Rise of the Otherworld.

The overwhelming pressure emanating from the mysterious figure made everyone's breathing grow heavier. Zhang Hao suppressed his inner tension and stared at the other person with a determined gaze. His heartbeat was so rapid that it seemed to threaten to burst out of his throat, but he knew he couldn't retreat at this moment.

"We didn't mean to break in, we were forced by the giant beast." Zhang Hao tried to explain. Although his voice was steady, his slightly trembling hands betrayed his inner fear.

The mysterious figure snorted coldly, "No matter what the reason, this place is a forbidden area, and you have violated the taboo." His voice was like thunder exploding in everyone's ears, with unquestionable majesty.

The woman hugged the little girl tightly, her voice pleading, "Please, let us go, we really don't know." Her eyes were full of helplessness and pleading, and tears welled up in her eyes.

The mysterious figure was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "Well, since you can defeat the giant beast, you have some skills. But to leave here, you must pass my test." Although his words were softened, the cold tone still made people shudder.

Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what this test was. But at this point, they had no choice but to accept it.

"This test is to solve a puzzle within the castle within the time it takes to burn an incense stick." As the mysterious figure finished speaking, the surroundings instantly transformed, revealing a stone door covered in runes. The runes shimmered with an eerie light, moving as if alive.

Ling Yu walked forward and carefully observed the runes on the stone door. "This rune is so strange, I can't understand it at all." His brows were furrowed, and his eyes were almost glued to the stone door.

The old man narrowed his eyes and thought for a moment before saying, "This seems to be an ancient magic rune. We need to find its pattern." His voice was low and hoarse, revealing deep thought.

Time ticked by, and everyone racked their brains, but still had no clue. Each rune was like a puzzle, leaving everyone baffled. Zhang Hao paced back and forth in front of the stone gate, his heart pounding, sweat dripping down his forehead.

Just as the incense was about to burn out, the little girl suddenly said, "I seem to have discovered something." Her voice was clear and childish, but it was particularly eye-catching in this tense atmosphere.

Everyone gathered around and saw the little girl pointing to a corner of the rune. "The pattern here seems to be different from other places." Her little hand pointed to a tiny place, her eyes full of innocence and determination.

Following the little girl's guidance, everyone finally found the key to solving the puzzle. The previously chaotic runes seemed to begin to take on some order, gradually forming a clear pattern.

The mysterious figure nodded slightly, "You've passed. But before you leave, you have to agree to one condition of mine." His eyes were still cold, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

"What conditions?" Zhang Hao asked, with a hint of vigilance in his voice.

"You must not disclose the matters of this place to anyone, otherwise you will bear the consequences." The voice of the mysterious figure was cold and serious, as if issuing an order that could not be disobeyed.

Everyone nodded in agreement quickly. At this moment, they just wanted to leave this place of trouble as soon as possible.

The mysterious figure waved his hand, and a portal appeared before everyone. The portal emitted a strange light, and the space inside was distorted, making people feel dizzy.

"Let's go, and don't come back." The voice of the mysterious figure echoed behind him.

As they stepped into the portal, a flash of light appeared, and they were instantly swept into an unknown space. The surrounding scene became blurry, and they felt only a powerful force pulling their bodies.

Zhang Hao gripped his sword tightly, ready for any unexpected situation. The woman held the little girl in her arms, soothing her softly. Ling Yu and the old man also made their own preparations.

After an unknown amount of time, the light gradually dissipated and they finally appeared in an unfamiliar place.

This was a dense forest, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating patches of light. The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees, a stark contrast to the eerie atmosphere of the castle.

"Where are we now?" Ling Yu looked around, his face full of confusion.

Zhang Hao observed the surrounding environment and said, "No matter what, let's get out of this forest first."

Everyone began to move forward cautiously. The grass under their feet was soft and the sound of birds could be heard from overhead from time to time.

As they walked, they found a clear stream ahead.

"Everyone, take a break and replenish some water," said Zhang Hao.

Everyone walked to the stream and scooped up the cool stream water to drink.

At this moment, a rustling sound suddenly came from the forest...