Rise of the Otherworld.

The clamor grew closer, like the prelude to an impending storm, dull and heart-wrenching. Everyone's heart tightened, as if an invisible hand were gripping their hearts. Just moments ago, they were immersed in the anticipation of exploring the ancient tome, but now they had to put the book down and quickly assume a fighting stance again, their nerves tense to the extreme.

Zhang Hao quickly approached the door, his steps steady yet rapid, each one akin to a heartbeat. He peered through the crack in the doorway and saw a pack of wolves, but enormous creatures, charging towards the building like a gust of wind. These wolves, the size of full-grown horses, were covered in coarse, glossy black fur that shimmered eerily in the sunlight. Their eyes gleamed with a faint green light, like two will-o'-the-wisp flames, radiating an endless chill and eeriness. Saliva dripped from their mouths, dripping from their sharp fangs onto the ground with a clattering sound. They let out a deep growl, a roar that seemed to emanate from the depths of Hell, filled with aggression and bloodlust.

"It's the Nether Wolves. Everyone, be careful! They're ferocious by nature and prefer to fight in groups," Zhang Hao whispered. Though his voice was low, it struck everyone's heart like a hammer. At the same time, he subconsciously tightened his grip on his sword, causing it to tremble slightly, as if sensing the impending danger.

The mysterious man quickly stood beside Zhang Hao, his eyes focused yet calm. He formed seals with his hands, and streams of spiritual energy flickered and danced at his fingertips, like a group of agile spirits. "There are a lot of them. We need to find a way. We can't just fight head-on." His voice was steady and powerful, trying to bring a sense of calm to the crowd in the tense atmosphere.

Ling Yu stretched his body. Though the wounds he'd sustained in the previous battle with the black-robed man and his companions still ached, his eyes were still filled with fighting spirit, a desire for survival and a fearlessness of challenge. "Let's fight! We can't just sit here and wait for death." He gripped the dagger tightly, the blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight, as if proving its sharpness and its eagerness to drink blood.

The woman and the old man stood behind the crowd, their expressions solemn and focused. As they waved their hands, soft, mysterious rays of light emanated from them, falling upon the crowd. The old man frowned and said, "These Nether Wolves are quite powerful. We must be careful." His voice carried a hint of worry, but more of a firm resolve, a determination to overcome this difficult time together.

As they spoke, the Nether Wolves had already rushed to the building like a black tide. The leader was exceptionally large, a full head taller than the others, its fur thicker than ever, and its dark green eyes gleamed with the majesty of a leader. It raised its head and howled, its voice resonating through the valley like thunder, jarring everyone's eardrums. Then, it led the pack and charged at the group with a ferocious momentum that threatened to engulf them all in an instant.

Zhang Hao charged forward like an arrow, his form swift and fearless, his longsword wielding with gusts of wind. A stream of sword energy shot out from the tip of his blade, like a brilliant meteor, piercing the pack. Like a sharp blade, the energy slashed with overwhelming force at the foremost Nether Wolves. However, the Nether Wolves were incredibly agile, scattering and dodging like ghosts. Only two were caught off guard and struck by the sword energy. The energy sliced ​​through their bodies, sending blood splattering. The two Nether Wolves howled in agony and writhed on the ground.

The mysterious man seized the opportunity, thrusting his hands forward while muttering something. Instantly, a wall of ice rose before them, crystal clear and emitting a biting chill. Like a fortress, it blocked the wolves' attack. But the Nether Wolves didn't flinch. Their eyes gleamed with madness as they repeatedly rammed their bodies against the ice wall. The ice wall crackled with each impact, and cracks appeared, as if it would shatter at any moment.

Taking advantage of the gap in the ice wall holding back the wolves, Lingyu rushed towards a Nether Wolf like a flash of black lightning, dagger in hand. His nimble form allowed him to weave through the pack with ease, deftly dodging the wolves' attacks. Then, seizing his moment, he plunged the dagger fiercely into the wolf's abdomen. The dagger sank into the wolf's body, spurting blood. The wolf roared in pain, turning to bite Lingyu, but was kicked away. Using this momentum, Lingyu retreated quickly, ready to strike again.

The woman and the old man continued to cast spells in the background. Rays of light shot out from their hands, like a brilliant rainbow, yet carrying deadly power. The rays struck several Nether Wolves, and puffs of green smoke rose from their bodies. Their movements became sluggish, and their combat effectiveness was greatly weakened.

However, the wolves were so numerous, seemingly endless at first glance, and fearless, they charged at the defenses in wave after wave. The ice wall finally collapsed under the wolves' frenzied charge, shattering into countless shards that scattered across the ground. The wolves surged forward like a tide, and the crowd was instantly plunged into a bitter battle.

At that moment, amidst the fierce battle, Zhang Hao keenly noticed that the wolves seemed to be deliberately avoiding the deer-like creature. With a sudden thought, as if seeing a glimmer of hope in the darkness, he shouted, "Everyone, move towards the deer. Perhaps it can help us."

Upon hearing this, the crowd struggled to fend off the wolves' attacks while struggling to move towards the fawn. They were all wounded, their clothes stained red with blood, but their gazes remained steadfast. The fawn seemed to sense their plight, its once gentle glow growing brighter, like a shining sun. A strange cry emanated from its mouth, a clear and melodious sound that seemed to carry a mysterious power, lingering and echoing in the air.

As the howls rang out, the surrounding space seemed to undergo some subtle shift, the once restless atmosphere becoming heavy. The wolves' movements slowed, a hint of fear flickered in their eyes, and their frantic attack rhythm was disrupted. Their steps faltered, as if trapped in some invisible bondage...