Rise of the Otherworld.

After returning to the inn, everyone stayed awake all night, constantly alert for possible danger. Every slightest sound would make their nerves tense, and the silence in the darkness seemed like an invisible net, tightly binding their hearts.

The next morning, Zhang Hao decided to go out and investigate again. He walked cautiously down the street, each step as light as a feather, fearing to attract unnecessary attention. The faint light of dawn cast a shadow on his solemn face, reflecting the worry in his eyes.

Suddenly, a masked figure appeared before him. A deep voice seemed to come from underground: "If you want to know the truth, follow me." Zhang Hao's heart trembled, and his eyes instantly sharpened as he examined the mysterious figure before him. After a brief hesitation, he decided to follow, his heart secretly alert, and his right hand quietly grasped the hilt of the sword.

The man led Zhang Hao through many narrow and dark alleys. The alleys were filled with the smell of decay, and the moss on the walls looked particularly slippery under the morning dew.

We came to a remote courtyard. The gate was closed and the surroundings were so quiet that it made people feel depressed.

Entering the courtyard, Zhang Hao saw a familiar figure. It was the old man who had helped them enter the city. Countless questions surged in his mind.

"Senior, what's this?" Zhang Hao asked doubtfully, his voice tinged with anxiety as he stared intently at the old man.

The old man sighed and said, "My child, the conspiracy in this city is far more complicated than you can imagine." His voice was full of vicissitudes and helplessness, as if he had experienced countless storms.

It turns out that the city lord's illness was no accident, but was caused by a poison administered by powerful forces within the city. These powerful forces have long coveted the city lord's position and will stop at nothing to achieve their goal. They intend to use this opportunity to control the entire city and realize their own ambitions.

The mysterious woman is none other than the city lord's daughter, who has been secretly investigating the incident, trying to avenge her father. She carries a heavy burden of pressure and responsibility, but she never gives up.

"Then what should we do?" Zhang Hao asked, his brow furrowed as he pondered a strategy.

The old man's eyes were firm, like a burning torch: "We must unite all the forces we can to expose this conspiracy. Only in this way can we save the city lord and save this city." His words were loud and clear, full of determination.

At this moment, a loud noise came from outside. The sound came from far away and approached like surging waves.

"Oh no, someone is coming!" The old man's face changed and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes.

Zhang Hao gripped the sword tightly, the blade trembling slightly, reflecting a cold light. "Prepare for battle!" he whispered, his muscles tensing instantly.

The door was flung open, and a group of men in black rushed in. Their figures were as swift as ghosts, and the weapons in their hands flashed with cold light.

"Don't let any of them go!" shouted the leading man in black. His voice was hoarse and fierce, like the roar of a demon.

A fierce battle erupted instantly. Zhang Hao flashed, his sword swift as the wind, instantly stabbing a man in black. The old man, unwilling to be outdone, unleashed his unique skills, engaging the enemy in a desperate struggle.

But the black-clad men were numerous and highly skilled in martial arts. They coordinated well, forming an impenetrable attack network. Zhang Hao and the old man fought hard, gradually receiving more wounds.

At this crucial moment, a mysterious woman arrived with a group of men. Her figure descended like a fairy, and she swung her sword, emitting brilliant flashes of light. The situation instantly reversed, disrupting the formation of the men in black.

Seeing the situation was bad, the men in black fled, their figures vanishing without a trace in the alley, leaving only a mess.

"Thank you for your help, young lady," Zhang Hao said. His voice was slightly breathless, and his face was covered in sweat and blood.

The woman smiled slightly, her smile as warm and bright as the spring sunshine. "Now is not the time to talk about this. We need to quickly discuss our next plan."

Everyone sat together, the atmosphere in the courtyard heavy and tense. Their eyes met, their hearts filled with worry and anticipation for the future.

"We must find evidence as soon as possible to expose the crimes of those powerful forces." The woman said, her eyes firm and full of determination.

"But those big forces have deep roots in the city. Where should we start?" asked an attendant.

Zhang Hao pondered for a moment: "Perhaps we can start investigating the people around the city lord, maybe we can find some clues."

Everyone nodded and began to discuss the specific action plan.

However, what they didn't know was that a bigger crisis was quietly approaching...