Rise of the Otherworld.

Just then, a group of soldiers approached them. Their steps were measured, their armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight, and the spears they held were truly intimidating. Each step carried a heavy, oppressive feeling, as if it could crush the ground beneath them.

Zhang Hao and the others stopped, their guard up. Their eyes fixed on the approaching soldiers, their hands unconsciously reaching for their weapons.

The leading soldier shouted, "Who are you? Why are you here?" His voice was loud and commanding, and his eyes, sharp as an eagle's, scrutinized the group. That gaze seemed to penetrate the soul, leaving no room for evasion.

Zhang Hao stepped forward and answered calmly, "We are just travelers passing through and want to replenish some supplies in this town." His voice was steady and powerful, and he looked firmly at the leader of the soldiers, trying to convince him that they were harmless.

The soldier snorted coldly: "Passing by? I don't think it's that simple. The town has been uneasy recently. There are orders from above to strictly check all outsiders." His tone was full of suspicion and distrust, and he waved his hand to signal the soldiers behind him to start action.

With that, the soldiers began to search everyone's bags. Their movements were rough and hasty, and they threw the contents of the bags on the ground haphazardly.

The woman hugged the little girl tightly, her face full of worry. Her eyes were filled with fear and anxiety, but she tried to remain calm and comforted the crying girl in her arms: "Don't be afraid, baby, it will be okay."

Ling Yu couldn't help but say, "How can you be so rude?" His voice was full of anger, and his clenched fists trembled slightly with excitement.

The soldier glared at him and said, "Stop talking nonsense! Cooperate with me, or you'll be in trouble." His eyes revealed a threat, and he pointed the spear forward.

At this moment, the black-robed man who had left earlier came over and whispered a few words in the soldier leader's ear. He had a sinister smile on his face, and his eyes, filled with malice, swept over Zhang Hao and the others from time to time.

The soldier leader's face suddenly became even gloomier. He stared at Zhang Hao and others and said, "Someone reported that you were acting suspiciously. Come with me!" There was no room for negotiation in his voice, as if he was issuing an order that could not be disobeyed.

Zhang Hao's heart sank, knowing it was a misunderstanding, but he couldn't resist forcefully at this point. After all, the other party was outnumbered, and in this unfamiliar town, resisting forcefully would only bring more trouble.

The soldiers led everyone to a government office. The gate was tall and imposing, its vermilion paint peeling, showing the marks of time. The stone lions at the gate were majestic and imposing, but also gave people a sense of oppression.

Inside the government office, an official sat behind his desk, looking at them coldly. His face was expressionless, like a cold statue.

"Sir, these are the people." The soldier leader bowed and said, his tone full of awe.

The official slammed the gavel and said, "You bold and unruly citizen, tell the truth!" The sound of the gavel echoed in the empty hall, shocking everyone's hearts.

Zhang Hao explained again: "Sir, we are really just ordinary travelers and have done nothing illegal." There was a hint of urgency in his voice and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

The official sneered: "You still dare to quibble! The man in black robe said that he saw you colluding with criminals." His eyes were full of suspicion and disdain.

The woman hurriedly said, "Sir, this is a pure false accusation. We don't know any criminals at all." Her voice was tearful, and her beautiful face turned pale with fear and grievance.

The little girl was so frightened that she started crying, her voice pitiful and heartbreaking. "Mom, I'm scared." Her body kept shaking and she snuggled tightly in the woman's arms.

The old man said, "Sir, we have gone through so many hardships along the way just to find a place to live. I hope you can understand." His voice was vicissitudes and helpless, and his slightly bent spine seemed to carry endless suffering.

The official pondered for a moment and said, "If you want to prove your innocence, you need to do something in the city to show your sincerity." There was a hint of cunning in his eyes.

Zhang Hao asked, "I wonder what the master wants us to do?" Although his heart was full of doubts, he also understood that he had no choice at this time.

The official said, "A group of thieves has been rampant in the city recently. If you can capture them, you can prove your innocence." His voice was flat, as if this was just a trivial matter.

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. This was undoubtedly a difficult task, but in order to clear their grievances, they had no choice but to agree.

They began to inquire about the thieves in the city. Everywhere they went, people looked at them with vigilance and suspicion. Some avoided talking about it, while others just gave a few perfunctory comments.

After several days of efforts, they finally got some useful clues from an old beggar.

"I heard that group of thieves often appear in the abandoned warehouse in the west of the city at night." After the old beggar said this, he hurried away.

As night fell, everyone quietly headed towards the abandoned warehouse in the west of the city...