Rise of the Otherworld.

Suddenly, a crow flew up from the roof, uttering a shrill cry. "Oh no! Something's wrong here!" the old man said. His voice trembled, standing out in the quiet village.

At that moment, a group of villagers emerged from all directions, their eyes glazed over, their movements stiff. Their faces were expressionless, like puppets with their souls ripped out. Their skin was pale, their lips purple, and their clothes were worn and stained.

Zhang Hao clenched his sword, "Everyone be careful!" He stared at the villagers, his vigilance reaching its peak. He could sense a strange aura emanating from them, a chilling feeling.

The herbalist was so scared that he hid behind Zhang Hao, "What happened to them?" His voice was tearful and his body was shaking, as if he had seen the most terrifying scene in the world.

The villagers slowly approached them, making some strange noises, which sounded like low growls or vague spells, echoing in the air and making people shudder.

The man in black robe frowned, "They don't look normal." His eyes were full of confusion and vigilance, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists.

Zhang Hao shouted, "We have no ill intentions, we are just passing by." However, his voice fell on deaf ears. The villagers did not stop, but instead quickened their pace and approached them.

Just as the villagers were about to approach them, the old man cast a spell, forming a shield to protect them. The shield emitted a soft light, enveloping everyone.

"Don't act rashly," the old man said. His forehead was covered with sweat, and it was obvious that performing this spell was not easy for him.

The villagers crashed into the shield and were bounced back, but they kept trying to get closer. Their bodies kept hitting the shield, making a dull sound.

Zhang Hao tried to find some clues from their behavior, "Are they being controlled by someone?" His heart was full of doubts, and his eyes swept back and forth among the villagers.

At this time, a villager suddenly spoke up and said, "Hand over the ancient books and I will spare your life." His voice was hollow and cold, as if it came from another world.

Zhang Hao was shocked, "Are you accomplices of the man in black?" His eyes were full of anger and confusion.

The villagers didn't answer, but continued to attack the shield. Their strength seemed to be increasing, and tiny cracks began to appear on the shield.

The old man said, "This is not a solution. We have to find a way to break out." There was a hint of anxiety in his voice.

Zhang Hao looked around and said, "The alley over there is narrower. Maybe we can rush out from there." He pointed to a narrow alley not far away with a firm look in his eyes.

Everyone nodded in agreement. The old man put away his shield, and Zhang Hao took the lead as they rushed towards the alley. Their footsteps echoed in the alley, breaking the long silence.

The villagers were chasing them closely, and Zhang Hao and the others were running in a narrow alley. The houses on both sides of the alley were dilapidated and looked like they would collapse at any time.

Suddenly, an obstacle appeared in front of them. It was a huge pile of wood and stones, blocking their way.

"Oh no!" the herbalist exclaimed. His face turned pale in an instant, and his eyes were filled with despair.

Zhang Hao did not stop, "Let's push it away together!" he shouted loudly, his voice full of determination.

They worked together to push the obstacle aside and continued running forward. Their breathing became rapid, and their heartbeats rang in their ears like drums.

Finally, they ran out of the village and came to a forest. The forest was filled with thick fog and the trees were tall and dense, making it difficult for sunlight to penetrate.

"What should we do now?" asked the herbalist, panting.

Zhang Hao stopped and looked around. "Let's find a place to hide first and make plans after they leave."

They moved forward carefully in the woods, trying not to make any noise.

Suddenly, a cold wind blew, and the leaves rustled...