Rise of the Otherworld.

After some discussion, everyone decided that Zhang Hao and the mysterious woman would disguise themselves and sneak into the City Lord's Mansion to search for evidence from within. This was undoubtedly an extremely dangerous task, but in order to uncover the conspiracy and save the City Lord and the city, they had no hesitation.

Zhang Hao changed into servant's clothes. The rough fabric rubbed against his skin, but it didn't affect his unwavering resolve. He lowered his head, deliberately making himself appear humble, and followed behind the woman. The woman was dressed in a simple maid's attire, her steps light yet steady.

The City Lord's Mansion was heavily guarded, its towering walls seemingly isolating it from the outside world. With every step, I could feel countless pairs of eyes watching from the dark, the invisible pressure weighing on my heart like a heavy rock.

"Don't show any flaws," the woman warned softly. Her voice was almost inaudible, but it was crystal clear to Zhang Hao's ears.

Zhang Hao nodded slightly, his eyes scanning the surroundings obscurely. He noticed that the guards had expressionless faces, but their eyes were sharp as eagles, and the weapons in their hands flashed a cold light in the sunlight.

They successfully entered the city lord's study, which was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. The bookshelves were filled with a dazzling array of books and scrolls. Zhang Hao and the woman didn't dare to delay and began searching for any possible clues.

At this moment, footsteps were heard outside the door. The sound came from far away and approached like the beating of a drum. The footsteps were getting closer and closer, and every step seemed to step on their hearts.

Zhang Hao and the woman quickly hid behind the screen, not daring to breathe. Their hearts were beating so fast that they felt like they were about to burst out of their throats.

"Sir, everything is going according to plan," said a flattering voice. The voice was filled with flattery and complacency, which made people feel disgusted.

"Well, well done. We must not let anyone ruin our good deeds." Another gloomy voice sounded. This voice was full of conspiracy and calculation, which made people shudder.

Zhang Hao's heart tightened. From the sound of this voice, it seemed to be someone powerful in the city. He clenched his fists and secretly vowed to expose their crimes.

After the two men left, Zhang Hao and the woman walked out from behind the screen and continued searching for evidence. They moved even more cautiously, fearing to make any more noise.

Finally, they discovered a secret letter in a hidden compartment, which revealed the conspiracy and plan of a powerful force. The dense handwriting was like a devil's curse, revealing the disaster that the city was about to face.

"With this, we can expose their crimes," the woman said excitedly, her eyes gleaming with hope, as if she saw the dawn of justice.

However, their movements had attracted the attention of the guards in the mansion.

"Who's in the study?" a loud shout came. The sound was like thunder, shattering the original silence.

Zhang Hao and the woman exchanged a glance, seeing determination and resolve in each other's eyes. They decided to fight their way out.

Armed with weapons, the two engaged in a fierce battle with the incoming guards. Zhang Hao's swordsmanship was fierce, each strike laced with the determination to kill. His sword was like a dragon emerging from the sea, unstoppable, and blood splattered wherever it passed. The woman's lithe form and deft movements, like a dancing butterfly, made it difficult for the enemy to approach.

But the guards kept coming, one wave after another like a tide. Zhang Hao and the woman gradually fell into trouble, and many wounds were added to their bodies.

"This isn't going to work. We have to find a way to break out," Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was a little hoarse from exhaustion, but his eyes remained firm.

The woman's eyes were firm, without a trace of retreat in them: "Follow me!"

They rushed towards a weakly defended area, encountering dangers all along the way. The sound of swords clashing, shouts of killing, and the muffled groans of the wounded intertwined to form a melody of death.

Finally, they escaped the City Lord's Mansion, but the pursuers were still hot on their heels. Zhang Hao and the woman ran wildly through the narrow streets, the wind whistling in their ears.

"We can't let them get away!" The shouts of the pursuers echoed behind them.

Zhang Hao and the woman struggled to turn into an alleyway. The alleyway was filled with a foul smell and the houses on both sides were dilapidated.

"This way!" The woman found a hidden passage, and the two of them went in without hesitation.

The passage was dark and damp, filled with unknown fear. But they had no way to retreat and could only move forward.

After running for an unknown amount of time, they finally got rid of the pursuers.

"It's safe for now." Zhang Hao leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.

The woman was also exhausted, but her eyes were still bright: "We have to go back quickly and discuss the next plan with everyone."

They dragged their heavy feet and disappeared into the darkness...