Rise of the Otherworld.

The footsteps were getting closer, and everyone's nerves were instantly tense. Zhang Hao lowered his voice and said, "Everyone, hide first and see what happens." His voice was as light as falling leaves, but it was clear to everyone's ears.

Everyone quickly found a place to hide, holding their breath, their eyes fixed on the direction of the footsteps. Their heartbeats seemed especially loud in the silence, like the drumbeat of fear.

Soon, a group of men in black appeared in their sight. Each of them had a stern face, sharp eyes, and a chilling aura. Their steps were in perfect unison, each one carrying an inexplicable sense of pressure.

"Who are they?" Mo Ying muttered softly. His voice trembled with nervousness, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Zhang Hao made a hushed gesture, signaling him to be quiet. His eyes were focused and alert, his body tense, like a fully drawn bow.

The leader stopped and looked around, as if searching for something. His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, as if it could penetrate anything hidden.

"Did they discover us?" the woman worried secretly. Her hand gripped the dagger tightly, her knuckles turning white from the strain.

At this moment, Feng Wuhen accidentally stepped on a branch, and a "crack" sounded, which was particularly loud in this silent environment. The sound was like a thunder, breaking the original tranquility.

The group immediately became alert and moved towards the direction they were hiding in. Their movements were swift and agile, and they surrounded the hiding area in an instant.

"Oh no, we've been discovered!" Zhang Hao gritted his teeth. His heart was filled with regret and helplessness, but there was no turning back.

"Come out! Stop hiding!" the leader shouted, his voice icy and piercing. The voice seemed to carry an invisible pressure, making it impossible to resist.

In desperation, Zhang Hao and the others had to come out, their faces filled with helplessness and vigilance, their hands tightly gripping their weapons.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" The leader's gaze was sharp as a torch, examining them. His eyes seemed to see through all lies, leaving no room for evasion.

Zhang Hao said, "We just came here by chance and have no ill intentions." His voice was calm and firm, trying to make the other party believe what they said.

"Accidentally? Humph, I don't think it's that simple." The man snorted coldly. The corners of his mouth curled up slightly with a hint of disdain.

"We really were just trying to avoid danger," the woman explained hastily, her eyes filled with sincerity and anxiety, hoping for understanding.

The leader was silent for a moment and said, "No matter what your purpose is, come with us." His tone was unquestionable and full of command.

Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Their eyes were filled with hesitation and worry, but under the strong pressure from the other side, it seemed that they had no other choice.

"If you resist, don't blame us for being rude," the man threatened. With a flick of his hand, the men behind him immediately raised their weapons, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Zhang Hao thought for a moment and said, "Okay, we will go with you, but we hope you won't hurt us." His eyes were firm, trying to find a glimmer of hope in this difficult situation.

So, escorted by this mysterious group of people, they set off in an unknown direction, their steps heavy and slow, their hearts filled with uneasiness.

Along the way, Zhang Hao tried to extract some information from these people, but they remained silent. Their expressions were cold and indifferent, like icebergs, making it impossible to approach them.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, they arrived at a camp hidden in a valley. The camp was surrounded by sentries and was heavily guarded.

"What is this place?" Mo Ying asked in surprise. There was a hint of fear in his voice. The scene before him felt extremely unfamiliar to him.

Before anyone could answer, they were led into a tent. The tent was simply furnished with a table, a few chairs, and a map hanging on the wall.

The leader sat on a chair and looked at them coldly: "Tell me, what did you find there?"

Zhang Hao said: "We were really just avoiding danger and accidentally discovered a stone chamber. We don't know anything else."

"Humph, do you think I will believe you?" The leader slammed the table and stood up.

At this moment, one of the men walked into the tent and whispered something in the ear of the leader...