Rise of the Otherworld.

Streams of black smoke slowly rose from the cracks, and within them came a faint, eerie laugh. It felt like it came from the depths of the abyss, chilling the very bones of the earth. The dark smoke, as if alive, twisted and tangled in the air, gradually forming a vast, indistinct shadow.

Everyone watched in horror, their nerves, which had just relaxed, tensed up again. Zhang Hao clenched his sword tightly, his gaze fixed on the cloud of smoke. His eyes were firm and fearless. Although there was a hint of fear in his heart, he knew he couldn't retreat at this moment.

"What the hell is this?" the herbalist's voice trembled, and he took a few steps back unconsciously. His legs were weak and he could hardly stand, his face full of fear and despair.

The woman's face was pale, and the magic wand in her hand trembled slightly. "No matter what it is, we must deal with it carefully." Although her voice was trembling, one could still hear a hint of strength in it.

The old man held the little girl tightly in his arms, his expression solemn, "Everyone, don't panic, let's take a look at the situation first." His voice was steady and calm, trying to calm everyone down.

The smoke grew thicker and thicker, gradually condensing into a huge shadow. Within the shadow, pairs of red eyes could be vaguely seen, flashing an eerie light, like countless evil stars embedded in the darkness.

"How dare you, these insignificant ants, challenge the authority of this land!" A sinister voice rang out from the shadows. The voice seemed to carry endless resentment and curses, making the human soul tremble.

Zhang Hao took a step forward and said, "No matter who you are, we will not retreat!" His voice was loud and firm, like a ray of light in the darkness.

"Hahahaha..." The shadow laughed wildly, "Then let me show you true fear!"

As he spoke, countless black tentacles stretched out from the shadows and swept towards the crowd. Those tentacles were like giant black pythons, twisting in the air, carrying a breath of destruction.

Zhang Hao swung his sword at the tentacles, the two colliding in a shower of sparks. His arm went numb from the recoil, but he gritted his teeth and swung his sword again. The woman also cast a spell, sending beams of light piercing the tentacles. A sizzling sound emanated as the magical rays made contact, but the tentacles seemed endless, constantly closing in on them.

The mysterious man dodged the tentacles' attack with a flash of his hand, simultaneously throwing out several talismans. These talismans burned in the air, transforming into balls of flame, temporarily blocking the tentacles' advance. The flames illuminated the surrounding darkness, revealing the tense faces of the crowd.

However, the tentacles' attacks became increasingly fierce, and the crowd gradually found it difficult to resist. The tentacles lashed the ground, lifting huge rocks and sending dust flying.

"This won't work. We have to find its weakness!" Zhang Hao shouted, his forehead covered in sweat, which trickled down his cheeks.

At this moment, the little girl suddenly pointed to the center of the shadow and said, "There seems to be something glowing there!" Her voice was clear and loud, which was particularly eye-catching in this chaotic scene.

Everyone looked in the direction the little girl pointed, and saw a faint bright spot in the center of the shadow. It was like a bright pearl in the darkness, appearing and disappearing.

"Perhaps that's its weakness!" the old man said, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and said, "I'm going! You guys cover me!"

With that, he charged like lightning towards the center of the shadows. The woman, the mysterious man, and the old man launched an all-out attack, clearing a path for Zhang Hao. Magical light and flames intertwined, forming a dazzling barrier that blocked the tentacles' attack.

The tentacles struck Zhang Hao, leaving scars all over his body. His clothes were torn, and blood stained his body red, but he did not retreat, and continued forward. Every step forward required tremendous effort.

Finally, Zhang Hao approached the center of the shadow and saw a crystal emitting a black light, which was filled with endless evil.

"That's it!" Zhang Hao raised his sword and slashed at the crystal with all his strength...