Rise of the Otherworld.

Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly, his gaze blazing as he stared intently at the approaching armored soldier. His arms trembled slightly with nervousness, his muscles tense as if ready to unleash a powerful force at any moment. The woman also struggled to stand, the dagger in her hand trembling slightly. Her eyes were filled with fear, but more so with determination. She bit her lip, trying to remain calm.

"He's not friendly, everyone be careful!" the old man whispered, his eyes full of vigilance. Although his voice was low, it was clearly heard by everyone, making everyone's nerves even more tense.

The herbalist unconsciously took a few steps back, his face pale and his legs weak. "What should we do? We just escaped, and now we're in danger again?" His voice was filled with tears and despair.

The black-robed figure held his staff across his body, ready to respond to any attack. His eyes were focused and calm, and he muttered something, as if preparing a powerful spell.

The armored soldiers stopped a few steps away from the crowd. The leader finally spoke, "Hand over the scrolls in your hands!" His voice was cold and emotionless, like a messenger from hell. His helmet obscured most of his face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes that sent a chill down his spine.

Zhang Hao snorted coldly: "Why? This is what we got after going through so many hardships!" His voice was full of anger and indomitable spirit, and his eyes were burning with rage.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers raised their weapons and took a step forward. The overwhelming pressure made everyone's breath hitch. Their armor gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and the cold light of their weapons was terrifying.

"Don't be impulsive!" the woman shouted, "Maybe we can talk to them." There was a hint of pleading in her voice, hoping to avoid an unnecessary fight.

"There's nothing to negotiate!" Zhang Hao glared at the soldiers. "If you want the scroll, you'll have to walk over our dead bodies!" His voice was firm and there was no sign of retreat.

The atmosphere instantly became tense, and a fierce battle was imminent. The air seemed to freeze, and the tense atmosphere made it almost impossible to breathe.

At this moment, the man in black robe suddenly said, "Wait, maybe we can make a deal." His voice broke the deadlock and attracted everyone's attention.

The soldiers paused for a moment, and the leader looked at the man in black robe: "What deal?" His voice was still cold, but revealed a hint of curiosity.

The man in black robe took a deep breath and said, "We can share some of the contents of the scroll with you, but you have to promise to let us go." His voice was steady and firm, trying to convince the other party.

The soldiers whispered to each other for a few words, and the leader thought for a moment and said, "Okay, but if you dare to play tricks, you will bear the consequences." His eyes were full of threats.

Although Zhang Hao was reluctant, he knew that a hard fight wasn't the best option at this point, so he agreed for the time being. "Okay, but don't try to trick us!" he said through gritted teeth.

Everyone sat together, opened the book, and began to discuss what to share.

"We can't give them the key part," the herbalist whispered, his eyes constantly glancing at the armored soldiers, afraid they might hear him.

"I know. Let's pick something less important," the black-robed man replied. His fingers slid lightly across the scroll, carefully selecting the appropriate content.

After some discussion, they decided to select a more common spell record from the book and share it with the armored soldiers.

When they showed the selected content to the soldiers, they studied it carefully and seemed quite satisfied.

"You can go, but remember, don't let us meet you again." said the leading soldier.

Everyone left quickly, feeling relieved, their steps hurried, not daring to pause for even a moment.

However, they had not gone far when they noticed movement behind them.

"Oh no! They might change their minds!" The old man's face changed. His voice was filled with worry, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead again.

Everyone quickened their pace, but the sounds behind them were getting closer. Zhang Hao looked back and saw armored soldiers chasing them quickly.

"Run!" Zhang Hao shouted.

The woman's physical strength was almost at its limit, but she still ran desperately. She stumbled and almost fell.

The man in black robes cast spells while running, trying to slow down the soldiers.

The herbalist was breathing heavily, and his backpack kept shaking on his back.

The old man's steps became heavier, but he still gritted his teeth and persevered.

Suddenly, a turbulent river appeared in front of them, blocking their way.

"What should I do?" the woman said in despair.

"We must find a way to cross the river!" said Zhang Hao.

At this moment, the armored soldiers caught up...