Rise of the Otherworld.

The footsteps were remarkably clear in the silent maze, like a countdown to death. Zhang Hao's breathing quickened, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, leaning against the wall, and observing his surroundings warily.

The footsteps grew closer, and Zhang Hao's heartbeat grew more intense. Suddenly, a figure appeared from around the corner. Zhang Hao instantly raised his sword, ready to meet the enemy.

"It's me, don't do it!" It was the man in the black robe. His voice was a little hurried and breathless, and his face was full of tension and anxiety.

Zhang Hao breathed a sigh of relief, "How is it, have you found the exit?" There was a hint of expectation in his voice, but when he saw the man in black robe shaking his head, the expectation instantly turned into disappointment.

The man in black robe shook his head. "Not yet. This maze is too complicated." His brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed a hint of helplessness and confusion.

The two decided to continue their search together. They moved cautiously through the narrow passage, each step filled with caution. The strange symbols and patterns on the walls looked even more eerie in the dim light, as if telling an ancient and mysterious story.

Elsewhere, a woman walked cautiously through the maze, her heart filled with fear. Her heartbeat was like a rapid drumbeat, each beat accompanied by a deep sense of unease. Suddenly, she felt the ground beneath her feet give, and before she could react, she fell into a trap.

"Help!" the woman cried out. Her voice echoed through the maze, filled with endless fear and despair. A foul odor filled the trap, and darkness seemed to swallow her whole.

Fortunately, the herbalist heard her cry and rushed over.

"Don't panic, I'll pull you up!" The herbalist found a vine and threw it to the woman. His forehead was covered with sweat, but his eyes were full of determination.

After much effort, the woman was finally pulled up. The two exchanged glances, each seeing fatigue and worry in the other's eyes. The woman's clothes had been torn by the sharp rocks in the trap, and her body had several scratches. The herbalist's arms were trembling slightly from the excessive force.

The old man and the little girl came across a tightly closed stone door in another passage. The stone door was tall and heavy, and was engraved with complex patterns and runes.

"Perhaps the exit is behind this," the old man said. His voice, though weak, was filled with hope. He stepped forward and gently traced the pattern on the stone door, searching for clues to unlock it.

The little girl walked forward and carefully observed the patterns on the stone gate.

"Grandpa, these patterns seem to have a pattern." Her eyes sparkled, full of curiosity and wisdom.

Just as they were studying the stone door, a sinister laugh sounded in the maze.

"Hahahaha, don't ever think about getting out!" The laughter was sharp and piercing, as if it came from the abyss of Hell, carrying endless malice and ridicule.

Everyone was shocked. The sound seemed to come from hell and it made people's hair stand on end.

"Who is it?" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice echoed in the maze, but apart from that terrifying laugh, there was no response.

However, only that terrifying laughter echoed in the maze. The laughter was like an invisible pressure, making everyone breathless.

Everyone's mood grew heavier, and fear spread in their hearts. But they knew they couldn't just give up and had to find a way out and leave this terrible place.

Zhang Hao and the black-robed man quickened their pace, hoping to reunite with the others as soon as possible. Their footsteps echoed in the maze, breaking the momentary silence.

The woman and the herbalist didn't dare to stop and continued groping forward. The sounds of their heartbeats and breathing intertwined, becoming especially clear in this narrow passage.

The old man and the little girl worked hard to crack the secret of the stone door. The little girl's eyes were focused and determined, while the old man's brows were furrowed and he was muttering something.

At this moment, a thick fog suddenly filled the maze, blurring their vision. The fog seemed to have life, wrapping around their bodies and making them feel cold.

"Be careful!" Zhang Hao shouted, but his voice was so weak in the thick fog.

Everyone groped in the thick fog, their fear growing stronger and stronger...