Rise of the Otherworld.

The mysterious figure gradually became clearer, and everyone gasped as they caught sight of it. It was a man in a black robe, his features obscured by shadows, yet the aura emanating from him was incredibly oppressive. It was like the darkness of the abyss: cold, evil, and filled with the scent of death.

"Who are you?" Zhang Hao asked loudly, suppressing his weakness. His voice echoed in the empty hall, trembling slightly but full of determination.

The black-robed man didn't answer, but slowly raised his hand. A dark force coalesced within him. Like thick ink, it surged and churned, emitting a frightening wave.

The old man's face changed drastically, "No, this power is extremely evil!" His voice was full of fear, and the staff in his hand was unconsciously clenched, ready to deal with possible attacks at any time.

The herbalist stepped back in fear, "Are we in big trouble?" His voice was tearful, his legs were weak and he almost collapsed to the ground.

Zhang Hao gripped the sword tightly in his hand, "No matter what, we can't just sit there and wait to die!" His eyes were firm and he exuded an indomitable fighting spirit. Although his body had not yet recovered from the previous exhaustion, his determination had never wavered in the slightest.

Just as the black-robed man was about to launch an attack, the ancient book shone with light again, forming a barrier that blocked everyone's way. The light was like warm sunlight, forming a sharp contrast with the dark power in the black-robed man's hands.

The black-robed man snorted coldly and increased the force in his hands. Darkness and light collided, and the entire hall trembled. Cracks began to appear in the ground, and stones on the walls fell one after another, as if the end of the world was approaching.

"This isn't going to work. We have to find a way to fight back!" the black-robed figure shouted. His voice was urgent and anxious, the weapon in his hand flashing with a cold light, but he didn't know how to break the deadlock.

Zhang Hao's mind raced, pondering a countermeasure. Suddenly, he noticed a flickering rune pattern beneath the black-robed man's feet. The pattern was faint, as if struggling in the darkness to be seen.

"Maybe that's his weakness!" Zhang Hao exclaimed. His voice was filled with hope, bringing a glimmer of hope to everyone.

Upon hearing this, the old man immediately cast a spell, and a beam of light shot towards the rune pattern. The light streaked across like a meteor, instantly hitting the target.

The black-robed man sensed their intention and tried to dodge, but it was too late. The rune pattern was struck by the light, and the black-robed man let out a painful roar. The sound seemed to come from the depths of hell, making people's hair stand on end. The dark power in his body dissipated instantly, and his body shook several times.

"Success!" the herbalist shouted excitedly. A long-lost smile appeared on his face, and tears of excitement flashed in his eyes.

However, before they could breathe a sigh of relief, the black-robed man stood up again, his aura becoming even more violent. A black mist surrounded his body, like a demon crawling out of hell.

"Why is this guy so difficult to deal with?" The man in black robe frowned. His forehead was covered with sweat, and his eyes revealed a hint of despair.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and said, "Don't be afraid, let's go together!" He rushed forward first, holding the sword high in his hand with an indomitable momentum.

The old man and the black-robed man followed closely behind, unleashing their strongest spells and abilities. The herbalists also summoned their courage, cheering them on and occasionally throwing out hidden herbal weapons.

The crowd attacked the black-robed man once again. For a moment, magical lights and sword energy crisscrossed. The entire hall was filled with various lights and powers, as if it had turned into a chaotic battlefield.

Zhang Hao's sword repeatedly struck the black-robed man, sending up sparks. The old man's magic rained down on the black-robed man like a torrential rain, and the black-robed man's weapon also left scars on him.

After a fierce battle, the black-robed man finally collapsed to the ground, his body turning into a cloud of black smoke and gradually disappearing into the air.

"Finally solved!" Zhang Hao sat on the ground exhausted. His clothes were tattered and his body was covered with wounds, but his eyes were filled with the joy of victory.

Just when they thought the crisis was over, the crystal ball underwent another transformation. A multicolored light began to flicker from within the crystal ball, growing stronger and stronger until it enveloped the entire hall.

The people were blinded by the light. When the light gradually faded, they found themselves in an unfamiliar place...