Rise of the Otherworld.

As they stepped into the desert, they were instantly enveloped by the blazing sun. The intense light felt like countless scorching needles, mercilessly piercing their skin. The sand beneath their feet was scorching, threatening to burn their soles. Every step felt like treading on burning embers. The strong winds occasionally blew up a vast expanse of dust, forming walls of yellow sand that made it impossible to open your eyes and difficult to breathe.

Zhang Hao walked at the front of the group, covering his mouth and nose with a tattered cloth, squinting his eyes as he struggled to discern the direction. His gaze was firm and determined, and despite the constant sand and dust beating against his face, he never faltered. He clutched the map tightly in his hand; it was their only guide in this vast desert.

The woman followed closely behind him, her hair disheveled by the wind, her once-beautiful face now covered in a thick layer of dust. She held a water bag in her hand, but she didn't dare drink easily, only taking a sip occasionally to moisten her chapped lips. Her eyes were filled with exhaustion and fear, but every time she glanced at Zhang Hao's back, a glimmer of hope rekindled.

As the herbalist walked, he complained, "This damn place is no place for human beings. I never want to set foot in the desert again!" His voice was faint in the howling wind, but the resentment was clearly audible. His steps were slow, as if he had to use all his strength to take each step.

The old man panted heavily, sweat dripping from his forehead and melting into the sand beneath his feet. His body was already weak, and in this harsh environment, it seemed even more shaky. But with a strong will, he persisted step by step, refusing to fall behind.

The black-robed man silently cast a small spell, trying to alleviate some of the torment from the scorching heat. His face was pale, and the consumption of his magic power made him feel very exhausted, but he still gritted his teeth and insisted on providing a slight coolness for everyone.

"Everyone hold on, follow the instructions on the map, and we'll find water if we walk a little further." Zhang Hao encouraged everyone. Although his voice became hoarse due to the dryness, it was full of strength.

However, as time passed, they still saw no sign of a water source. Their water bags gradually ran dry, and their anxiety grew. Every drop of water became precious, and they began to count each drink, fearing that they would run out of water before finding a source.

"Could there be something wrong with the map?" The woman's voice was trembling with tears, revealing her inner despair and fear.

"Don't talk nonsense, let's look for it again." Although Zhang Hao was unsure, he still pretended to be calm. He knew that at this moment, everyone couldn't lose confidence, otherwise there would be no way out.

At this moment, the phantom of an oasis suddenly appeared in the distance. The oasis was shaded by green trees and had a crystal clear lake, like a paradise in the desert.

"Look, it's an oasis!" the herbalist shouted excitedly, his voice full of surprise and longing, as if he had seen the hope of survival.

Everyone rushed towards the phantom, their steps quickening, their hearts filled with anticipation. But after running for a long time, the oasis remained out of reach. No matter how hard they tried, they could not get closer to that illusory beauty.

"This is a mirage, don't be fooled!" the old man warned loudly, his voice full of helplessness and disappointment.

Everyone's mood instantly plummeted, and their steps became heavier. They stared at the gradually disappearing phantom, their hearts filled with despair and helplessness.

Suddenly, a gust of wind whistled past, raising a huge wave of sand that rushed towards them. The sand wave was like a ferocious beast, baring its fangs and claws, wanting to devour them.

"Be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted, but his voice was instantly blown away by the strong wind.

Everyone fell to the ground, clutching the sand around them tightly, afraid of being swept away by the waves. The wind roared in their ears, and the sand kept hitting them, as if it wanted to bury them.

After the sandstorm subsided, they climbed up, dusty and grimy, and continued on their way. At that moment, everyone's heart was filled with despair, but none of them wanted to give up. They knew that if they gave up, they would only end up dead.

Tears glistened in the woman's eyes, but she fought hard to hold them back. She followed Zhang Hao silently, step by step.

The herbalist's complaints also disappeared. He just lowered his head, walked silently, and held the almost empty water bag tightly in his hand.

The old man's breathing became more rapid, but his eyes remained firm. He believed that as long as everyone persisted, they would be able to get out of the desert.

The black-robed man's magic power was almost exhausted, but he still gritted his teeth and provided the last bit of support to everyone.

In this boundless desert, their figures seem so small, but their will is as strong as steel...