Hu Shu was frantic, and his pace quickened. Looking ahead, he seemed to already see the outline of the Human Race settlement. Yet unease lingered in his heart; he had no idea what awaited him. At last, the settlement gates appeared before him. Hu Shu drew a deep breath and strode inside.
The moment he entered the settlement, Hu Shu sensed an oppressive atmosphere. A faint mist hung everywhere, making the entire settlement seem especially bleak. Agonized groans reached his ears, each one like a blade stabbing into his heart. He hastened his steps and rushed toward where the Human Race had gathered.
"Lord Hu Shu is back!" someone shouted. The previously panicked crowd instantly found its backbone. Everyone crowded around him, their eyes filled with anticipation and anxiety. Looking at these familiar faces, Hu Shu felt a pang of sorrow. He raised the Immortal Herb glowing with a strange light and declared, "Don't worry, everyone. With this Immortal Herb, I can definitely save you!"
With that, Hu Shu immediately began preparing to brew the Immortal Herb according to the system's instructions. He found a huge stone pot and set it over a blazing bonfire. The instant the Immortal Herb entered the pot, a rich fragrance spread through the air, fresh and pleasant, as though it carried endless vitality. Hu Shu focused completely on controlling the heat, his eyes fixed on the herb in the stone pot as sweat streamed down his forehead.
The surrounding members of the Human Race watched in silence. No one spoke; only the crackling of the bonfire could be heard. Hu Shu could feel their burning gazes, filled with trust and hope. He silently swore that, no matter what, he would save his people.
As the Immortal Herb slowly brewed, the once-clear liquid gradually turned emerald green, its glow growing brighter and brighter. Hu Shu knew the medicinal broth was nearly ready. He picked up a ladle beside him and gently stirred it, judging its thickness. At last, he felt the time had come. Carefully, he ladled out the broth and poured it into earthen bowls.
"Line up, everyone! One bowl each—drink it quickly!" Hu Shu held out a bowl of medicinal broth to a sick clansman beside him. The man took it, his hands trembling slightly. Hu Shu reassured him softly, "Don't be afraid. Drink it, and you'll get better." The man nodded, tipped back his head, and drained the bowl in one gulp.
The moment the broth entered his stomach, the man felt a warm current rise from his abdomen and swiftly spread throughout his body. His once-weak body gradually regained strength, and his previously chaotic spiritual energy began to stabilize. He looked at Hu Shu in delighted surprise, tears of gratitude filling his eyes. "Lord Hu Shu, I feel much better!"
Seeing his change, the other sick clansmen also stepped forward one after another, taking the medicinal broth and drinking it. For a time, the settlement was filled with the fragrance of medicine and everyone's cries of amazement. Every person who drank the broth gradually recovered, their spiritual energy returning to normal. The oppressive atmosphere was slowly replaced by joy.
As Hu Shu watched everyone gradually improve, the heavy weight in his heart finally lifted. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, a relieved smile appearing on his face. However, he knew this crisis had only been temporarily eased. The Chan Sect would definitely not let things rest, and the Human Race could not remain in a state of Passive Defense forever.
At that moment, sunlight filtered through the clouds over the settlement, driving away the gloom. The warm rays shone upon everyone, making them feel incomparably comfortable. Standing among them, Hu Shu watched their renewed vigor, his thoughts in turmoil. He knew that if the Human Race wanted to survive, they had to take the initiative and break this deadlock. But how? That was the difficult question before him.
Hu Shu raised his head and looked into the distance, his gaze resolute and profound. He silently considered countermeasures while preparing for the challenges to come. Though the road ahead was filled with the unknown and danger, he believed that as long as the Human Race stood united, there would be no difficulty they could not overcome.
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