Rise of the Otherworld.

The ghostly shadows surged forward like a tide, their speed staggering. The darkness seemed to take on substance, sweeping toward Zhang Hao and his companions like thick ink. Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly, his gaze fixed on the approaching shadows. He shouted, "Everyone, prepare for battle!" His voice echoed through the valley, carrying with it an indomitable courage and determination.

The woman suppressed her fatigue and gathered her magical power once more. Her eyes were closed, her brow furrowed, and a light flickered between her hands. The light was faint at first, then gradually brightened, like the stars in the night sky about to break at dawn.

The herbalist picked up the stick from the ground. Although his hands were still shaking slightly, his eyes were full of determination. He gritted his teeth, as if he was going to use all his strength to face this battle.

The old man took a deep breath and pulled out several precious talismans from his pocket. The runes on the talismans shone with a mysterious light, and his eyes were solemn as he prepared to deal with the impending crisis.

The black-robed man waved his hands, and magic energy surrounded him, forming a faint shield. The shield was like a blue flame, pulsing and emitting powerful power.

As the shadows approached, everyone could see clearly that they were a group of monsters with distorted faces and strange shapes. Some of them had sharp claws that gleamed coldly like blades; some of them spewed green smoke from their mouths, which had a pungent smell that made people feel dizzy; and some of them had eyes that flashed with an eerie red light that seemed to be able to capture people's souls.

"Kill!" Zhang Hao rushed forward first, his sword slicing a cold ray through the air. His movements were swift and decisive, and he instantly struck down a dark figure with his sword. The figure let out a shrill scream and dissipated into a puff of black smoke.

The woman's magic beamed towards the shadows, intertwining them for a moment. Her magic was like a dazzling firework, bursting into dazzling brilliance in the darkness. Each beam of light accurately struck the shadows, causing them to momentarily freeze.

The herbalist, unwilling to be outdone, brandished his wooden stick, engaging the shadow in a desperate struggle. Though his stick looked simple, it unleashed immense power in his hands. Each swing of the stick created a whirring sound, and when it struck the shadow, it clunked with a dull thud.

The old man cast out spells, each one transforming into a ball of flame, burning towards the shadow. The flames spread through the shadow, crackling and crackling. The shadow struggled and twisted within the flames, trying to escape, but was mercilessly devoured by the flames.

The black-robed figure's magic shield withstood the shadow's repeated attacks, and he seized the opportunity to unleash his magic. He muttered something, thrust his hands forward, and a powerful surge of magic rushed toward the shadow like a surging wave. Under the impact of the magic, the shadow retreated one after another.

However, the shadows were so numerous, pouring in endlessly, as if they could never be slain. Zhang Hao and the others gradually fell into a difficult situation. Their physical strength was rapidly depleting, and their movements were becoming increasingly sluggish. Each attack required more effort, and each defense seemed more difficult.

"This won't work. We must find their weakness!" Zhang Hao shouted as he fought. His voice was a little hoarse from exhaustion, but still firm.

The woman observed the movements of the black shadows and suddenly shouted, "Their heart seems to be their weak point!" A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, as if she saw a ray of light in the darkness.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their attacks towards the shadow's heart, each strike becoming more precise and powerful.

After a fierce battle, the number of shadows finally began to decrease, but everyone was already wounded and panting.

Just when everyone thought victory was within reach, a massive black shadow appeared before them. It was several times taller than the others, like a small mountain. Its aura was even more powerful than the previous ones, filled with an oppressive feeling. That aura was like a heavy dark cloud, weighing down everyone, making it almost impossible to breathe.

"What...what is this?" the herbalist cried in horror. His voice was filled with fear and despair, and his legs began to tremble uncontrollably.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and said, "No matter what it is, let's go together!" There was no trace of retreat in his eyes, only firm determination and fearless courage.

Summoning their courage once more, they charged towards the massive black shadow. Zhang Hao led the charge, sword raised high, stabbing at the shadow's heart. The woman's magical light followed closely behind, streaking through the darkness like a meteor. The herbalist swung his stick, exhausting his last bit of strength. The old man threw out a few final talismans, which burned in the air, transforming into a powerful force. The black-robed figure's magic power erupted once more, creating a powerful shockwave.

The huge black shadow roared, waving its claws in an attempt to block the attacks. But Zhang Hao and the others were determined, and their attacks fell on the black shadow like a violent storm.

Finally, under the combined attack of everyone, the giant black shadow was struck in the heart. Its body trembled, and it let out a final, unwilling roar before collapsing to the ground, dissipating into a giant cloud of smoke...