Rise of the Otherworld.

The statue's massive arm slammed down on the crowd with a whirring sound. Zhang Hao shouted, "Scatter!" Everyone quickly dodged. At that moment, the air seemed to be squeezed by this powerful force, making a sharp whistling sound.

With a resounding "bang," a massive crater was smashed into the ground, sending rubble flying like bullets. Taking advantage of the gap between the statue's attacks, Zhang Hao leaped forward, swinging his sword at its arm. However, the sword struck the statue, sending up only a string of dazzling sparks, causing no damage at all. He felt only a numbing sensation in his arm, and a sharp pain in his knuckles, but his eyes remained unwavering.

Seeing this, the black-robed figure danced with his hands, muttering something, and unleashed a powerful spell. A powerful wave of energy surged around his body, and a brilliant beam of light shot towards the statue like a meteor. Wherever the light passed, the air scorched and distorted slightly. But the statue merely swayed slightly before continuing its assault. Though its movements were slow, each attack carried an overwhelming momentum.

The old man dodged the statue's attacks, observing its movements, trying to find its weaknesses. His eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and he remained calm amid the chaos. "Attack its joints!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the empty hall.

The herbalist and the woman stood by, anxiously searching for a way to help. The woman's eyes darted around, beads of sweat covering her forehead. Suddenly, she spotted some strange runes at the statue's feet. "These runes might be the key!" she exclaimed, her voice shrill with nervousness.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hao flashed and lunged at the statue's joints like a ghost. His speed was lightning-fast, and the blade of his sword shone a cold light in the darkness. Meanwhile, the black-robed figure's spells continuously bombarded the statue, attempting to distract it. Each spell carried immense power, leaving a trail of faint marks on the statue's body.

The old man pointed his staff at the runes and chanted an ancient incantation. A faint glow emanated from the runes, spreading like a thread, gradually wrapping around the statue's feet. The statue's movements seemed to slow, as if restrained by an invisible force.

The herbalist mustered up his courage, picked up a stone, and threw it at the statue. While this didn't do any real damage, it bought everyone a bit of precious time. His heartbeat quickened, and his breathing became rapid.

With everyone's concerted efforts, Zhang Hao finally managed to pierce the statue's joint. The statue let out a deafening roar of pain, a sound that made people's eardrums buzz. Its eyes flashed with an angry red light, and its movements became even more frantic.

It suddenly turned, sweeping its massive hand towards everyone. Zhang Hao couldn't dodge and was sent flying, slamming heavily into the wall. He felt a black screen before his eyes, and a sharp pain shot through his back, as if his bones were about to break.

"Zhang Hao!" the woman exclaimed. Her voice was filled with worry and fear, tears welling in her eyes.

The black-robed man gritted his teeth and increased his spell output once more. Light gathered in his hands, forming a massive ball of light, as dazzling as the sun. With a furious roar, he hurled the ball of light at the stone statue.

The powerful force pushed the statue back a few steps, and cracks appeared at its joints. A strange light shone through the cracks, as if something was hidden.

The old man took the opportunity to speed up the recitation of the spell, and the rune's light became stronger and stronger, like a burning flame.

The herbalist ran over to Zhang Hao and helped him up. "Are you okay?" his voice was filled with concern.

Zhang Hao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said, "I'm not dead yet, keep going!" His eyes were still firm as he struggled to stand up.

The crowd launched an attack again, with only one belief in their hearts, that is to defeat this terrifying stone statue...

However, just when they thought they had secured victory, a powerful dark energy suddenly erupted from the stone statue, enveloping everyone...