Rise of the Otherworld.

The rain gradually subsided, and they emerged from the cave and continued their journey. The road was muddy and slippery after the rain, requiring extreme caution with every step. A single mistake could easily lead to a slip. The mud on the ground seemed to have life, clinging tightly to the soles of their shoes, making every step incredibly difficult.

Zhang Hao walked in front, blazing the trail for everyone. His steps were heavy, yet he maintained a steady rhythm. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, his sword occasionally shoving aside branches and weeds that blocked his path.

"Everyone, be careful with your steps and don't rush." ​​He would turn around and remind everyone from time to time. His voice echoed in the silent forest, a little tired but full of concern.

The black-robed man's clothes were soaked through, sticking to his body and making him feel very uncomfortable, but he still followed Zhang Hao closely without saying a word. His face was gloomy, his brows were furrowed, and his irritation became more and more intense during this difficult journey.

As the herbalist walked, he observed the surrounding environment, hoping to find some useful herbs for future use. His eyes kept scanning the surroundings, not missing any corner where herbs might grow.

The old man seemed to be struggling. After all, he was old and not as strong as the young. His breathing was rapid and his steps were a little unsteady, but his eyes still showed determination and unyielding spirit.

"Old man, are you okay?" Zhang Hao asked with concern. His voice was filled with worry, and his pace slowed down slightly, waiting for the old man to catch up.

"Don't worry, I can still hold on," the old man said through gritted teeth. A hint of stubbornness appeared on his face. Although his body was exhausted, he didn't want to be a burden to everyone.

After walking for a while, they came to a turbulent river. The water roared and splashed, making a huge noise. The river was like a group of wild horses running wild, rushing forward wantonly, which was daunting.

"The river is flowing so fast, how can we get across?" The herbalist looked troubled. His voice trembled as he looked at the surging river, his heart filled with fear.

Zhang Hao looked around and said, "Let's see if there is a bridge or shallows to cross the river." His eyes searched both sides of the river bank, not missing any hope.

They searched along the riverbank and finally found a shallow beach with a relatively slow current. The rocks on the beach were exposed above the water, forming an intermittent path.

"Let's go through here," Zhang Hao said. He was the first to step into the water. The water instantly covered his knees, and the icy cold made him shiver.

They stepped into the water carefully. The water was icy cold, making them shiver. Every step was difficult, and the impact of the water made their bodies sway constantly.

As they reached the middle of the river, the current suddenly became turbulent. Zhang Hao lost his balance and was nearly swept away. "Be careful!" the black-robed figure reached out and grabbed him. With force, he pulled Zhang Hao back to a stable position.

With everyone's help, they finally managed to cross the river. Their legs were numb from the freezing water, but their hearts were filled with joy.

However, before they could catch their breath, they encountered a dense forest. The forest was full of thorns and vines, leaving almost no place to stand. The thorns were like sharp teeth, ready to bite them at any time.

"What should I do?" The herbalist looked at the scene before him, feeling a wave of despair. His voice was filled with helplessness and frustration, as if he had lost hope of moving forward.

Zhang Hao drew his sword and said, "Cut a path!" His voice was firm and powerful, giving everyone a bit of courage.

Everyone took action, using their weapons to clear a path. Their arms swung, sweat fell like rain, and every blow was accompanied by the sound of thorns snapping and vines being torn.

After some effort, they finally walked out of the forest. At this time, the sky had gradually darkened. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on their tired faces, casting a golden glow.

"Let's rest here tonight," Zhang Hao said, his voice a little tired. He found a relatively flat spot and began to clear the surrounding debris.

They found a relatively flat place and built a bonfire. The bonfire burned brightly, illuminating the small space around them and bringing a touch of warmth and comfort.

Sitting around the campfire, everyone's faces were filled with fatigue. Their eyes revealed confusion and worry about the future, but also a hint of determination and hope.

"I wonder how long it will take to reach our destination," the black-robed man sighed, his voice unusually low amid the crackling of the campfire.

"As long as we don't give up, we'll get there." Zhang Hao looked at the dancing flames with a determined look. His heart was filled with anticipation for the future, believing that as long as everyone worked together, they would be able to overcome all difficulties.

Exhausted, they gradually fell asleep, ready to face new challenges. Occasionally, the roars of wild animals could be heard in the forest at night, but they were too tired to be disturbed by these sounds...