Hu Shu took a deep breath, then turned to look at the Human Race warriors beside him. Though they were equally exhausted, their eyes remained resolute. "We're returning to Shouyang Mountain. The road ahead will be even harder, but as long as our Human Race stands united, we'll overcome these hardships." Everyone responded in unison and quickened their pace toward Shouyang Mountain. Yet Hu Shu knew clearly that an even greater storm awaited them. How the Human Race would survive and grow amid it was something he had to find a solution for as soon as possible.
After traveling at full speed, the familiar outline of Shouyang Mountain finally appeared before them. From afar, smoke curled up from the Human Race settlement on the mountain, but Hu Shu keenly sensed a trace of tension lingering in the air.
When Hu Shu and the others entered the settlement, the previously quiet atmosphere was instantly shattered. Members of the Human Race hurriedly gathered around them, their eyes filled with surprise and worry. They were delighted that Hu Shu and the others had returned safely, yet concerned by the injuries they all bore.
"Clan Leader, you've finally returned!" An elder of the Human Race hurried forward, his eyes reddening.
Hu Shu nodded slightly, swept his gaze over the crowd, and declared, "Don't worry, everyone. Not only have we returned, we've also brought back a Divine Artifact!"
The moment he said this, the crowd erupted. Everyone whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation. Hu Shu carefully took out the Divine Artifact. Its light was restrained, yet it faintly emitted a mysterious and powerful aura. The instant he touched it, a warm force flowed from his arm throughout his body, easing some of his exhaustion.
Surrounded by the crowd, Hu Shu carried the Divine Artifact to the sacred ground of the Human Race. It lay in a hidden valley of Shouyang Mountain, surrounded by towering ancient trees, tranquil and peaceful. At the center of the valley stood an enormous stone platform—the place where the Divine Artifact was meant to be set.
The instant the Divine Artifact touched the stone platform, its light suddenly bloomed like a blazing sun rising into the sky. At first, the radiance gently enveloped the entire valley before spreading outward at incredible speed. Hu Shu's vision flashed white, and then dense spiritual energy, nearly tangible, rushed toward him and engulfed him like ocean waves. He took a deep breath, and the spiritual energy poured in through his nose and mouth, flowing joyfully through his meridians. The meridians damaged in battle began healing at a visible rate.
The Human Race members also immersed themselves in the dense spiritual energy. One young Human Race boy had been stuck at the Qi Condensation Stage for a long time, unable to break through. Now, nourished by the spiritual energy, he felt the energy within him boil like scalding water as it repeatedly battered against his bottleneck. With a boom, the boy successfully broke through, and his aura became steadier. He looked at Hu Shu excitedly, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"This Divine Artifact is incredible!"
"Exactly! With it, our Human Race will surely develop at an astonishing pace!"
Cheers rose one after another, and everyone's morale soared. Watching the scene, Hu Shu felt deeply gratified. He could sense that the Divine Artifact had not only improved the spiritual energy environment, but had also united the hearts of the Human Race.
Yet beneath this joyful atmosphere, a shadow still hung over Hu Shu's heart. He knew that the Chan Sect and the Demon Race would never stand by and watch the Human Race grow stronger because of the Divine Artifact. At that moment, he could almost feel countless pairs of eyes watching the Human Race from the shadows, ready to launch a fatal strike at any time.
Hu Shu frowned as he gazed into the distance. Happy laughter from the Human Race rang in his ears, but his thoughts had long drifted elsewhere. He considered how to raise the Human Race's strength as quickly as possible during this brief period of development. Should he strengthen the teaching of cultivation techniques, organize actual combat drills, or use the Divine Artifact's power to forge an elite force?
As Hu Shu pondered, the Human Race elder walked over to him and said softly, "Clan Leader, I know what you're worried about. But for now, we should let our people enjoy this rare moment of joy. At the same time, we must quickly discuss a response."
Hu Shu nodded slightly, his gaze resolute. "You're right. We can't let ourselves fall into disorder. But time is pressing. We must seize every moment."
At that moment, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves and fell upon Hu Shu, forming patches of light. Looking at the hopeful members of the Human Race before him, he silently swore that no matter how many hardships and obstacles lay ahead, he would lead the Human Race toward the light.
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