Rise of the Otherworld.

After successfully repelling the dark creatures near Lingyun Sect, Zhang Hao, Ling Yu, the mysterious man and everyone from Lingyun Sect took a short break and then immediately plunged into a more urgent mission - to explore the source of the dark rift and completely end this continental crisis.

They knew full well that time was running out, and that every second depended on the safety of countless lives. Zhang Hao's expression was solemn, his gaze sweeping across the crowd with determination. He said, "We've achieved a small victory, but the threat of darkness is far from over. Next, we must find the root of the dark power and eradicate it completely to truly save this continent." Everyone nodded, their eyes revealing determination and fearlessness.

Based on previous clues and analysis of the dark creatures' movements, they speculated that the source of the dark rift was most likely located in the continent's far west—the Death Desert. Legend has it that the desert harbors countless taboos and secrets, and any ordinary person who enters will find themselves without resurgence. But now, for the sake of the continent's peace, they have no intention of retreating.

Journeying westward, they passed through dense forests, crossed surging rivers, and scaled precipitous mountains. However, as they approached the Death Desert, the surroundings grew increasingly eerie. The once bright sun in the sky was obscured by a black haze. The land became barren, withered plants and trees, and the air was filled with a stench of decay and despair.

Stepping into the Death Desert, a fierce wind whipped black sand and gravel toward them, like countless sharp hidden weapons. As if eroded by the power of darkness, the sand and gravel possessed a highly corrosive nature, capable of burning the skin with the slightest carelessness. Zhang Hao channeled his spiritual energy, forming a blue shield around them to protect them from the wind and sand. Ling Yu, using his wind-based spiritual power, sensed subtle spiritual fluctuations around him, attempting to locate the danger lurking in the darkness.

The mysterious man used his earth-based spiritual power to stabilize the sand beneath the crowd's feet, preventing them from sinking into the quicksand. The Lingyun Sect disciples followed closely behind the powerful men. Although their hearts were filled with fear, their eyes still revealed a firm belief.

After arduously advancing through the desert for several days, they finally discovered a vast, dark rift. The crack was dozens of feet wide and bottomless, and thick, dark mist continuously poured out from it, as if the gates of hell had been opened, unleashing endless evil. Around the crack, a group of powerful dark creatures gathered, guarding it like loyal guards.

These dark creatures took on various forms. Some resembled demons, radiating a fiery black glow; others were as elusive as ghosts, elusive and unpredictable. Leading the charge was a massive dark lord, a hundred feet tall, clad in black armor inscribed with strange runes, emitting a chilling aura.

Zhang Hao and his companions knew that in order to seal this dark rift, they had to defeat these dark creatures, especially the powerful Dark Lord. Thus began a thrilling battle.

Zhang Hao launched the attack first, unleashing the ultimate spell he'd mastered from the ruins, "Star Splitting Sky Slash." His sword shone brightly, the power of countless stars converging upon the blade. He swung fiercely, and a streak of brilliant starlight shot toward the Dark Lord like a meteor. Wherever the starlight passed, space seemed to rip apart, emitting a sizzling sound.

Upon seeing this, the Dark Lord let out a deafening roar, and swung his black axe towards the starlight. With a resounding "boom!", the starlight and the axe collided, unleashing a powerful burst of light and energy. The surrounding dark creatures were staggered by the aftermath, but the Dark Lord merely retreated a few steps.

Ling Yu seized the opportunity to unleash the forbidden wind technique, "Storm Vortex." He quickly formed hand seals, stirring the surrounding air into a vast cyan vortex. The vortex contained a powerful cutting force, scattering the surrounding dark mist. Dark creatures were drawn into the vortex, roaring in pain.

The mysterious man harnessed the power of the earth, unleashing the "Earth Dragon Breaking Mountain" technique. Countless gigantic earth dragons rose from the ground, charging towards the swarm of dark creatures. A thick yellow light emanated from the earth dragons, crushing the dark creatures wherever they touched.

The disciples of Lingyun Sect also unleashed their respective spells, engaging in a desperate battle with the dark creatures. For a moment, the lights of the spells intertwined, and the shouts of killing shook the heavens.

However, the Dark Lord was too powerful, and it quickly recovered from its brief confusion. Brandishing its massive black axe, it charged towards Zhang Hao and the others. Each swing evoked a gust of black wind, destroying everything in its path.

Zhang Hao was undaunted. He once again concentrated his spiritual energy, preparing to engage in close combat with the Dark Lord. At this moment, Ling Yu seized the opportunity and quietly attached a wind blade containing the ultimate wind power to Zhang Hao's sword.

When Zhang Hao clashed with the Dark Lord, he aimed his sword at the gap in the Dark Lord's armor and thrust it in. At the same time, Ling Yu's wind blade erupted, instantly cutting through the Dark Lord's defenses, sending a stream of black blood gushing out.

The Dark Lord roared angrily and struggled frantically, trying to throw Zhang Hao off. But Zhang Hao held on to his sword tightly, using the power of the stone pillar controlled by the mysterious man to stabilize his body.

Upon seeing this, the Lingyun Sect's leader unleashed his Lingyun Sect's unique skill, the "Lingyun Nine Heavens Art." Nine golden dragons emerged from his body, roaring and lunging towards the Dark Lord. Under these multiple attacks, the Dark Lord finally began to succumb.

With the fall of the Dark Lord, the other dark creatures lost their fighting spirit and began to flee. Zhang Hao and his companions did not relax at all. They quickly pursued and eliminated the remaining dark creatures one by one.

After dealing with the dark creatures, everyone arrived in front of the dark rift. Zhang Hao, Ling Yu, the mysterious man, and the Lingyun Sect leader stood at the edge of the rift, each casting their most powerful sealing spell.

Zhang Hao channeled the power of the stars, Ling Yu controlled the order of the wind, the mysterious man drew upon the stability of the earth, and the Lingyun Sect leader channeled his righteous spirit. These four powerful forces slowly merged, forming a multicolored beam that enveloped the dark rift.

The light and the dark forces within the cracks clashed with each other. For a moment, the light and darkness intertwined, emitting a deafening roar. Everyone gritted their teeth, pouring out their spiritual energy with all their might. Sweat soaked their clothes, but their gazes never wavered for a moment.

Finally, thanks to everyone's tireless efforts, the dark rift began to slowly close. As the last trace of dark mist was dispelled by the light, the dark rift completely disappeared.

At this time, the haze in the sky gradually dissipated, and the sun once again shone on the earth. The once barren and dead desert began to glow with vitality, with withered plants sprouting new buds and dry rivers flowing again.

Zhang Hao and the others watched all this with gratified smiles on their faces. They knew that this difficult battle had finally been won, and the continent had ushered in a moment of revival.

In the days that followed, Zhang Hao and his companions continued their journey, traveling across the continent to help other sects cleanse the remaining dark forces and repair the land and towns destroyed by the darkness.

Thanks to their efforts, the continent gradually regained its former prosperity. To commemorate their achievements, people built statues for them and passed their stories down from generation to generation.

Zhang Hao, Ling Yu, the mysterious man, the Lingyun Sect leader, and others, all aware of their unending responsibility to protect the continent, continue their journey of cultivation, constantly improving their strength, so that in the future, when the continent faces another crisis, they can stand up and protect the land and people they love so deeply. Under their protection, the continent has ushered in a new era of peace, and their legend will be passed down throughout the land forever...