Rise of the Otherworld.

A glimmer of hope ignited in Zhang Hao's heart. He gritted his teeth and, taking advantage of a gap in the monster's attack, lunged at its belly. His speed was swift, like an arrow from a bowstring, stirring up a cloud of dust. His eyes were filled with determination. This was his last chance; failure would mean death.

However, the monster sensed Zhang Hao's intention and tried to turn to block, but it was too late. Zhang Hao leaped high, his sword thrust straight into the monster's weak spot in the abdomen. His arm muscles tensed, pouring all his strength into this strike.

However, the monster wasn't completely defenseless. It lashed out with its tail, whipping Zhang Hao like a steel whip, packing immense force. Zhang Hao was sent flying, his body arcing through the air before crashing heavily to the ground.

"Puff!" Zhang Hao spat out a mouthful of blood, the crimson blood blooming like a tragic flower on the sand. He felt as if his internal organs had shifted, and the intense pain nearly made him faint. But he endured the pain and climbed to his feet again. His clothes were tattered, and his body was covered in dust and blood, but his gaze remained firm.

The monster roared angrily and charged at Zhang Hao. Its footsteps rumbled like thunder, shaking the ground slightly. Zhang Hao's eyes remained resolute, showing no sign of retreat. He once again drew his sword and charged at the monster, his figure seemingly dwarfed by the monster's shadow, yet filled with an unyielding fighting spirit. He had only one conviction: to defeat this monster!

Just as the monster was about to pounce on Zhang Hao, Zhang Hao rolled sideways, cleverly avoiding the monster's attack, and took advantage of the situation to fiercely stab his sword into the monster's weak spot in the abdomen. He used all his strength in this sword strike, as if he had poured his life into it.

The monster let out a shrill scream, echoing through the valley and sending chills down one's spine. Blood gushed out like a fountain, staining a large expanse of sand red. It twisted its body frantically, trying to throw Zhang Hao off. The immense force made it nearly impossible for Zhang Hao to grip the hilt of the sword, but he gritted his teeth and refused to let go.

Zhang Hao gripped the hilt tightly, trying not to be thrown out. He used all his strength to swirl the sword inside the monster. Each swirl caused the monster more pain and intensified its resistance.

The monster's movements gradually slowed, and it finally collapsed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. Its massive body hit the ground with a dull thud.

Zhang Hao collapsed exhausted, gasping for air. His body had reached its limit, and every breath brought a sharp pain. Sweat and blood mixed together, streaming down his cheeks.

At this moment, he suddenly heard a familiar shout.

"Zhang Hao!" It turned out to be the old man, the herbalist, and the man in black robes who came over. Their figures gradually became clear in the mist, their faces filled with anxiety and concern.

"I'm so glad you're all okay!" Zhang Hao said weakly. His voice was hoarse and filled with endless fatigue.

"We've been looking for you, too. We never thought you could defeat this monster all by yourself," the old man exclaimed in amazement, his eyes filled with admiration and satisfaction.

The herbalist hurried over and handed Zhang Hao a bottle of healing medicine, "Hurry, take this." His hands were trembling and his eyes were full of worry.

Zhang Hao took the pill and swallowed it, feeling a warm current coursing through his body. His injuries gradually healed. The power of the pill spread throughout his body, relieving his pain and repairing his damaged meridians.

"We can't stay here any longer. Let's leave now," the black-robed man said. He glanced around warily, as if sensing some danger.

Everyone nodded, supporting each other and continuing forward. Unbeknownst to them, after they left, a strange aura emanated from the dead monster. This aura, like wisps of black smoke, slowly rose and condensed into a vague figure in the air.

The figure gradually became clearer, and it turned out to be a hideous demon with a red glow in its eyes and an evil smile on its lips.

"Humph, these stupid humans, do they think they can escape like this?" said the devil with a sneer.

It flashed and chased in the direction Zhang Hao and the others left...