Rise of the Otherworld.

After a sleepless night, the next morning, everyone rose early, ready to embark on their journey to the mysterious cave. The eastern sky was just beginning to turn pale, and the faint morning light cast long shadows over them. Zhang Hao tightened his backpack on his back, his gaze fixed firmly on the distant peaks. "Is everyone ready?" His voice was remarkably clear in the morning silence, tinged with a subtle hint of nervousness.

The woman nodded slightly. Though she still felt worried, a hint of determination lingered in her eyes. She smoothed her hair from her ear and gripped the dagger tightly, as if it were the source of her courage. "I'm ready," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with determination.

The herbalist was brimming with excitement, rubbing his hands together. "I can't wait!" His eyes gleamed with greed, as if he could already see the treasure within the cave, beckoning him. His backpack was filled with various tools, the clanking sounds continuing.

The old man and the black-robed man also adjusted their posture and signaled that they could set off. The old man's steps were steady and powerful, and the black-robed man's figure seemed even more mysterious in the morning light.

Along the way, the group journeyed along a rugged mountain path, flanked by lush trees and the occasional chirping of birds, adding to the tranquility. The path was narrow and winding, strewn with rocks of varying sizes and deep ravines. Zhang Hao led the way, carefully avoiding any potential dangers.

As they drew closer to the peak, a mysterious aura filled them. This aura carried an ancient and profound allure, as if telling of the vicissitudes of time. Zhang Hao paused. "Everyone, be careful. We're almost there," his voice was low and serious, raising everyone's tension.

Sure enough, after turning a corner, a towering mountain appeared before them. The peak was steep and precipitous, shrouded in clouds and mist. Halfway up the mountain, a cave entrance loomed, shrouded in mysterious mist. The cave entrance seemed to beckon them, yet also seemed to conceal endless danger.

"That's probably it," the old man said. His eyes were filled with anticipation and caution, and the wrinkles carved by time on his face seemed even more profound.

The group began to climb the mountain. The path was steep and dangerous, almost vertical to the ground. They had to use the protruding rocks and vines growing in the mountains to climb up with difficulty. If they were not careful, they would fall off the cliff and be crushed to death.

The woman almost slipped several times, and Zhang Hao reached out and grabbed her in time, "Be careful!" His voice was anxious and concerned, and the strength in his hands supported the woman steadily.

The herbalist was leading the way, panting with exhaustion, "This road is so difficult to walk on!" His sweat fell like rain, soaking his clothes, but he still did not stop.

Finally, they arrived at the cave entrance. A thin layer of mist hung over the entrance, obscuring the view inside. The mist drifted like a veil, adding a touch of mystery to the cave entrance.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath and said, "Everyone be careful and follow me closely." He walked into the cave first, holding the sword tightly against his chest, ready to deal with any possible danger at any time.

Everyone walked into the cave cautiously. It was dark and damp, with strange lights flickering on the walls. Some of those lights were like blue flames, and some were like green fluorescence, making people feel as if they were in a dreamlike world.

"What is this?" The woman reached out to touch it curiously.

"Don't move!" Zhang Hao had barely finished speaking when a beam of light shot out, and everyone quickly dodged. The light brushed past their bodies, leaving them with a burning sensation.

As they continued to go deeper into the cave, they heard all sorts of strange noises, some like low roars, some like sharp chirping, which made their hair stand on end. In the darkness, it seemed as if countless pairs of eyes were watching them.

Suddenly, a giant spider dropped from the cave ceiling and pounced on them, claws and fangs bared. The spider was more than a man's height, its fur gleaming with an eerie light, and it spewed black venom from its mouth.

"Be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted. He swung his sword and slashed at the spider. The spider nimbly dodged his attack and turned to pounce on the woman.

The woman screamed in terror and waved the dagger in her hand wildly.

The herbalist also rushed forward and hit the spider with the tools in his hands.

The old man muttered something and cast a spell, and a ray of light hit the spider's eyes.

The man in black robe was observing the spider's movements, looking for its weaknesses.

With everyone's concerted efforts, the spider gradually lost the upper hand. Finally, Zhang Hao stabbed the spider's vitals with his sword, and the spider fell to the ground with a thud...