Rise of the Otherworld.

Everyone desperately fled the crumbling ruins, only collapsing to the ground panting after running a distance and making sure they were temporarily safe. Everyone's face was filled with exhaustion and relief at having survived the disaster, and the mixture of sweat and dust made them look disheveled.

Zhang Hao breathed in deep gulps of fresh air, each breath accompanied by a sharp pain from the wound on his shoulder. He couldn't help but gasp. The woman sat beside him, her eyes filled with concern. Her gaze was fixed on Zhang Hao's injured shoulder, tears welling in her eyes.

"Zhang Hao, your injury..." She hesitated to speak, her voice trembling obviously, tears flashing in her eyes. The tears reflected crystal light in the sunlight, as if containing her endless worry and heartache.

The herbalist looked at his scarred hands. The skin on his palms was rubbed raw, blood and dust mixed into a dark red stain. He smiled wryly and shook his head, his lips chapped from lack of water. "This trip was truly a nightmare," his voice hoarse and weak, as if he had just experienced a nightmare.

The old man leaned tiredly against a rock, his face as pale as paper. His breathing was rapid and heavy, and every breath seemed like he was trying to draw the last strength from the air: "I am lucky to be able to get out alive." His eyes were half-closed, revealing his emotion for fate and gratitude for survival.

The man in black robe looked in the direction of the ruins with lingering fear. His eyes still retained the fear of the thrilling disaster that had just happened: "I don't know what is hidden in there." His voice was low and full of doubts, as if the ruins still concealed countless unknown secrets and dangers.

After a short rest, they began to check their injuries and their remaining belongings. The water in their water bags was almost gone, and the little food they had had dried up and lost its flavor in the intense heat. Everyone's mood grew even heavier, and anxiety and uneasiness filled the air.

"We have to find a way out quickly, otherwise we'll just die here." Zhang Hao stood up, enduring the pain. His voice was weak, but full of determination. He glanced around, trying to find a glimmer of hope in this vast desert.

Everyone nodded. Although they were extremely exhausted, their determination to survive kept them going. They dragged their heavy bodies forward step by step.

The scorching desert sun continued to blaze down mercilessly, its scorching heat evaporating every last drop of moisture from their bodies. Their steps grew heavier, each step requiring immense effort.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, we finally saw a small oasis, which stood out against the golden desert like a dazzling emerald.

"Look, it's an oasis!" the woman shouted in surprise, her voice full of disbelief and extreme excitement, as if she saw the dawn in the darkness.

A glimmer of hope instantly ignited in everyone's eyes, and their originally heavy steps suddenly became light. They quickened their pace and walked towards the oasis.

The oasis was dotted with tall palm trees, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Beneath the trees lay a small pond, its surface gleaming golden in the sunlight. Everyone rushed to the pond, eagerly guzzling the water. The cool water soothed their parched throats and weary bodies.

"This is simply a gift from God." The herbalist sighed, his face filled with a happy smile. He scooped up the water with both hands, enjoying the coolness and comfort of the moment.

However, they dared not stay here for long. Although this was a rare peaceful and comfortable place, they knew that the road ahead was still long and the dangers still existed. After replenishing their water, they set out on their journey again, carrying hope and firm faith in the future.

On the following journey, they encountered numerous difficulties and obstacles. A sudden strong wind swept in, blanketing the sky with dust and sand, leaving them disoriented. Zhang Hao diligently discerned the wind's direction and led the group forward with difficulty. Quicksand appeared from time to time, swallowing their steps, and each attempt to break free required immense effort.

But every time they faced danger, they supported each other and faced it together. The woman used her magic to protect everyone from the sand and rocks in the strong wind, the old man used his rich experience to guide everyone, the herbalist used his power to help everyone break free from the constraints of the quicksand, and the man in black robes continued to cast magic to provide everyone with the necessary protection and support.

Finally, on the distant horizon, they saw the outline of a town. The buildings in the town looked particularly warm and friendly in the afterglow of the setting sun, as if it was the end of their long journey and a harbor of hope.

"We're finally here!" Zhang Hao said excitedly, his voice full of joy and anticipation.

Everyone's faces were filled with relieved smiles. They quickened their pace and headed towards the town, their hearts filled with longing and anticipation for the future...