Rise of the Otherworld.

Everyone looked at the towering mountain in the distance, feeling nervous but also filled with determination. The mountain reached the sky, as if connected to the heavens, and the steep cliffs were daunting.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and said, "There's no time to lose. Let's set off immediately." His voice was firm and powerful, filled with indomitable courage. With that, he took the lead and walked towards the peak, his steps firm and powerful, each step firmly on solid ground.

The man in black robe followed closely behind, "Everyone be careful, this journey may not be peaceful." There was vigilance in his eyes, and he held the magic weapon tightly in his hands, ready to deal with any possible danger at any time.

The old man followed with the herbalist and the woman. The herbalist couldn't help complaining, "This mountain looks so steep. Can we really climb it?" His face was full of worry and doubt. Looking at the almost vertical mountain wall, he began to back down.

Zhang Hao looked back at him and encouraged him, "As long as we work together, there is nothing we can't do." His eyes were full of trust and determination, which gave the herbalist a little more courage.

They began to climb. The mountain was steep, and the rocks beneath their feet were loose, making it easy to slip. Zhang Hao led the way, stabbing his sword into the mountain wall to support those behind him. Veins bulged in his arms from the effort, and sweat soaked his clothes, but his movements remained steady and decisive.

The woman slipped and screamed, "Ah!" The sound echoed in the valley, making people's hair stand on end.

The old man was quick to grab her and said, "Be careful, child." His voice was full of concern, and his arms trembled slightly from the force.

The herbalist was exhausted and panting, "This is even more tiring than fighting monsters." His breathing was rapid, like a bellows, and his legs felt heavy as if they were filled with lead.

While climbing, Zhang Hao observed the surrounding situation and said, "Hold on, everyone. We are already halfway up." There was a hint of fatigue in his voice, but more of encouragement.

However, at this moment, a group of black birds suddenly appeared in the sky and swooped down towards them, their wings flapping and making a whirring sound, and their eyes flashing with a ferocious light.

"Oh no! It's an attack!" the black-robed man shouted, his voice filled with tension and fear.

Zhang Hao swung his sword, trying to repel the bird. The sword drew arcs in the air, colliding with the bird's claws, making a clanging sound.

The birds' claws were incredibly sharp, and everyone dodged. Their attacks were swift and fierce, making it impossible to defend against them.

In the chaos, the herbalist was scratched on the arm by a flying bird. "Ouch, it hurts!" his cry was filled with pain.

The old man quickly cast a spell to heal the herbalist's wound. A soft light emanated from the old man's staff, enveloping the herbalist's wound, and the wound healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

After a fierce struggle, they finally drove the birds away and continued to climb, their bodies covered in sweat and dust, their faces covered in fatigue and scars.

As the altitude increased, the air became thinner and everyone's breathing became heavier. Every breath seemed to require all the strength in the body.

"I... I can't breathe," the woman said with difficulty. Her face was pale, her lips were purple, and her body was shaky.

Zhang Hao encouraged her: "Hold on a little longer, we'll be there soon." Although his voice was a little weak, it was still full of strength.

Finally, they came to a relatively flat place where they could rest for a while. Everyone collapsed on the ground, gasping for breath.

"This is just the beginning. We don't know what awaits us next." The black-robed man said worriedly. He looked at the top of the mountain, his eyes filled with worry.

The old man stood up and looked into the distance. "No matter what, we can't retreat."

The herbalist gritted his teeth and said, "That's right, we have come this far, we can't give up."

The woman also nodded, "Let's work hard together."

Everyone looked at the top of the mountain, silently praying that they could find the magic weapon and save this land...