Rise of the Otherworld.

The cave shook more violently, rocks raining down like raindrops. Zhang Hao protected the herbalist, the old man led the way, and the black-robed man brought up the rear. The four of them ran desperately in the chaos. Every step was accompanied by the rise of dust and falling rubble, as if the whole world was collapsing.

"Everyone, watch out!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice faint in the clamor. A massive rock plummeted from above, carrying the force of destruction. He shoved the herbalist aside, only to be grazed on the shoulder, his shirt instantly stained with blood. In that instant, pain raced through his body like an electric current, but he paid no attention to it, his only concern being the herbalist's safety.

The herbalist shouted in horror: "Zhang Hao, how are you?" His voice was tearful and his face was full of panic.

"Leave me alone, run!" Zhang Hao gritted his teeth, enduring the severe pain and continuing to move forward. Every breath was accompanied by piercing pain, but his pace did not slow down at all. He had only one thought in his mind, which was to escape from this place that was about to be destroyed as soon as possible.

The old man continuously cast spells, attempting to stop some of the falling rocks. The light of his spells flickered in the darkness, but it was a drop in the bucket in the face of the violent collapse. His forehead was covered in sweat, and his face had turned pale from the excessive consumption of his magic power.

The man in black robe dodged the rocks while urging, "Hurry up, the exit is just ahead!" His voice was anxious and nervous, and his eyes were full of desire for survival.

The cracks in the ground grew larger and larger, like ferocious mouths, as if to devour them mercilessly. Every step they took was filled with uncertainty, and the slightest mistake could lead to eternal damnation.

At that moment, a larger rock came crashing down on the old man, about to hit him. In the nick of time, the man in black robes leaped forward and pushed the old man away. However, he himself was struck in the leg by the rock, letting out a muffled groan.

"Go!" shouted the man in black robe, with a hint of pain in his voice, but more of determination.

No one dared to stop, their pace quickened. In this life-or-death situation, every second seemed so long.

Finally, they rushed out of the cave before it completely collapsed. The strong sunlight hurt their eyes, but at that moment, they had never felt so warm.

They gasped for breath and collapsed to the ground, as if all the strength had been drained from their bodies. Sweat soaked their clothes, mixing with the dust and blood on their bodies, making them look miserable.

"Finally out," the herbalist sighed, his voice filled with relief at having survived. He stared at the sky, a lingering fear still in his eyes.

Zhang Hao looked at his injured shoulder, blood oozing from the wound. "But we can't relax yet. We need to treat the wound quickly." His voice was weak, but he remained calm.

The old man took out some herbs from his pocket and skillfully bandaged Zhang Hao and the black-robed man. "This time it was really dangerous," the old man said, his tone filled with fear.

The black-robed man gazed toward the cave, his eyes complicated. "But at least we've got the token. Perhaps we can solve some of the mysteries." His voice held a hint of anticipation, even as the pain in his leg furrowed his brow.

Zhang Hao nodded, "But where should we go next?" He glanced at everyone, his heart full of confusion.

Just as they were thinking, the sound of horse hooves suddenly came from afar. The "clacking" sound was particularly clear in the empty field, breaking the temporary tranquility.

"Is there trouble again?" the herbalist said nervously, his body shaking involuntarily.

A group of soldiers on horseback galloped towards them, their hooves kicking up clouds of dust. Leading them was a valiant woman, clad in silver armor, her long hair flowing in the wind, her eyes sharp as an eagle's.

The woman pulled the reins, and the horse neighed and halted. She looked them up and down, her eyes scrutinizing and wary. "Who are you? Why are you here?" Her voice was clear and loud, carrying an undeniable authority.

Zhang Hao stood up and said, "We are here to investigate the monster seal." He looked at the woman firmly without backing down.

The woman frowned slightly. "Sealing the monster? This matter is of great importance. Come back to the camp with me and we'll talk about it." She waved her hand and the soldiers immediately surrounded her.

With no other choice, they followed the woman to the camp. Along the way, Zhang Hao secretly speculated about the origins and purpose of this group of soldiers, wondering what awaited them...