The walls of the ruins are densely engraved with strange symbols and patterns, like an ancient code waiting to be deciphered. The symbols vary in form, some woven like twisting vines, others like sharp thorns, standing abruptly. The patterns are even more diverse, including massive animal heads with gaping maws, seemingly roaring, and mysterious human figures, graceful yet eerie. Each symbol and pattern is deeply engraved, as if sculpted by the sharp blade of time. The lines vary in thickness, forceful force, or gentle flow, as if imbued with the intense emotions of the creator at the time. These symbols and patterns interweave to form a vast and complex canvas. They seem to vie to reveal something, a history buried by time, untold. Perhaps it's a thrilling war, with cavalry and the deafening cries of slaughter; perhaps it's a mysterious sacrifice, with devout prayers seeking divine protection; or perhaps it's a romantic love story, filled with joys and sorrows, unforgettable. Standing before this wall, one seems to hear voices from the ancient past, whispering softly in one's ears, gradually revealing the dusty past, leading one through time and space to explore long-lost secrets.

Filled with curiosity, Xiao Yi and the others cautiously entered the mysterious ruins. Their footsteps echoed in the empty space, breaking the long-standing silence. Upon entering, a stale aroma washed over them like a tide. It was a unique blend of dust, rotting wood, and the sediment of time, as if time had stood still, everything sealed in a moment of the past. The aroma was thick and heavy, enveloping them tightly. With every breath, the stale scent coursed through their nostrils and reached their lungs, evoking a sense of being transported to another world. In the hall, dust danced wildly in the light filtering through the cracks in the windows, like a group of playful elves displaying their territory. The plaster peeled from the walls, revealing the mottled masonry beneath. The stone slabs on the floor were uneven, and in some places, small puddles of muddy water had accumulated. In the corners, piles of old, worn items emanated the stench of decay. A pile of rusty armor had long lost its former luster, and the iron plates collided with each other, making a dull sound. The wooden box next to it was already rotten and half-open, and some yellowed books and broken ceramic utensils could be vaguely seen inside. They continued to walk in, and the old smell became stronger. In the rooms on both sides of the passage, there were ancient beds, and the bed curtains had long been tattered, leaving only wisps of cloth swaying in the wind. In the corner of the room, there was also a dressing table, and the mirror was covered with rust and dust, blurring the faces that once reflected it. Xiao Yi and others slowly moved forward in this relic filled with an old atmosphere. Every step seemed to be stepping on the long river of history, feeling the vicissitudes and changes of the years.

They explored the ancient ruins with cautious steps. Xiao Yi walked in front, landing softly with each step, testing the ground for firmness, his eyes scanning left and right, searching every corner for clues. The others followed closely behind, maintaining a comfortable distance between them, neither too close nor too far, ensuring they wouldn't get in each other's way, yet still able to quickly support each other in the event of danger. Their breathing was slow and gentle, as if they feared disturbing the slumbering ruins. Torches illuminated the dim surroundings, shadows dancing on the walls and floor, adding to the already mysterious surroundings. They carefully searched each room, gently turning over the piles of worn-out items, hoping to uncover even the slightest hint of useful information. They scrutinized every inscription and pattern, trying to decipher its hidden meaning. When they encountered a closed door, they listened carefully, confirming there was no unusual movement before slowly pushing it open, ready for anything. Sometimes, they would stop for a long time to look at a seemingly special stone or a piece of obscure text, passionately discussing its possible connection to the method of leaving the forest or the secrets of the forest. In this silent and unknown ruins, their hearts were tense, not missing any possible clues, and they were full of hope to find the key to solve the mystery and lead them out of this mysterious forest.

As they were absorbed in exploring the ruins, a mysterious figure appeared without warning. At first, there was only a faint sound in the dark corner, like the crunch of fallen leaves under the careless trampling of leaves. They were instantly alert, their gazes darting in the direction of the sound. However, there was only inky darkness, nothing discernible. Just as they relaxed their guard, a figure slowly emerged from the darkness. Shrouded in a hazy glow, its true features and form were difficult to discern. The mysterious figure's outline was indistinct, seemingly blending into the surrounding darkness. It stood there, motionless and silent, yet emanating a chilling aura. As the figure gradually became clearer, they discovered it was draped in a wide cloak, its edges fluttering gently in the faint breeze, as if possessing a life of its own. The figure's head was completely obscured by shadows, revealing only a pair of eyes gleaming with a strange light. That light was sometimes icy cold, sometimes blazing like fire, making it difficult to meet their gaze. It suddenly appeared before them, like a ghost from ancient times, carrying with it an unknown purpose and power. Xiao Yi and the others' hearts raced, and a tense atmosphere permeated the entire ruins.

The figure towered before them like a towering mountain, majestic and imposing. Its stature was so immense that it seemed as if its head could touch the dome of the ruins, forcing one to crane their heads to barely see it in its entirety. Its broad shoulders, like a solid wall, evoked an air of unshakability. Its upright torso, like a javelin, emanated an air of unwavering integrity. The aura emanating from that figure was powerful and vast, like surging ocean waves, crashing over the hearts and minds of the people. This aura held an immense power, a suffocating oppression. With every breath, they could feel the surge of that powerful aura, seemingly warping the surrounding air, forming invisible vortices. Near the figure, the dust on the ground trembled under the immense pressure, afraid to rise. His presence seemed to dominate this space, controlling everything. The powerful aura was like an invisible barrier, which made Xiao Yi and others dare not approach easily. They could only watch cautiously from a distance with awe and fear.

His deep and magnetic voice echoed in the empty ruins. "I am the guardian of this forest." Every word seemed to carry a thousand pounds of force, hitting the hearts of Xiao Yi and others. He raised his head slightly, his face hidden in the shadows still difficult to see clearly, but his eyes were like two sharp arrows, shooting straight at everyone.