The dark tide was like a black flood, instantly drowning Immortal Mountain with overwhelming force. Before this immense power, everyone seemed incomparably small, struggling desperately within the tide.
The divine artifacts flickered faintly in the darkness, yet their light seemed so fragile beneath the assault of the dark tide, unable to withstand the surging evil power.
Just as everyone was about to collapse, the ancient book that had long rested atop Immortal Mountain suddenly emitted a dazzling radiance. Like the first light of dawn, it pierced through layer upon layer of darkness. The light grew brighter and brighter until it finally transformed into a massive beam that shot straight into the sky.
Immediately afterward, the ground atop Immortal Mountain began to shake violently, as though some enormous force was surging beneath it. As the tremors intensified, ancient runes slowly emerged from the earth. They exuded a mysterious aura, intertwining and merging until they formed a huge protective barrier around everyone.
The barrier temporarily blocked the erosion of the dark tide, giving everyone a brief chance to catch their breath. Yet just as they began to relax, the massive figure hidden within the dark tide gradually came into view.
It was a monster condensed from countless resentments and evil energy. Its body was enormous and twisted, giving off a nauseating stench. Huge tentacles covered its body, waving through the air as though searching for prey.
The monster noticed the people protected by the barrier. It let out a deep roar, then extended one enormous tentacle and reached straight for them.
Just as the tentacle was about to strike them, a Mysterious Old Man suddenly appeared before the group at the critical moment. He wore an ancient robe and held a simple, old longsword, his entire body radiating a powerful aura.
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