Rise of the Otherworld.

The group moved forward cautiously in the depths of the cave. The ground beneath their feet was damp and slippery, requiring them to be extremely careful with every step. The cave was filled with a stale and decaying smell that seemed to penetrate into one's bones, making one feel inexplicably depressed.

Zhang Hao walked in front, sword in hand, ready to respond to any danger. His eyes were firm and sharp, and every breath was filled with vigilance. The woman followed closely behind, the magical light in her hand flickering, illuminating the way ahead. The light flickered in the darkness, as if it would be swallowed by the darkness at any moment.

"This cave is so deep, and I don't know when I'll reach the end," the herbalist complained. His voice echoed through the cave, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. His steps seemed heavy, and beads of sweat covered his forehead.

The old man comforted her, "Don't worry. Since you have chosen this path, you must go on with determination." Although his voice was steady, it also revealed a hint of fatigue.

The little girl said nothing, but stared intently ahead, as if she were thinking about something. Her hands were clenched into fists, and her eyes were filled with determination.

Suddenly, a hissing sound was heard, and everyone became alert. The sound was particularly harsh in the narrow cave, making people's hair stand on end.

"Be careful, there might be something!" the black-robed man shouted. His voice was filled with tension, and his body tensed instantly.

A flock of giant bats flew out of the darkness and pounced on them, their huge wings spread out, their sharp teeth bared, and their eyes flashed a strange red light.

Zhang Hao swung his sword, slashing down the bats charging ahead. His movements were swift and decisive, his sword streaking through the air with streaks of cold light, each strike accurately hitting its target. The bats' bodies fell to the ground, blood splattering everywhere.

The woman cast a spell, forming a barrier to block the bats' attack. The barrier shone with a pale blue light, like a giant shield, protecting everyone.

The old man waved his staff, and a gust of wind blew the bats to pieces. The wind howled, carrying great force, and swept the bats away.

With everyone's concerted efforts, the bats were finally repelled. But before they could catch their breath, the road ahead suddenly became narrow and only one person could barely pass through.

"I'll go take a look first," Zhang Hao said, squeezing sideways into the narrow passage. His body pressed against the stone wall, he struggled to move forward.

Everyone was waiting anxiously behind, and every second seemed so long.

After a while, Zhang Hao's voice came: "It's safe here for now, everyone please be careful when passing through."

One by one, they finally made it through the narrow passage, their clothes torn by the stone walls and their bodies covered in a host of scratches.

However, what awaited them was a bottomless ravine filled with acrid smoke. The smoke was so thick that people could not see the bottom of the ravine, and they could only feel a cold air rising from below.

"How can I get through this?" The herbalist looked at the ravine with a look of despair on his face. His legs felt weak and he almost collapsed to the ground.

The little girl stepped forward and said, "I have a way." Her voice was childish but full of confidence.

She closed her eyes and muttered something. Then, a ray of light flew out from her hand and transformed into a bridge spanning the ravine. The bridge was composed of light and exuded a warm and gentle aura.

"Go over there quickly!" the little girl shouted.

Everyone hurried onto the bridge and quickly crossed the ravine. With every step, they could feel the light beneath their feet tremble slightly, as if it would disappear at any moment.

As we continued forward, the temperature in the cave grew ever hotter, as if we had entered a gigantic furnace. Sweat continuously streamed down everyone's foreheads, and their clothes were soaked with sweat.

"Everyone, hold on!" Zhang Hao encouraged. His voice was hoarse from the heat, but still full of strength.

At this moment, the ground began to shake violently and rocks fell from the top of the cave.

"Oh no, the cave is going to collapse!" the woman exclaimed.

Everyone quickened their pace and ran forward desperately.

A huge stone was thrown towards the little girl. The old man rushed over without hesitation and pushed the little girl away, but he was hit by the stone.

"Old man!" everyone shouted.

"Don't worry about me, just go away!" the old man said with difficulty.

With tears in their eyes, they continued to run forward...