Rise of the Otherworld.

As the monster collapsed, everyone's frayed nerves finally relaxed, but extreme exhaustion also washed over them. Zhang Hao's legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily, his sword carelessly tossed aside. His clothes were already tattered, and his body was covered with wounds of varying depths. Blood seeped through his clothes and mixed with the dust. His eyes were filled with fatigue, but also with a hint of relief at having survived. "It's finally over..." he muttered to himself.

The woman leaned against the stone wall, her delicate body trembling uncontrollably. Blood and dust mingled on her face, making her once beautiful features appear utterly awful. Her long hair tumbled messily over her shoulders, and her eyes were filled with endless exhaustion and fear. "I... I thought we were all going to die." Her voice was so weak it was almost inaudible, as if every word required all her strength.

The old man sat on the ground, his hands resting on his staff. His heavy breathing was particularly clear in the quiet passage. His face was covered with wrinkles, and now they seemed even deeper, each one telling of the vicissitudes of life and the hardships of this battle. "Ahem... I'm old and useless," he said self-deprecatingly, coughing.

The herbalist lay on the ground, his limbs sprawled, staring at the ceiling, as if he had no strength left. His chest heaved violently, and sweat dripped from his forehead like rain. "I... I've never been so tired in my life." His voice, thick with a rural accent, was filled with helplessness and exhaustion.

The black-robed man was also exhausted, his face pale as paper from the excessive consumption of his magic power. He closed his eyes tightly and tried to regulate his breathing, trying to recover some magic power.

"We...finally defeated it," Zhang Hao said weakly. His voice echoed in the empty passage, carrying a hint of relief and emotion.

No one responded, but just lay there quietly, enjoying the moment of peace. There was silence all around, only the sound of heavy breathing mixed together.

After a long moment, the woman slowly sat up. Her movements were slow, as if each one required immense effort. "But we don't know what to do next." Her voice was still weak, her eyes filled with confusion and worry.

Zhang Hao forced himself to sit up straight. "Rest for a while and recover your strength first." His voice was firm, but it couldn't hide his fatigue.

Everyone nodded and began to adjust their state. They closed their eyes, relaxed their bodies as much as possible, and made their breathing become steady.

During their rest, Zhang Hao began to reflect on their predicament. "These ruins are filled with unknown dangers. We must be even more cautious," he thought to himself. Every encounter had put them in a desperate situation, and there was no telling how many more difficulties and obstacles awaited them ahead.

The old man opened his eyes, a look of determination in his gaze. "But there may also be great opportunities." His voice, though hoarse, carried a sense of anticipation for the unknown.

The herbalist also sat up and rubbed his eyes. "I just hope I can get out alive." His voice was filled with simple hope, and his eyes were filled with longing for his family and hometown.

At this moment, a slight noise suddenly came from the other end of the passage. The sound was particularly clear in the silent passage, as if some kind of creature was slowly approaching.

Everyone became alert instantly, and their nerves, which had just relaxed, tensed up again.

"What is it?" the woman asked nervously. Her voice trembled slightly, and her hands unconsciously clutched the corners of her clothes.

Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly and slowly stood up. "I don't know, but everyone, get ready." His eyes were filled with vigilance, and he leaned forward slightly, ready to fight at any time.

Everyone stood up, picked up their weapons, and stared at the other end of the passage.

The sound grew closer, and everyone's heartbeats quickened. Every second seemed to stretch infinitely longer, and the tense atmosphere filled the air, making it almost impossible to breathe.

Finally, a vague figure appeared in everyone's sight...