Rise of the Otherworld.

As they continued through the passage, their nerves grew. The atmosphere grew increasingly oppressive, as if the air itself had grown heavier. The pervasive fog seemed to have substance, and every step forward felt like an invisible resistance.

Suddenly, heavy footsteps sounded ahead, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly. The sound was like thunder exploding in my ears, terrifying.

"Be careful, something's happening!" Zhang Hao said in a low voice, a hint of nervousness in his voice, but more of a firmness. Everyone immediately stopped and looked warily in the direction of the footsteps. Their breathing became rapid, and their heartbeats were particularly clear in the silent passage.

A massive figure gradually emerged into view, a guardian radiating a powerful aura. He towered like a mountain, his muscles bulging with strength. He wore ancient, heavy armor, engraved with mysterious runes that shimmered eerily in the dim light. In his hand, he held a massive battle axe, its blade gleaming with a cold light, as if it could easily cleave anything in half.

"Who are you, trespassing here?" the guardian shouted, his voice echoing through the passage like thunder. His eyes blazed with fury, making it difficult to look directly at him.

Zhang Hao stepped forward, bowed and said, "We have no intention of offending you. We only came here to find a way out." His voice was steady and sincere, trying to calm the guardian's anger.

The guardian snorted coldly: "A way out? This is not a place you can come and go as you please!" His voice was full of majesty and determination, and the battle axe in his hand was raised high, ready to launch an attack.

As he spoke, the Guardian raised his battle axe and rushed towards the crowd. His speed was so fast that it brought up a gust of wind, which whistled in the passage.

Zhang Hao drew his sword to meet the enemy. His figure instantly transformed into a flash of lightning, and his sword and axe collided with a sharp metallic clang. Sparks flew, illuminating the surrounding darkness. Zhang Hao gritted his teeth, resisting the Guardian's attack with all his might, his arms trembling slightly from the immense force.

The woman also cast a spell to support Zhang Hao. She waved her hands, muttering something, and brilliant rays of light shot out from her hands, shooting towards the Guardian. Those rays were as bright as shooting stars, carrying immense power.

The herbalist watching from the side was getting anxious. He clenched the wooden stick in his hand, veins popping out on his forehead. He also wanted to rush over to help, but was stopped by the old man: "Don't be impulsive, be careful not to get hurt!" The old man's voice was serious and urgent.

The black-robed figure continued to cast magic, his hands dancing as the magic gathered in front of him into mysterious symbols. These symbols flew towards the guardian, attempting to disrupt his actions.

However, the guardian was formidable, his attacks like a violent storm, gradually putting Zhang Hao and the others at a disadvantage. Zhang Hao's shirt was ripped by the battle axe, blood staining his arm. The woman's magic gradually dimmed, her strength rapidly depleting. The herbalist stamped his feet anxiously, his eyes filled with anxiety. The old man frowned, pondering a response. The black-robed man's magic power was also about to run out, his face as pale as paper.

"This won't work. We have to find his weakness!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was a little hoarse from exhaustion, but he was still full of fighting spirit.

The woman observed the Guardian's movements and suddenly noticed that his left ankle seemed to be a little inconvenient. Every time he attacked with force, his left ankle would tremble slightly.

"Attack his left foot!" the woman shouted, her voice sharp with excitement.

Zhang Hao changed the direction of his attack upon hearing this. He dodged the Guardian's axe and stabbed at his left foot. His sword accurately pierced the Guardian's left foot, causing the Guardian to stumble and reveal a flaw.

Everyone seized the opportunity and rushed forward, launching a fierce attack on the guardian. The herbalist swung his stick, hitting the guardian's head. The old man threw a few final talismans, which burned in the air and transformed into a powerful force to hit the guardian. The woman once again cast a powerful spell, illuminating the entire passage. The black-robed man exhausted the last of his magic power and released a powerful magical attack.

Finally, under the combined efforts of everyone, the Guardian fell to the ground. His body made a dull thud, and the battle axe in his hand fell to the side.

"Huh...finally solved." The herbalist breathed a sigh of relief. He sat down on the ground, breathing heavily, sweat pouring down like rain.

But before they could rest, an even more eerie and terrifying sound emanated from the depths of the passage. It seemed to come from the depths of hell, carrying with it an endless chill and fear. Everyone's faces instantly turned pale, and their newly relaxed moods tensed up again...