Rise of the Otherworld.

Before they could recover, a sinister laugh echoed through the cave. It sounded like something from hell, filled with evil and mockery. Everyone's faces instantly turned pale, their hearts, which had just relaxed, tensed up again. The air in the cave seemed to freeze at the terrifying sound, making it difficult to breathe.

"Who is this?" the woman asked in fear, her voice trembling as she involuntarily moved closer to Zhang Hao. Her eyes were filled with fear and confusion, and her hands tightly grasped the magic wand, as if it was her only lifeline.

Zhang Hao frowned, observing his surroundings warily. "I don't know, but he's definitely not a good person. Everyone, be careful." His voice was low and powerful, trying to give everyone a sense of security. His eyes were like torches, searching the darkness for the source of the laughter.

The laughter echoed, chilling the bones. The atmosphere in the cave grew increasingly eerie, the chill growing thicker, as if penetrating into the very bones of the human body. Every breeze carried a chill, ruffling the trembling bodies.

Suddenly, a dark figure slowly emerged from the darkness. He was tall and shrouded in a layer of black mist, making his features indistinct. The mist seemed alive, swirling around him, making it impossible to discern his true form.

"Did you think you could escape so easily?" The shadow's voice was hoarse and low, as if filled with endless resentment. Every word seemed to come from the abyss, filled with a sense of oppression.

Zhang Hao clenched the sword in his hand, "Who are you? Why are you stopping us?" His voice was firm and brave. Although he was full of tension in his heart, he still looked straight at the black shadow without flinching.

The black shadow sneered, "I am the guardian of this cave. You have trespassed into the forbidden area, so you must pay the price!" His voice echoed in the cave, shaking the broken stones on the stone wall to fall.

The old man stepped forward and said, "We have no intention of offending you. We are just looking for a way out." His tone was sincere, but also firm.

"Hmph, excuse!" The black shadow waved his hand, and a powerful force rushed towards everyone. This force was like a black storm, carrying the breath of destruction.

Zhang Hao quickly raised his sword to resist, "Everyone be careful!" His body tensed and he used all his strength to resist this force.

However, the force was too strong, and everyone was thrown back several steps. The little girl fell to the ground and began to sob. Her cry was particularly miserable in the silent cave.

The woman quickly helped the little girl up and said, "Don't be afraid, we are here." She comforted the little girl softly and used her body to shield her from possible danger.

Zhang Hao glared at the black shadow and said, "If you have the guts, fight us openly!" A raging rage burned in his heart, and he decided to protect everyone at all costs.

The black shadow laughed loudly, "You ants, are you worthy enough to fight me?" His laughter was full of disdain and contempt.

With that, he launched another attack. This time, the force was even more ferocious, sweeping down like a violent storm. Dark energy raged through the cave, assaulting everyone's mental defenses.

Zhang Hao and the old man exchanged glances, deciding to join forces. One wielded his sword, the other cast his magic, attempting to ward off the powerful attack. Zhang Hao's sword danced with vigor, each stroke radiating with determination and courage. The old man's magic shone, echoing Zhang Hao's sword energy.

The herbalist hid aside, trembling with fear. His teeth chattered, "What should I do? What should I do?" He muttered to himself in despair.

During the fierce confrontation, Zhang Hao discovered that the black shadow's power seemed to have a flaw.

"Attack his left side!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice a little hoarse from nervousness.

Everyone concentrated their strength and attacked the left side of the black shadow. The black shadow was slightly stunned, and his defense was slightly relaxed.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Zhang Hao thrust his sword at the shadow. The sword flashed a bright light in the darkness and pierced the shadow's vital point.

Just as the sword was about to pierce the shadow, it suddenly disappeared...