Rise of the Otherworld.

The strange sound lingered in the passage, like a call from the abyss, carrying with it an endless mystery and unknown. It was like the whispers of countless vengeful spirits, or the wild laughter of a demon, sending chills down one's spine. Everyone's nerves were once again strained to the breaking point, and the slight relief they had felt after defeating the monster instantly vanished.

Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly, his gaze as sharp as a torch. His eyes were firm and sharp, as if they could penetrate the endless darkness. "Everyone, be careful. This sound might be serious." His voice was deep and powerful, echoing in this strange passage.

The woman leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Her chest rose and fell violently, and each breath seemed labored. "I feel an invisible pressure, it's suffocating." Her voice trembled, her beautiful face filled with exhaustion and fear.

The old man frowned, listening carefully to the changing voice. His weathered face was etched with worry, and his deep eyes gleamed with thought. "It seems some ancient curse is at work," he said gravely, as if sensing the imminent danger.

The black-robed man opened his eyes, a flicker of determination in them. His pale face held no sign of retreat, but instead was filled with a thirst for battle. "No matter what, we cannot retreat." His voice was cold and firm, carrying an unquestionable resolve.

The herbalist clenched his stick, his body trembling slightly. Fear was written all over his plain face, but a hint of stubbornness lingered in his eyes. "I...I'm with you. I'm not afraid!" he shouted, as if to encourage himself.

As the sound became clearer, strange runes appeared in the passage. Those runes flickered with a dim light, like the eyes of a demon, peering at them in the darkness.

"These runes seem to be blocking our way," the woman said, her voice tinged with doubt and uneasiness, her gaze fixed on the mysterious runes.

Zhang Hao tried to touch the rune with his sword, but was bounced back by a powerful force. His body flew backwards and fell heavily to the ground.

"Oh no, this force is too strong!" Zhang Hao took a few steps back, finally stabilizing himself. His arm was numb from the shock, and his sword nearly slipped out of his hand.

They were trapped, unable to move forward or retreat. The passage seemed to have become a huge cage, trapping them tightly.

At that moment, the runes began to spin, forming a massive vortex. A powerful suction emanated from the vortex, and everyone's bodies involuntarily moved closer to it. The suction was like an invisible hand, tightly grasping them, attempting to drag them into endless darkness.

"Everyone, hold on to what's around you!" the old man shouted. His voice was distorted by the suction, but still clearly audible.

Zhang Hao plunged his sword into the ground, gripping the hilt tightly with both hands. Veins bulged on his arms as he used all his strength to resist the suction.

The woman clung to a protruding rock, her fingers turning white from the strain. Her long hair fluttered in the wind, and her eyes were filled with despair.

The herbalist grabbed the corner of Zhang Hao's clothes tightly, and his feet left two deep marks on the ground.

The black-robed figure cast a spell, attempting to weaken the suction. His hands danced, and magic gathered around him, forming mysterious symbols. But the effect was minimal; the suction remained immensely strong.

The suction grew stronger and stronger, and everyone's efforts seemed to be in vain. Their bodies edged closer and closer to the vortex, as if they would be swallowed up in the next second.

"Are we going to be sucked in like this?" The herbalist's voice was filled with despair. His face was covered with sweat and tears, and his heart was filled with fear.

Just when everyone was about to give up, Zhang Hao suddenly discovered a flaw in the rune vortex. It was a tiny flash of light, faintly visible in the vortex's rapid rotation.

"Concentrate your forces and attack there!" Zhang Hao pointed at a spot and shouted. His voice was hoarse with excitement, but full of hope.

Upon hearing this, everyone exerted their last bit of strength, directing all their attacks towards the flaw. The woman's magic light, the old man's talisman, the herbalist's stick, the black-robed man's magic, and Zhang Hao's sword all combined to form a powerful impact.

With everyone's combined efforts, the rune vortex finally stopped spinning, and the suction gradually faded. Everyone collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. Their bodies were exhausted to the point of collapse, as if they would collapse at any moment.

But before they could rest for long, an even more terrifying sound emanated from the depths of the tunnel. It was like the roar of countless monsters, or the tolling of hell's bells. Everyone's faces instantly turned pale, and their newly relaxed mood sank back to the bottom...