Rise of the Otherworld.

Led by Lingyu, the group continued their journey through this mysterious forest. A thick fog filled the air, making it difficult to see the path ahead. The ground beneath their feet was slippery, covered in rotting leaves and crisscrossing tree roots, requiring extreme caution with every step. A lingering, decaying smell permeated the air, leaving a sense of oppression.

Zhang Hao walked at the front of the group, sword in hand, ever vigilant. His eyes were focused, not missing a single sign of danger. The blade gleamed coldly in the dim light, as if proclaiming his determination. His clothes had long been torn by branches, and his body was covered with small scars, but his steps remained firm.

The woman followed closely behind him, the magic wand in her hand emitting a faint light, illuminating a small area around them. Her forehead was covered with sweat, and her breathing was a little rapid, but her eyes were full of determination. The gem on the magic wand flickered with an unsteady light, indicating the depletion of her magic power.

The old man held the little girl in his arms, his steps slightly unsteady. His face was etched with the marks of time, and now it was even more exhausted. The little girl hugged the old man's neck tightly, her eyes filled with fear, but she tried hard not to cry.

The herbalist supported him, their faces filled with exhaustion and worry. The herbalist's clothes were torn by thorns, and there were a few bloodstains on his arms, but he still gritted his teeth and persevered.

Ling Yu walked in the middle of the group, her expression calm, but her eyes revealed a hint of solemnity. She exuded a mysterious aura that made people feel at ease and full of awe.

"Everyone, be careful. There's something fishy going on here," Ling Yu suddenly said. Her voice wasn't loud, but it was remarkably clear in the silent forest.

Before he finished speaking, a rustling sound came from all around, as if countless pairs of eyes were watching them in the darkness. The sound was getting closer and closer, making people feel creepy.

"Oh no, something might be coming." Zhang Hao clenched the sword in his hand, his body tense, ready to deal with any emergency at any time.

Suddenly, a group of dark shadows rushed out from the woods and rushed towards the crowd. They were extremely fast, like a gust of wind.

"It's the Shadow Beast!" Ling Yu shouted, with a hint of surprise in her voice.

These shadow beasts were nimble, ghostly figures. Their bodies loomed in the darkness, their red eyes standing out only. Zhang Hao swung his sword at a shadow beast, but it easily dodged. The sword slashed through the air, making a whirring sound.

The woman cast a spell, sending beams of light towards the Shadow Beast, but the effect was minimal. The moment the magical beams touched the Shadow Beast, they seemed to be swallowed by the darkness and vanished without a trace.

Ling Yu formed seals with her hands and muttered something. A powerful beam of light shot out from her hands, repelling several shadow beasts. The light illuminated the surrounding area, allowing everyone to see the shadow beasts clearly. Their bodies were twisted, covered in sharp fangs and claws.

"Everyone, stay together! Don't disperse!" Zhang Hao shouted loudly. His voice was filled with anxiety and worry.

Everyone quickly gathered together, back to back, to resist the attack of the shadow beast. The shadow beast kept coming, and everyone could only fight desperately.

The Shadow Beasts were surging in number, and the group was gradually falling into a predicament. Zhang Hao's arm was scratched by a Shadow Beast, and blood flowed. The woman's magic power was about to be exhausted, and the light on her magic wand was getting weaker and weaker.

"This isn't going to work. We have to find their weakness!" Ling Yu said, her voice tinged with urgency.

At this moment, the little girl suddenly shouted, "I see that their eyes seem to be afraid of light!" Her voice was childish but full of hope.

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately came up with an idea. The woman concentrated her magic power, creating a massive ball of light that illuminated the surrounding area. The ball of light radiated such an intense light that the shadow beasts dared not approach.

The shadow beasts were illuminated by the strong light and their movements became slow.

Zhang Hao took the opportunity to lead everyone in a counterattack. His sword pierced the eyes of the shadow beasts like lightning. Under their attack, the shadow beasts fell one by one, howling in pain.

After a fierce battle, the shadow beasts were finally driven back. The ground was littered with the corpses of shadow beasts, and the air was filled with the smell of blood.

The crowd was exhausted, but they didn't dare to stop for a moment and continued to grope their way forward in the forest. They didn't know how many dangers were waiting for them, but their hearts were filled with hope...