Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist walked along the stream, feeling a little more relaxed. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, shimmering on the water like a flowing golden ribbon. A gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness, swaying the flowers and plants by the stream, and emitting a faint fragrance.

"This scenery is so beautiful! If it weren't for all the dangers, it would be a great place," the herbalist sighed. A brief look of intoxication crossed his face, as if he had temporarily forgotten their predicament.

Zhang Hao nodded slightly, but his eyes never left his surroundings. His eyes were alert, and he gripped the sword a little tighter.

At this moment, ripples suddenly appeared on the calm water surface, spreading outward in circles. The ripples grew larger and larger, breaking the original tranquility.

"Be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted in a low voice. His voice was low and rapid, instantly bringing the herbalist back to reality from his intoxicated state.

The herbalist suddenly became nervous and tightened his grip on the stick. His heartbeat quickened, and his eyes were fixed on the water.

A huge shadow slowly emerged from the water, drawing closer and closer. Like a dark cloud, it loomed over their hearts.

"What is this?" the herbalist's voice trembled. His voice was filled with fear and confusion, and his legs began to tremble involuntarily.

Before they could see clearly, a huge python jumped out of the water, opened its bloody mouth and pounced towards them. The python's mouth spewed out a fishy wind that made them sick.

Zhang Hao quickly pulled the herbalist back, his movements as swift as lightning. The python missed its target and landed heavily on the ground with a dull thud that shook the ground.

Its body was several feet long, thick as a bucket, and its scales gleamed with a cold light in the sunlight. Each scale was like a sharp blade, making people shudder.

The python missed its first strike and quickly turned around to attack again. It was extremely fast, like a flash of lightning.

Zhang Hao swung his sword, trying to block the python's attack. His sword sliced ​​through the air in arcs, accompanied by sharp whistles. The herbalist, summoning his courage, struck the python with his stick. He closed his eyes tightly and screamed, as if this would give him more strength.

However, the python's power was immense, and with a sweep of its tail, it sent both of them flying. Their bodies arced through the air like kites with their strings cut, then plummeted into the water with a loud splash.

Zhang Hao steadied himself in the water and noticed that the current had become turbulent. The current was like a herd of wild horses galloping wildly, carrying them forward rapidly.

"Oh no, we're going to be washed away!" he shouted. His voice was very weak in the sound of the rushing water, but it was full of anxiety.

The herbalist struggled desperately, trying to grab a branch on the shore. His hands scrambled in the water, his face filled with despair.

The python swam in the water, chasing them relentlessly, its body nimbly moving through the water, constantly approaching them.

Zhang Hao swam hard towards the herbalist, using up all his strength with each stroke. The current constantly buffeted him, making his progress extremely difficult.

Just as they were about to be swept away by the current, Zhang Hao finally grabbed the herbalist's hand and held it tightly, as if holding on to his last hope.

They swam desperately towards the shore, but the turbulent current kept pushing them downstream. Their bodies rose and fell in the water, and every breath became extremely difficult.

Just when they were feeling desperate, Zhang Hao discovered a protruding rock in front of them.

"Grab that rock!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice had become hoarse, but full of determination.

The two of them used up their last bit of strength and finally grabbed the rock, temporarily stabilizing their bodies. Their fingers were tightly gripping the cracks in the rock, not daring to relax even a little.

The python coiled in the water, unwilling to give up, its eyes fixed on them, and a fishy smell emanated from its mouth from time to time.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist panted heavily, staring at the python in the water, their hearts filled with fear and exhaustion. Their clothes were soaked through, sticking to their bodies, freezing cold. But they knew they couldn't relax now, or they would become prey to the python's mouth...