Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist supported each other as they retreated from the eerie cave. Despite the warmth of the sun, their bodies were still trembling, their nerves still on edge from their recent adventure. With every step, they could feel the shadow of fear lingering in the darkness.

"Zhang Hao, thanks to you this time, I would have died in that cave otherwise," the herbalist said, his voice filled with gratitude, a hint of fear still lingering. His face was still pale, and a trace of fear still lingered in his eyes.

Zhang Hao gasped, "Don't talk about this, let's find a safe place to rest first." His voice was hoarse and tired, and the wounds on his body were stinging because of the sweat.

They dragged their heavy steps into a quiet forest. Birds sang in the woods, their crisp chirping echoing in the air. The breeze rustled through the leaves, making a sound like the whisper of nature. Mottled sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves and cast patches of golden light on them.

Zhang Hao found a clean patch of grass and asked the herbalist to sit down and rest. He then began to survey his surroundings, ensuring there were no potential dangers. His eyes were sharp, not missing even the slightest movement, and his steps were light and cautious.

"How do you feel?" Zhang Hao walked back to the herbalist and asked. His forehead was covered with sweat, which slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the dry ground.

The herbalist smiled bitterly and shook his head. "My whole body aches, but I'm lucky to have made it out alive." His voice was weak, and it seemed as if he had used up all his strength to say each word.

Zhang Hao took out some dry food and water from his backpack and handed them to the herbalist, "Eat something first to replenish your strength." His eyes were full of concern. Although the dry food in his hand was simple, it was their most precious supply at the moment.

The two ate their rations in silence, their minds still reeling from the life-or-death moment they had just faced. The terrifying monster, the spiky bats, and the repeated brushes with death lingered in their minds like a nightmare.

After resting for a while, Zhang Hao stood up and said, "We can't stay here for long. We have to continue looking for a way out." His eyes were firm as he looked into the distance, as if he could see the dawn of hope.

The herbalist also stood up. Although he was still exhausted, his eyes were more determined. "Okay, I'll listen to you."

They walked along a path through the woods, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting patches of light on them. The path twisted and turned, and the trees on both sides were tall and dense, forming a natural barrier.

As we walked, we came across a stream in front of us. The water was so clear that we could see the bottom, and the pebbles and small fish at the bottom of the stream were clearly visible.

"This stream might lead to the outside," Zhang Hao said. He squatted down and touched the stream water with his hand, feeling the coolness.

The herbalist nodded and said, "Then let's follow the stream."

They walked carefully along the stream. The stones under their feet were a bit slippery, and Zhang Hao reminded the herbalists to be careful from time to time.

At this moment, Zhang Hao suddenly heard a slight sound. He immediately stopped and signaled the herbalists to be quiet.

"Hush, there seems to be some movement." Zhang Hao looked around vigilantly. His heartbeat instantly accelerated, and he clenched the sword in his hand again.

Something seemed to be moving slowly in the grass not far away. The grass swayed and rustled. Zhang Hao and the herbalist stared at the grass nervously, not daring to breathe.

After a while, a cute little squirrel emerged from the bushes. It blinked its bright eyes, looked at Zhang Hao and the herbalist curiously, and then ran away quickly.

The two of them breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at each other.

"It turned out to be a little squirrel. It scared me." The herbalist patted his chest.

"Don't let your guard down, you don't know what's ahead." Zhang Hao said.

They continued walking along the stream. Along the way, the wild flowers beside the stream bloomed in a variety of colors, adding a touch of vitality to this slightly tense journey.

However, as they went deeper, the stream flowed faster and faster and the sound became louder and louder.

"Be careful, the water flow is getting faster." Zhang Hao reminded.

The herbalist staggered and was almost knocked down by the current.

Zhang Hao quickly reached out and grabbed him, "Hold my hand tight!"

They struggled to move forward in the stream, and every step was full of challenges...