Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist looked at the scene before them, momentarily at a loss. This was no longer a dark, damp cave, but a vast forest. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting patches of light. These patches, like golden fragments, scattered across the ground, added a touch of dreaminess to this mysterious forest.

"Where is this?" the herbalist muttered to himself, his eyes filled with confusion and anxiety. His voice seemed particularly small in the silent forest, as if instantly swallowed by the tall trees around him.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and tried to calm himself: "No matter where it is, let's go forward and see." His eyes were firm and calm, as if he was looking for a clue of hope in this unknown world.

They stepped cautiously into the forest, their feet rustling through the thick, fallen leaves. Each step was like the forest's whisper, revealing its hidden secrets. The surrounding trees were tall and ancient, their trunks so thick they would require several people to hug, their bark covered in the scars of time, as if telling a story of their own.

As they walked, they heard the sound of gurgling water. The sound was clear and melodious, like the sound of nature, and it was particularly beautiful in the quiet forest.

"Maybe where there's water there are people living there," the herbalist said. A glimmer of anticipation flashed in his eyes, as if he saw a glimpse of hope for survival.

The two followed the sound and, as expected, came upon a clear stream. The water shimmered silver in the sunlight, like a flowing Milky Way. The streamside was filled with colorful wildflowers—red, yellow, and purple—competing for beauty and emitting bursts of fragrance.

Zhang Hao squatted down, scooped up the stream water with his hands and took a sip: "This water is very sweet." A look of satisfaction appeared on his face, as if this sip of water washed away their fatigue and fear along the way.

The herbalist also took a few sips, a look of satisfaction on his face. "If only it could always be like this," he said softly, his tone filled with longing for a peaceful life.

Just as they were about to continue along the stream, they suddenly heard footsteps. The footsteps were so heavy that it seemed as if the earth was shaking, and every step brought a strong sense of oppression.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist exchanged glances, their hearts filled with alarm. They quickly hid behind a large tree, their gaze fixed on the direction of the footsteps. Their hearts raced, their breathing quickened.

Soon, a gigantic figure appeared before them. It was a monster as large as an elephant, but its body was covered in sharp thorns, each of which gleamed with a cold light, giving it a ferocious appearance. Its eyes were like blazing fireballs, revealing a ferocious aura.

The herbalist was so frightened that he almost cried out, and Zhang Hao quickly covered his mouth. His hand pressed tightly on the herbalist's mouth, afraid that even a sound would come out.

The monster stopped by the stream and lowered its head to drink. A stream of hot air blew from its nose, creating ripples on the water. Its eyes scanned the surroundings warily, as if sensing something was amiss.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist held their breath, not daring to move a muscle. Their bodies pressed tightly against the tree trunk, as if becoming one with it. Sweat dripped from their foreheads onto the ground, yet they dared not make a sound.

After a while, the monster finished drinking the water and slowly left. The sound of its footsteps gradually faded away until it disappeared into the depths of the forest.

"This is horrible! What kind of place is this?" the herbalist shuddered, his voice filled with fear and helplessness, as if he had just experienced a nightmare.

Zhang Hao frowned: "I don't know, but we must find a way out as soon as possible." His eyes were full of determination. Although his heart was also full of fear of the unknown, he knew that they could not be trapped here like this.

They continued along the stream, hoping to find some signs of human habitation. The path through the forest was bumpy and they often tripped over branches and vines. But they didn't give up and continued forward, step by step.

After walking for a while, they found a wide meadow in front of them. The meadow was full of unknown small flowers. The breeze blew, and the flowers swayed gently, as if waving to them.

"Maybe there will be a way out here." Zhang Hao said.

They quickened their pace and walked into the grass, only to discover some strange footprints on the grass...