Rise of the Otherworld.

Upon hearing the urgent news from his disciples, the Lingyun Sect leader's expression instantly turned as gloomy as the sky before a storm, so grim it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it. Zhang Hao and the other two exchanged glances, their eyes filled with unwavering determination, as if their gazes conveyed an unspoken understanding—no matter how great the dangers ahead, they would march forward side by side to protect this continent together.

Zhang Hao immediately said: "Master, there is no time to lose, let us go together to resist the dark creatures. Perhaps our newly acquired power can play a role in restraining these powerful dark creatures." His voice was firm and powerful, ringing like a bell in this tense atmosphere, with an unquestionable confidence and determination.

The Lingyun Sect's leader nodded gratefully and waved his hand, seemingly dispelling all the gloom. "Alright, everyone, follow me and defend the sect!" With that, he led a group of Lingyun Sect disciples, along with Zhang Hao and the other two, and galloped towards the northern border. Their figures darted through the raging wind, their robes rustling like fearless warriors bound for battle.

When they arrived, they saw the dark rift resemble a gigantic black monster, its bloody maw gaping as it frantically devoured the light. Dark creatures of all shapes and sizes continuously poured out. These creatures emanated a thick black mist, like evil ghosts. Wherever they passed, flowers, plants, and trees withered instantly. The once vibrant greenery vanished in an instant, and the land became dry and desolate, as if ruthlessly struck by the Grim Reaper's scythe.

The leading dark creature was enormous, standing dozens of feet tall and resembling a gigantic centipede. Its body was covered in black scales, each one gleaming with an eerie, dim light, as if countless pairs of evil eyes were watching the world. From its mouth, it continuously spewed black venom, which corroded vast pits wherever it landed, emitting a sickening odor, as if it was utterly annihilating the land.

The Lingyun Sect's leader launched the attack first. With a swipe of his longsword, a stream of sword energy shot towards the giant centipede like a rainbow. The sword energy shone dazzlingly in the sunlight, as if carrying all of Lingyun Sect's hope and strength. However, upon impacting the centipede's scales, the sword energy only sent forth a shower of sparks, like a pebble dropped into the sea, causing no substantial damage. The centipede didn't even flinch, instead letting out a deafening roar, as if mocking humanity's presumption.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Hao immediately channeled his spiritual energy and unleashed the new spell he'd learned from the ruins, "Sea Dragon Abyss." Suddenly, a sea of ​​blue clouds appeared in the sky, swirling and surging like a turbulent ocean. A faint dragon's roar emanated, a sound like the roar of the deep sea, shocking everyone's soul. Then, a massive blue water dragon surged out of the sea of ​​clouds, carrying immense force like a blue meteor, swooping down towards the centipede. The dragon's body was immense, and every scale shimmered with a shimmering blue light, as if composed of countless sapphires.

The water dragon collided with the centipede, unleashing a powerful spray of water. The water resembled a blooming blue flower, shimmering with multicolored light in the sunlight. The centipede was knocked back several steps by the blow, its massive body leaving deep marks on the ground, and its scales cracked slightly. It roared angrily, a sound like a landslide, as if shattering the entire world. Then, with a flick of its tail, a black energy wave shot towards Zhang Hao. The energy wave, like black lightning, moved at an incredible speed, instantly reaching Zhang Hao.

Lingyu swiftly cast a wind spell, forming a wind barrier in front of Zhang Hao. Like a sturdy city wall, the barrier was composed of countless interwoven wind blades, shimmering with a cyan light. The wind barrier collided with the black energy wave, creating a piercing sound like metal rubbing against metal. The powerful impact distorted the surrounding air. Lingyu then condensed countless wind blades, which, like a swarm of cyan locusts, shot towards the centipede. The wind blades gleamed coldly in the sunlight, slicing through the centipede's scales with a clanging sound. Although they failed to completely penetrate the scales, they did affect the centipede's movement, causing it to tremble slightly, as if feeling a hint of pain.

The mysterious man manipulated the power of the earth, causing several massive stone pillars to rise from the centipede's feet. These pillars resembled the arms of a giant growing from the ground, incredibly strong. Mysterious runes were engraved on their surfaces, gleaming with a yellow light, as if imbued with the power of the earth. Sensing danger, the centipede nimbly twisted its body like a giant black python, avoiding most of the pillars. However, one still grazed its body, leaving a shallow wound. Black blood flowed from the wound, dripping onto the ground with a sizzling sound, as if corroding the earth.

The disciples of the Lingyun Sect also unleashed their spells, engaging in fierce battles with the other dark creatures. For a moment, shouts of killing and the clash of spells intertwined, resounding through the sky. Various lights flickered across the battlefield, like stars in the night sky, yet carrying an endless amount of danger. Some disciples cast fire spells, their flames flaring like flaming red lotuses, devouring the dark creatures; others cast water spells, sending water balls hurling like cannonballs at the dark creatures; and still others cast lightning spells, sending streaks of lightning darting through the swarms of dark creatures like silver snakes.

However, the dark creatures were too numerous, pouring in like a tide, one wave after another. Despite their valiant efforts, the battle gradually became arduous. Zhang Hao, observing the situation, knew he had to find a way to completely defeat the powerful centipede, or everyone would be in danger. His eyes revealed a hint of anxiety, but more of a determination. He knew he couldn't retreat now. He carried the hopes of the people on his shoulders, as well as the mission of protecting this continent...