Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao paused at the sound of footsteps, signaling the herbalists to remain silent. Their heartbeats were remarkably clear in the silent temple, and a tense atmosphere permeated the air. The air around them seemed frozen, and every slightest sound strained their nerves to the limit.

The footsteps were getting closer, as if they were approaching them. Zhang Hao tightened his grip on his sword, his gaze fixed on the direction of the sound. His eyes were filled with vigilance and determination, and beads of sweat oozed from his forehead.

The herbalist couldn't help swallowing and asked in a trembling voice, "What could it be?" His body unconsciously hid behind Zhang Hao, his hands tightly grasping the corner of Zhang Hao's clothes.

Zhang Hao lowered his voice and answered, "I don't know, but be prepared to deal with it." His voice was steady and powerful, trying to give the herbalist some comfort and courage.

At that moment, a dark figure flashed out from behind the statue. Zhang Hao instantly drew his sword, and a cold gleam flashed in the dim light. The sword's momentum was sharp, carrying a resolute aura.

"Hold it!" a hoarse voice shouted.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist were both startled. Upon closer inspection, they saw a ragged old man with disheveled hair and a face covered in deep wrinkles. His eyes revealed fatigue and fear, as if he had endured countless hardships.

The old man's body was trembling slightly. He looked at the sword in Zhang Hao's hand, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" The old man looked at them warily, with a hint of trembling in his voice.

Zhang Hao put away his sword and said, "We got lost in this foggy valley and accidentally found this temple." He tried to keep his tone calm, not wanting to make the old man feel more threatened.

The old man sighed: "This is not a good place. It's easy to get in, but hard to get out." His eyes became distant, as if he was recalling the horrific experience he had in the past.

The herbalist asked hurriedly, "Old man, what is going on?" His eyes were full of anxiety and curiosity.

The old man said slowly: "Strange things often happen in this valley, and this temple is a cursed place. Every full moon night, terrible things will appear." His voice was low and gloomy, which made people shudder.

Zhang Hao frowned: "A terrible thing? What is it?" His heart was full of doubts and worries.

The old man shook his head: "I haven't seen it either, but I can hear a creepy sound every time. The sound seems to come from hell and can make people's souls tremble." His eyes were full of fear, as if he heard the horrible sound again.

At this moment, a sinister laugh suddenly came from outside.

"Hahahaha..." The laughter echoed in the valley, like a ghost's mocking, making people feel creepy.

The old man's face changed drastically: "Oh no, they are coming!" His voice was full of despair and fear.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist felt a chill running down their spines. Their faces turned pale and their bodies began to tremble uncontrollably.

The temple gate was suddenly shut by a gust of wind, and darkness fell all around. In the darkness, it seemed as if countless pairs of eyes were peering at them, making people feel extremely depressed and terrified.

"What should I do?" The herbalist's voice was filled with tears. His voice trembled in the darkness, filled with helplessness and despair.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and said, "Don't be afraid. Let's find a place to hide first." Although his voice was trembling, he remained calm and rational.

They groped around the temple, scrabbling in the darkness, trying to find a place to hide. The ground was uneven, and they stumbled from time to time.

Finally, they found a secluded corner filled with junk and emitting a rotten smell.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist hid inside, not daring to make a sound.

The laughter outside was getting closer and closer, as if it was right next to my ear. The laughter was full of evil and mockery, making my heart beat faster.

Zhang Hao's heart was in his throat, and he gripped his sword tightly, ready to fight at any moment. His palms were covered in sweat, and his heartbeat was like a drum in his ears.

The herbalist was trembling and his teeth were chattering.

Time seemed to stand still, and every second seemed so long.

Suddenly, footsteps stopped outside their hiding place...