Rise of the Otherworld.

The beast came with such force that it whipped up a gust of wind that it was nearly impossible for Zhang Hao and the herbalist to open their eyes. The wind howled, scratching their cheeks and causing their clothes to rustle in the wind.

Zhang Hao shouted, "Get out of the way!" His voice was like a resounding bell, resounding especially loud in this tense moment. He shoved the herbalist aside and tumbled in the opposite direction. His body rolled rapidly on the ground, sending up a cloud of dust.

The beast missed its target and angrily slapped the ground with its massive claws, instantly creating deep cracks. These cracks, like hideous wounds, spread outward in all directions. Each slap was accompanied by a dull thud, as if the very earth itself were shaking.

While the beast was still unaware, Zhang Hao quickly rose and swung his sword towards its leg. His movements were swift and decisive, and the sword gleamed through the air with a chilling gleam. However, the sword only left a shallow mark on the beast's leg. The beast's skin, like a hard armor, easily withstood Zhang Hao's attack.

"This guy has thick skin and tough muscles, he's not going to be easy to deal with!" Zhang Hao thought to himself. His brows were furrowed, but there was no sign of retreat in his eyes.

The herbalist shouted in horror: "Zhang Hao, be careful!" His voice became sharp because of fear. He held the wooden stick tightly with both hands and his body kept shaking.

The beast turned and lunged at Zhang Hao again. Its speed was as swift as a streak of black lightning. Zhang Hao dodged nimbly, his body gliding like willow catkins in the wind, lightly moving left and right, searching for the beast's weakness.

Suddenly, he realized the beast's eyes seemed to be its most vulnerable part. Although the eyes were filled with ferocity, within that ferocity, there seemed to be a slight flaw that could be easily attacked. Zhang Hao's figure flashed, and he quickly rushed towards the beast, trying to reach its eyes.

The beast sensed Zhang Hao's intention and waved its claws repeatedly to block him. Its claws were like giant iron hooks, making a whirring sound that was terrifying.

Zhang Hao dodged left and right, then, seeing the right moment, leaped up and thrust his sword straight into the beast's eyes. His body traced a graceful arc in the air, like an eagle spreading its wings, ready to fly.

"Ouch!" The beast howled in pain, a deafening roar that echoed through the valley. It swung its head wildly, throwing Zhang Hao out and sending him crashing to the ground. His body collided with the ground with a dull thud.

"Zhang Hao!" The herbalist hurried towards him, his steps stumbling, his face filled with worry and anxiety.

Zhang Hao struggled to get up. "I'm fine, keep fighting!" His voice was weak but full of determination. A trace of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth, but he wiped it away with his sleeve without any care.

The beast, now even more violent and ferocious due to its eye injury, breathed heavily and rapidly, with a stream of hot air gushing out of its mouth.

It rushed towards Zhang Hao and the herbalist recklessly, each step causing the ground to shake violently. The surrounding trees were knocked over and branches and leaves fell.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist exchanged a look of determination. They knew this was a battle of life and death, with no way out.

"Let's fight!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice echoed in the valley, filled with fearless courage.

They stopped dodging and instead charged at the beast. Zhang Hao attacked the beast's legs and belly with his sword, using all his strength in each strike. The herbalist struck the beast's back with a wooden stick, his strength minimal but his persistence unwavering.

The beast was enraged by their stubborn resistance, but was unable to subdue them. Many new wounds appeared on its body, and blood continued to flow.

The battle reached a fever pitch, and Zhang Hao and the herbalist's strength was rapidly depleted. Their movements became slow, their breathing rapid. But they refused to retreat, gritting their teeth and fighting the beast to the death.

Zhang Hao's sword had many cracks on it, and the herbalist's stick was almost broken. But their eyes remained firm, and the faith in their hearts supported them to continue fighting.

After an unknown amount of time, the beast finally slowed down. Zhang Hao seized the opportunity and, using his last bit of strength, plunged his sword into the beast's heart.

The giant beast fell to the ground with a loud bang, raising a cloud of dust.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist also collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. Their faces were covered in sweat and blood, but they showed a smile of victory...