Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the others waited in the woods, their hearts pounding as if they were about to burst out of their throats. Every slightest sound set their nerves on edge, and cold sweat streamed down their foreheads. The Shadow Alliance's masters searched the area relentlessly, their footsteps like the clamoring drumbeats of death, and every approach brought the Xuantian Sect disciples' breath to a halt.

A disciple, overwhelmed with nervousness, accidentally broke a branch. The crisp snapping sound was particularly piercing in the silent woods. In that instant, it seemed as if time had frozen, and everyone's attention was focused on this tiny yet deadly sound.

"Over there!" The Shadow Alliance's masters immediately gathered in the direction of the sound. Their movements were swift and agile, like hungry wolves pouncing on their prey.

Zhang Hao's heart sank, and a look of determination flashed in his eyes. "Fight them!" He roared and rushed out first. The long sword in his hand flashed with a cold light, carrying an indomitable momentum.

The other disciples followed suit, their eyes filled with courage and determination. Although they knew the disparity in strength, they did not flinch for the sake of survival and the sect's mission.

A fierce battle ensued with the masters of the Shadow Alliance. Swords clashed, internal energy surged, and leaves fluttered. The Shadow Alliance masters' moves were brutal, each strike carrying a deadly threat. The disciples of Xuantian Sect fought hard, but gradually fell behind, wounds etched across their bodies. Blood flowed from their wounds, staining their clothes red, but they gritted their teeth and persevered.

Just as they were about to despair, Mo Ying circled back, leading some of the pursuers away. His figure darted towards them like lightning. "Zhang Hao, we're here to help you!" Mo Ying shouted, joining the fray. His swordsmanship was so sharp that he instantly forced back several Shadow Alliance masters.

The appearance of Mo Ying boosted the morale of the Xuantian Sect disciples. They seemed to see the dawn of hope and fought the enemy with all their might once again. Everyone pushed themselves to their limits, their moves becoming even more ferocious.

But the Shadow Alliance's masters were too powerful and numerous. They worked in perfect harmony, giving the Xuantian Sect disciples no chance to breathe. Still, the Xuantian Sect disciples struggled to turn the tide, gradually being pushed into a desperate situation.

At this critical moment, a resounding bird song suddenly echoed from the sky, followed by a flock of enormous birds swooping down and attacking the Shadow Alliance's masters. These birds had colorful feathers and claws as sharp as knives. Their attack was swift and sudden, catching the Shadow Alliance's masters off guard.

Everyone was shocked, and taking this opportunity, Zhang Hao shouted, "Let's go!" His voice was anxious and decisive.

The Xuantian Sect disciples broke away from their opponents and fled deeper into the woods. Their steps stumbled, but they didn't dare to stop for even a moment.

After running for an unknown amount of time, they finally escaped the enemy's pursuit. Everyone collapsed to the ground, panting.

"What on earth is going on? Why did those birds suddenly appear to help us?" a disciple asked breathlessly, his face full of confusion and fatigue.

Zhang Hao also looked puzzled, his brows furrowed. "I don't know either, but this might be a blessing from heaven."

In any case, let’s find a safe place to rest first.”

They temporarily settled in a hidden cave. The cave was dark and damp, but for them, who were now exhausted, it was a rare shelter.

The disciples began to treat the wounds. Some of the wounds were so deep that the bones were visible, and the pain made them grit their teeth. But they endured it and did not utter a groan.

"What should we do next? We haven't completed the infiltration mission yet." Mo Ying said worriedly. His face was pale and his eyes were filled with anxiety.

Zhang Hao pondered for a moment and said, "Let's wait until everyone's injuries have recovered a little, then we can make long-term plans." His eyes were firm. Although the road ahead was full of difficulties, he never thought of giving up.

At this time, the Shadow Alliance strengthened its defenses due to their escape. The number of patrols doubled, and each checkpoint was tightened.

Can the disciples of Xuantian Sect successfully complete the infiltration mission and uncover the conspiracy of the Shadow Alliance?