Rise of the Otherworld.

The giant python twisted its body in agony, and the cave was filled with dust. The dust was like a thick haze, enveloping everyone. Although everyone was somewhat panicked by this sudden change, their will to survive and their desire for victory quickly calmed them down, and a determined light rekindled in their eyes.

Zhang Hao's sword remained lodged in the python's left eye, its blade entwined with its flesh, as if it had become part of the creature. He seized the moment when the python's movements slowed in agony, gripped the hilt with both hands, and yanked with all his might. With a dull thud, the sword ripped free, accompanied by a stream of warm blood. Blood gushed out like a fountain, splashing onto Zhang Hao's body and staining his clothes crimson. The python roared in pain, its fury rumbling like a roar that shook the cave walls, sending rubble cascading down its face. It felt as if the entire cave trembled with the roar. Its massive body tumbled wildly, like a chariot out of control, attempting to crush everything around it.

"Everyone, hold on! Don't let it throw you!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice echoing through the cave with unwavering resolve. Simultaneously, he swung his longsword, stained with the python's blood, with unstoppable force. Streams of spiritual energy emanated from the blade, like invisible threads, quickly coalescing into streams of sword energy. These energies flashed with a cold light, piercing the air with sharp, blade-like cries as they slashed at the python's wounds. Each wisp of sword energy brimmed with Zhang Hao's fury and determination, as if to inflict even greater pain upon the python. The sword energy slashed against the python's wounds, further opening the already bloody wound. Blood splattered, and the python's roar intensified.

The mysterious man rapidly formed hand seals with his hands, his movements as smooth as flowing water, yet imbued with a mysterious power. He muttered a low, obscure incantation, as if emanating from a distant, mystical land. The surrounding water vapor rapidly converged, and the small water spheres that had split apart to attack the python merged again, forming a massive blue sphere at astonishing speed, hovering above his head. The electric current on the surface of the sphere intensified, emitting a sizzling sound, as if gathering devastating power. A blue light illuminated the entire cave, casting flickering shadows on the figures. "Watch me break the water dragon!" the mysterious man shouted, his voice filled with confidence and authority. He thrust the sphere toward the python. In its flight, the sphere instantly transformed into a ferocious water dragon. The dragon appeared lifelike, its mouth wide open as if to devour the python as it lunged towards it. Wherever the dragon passed, the air seemed to compress, making a whirring sound.

Ling Yu, taking advantage of the python's distraction by Zhang Hao and the mysterious man, charged at it again. He darted nimbly through the thick dust, like a nimble cheetah, searching the darkness for its prey's weakness. The dagger in his hand flashed with a cold gleam, a glimmer like a star in the night sky, carrying a deadly aura. He zeroed in on a gap in the python's neck where the scales had opened slightly due to its violent tumbling. Without hesitation, he leaped forward, his movements as swift as a flying swallow. He plunged the dagger deep into the gap, then slashed hard along the scales, attempting to widen the wound. The dagger scraped against the scales, making a sharp sound. The python, in pain, lashed out, like an enraged bull, flinging Ling Yu away. Ling Yu flipped in mid-air, landing safely with his exceptional agility, but the python's scales still left a deep wound on his arm. Blood flowed down his arm and dripped onto the ground, but Lingyu ignored the pain. His eyes were still fixed on the giant python, ready to attack again at any time.

The woman wasn't idle either. Her hands danced rapidly, like fluttering butterflies, chanting an ancient incantation. The incantation was like the sound of nature, yet imbued with a mysterious power. The temperature around them plummeted, as if winter had suddenly arrived. Countless icicles erupted from the ground, like sharp fangs, piercing the python's belly. Simultaneously, she condensed a stream of ice arrows, raining them down on the python's head. The ice arrows flashed in mid-air, carrying a piercing chill, as if freezing the python in the river of time. The ice arrows struck the python's body with a clanging sound, some shattering, others embedding themselves between the python's scales.

The old man cast a defensive spell, and a massive earthen wall slowly rose before the crowd, like a solid fortress. Its surface was uneven, emitting an earthy yellow glow, as if the power of the earth were converging at this moment. This wall not only prevented the giant python from inflicting fatal harm in its dying struggles, but also gave them an invisible sense of security. At the same time, he channeled a portion of his spiritual power, connecting it through a mysterious spell and adding it to the spells of Zhang Hao, the mysterious man, and the woman, making their attacks even more powerful. Beads of sweat covered the old man's forehead, a sign of excessive spiritual energy depletion, but his eyes remained firm as he silently offered support to the crowd.

Under the combined assault, the python's wounds multiplied, and blood gushed forth, staining the cave floor an eerie hue. Like a winding river, the blood spread across the ground. Its struggles gradually grew feeble, its once furious roars fading into feeble shrieks. Yet, the python remained incredibly tenacious, even in its desperate straits, attempting a final counterattack. Its eyes gleamed with resentment, and its massive body twisted once more, slowly advancing towards the group. Each advance left a deep, bloody streak on the ground...