Rise of the Otherworld.

The two sides were deadlocked, the atmosphere tense to the extreme. The oppressive pressure emanating from the black shadow made the surrounding air seem to freeze, so heavy that it was almost impossible to breathe. The surrounding fog seemed to be intimidated by this pressure, no longer flowing freely, as if time had stood still at this moment.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and launched the attack. His figure flashed, and his sword pierced the shadow like lightning. His eyes were filled with determination, and every movement was filled with the courage of a desperate struggle. The sword flashed through the air with a cold light, making a sharp sound.

The shadow dodged sideways, its movements as light as a ghost. Simultaneously, it struck back with a sharp palm, a forceful wind that swept towards Zhang Hao like a stream of tangible air.

Seeing this, the old man muttered something and cast a spell. His voice was low and rapid, and the staff in his hand shone with a dazzling light. A beam of light rushed towards the shadow, trying to restrain his movements. The light was like a nimble dragon, swooping down on the shadow with bared fangs and claws.

The black-robed figure wasn't to be outdone. His figure shifted and appeared behind the shadow in an instant, launching a surprise attack. His speed was as swift as the wind, and the weapon in his hand was filled with murderous intent.

However, the black shadow was powerful and handled the situation with ease. His moves were brutal, each one carrying a deadly threat. His form was like a phantom, difficult to grasp.

During the attack, Zhang Hao was accidentally struck by the shadow and fell to the ground. His body rolled several times on the ground, raising a cloud of dust. "Zhang Hao!" the herbalist exclaimed. His voice was shrill with extreme tension, and his face was filled with worry and fear.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth, quickly got up, and rushed forward again. His eyes were full of unyielding determination. "I won't fall down easily!" His voice was filled with firm conviction, as if he was declaring war on fate.

The old man's spell consumed a lot of his magic power. His face turned pale and beads of sweat covered his forehead. But he still insisted on providing support to everyone, and the staff in his hand did not tremble at all.

The black-robed man was also injured by the shadow's attack, his clothes were torn and blood oozed out. But his eyes remained cold, and he showed no sign of retreating.

"This isn't going to work," the black-robed man gasped. His breathing was rapid, and every breath felt like immense pain.

While fending off the attack of the black shadow, Zhang Hao shouted, "Everyone, hold on a little longer, we will definitely find his weakness!" His voice was particularly loud in the fierce battle, bringing a glimmer of hope to everyone.

Hearing this, the black shadow sneered, "You bunch of presumptuous guys, today is the day you die!" His voice was full of disdain and arrogance, as if Zhang Hao and others were just insignificant ants in his eyes.

The battle intensified, and Zhang Hao and the others gradually lost strength. Their movements became sluggish, and their reactions were no longer as sharp as they had been at the beginning. But their resolve grew stronger, and no one considered giving up.

At this moment, Zhang Hao discovered that the shadow would pause briefly when performing a powerful move. At that moment, the shadow's aura would become slightly disordered.

"Now!" Zhang Hao shouted, and everyone understood his meaning and concentrated their strength to attack the flaw in the black shadow. Their eyes flickered with a final hope, and all their strength was concentrated in this one attack.

The shadow hadn't expected them to notice this subtle detail, and was caught off guard for a moment. A flash of surprise flashed across his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by anger.

Under the combined attack of everyone, the black shadow was finally pushed back a few steps. His body trembled slightly, and it was obvious that the attack had taken a certain toll on him.

"Let's go now!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice filled with urgency, knowing this was their only chance of escape.

Not daring to delay, they turned and ran towards the depths of the fog. Their steps were stumbling, their breathing was rapid, but they did not dare to stop for even a moment.

They ran for a long time, not stopping until they could no longer hear the shadows, and then everyone collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

"Finally got rid of him." The herbalist sat down on the ground, breathing heavily. His face was full of fatigue and relief at having survived.

Zhang Hao was also exhausted, but he still looked around vigilantly. "Let's take a rest first and recover our strength." His voice was low and hoarse, but his eyes were still full of vigilance.

Unbeknownst to them, after they left, the shadowy figure reappeared in the same spot. He gazed in the direction they had left, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. His eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions, as if the chase was far from over.

The surrounding fog still lingers, as if concealing more secrets and dangers. Whether Zhang Hao and his companions can truly escape the shadows' pursuit and escape this mysterious forest remains uncertain...