Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao's heart tightened when he heard the herbalist's cry for help. He ignored his fatigue and pain and forced himself to run in the direction of the sound. His breathing was rapid, his heartbeat was like a drum, and every step he took made a subtle sound in the darkness.

The darkness within the cave seemed to devour him, thick as a substance. The faint light seemed so tiny in this endless darkness, barely illuminating the path ahead. But Zhang Hao's eyes were firm, and he rushed forward without hesitation.

"Hold on, I'm coming!" Zhang Hao shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the cave with endless anxiety and determination.

As he ran, he remained vigilant against all possible dangers. In the darkness, countless eyes seemed to be watching him, and every shadow could hide an unknown terror. But at this moment, Zhang Hao's only concern was the safety of the herbalist.

Finally, he spotted the herbalist. He was trapped in a narrow crevice, unable to move. Several giant bats were circling around him, their wings flapping and bringing a chilly wind.

"Zhang Hao, save me!" The herbalist's face was pale, his eyes filled with fear. His voice was trembling, as if he would be completely overwhelmed by fear in the next second.

Zhang Hao waved the sword in his hand, driving away the bats. The sword flashed cold light in the darkness, trying to force back these hateful guys.

The bats screamed and attacked Zhang Hao. They were extremely fast, like black lightning. Zhang Hao dodged left and right, and when the time was right, he stabbed a bat's wing with his sword.

The injured bat screamed in pain and fell to the ground. Black blood spread across the ground, emitting a pungent odor. The other bats, seeing this, temporarily flew away, but still circled around, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Zhang Hao quickly came to the crevice and tried to pull the herbalist out. He held the herbalist's arm tightly with both hands and pulled hard.

"How are you? Are you injured?" Zhang Hao asked anxiously. He scanned the herbalist's body, checking for any obvious wounds.

The herbalist shook his head and said, "I'm fine, I'm just stuck." His voice was tearful and his body was shaking with fear.

Zhang Hao pulled hard at the herbalist, but the crack in the rock was too tight, and he couldn't get him out. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and trickled down his cheeks.

At this moment, the bats flew back again and Zhang Hao had to deal with their attack again.

The bats were so fast that Zhang Hao had a hard time dealing with them. They attacked from different directions, leaving Zhang Hao overwhelmed.

"Damn it!" Zhang Hao cursed. His eyes were filled with anger and helplessness, but the sword in his hand did not stop for a moment.

While fending off the bats' attacks, he continued to try to find a way to rescue the herbalist. Every time he swung his sword, it carried with it his desire to survive and his responsibility to the herbalist.

Suddenly, Zhang Hao found a loose stone next to him, and he had an idea.

He used his sword to pry up the stone and smashed it hard into the crack. The stone collided with the crack, making a dull sound.

After several efforts, the crevice finally loosened a little and the herbalist was successfully rescued.

"Hurry up!" Zhang Hao pulled the herbalist and ran towards the cave exit. Their footsteps echoed in the cave, accompanied by the sound of rapid breathing.

The bats behind them were chasing them relentlessly, their cries echoing through the cave like the horns of death. Zhang Hao and the herbalist ran desperately, not daring to stop for even a moment.

A glimmer of light appeared ahead. That was the exit! That faint light was like a beacon of hope in their eyes.

They quickened their pace, their steps stumbling but determined, and finally they ran out of the cave.

The sun shone on them, and at that moment, they felt incomparably warm and at ease. The warm sun was like a mother's embrace, soothing their frightened and tortured hearts.

"Finally out." The herbalist collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. His face was covered in sweat and dirt, but he wore a smile of having survived.

Zhang Hao was also exhausted, but he still observed his surroundings vigilantly. His eyes were full of vigilance, fearing that there would be more danger.

"We can't stay here any longer. Let's leave quickly," Zhang Hao said. His voice was hoarse, but full of strength.

The two of them supported each other and gradually walked away. Their figures seemed so small in the sunlight, yet so strong...