Rise of the Otherworld.

The cave was filled with the pungent odor of the monster's green blood. The strong, fishy smell lingered in the air like a substance, almost nauseating. The group had just defeated the monster, exhausted from the combined physical and spiritual exertion. However, before they could even catch their breath, they were faced with a mysterious figure emerging from the cave entrance. The tension instantly rose again, like a bowstring stretched to its limit.

The man in black robe stood tall at the entrance of the cave, like the master of darkness. His deep gaze was like a sharp hook, sweeping over everyone one by one, and finally landing on the monster's corpse on the ground. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "I didn't expect that you could actually deal with this guardian beast. You have some skills." His voice was low and hoarse, as if it came from a deep ancient well, with an indescribable sense of oppression.

Without hesitation, Zhang Hao, sword in hand, stood before the crowd with a resolute gesture, like a towering mountain, shielding his companions from the wind and rain. He regarded the black-robed man warily, his eyes revealing an unflinching determination. "Who are you? Why are you chasing us?" His voice was firm and powerful, echoing through the cave like a bell, as if to break the suffocating tension.

The black-robed man raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a hint of sneer, which was filled with contempt and disdain: "It doesn't matter who we are. What matters is that you have broken into a place you shouldn't be, destroyed the ruins, and disturbed the guardian beast." His words were like a cold blade, cutting everyone's nerves with every word.

"Ruins? We don't even know what these ruins are. We only came here to avoid danger." Ling Yu said angrily, his face flushed red with anger, like a ripe tomato. He clenched his fists tightly, and the veins on the back of his hands were clearly visible, as if he was ready to deliver a fatal blow to the enemy in front of him at any time.

"Hmph, that's easy to say. The ruins in this valley were left by an ancient powerful being, and they contain endless treasures and secrets. Before, there was always a guardian beast guarding it, and no one could get close. Now that you have come in and killed the guardian beast, don't even think about taking the treasures in the ruins for yourself." The black-robed man's eyes revealed endless greed, and his eyes seemed to want to devour everyone, as if in his eyes, everyone was already a stumbling block preventing him from obtaining the treasure.

"We're not interested in any treasures; we just want to leave," Zhang Hao said, his eyes revealing a hint of fatigue, but more of a determination. He knew full well that the group before him had ill intentions, and that peaceful departure would be difficult, but he still tried to make one last effort.

"Want to leave? Not so easy. Either hand over what you've taken from the ruins, or stay and die." One of the men behind the black-robed man shouted arrogantly. His voice was sharp and piercing, like the cry of a night owl, and it was particularly abrupt in the cave. He brandished a long sword in his hand, the blade flashing with a cold light, as if to demonstrate to the crowd.

The mysterious man stepped forward, his face showing calmness and composure. Although his heart was filled with worries, he knew that he could not panic at this moment: "We really didn't get anything, so don't push us too far." His voice was steady and powerful, trying to make the other party feel their sincerity.

The black-robed man's eyes flashed cold, like winter frost, instantly freezing the air around him. "It seems you're not going to accept my offer." With that, he waved his hand, a gesture imbued with authority and decisiveness, like a general commanding a vast army. His men drew their weapons, and for a moment, the cave was ablaze with cold light and murderous intent. The weapons, reflecting the dim glow of the night pearl, shone coldly, like the scythe of the Grim Reaper, ready to reap the lives of the people.

At this point, everyone knew a fierce battle was inevitable. However, after battling the monsters, their physical and spiritual strength had been depleted, and their chances of victory against this mysterious group of people with ill intentions were slim. The atmosphere in the cave was extremely tense, as if the slightest spark would trigger a devastating battle.

Zhang Hao whispered to the group, "Look for an opportunity to break out later. Don't fight too long." His voice was low, but it struck like a hammer on everyone's heart, instantly awakening them. Everyone nodded slightly, their eyes revealing a sense of determination and tacit understanding. They each secretly prepared themselves, knowing full well that only unity could offer them a glimmer of hope.

Seeing no sign of compromise, the black-robed man's eyes flashed with ruthlessness, and he shouted, "Attack!" This command was like the clarion call of war. His men surged toward them like a tide, their eyes filled with fanaticism and greed, as if those before them were already their prey. Zhang Hao was the first to charge forward. His movements were as nimble as a cheetah, his longsword wielding with ferocity as he engaged the leading warriors. Every clash of blades produced a crisp sound, sending sparks flying. Ling Yu, not to be outdone, wielding a dagger, moved like a ghost, darting through the enemy lines in close combat. His dagger sought a flaw in the enemy's defenses, each strike carrying a deadly threat. Behind him, the mysterious man cast a spell, his hands rapidly forming hand seals and muttering to himself. Icy arrows shot out from his hands, like a flock of whistling jackdaws, piercing the enemy. Wherever the icy arrows passed, the air froze, and the enemies dodged, throwing them into disarray. The woman and the old man coordinated, casting supporting spells. The woman's hands shone with a soft light, like the warm spring sun, empowering the crowd and making their attacks more powerful. The old man, in turn, used magic to disrupt the enemy's movements. His eyes focused, he chanted ancient incantations, and mysterious runes appeared beneath the enemy's feet, slowing their movements.

Suddenly, shouts and cries of killing erupted throughout the cave, as everyone engaged in a fierce battle with the mysterious figure. Blood began to spread across the cave floor, mixing with the monster's green blood, creating a strange and brutal scene. Who would emerge victorious in this battle remained unknown...