As the investigation progressed, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze entered a deeper fog of mystery. Every night, when all was quiet, the two would sit facing each other in a secret room, the flickering candlelight illuminating their solemn and determined faces.

"Do you believe it?" Xu Yuehuai's voice was deep and powerful, as if every word carried the weight of a thousand pounds. "Behind all this, there seems to be an unseen hand manipulating everything."

Qi Guze narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at the other person with a complicated expression. "I have the same feeling. This is by no means a coincidence; there must be a deeper conspiracy behind it."

The two looked at each other for a long time, their silence revealing a tacit and unwavering understanding. They knew that the road ahead would be even more difficult, but they also understood that only by facing the challenges head-on could they unveil the truth.

In the days that followed, they began to frequently and secretly contact heroes and powerful figures from all over the world to discuss countermeasures. Every night, a figure would quietly appear at the door of the secret room, bringing the latest news and responses.

Each exchange was like lighting a lamp in the darkness, bringing them one step closer to the truth. Yet, each period of waiting was filled with uncertainty and trepidation. But no matter what, they never gave up their pursuit of the truth.

Finally, on a stormy night, they devised a detailed plan. Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze led the allied soldiers in a stealthy attack on the stronghold of the dark forces.

In the darkness, their figures moved like phantoms through the rain, their black battle robes fluttering in the wind and rain, their faces painted with camouflage, their eyes gleaming with unwavering determination. The rain lashed against them, yet it seemed unable to extinguish the flames within their hearts.

At a command, the allied soldiers charged towards the enemy stronghold like tigers descending a mountain. Flames shot into the sky, illuminating the night and their faces. Their eyes were filled with determination and ruthlessness, as if they wanted to devour all the darkness.

The leader of the dark forces charged out with a group of his men, their faces contorted in a ferocious grin, as if they could already see the dawn of victory. But Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze showed no fear whatsoever, and they led the allied soldiers in a fierce battle against the enemy.

Amidst the flashing blades, Xu Yuehuai clashed with the leader of the dark forces. Their figures intertwined in the firelight, each collision producing a deafening roar. Xu Yuehuai's movements were agile and swift, his longsword flashing through the night sky like lightning, each swing carrying the force of a thunderbolt.

The leader of the dark forces was not to be outdone. He was burly and incredibly strong, and each punch he threw created a gust of wind. But Xu Yuehuai was not afraid at all. With his superb swordsmanship and extraordinary wisdom, he gradually gained the upper hand.

"ah--!"

Finally, with a deafening roar, Xu Yuehuai pierced the chest of the leader of the dark forces with his sword. The enemy fell into a pool of blood, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Xu Yuehuai looked at him coldly, as if he were an insignificant ant.

With the fall of the leader of the dark forces, the entire stronghold was destroyed under the attack of the allied soldiers.

In the firelight, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze stood atop the ruins, gazing at the distant sky. A weary yet satisfied smile graced their faces, for they knew they had finally uncovered a corner of the truth.

In the days that followed, Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze continued to lead the allied forces in consolidating their gains and preventing the resurgence of the dark forces. They went deep into various regions to investigate the remaining forces of the dark forces, ensuring that they would not threaten the peace of the land again.

As night fell, they would gather in their tents to discuss their next move. The tents were brightly lit, and their figures appeared exceptionally resolute in the lamplight. Their voices were firm and powerful, as if they could pierce through the heavy darkness.

"We must remain vigilant at all times and not give the dark forces any opportunity to take advantage of us," Xu Yuehuai said solemnly.

Qi Guze nodded. "That's right. We need to strengthen patrols and defenses in various places to ensure the long-term stability of the Great Zhou Dynasty and the four kingdoms."

Their conversation was filled with determination and resolve, as if they had already glimpsed hope and prosperity in the future. And their actions, like their words, remained steadfast in their vigilance and resistance against the darkness.

Under the leadership of Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze, the Great Zhou Dynasty and the four kingdoms gradually regained their former prosperity and peace. People's faces were filled with happy smiles, and life was once again full of hope and sunshine.

However, they did not let their guard down. They knew that although the forces of darkness had been temporarily destroyed, their ambitions and conspiracies had never ceased. They had to remain vigilant and prepared at all times to ensure the peace and prosperity of this land.

So they continued to lead the allied soldiers in patrols and defenses, ensuring safety in all areas. Their presence became an unbreakable barrier in the hearts of the people, protecting the peace and prosperity of this land.

Under their leadership, the Great Zhou Dynasty and the four kingdoms ushered in a new era. People lived in peace and prosperity, and the country enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and flourishing.

...

That day, dappled sunlight streamed into the Regent's Palace courtyard, and laughter drifted on the breeze. Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze sat around a stone table, listening to legendary tales with the young Qi Zixin, while the boys Qi Ziang and Tie Chunsheng practiced swordsmanship nearby, the gleam of their blades shimmering in the sunlight, creating a harmonious and heartwarming scene.

Suddenly, a white dove stumbled in from afar, its wings covered in dust and its white feathers stained crimson with blood. Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to this unexpected commotion, and they all stopped what they were doing.

A flicker of surprise crossed Xu Yuehuai's eyes. She quickly stepped forward, knelt down, and gently stroked the pigeon. The pigeon's eyes held endless sorrow, as if it wanted to speak but couldn't. Qi Guze, his face grim, took a bloodstained letter from the pigeon. He slowly unfolded the letter, his face instantly turning pale.

"Something has happened in the Underworld Kingdom. Bei Xuan... she's been poisoned." Qi Guze's voice trembled as he looked at Xu Yuehuai.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai dropped the book in her hand. She stood up, her eyes filled with anxiety and worry: "How could this happen? How... how is she?"

Qi Guze shook his head, his voice low: "Xia Sen is searching everywhere for a miraculous medicine to save Bei Xuan, which requires three ingredients: Cordyceps, Summer Ice Lotus, and Spring Flower Tears. If they cannot be gathered within a month, Bei Xuan's life may be in danger, and the Mingyue Kingdom will also be in crisis."

Xu Yuehuai's heart sank. She knew these three herbs were extraordinary, each one incredibly rare. She took a deep breath, a resolute glint in her eyes: "We must find these three herbs; we must save Beixuan no matter what!"