Exploring Everywhere, Seeking Cooperation

Hu Shu took a deep breath and turned towards Shouyang Mountain. He knew the path to finding allies would be difficult, but he absolutely could not give up. As he walked, he pondered new directions in his mind, thinking that perhaps in those remote areas, there might be unexpected turning points. With this thought, he quickened his pace.

Returning to the Human Race settlement on Shouyang Mountain, everyone saw Hu Shu return and they all gathered around him. Hu Shu looked at his tribesmen, who trusted and depended on him, and felt a sense of responsibility. He truthfully recounted his fruitless attempts to find allies. Upon hearing this, worry appeared on everyone's faces.

"Don't be discouraged, everyone. Let's think of a solution together," Hu Shu said loudly, trying to boost their morale.

An elder tribesman stepped forward and said, "Why don't we expand our search range and look in those more remote places? Perhaps there will be those willing to cooperate."

Hu Shu nodded, thinking it was a good idea. Immediately, he and the others discussed specific strategies, such as how to showcase the Human Race's potential and how to deal with potential difficulties.

After the discussion, Hu Shu set off again. He followed the winding mountain path, heading southwest. It was said that small tribes were scattered in that region.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, Hu Shu arrived at a valley. The valley was lush with trees, and a clear stream flowed through it. By the stream, there was a village built of stones and wood. This was the first tribe he intended to visit.

As soon as Hu Shu stepped into the village, he attracted a lot of attention. Some tribesmen, armed with crude weapons, watched him warily. Hu Shu quickly stated his purpose, saying he was a representative of the Human Race and hoped to cooperate with their tribe for mutual development.

At this moment, a burly man with a scar on his face walked out. He was likely the tribal leader. The leader sized Hu Shu up, his eyes full of doubt.

"Cooperate? Why should we trust you? Besides, if we cooperate with you and it angers the Heavenly Origin Sect, what then?" the leader asked bluntly.

Hu Shu patiently explained, "Our Human Race now has new cultivation methods, and our future potential is limitless. As for the Heavenly Origin Sect, we are not seeking to be their enemies, but merely seeking space to survive and develop. If we unite, our strength will not be insignificant."

The leader pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head. "Sorry, this matter is too significant, and our tribe cannot bear the risk. You should leave."

Hu Shu was disappointed but not discouraged. He moved on towards his next target.

In the following days, Hu Shu visited several small tribes consecutively, but the responses he received were mostly similar. These tribes either feared the Heavenly Origin Sect or doubted the strength of the Human Race, and all refused to cooperate.

One day, Hu Shu arrived at the foot of a cloud-shrouded mountain peak. As far as he knew, a reclusive cultivator lived in a cave dwelling on this mountain. Hu Shu climbed the steep mountain path. The air around him grew colder, and the sound of the mountain wind whistling reached his ears.

Finally, he found the cave dwelling. In front of it, an old man in a gray robe was meditating with his eyes closed. Hu Shu approached softly and respectfully said, "Senior, this junior is Hu Shu, a representative of the Human Race. I apologize for the intrusion and wish to discuss cooperation with you."

The old man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze piercing Hu Shu like lightning. "The Human Race? Do you know how much trouble cooperating with you would bring me? The Heavenly Origin Sect will not easily let go of those who collude with you."

Hu Shu said earnestly, "Senior, the Human Race is struggling to survive in the Primordial World. If we can receive your help, we will certainly not disappoint you. We are not seeking to oppose the Heavenly Origin Sect, but merely wish to have a place in this world."

The old man remained silent for a long time. "Your words have some truth, but I need to consider this matter further. Leave your contact information, and I will find you when I have made up my mind."

Hu Shu's heart leaped with joy. He quickly left the location information of the Human Race settlement and then took his leave.

After leaving the mountain, Hu Shu continued to search for other potential allies. However, his subsequent visits were still unsuccessful. Most reclusive cultivators and small tribes refused him for various reasons.

As dusk fell, the afterglow of the sunset spread across the land, casting Hu Shu's shadow long. He stood on a barren plain, looking at the desolate surroundings with a heavy heart. Time was pressing, and the Tribulation of Witches and Demons could erupt into more intense conflict at any moment. The Human Race desperately needed allies to improve its strength.

But Hu Shu, who had encountered setbacks everywhere, did not lose heart. He clenched his fist, secretly vowing in his heart that he would find a force willing to cooperate and lead the Human Race out of its predicament. However, with time so tight, could he still find a willing ally? How could the Human Race improve its strength under such difficult circumstances?