Rise of the Otherworld.

Everyone slowly approached the castle, each step filled with caution. The castle gates were tightly shut, inlaid with strange symbols that seemed to tell ancient stories and warn outsiders. It exuded a mysterious and ancient aura that sent shivers down one's spine.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath, reached out, and gently pushed the door. With a creak, it slowly opened, and a stale smell filled the air. The air, mingled with the smell of dust and decay, irritated everyone's noses. Zhang Hao couldn't help coughing a few times, and his grip on the sword tightened.

They entered the castle, which was dark and gloomy. Torches hanging on the walls flickered faintly. The light flickered in the darkness, as if it would go out at any moment. In the center of the hall stood a massive statue. Its face was blurred, yet it gave off an invisible sense of oppression. The statue's body was tall and majestic, as if it was looking down at everyone.

"What kind of place is this? It feels weird." Ling Yu couldn't help but say, his voice echoing in the empty castle. His voice trembled, breaking the deathly silence.

The old man observed his surroundings carefully and said, "This castle may be hiding many unknown secrets." His eyes revealed thought and caution, and the staff in his hand tightened unconsciously.

At this moment, a gust of cold wind blew, and the torches were instantly extinguished, plunging the entire hall into darkness. The darkness instantly swallowed everything, plunging people into endless fear.

"Ah!" the little girl screamed in fear, her voice sharp and piercing. The woman quickly hugged her and comforted her softly, "Don't be afraid, baby, mommy is here." Her voice was gentle and firm, trying to bring a sense of security to the little girl.

The mysterious man quickly pulled out a night-shining pearl from his bosom, and its faint light illuminated the surroundings. Although the light was weak, it seemed so precious in the darkness.

They continued forward, entering a long corridor. On either side of the corridor were tightly closed doors, each carved with strange patterns. Some resembled mysterious runes, while others resembled terrifying ghost faces, giving people a chilling feeling.

Zhang Hao carefully pushed open one of the doors. The room contained an ancient desk, piled high with yellowed books and scrolls. The pages were yellowed and brittle, as if they would crumble to ash at the slightest touch. The threads on the scrolls were frayed, emitting a stale smell.

He picked up a book and flipped through it. The words were obscure and difficult to understand. The text was twisted and complex, like an ancient code. "This seems to be some kind of ancient magic secret book." The old man leaned over, a look of surprise on his face. His eyes were fixed on the words, trying to decipher the secrets within.

Just as they were about to explore further, they suddenly heard a low roar coming from the depths of the castle. The roar sounded like a demon from the abyss, full of anger and pain.

"Oh no, there are other dangers in this castle!" Zhang Hao's face changed and his eyes became more vigilant.

Everyone's heart was once again in turmoil, they didn't know what was waiting for them. Fear spread in everyone's heart, but they also knew that there was no turning back.

The woman hugged the little girl tightly and said, "Don't be afraid, we will be fine." Although her voice was trembling, it was full of motherly love.

The mysterious man tightened his grip on the weapon in his hand, "Everyone be careful."

They continued down the corridor, the roaring getting closer and closer, shaking the walls slightly.

Finally, they arrived at the door of a huge room. The room was filled with a strong smell of blood, which made people sick.

"What...what is this?" Ling Yu's voice was filled with fear.

In the room, there was a huge monster bound by chains. Its body was huge, its hair was standing upright, its eyes were red, and flames were constantly spewing out of its mouth.

"Is this the monster guarding the castle?" said the old man.

When the monster saw everyone, it struggled even more frantically, and the chains made a "rustling" sound.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and said, "We must find a way to subdue it!"

Everyone is ready for battle, and a fierce battle is about to begin...