Rise of the Otherworld.

The footsteps stopped abruptly outside their hiding place. Zhang Hao and the herbalist held their breaths, their hearts pounding as if they were about to burst out of their throats. In the darkness, there was a dead silence, broken only by the sound of their tense heartbeats and heavy breathing. Zhang Hao could feel the herbalist's body trembling. He gently patted his shoulder, urging him to calm down.

However, this brief moment of peace didn't last long. Then, there was the sound of something being dragged, a sound that was particularly harsh in the silent temple, as if a demon was dragging its prey. The sound grew closer and closer, and each sound felt like a heavy blow to their hearts.

"What should we do? Zhang Hao, are we going to be discovered?" The herbalist lowered his voice, his words filled with fear and despair. His voice trembled violently, and his hands tightly grasped the corner of Zhang Hao's clothes, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Zhang Hao's brow furrowed as his mind raced through a countermeasure, but facing this unknown fear, he couldn't come up with any good solution. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "Don't panic, let's see what happens first."

Just as they were filled with fear and helplessness, the sound suddenly faded away. They breathed a sigh of relief, but they still dared not let their guard down. Their nerves remained tense, their ears constantly listening to the movements around them.

"Maybe it's gone for now, but we can't hide here forever," Zhang Hao whispered. His eyes were determined. Although his heart was filled with fear, he knew he couldn't just sit there and wait for death.

The herbalist nodded and said in a trembling voice, "But what if we run into it again when we go out?" His eyes were full of fear and hesitation, as if taking this step would lead to eternal damnation.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and said, "It's better than sitting here and waiting to die." There was a hint of determination in his voice, as if he had already prepared for the worst.

They cautiously emerged from their hiding place. The temple was still dark and filled with an oppressive atmosphere. Faint light filtered through the dilapidated windows, creating eerie shadows.

Zhang Hao held a long sword in hand and observed his surroundings vigilantly, taking every step with extreme caution. His footsteps were very light, fearing that the slightest sound would attract unknown danger.

Suddenly, a strong wind blew in from the temple window, blowing debris around. The tattered curtains danced wildly in the wind like the skirts of a ghost.

"Ah!" The herbalist screamed in fear. His voice echoed in the empty temple, seeming particularly abrupt.

This cry seemed to have startled something, and a low roar was heard in the distance. The sound was like thunder, shaking the temple slightly.

Zhang Hao's expression turned grim. "No! Run!" He grabbed the herbalist and rushed toward the temple gate. Their footsteps echoed through the temple like a countdown to their death.

But just as they were about to reach the door, a massive figure blocked their path. The figure was tall and twisted, its exact form indistinct, but the terrifying aura emanating from it was terrifying. In the darkness, only a pair of eyes could be seen, glowing red like the flames of hell.

"What...what on earth is this?" The herbalist nearly collapsed to the ground. His legs felt weak, and he no longer had the strength to run.

Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly and shouted, "No matter what, let's fight!" He rushed towards the figure first. The sword flashed a cold light in the air, carrying his courage and determination.

Just as the sword was about to touch the figure, the other party swung his arm violently, and a powerful force knocked Zhang Hao away. He hit a pillar hard and fell to the ground.

"Zhang Hao!" the herbalist exclaimed.

Zhang Hao struggled to his feet, a trace of blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes remained firm. "Leave me alone, run!" He rushed towards the figure again and engaged in a desperate struggle with it.

The herbalist was at a loss, wanting to help but not knowing how to start.

Zhang Hao's sword repeatedly struck the figure, but it was like striking solid rock, only sending up a few sparks. The figure's attacks grew more ferocious each time, and Zhang Hao gradually lost his strength.

Just when he was about to collapse, he suddenly discovered a flaw in that figure...