Rise of the Otherworld.

After losing an arm, the statue, like a trapped, enraged beast, attacked with increasing frenzy. Spiritual energy surged from the broken arm like a turbulent undercurrent, as if gathering strength to regenerate another. The surge of spiritual energy shook the entire hall, and the air was filled with an increasingly intense sense of danger. Zhang Hao knew that time was running out. He had to find a way to defeat the statue completely before its broken arm regenerated, or they would be doomed.

With exquisite agility, he dodged the statue's flurry of attacks like a nimble fish. He quickly scanned the hall's surroundings, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's, trying to find a clue. Suddenly, his eyes were drawn to the murals on the hall's walls. One depicted a valiant warrior thrusting a sword into the statue's chest. The scene was strikingly similar to the situation before him. A thought struck him, and a bold idea emerged.

"Perhaps attacking its chest will completely eliminate it!" Zhang Hao shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with unquestionable determination. Before he finished speaking, he seized the opportunity between the statue's attacks and rushed towards the statue's chest like a flash of black lightning.

The mysterious man understood instantly, knowing full well that this moment was crucial. His hands formed hand seals as quickly as a phantom, muttering something to himself as mysterious runes flickered at his fingertips. Then, a spiritual barrier materialized from thin air, emitting a soft yet resilient light, firmly blocking the statue. Like a sturdy fortress, this spiritual barrier temporarily slowed the statue's attack, buying Zhang Hao precious time.

Despite his wounds, Lingyu was fully aware of the critical situation and cooperated with Zhang Hao without hesitation. He once again displayed his ghostly agility, his figure swiftly circling behind the statue like a wisp of smoke. He deliberately made a noise to attract the statue's attention. As expected, the statue, sensing the movement behind it, spun abruptly, swung its remaining arm, and struck Lingyu with a fierce blow. The force of that arm was immense, as if it would crush Lingyu to dust.

Zhang Hao seized the opportunity to accelerate, pouring all his spiritual energy into the longsword in his hand without reservation. The sword shone brightly, like a dazzling sun, illuminating the entire dim hall. He thrust with all his might at the statue's chest, his momentum threatening to utterly destroy it. However, just as the sword was about to pierce the statue's chest, the statue seemed to sense the mortal danger. With astonishing speed, it twisted its body, precisely blocking Zhang Hao's attack with its remaining arm.

A resounding clang echoed through the hall like a mighty bell. The powerful recoil, like a surging wave, sent Zhang Hao flying backward. He arced through the air and landed heavily on the ground, sending up a cloud of dust. But there was no trace of retreat or fear in his eyes. He quickly rose from the ground, gripping his sword tightly, ready to attack again.

The woman wasn't idle either. Her hands danced swiftly, manipulating the crystal-clear ice flakes. Driven by her spiritual power, the ice flakes flew like a flock of nimble butterflies toward the statue's feet. In the blink of an eye, a thick layer of ice formed beneath the statue's feet. The ice surface was as smooth as a mirror and exuded a chilling aura. As expected, the statue's movements slowed, its massive body stumbling across the ice, its steps unsteady, as if it would fall at any moment.

The old man waved his staff, chanting an ancient, lengthy incantation. A brilliant light shone from the tip of the staff, and a powerful gravitational spell emanated from it. Like an invisible hand, this force held the statue in place. The statue struggled, but it felt as if pressed down by an invisible mountain, unable to move.

"Now!" Zhang Hao seized the opportunity and charged at the statue's chest again. The mysterious man simultaneously unleashed a powerful fire spell. With a wave of his hands, several massive fireballs appeared from thin air, whizzing towards the statue's chest. The fireballs coalesced in mid-air, forming a sea of ​​​​inferno that enveloped the statue's chest. The blazing flames crackled, as if announcing their sanction against the statue, successfully distracting it.

Ling Yu attacked again, gritting his teeth and throwing the dagger high into the air. The dagger spun rapidly through the air, flashing a sharp cold light and carrying a fierce momentum, like a deadly meteor, shooting towards the statue's eyes. The statue, sensing the threat from its eyes, was forced to divert some of its attention to defending itself from the dagger.

Zhang Hao seized this golden opportunity, channeling all his spiritual energy into his sword. His body trembled slightly from the surge of spiritual power. He roared, his voice filled with unyielding determination, and thrust fiercely at the statue's chest. With a "puff," the sword finally penetrated the statue's chest, smooth as a hot knife through butter. A powerful surge of spiritual energy flowed along the blade, surging into the statue's body like a raging torrent, impacting its internal structure.

The statue's body trembled violently, and it roared in agony. The roar cracked the walls of the hall, as if the entire space were trembling with the roar. Light flickered on its body, as if it were making a final struggle, trying to escape the deadly attack.

As everyone watched anxiously, the statue's body gradually became transparent, its light growing fainter and fainter. Finally, it transformed into a streak of light and dissipated into the air, leaving only a faint puff of smoke. Calm finally returned to the hall, and the pervasive aura of danger dissipated.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, their tense nerves finally relaxing for a moment. At the same time, they felt a wave of deep fatigue, as if all their strength had been consumed in the previous battle. But they knew they couldn't let their guard down even a little bit until they found the Spirit Breathing Grass.

"According to the runes on the jade piece, the Spirit Breath Grass should be deep in this palace. Let's move on." said the mysterious man. Although his voice was tired, it was firm.

Everyone rested briefly, each channeling their spiritual energy to regain some strength. Then, they set out on their journey once more, heading deeper into the palace. The dim passage seemed endless, and they had no idea what dangers lay ahead. But for the Spirit Breathing Grass, for the stability of the Spirit Pearl, they pressed forward resolutely, their unwavering steps seeming to declare their unyielding resolve in the face of unknown dangers...