Rise of the Otherworld.

Sucked into the whirlpool, Zhang Hao and the herbalist felt the world spinning, their surroundings blurring. Their bodies tumbled endlessly in the turbulent current like leaves falling out of control. The force of the current was like countless invisible hands, pulling them tightly, making it impossible for them to break free.

"Zhang Hao, I... I can't breathe!" the herbalist cried out with difficulty, his voice filled with fear and despair. His face was pale, his eyes were closed, and his hands were pawing at the air, trying to grab a lifeline.

Zhang Hao struggled to open his eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope. The powerful current blurred his vision, but his will to survive was unwavering. "Hold on, there's definitely a way out!" he shouted back to the herbalist, encouraging himself and his companions. His voice was faint amidst the roaring water, yet it was filled with determination.

In this chaotic vortex, time seemed to stretch infinitely longer. Zhang Hao's consciousness gradually faded, and he felt his strength being drained away bit by bit. Every breath became difficult, every struggle seemed futile. But the faith in his heart was like a bright light, always burning, guiding him not to give up.

Just when they were about to lose consciousness, a powerful force pushed them out of the whirlpool.

The two men fell heavily onto unfamiliar ground, gasping for air. Their clothes were tattered, and their bodies were covered in wounds. Blood oozed from their wounds, staining the surrounding ground red.

"Where...where is this?" the herbalist asked weakly. His voice trembled, and his eyes scanned the surroundings in fear. This unfamiliar land, filled with unknowns and mysteries, filled him with immense fear.

Zhang Hao endured the pain, slowly stood up, and surveyed his surroundings. This was a quiet forest, with tall, dense trees. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, creating patches of light. The air was filled with a damp scent, a mixture of earth and vegetation.

"I don't know, but we have to be careful," Zhang Hao said cautiously. His eyes were sharp, and he held his sword tightly in his hand, ready to deal with any possible danger.

They walked forward cautiously. The grass beneath their feet was soft and felt like it held some unknown danger. With every step, they could feel the ground trembling slightly. Suddenly, a sinister laugh echoed through the forest.

"Hahahaha, you can't escape!" The laughter was sharp and piercing, as if it came from a demon in hell.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist were suddenly terrified and quickened their pace. Their heartbeats raced, and their breathing became rapid. However, no matter how fast they ran, the laughter continued to echo in their ears.

"Who is it? Come out!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice echoed in the forest, but there was no response.

At this moment, a dark shadow flashed past them, so fast that they could hardly see it clearly.

"Chase!" Zhang Hao chased after him without hesitation. His figure shuttled through the woods like an agile cheetah.

The herbalist followed closely behind, his heart filled with fear. His steps stumbled, but he still tried his best to follow Zhang Hao.

They shuttled through the forest, with dark shadows always looming in front of them, guiding them deeper into this mysterious forest. The trees became denser and denser, the road became narrower and narrower, and the light became dimmer and dimmer.

"Zhang Hao, why don't you stop chasing me? I think it's too dangerous!" said the herbalist, panting.

"No, we must find out what is going on!" Zhang Hao said firmly.

Suddenly, they came to the edge of a cliff. The shadow stopped and turned to face them.

"You are finally here." A low voice sounded.

Zhang Hao and the herbalist then saw clearly that the shadow was a mysterious man in a black robe. His face was obscured by the shadow and his features could not be seen clearly.

"Who are you? Why did you lead us here?" Zhang Hao asked.

The mysterious man sneered, "You have entered a place you shouldn't be in, and you are destined not to leave alive."

After saying that, the mysterious man waved his hands, and a powerful force attacked Zhang Hao and the herbalist...