Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao's eyes switched back and forth between the rushing river and the sounds of the approaching bandits, his heart burning with anxiety. Beads of sweat covered his forehead, sliding down his cheeks and mixing with the splashing river water.

"There's no time to hesitate. We have to cross the river!" Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and said, his voice firm and urgent, leaving no room for doubt.

The herbalist gazed at the surging river, filled with fear. The water roared, its waves tumbling, like the jaws of a ferocious beast, ready to devour them. But he also understood there was no escape, and a look of determination etched in his eyes.

Zhang Hao searched for something that could help them cross the river, and finally found a thick branch. The branch had a rough surface and was covered with some moss, but at this moment, it became their only hope.

"Take this, it might be of some use." Zhang Hao handed the branch to the herbalist. His eyes were full of encouragement, trying to give the herbalist some courage.

The herbalist gripped the branch tightly and nodded. His hands trembled slightly with nervousness, and his breathing became rapid.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and stepped into the river first. The water was icy cold, and the strong current hit his legs, making it almost impossible for him to stand. His body was instantly soaked by the water, and his clothes became heavy and dragging.

"Be careful!" the herbalist shouted from the shore. His voice trembled, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists.

Zhang Hao struggled to move forward, each step fraught with danger. His feet groped for support on the rocks at the riverbed. The water pounded against his body, seemingly sweeping him away.

When he reached the middle of the river, the current became more turbulent, and his body was shaken by the rush. The huge force made it difficult for him to resist, and his face turned pale.

"Hold on, Zhang Hao!" The herbalist's voice was trembling with worry. His heartbeat was rapidly accelerating, as if he could sense the danger Zhang Hao was facing.

Zhang Hao tried his best to steady himself and continued to move towards the other side, paddling with his arms, fighting tenaciously against the current.

Finally, Zhang Hao successfully reached the other side. His legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

"Come here quickly, I'll pull you up!" He held out his hand to the herbalist. His voice was tired but full of determination.

The herbalist mustered up his courage and stepped into the river, but his injured leg made it difficult for him to move, and he was soon swept away by the current and lost his balance.

"Ah!" the herbalist exclaimed. Fear instantly took over his heart, and his eyes were filled with despair.

Zhang Hao hurriedly grabbed the herbalist's arm and pulled him toward the shore, his muscles tense as he exerted all his strength.

After some effort, the herbalist also successfully reached the shore. The two men lay on the shore, gasping for breath, as if they had just experienced a life-and-death battle.

Before the two had time to rest, the robbers' voices came closer.

"They must be nearby, search carefully!" The robbers' voices were rough and fierce, breaking the momentary silence.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist looked at each other, their eyes filled with tension.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist struggled to stand up and continued to flee. Their steps were staggering, their bodies exhausted, but the desire to survive drove them forward.

They ran into a dense bush, hoping to hide themselves there. The thorns in the bush scratched their skin, leaving bloody marks, but they no longer cared about the pain.

"Hush," Zhang Hao said softly. His voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible, but the herbalist could read his meaning from his eyes.

The robbers searched the area for a while but found no trace of them, so they left cursing.

"These two guys are lucky. Don't let me meet them next time!" The voices of the robbers gradually faded away.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist breathed a sigh of relief, but they knew that the danger had not been completely eliminated and they had to find a way out of the forest as soon as possible.

"We have to keep going and can't stop here," said Zhang Hao.

The herbalist nodded and said, "Okay, I'll listen to you."

They dragged their exhausted bodies and continued to grope their way through the forest. The sunlight shone through the gaps between the leaves, forming patches of light, but they had no intention of appreciating the beautiful scenery.

After walking for a while, the herbalist's leg injury became more serious, and every step he took was painful.

"I... I can't walk anymore." said the herbalist, his face as pale as paper.

Zhang Hao looked at him, his heart full of worry.

"Come, I'll carry you." Zhang Hao squatted down.

The herbalist hesitated for a moment, but still lay on Zhang Hao's back.

Zhang Hao carried the herbalist on his back, and his steps became heavier, but he still walked forward firmly...