Rise of the Otherworld.

At that moment, an alarm suddenly sounded in the village. Everyone became nervous, and the leader's face changed drastically. "Oh no! A herd of beasts is attacking!" His voice was filled with anxiety and worry.

Without hesitation, Zhang Hao and the others followed the villagers in preparing for defense. Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly, his gaze fixed firmly on the village's exterior. His heartbeat raced, every nerve tense. The sword in his hand seemed to come alive, gleaming with a cold light, ready for the bloody battle to come.

The old man quickly cast a spell, offering protection for the villagers. He muttered something, and the staff in his hand emanated a soft light, casting a thin shield over the villagers. Beads of sweat covered the old man's forehead, his eyes focused and serious. Each spell he cast consumed a great deal of his energy.

The black-robed man helped carry the defensive obstacles. He moved through the village, the heavy wood and stones seeming as light as feathers in his hands. His breathing was rapid, and his muscles bulged with effort, but his movements were unwavering, his single-minded focus on building a solid defense for the villagers.

The herbalist was also busy, searching the village for materials that could be used to make herbal medicine to treat the injured villagers. His eyes were anxious and focused, and his hands were constantly searching, not missing any potentially useful herbs.

Soon, a pack of ferocious beasts appeared outside the village. They charged, their fangs bared and claws snarling. Their eyes glowed red, and the hot breath from their mouths seemed to ignite the air. Their footsteps resounded like thunder, shaking the ground slightly.

"Don't be afraid, everyone! Hold the line!" the leader shouted. His voice echoed throughout the village, giving the villagers a sense of courage and confidence.

Zhang Hao rushed out first, engaging a massive wolf. Its claws were incredibly sharp, each swipe accompanied by a whirring sound. Zhang Hao nimbly dodged its attacks, his body as lithe and agile as a willow catkin in the wind. He found the perfect moment and stabbed the wolf in the abdomen with his sword. Blood gushed out instantly, staining his clothes red.

The other villagers also took up their weapons and engaged the beasts in a desperate battle. Their shouts and roars blended into a tragic war song. Some villagers stabbed the beasts with spears, while others hacked at their legs with axes, each one desperately trying to defend their home.

The old man's spells repeatedly struck the beasts, relieving the villagers' stress. Brilliant magical light emanated from the beasts, each beam carrying deadly force. However, the beasts were so numerous that the villagers gradually found it difficult to resist. Some villagers collapsed to the ground, their groans of pain heartbreaking.

The black-robed man was wounded in the battle, but he persisted stubbornly. Blood streamed from his wounds, but there was no sign of retreat in his eyes. He gritted his teeth and continued to fight the beast, swinging his weapon even more fiercely.

The herbalist busily bandaged and treated the wounded in the back. His hands were stained with blood, but his movements were skillful and swift. His eyes were filled with concern and anxiety, and every wounded person he treated found a sense of comfort.

Just as the battle reached a stalemate, Zhang Hao spotted the leader of the beasts. It was a massive lion, majestic and imposing, its mane like blazing flames. Its eyes revealed a kingly majesty that instilled fear in the crowd.

Zhang Hao decided to take a chance and charged at the lion. The lion, sensing Zhang Hao's approach, opened its maw and lunged at him. Its sharp teeth gleamed in the sunlight, as if it could devour anything.

Zhang Hao dodged sideways, taking the opportunity to leap onto the lion's back and stab its neck with his sword. The lion struggled violently, trying to throw Zhang Hao off. Its body twisted and thrashed like a tree in a strong wind.

At this crucial moment, the old man unleashed a powerful spell, striking the lion. The spell's light, like a meteor, instantly pierced the lion's body. The lion screamed and fell to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.

When the other beasts saw their leader fall, they immediately lost their fighting spirit and fled, disappearing into the forest, leaving behind only a devastated battlefield.

The villagers cheered, their voices filled with joy and excitement. They looked at Zhang Hao and others with gratitude, tears in their eyes.

"Thank you! Without your help, our village would be finished," the chief said. His voice was filled with sincerity and gratitude as he stepped forward and shook Zhang Hao's hand tightly.

"You're welcome. We've also been accepted by you here," Zhang Hao said, wiping the sweat from his face. A gratified smile appeared on his face. Although he was physically exhausted, his heart was filled with a sense of accomplishment.

After this battle, Zhang Hao and his team became closer with the villagers. However, before they could rest properly, new troubles came.

It turns out that the beasts' attack was not accidental, but was orchestrated by someone behind the scenes. An evil wizard learned of Zhang Hao and his companions' existence, considered them a threat, and decided to personally eliminate them.

"Everyone be careful, a powerful dark force is approaching." The old man suddenly said.

Zhang Hao and the others immediately became alert and prepared to face new challenges...