Rise of the Otherworld.

However, before they could recover, a strange sound echoed from all around them. It seemed to come from the depths of the earth, deep and filled with a mysterious rhythm that sent a chill through everyone's heart. It was like the chanting of an ancient incantation, or the deep roar of a giant beast, echoing in the air and shaking everyone's heart.

"What on earth is that sound?" the herbalist asked with his eyes wide open in horror, his voice trembling. His body trembled uncontrollably, and he covered his ears tightly with his hands, trying to block out the creepy sound.

Zhang Haoqiang, exhausted, stood up, his eyes warily scanning the surroundings. "Whatever it is, be careful." His voice, though hoarse, was filled with determination and courage. His clothes were tattered and bloodstained, but his posture remained upright, like an unshakable mountain.

The sound grew clearer and clearer, like countless whispers echoing in my ears, yet I couldn't make out the specifics. It was like countless tiny insects crawling in my heart, making me restless and anxious, yet unable to grasp them.

The old man frowned, "This voice seems to contain some kind of magical power. Everyone, stay calm." His voice was steady and powerful, trying to keep everyone calm. He gripped his staff tightly with both hands, and a vigilant glint flashed in his eyes.

At that moment, a faint blue light rose from the corpse of the rock monster they had just defeated, and a vague figure emerged from the light. The light was soft and mysterious, as if it came from another world.

"This is..." The man in black robe opened his mouth in surprise, his eyes full of astonishment and curiosity.

As the light grew stronger, the figure gradually became clearer. It was an elf, radiating a mysterious aura. Her skin was as transparent as crystal, her hair shone like the Milky Way, and her wings fluttered gently, casting tiny specks of starlight.

"It was you who woke me up." The elf's voice was ethereal and distant, as if it came from the distant sky, with an intoxicating charm.

Zhang Hao clenched the sword in his hand, "Who are you?" His eyes were full of vigilance, and the sword in his hand trembled slightly, ready to deal with possible danger at any time.

The elf smiled slightly and said, "I am the guardian of this land and have been sealed here for many years." Her smile was like a spring breeze, making people feel warm and at ease.

"Guardian? So are all these dangers caused by your seal being triggered?" the herbalist couldn't help but ask, his voice tinged with anger and dissatisfaction.

The elf shook her head slightly, "That's not the case. There is a bigger conspiracy behind this." Her eyes became solemn, as if she was lost in deep memories.

Everyone looked at each other, filled with doubts.

"In a distant dark land, an evil force is rising. They are trying to break the balance and rule the entire world. And this place is just part of their plan." The elf's eyes revealed deep worry, and her voice became heavy.

"Then what should we do?" Zhang Hao asked, his eyes firm and full of determination.

The elf looked at them and said, "You have demonstrated great courage and strength. Next, you need to find the lost artifact to fight against the evil force." Her eyes were full of expectation and trust.

"Lost artifact? Where can I find it?" the black-robed man asked anxiously, his eyes filled with desire and eagerness.

The elf raised her hand and pointed into the distance, "In that ancient ruin, but it is full of unknown dangers and challenges." Her fingers were long and beautiful, and the direction they pointed seemed to be the guidance of fate.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and said, "No matter how dangerous it is, we must try." His voice was firm, like an oath.

Everyone nodded, their eyes full of determination.

So, with the elves' blessing, they embarked on a new journey. Along the way, the scenery was picturesque, but they had no time to appreciate it. They had only one goal in mind: to find the lost artifact and save the world.

They passed through a dense forest, where towering trees intertwined their branches, creating a vast sea of ​​green. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, creating patches of light. But they had no time to appreciate the natural beauty, for every step they took could hide unknown dangers.

They crossed the turbulent river, its water roaring and spraying. Zhang Hao and the black-robed man supported each other as they struggled through the water. The herbalist clung to a branch to prevent being swept away. The old man cast a spell, creating a shield above the water, helping them cross the river smoothly.

Finally, they arrived at an ancient mountain range, towering into the clouds and shrouded in mist, giving people a sense of mystery and majesty.

"Is this the ruins the elves mentioned?" The herbalist looked at the mountains in front of him, his heart filled with awe.

"This should be it." Zhang Hao said, "Everyone be careful and prepare to enter."

They climbed up the rugged mountain road. The road was steep and dangerous, and every step was full of challenges. But they did not retreat, and continued to move forward towards the top of the mountain step by step...