Rise of the Otherworld.

The group moved steadily along the narrow passage. Inside, the light of luminous gems flickered gently in the silence, as if threatened to be swallowed by an unknown darkness at any moment. Mottled shadows danced across the walls, like a group of mysterious spirits interpreting an ancient legend. Occasionally, blurry murals appeared on the walls, depicting strange creatures of various forms, some with wings, others with multiple arms; and mysterious rituals, with people dressed in ornate costumes dancing around giant totems. These murals, like fragments of time, further enhanced the mysterious atmosphere of the ruins and filled everyone with curiosity and vigilance about the unknown that lay ahead.

As they walked, Zhang Hao suddenly stopped, his brow furrowed. He said solemnly, "Everyone, be careful! I sense an unusual surge of spiritual energy up ahead." His voice was deep and serious, striking like a hammer against everyone's hearts. They immediately became alert, their eyes sharpening as they gathered their spiritual energy and raised their defenses to the utmost, ready to deal with any danger that might arise.

As they continued deeper, the spiritual energy surged intensify, as if an invisible hand were stirring the surrounding air, causing everyone's heartbeats to accelerate uncontrollably. Suddenly, without warning, countless sharp spiritual arrows shot out from the walls on both sides of the passage, raining down upon the group. The arrows moved with incredible speed, streaking through the air with streaks of cold light and whistling with a sharp sound, as if they threatened to tear everything apart. Within this narrow passage, they instantly formed a dense web of fire, enveloping everyone.

"Quickly cast defensive spells!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice echoing through the passage. He first condensed a spiritual shield before him, emitting a pale blue glow, like a solid fortress. The mysterious man also reacted quickly. He quickly formed hand seals and muttered something, raising a wall of earth beneath the crowd. The wall was thick and solid, carrying the weight and strength of the earth. It partially blocked the arrows, which hit the wall, sending up clouds of dust.

Ling Yu manipulated wind energy, his hands dancing as it quickly gathered to form a swirling wind shield. Like a giant fan, the shield deflected incoming arrows, clattering against them with clanging sounds. Not to be outdone, the woman and the old man cast an ice spell. With a wave of her hand, the temperature around them plummeted, forming a wall of ice. The crystal-clear ice wall gleamed coldly in the light, like a giant mirror, reflecting some of the arrows back. The old man swung his staff, its tip blazing with light, unleashing a lightning barrier. Lightning danced and flickered across the barrier like silver snakes, instantly shattering any arrows it touched. The air was filled with the smell of burning.

Despite everyone's desperate defenses, the spiritual arrows were too numerous, pouring down like a tide. Some still managed to break through the defenses and pierce the crowd. An arrow grazed Zhang Hao's shoulder, leaving a shallow wound. Blood instantly stained his clothes. Ling Yu's arm was also struck by an arrow, which penetrated deeply, causing blood to flow down his arm. He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, but his eyes remained firm as he continued to control the wind shield.

"This isn't going to work! We have to find a way to get through!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice tinged with anxiety. While fending off the arrows, he observed their frequency and rhythm. After careful observation, he discovered that there were brief pauses in the attack. Although these pauses were brief, they might represent their only chance.

"Everyone, follow me closely. Wait for the next gap in the attack, and then we'll charge forward together!" Zhang Hao said, his eyes sweeping over everyone, conveying a firm belief. Everyone nodded, their eyes filled with trust and determination, staring intently at the arrows on the wall, waiting for that fleeting opportunity.

Finally, a break in the attack appeared. Zhang Hao shouted loudly and rushed out like a flash of black lightning, his figure swiftly weaving through the passage. The others followed closely behind him, sprinting through the passage at high speeds, their steps quick and powerful, as if racing against time. However, just as they were about to pass this dangerous area, a huge stone gate suddenly appeared in front of the passage. The stone gate slowly closed, and the heavy sound echoed in the passage, like a judgment of fate, blocking their way.

"Oh no! We're blocked!" the woman said anxiously, a hint of panic in her voice. At this moment, the spiritual arrows from behind attacked again, the sharp whistling sound like the call of death. They were trapped in a dilemma, attacked from both sides. Ahead was the cold stone door, and behind them was a rain of spiritual arrows. They felt like they were trapped in a cage of despair...