Rise of the Otherworld.

The soldiers' footsteps drew closer, and Zhang Hao's heart leaped into his throat. He gripped the hilt of his sword, his palms slick with sweat, his heart pounding like a drum, threatening to burst from his chest. His gaze fixed on the cave entrance, his body tense like a drawn bow.

Everyone in the cave was so nervous they dared not breathe. The woman covered her mouth, afraid to make any sound. Her eyes were wide open, filled with fear and anxiety, tears welling up in her eyes.

The old man looked solemn and said in a low voice: "Get ready to fight!" Although his voice was low, it was full of determination, and his hands unconsciously clenched into fists.

The herbalist was so frightened that he was shaking all over. "What should we do? We can't escape!" His voice was filled with tears. His legs went weak and he almost collapsed to the ground.

The black-robed man took a deep breath, gripped his staff tightly with both hands, and prepared to cast his final spell. His eyes were determined as he secretly mobilized the little remaining mana in his body.

Zhang Hao's mind raced as he pondered a solution. Suddenly, he saw a narrow passage deep inside the cave.

"Maybe that's our way out!" Zhang Hao whispered. His voice was particularly weak in the tense atmosphere, but it brought a glimmer of hope to everyone.

"But what if that's a dead end?" the woman asked worriedly, her voice trembling, her eyes filled with hesitation and fear.

"No time to hesitate, let's go!" Zhang Hao made a quick decision. He took the lead and walked towards the passage, his steps firm and rapid.

Everyone followed Zhang Hao, carefully entering the passage. It was dark and damp, filled with a foul odor. Water dripped from the walls from time to time, making a dripping sound that was particularly clear in the silence of the passage.

They tried their best not to make any noise, but the gravel under their feet still made a slight sound from time to time.

"Shh!" Zhang Hao signaled for silence. He placed his finger to his lips, his eyes filled with vigilance.

Just then, the soldiers seemed to have discovered their tracks, and shouts were heard outside the cave.

"They're in there!"

Zhang Hao quickened his pace, and the group groped their way forward in the darkness. Their breathing became rapid, and the sound of their heartbeats seemed to be the only melody in the darkness.

Suddenly, a fork appeared ahead.

"Left or right?" the herbalist asked anxiously, his voice filled with helplessness and confusion.

Zhang Hao thought for a moment and said, "Go to the right!" His voice was decisive and firm.

However, the passage on the right became narrower and narrower, until only one person could pass through. The stone wall squeezed their bodies, making them feel extremely oppressive.

"Oh no! This seems like a dead end!" the black-robed man exclaimed, his voice filled with despair and fear.

The footsteps of the soldiers behind them were getting closer and closer, and fear enveloped everyone. They could clearly hear the soldiers' shouts and the sound of weapons clashing.

"Go back, go left!" Zhang Hao shouted, his voice filled with anxiety and helplessness.

Everyone hurried back, and at this time, the soldiers had already entered the passage.

"They are ahead, chase them!"

Zhang Hao and the others ran desperately, their hearts filled with despair. Their footsteps echoed in the passage, like a countdown to death.

Just when they were about to give up, a ray of light appeared ahead.

"That's the exit!" the woman exclaimed in surprise, her voice filled with hope and joy, as if she had seen light in the darkness.

Everyone ran towards the light and finally escaped from the passage.

But they found themselves on the edge of a cliff with a bottomless valley below. The howling wind made them sway.

"It's over!" The herbalist slumped to the ground. His eyes were empty, as if he had seen his own end.

Zhang Hao stared at the cliff, then at the soldiers chasing him. He gritted his teeth. "We can't just sit there and wait to die!" His voice was firm and powerful.

The woman stood up and walked over to Zhang Hao. "What should we do?" Her voice was trembling, but full of trust in Zhang Hao.

The old man took a deep breath and said, "Let's fight. Maybe there's a chance of survival if we jump down."

The black-robed man nodded, "This is the only way."

Zhang Hao looked at everyone and asked, "Are you all ready?"

Everyone looked at each other, their eyes full of determination.

Just as the soldiers were about to catch up, Zhang Hao shouted, "Jump!"

Everyone jumped off the cliff, the wind whistling in their ears...