Hu Shu took a deep breath and looked at everyone with unwavering resolve. "My fellow clansmen, our Human Race has now shown the potential for growth, and this may bring ruthless suppression from forces such as the Chan Sect. But we must never retreat! Next, I will work with Senior to formulate countermeasures. You must also prepare yourselves for battle!" The members of the Human Race clenched their fists, their eyes filled with resolve and fearlessness. An atmosphere of shared hatred for the enemy filled Shouyang Mountain.
Day after day passed. Under Hu Shu's leadership, the Human Race of Shouyang Mountain continued to cultivate the Lingxiao Body Tempering Technique and forge magical treasures in an orderly manner. The children laughed and played among the hills, while the adults busied themselves with cultivation and labor. Beneath the seemingly peaceful life, undercurrents quietly surged.
Just as Hu Shu had feared, the Chan Sect had been secretly monitoring the Human Race's movements. In a hidden valley, several faint auras lay concealed. At their head was True Lord Huang Long, a Chan Sect Golden Immortal. His brows were tightly furrowed as several junior fellow disciples and Demon Race experts beside him discussed matters in low voices.
"Senior Brother, the Human Race's strength has increased rapidly of late. If this continues, they may disrupt Master's grand plan," a Chan Sect Disciple said.
True Lord Huang Long snorted coldly. "Hmph, a pack of ants dares dream of rising to power. Still, with Hu Shu helping them now, they have become somewhat troublesome."
"What should we do, then?" a Demon Race expert asked. Clad in black robes, his eyes gleamed with viciousness.
A sinister glint flashed through True Lord Huang Long's eyes. "Before their strength is fully stabilized, we will join forces and wipe them out in one stroke."
Thus, the Chan Sect dispatched several Golden Immortals and joined forces with several Demon Race experts, preparing to launch a surprise attack on the Human Race. They secretly assembled in a dense forest a hundred li from Shouyang Mountain. The black-robed Demon Race expert swept his long sword forward, pointing toward Shouyang Mountain. "This operation must be swift. Catch them completely off guard."
On Shouyang Mountain, the Human Race remained immersed in the rhythm of cultivation and daily life. Hu Shu and the Mysterious Rogue Cultivator were discussing ways to further strengthen the Human Race inside a cave.
"Senior, although the Human Race has made progress, we are still insufficient when facing powerful forces such as the Chan Sect. Do you have any good strategy?" Hu Shu asked earnestly.
The Mysterious Rogue Cultivator stroked his beard and pondered for a moment. "At present, besides intensifying cultivation, we must also focus on defense. I can help you set up several Defensive Formations to strengthen Shouyang Mountain's defenses."
Hu Shu was overjoyed. "That would be excellent. With Senior's help, the Human Race will have several more chances of victory."
However, neither of them knew that danger was closing in step by step. The Chan Sect and Demon Race's combined force advanced swiftly toward Shouyang Mountain like phantoms. Along the way, the wind howled past their ears, while moonlight fell upon their cold weapons, making them glint with icy light.
"Pick up the pace. We must reach Shouyang Mountain before dawn," True Lord Huang Long urged in a low voice. The group rushed through the night, their footsteps concealed by the wind, with only the occasional clash of weapons audible.
On Shouyang Mountain, the Human Race's children played simple games beneath the moonlight, their laughter echoing through the hills. Some adults cultivated, while others sorted through newly forged magical treasures. Hu Shu stepped out of the cave and gazed at tranquil Shouyang Mountain beneath the moonlight, yet an unease stirred faintly within him.
"What feels wrong?" Hu Shu murmured. He constantly felt as though pairs of eyes were watching them from the darkness. Yet when he looked around, he found nothing unusual.
At that moment, the Chan Sect and Demon Race's combined force had already arrived at the foot of Shouyang Mountain. True Lord Huang Long looked up at the Human Race settlement on the mountain and curled his lips into a cold smile. "Prepare to strike. First cut off their retreat, then launch the attack."
The Demon Race experts flashed forward and swiftly scattered, surrounding Shouyang Mountain from all sides. The Chan Sect Golden Immortals began preparing powerful spells, streams of light gathering in their hands.
On Shouyang Mountain, the Human Race remained completely unaware. Hu Shu returned to the cave and continued discussing the details of the Defensive Formation's arrangement with the Mysterious Rogue Cultivator.
"Senior, once this formation is completed, what level of attack can it withstand?" Hu Shu asked.
The Mysterious Rogue Cultivator frowned slightly. "If activated at full force, it can withstand Golden Immortal-level attacks for a short time. But if it lasts too long, it will be difficult to sustain."
Hu Shu's heart sank. He knew that the crisis facing the Human Race was far more serious than he had imagined. But at this moment, he could only hope that the Defensive Formation would buy some time and secure a chance of survival for the Human Race.
At the foot of the mountain, True Lord Huang Long gave the order. "Attack!" Instantly, streams of powerful spell light shot into the sky and blasted toward the Human Race settlement on Shouyang Mountain. In an instant, shouts of battle and the thunderous roar of spells shattered the night's silence.
Hu Shu and the others remained unaware that danger was about to descend. Faced with the stronger combined forces of the Chan Sect and Demon Race, could the Human Race survive this crisis?
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