Rise of the Otherworld.

Everyone looked at the mysterious passage behind the slowly opening door, their hearts filled with anticipation yet also a hint of fear. The passage was like the mouth of a giant beast, waiting to devour them.

Zhang Hao took a deep breath, took the first step, and said, "No matter what's inside, we must explore it." His voice was firm and steady, like a stabilizing force, giving the others some courage. His eyes were determined, and his sword hummed softly at his side, as if he was also preparing for the unknown that was about to come.

The woman followed closely behind him, her hands unconsciously clenching the corners of her clothes. "Yes, let's go together." Her eyes flashed with determination, but her slightly trembling lips still revealed her inner nervousness. She bit her lower lip lightly, trying to calm herself down.

The herbalist swallowed hard and puffed out his chest. "What are you afraid of? I'm here!" he shouted, trying to give himself courage. Although his voice was loud, the beads of sweat on his forehead betrayed his true feelings.

The old man and the black-robed figure also entered the passage. A faint mist filled the passage, as soft as a veil, yet obscuring the path ahead. Strange lights flickered on the walls, flickering and pulsing as if alive, adding a mysterious aura to the passage. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, as if telling of ancient secrets, and each tremor made their hearts tighten.

"Everyone, be careful. There's something strange going on here," the old man warned. His voice was low and serious, and his eyes scanned the surroundings vigilantly. He clutched the talisman tightly in his hand, ready to respond to any danger that might arise.

They advanced cautiously, taking every step with extreme caution. Their footsteps echoed distinctly in the silent passage. Suddenly, a cold wind blew in from the depths, bringing a chill. It scraped against their skin like ice knives, sending shivers down their spines.

"This wind... doesn't feel right." The black-robed man frowned. His face turned even paler, and the fluctuations of magic power loomed around him, trying to sense the source and purpose of this cold wind.

At this moment, the surrounding light began to flicker, and blurry images appeared on the wall. These images appeared and disappeared, like memories eroded by time, trying hard to show their former glory.

"What is this?" the woman asked in surprise, her voice echoing in the passage, tinged with fear and curiosity.

Those images, like memories from the past, depicted a fierce battle and some mysterious rituals. In the pictures, brave warriors brandished their weapons in a desperate struggle against powerful enemies; mysterious wizards cast powerful spells, illuminating the entire sky; and ancient priests gathered around a huge altar, performing mysterious and solemn rituals.

Zhang Hao paused, carefully examining the images, trying to find some clue. His gaze was focused and sharp, not missing a single detail. "Perhaps these images can tell us the secrets of this place," he muttered to himself.

The herbalist was attracted by the image and unconsciously moved closer to the wall. "Oh, this seems to be very powerful." His eyes widened and he completely forgot the old man's reminder.

"Don't move!" the old man shouted, his voice full of urgency and warning.

But it was too late. The herbalist touched a mechanism, the ground cracked instantly, and he fell down.

"Herbalist!" everyone exclaimed, their voices filled with panic and worry.

Zhang Hao quickly lay down at the edge of the crack, "Hold on, we'll pull you up!" he shouted loudly, his voice echoing in the passage.

The herbalist shouted from below: "I'm fine, save me!" There was a hint of fear and panic in his voice.

Everyone worked together to make a rope out of vines and pulled the herbalist up.

"I was so scared! I won't move again." The herbalist was still in shock. His clothes were torn, his body was covered in dust, and his face was filled with fear.

After this setback, everyone continued forward with increased caution. The passage seemed endless, and unknown dangers awaited them ahead. With every step, they could feel an invisible pressure, as if a pair of eyes were watching them from the darkness.

"Everyone stay alert, we don't know what else is waiting for us," said Zhang Hao.

They continued to grope their way forward in this mysterious passage, their heartbeats and breathing sounds becoming especially clear in the silence...