Rise of the Otherworld.

That sinister laughter echoed through the valley, sending chills down everyone's spines. Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly, his eyes fixed on the approaching blurry figures, his heartbeat racing. He could feel his palms soaked with sweat, yet he dared not relax even a moment. Every breath became heavy and rapid, as if the very air itself were frozen by the terrifying atmosphere.

The black-robed figure's magical light struggled to penetrate the dense fog, illuminating only a small area. The faint light seemed so small and helpless in the thick mist. "Everyone, stand back to back and defend carefully!" he shouted, his voice tinged with nervousness. His eyes were filled with vigilance, and beads of sweat dripped down his cheeks and onto the ground beneath his feet.

The old man raised his staff, muttering something, ready to respond at any moment. The gemstone inlaid on his staff flickered with an unsteady light, reflecting his inner unease. The herbalist, clutching the herbs in his hand, sweat beading on his forehead, his gaze darting around, trying to find a glimmer of hope in this chaotic situation.

The woman's breathing quickened, and she clutched the corner of Zhang Hao's shirt tightly, her body trembling uncontrollably. "What the hell is this?" Her voice was tinged with tears, her voice shrill with fear. Her eyes were filled with panic, as if she would be consumed by the unknown terror in the next second.

As the figures drew closer, the crowd finally saw them: a group of monsters clad in black robes, their faces twisted. Their eyes flashed an eerie red, and a deep growl emanated from their mouths. The sound seemed to come from the depths of hell, carrying endless resentment and evil. Their skin, like dry bark, was covered in cracks and strange lines.

"Prepare for battle!" Zhang Hao roared, charging at the monsters first. His sword flashed a cold light through the air, instantly slashing at a monster. The blade collided with the monster's body, making a sharp friction sound and sending up a string of sparks.

The monster dodged sideways, extending its sharp claws and lunging at Zhang Hao. Its claws sliced ​​through the air, stirring up a gust of cold wind. Zhang Hao nimbly turned and swung his sword again. His movements were swift and decisive, each strike drawing all his strength.

The black-robed figure unleashed a powerful spell, and flames erupted from his hands, consuming the horde of monsters. The flames raged through the dense fog, illuminating the area. The monsters, enveloped in flames, howled in agony, yet unflinchingly pressed forward. They darted through the flames, their black robes shredded to tatters, yet they never wavered in their assault.

The old man's staff shot out rays of light, hitting the monsters and temporarily slowing their attack. Each ray of light contained a powerful force, hitting the monsters and causing them to tremble slightly.

The herbalist sprinkled the herbs in his hand at the monsters. The smell of the herbs slowed the monsters' movements. He took the opportunity to go around behind the monsters and stabbed them in the back with the dagger in his hand.

The woman mustered her courage and stabbed the approaching monster with the dagger in her hand. Her eyes were no longer filled with fear, but also with determination and resoluteness.

In the fierce battle, everyone gradually discovered that these monsters were not ordinary beasts. They seemed to have some special ability, which could absorb some magic attacks and quickly recover from injuries. Every seemingly fatal attack could not make them fall completely.

"This won't work. We must find their weakness!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice remarkably clear amid the clamor of battle. He already had multiple wounds on his body, his clothes stained red with blood. But his gaze remained resolute, showing no sign of retreat.

The man in black robe attacked while observing the monsters' movements: "It seems that their abdomens seem to have weaker defenses." His voice was a little hoarse due to fatigue, but still full of hope.

Upon hearing this, everyone changed their attack strategy and focused their efforts on attacking the monster's abdomen. Every attack was carried out with the determination to win, and every swing of the sword carried a last hope.

After a tough battle, the monsters finally began to retreat. Their figures gradually blurred in the thick fog and disappeared, leaving only bloodstains on the ground and the exhausted figures of the people.

"Finally, we beat them back." The herbalist sat down on the ground, breathing heavily. His face was full of fatigue and relief, and the herbs in his hands were scattered all over the ground.

However, before anyone could breathe a sigh of relief, an even more eerie and terrifying sound emanated from the depths of the valley. It was like the cries of countless wronged souls, sending chills down one's spine.

Zhang Hao stood up, gripping his sword tightly. "Everyone, don't let your guard down. Get ready for new challenges."

Everyone's expressions became serious again. They knew that the real danger might have just begun...