.

However, no matter how they struggled, the light cage showed not a single reaction. Hilda and Zhao Yang felt their stamina vanishing rapidly; they knew that if they could not break free from this light cage, they would be unable to proceed further.

Just at that moment, Elena's voice rang out. "You must cooperate to break free from the light cage. Hilda, use your speed and agility to guide the light cage's attacks. Zhao Yang, you are responsible for releasing your fire magic to attack the light cage."

Hilda and Zhao Yang exchanged glances, understanding in their hearts that this was their only chance. They immediately acted according to Elena's instructions.

Under Hilda's guidance, Zhao Yang's fire magic struck the light cage. Instantly, the light cage was shattered. Hilda and Zhao Yang also burst out of the light cage simultaneously.

The female elf looked at them, a trace of surprise flashing in her eyes. "You are truly excellent; you actually passed my trial. I will inform the mysterious demonic beast about you. I hope you succeed."

Hilda and Zhao Yang smiled joyfully. "Thank you for your praise."

The female elf smiled faintly. "No need to thank me; passing the trial is due to your own strength. I await your good news."

Having spoken, the female elf turned and left, leaving Hilda and Zhao Yang to continue forward in the cave.

Hilda and Zhao Yang took a deep breath once more, preparing to face the final challenge—the challenge of the mysterious demonic beast! They continued forward along the cave and finally saw the mysterious demonic beast—a massive dragon. Its body was enormous, its wings blocking out the sky and sun, its dragon scales shimmering with Jin Guang, looking extremely majestic.

Standing before the dragon, Hilda and Zhao Yang felt themselves very insignificant. They knew this dragon was the strongest power in this forest, and also the target they had been seeking all along.

Zhao Yang asked tensely: "We... how should we challenge it?"

Hilda clenched her Yaguan. "We simply attack it directly."

Having spoken, Hilda charged at the dragon first. She drew a dagger from her hand and stabbed fiercely at the dragon's body.

The dragon did not dodge; it directly whipped Hilda with its tail. Hilda immediately spat blood and was sent flying backward.

Zhao Yang immediately rushed forward; the flame greatsword and flame spear in his hand shot out simultaneously, striking the dragon.

The dragon still did not dodge; it directly swatted Zhao Yang away with its wings. Zhao Yang also spat out a mouthful of blood.

Hilda struggled to stand up. "This dragon... is too strong..."

Zhao Yang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "We... we are no match for it..."

Just as they fell into despair, Elena's voice rang out. "It is normal that you are no match for it; after all, this dragon is the strongest power in this forest. But do not forget: you came here not merely to challenge it, but to protect this forest."

Hilda and Zhao Yang were stunned; they immediately understood Elena's meaning. "Are you saying... we can cooperate with this dragon?"

Elena nodded. "Yes, only by cooperating with it can you truly protect this forest."

Zhao Yang asked hesitantly: "Then how should we cooperate with it?"

Elena said faintly: "That depends on your sincerity."

Hilda and Zhao Yang exchanged glances, understanding Elena's meaning in their hearts. They knew this would be their greatest challenge, and also their last chance.

They stood up again, deciding to attempt cooperation with the dragon. They began trying to communicate with the dragon, striving to make the dragon understand their intentions.

After some effort, the dragon finally understood their intentions. It looked at Hilda and Zhao Yang calmly. "Since you have understood my intentions, then we can cooperate."

Hearing the dragon's words, Hilda and Zhao Yang both smiled.

Hilda said: "If you trust us, come with us. We will take you to tour this world."

The dragon accepted Hilda's invitation and followed them out of the valley together.

On the road, the dragon suddenly asked: "Were those humans just now killed by you?"

Hilda nodded. "Yes. Actually, we were somewhat helpless. We did not wish to harm them. But they wanted to kill us. I had no choice but to act. Although doing so goes against conscience, I had no other option."

Zhao Yang remained silent, offering no opinion. Hilda was right; now they were in danger and must improve their strength as soon as possible. Otherwise, once danger struck, they would be utterly unable to resist.

The dragon said: "You are right. You humans always love to fight, plunder, and act without reason. If I had not awakened in time, I fear you would have succeeded long ago."

Hearing the dragon's words, Zhao Yang's expression became solemn. He felt he indeed needed to cultivate twice as hard. The world nowadays was far from the peace and serenity of several hundred years ago.

The dragon continued, "You humans are the enemies of all species. We should unite to fight against humanity."

Hilda smiled bitterly. "You are overthinking. Our ancestors once ruled the entire world. Unfortunately, decades ago, your ancestors all vanished, leaving only an empty shell for you. We have no need for any alliance. Let us stick to the original plan and kill each other."

The dragon shook its head. "Your thinking is too naive. Our ancestors were driven by your ancestors to the Northern Ice Sea; therefore, we hate your ancestors to the core. Do you think we would cooperate with you?"

Zhao Yang suddenly spoke. "We do not need cooperation."

The dragon looked at Zhao Yang in surprise. "What do you mean..."

Zhao Yang looked coldly at Hilda. "Our goal is to kill you."

Hilda was startled. "You... how can you say that? Do you not know the dragon's power?"

Zhao Yang sneered. "If it were not for you, this dragon might have helped us fight you. But you used him, which fills me with hatred for you. You want to deal with us, so naturally, we will not let you go. The world has become like this, and we have lived enough. Even if we die, we will drag you down with us!"

Zhao Yang's eyes burned with the fire of hatred, as if to incinerate everything. The momentum on his body suddenly surged, and the temperature around him rapidly skyrocketed.