Rise of the Otherworld.

The cave shook violently, as if the world were about to end. Rocks from the ceiling rained down like raindrops, each one carrying lethal force. Just as everyone had recovered from the exhaustion and joy of defeating the giant python, they were once again enveloped by this sudden and ruthless crisis.

"Oh no! The cave's collapsing! Find an exit!" Zhang Hao yelled at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with unprecedented anxiety. He forced his exhausted body to stand as quickly as possible. His legs felt like they were filled with lead, and every step required immense effort. But his instinct for survival unleashed a tremendous burst of strength. His voice was faint in the swaying cave, but it was like a resounding bell, instantly rousing everyone from their momentary composure, like a flash of lightning piercing the dark night sky.

Lingyu quickly glanced around, his eyes darting through the swirling dust, searching for signs of life. Finally, he vaguely spotted a narrow passage on the side of the cave. It loomed in the darkness, like a mysterious helping hand reaching out from the darkness. "There might be a way out over there! Hurry!" He shouted with all his might, pointing in the direction of the passage, his voice tinged with surprise and eagerness.

Without time to think, the crowd exchanged glances, understanding each other without words. Supporting each other, they rushed toward the passage. The cave's shaking intensified, as if the earth were roaring in anger. The cracks in the ground widened like the mouth of a ferocious beast, seemingly threatening to devour them mercilessly. Each shaking was terrifying, as if they would be swallowed by darkness in the next second.

The mysterious man ran, casting spells, his hands dancing rapidly in the air, muttering to himself. Mystical runes flew from his fingertips, rapidly erecting a transparent shield above the crowd, like an invisible sky, shielding them from the relentless onslaught of rocks. The shield thumped under the impact of the rocks, resembling the beating of war drums, each thump striking the hearts of the crowd. Cracks appeared on the shield's surface, spreading like spiderwebs, as if ready to shatter at any moment.

The woman, watching the situation around her, vigilantly observed, her eyes sharp as an eagle's, ever on the lookout for danger. Her hands gleamed like stars in the night sky, ready to cast magic to address any unexpected situation. Her heartbeat raced, each beat a reminder of approaching danger, yet her eyes held a resolute and unyielding expression.

The old man's once steady steps slowed and faltered, his pace gradually slowing due to excessive exhaustion. Zhang Hao keenly sensed the old man's plight and without hesitation ran to his side, squatted down, and carried him on his back. "Don't worry, we'll get out together!" Zhang Hao said firmly, his voice as strong as steel, a shot of confidence in the old man.

Just as everyone was about to reach the entrance to the tunnel, a massive rockfall, like a small mountain, loomed before them. The massive rockfall almost completely blocked the tunnel, instantly extinguishing everyone's hopes.

"What should we do?" Ling Yu asked anxiously. There was a hint of despair in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

Zhang Hao stared at the falling rock, a flicker of determination in his eyes, a look that seemed to declare his unwavering resolve. He gently set the old man down, took a deep breath, and concentrated all his spiritual energy, channeling it into his fist like a surging torrent. He struck the rock with a whistling blow, carrying the force of a tidal wave. However, the rock merely swayed slightly, making a dull thud, and was not dislodged as he had hoped.

Seeing this, the mysterious man and Ling Yu joined in without hesitation. The three of them stood before the falling rock, their feet firmly planted on the ground, their hands pushing against it with all their might. They clenched their teeth, their facial muscles contorted with the effort, sweat dripping down their cheeks and onto the ground. With their efforts, the rock finally shifted slowly, making a dull grinding sound and revealing a gap barely wide enough to pass through.

"Hurry, go through here!" Zhang Hao shouted, with a hint of joy in his voice.

Everyone passed through the gap one by one and entered the passage. It was pitch black, pitch dark, and filled with a pungent odor, as if a demon hidden in the darkness was emitting an evil aura. But they didn't care about that. The desire to survive drove them to continue running forward.

Suddenly, a stone wall appeared in front of them, like an insurmountable mountain, blocking their way. "Are we trapped here?" the woman said anxiously, her voice tinged with despair, and the sound echoed in the dark passage, sounding particularly desolate.

Zhang Hao refused to give up, knowing full well that giving up now would mean death. He scrutinized the stone wall, his eyes like searchlights, scanning every detail. Finally, he spotted a small mechanism in a corner. It was so cleverly hidden that it would have been impossible to detect without his careful attention. He approached, a touch of trepidation in his heart, and gently pressed the mechanism. The stone wall slowly rose, making a rumbling sound, as if the door of fate were slowly opening, revealing a new passage.

The group continued along the passage, the roar of the cave collapsing constantly echoing behind them. It was like the footsteps of death, following closely behind them. They didn't know where this passage led, but they knew that only by moving forward could they have hope of survival. In the darkness, their figures were firm and persistent, like warriors seeking light in the darkness...