Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao stared at the approaching figure, his palms sweaty and his heartbeat racing. His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, not missing a single subtle movement.

As the figure approached, Zhang Hao realized it was a strange man, dressed in coarse cloth and carrying a worn bag. He didn't look like a pursuer. The man's face was full of vicissitudes, and there was a hint of panic in his eyes.

Zhang Hao breathed a sigh of relief, but remained vigilant and slowly walked out from behind the tree. "Who are you?" His voice was low and majestic, and he did not put down the sword in his hand.

The man was startled by the sudden appearance of Zhang Hao. "No, don't kill me, I'm just a herbalist passing by." He quickly raised his hands and unconsciously took a few steps back.

Zhang Hao looked at him, his eyes sweeping across his body like a sharp sword, "Herbalist? Why are you here in this remote place?" His tone was full of suspicion.

The man hurriedly explained, "I often come to this forest to collect herbs and I am familiar with the roads here. Listen to me, there is a group of robbers behind you, have you offended them?" His voice trembled and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Zhang Hao's heart tightened, "Robbers? Could it be those pursuers?" He frowned even more tightly and thought to himself.

The man nodded. "They are extremely vicious and kill without blinking an eye. You must hide quickly." His eyes were full of fear, as if the robbers were right in front of him.

At this moment, a shout came from a distance, "Over here, chase them!" The voice was like the roar of a devil, which made people shudder.

Zhang Hao's face changed drastically, "Oh no, they are chasing us." His heartbeat accelerated instantly and his breathing became rapid.

The herbalist said hurriedly, "Follow me, I know a hidden place." He turned and ran deep into the woods.

Zhang Hao had no choice but to follow him. As they moved through the woods, the dead branches and leaves beneath their feet made a crunching sound, like a countdown to death. Branches lashed their faces and bodies repeatedly, but they no longer cared about the pain.

Finally, they came to a mountain wall. The herbalist pulled aside a pile of weeds, revealing a small cave.

"Go in quickly," the herbalist urged, his voice anxious and nervous.

As soon as Zhang Hao entered the cave, the sound of pursuers was getting closer and closer.

"Search carefully and don't let them run away!" The voice was full of anger and murderous intent.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist hid in the cave, not daring to breathe. The air was damp and hot, suffocating. Zhang Hao's heartbeat was remarkably clear in the silence, each beat akin to the struggle for life.

After a while, the noise outside gradually faded away. Zhang Hao was about to breathe a sigh of relief when he heard a low roar from outside the cave. The sound rang in his ears like thunder, making him tremble with fear.

"What is this?" Zhang Hao thought to himself. He gripped the hilt of the sword tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

The herbalist's face turned pale. "Yes, it's the wild beast in this forest." His voice was so trembling that it was almost inaudible.

Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly, ready to face the impending danger. His eyes were firm and resolute, and he secretly vowed in his heart that he would survive no matter what.

The roaring sound outside the cave was getting closer and closer, as if the beast had discovered their hiding place. Zhang Hao's heartbeat also accelerated, and sweat continued to drip from his forehead.

Suddenly, a huge claw stretched out into the cave, and the spikes on the claws flashed coldly in the dim light.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and slashed at the claw with his sword. With a scream, the claw retracted. But then, the beast angrily pounded against the cave entrance, causing it to shake and rubble to fall.

"I'm afraid this cave won't last much longer." The herbalist said in despair.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and said, "Don't be afraid, we will definitely find a way out." He searched the cave, hoping to find another exit.

Just then, Zhang Hao discovered a narrow crack on the cave wall. Perhaps this was their only chance of survival...