Rise of the Otherworld.

Under the ravages of the sandstorm, the group struggled to hold on, each second a tortured agonizing experience. But with their unwavering willpower and mutual trust, they remained undeterred. The wind roared like a demon, the sand and rocks sliced ​​like blades, their bodies endured endless agony, their hearts teetering on the brink of terror.

Finally, the sandstorm subsided, the wind died down, and the dust slowly settled. The once chaotic world gradually became clearer, but what lay before them was a desolate and devastated scene. As if freed from a quagmire, everyone collapsed to the ground, exhausted. It felt as if all strength had been drained from their bodies, and every breath was accompanied by a heavy gasp.

Zhang Hao gasped for breath, his body covered in scratches from the sand and gravel. The wounds were shocking, and blood stained his clothes red. His face was roughened by the wind and sand, but his eyes remained firm and bright. "Is everyone okay?" he asked weakly, his voice almost hoarse and inaudible.

The woman slowly opened her eyes. Her face was covered in dust, her once delicate features now obscured by the thick sand, revealing only a pair of tired, fearful eyes. Yet, they betrayed a sense of relief at having survived. "I'm still alive..." Her voice was hoarse and weak, as if forced from deep within her throat.

The herbalist lay on the ground, gazing at the sky, his eyes filled with confusion and exhaustion. "I thought this was the end of me," he said, his voice thick with a rural accent, each word tinged with the emotion of surviving a catastrophe.

The old man struggled to sit up, his body trembling slightly, the marks of time on his face now more profound. "I'm lucky to have made it through this," he said with a hint of vicissitudes and relief.

The black-robed man leaned wearily against a rock. His robe was tattered, and the gem on his staff had lost its former luster. "This sandstorm is terrible," he said, his voice filled with awe for the power of nature.

After a short rest, everyone began to examine each other's injuries. Fortunately, although everyone suffered varying degrees of injury, none of them were in danger of death. The blood in the wounds had already coagulated, mixing with the sand and dust to form a dark red lump.

"We have to keep moving forward. We can't stay here for long." Zhang Hao forced himself to stand up. His body shook a little, but he still tried to stand firm.

The others followed suit, even though they were still very weak. They knew that staying would mean more danger. Every movement seemed so difficult, as if their bodies were filled with the weight of lead.

As they advanced, they discovered that sandstorms had altered the surrounding terrain, making their familiar route unfamiliar. The shapes of the dunes had shifted, and the rocks that had served as landmarks had been buried or displaced.

"What should we do? Will we get lost?" the woman asked worriedly, her voice trembling and her eyes filled with anxiety.

Zhang Hao looked at the map in his hand. It had become tattered in the sandstorm, and the writing was blurred in some places. "Don't panic. We should be able to find a way out based on the direction of the sun and the general characteristics of the terrain." His voice was firm, but there was a hint of trepidation in his heart.

Led by Zhang Hao, the group explored cautiously, each step filled with uncertainty, each choice potentially determining their life or death.

Just when they felt desperate, an ancient ruin appeared in the distance. The ruins looked particularly mysterious in the afterglow of the setting sun, and the broken walls and collapsed stone pillars seemed to be telling of the glory of the past.

"What is that?" the herbalist asked, pointing at the ruins. His voice was filled with curiosity and a hint of fear.

Zhang Hao frowned, "I don't know, but maybe there is something we need there." His eyes were fixed on the ruins, thinking about various possibilities in his mind.

The crowd walked towards the ruins with trepidation. The sand beneath their feet rustled, as if warning them not to get too close. As they approached the ruins, they discovered the walls were covered in strange symbols and patterns. These symbols and patterns seemed to possess some mysterious power, inspiring awe.

Walking into the ruins, an air of antiquity hits you. In the center of the hall stands a huge statue, which is now incomplete, but its former majesty can still be felt.

"What the hell is this place?" The woman's voice echoed in the empty ruins.

At this moment, a low roar came from the depths...