Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao noticed that every time the figure attacked, a subtle flaw would appear on its lower left side. He took a deep breath and decided to take a chance. His eyes became firm, as if he had made up his mind.

Zhang Hao deliberately flinched, feigning exhaustion and falling to the ground. His movements were clumsy, his breathing rapid, leading the figure to mistakenly believe he was at the end of his strength. Seeing this, the figure let out a furious roar, a sound that seemed to emanate from the abyss, shaking the entire temple. It lunged forward, stirring up a gust of wind and sending dust flying all around.

Just as it leaped into the air, Zhang Hao, seizing the perfect moment, somersaulted back to his feet, his sword thrusting with all his might towards the lower left side of the figure. His movements were as swift as lightning, his sword thrusts fierce, and he carried an unstoppable momentum.

The moment the longsword pierced the figure, a black light gushed out from the wound. The light, like thick ink, exuded an evil aura. The figure roared in agony, shaking the entire temple and sending dust cascading down from the beams. Zhang Hao seized the opportunity and thrust hard, creating another large gash in the figure. Black blood splattered everywhere, sizzling as it hit the ground.

The herbalist watched in astonishment. His heart, previously gripped by fear, was now ignited by Zhang Hao's bravery. Summoning his courage, he searched for something to help him. Spotting a stout wooden stick on the ground, he grabbed it and rushed toward the figure, striking it hard on the legs. His movements were a bit clumsy, but he used all his strength with each strike, his eyes blazing with determination.

The figure was flanked by Zhang Hao and the herbalist, and was furious. It swung its arm vigorously, knocking the herbalist away again. The herbalist's body hit the wall heavily like a kite with a broken string, and then slid down.

Zhang Hao was furious upon seeing this. "How dare you hurt him!" He disregarded his own safety and rushed towards the figure again, stabbing it with his sword like a whirlwind. His figure left a trail of afterimages in the air, and each strike carried the determination to kill.

For a moment, sword shadows flickered, radiating light. Each of Zhang Hao's strikes contained his fury and determination, and the figure was gradually forced back to the corner of the temple. It tried to resist, but under Zhang Hao's torrent of attacks, it seemed powerless.

However, just when Zhang Hao thought victory was within reach, the figure suddenly glowed with light, and a powerful force erupted from its body, knocking Zhang Hao back repeatedly. His body collided with the pillar, and cracks appeared in the pillar instantly.

"Am I going to die here today?" Zhang Hao felt a surge of despair. He felt his strength gradually dissipate under this powerful impact. But he quickly pulled himself together. "No, I can't give up! I still have an unfinished mission and people to protect!"

He gripped his sword tightly, gathering all his strength once more. Past experiences surfaced in his mind, the hardships and challenges he'd endured becoming the source of his current strength. He remembered his companions who had fought alongside him, and the eyes that held high hopes for him.

Zhang Hao roared, charging at the figure like an arrow from a bow. His sword ignited with a blazing flame, a manifestation of the potential he had unleashed in desperate circumstances. The flames, seemingly possessing a spiritual energy, danced around the blade, emitting a blazing heat that dispelled the surrounding darkness.

When Zhang Hao's sword touched the figure again, flames instantly spread, enveloping it. The figure struggled in agony within the flames, emitting a shrill, horrifying cry. But Zhang Hao showed no mercy. He continually fanned the flames on his sword, making them burn even more fiercely.

Finally, the figure gradually dissipated in the flames, transforming into a cloud of black smoke and disappearing without a trace. Peace returned to the temple, with only the heavy breathing of Zhang Hao and the herbalist to be heard.

Zhang Hao collapsed to the ground exhausted. His body had reached its limit, every muscle aching, every breath burning. The herbalist quickly ran over to help him up. "We won, we won!" the herbalist shouted excitedly, his voice filled with the joy of surviving a disaster and admiration for Zhang Hao.

Zhang Hao looked at the herbalists, a gratified smile playing on his face. Although they had endured life-or-death trials, they had ultimately triumphed over their fear with courage and wisdom. "Yes, we won," he said, his voice weak but full of strength.

Outside the temple, the sky gradually turned pale, signaling the arrival of a new day. Warm sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating their exhausted and scarred faces. Supporting each other, Zhang Hao and the herbalist emerged from this temple shrouded in horrific memories, continuing their adventure.

Their footsteps were heavy but resolute, each one resting on solid ground, as if telling the world that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, they would not retreat.