Rise of the Otherworld.

The mysterious man was injured and retreated under the combined attack of the crowd. His once powerful and stable aura now became disordered. His body trembled slightly, and the eyes behind the mask revealed a hint of panic and anger.

Zhang Hao panted heavily, sweat dripping down his resolute face, yet he dared not relax even a little. "Everyone, be careful! He's not down yet!" His voice was tired, but still full of vigilance. The sword trembled slightly in his hand, as if it also told of the hardships of the fierce battle just now.

The woman held onto the wall, struggling to steady herself. Her beautiful face now looked utterly haggard. "Who is he? Why is he here?" Her voice was filled with confusion and uneasiness, her eyes gleaming with fear of the unknown and a desire for the truth.

The old man stared intently at the mysterious man, his weathered face etched with seriousness and contemplation. "Whoever he is, we must not let this opportunity slip away." His voice was deep and powerful, the staff in his hand flickering with a faint light, ready to strike again at any moment.

The black-robed figure wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his pale face appearing even more sinister in the darkness. "Kill him while he's weak!" His voice was filled with ruthlessness and determination, and magical power surged around him, ready to deliver the fatal blow to the mysterious man.

The herbalist also tightened his grip on his stick. Though his body was still trembling, his eyes were filled with determination. His breathing was rapid, his heart pounding, but his courage remained undimmed. "I'll go with you!" he shouted, as if to embolden himself.

The mysterious man looked at the crowd pressing forward, and a deep laugh emanated from beneath his mask, filled with mockery and disdain. "You think you can defeat me like this? How naive!" His voice carried a condescending arrogance, as if everyone was nothing more than ants in his eyes.

Zhang Hao shouted angrily, "Stop talking nonsense! Today is your death!" He charged again, sword in hand. His figure flashed like lightning, instantly reaching the mysterious man. His sword slashed through the air in a dazzling arc, brimming with rage and determination.

The mysterious man raised his hand and waved it, sending Zhang Hao flying with an invisible force. Like a kite with its string cut, Zhang Hao's body slammed heavily against the wall before sliding down. He coughed painfully, blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes remained firm.

"Hmph, you're the only one who can do that?" the mysterious man said coldly. His voice was filled with contempt, as if Zhang Hao's attack was nothing more than a tickle to him.

At that moment, the woman noticed that strange runes began to flicker in the dimmed areas of the mysterious man's body. Like living creatures, the runes moved across his body, emitting a mysterious and dangerous aura. "What is that?" the woman exclaimed in surprise. Her voice was filled with curiosity and shock, her eyes fixed on the runes, trying to find some clue.

The old man observed it carefully, his brow furrowed, his eyes filled with thought. "This rune seems to hold some secret." His voice was low and slow, as if he were pondering its meaning and purpose.

Upon hearing this, the mysterious man's eyes flashed with panic. He subconsciously tried to conceal the runes, but it was too late. "I can't let them see!" the mysterious man thought to himself, launching another attack to try to prevent the others from approaching. His hands danced, and dark power surged from them, forming black rays that shot towards the crowd.

But everyone had already noticed something was wrong and dodged the attack, moving closer to the mysterious man. Their steps were firm and swift, their eyes filled with determination and courage.

"Tell me, what exactly is this rune?" Zhang Hao demanded. He struggled to his feet and walked towards the mysterious man again. His eyes were filled with anger and eagerness, wanting to get an answer from the mysterious man.

The mysterious man gritted his teeth and said, "Even if I tell you, you won't understand." There was a hint of hesitation and struggle in his voice, as if he was considering whether to reveal the secret.

The man in black robe said, "If you don't tell me, you won't leave alive today!" His voice was full of threats, and magic power gathered in his hands, forming a huge magic ball, ready to attack at any time.

The mysterious man was silent for a moment, and finally spoke: "This rune... is related to the core secret of this relic." There was a hint of helplessness and unwillingness in his voice, as if revealing this secret was something he was extremely reluctant to do.

Everyone was shocked when they heard this. Could the core secret of the ruins lie with this mysterious person?

The woman asked anxiously, "What's the secret? Tell me!"

The mysterious man sighed, "There is a powerful magic weapon hidden in this relic, and these runes are the key to finding it."

The old man frowned. "Magic weapon? What kind of magic weapon?"

The mysterious man sneered, "Why bother telling you? You can't get it anyway. It's a divine weapon that can control life and death."

Everyone looked at each other, their hearts filled with shock and desire.

At this moment, a strong vibration suddenly came from deep in the tunnel...