Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao was the first to jump into the river, struggling to maintain his balance as he swam towards the other side. The force of the current was so strong that he was nearly swept away several times, but he gritted his teeth and persevered. The surging current roared like a beast, constantly battering his body, and the icy cold water gradually numbed his limbs. Every stroke required all his strength, but the river seemed to have a life of its own, desperately pulling him back.

Others followed suit, struggling desperately in the river. The herbalist couldn't swim, and upon entering the water, he panicked. "Help! I'm sinking!" His cries were drowned out by the roar of the river. Fear instantly took hold of his face, his eyes filled with despair.

The old man struggled to swim towards the herbalist, "Don't be afraid, hold on to my arm!" He used all his strength to drag the herbalist to the shore. The old man's face was full of determination. Although he was also teetering in the water, he held the herbalist tightly with both hands, refusing to let go.

The black-robed man was a skilled swimmer, darting nimbly through the water, occasionally helping others stabilize themselves. His movements were agile, like a fish in water, and he seemed at ease in the turbulent river.

Zhang Hao glanced back, his heart filled with anxiety. "Everyone, work harder!" he shouted, his voice echoing across the river. But his voice was quickly swallowed by the roar of the water. However, his eyes were filled with encouragement and hope, forcing the others to not slack off.

The current grew stronger, and the water was dotted with sharp rocks and whirlpools. Zhang Hao's leg accidentally struck a rock, sending a sharp pain through him, as if struck by a sledgehammer. But he didn't dare stop, forcing himself to endure the pain and continue swimming. Every movement was accompanied by excruciating pain, but he knew that if he stopped, he might never reach shore again.

At this moment, a huge whirlpool appeared before them. The whirlpool was like a giant mouth, ready to swallow them all.

"Be careful of the whirlpool!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice became hoarse due to nervousness, and his eyes were fixed on the terrifying whirlpool.

Everyone tried to avoid the whirlpool, but the current was too strong, pulling them towards the center. Their bodies spun involuntarily in the water, and the scene before them became blurred.

"I can't be sucked in like this!" Zhang Hao thought to himself. He used up his last bit of strength and swam out of the whirlpool. His muscles were tense, every nerve was screaming, and every inch of his skin was resisting the force of the water.

The others also struggled desperately, finally breaking free from the vortex at the critical moment. Their bodies were exhausted to the extreme, but the desire to survive made them dare not relax even a little.

After a difficult struggle, they finally reached the other side. Zhang Hao was the first to climb up the riverbank, then he pulled the others up one by one. His hands were shaking from the excessive effort, but his eyes were filled with joy and relief.

"Finally on shore!" The herbalist lay on the ground, breathing heavily. His clothes were soaked and clung to his body, his face full of relief at having survived.

Everyone was exhausted and collapsed on the shore. But before they had time to rest, they heard the shouts of the men in black.

"They're chasing us. We have to leave quickly!" Zhang Hao stood up. Although he was extremely tired, his eyes remained firm. There was a hint of anxiety and decisiveness in his voice.

They supported each other and continued to flee into the distance. Each step seemed extremely heavy, but they did not dare to stop.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, they arrived at a remote village. The village was strangely quiet, without a trace of human life.

"Why does it feel weird here?" the herbalist whispered.

Zhang Hao observed his surroundings vigilantly, "Be careful, there might be a trap."

They walked into the village cautiously and saw that the houses were dilapidated and the doors and windows were closed.

Suddenly, a crow flew up from the roof and made a shrill cry.

"Oh no, something's wrong here!" said the old man.

At this moment, a group of villagers rushed out from all directions, their eyes dull and their movements stiff...