Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist clung to the rock, not daring to relax for even a moment. The python swam in the water, its gaze fixed on them, ready to strike again. Its body twisted in the water, stirring up waves, its cold eyes revealing a fierce determination to achieve its goal.

"This isn't going to work. We have to find a way to get rid of this," Zhang Hao gasped. His voice was a little hoarse from exhaustion, but his eyes still gleamed with determination.

The herbalist looked desperate: "What can we do? It's too powerful!" His voice was tearful, and fear made him almost lose the ability to think.

Zhang Hao looked around with a determined gaze and suddenly spotted a fallen tree on the shore not far away, its branches reaching out to the water. The branches, illuminated by the sunlight, seemed to be the light of hope for their survival.

"I'll lure the python away later, and you can take the opportunity to swim to that tree and climb up," Zhang Hao said. His tone was decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

The herbalist widened his eyes: "What are you going to do then?" His eyes were full of worry and reluctance.

"Don't worry about me, just do what I say!" Zhang Hao shouted, letting go of the rock and swimming towards the python. His actions were decisive and resolute, leaving no room for retreat.

Enraged by Zhang Hao's actions, the python immediately lunged at him. It opened its maw, baring its sharp teeth, as if to devour Zhang Hao whole. Zhang Hao dodged nimbly in the water, narrowly avoiding the python's attacks each time. His body, like a nimble fish, swam in the water in a life-or-death struggle with the python.

The herbalist gritted his teeth and took advantage of this opportunity to swim towards the tree on the shore. His heart was filled with gratitude and worry for Zhang Hao, but he knew that only by doing what Zhang Hao said could they have a chance of survival.

While dodging the python's attacks, Zhang Hao observed the herbalist. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the herbalist successfully grasp the branch and climb up the tree. However, his strength was already depleted, and every movement became incredibly difficult.

However, Zhang Hao was already exhausted and his movements gradually slowed down. The python saw the opportunity and bit Zhang Hao's arm.

"Ah!" Zhang Hao cried out in pain, and blood instantly dyed the surrounding water red. The intense pain almost made him faint, but his willpower kept him awake.

But he did not give up resistance, and with his other hand he raised his sword and fiercely stabbed the python's eyes. His eyes were full of anger and determination, as if he wanted to use this final blow to decide life or death.

The python, in pain, loosened its grip. Zhang Hao seized the opportunity to free himself from its grip and swam desperately toward shore. His arm bled profusely, leaving a bright red mark in the water.

Just as he was about to reach the shore, the python caught up with him again. It was so fast that it was about to catch up with Zhang Hao.

"Zhang Hao, be careful!" the herbalist shouted from the tree. His voice was filled with anxiety and fear.

At the critical moment, Zhang Hao used up his last bit of strength, jumped out of the water, and rushed to the shore. His body drew an arc in the air and landed heavily on the shore.

The herbalist broke off a thick branch from the tree and threw it at the python. The branch hit the python, and although it did not cause much damage, it did successfully interfere with its movement.

The python paused after being struck by a branch. Zhang Hao took the opportunity to climb ashore and collapsed to the ground with the herbalist. Their breathing was rapid, their hearts pounding, as if they had just experienced a nightmare.

"I finally escaped," Zhang Hao said weakly. His face was pale, and a mixture of sweat and blood flowed down his cheeks.

"Thanks to you, Zhang Hao." The herbalist looked at him gratefully. Tears flashed in his eyes, and his heart was filled with admiration and gratitude for Zhang Hao.

After resting for a while, the two continued to search for a way out. They knew that there might be more dangers waiting for them ahead. But after this life-and-death test, their hearts were filled with courage and determination.

They walked along the shore, their feet on wet soil and rotting leaves. Strange noises came from the surrounding woods from time to time, making their nerves tense again.

"Zhang Hao, do you think we can get out?" the herbalist asked in a trembling voice.

Zhang Hao glanced at him and said firmly, "We can do it! As long as we don't give up."

They continued walking and suddenly found a narrow path in front of them, winding into the distance.

"Maybe this is a way out." Zhang Hao said.

They walked along the path, their hearts full of anticipation. But they didn't know what was waiting for them at the end of the path...