Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist supported each other as they moved slowly, step by step, toward the small village ahead. At the village entrance, several children were playing. Seeing their bewildered state, they stopped what they were doing and looked around curiously. The children's eyes were wide, filled with confusion and curiosity.

An old man came out of the house upon hearing the noise, and seeing their plight, he quickly called for help. The old man's face was full of traces of time, but his eyes were filled with kindness and concern.

"Hurry, help these two guests into the house," the old man said. His voice was steady and powerful, making people feel at ease.

Everyone hurriedly helped Zhang Hao and the herbalist into a clean room and let them lie down on the bed. Although the room was simple, it was very tidy.

"Thank you, old man," the herbalist said weakly, his voice filled with gratitude, and he managed a smile.

The old man waved his hand and said, "Everyone has difficulties when they are away from home." His eyes were full of sympathy and he turned to prepare food and water.

After a while, the old man brought two bowls of steaming porridge, "Eat something first to restore your strength." The aroma of the porridge filled the whole room, making people salivate.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist gratefully accepted the porridge and gulped it down. As the warm porridge went down their throats, they felt much better. Every mouthful seemed to bring endless warmth and strength, nourishing their exhausted bodies and minds.

At this time, a young village woman came in with some herbs in her hand. Her face was filled with kindness and simplicity, and her eyes were full of concern.

"These are the herbs I just picked. They'll heal your wounds," the village woman said. Her voice was soft and sweet, like a spring breeze.

The herbalist hurriedly thanked them, "Thank you so much." Tears flashed in his eyes and his heart was filled with emotion.

Under the careful care of the villagers, Zhang Hao and the herbalist gradually recovered. Their faces were no longer so pale, and their spirits gradually recovered.

However, Zhang Hao couldn't let go of their itinerary. He lay in bed, looking at the rooftop, his mind racing.

"We can't stay here for long. We have to leave quickly," Zhang Hao said. His voice was still a little weak, but full of determination.

The herbalist nodded, "But your injury hasn't healed completely yet." His eyes were full of worry and his brows were slightly furrowed.

"It's okay, it's not a problem anymore." Zhang Hao insisted. He sat up and tried to stretch his body.

When they said goodbye to the villagers, they gave them some dry food and water. The children gathered around them, their eyes full of reluctance to leave.

"Be careful on the road," the old man warned. He gently patted Zhang Hao's shoulder, his eyes full of concern.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist thanked him again and set off on their journey. Their steps were still a little heavy, but full of determination.

Not far from the village, they encountered a dense forest. The trees in the forest were towering, with branches and leaves intertwined. The sunlight shone through the gaps between the leaves, forming patches of light.

"This forest doesn't look easy to navigate," the herbalist said. There was a hint of hesitation in his voice, and he felt a little uneasy as he looked at the forest before him.

Zhang Hao looked around and said, "There's no other way, I can only go through it." His eyes were determined and he walked into the forest without hesitation.

They walked into the forest cautiously, branches and thorns scratching their bodies from time to time, and the fallen leaves under their feet made a rustling sound, as if telling the mystery of this forest.

Suddenly, a ferocious beast rushed out from the woods and blocked their way. The beast was huge, with hair standing on end, fierce light flashing in its eyes, and a low roar coming from its mouth.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist suddenly became nervous. They held their weapons tightly, ready to face the attack of the beast.

The beast approached step by step, and Zhang Hao's heart was in his throat. He took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

"Don't be afraid, we will deal with it together." Zhang Hao said to the herbalist.

The herbalist nodded, "Okay!"

At the moment when the beast pounced, Zhang Hao dodged to the side and stabbed the beast with the sword in his hand...