Rise of the Otherworld.

Under the constant influx of the Spirit Pearl's spiritual energy, everyone was immersed in a state of cultivation, as if they were in a secluded spiritual realm. The surrounding noise and chaos had dissipated, leaving only themselves and the vast and pure spiritual energy intertwining. Zhang Hao felt his meridians undergoing a profound transformation under the spiritual energy's delicate yet resilient temper, like fine steel tempered in a fierce fire, becoming increasingly tough and resilient. The initial excruciating pain caused by the countercurrent of spiritual energy pounding his meridians was gradually replaced by a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, as if every cell in his body had become a greedy vessel, fully absorbing the nourishment of this spiritual energy and bursting with vitality.

The mysterious man's cultivation progressed smoothly. With exquisite skill in manipulating his spiritual energy, he methodically channeled the spiritual energy released from the spirit pearl, seamlessly merging it with his own, like two surging rivers converging into a magnificent cascade. He continuously broadened the circulation of his spiritual energy, each movement seemingly opening a wider channel for spiritual energy, allowing it to flow more smoothly and powerfully. As his cultivation deepened, his aura grew more steady, like the surface of a calm, deep lake, seemingly unruffled yet teeming with boundless power. The spiritual energy emanating from him also grew stronger and more restrained, no longer a flamboyant display, but a profound, accumulated force.

Lingyu, the woman, and the old man also immersed themselves in their cultivation. Their bodies, carefully transformed by spiritual energy, were gradually radiating new vitality and vigor. Lingyu could clearly feel his speed and agility, fueled by spiritual energy, experiencing a qualitative leap. He seemed to have reached a tacit understanding with the wind, sensing its every rhythm. His steps grew lighter, his movements more agile, as if he could at any moment control the wind, becoming one with it. The woman felt her spiritual energy become more gentle and healing. During her cultivation, her perception of the surrounding elements became more acute than ever. Every flower, blade of grass, tree, and stone resonated subtly with her. She seemed to hear the whispers of nature and sense the harmonious coexistence of the elements. The old man felt his foundation grow stronger, like an ancient castle weathered by time. Strengthened by spiritual energy, each brick and stone became more solid, laying an unshakable foundation for further breakthroughs.

However, just as everyone was reveling in the remarkable improvements brought by their training, eagerly anticipating further advancements in strength, a sudden and unexpected change struck. The spirit pearl, which had previously radiated a soft, warm glow, suddenly became violent and glaring, like an enraged beast, wantonly venting its rage. Tiny yet startling cracks suddenly appeared on the pearl's surface, spreading rapidly like spiderwebs. Powerful spiritual energy, like a flood bursting through a dam, burst uncontrollably from the pearl, wreaking havoc in all directions.

"Oh no, there's a problem with the spirit pearl!" The mysterious man was the first to wake up from his deep cultivation state. His voice was filled with shock and worry that was hard to conceal, and it echoed in the valley like a huge bell.

Everyone awoke, their eyes hastily opened. Their faces simultaneously revealed expressions of utter shock at the sudden change before them. The spiritual energy emanating from the spirit pearls was like an uncontrolled apocalyptic storm, raging through the valley, leaving devastation in its wake. Stout trees were uprooted, struggling feebly in the air before being hurled far into the distance. Huge boulders, like fragile glass, shattered instantly under the impact of the spiritual energy, turning into a cloud of rubble.

"What's going on?" Zhang Hao asked loudly while using all his spiritual power to build a solid defensive barrier in front of him to resist the overflowing spiritual power. His voice seemed a little weak in the howling of the storm, but it was full of anxiety and confusion.

The mysterious man's brows knitted together tightly, a frown so tight it could pinch a fly to death. His mind raced, pondering the cause of the Spirit Pearl's unusual changes. After a moment, he said solemnly, "Perhaps during our cultivation, we've drawn too much spiritual energy from the Spirit Pearl, exceeding its capacity, causing its instability." His eyes betrayed a hint of self-blame and helplessness, fully aware of the dire situation.

At this moment, the cracks in the spirit pearl were growing at a visible rate, as if at any moment they would collapse under the weight and shatter completely. Once the spirit pearl shattered, the powerful spiritual energy contained within, enough to destroy heaven and earth, would trigger a catastrophe, and the entire valley would be razed to the ground in an instant, reduced to ruins.

"We must find a way to stabilize the spirit pearl!" the mysterious man shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with a desperate determination.

Before he finished speaking, he disregarded his own safety and once again mobilized his vast spiritual power, attempting to use his own strength to reintroduce the out-of-control spiritual power into the spirit pearl and restore it to calm. Zhang Hao and others saw this and joined in without hesitation. They worked together, exerting their spiritual power together, trying to tame this out-of-control "spiritual beast."

However, the spiritual power unleashed by the Spirit Pearl was too violent, like a surging tsunami. Their efforts seemed to be a drop in the bucket in the face of this powerful force, with little effect. The storm of spiritual power continued to rage, showing no signs of abating, and their situation became increasingly critical.

Just as everyone was despairing and on the verge of giving up, a sudden flash of inspiration struck Zhang Hao. He remembered that an ancient text seemed to contain information on stabilizing spiritual power. He quickly searched through the text in his mind, as if searching for a crucial page in a vast sea of ​​books. Finally, he found a crucial piece of information.

"Everyone, listen to me. If we follow the spiritual power circulation method recorded in ancient books, we can form a spiritual power cycle and wrap the spiritual pearl in it. Maybe we can stabilize it." Zhang Hao said loudly. Although his voice was a little hoarse due to fatigue, it was full of hope and determination.

Without time to dwell on it, at this crucial moment, they chose to trust Zhang Hao. They immediately followed Zhang Hao's instructions, circulating their spiritual energy. Each of them radiated a dazzling light, intertwining with each other, gradually forming a vast and complex spiritual energy cycle. This spiritual energy cycle was like a sturdy cage, tightly encasing the spirit pearl.

Thanks to everyone's tireless efforts, the Spirit Pearl's violent glow finally stabilized, and the madly spreading cracks stopped expanding. However, the Spirit Pearl's situation remained grim. It no longer provided the pure and gentle spiritual energy it once did, but instead fell into a delicate and fragile state of equilibrium, as if it could spiral out of control again at any moment...