Hu Shu took a deep breath, then turned and headed toward Shouyang Mountain. He knew that the path to finding allies would be difficult, but he could not give up. As he walked, he considered new directions. Perhaps those remote places might offer unexpected opportunities. With that thought in mind, he quickened his pace.
When he returned to the Human Race settlement on Shouyang Mountain, everyone gathered around him. Looking at his clansmen, who trusted and depended on him, Hu Shu felt a strong sense of responsibility. He truthfully told them how his search for allies had met with setbacks, and concern inevitably appeared on their faces.
"Don't lose heart, everyone. Let's think of a solution together," Hu Shu said loudly, trying to raise their spirits.
An elderly clansman stepped forward and said, "Why don't we expand our search and visit more remote places? Perhaps someone there will be willing to cooperate."
Hu Shu nodded, feeling that it was a viable idea. He and the others immediately discussed several specific strategies, such as how to demonstrate the Human Race's potential and how to deal with possible difficulties.
Once the discussion ended, Hu Shu set off again. He followed a winding mountain path toward the southwest. It was said that several small tribes lived scattered throughout that region.
After walking for an unknown length of time, Hu Shu arrived at a valley. Lush trees filled the valley, and a clear stream murmured through it. Beside the stream stood a village built from stone and wood. This was the first tribe he had come to visit.
The moment Hu Shu entered the village, he drew quite a bit of attention. Several clansmen holding crude weapons watched him warily. Hu Shu hurriedly explained his purpose, saying that he was a representative of the Human Race and hoped to cooperate with their tribe for mutual development.
At that moment, a burly man with a scar across his face stepped forward. He was presumably the tribe leader. The Leader sized Hu Shu up and down, his eyes full of suspicion.
"Cooperate? Why should we trust you? Besides, what if cooperating with you brings retaliation from the Chan Sect?" the leader asked bluntly.
Hu Shu patiently explained, "The Human Race now possesses a new Cultivation Method, and our potential is limitless. As for the Chan Sect, we do not intend to become their enemies. We merely seek room for survival and development. If we join forces, our strength will not be insignificant."
The Leader pondered for a moment before slowly shaking his head. "I'm sorry, but this matter is too significant. Our tribe cannot bear such a risk. You should leave."
Hu Shu was disappointed, but he did not lose heart. He moved on toward his next destination.
Over the next few days, Hu Shu visited several small tribes in succession, but most of their responses were similar. Some feared the Chan Sect, while others doubted the Human Race's strength. All of them refused to cooperate.
One day, Hu Shu arrived at the foot of a mountain wreathed in mist. As far as he knew, a Rogue Cultivator lived in a cave dwelling on this mountain. Hu Shu climbed the steep mountain path, while the air around him grew colder and the howling mountain wind rang in his ears.
At last, he found the cave dwelling. Before it, an elderly man in a gray robe sat cross-legged in meditation with his eyes closed. Hu Shu quietly stepped forward and respectfully said, "Senior, this junior is Hu Shu, a representative of the Human Race. Forgive my intrusion, but I wish to discuss cooperation with you."
The old man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze flashing like lightning as he looked at Hu Shu. "The Human Race? Do you know how much trouble cooperating with you would bring me? The Chan Sect will not easily spare anyone who associates with you."
Hu Shu said sincerely, "Senior, the Human Race is struggling to survive in the Primordial World. If we can receive your assistance, we certainly will not disappoint you. We do not intend to oppose the Chan Sect. We only wish to have a place in this world."
The old man remained silent for a long time before saying, "Your words do make some sense, but I still need to consider this matter. Leave your contact information. Once I have made up my mind, I will seek you out."
Delighted, Hu Shu hurriedly left the location of the Human Race settlement, then took his leave.
After leaving the mountain, Hu Shu continued searching for other forces that might be willing to cooperate. However, his following visits remained unsuccessful. Most Rogue Cultivators and small tribes refused him for one reason or another.
The sky gradually darkened, and the fading light of the setting sun spread across the land, stretching Hu Shu's shadow long behind him. He stood on a wilderness, looking at the desolate landscape around him with a heavy heart. Time was running out. The Tribulation of Witches and Demons could erupt into even fiercer conflict at any moment, and the Human Race desperately needed allies to increase its strength.
Yet Hu Shu, who had met obstacles everywhere, did not lose heart. He clenched his fists and silently swore that he would find a force willing to cooperate and lead the Human Race out of its predicament. But with time so pressing, could he still find anyone willing to cooperate? And how could the Human Race increase its strength under such difficult circumstances?
Before you continue