Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao suddenly leaped up and thrust his sword towards the python's head. The blade collided with the python's hard scales, sparking a dazzling spark, but it failed to penetrate deeply. In that instant, the powerful recoil numbed Zhang Hao's arm.

The python, in pain, twisted its body even more frantically, its thick tail sweeping across like a giant whip, bringing with it a whirring sound. Zhang Hao couldn't dodge and was sent flying, crashing into the stone wall. With a dull thud, he felt his internal organs shift, a sweet sensation in his throat, and a mouthful of blood spurted out.

"Zhang Hao!" the herbalist exclaimed. His voice was filled with fear and worry, and his face was as pale as paper.

Zhang Hao endured the severe pain and staggered to his feet again. His eyes remained firm as he stared at the mad python in front of him.

At this moment, the python opened its mouth wide and pounced on Zhang Hao again. The fishy smell from its bloody mouth was nauseating, and its sharp teeth flashed coldly in the darkness.

Seeing this, the herbalist, who didn't know where he got the courage from, picked up a stone and threw it at the python's eyes with all his strength. The stone drew an arc in the air and hit the target accurately.

The python was disturbed and its attack slowed down. This brief gap was a rare opportunity for Zhang Hao.

Zhang Hao took the opportunity to swing his sword again. This time, he concentrated all his strength and finally pierced the python's eye. With a "puff", black blood gushed out and splashed all over him.

The python howled in agony, the sound reverberating through the cave, deafening. It tumbled madly, its massive body slamming into the walls and floor, raising a cloud of dust. The cave was suddenly filled with so much dust that it was almost impossible to open your eyes.

The white tiger outside the cave heard the noise and roared even more urgently, with a hint of anxiety and excitement in its roar.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist took the opportunity to run towards the cave entrance. Their steps were staggering, their breathing was rapid, but the desire to survive drove them forward regardless of the consequences.

However, the injured python would not let them go easily. It twisted its body and blocked their way with astonishing speed. Its injured eye, oozing black blood, looked even more ferocious and terrifying.

"Let's fight!" Zhang Hao roared, his eyes burning with unyielding fire. He rushed towards the python again, as if he had already put his life at risk.

The herbalist followed closely behind, swinging his stick wildly. His heartbeat raced, and every breath was filled with fear, but he didn't flinch.

For a moment, the cave was in chaos. Zhang Hao's sword left deep wounds on the python, and blood splattered everywhere, staining the ground red. The herbalist's wooden stick also occasionally hit the python. Although it couldn't cause fatal damage, it bought Zhang Hao some time.

Finally, the python's movements slowed down, its strength gradually exhausted from the continuous attacks, and it finally collapsed to the ground. Its body was still twitching slightly, but it could no longer pose a threat to them.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist collapsed on the ground, exhausted, breathing heavily. Their clothes were tattered, covered in blood and dust, and they looked extremely miserable.

Before they could recover from their shock, the white tiger outside the cave rushed in. The white tiger's figure formed a huge shadow at the entrance of the cave, and its majestic eyes swept across everything in the cave.

"Not good!" Zhang Hao struggled to his feet and raised his sword again. His arms trembled, but his eyes remained firm.

The herbalist also struggled to stand up and leaned closely against Zhang Hao.

The white tiger stared at them, a hint of hesitation in its eyes. Perhaps it was intimidated by their fierce battle with the python, or perhaps it sensed their determination to fight to the death, so the white tiger did not attack immediately.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist were facing off against the white tiger, the atmosphere extremely tense. Time seemed to freeze, and every second seemed to stretch infinitely longer.

Suddenly, the white tiger turned and left the cave. The sound of its footsteps gradually faded away, eventually disappearing into the valley.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at each other. Their smiles were filled with relief at having survived the ordeal and gratitude towards each other.

"Let's get out of here quickly," Zhang Hao said. His voice was hoarse and weak, but full of determination.

The two supported each other and walked out of the cave. The sunlight outside the cave shone on them, warm and gentle. But they knew that the journey ahead was still full of unknowns and dangers...