Secret Eavesdropping, Conspiracy Escalates

## Chapter 14: Secret Observation, Conspiracy Escalates

Hu Shu knew all too well that time was running out for the Human Race. Looking at the hopeful faces of his kin, he was determined to find a way to face the impending crisis, no matter what. However, he was unaware that danger was silently approaching, and a great storm was about to sweep through the Human Race's settlement.

On Shouyang Mountain, the Human Race settlement was bustling with activity. Hu Shu moved through the crowds, methodically arranging his people's cultivation. He would occasionally pause to guide the younger generation in understanding the secrets of Spiritual Energy, and at other times, discuss strategies with the elders to further enhance their defenses. Sunlight bathed everyone, reflecting their resolute and hopeful expressions.

"Everyone, seize this time to cultivate and improve your strength. The Heavenly Origin Sect and the Demon Race will not give up easily and could attack at any moment," Hu Shu's voice resonated, firm and powerful, throughout the settlement.

The tribesmen nodded, their eyes filled with determination. They gathered around the Divine Artifact brought back from the mysterious ruins, utilizing the rich Spiritual Energy it emitted to cultivate their internal techniques. For a time, the entire Shouyang Mountain was enveloped in a faint spiritual mist, with wisps of Spiritual Energy being greedily absorbed by everyone.

Meanwhile, in a hidden valley a hundred miles from Shouyang Mountain, a Golden Immortal of the Heavenly Origin Sect, Guang Chengzi, was in hiding. Clad in a Taoist robe, he held an ancient Treasure Mirror, which clearly reflected every move of the Human Race on Shouyang Mountain. Guang Chengzi watched the Human Race flourish due to the Divine Artifact in the mirror, his brow furrowed, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

"Hmph, a mere Human Race, actually developing so much because of this Divine Artifact. If they are not eliminated early, they will surely become a great threat in the future," Guang Chengzi gritted his teeth and said.

In the mirror, the Human Race's cultivation speed had visibly increased with the help of the Divine Artifact. Many had steady auras, showing signs of breakthroughs. Guang Chengzi's anger intensified, and he clenched the Treasure Mirror, his knuckles turning white.

"It seems that with only a few Golden Immortals from the Heavenly Origin Sect, it will be difficult to completely annihilate the Human Race. We must unite with more Demon Race forces and launch a large-scale attack to eliminate all future troubles," Guang Chengzi muttered to himself, rapidly planning the alliance with the Demon Race in his mind.

He knew that many powerful figures among the Demon Race harbored hostility towards the Human Race and had long coveted the Divine Artifact. With a little instigation and the promise of great benefits, they could surely be persuaded to oppose the Human Race.

Guang Chengzi put away the Treasure Mirror, his figure flashed, turning into a stream of light, and flew towards the Demon Race territory. Along the way, the wind whistled past his ears, and his killing intent grew stronger.

The Demon Race territory was desolate. Giant strange rocks stood tall, and a sinister aura permeated the surroundings. Guang Chengzi landed and walked straight towards a towering Demon Hall. Inside, the Demon Race powerhouses were discussing how to restore the Demon Race's former glory.

"Everyone, the Human Race has obtained a Divine Artifact and their strength has greatly increased. If we do not curb them, they may threaten our position in the Primordial World," Guang Chengzi stated directly.

Upon hearing this, the Demon Race powerhouses sneered. "Just the Human Race? How much trouble can they cause?" a Demon Race powerhouse resembling an Ancient Savage Bull scoffed.

Guang Chengzi's gaze swept over everyone, and he said in a deep voice, "This Divine Artifact is extraordinary; it can greatly enhance the Human Race's cultivation speed. In time, they will surely become a great threat. My Heavenly Origin Sect is willing to join forces with you to destroy the Human Race, and the Divine Artifact will belong to the Demon Race."

As soon as he said this, the hall fell silent. The Demon Race powerhouses exchanged glances, a flicker of temptation in their eyes. The allure of the Divine Artifact was simply irresistible to them.

"Guang Chengzi, is your Heavenly Origin Sect truly willing to ally with my Demon Race? Are there no ulterior motives?" a Demon Race powerhouse resembling a Nine-tailed Fox asked warily.

Guang Chengzi smiled slightly, "My Heavenly Origin Sect always keeps its word. The rise of the Human Race is also detrimental to my Heavenly Origin Sect. This alliance is solely to eliminate the Human Race as a hidden danger."

After much deliberation, the Demon Race powerhouses finally decided to cooperate with Guang Chengzi. They quickly assembled the elites of their race, preparing to launch a large-scale attack on the Human Race.

At the same time, the Human Race on Shouyang Mountain was still immersed in the joy of development. Although Hu Shu remained vigilant, he did not sense the danger creeping closer. He stood on the mountaintop, looking at his people diligently cultivating, pondering how to further enhance the Human Race's strength.

"Perhaps I can use the Invincible Domain System to develop more powerful skills to deal with unknown crises," Hu Shu murmured to himself, determination in his eyes.

The mountain breeze gently brushed past, bringing a hint of coolness. Hu Shu took a deep breath, feeling the dense Spiritual Energy in the air, silently praying that the Human Race could safely overcome this ordeal.

However, he was unaware that a catastrophe was silently descending. The combined army of Guang Chengzi and the Demon Race was rapidly approaching Shouyang Mountain like dark clouds. The Human Race was about to face an unprecedented test of life and death.

At the foot of Shouyang Mountain, the grass and trees swayed gently in the breeze, making rustling sounds, as if whispering of the impending crisis. Within the Human Race settlement, children played and laughed, while adults focused on cultivation, creating a scene of peace. But beneath this tranquility lay a great crisis about to erupt.

Hu Shu patrolled the Human Race settlement, looking at his people cultivating diligently. He felt both comfort and worry. Comfort came from the fact that the Human Race's strength had indeed significantly improved with the help of the Divine Artifact; worry stemmed from the fact that the retaliation from the Heavenly Origin Sect and the Demon Race could come at any moment, and he was not entirely sure if the Human Race could withstand it.

"Lord Hu Shu, do you think our cultivation methods are correct?" a young Human Race cultivator approached, humbly asking for guidance.

Hu Shu snapped back to attention, carefully observing the cultivator's state and nodded, "Yes, your method of circulating Spiritual Energy is basically correct, but you need to be more focused and feel the fusion of Spiritual Energy with your meridians." As he spoke, he gently placed a hand on the cultivator's shoulder, sending a gentle stream of Spiritual Energy into his body, guiding him to better perceive the Spiritual Energy.

"Thank you, Lord Hu Shu!" the young cultivator said gratefully, his eyes filled with reverence.

Hu Shu smiled and encouraged, "Cultivate well. The future of the Human Race depends on you."

Just then, the sky in the distance suddenly turned gloomy. The bright sunlight was obscured by large dark clouds, and the sky instantly darkened. Hu Shu's heart leaped, and he instinctively looked up.

"Not good!" A strong sense of unease surged through Hu Shu. But at this moment, he had not yet realized that this was the prelude to the joint attack launched by Guang Chengzi and the Demon Race.

The Human Race on Shouyang Mountain also noticed the abnormality in the sky, and they all stopped their cultivation, their faces filled with confusion and worry.

"Why did it suddenly get dark?"

"Is something big about to happen?"

Discussions arose among the tribesmen, and a sense of unease spread through the crowd.

Hu Shu suppressed his unease and shouted, "Everyone, don't panic, stay calm! Return to your defensive positions and prepare for battle!"

However, facing the impending large-scale joint attack from the Heavenly Origin Sect and the Demon Race, were the Human Race truly prepared? Hu Shu's heart was filled with worry, yet he had to maintain a brave front, boosting the morale of his people.

The mountain wind grew fiercer, howling and sweeping past, making everyone's robes flutter. Hu Shu stood at a high vantage point, gazing at the gloomy sky, his eyes filled with determination and resolve. No matter what, he would do his utmost to protect the Human Race.