Rise of the Otherworld.

The giant collapsed with a thunderous thud, stirring up a cloud of dust that slowly rose through the ruins like a giant mushroom. The thick dust made everyone cough, yet it couldn't conceal their relief at having survived and their joy at having triumphed over a formidable foe. However, they knew full well that this ruin, shrouded in mystery and danger, might harbor yet more unknown variables.

Zhang Hao was the first to recover from his brief euphoria. He glanced sharply around at the devastated ruins and said solemnly, "Everyone, don't let your guard down yet. There might be more trouble here. Let's check around." His voice was firm and powerful, resonating like a bell in everyone's ears, with an undeniable calmness. Everyone nodded, their eyes rekindled with vigilance and focus, and they each took action.

Lingyu tapped the ground with his feet, harnessing his wind power, and soared into the air like a lithe bird. His figure drifted in the air, as light as a feather. He surveyed the ruins, his piercing gaze like a hawk, scanning every corner. He scrutinized every crack in the ground, every bump on the cave wall, trying to discern hidden dangers or new clues from these subtle details. The wind whistled past his ears, as if aiding him, allowing him to perceive his surroundings more clearly.

The mysterious man crouched down, placed his hands on the ground, closed his eyes, and concentrated. He channeled his earthly spiritual energy, establishing a close connection with the earth. He could sense subtle vibrations emanating from deep below, as if he could hear the earth's heartbeat. This way, he could sense if there were any anomalies beneath the surface, any undercurrents, or hidden spaces. His face was serious, and a light sheen of sweat on his forehead betrayed his full effort.

The woman, ice blade in hand, moved cautiously around. Her steps were light and nimble, like a nimble cat. She used her ice-based spiritual power to detect fluctuations in the surrounding spiritual energy. Every shift in spiritual energy escaped her perception. She could sense the flow of spiritual energy in the air, as if reading an invisible book. She watched for even the slightest change; even the slightest abnormal fluctuation could be the key to unlocking the secrets of the ruins.

As the old man recharged his spiritual energy, he observed the changes in his surroundings. His eyes revealed the wisdom honed over time, and drawing on his vast experience, he searched for hidden secrets within the ruins. He observed the textures on the walls, the patterns on the ground, attempting to decipher hidden messages. His fingers gently stroked the walls, feeling the marks left by time, as if engaging in a dialogue with the ruins that transcended time and space.

After a careful search, they discovered a hidden door in a corner. It was covered by a faint spiritual shield, emitting a soft glow, like the twinkling stars in the night sky. This light wasn't blinding, but rather evoked a sense of mystery and tranquility. Zhang Hao stepped forward, his steps steady and resolute. He gently touched the shield and felt a gentle force. It felt like a spring breeze, yet it possessed an invisible resilience. He attempted to infuse it with his own spiritual energy. The shield trembled slightly, and after a few flickers of light, it slowly dissipated like melting ice and snow.

The secret door slowly opened with a dull creaking sound, as if telling a long-forgotten story. An air of antiquity washed over him, carrying the weight of time and history. Behind the door lay a small, secret chamber, the center of which sat a crystal statue. It depicted an elderly man in a long robe, his face kind, his eyes gleaming with infinite wisdom. His posture stood tall, his robes flowing, as if he were surveying the world from above. Ancient characters were engraved on the statue's base. Like a mysterious code, these words awaited decipherment.

The old man stepped forward, his steps slightly unsteady, yet filled with unwavering determination. He bent down, carefully deciphering the words, his eyes revealing concentration and curiosity. As he deciphered them, a look of surprise gradually crossed his face. He said, "These words record the secret history of this continent and the true source of the power we have gained. It turns out this power was sealed here by ancient sages in response to a world-destroying crisis. Only when the continent faces another great crisis, and a righteous person gathers the three keys, can this power be unlocked and obtained." His voice trembled slightly, as if shaken by this history.

After hearing the old man's explanation, everyone's sense of mission for this power intensified. Zhang Hao clenched his fists, his eyes revealing a firm conviction. He said, "Since this is the case, we must make good use of this power to protect this continent." His voice echoed in the secret room like an oath.

However, at this moment, runes suddenly lit up on the walls of the chamber, gleaming with an eerie light, like the eyes of a demon. Immediately afterwards, a swarm of monsters, condensed from spiritual energy, emerged from the walls. These monsters varied in form: some resembled wolves, their maws gaping, baring sharp fangs; others resembled pythons, their bodies serpentine, their eyes gleaming with cold murderous intent. Their eyes gleamed with ferocity, like blazing flames, as they lunged towards the crowd. A tense atmosphere permeated the air, as if a storm were brewing.

"It seems this is the ruins' final test for us," Zhang Hao said, quickly gripping his longsword, its blade gleaming with a cold light. He emanated a powerful aura, like a towering mountain, imbuing the air with an invisible sense of oppression. Everyone else also prepared for battle, their eyes filled with determination and fearlessness. A new battle was about to erupt. They would once again fight to protect this continent, to fight for their beliefs.