Rise of the Otherworld.

As the bright light gradually faded, everyone was finally able to open their eyes and take in the sight before them. A mysterious box, radiating light, slowly rose from the stone platform. The box was pitch black, inlaid with a variety of exotic gemstones. The shimmering light from the gemstones was like the stars in the night sky, dazzling and captivating.

"What's in this box?" the woman asked curiously. Her eyes were fixed on the box, and she took an unconscious step forward, her heart filled with anticipation and curiosity.

Zhang Hao walked forward and observed the box carefully. "I'm not sure, but it feels unusual." His voice was low and cautious, his eyes scanning every detail of the box, trying to find clues to open it.

Just as Zhang Hao was about to reach out to touch the box, the old man stopped him, "Be careful, it's a trap!" His voice was anxious and nervous, and his face was full of worry.

However, Zhang Hao's hand was about to touch the box. Just as his fingertips were about to make contact, a powerful energy shield suddenly appeared around the box, deflecting Zhang Hao's hand. Zhang Hao felt a surge of immense force, and was so shocked that he took several steps back, nearly falling to the ground.

"This shield is very powerful." Zhang Hao steadied himself, frowning, secretly surprised. He shook his numbed hands and looked at the box again, his eyes more solemn.

The mysterious man came closer and asked, "How about we break this shield by force?" There was a fierce look in his eyes and he tightened the dagger in his hand.

"No, rash action could lead to even more dangerous consequences," Ling Yu said. Her face was serious, and her eyes swept across everyone's faces. "We know nothing about this box. Breaking the shield by force could trigger an unknown mechanism."

Everyone fell into deep thought, thinking about how to open this mysterious box. The room fell silent for a moment, with only the heavy breathing and heartbeats of everyone.

The little girl suddenly said, "Maybe those symbols are the key to opening the box." Her voice was clear and childish, breaking the silence in the room.

Everyone's attention once again focused on the symbols on the stone platform. They curved like ancient totems, imbued with a mysterious aura. The old man studied them carefully. "It seems like some kind of ancient code." His eyes narrowed, and his fingers gently touched the symbols, as if sensing the power hidden behind them.

After some effort, the old man finally deciphered part of the code. "Let's all try inputting magic power according to this pattern," the old man said. There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice, but this was the only way at the moment.

Everyone poured their magic power into the stone platform. As the magic power was poured in, the shield around the box began to flicker. The light was sometimes strong and sometimes weak, as if it was fighting against the magic power that everyone was pouring in.

"It's working, keep going!" Zhang Hao shouted. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his body trembled slightly from the output of magic power.

Everyone increased their magical output, and the shield finally dissipated. The box slowly opened. A powerful force surged from the box, knocking everyone to the ground. Like a raging storm, the force instantly engulfed the entire room.

"What kind of power is this?" the mysterious man exclaimed. His body rolled several times on the ground before he managed to stabilize himself.

When the light faded, everyone discovered an ancient book lying quietly in the box. The book exuded an old smell, and the paper was yellowed, as if it had experienced a long time.

"Could this be the secret of the ruins we've been searching for?" the woman asked, her voice filled with a hint of surprise, but more of confusion.

Zhang Hao picked up the scroll and opened it. The words on the scroll transformed into rays of light and poured into his mind. Zhang Hao felt a sharp pain in his head, as if countless needles were piercing his brain.

"Ah..." Zhang Hao held his head in pain and rolled on the ground. His face was pale and his features were distorted, looking extremely painful.

Everyone was suddenly panicked.

"Zhang Hao, what's wrong with you?" Ling Yu asked anxiously. She rushed to Zhang Hao's side and tried to use magic to relieve his pain, but it was of no use.

"What on earth is this scroll?" the old man asked anxiously.

The little girl was so scared that she started crying.

After a while, Zhang Hao slowly opened his eyes, "I seem to know the way out..." His voice was weak but firm, which rekindled hope in everyone's hearts.

"Really? That's great!" the woman said excitedly.

"However, this road may be full of dangers." Zhang Hao glanced at the crowd, "We must be prepared."

Everyone nodded, their eyes full of determination.

"Let's go!" Zhang Hao stood up and led the way towards the exit...