Rise of the Otherworld.

The group turned back and walked into the middle path. A thin layer of mist covered the path, blurring the view. Zhang Hao walked in front, his steps cautious and slow, fearing any unknown danger would suddenly appear. His sharp eyes tried to penetrate the thick fog, searching for a clue.

"Everyone, be careful. This fog might be strange," Zhang Hao warned. His voice was low and serious, and it was particularly clear in the silent maze.

The old man nodded slightly, his staff emitting a faint light, attempting to dispel some of the mist. However, the mist seemed to have life, constantly gathering around him, resisting the light's illumination. Fine beads of sweat oozed from the old man's forehead, and the depletion of his mana was making him feel a bit exhausted.

The black-robed man followed Zhang Hao closely, his eyes warily observing his surroundings. His hands gripped his weapon tightly, his knuckles white with the strain. His nervousness and uneasiness were palpable with every step. The herbalist, too, seemed a bit nervous, his breathing becoming rapid. He glanced back periodically, as if worried something might be catching up.

As they continued forward, they suddenly heard a strange sound, like someone whispering. The sound was erratic, sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right, making it difficult to understand.

"What's that sound?" the herbalist asked in horror, his voice trembling with fear.

"Don't panic, it might be the wind." Although Zhang Hao said this, he was also full of doubts. He stopped and listened carefully to the sound, trying to discern the clues.

As they went deeper, the sound became clearer and clearer, as if countless pairs of eyes were watching them from the darkness. The sound seemed to be mixed with ridicule and sarcasm, which made people feel creepy.

At this moment, the path began to narrow, and the walls on both sides seemed to be slowly moving, squeezing their space. The originally spacious passage suddenly became cramped, giving people an invisible sense of oppression.

"Oh no! This maze is changing!" the old man exclaimed. There was a hint of panic in his voice, and the light of the staff in his hand flickered more frequently, trying to resist the pressure of the wall.

Zhang Hao paused, pondering a strategy. "We can't lose our composure. Keep moving forward." His voice was firm and steady, bringing a sense of calm to everyone.

At this moment, some sharp spikes suddenly extended from the wall, like rows of fangs, and nearly pierced the black-robed man. He dodged the attack with a sideways movement, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

"What the hell is this place!" The black-robed man couldn't help but curse. His eyes were filled with anger and helplessness.

While dodging the thorns, Zhang Hao said, "Keep calm, there must be a way out." His brain was working rapidly, thinking about how to deal with the current dilemma.

They struggled forward when they suddenly discovered two identical passages ahead. The entrances to the two passages looked identical, both shrouded in mist, filled with mystery and the unknown.

"How do I choose?" the herbalist asked anxiously, his eyes switching back and forth between the two passages, at a loss.

Zhang Hao carefully observed the two passages and found some subtle marks on the ground of one of them. Those marks seemed to be scratched by something, and although they were not obvious, they were still discovered under Zhang Hao's keen observation.

"Let's go this way," Zhang Hao said, pointing to the passageway with traces of tracks. His tone was firm and unquestionable.

As they entered the passage, they found the fog had thickened, making it almost impossible to see the road ahead. They could only hold hands and grope their way forward, step by step. Every step was filled with uncertainty and danger.

As they cautiously groped their way forward, a giant spider dropped from the ceiling, blocking their path. The spider was enormous, more than a man's height, covered in long, hairy legs, each one like a sharp spear. Its eyes gleamed green, and white silk spurted from its mouth as it attacked the group.

"Be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted and swung his sword to cut off the spider silk shooting towards him.

The old man quickly cast a spell, and a stream of fire shot towards the spider. The spider nimbly dodged the attack and pounced towards the old man.

The black-robed man took the opportunity to jump onto the spider's back and stabbed its head with his weapon. The spider struggled violently and threw the black-robed man off.

The herbalist was so frightened that he didn't know what to do, and the herbs in his hands fell to the ground.

Zhang Hao rushed over and helped the black-robed man up, "Let's go together!"

Everyone attacked the spider again and started a fierce fight with it...