Words in the Windbreak Forest, a New Alliance Founded to Guard Mountains and Seas

At the edge of the Northern Territory's Windbreak Forest, dawn slowly spread across the land. Crystal-clear dewdrops hung from the branches of thousand-year-old trees. Sunlight passed through them, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow upon the ground. Shen Hao and Zi Xuan stood side by side in a clearing, watching the distant horizon gradually shift from the pale white of a fish belly to golden red.

"It's so beautiful," Zi Xuan murmured, her eyes full of enchantment.

Shen Hao nodded, but his gaze rested on the ancient trees around them. These trees were the foundation of the Wood Spirit Race and the guardians of the Hongmeng Great Land. During the battle against the Dark Universe's invasion, they had exhausted their Origin Power to supply strength to the Hongmeng Origin Grand Array. Though they had now regained their vitality, they still bore a trace of weariness.

"Elder Ku Mu," Shen Hao called softly toward a towering ancient tree.

An aged face slowly emerged from the tree's trunk. It was Elder Ku Mu of the Wood Spirit Race. A faint smile rested in his eyes. "Lord Shen, you have finally awakened."

"Thank you for your efforts, Elder." Shen Hao bowed. "Hongmeng was able to survive this crisis thanks to the Wood Spirit Race's wholehearted aid."

Elder Ku Mu waved a hand, his aged voice carrying a trace of gratification. "Protecting Hongmeng is the duty of the Wood Spirit Race. Lord Shen's Unite Body with Array was the true heroic feat."

As the two spoke, a soft rustling suddenly arose from the forest. Lan Ze, Xing Che, Lin Feng, Lu Yao, and the others slowly emerged from the shadows beneath the ancient trees. Their faces showed traces of exhaustion, yet they were also filled with smiles.

"Lord Shen!" everyone called out in