Rise of the Otherworld.

After dealing with the python, everyone took a short break in the oasis. At this time, Zhang Hao discovered that there seemed to be something hidden deep in the oasis.

"Look, everyone, there seem to be some strange buildings over there," Zhang Hao said, pointing in the distance. His voice shattered the brief silence, and everyone looked in the direction he pointed. Among the green trees, faintly visible were some ancient, dilapidated stone buildings. The outlines of the buildings, looming in the interplay of light and shadow, seemed to speak of the glory and mystery of the past.

With curiosity and caution, they approached the buildings. Each step was cautious, the soft, damp grass beneath their feet seeming to gently tug at their steps. Approaching, they saw that despite the erosion of time, the buildings still retained their former grandeur. Tall stone pillars were covered in exquisite relief carvings, and though they were now blurred, the exquisite craftsmanship of the original artisans was still evident.

"Could this be a relic?" the herbalist asked in surprise, his eyes wide open, filled with curiosity and awe of the unknown.

The building's door was tightly shut, engraved with mysterious symbols and patterns. Like an ancient code, those symbols awaited the decipherment of those destined to decipher them. Zhang Hao tried to push the door open, but it remained motionless. He pressed his hands against it, veins bulging in his forehead, but the door remained like a heavy mountain, unable to budge.

The old man observed the symbols carefully and said thoughtfully, "This may be some kind of seal." His eyes were deep and focused, and his fingers gently touched the symbols, trying to find clues to solve the mystery.

Just as everyone was pondering how to enter, the woman accidentally touched a stone, and the door slowly opened, letting out a stale, age-old scent that was mingled with the vicissitudes of time and the mystery of the unknown, leaving people feeling awe-inspiring.

They walked cautiously into the ruins, which were dimly lit, with faint lights flickering on the walls. Those lights flickered like stars in the night sky, adding a mysterious atmosphere to the entire ruins.

"Be careful, there's a trap," the black-robed figure warned. His voice was deep and serious, echoing through the empty ruins.

As soon as he finished speaking, the ground suddenly began to shake, and countless sharp arrows shot out from both sides of the wall. The sharp arrows came like a torrential rain, with a sharp sound of breaking through the air.

Zhang Hao quickly swung his sword, deflecting the arrows aimed at them. His movements were swift and agile, the blade slicing through the air in arcs, forming an impenetrable barrier. The sound of metal clashing was incessant, and sparks flew everywhere.

Everyone dodged, and the scene was chaotic. The woman accidentally fell to the ground, and the herbalist pulled her aside without hesitation and used his body to block an arrow for her.

After the arrows stopped firing, they continued on, arriving at a vast hall. In the center of the hall stood a stone platform, upon which rested a book emitting a mysterious glow. Strange runes shone on the cover, as if beckoning them.

"Could this be some kind of secret manual?" the herbalist speculated, his voice tinged with excitement and anticipation.

Just as Zhang Hao was about to go forward to check, several figures suddenly appeared in the hall. They were tall and majestic, exuding a powerful aura.

"Who is it?" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was filled with vigilance, and he gripped the sword tightly again.

The figures gradually became clearer. They turned out to be several puppets guarding the ruins. Their bodies were made of metal, their joints gleaming with blue light, and their eyes were empty but filled with murderous intent.

Without a word, the puppets attacked them directly. Their movements were in perfect unison, and each blow carried great power.

Zhang Hao confronted a puppet, engaging it in a fierce clash. His sword clashed with the puppet's arm, producing a sharp sound. The black-robed figure unleashed a powerful spell, sending beams of light piercing the puppet. However, the puppet's body was incredibly hard, and the spell only left a faint mark on its surface.

The old man observed the puppets' movements, trying to find their weaknesses, while the herbalist and the woman searched for useful items to support the battle.

After a tough battle, everyone gradually figured out the puppets' attack patterns. Zhang Hao discovered that the puppets' joints were their weak points, so he shouted, "Attack their joints!"

Upon hearing this, everyone changed their attack strategy. Finally, with their concerted efforts, one puppet's joints were broken, and it fell to the ground. The other puppets' movements also became sluggish.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, they launched a final attack and defeated all the puppets.

After the battle, everyone was exhausted, but their eyes were still fixed on the mysterious book...