Rise of the Otherworld.

"This is it!" Zhang Hao said. They approached the altar cautiously, ready to destroy it.

A black mist filled the area surrounding the altar. It seemed to have life, constantly wriggling, trying to block their approach. The mist was as thick as substance, emitting a sickening stench of decay. Every time they got closer, they felt a chill that penetrated deep into their bones.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and took the lead on the steps of the altar. With every step he took, he could feel a strong resistance, that resistance was like an invisible wall, squeezing his body.

"Everyone, be careful!" he warned. His voice was exceptionally clear in this silent and eerie environment, yet it trembled slightly.

The black-robed man followed closely behind, the weapon in his hand flashing with a cold light. His eyes were firm and resolute, as if he was ready to fight to the death against all evil forces.

The herbalist watched nervously from behind, clutching some herbs tightly in his hands. His heartbeat was racing, and beads of sweat covered his forehead.

The old man waved his staff, and a beam of light shot towards the fog, temporarily dispersing some of it. The light was like a sharp sword, splitting the darkness, but was quickly swallowed up by the surrounding fog again.

When they finally approached the altar, a powerful evil force rushed towards them, like a violent storm, impacting their bodies and minds.

"Not good!" Zhang Hao felt a dull heaviness in his chest, as if struck by a heavy hammer. His breathing became rapid, and his face turned pale in an instant.

But he didn't flinch, raising his sword and slashing at the altar. The veins in his arms bulged as he used all his strength, the blade whistling as it rubbed against the air.

However, as soon as the sword touched the altar, it was knocked away by a rebounding force. Zhang Hao stumbled back a few steps and almost fell to the ground.

"What should we do?" the black-robed man asked anxiously. His voice was filled with anxiety and uneasiness, and he gripped the weapon even tighter.

The old man pondered for a moment and said, "We must work together and pool our strength." His eyes were firm, revealing an unquestionable determination.

Everyone nodded and exerted their strongest strength.

Zhang Hao raised his sword once more, its blade radiating a brilliant light, like a blazing sun. His spiritual energy continuously poured into the sword, causing it to tremble, as if eager to unleash this powerful force.

The man in black robe poured all his spiritual power into the weapon. The light from the weapon was like a bright star, illuminating the surrounding darkness.

The herbalist threw the herbs in his hand, and the herbs turned into green light, flowing in the air like streams of clear spring water.

The light on the old man's staff grew stronger and stronger, like a lighthouse, guiding everyone in the direction of progress.

"Together!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was filled with strength and determination, as if it could penetrate the endless darkness.

The power of everyone gathered on Zhang Hao's sword at the same time. The sword, with extremely powerful force, slashed towards the altar fiercely.

There was a loud bang, and cracks began to appear on the altar. The cracks quickly spread, covering the entire altar like a spider web.

The black mist surged wildly, as if making its last struggle, screaming miserably, trying to stop it from happening.

"Try harder!" Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and persisted. His body was shaking from the excessive force, but his eyes remained firm.

Finally, the altar completely collapsed under their combined attack. The evil force instantly dissipated, vanishing like smoke. The shadows also ceased their attacks, falling to the ground and disintegrating into wisps of black smoke.

"Success!" the herbalist shouted excitedly. His voice was filled with joy and excitement, and a bright smile appeared on his face.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but they knew that this was just a small step in a long journey.

"Keep moving forward, we're getting closer to our goal," Zhang Hao said. His voice was tired but still full of hope.

They left the town and continued on their way towards the mysterious mountain. The road was rough and bumpy, with steep cliffs and deep valleys on both sides.

"This road is really difficult to walk on." The herbalist complained.

"But as long as we can reach our destination, everything will be worth it." Zhang Hao encouraged everyone.

Suddenly, there was a thunder in the sky, followed by heavy rain.

"What bad luck!" cursed the man in black robe.

The rain quickly soaked their clothes, making their movements more difficult, but they still moved forward resolutely, without any intention of retreating.

After walking in the rain for a long time, they finally found a cave and took shelter from the wind and rain temporarily.

"Let's take a rest first and leave after the rain stops," said the old man.

Everyone sat down in the cave, breathing heavily with fatigue.

"I don't know how many difficulties are waiting for us ahead." The herbalist said worriedly.

"No matter how many difficulties there are, we must overcome them," Zhang Hao said firmly.

The rain gradually stopped, and they walked out of the cave and continued their journey...