Rise of the Otherworld.

The raft drifted like a lone leaf in the raging river. Everyone's clothes were already soaking wet, and the icy water constantly eroded their body temperature and strength. The bone-chilling cold seemed to freeze their very bones, and everyone shivered uncontrollably.

After the huge wave passed, several cracks appeared on the raft, and the river water began to seep in. Those cracks were like the footsteps of death, approaching little by little.

"Oh no, the raft is going to collapse!" Ling Yu exclaimed. Her voice became sharp with fear, and her eyes were fixed on the ever-widening cracks.

Zhang Hao was extremely anxious, "Everyone speed up, we must reach the other side before the raft falls apart!" His voice seemed so small amid the roar of the river, but it was full of strength and determination.

Each of them used up their last bit of strength to desperately push the raft forward. Their arms were so sore that they were almost numb, and every movement seemed to be endured in great pain.

However, the river seemed unwilling to let them go, the water flow became more turbulent, and another wave swept in. The wave was like a huge monster, rushing towards them with its fangs and claws bared.

"Ah!" The little girl burst into tears in fear. Her cry was so shrill in the chaos that it broke people's hearts.

The woman held her tightly in her arms, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid!" Her voice was gentle and firm, trying to bring a little comfort to the little girl, but her own eyes were full of fear.

The mysterious man's arm was scratched by a branch, and blood flowed out. The bright red blood instantly spread in the river, as if symbolizing the passage of life. But he ignored the pain and continued to paddle with all his strength, his eyes filled with determination and unyielding spirit.

The old man's face was pale, his lips were purple, but he still gritted his teeth and persevered. His body had reached its limit, but his will supported him and kept him from falling.

Just when everyone was feeling desperate, Zhang Hao suddenly discovered that the water flow in front seemed to slow down.

"Look everyone, there seems to be hope ahead!" Zhang Hao shouted. His voice was filled with surprise and anticipation, as if he had seen a ray of light in the darkness.

Everyone looked in the direction he pointed, a spark of hope rekindled in their eyes. That little bit of hope was like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating their path forward.

They paddled the raft with all their might towards the area with slower currents, each stroke carrying with it their desire to survive.

When the raft finally entered the area, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but they dared not slack off at all, because the raft was still leaking and could fall apart at any time.

"Just keep pushing, we'll almost reach the other side!" Zhang Hao encouraged everyone. His voice was full of strength, which rekindled everyone's tired bodies and minds.

At this time, the cracks on the raft became bigger and bigger, making a "creaking" sound, as if telling of its unbearable weight.

"One, two, three, push!" Everyone shouted in unison, their voices echoing on the river. Their faces were covered in sweat and river water, but their eyes were full of determination.

With their efforts, the raft gradually approached the other side, and their hope grew with every inch of progress.

Just when the raft was about to fall apart, they finally reached the shore.

Everyone collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath, but their faces showed smiles of having survived a disaster. Those smiles contained so many emotions, including joy, relief, and awe for life.

"We did it, we survived!" the little girl cheered. Her voice was clear and melodious, like the most beautiful note in the silence.

After a short rest, they stood up and continued on their journey, searching for the mysterious ruins. Their steps were heavy but full of determination.

The trees on both sides of the road grew thicker, and the sunlight filtered through the gaps between the leaves, creating patches of light. Birds sang happily in the branches, as if cheering for their courage.

"I wonder how far away these ruins are." The woman said softly.

"No matter how far it is, we will find it." Zhang Hao answered firmly.

As they walked, they came to a valley. The valley was filled with a thick fog, and they could not see clearly what was inside.

"This fog is a bit strange, everyone be careful," the old man warned.

Everyone walked into the valley cautiously, only to find the surrounding atmosphere becoming increasingly eerie...