Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist rested briefly, calming their nerves before continuing their journey deeper into the cave. A thin layer of mist permeated the cave, making the already gloomy environment even more mysterious. The mist swirled around them like a veil, severely obstructing their vision. Their footsteps echoed in the silence, each one cautious and vigilant, as if the slightest misstep would trigger an unknown danger.

"Zhang Hao, I always feel like there's something sinister about this place," the herbalist muttered in a low voice, his voice filled with barely concealed nervousness. His eyes darted around, his hands tightly gripping the stick, his knuckles white from the strain.

Zhang Hao nodded slightly, "It's better to be careful, there might be some mechanism or trap." He glanced around sharply and gripped the sword in his hand tighter.

As he spoke, a stone door appeared in front of him, engraved with strange symbols and patterns. The symbols were twisted and seemed to speak some ancient and mysterious language, emitting a chilling aura.

"What does this mean?" The herbalist stepped forward, wanting to touch it. His curiosity temporarily overcame his fear, and his eyes were filled with a desire for the unknown.

"Don't move!" Zhang Hao shouted hurriedly, "It may be dangerous." His voice was urgent and stern, and instantly the herbalist's hand stopped in mid-air.

At this moment, the stone door slowly opened, and a powerful airflow rushed out, almost knocking them over. The airflow carried a stale and decayed smell, making people feel nauseous and dizzy.

Inside the doorway lay a spacious stone chamber, surrounded by a variety of bizarre artifacts. There were luminous gemstones, their light as bright as stars, illuminating a corner of the chamber; ancient scrolls, their pages yellowed and the words blurred; and strangely shaped weapons, their blades gleaming with a chilling light that sent shivers down one's spine.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist walked into the stone chamber, their eyes attracted by the treasures. Their gazes wandered among the treasures, filled with surprise and greed.

The herbalist couldn't help but pick up a gem and said, "If I take this out, I will be rich." His eyes were shining with excitement, as if he had already seen the future glory and wealth.

Zhang Hao was not tempted by the treasure in front of him. "Don't move. Check if there is any danger first." His voice was calm and rational, trying to wake the herbalist up.

Before he could finish his words, the stone chamber suddenly shook violently, and cracks began to appear on the ground. The cracks quickly spread, covering the entire ground like a spider web.

"No, hurry up!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice echoed in the shaking stone chamber, filled with anxiety and fear.

They ran towards the exit, but the cracks grew wider, blocking their way. Huge rocks fell from overhead, raising clouds of dust.

The herbalist looked desperate, "Are we going to die here?" His voice was tearful, his legs went limp, and he collapsed to the ground.

Zhang Hao looked around and found a ventilation hole above his head. "If I climb up, maybe I can get out." His eyes were firm and he didn't retreat at all.

The herbalist looked at the tall ventilation vent with difficulty, "I... I can't climb up." His body was shaking and his eyes were full of helplessness.

Zhang Hao gritted his teeth and said, "I'll go up first, then I'll pull you up." He put his sword at his waist and began to climb. The stone wall was rough and damp, and his hands and feet kept searching for a foothold.

After some effort, Zhang Hao finally climbed up the ventilation duct, then lowered a rope and pulled the herbalist up.

They continued forward along the narrow and dark vent, barely wide enough for one person to pass through. Their bodies pressed against the wall, they struggled to move forward.

"Zhang Hao, I... I'm scared." The herbalist's voice trembled in the darkness.

"Don't be afraid, we'll be out soon." Zhang Hao comforted.

Suddenly, a strange sound came from the front, like something crawling.

Zhang Hao stopped and said, "Shh, don't make any noise."

They waited quietly, the sound of their heartbeats being particularly clear in the silence. After a while, the sound gradually faded away.

They continued to move forward, not knowing what was waiting for them ahead...