Rise of the Otherworld.

The attacks from the cave entrance intensified, the shadows' power seemingly boundless. Each impact resonated like thunder, shaking the entire cave. Zhang Hao and the others fought desperately, each moment teetering on the brink of life and death.

Zhang Hao swung his sword with ferocious force, its blade slicing through the air in sharp arcs. Each strike was filled with resolve, as if to rip the darkness from his sight. Sweat soaked his clothes, clinging to his back. Sweat dripped down his cheeks, forming small puddles on the ground. But his gaze remained steadfast, fixed on the cave entrance, a burning fire of unyielding determination.

The woman's magic shone continuously, like brilliant stars blooming in the darkness. The light illuminated the resolute faces of those around her, reflecting their tense expressions and unwavering determination. Her magic power was rapidly depleting, and each spell she cast left her feeling weak, but she gritted her teeth and continuously channeled her strength to provide support. Her eyes were filled with determination; even when her body was at its limit, she would not retreat.

The herbalist's stick was already cracked, the marks of time, telling of the brutality of the battle. His hands were numb from the shock, blood dripping from his knuckles, but he refused to let go, as if the stick was his life. He roared to himself, "I'm not afraid of you beasts!" His voice echoed through the cave, filled with fearless courage.

The old man cast out spells one after another, each one imbued with his profound skill and earnest hope. His face grew paler, like an old parchment, its wrinkles etched with fatigue. But he refused to stop, his mumbling becoming increasingly faster, as if racing against time.

The black-robed figure's magic power was rapidly depleting, his body trembling slightly like a candle in the wind. But the light from his staff remained radiant, repeatedly repelling the shadow's attacks. That light was the hope in their hearts, the faith they held fast.

"Everyone, hold on! They can't hold on any longer!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice hoarse from exerting too much force. His throat felt as if it were burning, but his shouts were like a drumbeat, inspiring everyone's fighting spirit.

At that moment, an even larger shadow broke through the cave's defenses and rushed in. Its body was as massive as a mountain, emitting a suffocating pressure. It opened its bloody mouth, its sharp teeth flashing coldly, and pounced on the crowd.

"Be careful!" Zhang Hao rushed forward and thrust his sword at the shadow. His movements were as swift as lightning, and he was filled with the courage to fight to the death.

The shadow nimbly dodged Zhang Hao's attack and turned to pounce on the woman. Her eyes widened in fear, and for a moment, she forgot to dodge. The shadow of death instantly enveloped her, leaving her mind blank.

Seeing this, the herbalist rushed forward recklessly, blocking the shadow's attack with his own body. He felt a huge force surge, and his body flew out like a kite with a broken string, crashing into the cave wall. With a loud "bang", the herbalist's body fell heavily, and he immediately vomited blood, staining the ground in front of him red.

"Herbalist!" everyone exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with grief and anger.

Zhang Hao was enraged, his eyes red with rage. He charged at the shadow again, engaging it in a desperate struggle. His sword inflicted wounds on the shadow, blood splattering and staining his clothes red. Not to be outdone, the shadow used its sharp claws to leave deep scratches on Zhang Hao's body, each one burning with pain.

The old man took the opportunity to cast a powerful spell, which transformed into a golden light and struck the black shadow's back. The shadow roared in pain, its voice echoing through the cave, chilling the bones. Its movements slowed slightly, giving Zhang Hao a chance to catch his breath.

The black-robed man took the opportunity to release a powerful magic, which formed a huge cage and temporarily bound the black shadow. The black shadow struggled in the cage, trying to break free.

Zhang Hao seized the opportunity and, with all his strength, stabbed the shadow in the vitals with his sword. The shadow struggled for a few moments before finally falling. Its body slammed heavily onto the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

However, the attacks from outside the cave did not stop, as more shadows attempted to rush in. The roars and crashes were like the tolling of a death knell, terrifying everyone.

"We can't give up!" Zhang Hao gasped. His voice was weak but full of strength.

Everyone regained their spirits and continued to hold the cave entrance. Fear was no longer in their eyes, only a resolute determination and a desire to live. Even if it meant fighting to the very end, they would never surrender...