Rise of the Otherworld.

Everyone watched the slowly rising platform, their hearts filled with trepidation. Zhang Hao took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform first. The others followed closely behind him. Their steps were heavy and slow, as if each step required all their strength.

As soon as they stepped onto the platform, a powerful pressure came over them. They felt their bodies sink as if a heavy burden weighed on them. This pressure was so real that it made it difficult for them to breathe.

"This pressure..." the herbalist said with difficulty, his legs trembling slightly. His face instantly turned red, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and dripped onto the platform under his feet.

Before anyone could adjust to the pressure, all sorts of visions suddenly appeared around them: ferocious monsters, gaping bloody maws and baring sharp fangs; terrifying demons, brandishing flaming whips and emitting piercing screams; and deceased relatives and friends, their faces filled with sorrow and eyes filled with resentment.

"These are all illusions. Don't be fooled!" the old man warned loudly. His voice was faint amidst the chaos, yet it carried a firm force. He closed his eyes tightly, muttering something to himself, trying to use his willpower to resist the onslaught of these illusions.

Zhang Hao focused his mind, trying to stay awake. However, the illusions grew more and more vivid, even attacking them. The ferocious monster pounced on Zhang Hao, its sharp claws slashing through the air, stirring up a chilling wind.

The woman was pounced upon by a giant monster illusion, and she screamed in terror. "Help!" Her voice was filled with fear and helplessness. Zhang Hao quickly swung his sword to help. The blade shone in the light, colliding with the monster's claws with a crisp sound. Zhang Hao swung his sword with all his might, driving the monster back.

The black-robed figure's spells became difficult to cast under the pressure. The light on his staff flickered, as if it would go out at any moment. He frowned, trying to concentrate, wanting to unleash a powerful spell, but the pressure always interrupted him at the critical moment. His forehead was covered with sweat, which flowed down his cheeks and soaked his collar.

Just as everyone was struggling to cope with the illusion, flames and frost began to appear on the platform, and the environment became extremely harsh. The flames burned fiercely, the scorching heat making people feel like they were in a furnace; the frost spread rapidly, the cold air piercing into the bone marrow.

"Everyone hold on!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice faint amid the roar of flames and frost. His clothes were torn by the flames, revealing his burned skin, but he still gritted his teeth and continued to move forward.

The woman's clothes were torn by the flames, and her face showed an expression of pain, but she still gritted her teeth and persevered. Her eyes revealed a firm determination, no longer dominated by fear.

The herbalist accidentally stepped on a patch of frost, slipped and fell to the ground, almost rolling off the platform. His heart was filled with fear, and his hands were waving in the air, trying to grab something to steady himself.

The old man kept chanting spells, trying to relieve everyone's pressure and resist the attacks of illusions. His voice was low and powerful, as if he was waging an invisible battle with this mysterious force.

At this time, the mysterious voice sounded again: "This is the final test. Only by conquering your inner fear can you pass!"

Zhang Hao's heart trembled. He suddenly realized that all these illusions and difficulties were tests of their inner selves. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and calmed his heart. He recalled the hardships along the way, remembered the companions who had fought alongside him, and remembered their goals and beliefs.

When he opened his eyes again, a hint of determination flashed in them.

He shouted, "Let's not be swayed by fear, let's charge forward together!" His voice was full of power and courage, echoing on the platform.

Encouraged by Zhang Hao, everyone perked up, no longer distracted by the illusion. Their gazes grew firmer, their steps more steady. Arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, they walked step by step toward the center of the platform.

As they advanced, the pressure gradually eased, and the illusion began to blur. The ferocious monster gradually vanished, the terrifying demon turned into a wisp of black smoke, and the deceased relatives and friends smiled with relief before slowly dissipating into the air.

Finally, they reached the center of the platform.

A flash of light passed, and all the difficulties disappeared. Peace returned to the platform, leaving only their exhausted but joyful figures.

The mysterious voice said, "Congratulations, you have passed the test."

At this moment, a treasure chest appeared on the platform, emitting a mysterious light. The surface of the treasure chest was inlaid with various gems, shining with colorful light.

Zhang Hao walked forward and slowly opened the treasure chest. Inside the treasure chest was an ancient book, emitting powerful magical fluctuations.

"What is this?" the woman asked curiously.

Zhang Hao carefully picked up the scroll and opened the first page. It read: "This is a mysterious inheritance that will grant you endless power and wisdom."

Everyone's face showed surprise. They knew that this was a precious reward for all the hard work they had gone through.

However, at this moment, the platform began to shake violently and cracks appeared in the surrounding walls.

"Oh no, this place is going to collapse!" exclaimed the herbalist.

"Get out of here!" the old man shouted.

Everyone ran towards the edge of the platform...