Rise of the Otherworld.

Even though they had just dispatched the powerful shadow, the attacks from outside the cave were still fierce. Zhang Hao gasped for air, each breath accompanied by excruciating pain from his wounds, as if countless needles were pricking his nerves. His clothes had long since been ripped, and his exposed skin was covered with wounds of varying depths. Blood continuously seeped out, staining his body red. But his gaze remained fixed firmly on the cave entrance, burning with an unyielding fire, as if declaring his tenacious resistance to the enemies outside.

The woman's magical power was nearly exhausted. She leaned weakly against the cave wall, her face as pale as paper. Her eyes were tightly closed, her brow furrowed, and she struggled to regulate her breathing. Each breath seemed labored, as if the air itself had become incredibly heavy. But she still held on, ready to cast a final spell at any moment. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped the staff tightly, as if it were her last resort.

The old man's talismans were almost gone. His hands trembled slightly, their once steady hands now devoid of their usual composure from the exertion. His eyes revealed a hint of fatigue and helplessness, but more so, a firmness and resolve. He clutched those precious talismans tightly, as if holding onto a final hope, ready to deliver the fatal blow at the crucial moment.

The black-robed figure's magic power was overdrawn. He half-knelt on the ground, propped up by his staff, breathing heavily. His face was as pale as moonlight, and beads of sweat covered his forehead, trickling down his cheeks. He closed his eyes tightly, straining to regain his magic power. Each breath seemed labored, as if he were under immense pressure.

The herbalist lay on the ground, unconscious. Blood oozed from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him bright red. His lips were cracked, slightly parted as he murmured, "Don't let them in..." That weak voice seemed like his last remaining struggle, filled with a desire to survive and hatred for his enemies.

Zhang Hao looked at the crowd, a sense of tragedy welling up in his heart, but he knew he couldn't give up at this moment. He gritted his teeth, endured the pain in his body, and stood in front of the cave entrance again, ready to face the next round of attacks.

Just as everyone was about to collapse, a resounding bird song suddenly rang out from outside the cave. The clear, melodious sound, like a call from heaven, instantly broke the tense atmosphere outside the cave. Then, the shadows' attacks seemed to pause, as if startled by the sudden sound.

"What's going on?" the woman asked weakly. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's, almost drowned out by the noise outside the cave.

Zhang Hao was also filled with doubts, but he sensed that this might be their chance to turn things around. A spark of hope ignited in his heart, a faint one, but enough to illuminate his dark heart.

Soon, the sound of fierce fighting could be heard from outside the cave. The roars of the shadows were mixed with screams of pain. The sound of metal clashing, the explosion of spells, and the shouts of people intertwined to form a passionate battle symphony.

Zhang Hao cautiously approached the cave entrance again and peered outside. He saw a group of people in bizarre attire engaging in a fierce battle with the shadowy figures. Their moves were sharp, agile, and coordinated, each strike accurately hitting the shadows' vital points. Their figures gleamed in the sunlight, like gods of war descended from the sky, fearlessly fighting the forces of darkness.

"Could it be reinforcements?" A glimmer of hope ignited in Zhang Hao's heart. He stared intently at the battle outside the cave, silently praying for these people's victory.

Soon, the shadows began to flee in all directions, and peace gradually returned to the outside of the cave. Those mysterious people began to clean up the battlefield, their faces filled with the joy of victory.

The group reached the cave entrance, led by a handsome man. His features were sharply defined, as if carved. His deep eyes gleamed with wisdom and courage, inspiring awe. He wore a magnificent armor inlaid with precious gems that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.

"Friends inside, are you okay?" The man's voice was gentle and powerful, like a spring breeze, making people feel extremely warm.

Zhang Hao and the others were overjoyed, knowing that they had finally seen the light of hope. They struggled to their feet, supporting each other as they walked towards the cave entrance.

As they walked out of the cave, the man looked at their wounded bodies and quickly asked for medicine and food. His eyes were filled with concern and sympathy, as if he was watching his own family suffer.

"Thank you all for saving me," Zhang Hao said gratefully. His voice was filled with sincerity and respect, and tears glistened in his eyes.

The man smiled and said, "You're welcome. In this wilderness, we should help each other." His smile was as bright as the sun, making people feel extremely kind.

After some conversation, Zhang Hao learned that they were a team that specialized in adventures in this area and had rushed over to check things out after hearing the noise. They were experienced and well-equipped, and they often rescued people in distress in this dangerous area.

With their help, Zhang Hao and the others' injuries gradually improved and their strength slowly recovered. They enjoyed this rare tranquility and comfort, and felt the beauty and warmth of life.

"What are your plans next?" the man asked, his eyes filled with anticipation and concern.

Zhang Hao pondered for a moment and said, "We must continue to look for a way out and leave this valley." His voice was firm and powerful, full of expectations and confidence for the future.

The man nodded: "Then we can go together and take care of each other." His smile was full of encouragement and support.

So, they walked together towards the exit of the valley. Their figures gradually faded away in the sunlight, leaving behind a trail of firm footprints...