Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and Li Yue held their breath, hiding in a corner, watching the approaching footsteps intently. They saw a group of patrolling guards passing by, their steps measured, their eyes fierce, their weapons gleaming coldly in the dim light. Each step seemed to carry a tremendous force, a terrifying blow.

Zhang Hao and Li Yue breathed a sigh of relief only after the patrol had left. However, they knew this was just one of many crises. Their hearts were still pounding, as if they were about to burst out of their throats.

"This is not a solution. We have to find a way to lure these guards away." Li Yue whispered. Her voice trembled slightly, but her eyes revealed determination.

Zhang Hao nodded slightly, his eyes swept around, and suddenly his eyes lit up: "Look over there, there are a few junk barrels. Let's make some noise and lure them over there." His voice was as soft as a mosquito, but it was very clear in Li Yue's ears.

The two men quietly crept over to the trash can, their movements as light as ghosts. Zhang Hao picked up a stone, gripped it tightly in his hand, took a deep breath, and threw it far away. The stone arced through the air, and the sound of it landing was particularly clear in the silence, like a thunderclap on the calm lake.

The guards were instantly alert, their eyes sharp. "Something's happening!" they whispered, then without hesitation, ran towards the sound. Footsteps echoed in the corridor, gradually fading away.

Seizing this opportunity, Zhang Hao and Li Yue quickly rushed to the gate of the magic weapon refining area. Their figures rushed like lightning, their heartbeats and rapid breathing intertwined. But just as they were about to arrive, another group of guards appeared from the side passage.

"Stop! Who are you?" the guard shouted loudly, his voice like a bell, echoing in the narrow passage.

Zhang Hao and Li Yue exchanged glances and instantly struck. Zhang Hao's sword swung like a dragon, streaking through the air with cold light, each strike laced with the determination to kill. Li Yue's magic shone brightly, and multicolored light burst from her hands like brilliant fireworks. A fierce battle ensued with the guards, a moment of clashing swords and flying spells.

But the guards were numerous, pouring in like a tide, wave after wave. Zhang Hao was wounded in many places, his clothes stained with blood, and every movement brought a sharp pain. Li Yue was also panting, her forehead covered with sweat, and her magic power was rapidly depleting.

"I can't fall like this!" Zhang Hao roared, his voice filled with indomitable anger. His eyes glowed red, as if burning with fire, bursting with even greater power. He swung his sword even more fiercely, the wind whistling as it forced the guards in front of him back several steps.

At that moment, Li Yue spotted the guards' weakness. Concentrating her mind, she summoned the remaining mana within her and unleashed a powerful spell. A burst of light erupted, like a rising sun, repelling several guards.

"Go!" Li Yue shouted, his voice hoarse.

Taking advantage of this gap, the two finally rushed through the door. Their figures disappeared inside the door, as if they had plunged into an unknown abyss.

However, the scene inside astonished them. A massive furnace stood in the center, its flames blazing, emitting a blazing heat. Surrounding it were a variety of exotic materials and intricate runes, shimmering with dazzling light. Several black-robed mages surrounded the furnace, chanting incoherently and waving their staffs, infusing it with mystical power.

"This is the core place for refining magic weapons!" Zhang Hao exclaimed.

"We must destroy it as soon as possible!" Li Yue said, and was about to rush forward.

Just then, a black-robed wizard discovered their intrusion.

"There are enemies!" the wizard shouted.

In an instant, more guards came from all directions and surrounded them.

Zhang Hao and Li Yue stood back to back, holding their weapons tightly, ready to face a more difficult battle.