Rise of the Otherworld.

They climbed up the rugged mountain road, which was steep and dangerous, and every step was full of challenges. But they did not retreat, and moved forward step by step towards the top of the mountain.

Zhang Hao led the way, carefully testing each rock for stability, his sword occasionally slashing through the thorns that blocked his path. Sweat soaked his clothes, streaming down his cheeks and dripping onto the stones beneath his feet. His eyes were focused and determined, and he took each step with caution, as if the slightest mistake would lead to a plunge into the abyss.

The black-robed figure followed closely behind, his breathing rapid and his steps heavy, but his eyes still filled with determination. "Zhang Hao, be careful!" he warned from time to time, his voice echoing through the valley, a hint of tension and concern. His clothes were torn by branches, revealing traces of blood, but he seemed oblivious, only focused on keeping up with the group.

The herbalist was in the middle, struggling to keep pace with the others. He clutched a cloth bag filled with some emergency herbs. "This mountain is so hard to climb!" he complained, panting heavily. His face was covered in sweat and fatigue, but a glimmer of hope glimmered in his eyes.

The old man walked last. Although he was old, his steps were still steady. The staff in his hand occasionally emitted a ray of light, illuminating the way forward. His eyes were deep and calm, as if he was thinking about something.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew past, making everyone unsteady. Zhang Hao quickly grabbed a small tree nearby and shouted, "Everyone, hold on!" His voice was drowned out by the strong wind, but his gestures made everyone understand his meaning.

After the wind died down, a light drizzle began to fall, making the mountain road even more slippery. The raindrops hit my face, bringing a hint of coolness, but also making the road ahead more difficult.

"This is really adding insult to injury!" the black-robed man cursed. His face was covered in rain and anger, and he slipped and almost fell.

But they did not stop, and continued to climb up with great difficulty. Every step was full of hardship, and every time they lifted their feet, it seemed as if they had exhausted all their strength.

Zhang Hao slipped and nearly fell, but the man in black grabbed him just in time. "Thank you!" Zhang Hao said gratefully. There was a hint of fear in his voice, and his heartbeat was racing.

"You're welcome. We're partners in life and death!" said the black-robed man. His arms were tense from exertion, but a smile appeared on his face.

After some effort, they finally reached a platform halfway up the mountain. Everyone collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

"Rest for a while, I'm really tired," the herbalist said. His voice was weak and tired, and he lay on the ground, as if he had no strength left.

Zhang Hao nodded and said, "Okay, but you can't rest for too long." He looked towards the top of the mountain, his heart full of anticipation and worry.

At this moment, a group of black shadows suddenly appeared around the platform and slowly approached the crowd.

"Oh no, we're in trouble again!" The old man stood up, raised his staff, and prepared to fight. There was a hint of vigilance and tension in his voice.

Zhang Hao and others also stood up quickly and gripped their weapons tightly.

These shadows gradually revealed their true forms, and turned out to be a group of mountain monsters. Their bodies were twisted, their faces were hideous, and they exuded an evil aura.

"It seems this mountain is not simple, there are even monsters here," Zhang Hao said. A flash of surprise flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

"Who cares? Kill him!" The black-robed man roared and rushed towards the monster. His figure was like lightning, and he immediately started a fierce fight with the monster.

Zhang Hao was not willing to be outdone. He waved the sword in his hand, the sword shadow flashed, and each sword carried a sharp momentum.

The herbalists would throw out some herbs from time to time. The herbs gave off a strange fragrance, which slowed down the monster's movements.

The old man continued to cast spells, the light shone, and hit the monsters one by one.

The battle was extremely fierce, the monsters attacked continuously, and Zhang Hao and his companions fought hard. They suffered many wounds, but their fighting spirit was even higher.

The black-robed man's weapon left scars on the monster, and his roar echoed throughout the valley.

Zhang Hao's sword is like a dragon emerging from the sea, and every attack is precise and deadly.

The herbs collected by the herbalists played a huge role in gaining more opportunities for everyone.

The old man's magic light illuminated the entire platform, leaving the monsters nowhere to hide.

After a hard fight, the monsters were finally repelled.

Everyone collapsed to the ground again, gasping for breath.

"We are only halfway up the mountain. I don't know what dangers are waiting for us up there." The herbalist said worriedly.

"No matter what happens, we will not back down." Zhang Hao said firmly.

They took a short rest and continued to move towards the top of the mountain...