Hu Shu watched his clansmen hurriedly prepare their defenses, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew well that the crisis facing the Human Race this time was unprecedented. Though they had made some preparations in advance, the gap between their strength and that of the Chan Sect and Demon Race remained enormous. He clenched his fists in secret and swore to himself that no matter the cost, he would protect the Human Race. Yet he had no certainty that these preparations could withstand the coming attack.
At that moment, Hu Shu was at a critical stage of cultivation, spiritual energy swirling around him like a vortex. Suddenly, a faint, almost imperceptible aura of danger slid silently across his senses like the cold tongue of a snake. The aura was extremely well concealed. If he had not been a transmigrator with instincts far keener than those of ordinary people, along with the slight warning from the Invincible Domain System, he would never have noticed it.
Hu Shu's heart tightened, and he instantly awoke from his cultivation state. His brows furrowed, and a trace of gravity flashed through his eyes. Judging from the danger, he realized that serious trouble was likely approaching. Without time to think further, he flashed away like a streak of black light, shooting toward the square in the Human Race settlement.
In the square, the Human Race members were busy with their own tasks. Some sharpened weapons, polishing crude Stone Axes and wooden spears until they gleamed with cold light. Some carried stones to reinforce the fortifications, the heavy loads pressing deep marks into their shoulders, yet there was not the slightest hint of retreat in their eyes. Others tended to the wounded, offering quiet comfort and passing on warmth and strength.
Hu Shu landed in the middle of the square, took a deep breath, and shouted, "Clansmen, stop what you're doing and listen to me!" His voice rang like a great bell across the square, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
The crowd quickly gathered around him, their faces filled with confusion and worry. An elderly man with graying hair leaned on a cane and asked tremblingly, "Little Shu, what happened?"
Hu Shu's expression was solemn as his gaze swept over every person. He said slowly, "I just sensed a dangerous aura. I fear the Chan Sect and the Demon Race have joined forces and are preparing to launch a large-scale assault against us."
A commotion immediately broke out among the crowd. Some showed fear, while others tightened their grips on their weapons, determination shining in their eyes. Hu Shu raised a hand to quiet them and continued, "Don't panic. Since we detected it early, we still have time to prepare. From this moment on, strengthen the fortifications. Everyone who can fight, take up a weapon and prepare for battle!"
After hearing Hu Shu's words, the Human Race gradually calmed down. They understood that panic was useless in such a crisis. Only by standing united and following Hu Shu's command could they have even a sliver of hope for survival.
Thus began a tense yet orderly round of preparations. Strong young men carried massive tree trunks and erected sturdy barricades around the settlement. The women gathered all kinds of stones and piled them beside the fortifications to use as weapons against the enemy. Even the children did not remain idle, helping pass tools back and forth as their small figures darted through the crowd.
Hu Shu directed them from the side while considering how to respond. He knew that with the Human Race's current strength alone, resisting the joint attack of the Chan Sect and Demon Race would be extremely difficult. He had to make good use of the Invincible Domain System and devise a practical strategy.
He closed his eyes, allowing his consciousness to sink into the Invincible Domain System. On the system interface, all manner of data and functions flickered with a faint glow. Hu Shu studied them carefully, trying to find a way to deal with a large number of enemies.
After some exploration, he discovered that by consuming a certain amount of system energy, he could strengthen the Invincible Domain's defensive capabilities and allow it to withstand more powerful attacks. However, this carried risks as well. If too much energy was consumed, the domain might become unstable at a crucial moment.
Hu Shu weighed the pros and cons before finally deciding to reserve some energy for emergencies. At the same time, he discovered that he could use the domain's properties to set traps and create methods to confuse the enemy.
He opened his eyes, determination flashing within them. He immediately put those ideas into action, directing the Human Race to place special rune traps around the fortifications. Once triggered, these traps would unleash powerful bursts of energy and inflict a certain degree of damage on the enemy.
Time quietly passed amid the tense preparations. Everywhere on Shouyang Mountain, Human Race members could be seen busily at work. A heavy atmosphere hung in the air, like the calm before a storm.
Hu Shu stood atop the mountain and looked into the distance. The mountain wind howled, making his clothes snap loudly. Concern showed in his eyes. Although the Human Race had made every preparation they could, the disparity between their strength and that of the Chan Sect and Demon Race was still immense.
In the distant sky, dark clouds began to gather, rolling in like black tides. Hu Shu knew that the enemy would likely arrive soon. He turned and looked at his busy clansmen, silently praying that their preparations would be enough to resist the enemy's attack.
By then, the Human Race's fortifications were largely complete. Sturdy barricades, mountains of piled stones, and rune traps hidden in the shadows—everything was ready. They stood behind the defenses with determined gazes, waiting for the enemy to arrive.
Hu Shu returned to the square, looked at everyone, and shouted, "Clansmen, we are prepared. Though the enemy is powerful, we have the unity of the Human Race and the protection of the Invincible Domain. We will surely overcome this crisis!"
Everyone shouted in unison, their voices resounding through the heavens as though they wished to vent all the fear and unease in their hearts.
Yet Hu Shu's worries did not lessen. He knew that the true test still lay ahead. Faced with the large-scale joint assault of the Chan Sect and Demon Race, he had no confidence that these preparations would be enough. But he had no other choice. He could only lead the Human Race and bravely face the coming storm.
On Shouyang Mountain, the Human Race stood ready in battle formation. The tense atmosphere was like a fully drawn bow, ready to snap at the slightest touch. Hu Shu stood before them, his gaze fixed firmly on the distance as he waited for the enemy to appear.
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