Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the others rushed towards the shadow again, their eyes filled with determination and fearlessness. In each of their hearts burned the flame of unyielding determination, a desperate desire for victory and a resolute resistance to adversity.

Seeing this, the shadowy figure waved its hands, and a dark force surged toward them like a surging wave. That force was tangible, carrying with it an aura of endless oppression and destruction. Zhang Hao dodged the direct attack with a flash of his nimble, cheetah-like agility. He attacked the shadowy figure from the side, his sword slicing a sharp arc through the air with unwavering momentum.

The black-robed figure followed closely behind, his weapon emitting a strange light, colliding with the dark force, creating a roaring sound. His eyes were determined, and he used all his strength in each attack, as if pouring all his anger and resentment into this single blow.

The herbalist continually threw hidden weapons crafted from various herbs, disrupting the shadows' movements. They shimmered with a unique light in the darkness, like shooting stars streaking across the night sky. Beads of sweat covered his forehead, but his hands never stopped, his heart fixed on a single goal: to secure more opportunities for everyone.

The old man cast his spell with all his might, offering protection to the group. He chanted something, and the staff in his hand shone with brilliant light, forming a transparent shield that enveloped everyone. His face was pale, but he gritted his teeth, persevering in his support.

In the fierce exchange, Zhang Hao seized the opportunity and thrust his sword at the black figure's throat. His movements were lightning-fast, and his sword thrusts were incredibly sharp. The black figure dodged to the side, but was struck in the back by the black-robed figure's attack. With a dull thud, the black figure's body trembled slightly.

"Ah!" The shadow roared, and the dark force became even more violent. The entire ruins were enveloped by this force, as if plunged into endless darkness.

At this moment, the tremors in the ruins grew stronger, and rocks kept falling from overhead. Those rocks were huge and heavy, carrying the threat of death.

"Everyone be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was particularly clear in the chaotic scene, full of concern and anxiety.

But they did not retreat, instead they attacked more fiercely. Everyone knew that retreating at this time would mean death, and only by moving forward bravely could they have a chance of survival.

The shadow gradually began to lose his resistance and began to show weakness. His movements became slower and slower, and the dark power was no longer as strong as before.

Zhang Hao seized the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow, his sword piercing the shadow's chest. At that moment, time seemed to stand still, with only the sound of the sword piercing the shadow's body echoing in the air.

"No!" The shadow roared in despair. His voice was filled with resentment and anger, but it could not change his fate of failure.

As the shadow fell, the dark force instantly dissipated, and peace returned to the ruins. The oppressive atmosphere disappeared, replaced by a sense of relief and liberation.

Everyone collapsed to the ground exhausted, gasping for breath. Their bodies had been pushed to their limit, every muscle aching, every bone feeling as if it was about to fall apart.

"We...we did it," the herbalist said weakly, a relieved smile on his face, though it was filled with fatigue.

Just when they thought everything was over, a low humming sound suddenly rang out from the ruins. The sound seemed to come from ancient times, carrying a mysterious and solemn aura.

"What's going on?" The man in black robes struggled to stand up. His legs were shaking, barely able to support his body.

Cracks began to appear in the ground, and a massive stone platform slowly rose from it. The platform emanated an ancient and mysterious light, making it impossible to look directly at it.

On the stone platform lay an ancient book emitting a mysterious light. The cover of the book was engraved with complex runes, as if telling a story of unknown history.

Zhang Hao pushed himself forward and walked over to pick up the ancient book. The text on it was obscure and difficult to understand. He frowned as he tried to decipher its meaning.

The old man took a look and said in surprise: "This may be the secret we have been looking for." His voice was full of excitement and anticipation.

However, before they could examine it more closely, the ruins began to shake violently, appearing to be on the verge of collapse. Huge cracks appeared in the walls, and rocks continued to fall.

"Hurry up!" Zhang Hao shouted. He put the ancient book in his arms, turned around and ran towards the exit.

The crowd followed closely behind, struggling to run through the shaking ruins. Behind them were huge rocks that kept collapsing, making a huge roar.

They ran desperately, with only one thought in their minds, which was to leave here alive.

Finally, they saw the exit in front of them, and the sunlight shining in from outside brought them hope of life.

They rushed out of the ruins, leaving behind a ruin.

"Finally out." The man in black robe lay on the ground, breathing in the fresh air.

Zhang Hao took out the ancient book and said, "Anyway, we got this. Maybe everything is worth it."

But they know that the road ahead is still long and full of unknown challenges...