Rise of the Otherworld.

The strange sound grew closer, like a dull drumbeat, hammering at everyone's heart. Zhang Hao and the others suppressed their fatigue and quickly entered a state of alert.

Amidst the rising dust, a group of dark figures gradually emerged. When they could see clearly, everyone gasped. They were a group of bizarre monsters, hunched over, with sharp fangs and claws, and their eyes gleamed with an eerie red light. Their skin was rough like bark, covered in a sticky liquid that exuded a sickening odor.

"What the hell is this?" Ling Yu couldn't help but exclaim. His voice was filled with fear and confusion, and the talisman in his hand trembled slightly.

Zhang Hao frowned, "No matter what it is, everyone, be careful!" His eyes were firm and calm, and he held the sword tightly in his hand, ready to face the upcoming battle.

The woman protected the little girl behind her, magic light gleaming in her hands. Her eyes were filled with maternal love and determination. "Don't be afraid, baby, I'm here." The little girl clutched the corner of the woman's clothes tightly, her body trembling.

The mysterious man gripped his dagger tightly, his eyes fixed on the gradually approaching group of monsters. His body leaned forward slightly, like a leopard about to pounce on its prey.

The monsters roared, a sound like a curse from hell, and instantly rushed towards everyone like a tide. Zhang Hao took the brunt of the attack, swinging his sword to engage the monsters. His sword flew up and down among the monsters, each swing causing a splash of blood. The sword collided with the monsters' claws, making a sharp sound.

The woman's magical light transformed into sharp blades, flying towards the monsters. Like lightning, the blades sliced ​​through the air, striking the monsters accurately. Each blade inflicted a deep wound, yet the monsters seemed undeterred, charging forward one after another.

The mysterious man, with his agility, weaved through the monsters, his dagger accurately piercing the monster's vital points with every strike, causing black blood to splatter and stain his clothes.

The old man continuously cast his magic, providing support and cover for the others. His staff shone with a multicolored light, each beam imbued with immense power. Wherever the light reached, monsters were driven back. However, the monsters were too numerous, and the crowd gradually felt overwhelmed.

"This isn't a solution!" Ling Yu shouted. His voice was hoarse from exhaustion, and the talismans in his hand were almost gone.

Zhang Hao struggled to resist the monsters' attacks while pondering countermeasures. His mind raced, sweat trickling down his cheeks and onto the ground beneath his feet. Suddenly, he noticed the monsters seemed to be protecting one of their size. The larger monster stood in the rear, directing the actions of the others.

"Attack that big guy, maybe it's the key!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was full of strength and determination, bringing a glimmer of hope to everyone.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned their attacks towards the giant monster. Various attacks rained down upon the monster like a torrential rain. The monster tried to dodge, but under the concentrated attack of everyone, it finally collapsed and died.

As the big monster fell, the other monsters seemed to have lost their command and immediately became disorganized. Everyone took the opportunity to launch a counterattack and gradually pushed the monsters back.

"Finally drove them away," the woman gasped, her face pale and her body swaying.

However, before anyone could breathe a sigh of relief, the surroundings suddenly shifted. The already dim forest grew even darker, thick with fog, making it difficult to discern direction. The fog was so thick it felt like substance, and every step felt like sinking into an endless mass of cotton wool.

"What's going on?" The mysterious man looked around warily. His voice echoed in the mist, sounding particularly hollow.

Zhang Hao had a bad premonition in his heart, "Everyone be careful, I'm afraid there are greater dangers waiting for us." His voice was low and serious, and he never put down the sword in his hand.

Before he finished speaking, a sinister laugh echoed through the mist. It seemed to come from all directions, making it impossible to pinpoint its source. The laughter echoed through the mist like the mockery of a demon.

Everyone's backs went cold as they nervously watched what was happening around them.

Suddenly, a massive claw emerged from the mist and clawed toward Zhang Hao. Zhang Hao reacted quickly, dodging sideways. But the claw's force was so immense that the gust of wind it created stung his cheek.

"Everyone disperse!" Zhang Hao shouted loudly.

Everyone quickly dispersed and looked at the owner of the claw vigilantly.

As the mist gradually dissipated, a gigantic figure appeared before them. It was a massive monster, much larger than any they had encountered before. Its body was covered in sharp thorns, and its eyes were like blazing fireballs.

"This...how do we fight this?" Ling Yu's voice was full of despair.

But Zhang Hao didn't flinch at all. "Let's fight!" He roared and charged at the monster again...