As Jack's resolute words fell, everyone's gaze focused on the tightly closed iron gate. What secrets lay hidden behind it? The four young explorers were filled with curiosity, but they knew that the most important thing at this moment was to concentrate on facing the first test—the Eye of Wisdom.
The mysterious creature Pipi scanned the crowd with its bright eyes and then said, "Well then, let me ask you all a question! Legend has it that behind this door lies a city built of countless precious gems... but you need to answer a question correctly before you can enter. The first question: 'What is deeper than the ocean, and higher than the mountains?' Please answer quickly!"
Just as the main characters were deep in thought, one of the enemies who had remained silent beside them suddenly interjected:
-**Enemy minion Thomas** (taunting): "Haha, looks like even these so-called heroes have their moments of difficulty. This kind of question is a piece of cake for us."
His teammates immediately chimed in, but were interrupted by Ryan before they could finish speaking:
**Raine** (looking sharply at the other person, his tone resolute and calm): "Don't think we'll be discouraged by this. The answer is simple—human nature. The feelings between people are one of the most difficult things to measure in the world. They can be unfathomable, or they can be unattainable."
Upon hearing these words, all the mocking voices in the room immediately disappeared, replaced by astonished gazes.
**Observer Ludwig (nodding admiringly):** "Brilliant! This not only demonstrates their extraordinary insight but also their remarkable wisdom."
At the same time, Pipi, the little monster in charge of the test, nodded excitedly, then clapped his hands and said:
-**Pipi**: "Mmm~ Good answer! There's a second question waiting for you all~"
Seeing that the expedition team had successfully solved a puzzle, the unidentified individuals A and B began to privately discuss their next course of action.
**Unknown Person B** (suggesting softly): "Should we try contacting these young people now? Maybe we can learn more about our target from them..."
**Unknown Person A** (smiles slightly, as if he had planned this all along): "Good idea, but we must be careful not to arouse suspicion."
The atmosphere in the hall became even more tense and exciting, with everyone holding their breath and waiting for the next challenge.
Sure enough, within moments, the mysterious door slowly opened a crack, and through the small space, a faint light could be seen shimmering inside. At the same time, the little elf Pipi jumped to the highest point and continued asking questions:
-**Pipi**: "The second question is this: 'If all the apples on a tree are red, then which one is green?' You have ten minutes to answer!"
These words caused another uproar in the crowd, with many people discussing how to resolve the issue.
**Villager Maria** (looking at Jack and the others with a puzzled expression): "Oh dear, this is really tricky... Even we can't figure out what to do..."
Seeing this, the youngest girl in the group, Xiao Wei, suddenly had a flash of inspiration and blurted out, "I know! The correct answer should be 'leaf'!" She responded confidently, as if she had already known it all along.
After hearing this witty remark, the onlookers fell into a brief silence, followed by thunderous applause. Clearly, everyone was captivated by this clever and quick-witted girl.
Aunt Zhang exclaimed in admiration, "You're really amazing, young lady! It seems like there's nothing that can stump you..."
**Uncle Li** (nodding and smiling, saying to the villagers around him): "It seems the young people we selected to participate in the treasure hunt are truly remarkable! I believe they will bring about earth-shattering changes to our village soon!"
When Xiaowei's answer was confirmed to be correct, the door opened completely, revealing the path to the next stage of the journey.
Just as the four were preparing to step into the unknown, one of the enemy soldiers who had remained silent until now suddenly stepped forward and spoke:
**Enemy Soldier Philip** (looking ahead with a solemn and determined expression): "Wait, I think we can temporarily put aside our differences and at least cooperate on this common goal... because only by uniting can we have a better chance of victory. What do you all think?"
Upon hearing this unexpected suggestion, not only were the four main characters extremely surprised, but the other members also showed varying degrees of attention and reflection.
Jack (looking at the other person with a puzzled expression, yet also involuntarily considering it): "This is quite unexpected... Well, as long as we can trust each other and abide by the rules, I don't object to temporarily joining forces..."
Amidst this delicate and complex mix of emotions, the group gradually came together and embarked on a new and unknown journey...
The story doesn't end here. With both sides reaching a preliminary agreement, a new chapter begins—will they be able to successfully pass the remaining two trials and ultimately uncover the long-hidden secrets deep within the Star Palace? All remains to be seen…
As the mysterious door slowly opened, a beam of light pierced the darkness. Jack and the others followed, entering a spacious and magnificent hall. The hall was adorned with exquisite sculptures and exotic plants, shimmering under the soft light.
**Raine** (glancing around): "This doesn't look like an ordinary challenge arena. Pipi's first test must be more than this, right?"
As soon as the words were spoken, a melodious and pleasant voice suddenly filled the air. "That's right." A deep yet magnetic voice rang out. "This is where you can truly prove yourselves." Everyone looked up and saw a tall man dressed in an ancient robe and wearing a gold-threaded crown appear in their sight. His eyes seemed to be able to see into people's hearts.
Xiao Wei (curiously asking her teammates): "Who is he?"
At the same time, some villagers who had been watching gathered around and started discussing it.
**Villager Maria:** "My God! Is that the legendary wise man, Lord Allen?"
Aunt Zhang: "That's right, that's right. It's said that only the smartest and bravest people can see his true face!"
**Unidentified Person A** (lowering a voice to his companion): "I never expected to encounter such an important figure here..."
Just as everyone was filled with awe at this unexpected guest, Allen slightly raised his hand to signal for quiet and explained:
-**Allen** (looking at the group of young people with a deep and expectant gaze): "Next, I will give you the real 'Eye of Wisdom' test. Please listen carefully to the questions and answer them carefully."
After hearing this, Jack and the others immediately perked up and prepared for the new challenge. Thomas, however, seized the opportunity to make sarcastic remarks.
Thomas (sneered): "Hmph, do you think they'll back down just because the questions are difficult enough?"
However, others clearly didn't buy it.
Ludwig (sternly retorting): "Shut your mouth! They've already proven their strength. Stop insulting them with your unreasonable remarks!"
Ignoring the argument between the two sides, Allen continued:
-**Allen**: "The third question is simple: 'What in this world can both exist and not exist at the same time?' Please think carefully before answering."
This time, no one provided an immediate answer. A hush fell over the room, everyone seemingly racking their brains for a possible answer.
**Uncle Li** (to himself): "This problem is really tricky... something that both exists and doesn't exist... what is it...?"
Jack (muttering to himself, repeating the phrase): "What is it that exists simultaneously... yet can be ignored...?"
Suddenly, an idea struck him.
Xiao Wei (full of confidence): "It's—air!"
The entire audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Aunt Zhang exclaimed, "What a wonderful girl! She even managed to solve such a clever problem!"
However, Allen shook his head, indicating that this was not the correct option.
-**Allen**: "While you're right, unfortunately, that's not the answer I'm looking for."
The atmosphere suddenly became tense again, and everyone held their breath, waiting to see what would happen next.
Just then, Jack suddenly looked up.
Jack: "Then I think I know how to answer... If you mean it, the answer should be 'time'. Because time is always flowing through everyone's life, but when it slips through our fingers, it can't leave any substantial trace. So it both exists in reality and disappears into nothingness."
**Unknown Person B** (extremely surprised): "Unbelievable! How did they do that...?"
A satisfied smile appeared on Allen's face as he announced that Jack had answered correctly. Immediately afterwards, a dazzling fireball, which had been shining brightly in the previously dimly lit center of the hall, slowly drifted towards the group.
**Allen:** "Congratulations everyone on successfully passing the trial of the Eye of Wisdom! Now, let this 'Flame of Truth' guide you into a deeper, more unknown world!"
At that very moment, everyone felt an indescribable power gradually flowing into their bodies…
Jack (turning to his teammates and saying firmly): "No matter what awaits us ahead, believe that with unity, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome! Let's cheer each other on, okay?"
**Raine/Xiao Wei** (in unison): "That's right, we will do everything in our power to uncover the secrets of the Star Palace!"
And so, with everyone's combined efforts and anticipation, an even more exciting and wondrous new adventure is about to unfold...
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