Rise of the Otherworld.

After defeating the beast, Zhang Hao and the herbalist collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. It took a while for them to recover. The surrounding woods remained silent, with only the occasional bird song, as if telling of the thrilling battle that had just taken place.

"Let's find a safe place to rest first," Zhang Hao said, his voice thick with fatigue. His clothes were tattered, and the wounds on his body were still aching, but his eyes revealed a hint of determination.

The herbalist nodded and led Zhang Hao to a relatively secluded cave. The cave entrance was obscured by dense vegetation, and if the herbalist wasn't familiar with the area, it would have been difficult to find.

After entering the cave, Zhang Hao found a clean spot to sit down and began examining his wounds. The crisscrossing cuts and bruises made him gasp. The herbalist pulled some herbs from his bag. "I have some herbs here that can help you heal your wounds," he said in a gentle, concerned voice.

Zhang Hao looked at him gratefully, "Thank you."

The herbalist crushed the herbs skillfully and applied them to Zhang Hao's wound. "You must be careful these days and don't let the wound get wet." His movements were gentle, as if he was treating a precious treasure.

After treating his wound, Zhang Hao leaned against the cave wall, his mind racing. This experience had made him realize even more clearly that in this dangerous place, he must remain vigilant at all times. Every decision, every action, could mean the difference between life and death.

"What are your plans next?" the herbalist asked. His eyes fell on Zhang Hao, filled with inquiry and a hint of worry.

Zhang Hao frowned, "I haven't thought about it yet. I have to find a way to get rid of those pursuers first." A trace of anxiety flashed in his eyes. Those pursuers were chasing him like ghosts, making him feel an invisible pressure.

The herbalist was silent for a moment. "I'm familiar with this area and might be able to help you." His tone was firm, as if he already had some plans.

A glimmer of hope flashed in Zhang Hao's eyes, "That's great." A glimmer of hope ignited in his heart, perhaps with the help of the herbalist, they could find a way out.

After a day of rest, Zhang Hao regained a lot of strength. The next morning, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves and streamed into the cave, creating streaks of golden light.

They decided to set out and explore the surroundings. Walking through the forest, Zhang Hao carefully observed his surroundings. Every flutter of a leaf, every gust of breeze, set his nerves on edge.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of gurgling water.

"There seems to be a stream ahead," the herbalist said, his voice tinged with excitement. In this mountain forest, water is crucial.

They followed the sound and, sure enough, they came upon a clear stream. The water shimmered in the sunlight like a flowing ribbon of crystal. Along the stream grew exotic flowers and plants, colorful and fragrant.

"These flowers and herbs might have medicinal value," the herbalist said, and began to pick them. His movements were skillful and gentle, as if he was protecting a precious treasure.

Just then, Zhang Hao noticed that there seemed to be movement in the woods in the distance.

"Be careful!" he whispered. His body tensed instantly, his hand unconsciously gripping the hilt of his sword.

I saw a group of figures walking out of the woods, led by a burly man with a fierce look, followed by several followers holding weapons.

"Who are you?" the burly man asked loudly, his voice echoing in the mountains and forests.

Zhang Hao's heart was lifted again. He looked at the other party warily, "We are just passing by."

"Passing by? Humph, this forest is not one you can just walk through." The burly man sneered, "Hand over the valuables on you, and perhaps I can spare your lives."

The herbalist's face turned pale. "We really don't have anything valuable."

"Stop talking nonsense!" One of the followers waved the knife in his hand, "Don't even think about leaving alive if you don't hand it over."

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and said, "Then don't blame us for being rude." His eyes became firm, ready for a fierce battle...