Rise of the Otherworld.

The moment Zhang Hao and the herbalist heard the footsteps, their bodies tensed up, their hearts, which had just relaxed, rising to their throats again. Their breathing became rapid, and their eyes were fixed on the direction of the sound, as if there was an unknown terror hidden there.

"Could it be that they're chasing us?" the herbalist asked in a trembling voice. His voice was filled with fear and anxiety, and his body involuntarily shrank back.

Zhang Hao gestured for silence, signaling him to remain silent. He then cautiously looked in the direction of the footsteps. His heart pounded like a drum, and he took every step with extreme caution. He gripped the sword even tighter, his knuckles turning white from the force.

As the man approached, Zhang Hao discovered he was a middle-aged man with a resolute face. His eyes were deep and piercing, as if he could see through everything. The lines of his face were as hard as if they had been carved by a knife or an axe, giving him an air of authority without even anger. He exuded an elusive aura, inspiring both curiosity and vigilance.

"Don't be nervous. I'm not your enemy," the middle-aged man said in a deep and magnetic voice. His voice seemed to have a soothing power that made people unconsciously want to believe him.

Zhang Hao did not let down his guard, "Who are you? Why are you here?" His eyes were still full of suspicion. In this place full of dangers, he did not dare to trust anyone easily.

The middle-aged man smiled slightly and said, "My name is Yue Feng. I was passing by here and came to take a look when I heard some noise." His smile was gentle, but Zhang Hao still caught a glimpse of an imperceptible depth in his eyes.

The herbalist looked skeptical, "Is it really such a coincidence?" His voice was still filled with vigilance, and his eyes kept looking at Yue Feng.

Yue Feng looked at their miserable appearance and said, "From the looks of you, it seems that you have encountered quite a bit of trouble." There was a hint of sympathy in his eyes, and his voice became gentler.

Zhang Hao hesitated for a moment, then briefly recounted his previous experience. As he spoke, he observed Yue Feng's expression, trying to find any flaws.

After listening to this, Yue Feng nodded slightly, "So that's how it is, those people are really hateful." His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

"Can you help us?" the herbalist asked expectantly, his eyes filled with longing, as if Yue Feng was their last straw.

Yue Feng pondered for a moment and said, "I can help you escape from the pursuers, but you have to rely on yourselves for the rest of the journey." His tone was firm, making people involuntarily believe that he had the ability to do so.

Zhang Hao said gratefully: "As long as we can get rid of them, it will be a great favor." His voice was full of sincerity and there was a hint of hope in his eyes.

Yue Feng brought them to a hidden cave and said, "You hide here first. I'll lead away the pursuers." The cave was dark and damp, and it smelled of a stale atmosphere.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist hid in the cave, feeling uneasy. They kept their ears open to any sounds outside, and every slight movement made their hearts beat faster.

After a while, there was a burst of noise outside, and then it gradually quieted down. The atmosphere in the cave became more tense. They didn't know what was happening outside, nor did they know whether Yue Feng was safe.

After an unknown amount of time, Yue Feng returned, his body covered in blood and scratches, but he remained calm.

"I've already diverted the pursuers. They shouldn't find this place anytime soon," Yue Feng said. His voice carried a hint of fatigue, but more of a sense of relief after success.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist breathed a sigh of relief and thanked him profusely. A long-lost smile appeared on their faces, and the heavy stone in their hearts finally fell to the ground.

"However, this forest is fraught with danger. You must be careful," Yue Feng warned. His eyes were filled with concern, as if he was worried about their future.

"Thank you, Brother Yue, for the reminder. If I have the chance in the future, I will definitely repay you," Zhang Hao said. His eyes were determined, and he secretly vowed in his heart to remember this kindness.

Yue Feng smiled and said, "There's no need to repay me. When we're out and about, we should help each other." His smile was as warm as the sunshine, making people feel extremely at ease.

With Yue Feng's help, Zhang Hao and the herbalists escaped danger temporarily. However, they knew the road ahead was still full of unknowns and challenges. But at this moment, their hearts were filled with courage and hope, ready to face whatever the future held...