Rise of the Otherworld.

The figure slowly turned, and everyone gasped as they took in the sight. It was a beautiful woman, dressed in a pale green dress that fluttered gently in the breeze. The hem was embroidered with delicate patterns, like flowers blooming in spring, gorgeous and captivating. But her eyes held an indescribable coldness, as if it could freeze the soul. It was like a thousand-year-old ice, chilling to the bone.

"Why have you come here?" The woman's voice was clear and cold, like a mountain stream, crisp yet with a hint of chill. Her lips curled up slightly, but there was no trace of a smile, instead, an invisible pressure could be felt.

Zhang Hao stepped forward, clasped his fists and said, "Miss, we have no intention of offending you. We just lost our way in this forest." His eyes were firm and sincere, hoping to gain the woman's understanding and help.

The woman snorted softly, "This forest is not one you can just wander into." Her voice was full of disdain, as if she was mocking their ignorance and recklessness.

The old man hurriedly said, "I hope the girl can give us some advice so that we can find a way out." There was a hint of urgency and pleading in his tone, and the wrinkles on his face seemed even deeper because of worry.

The woman was silent for a moment, her gaze sweeping over everyone. Her gaze was like a sharp blade, leaving no room for evasion. "I can help you, but you have to agree to one condition." Her voice remained cold, devoid of any emotion.

"What are the conditions?" the black-robed man asked. There was a hint of caution in his voice, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on the weapon, ready to respond to any danger that might arise.

The corners of the woman's mouth curled up slightly, a smile that made people's hair stand on end. "Help me find a magical herb deep in the forest." Her voice echoed in the air, like an order that could not be disobeyed.

Zhang Hao frowned, "What are the characteristics of this spiritual herb?" His eyes were full of confusion as he tried to get more information from the woman's description.

The woman raised her hand and waved, revealing a scene before everyone's eyes. In it, a magical herb, emitting a strange glow, grew on the edge of a cliff. The leaves of the magical herb were crystal clear, as if carved from jade, shimmering with light and dreamlike.

"This is the magical herb you're looking for," the woman said. There was a hint of mystery in her voice, filling people with curiosity and desire for this magical herb.

Everyone looked at each other. Although they had doubts in their hearts, there was no other way at the moment.

"Okay, we promise you," Zhang Hao said. His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was ready to take on the challenge.

The woman nodded and said, "Come with me." She turned and walked towards the depths of the forest, her steps light as an elegant butterfly.

They followed the woman through the forest. She said nothing, moving quickly forward. The fog in the forest grew thicker, and the path became increasingly rugged and difficult to navigate. Branches and thorns occasionally scratched their bodies, leaving tiny wounds.

The herbalist muttered softly, "Is this woman trustworthy?" His voice was full of doubt and uneasiness.

Zhang Hao beckoned him to remain silent. "Follow me and see what's going on." His eyes revealed a hint of determination and calmness.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, they came to the edge of a cliff. The cliff was so high that it reached the clouds, and below it was a bottomless abyss, shrouded in mist and clouds, which was daunting.

"The spiritual herb is right down there," the woman said. Her voice remained cold, without a trace of emotion.

Zhang Hao looked down. The cliff was bottomless, with only some protruding rocks and vines. The rocks were jagged, and the vines swayed in the wind, as if they would break at any moment.

"How do we get on?" The black-robed man looked troubled. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his eyes were filled with fear.

The woman glanced at them and said, "It depends on your own ability." A sarcastic smile appeared on the corner of her mouth, as if she was waiting to laugh at them.

Zhang Hao thought for a moment and said, "Everyone be careful, we will go down slowly." His voice was steady and firm, giving everyone a sense of courage and confidence.

They began to climb cautiously down the cliff face. Zhang Hao took the lead, grabbing a vine, testing its sturdiness, and then slowly descending. The old man followed closely behind, his movements slightly slow, but he remained calm. The man in black robes protected the herbalist from behind, ensuring his safety.

Suddenly, a huge bird flew towards them, its wings spread out, blocking out the sky and the sun, its sharp claws flashing with cold light.

"Be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted.

Everyone dodged, and the bird's claws scratched Zhang Hao's shoulder, and blood gushed out instantly.

"Damn it!" Zhang Hao cursed and swung his sword at the flying bird.

The birds screamed and circled in the air, ready to attack again...