Hu Shu watched his clansmen regain their vitality, knowing full well that this brief peace was only the calm before the storm. He clenched his fists and silently resolved to find a way to break the deadlock. Then he turned and headed for the settlement's council hall, preparing to gather everyone and discuss the Future of the Human Race.
Inside the Human Race council hall on Shouyang Mountain, the atmosphere was grave. Hu Shu sat at the head of the gathering, his gaze sweeping over those seated around him. "Though we have temporarily survived this crisis, the Chan Sect will not let this go," he said. "If the Human Race is to endure, we must plan for our development." Everyone nodded. An elder said worriedly, "Clan leader, our Human Race is weak and isolated. How can we develop?" Hu Shu's expression was resolute. "On one hand, we must strengthen ourselves. On the other, we must seek allies."
After the discussion, Hu Shu devoted himself entirely to devising a Cultivation Method for his clansmen. He entered the Invincible Domain System and carefully studied its mysteries. Light flickered within the system as all manner of runes and information continuously emerged. Hu Shu immersed himself in it, sometimes frowning in thought and sometimes showing delight. After several days of research, he finally used the Invincible Domain System, combined with the Human Race's physical traits, to create a unique Cultivation Method.
Hu Shu emerged from his secluded cultivation grounds and eagerly taught the new Cultivation Method to everyone. He stood in an open area, surrounded by members of the Human Race. As he demonstrated the movements, he explained the key points. "Watch carefully. When circulating spiritual energy, follow this Meridian pathway and feel the spiritual energy merge with your body." Everyone learned earnestly and attempted cultivation according to Hu Shu's method. At once, faint Spiritual Energy Fluctuations filled the air. Many people showed delight as they discovered that cultivating with the new method greatly increased the speed at which they absorbed spiritual energy.
With the cultivation issue resolved, Hu Shu began searching the surrounding area for forces that might be willing to form an alliance. He left Shouyang Mountain and entered the nearby forests. The trees were lush and dense, with sunlight filtering through the branches and leaves in dappled shadows. Birds occasionally chirped in the distance. Hu Shu moved through the forest, carefully observing the surrounding conditions.
He first arrived at a small tribe. The people of the tribe looked wary when they saw Hu Shu arrive. He stepped forward and explained his purpose. "Everyone, I am Hu Shu, clan leader of the Human Race. The Human Race now faces a threat from the Chan Sect. I hope to form an alliance with your tribe so that we may confront this crisis together." The tribe leader frowned and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Clan leader Hu, we have heard of the Human Race's plight as well. But the Chan Sect is powerful. We truly do not dare offend them lightly." Seeing this, Hu Shu explained the benefits of an alliance in detail, but the leader still looked troubled and ultimately declined Hu Shu's request.
After leaving that tribe, Hu Shu went to the cave dwelling of a Rogue Cultivator. Clouds and mist swirled outside the cave, and spiritual energy faintly churned within. Hu Shu stepped forward and knocked on the door. A Rogue Cultivator emerged from the cave. Hu Shu explained his purpose once more. After pondering for a long while, the Rogue Cultivator slowly said, "Clan leader Hu, we Rogue Cultivators have always acted alone. Forming an alliance with the Human Race is something that requires careful consideration." Hu Shu was not discouraged and patiently tried to persuade him, but the Rogue Cultivator ultimately refused, saying he did not wish to become entangled in conflict.
Though he met one setback after another, Hu Shu did not give up. He continued moving among the various factions. However, most of them were wary of the Chan Sect's power and remained cautious about cooperating with the Human Race. Some even rejected Hu Shu outright.
As the sky gradually darkened, Hu Shu stood atop a mountain peak and gazed into the distance, considering what to do next. Finding allies was no easy task. Most nearby forces were taking a wait-and-see attitude toward the Human Race. He could not help asking himself, Could I find a force willing to ally with the Human Race and fight the Chan Sect together?
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