Rise of the Otherworld.

Following the clues provided by the child, the group decided to search for the center of the evil formation. They searched the town, leaving no corner untouched. The sun was obscured by dark clouds, and the entire town was shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere.

Zhang Hao led the group along the town's streets, carefully examining every house they passed. "Everyone, be careful! The core of the formation could be hidden anywhere." His voice was low and serious, his gaze sharp, not missing a single suspicious sign. He held his sword tightly, as if ready to respond to any possible danger.

The black-robed figure used his magic to sense the energy fluctuations around him, hoping to discover clues to the formation. He closed his eyes tightly, clasped his hands together, and muttered something to himself. "There's something unusual about the energy here, but I'm not sure if it's the core of the formation yet." His brow furrowed, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead, his expression focused and tense.

The old man, drawing on his vast experience, observed the town's topography and architectural layout, trying to discern patterns. He paused, occasionally crouching to examine the ground's patterns, and sometimes gazing up at distant buildings. "In my opinion, the center of the formation should be in the center of the town." His voice was steady and resolute, bringing a glimmer of hope to the crowd.

The herbalist wasn't idle either, carefully searching for herbs or special plants that might be related to the formation. His eyes darted through the grass and cracks in the rocks, not missing a single plant that might have a special purpose. "Perhaps some special plant can indicate the direction of the formation's center," he muttered to himself, a small hoe in hand, ready to dig.

They searched until they arrived at the town square. In the center of the square stood an ancient statue. Though dilapidated, its gaze remained majestic. Its body, etched with the marks of time, seemed to speak of its former glory.

"This statue is a bit strange." Zhang Hao walked forward and observed the statue from all directions. He reached out and touched the surface of the statue, feeling its rough texture and the mysterious power contained within.

At that moment, the sky suddenly became overcast with dark clouds, lightning and thunder. A fierce wind howled, rustling everyone's clothes. Raindrops as big as beans poured down, instantly soaking the ground.

"Oh no! This could be a reaction from the formation. We might be nearing its center," the black-robed figure shouted. His voice was faint amidst the raging storm, but it was filled with alarm.

Sure enough, the statue began to tremble slightly, and cracks appeared in the ground around it. Streams of black air gushed out from the cracks, filling the air and making people feel suffocated.

"Everyone be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice echoed in the wind and rain, full of power.

From the cracks, black monsters slowly emerged, pouncing on the crowd with their fangs and claws bared. These monsters had different shapes, some with sharp claws, and some spewing black flames from their mouths.

Zhang Hao swung his sword without hesitation, its blade gleaming coldly in the lightning's reflection. His swordsmanship was fierce, and each strike carried a killing determination. The monster's blood splattered on him, but he didn't flinch.

The black-robed figure's magic flashed continuously, repelling the monsters one by one. He chanted a complex spell, and the magical weapon in his hand released a powerful force, forming a series of light rays that enveloped the monsters.

The old man cast a defensive spell for everyone in the back, waving his staff and muttering something. A transparent shield appeared around them, blocking the monster's attack.

The herbalist took the opportunity to search for the monsters' weaknesses. He observed the monsters' movements and noticed that one of them seemed to have difficulty moving its legs. "Attack its legs!" he shouted.

Everyone followed his instructions and concentrated their attacks on the monster's legs. The monster lost its balance and fell to the ground.

After a fierce battle, the monster was finally destroyed. The square was filled with the smell of blood and evil. Everyone was exhausted, but their eyes remained firm.

"Keep looking for the center of the formation!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was a little hoarse, but it was full of fighting spirit.

They continued to search around the statue and finally found a hidden cave under the statue's base. The cave was filled with a dark atmosphere that made people feel daunted.

"Perhaps the core of the formation is in this cave." Zhang Hao said, and walked into the cave first. His figure gradually disappeared in the darkness, and everyone followed closely behind him, stepping into this unknown and dangerous place...