Rise of the Otherworld.

Standing on the mountaintop, gazing at the faint outline of the town in the distance, a glimmer of joy finally appeared on everyone's weary faces. A gentle breeze blew, drying the sweat from their foreheads and bringing a glimmer of hope. Zhang Hao's hair fluttered slightly in the wind as he gazed towards the town, his eyes gleaming with excitement, as if he had seen the dawn of life.

"I finally see hope. Maybe that's our way out." Zhang Hao said with emotion. His voice was a little hoarse due to fatigue from many days, but it was full of expectations for the future.

After a short rest, everyone eagerly headed towards the town. Their steps were heavy, but full of energy. Along the way, they gradually relaxed and began to talk about their imaginations of the town.

As they approached the town, they discovered it was surrounded by a high wall built of massive stones, appearing incredibly solid. Guards stood guard at the gate, dressed in neatly-cut armor and armed with sharp spears, their eyes vigilantly surveying their surroundings.

"Who are you?" The guard looked at them warily, his voice loud and serious.

Zhang Hao stepped forward and said politely, "We are travelers who have experienced many hardships in the valley and hope to rest here." He had a sincere smile on his face, and his eyes revealed fatigue and longing.

The guards looked them up and down, and seeing their ragged clothes and scars, they couldn't help but feel a little sympathy. Finally, they opened the city gate and let them in.

Upon entering the city, a bustling scene greeted us. The streets were lined with shops, each displaying a dazzling array of signs. There were weapons, medicinal herbs, food, and even handicrafts. Pedestrians bustled about, some bargaining, others strolling leisurely. Children played in the streets, their laughter filling the air.

The woman looked around curiously, her eyes filled with wonder. She had never seen such a bustling scene before, and the exquisite merchandise dazzled her. She gently stroked a beautiful silk dress, a look of longing on her face.

The herbalist was attracted by the medicine shop on the street and couldn't help but walk in to take a look. The shop was filled with the aroma of various herbs. He excitedly talked with the shop owner, asking about the effects and prices of various herbs.

The old man and the black-robed man were talking in low voices, seemingly discussing something. The old man's brows were slightly furrowed, his expression serious, while the black-robed man's eyes revealed a hint of worry.

Zhang Hao was busy trying to find out about leaving the area, wandering the streets and alleys, chatting with everyone who was willing to talk.

"I heard that to leave here, we have to go through the desert in the east, but that desert is very dangerous," said a passerby. This passerby was an experienced traveler, his face full of wrinkles, and his eyes revealed awe for the desert.

Zhang Hao frowned, pondering a strategy. The desert's scorching heat, water shortages, and sandstorms were all enormous challenges, but they had no way out.

The lord of the town learned of their arrival and sent an invitation to their palace, a magnificent building in the center of the town, surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains.

At the lord's mansion, everyone received a warm welcome, with the table filled with rich food, including roast chicken, grilled meat, fresh fruits, and delicious cakes.

"It's truly admirable to hear about your experiences in the valley," said the lord, a middle-aged man with a kind face and eyes that revealed wisdom and majesty.

Zhang Hao clasped his fists in thanks, "Lord, we want to leave here, and we hope you can give us some advice."

The lord pondered for a moment and said, "I can provide you with some supplies and maps, but the road ahead is difficult, so you need to be careful." His voice was low and steady, which made people feel at ease.

Everyone was grateful.

After resting for a few days in the town and replenishing their supplies, they set out again, heading east towards the desert. As they left the town, they looked back, their hearts filled with gratitude and reluctance. But they knew there was still a long way to go...