Hu Shu looked at everyone and slowly said, "Whether what that Mysterious Woman said is true or false, we must try to find clues about the ancient Divine Artifacts. This may truly be an opportunity for the Human Race to rise." Everyone nodded after hearing this. Thus, Hu Shu led the Human Race in searching through the ancient books scattered around their settlement, hoping to find some trace of the ancient Divine Artifacts. However, they did not know how many hardships and obstacles awaited them in that search.
As everyone busied themselves, a gentle breeze swept past, carrying a faint chill that raised goosebumps on their skin. Hu Shu's heart tightened, and he looked up to see a graceful figure appear out of thin air. She wore a plain white gown, her dark hair flowing like a waterfall. Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, yet carried a hint of coldness. She was the Mysterious Woman who had just driven back the enemy.
Hu Shu instinctively stepped in front of the others from the Human Race and watched her warily. The Mysterious Woman slightly raised her hand, signaling that he need not be nervous. Her voice was as cold and clear as spring water. "I mean no harm. I merely came to say a few words to you." Hu Shu frowned slightly and did not lower his guard. "Who exactly are you? Why did you help us, and why do you want us to search for the ancient Divine Artifacts?"
The Mysterious Woman's gaze swept over the crowd before settling on Hu Shu. She slowly said, "The Fate of the Human Race is closely tied to the future of the Primordial World. Since you have taken on the responsibility of protecting the Human Race, you must continue onward. As for the ancient Divine Artifacts, they are the key to changing the Fate of the Human Race." Hu Shu's heart stirred, and he pressed her, "How are they the key? Explain it clearly!" The Mysterious Woman gently shook her head. "The time has not come. Saying more would be useless. Just remember this: only by finding the ancient Divine Artifacts can the Human Race rise in this Primordial Chaotic World."
With that, the Mysterious Woman flashed and was about to disappear. Hu Shu hurriedly reached out, but caught only a wisp of breeze. He stared in the direction where she had vanished, his heart full of doubt. The others from the Human Race exchanged looks, unsure of how to react. At that moment, Shouyang Mountain was utterly silent, with only the howling wind in their ears, as if it were recounting this sudden turn of events.
Hu Shu took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He turned to the others and saw confusion and worry in all their eyes. "Don't panic, everyone," Hu Shu said loudly, trying to encourage them. "Although that Mysterious Woman appeared suddenly and spoke vaguely, there may be some truth in her words. Our Human Race is already in dire straits. This may be a rare opportunity."
An elder stepped forward and said anxiously, "Clan leader, that woman's identity is unknown, and it is difficult to tell whether her words are true. If we rashly search for the ancient Divine Artifacts, might we fall into danger?" Hu Shu nodded slightly. He understood the elder's concerns, but the Human Race's current situation left them no room to retreat. "What you say is right, senior," Hu Shu said. "But we cannot simply sit and wait for death. We must consider the matter of searching for the ancient Divine Artifacts carefully."
Everyone sat in a circle and began discussing it. Some believed they should seize this opportunity, for perhaps they could truly find the ancient Divine Artifacts and strengthen the Human Race. Others felt it was too risky; if it was a trap, the Human Race would be doomed beyond redemption. Hu Shu quietly listened to everyone's opinions, weighing the pros and cons in his heart.
At that moment, the Mysterious Rogue Cultivator, who had remained silent, spoke up. "Hu Shu, I think this matter carries risks, but it is worth trying. That Mysterious Woman is immensely powerful. If she truly wished us harm, she had already had the chance. Since she proposed this, perhaps she can truly help the Human Race." Hu Shu looked at the Mysterious Rogue Cultivator, a thoughtful glint passing through his eyes. Those words helped him make up his mind.
"Good." Hu Shu stood up and looked at everyone with firm resolve. "We have decided to search for clues to the ancient Divine Artifacts. But before that, we must make thorough preparations. We cannot act blindly." Everyone voiced their agreement. Hu Shu then began assigning tasks. Some continued searching the ancient books for clues, some strengthened the settlement's defenses, while others went out to gather information and see whether they could obtain news of the ancient Divine Artifacts elsewhere.
Hu Shu himself brought several strong, quick-witted young members of the Human Race back to the cave where the ancient books were stored. The cave was filled with an old, musty air, and faint light flickered from the walls, cast by certain special stones. Hu Shu picked up an ancient book and gently opened it. The pages made a crisp rustling sound. He carefully studied the words inside, each character seeming to contain endless secrets.
Time slowly passed amid the tense search. Hu Shu's eyes grew sore from staring at the ancient books for so long, but he did not dare relax in the slightest. Suddenly, he saw a blurred passage that mentioned traces of ancient Divine Artifacts in a mysterious place within the Primordial World. Hu Shu was overjoyed and hurriedly called the others over to tell them of his discovery.
Everyone gathered around the passage, excitement appearing on their faces. However, after reading it closely, they could not help but frown. The record did not clearly state the exact location of that mysterious place. It merely said it lay within a mountain range shrouded in mist all year round. The Primordial Great Land was so vast that finding such a mountain range would be easier said than done.
Hu Shu was not discouraged. Pointing at the record, he said, "Though there are few clues, this at least gives us a direction. Let us bring this news back and discuss it with everyone. We will find a way." The others nodded and followed Hu Shu out of the cave.
After returning to the settlement, Hu Shu told everyone what they had found. They sat together and began discussing how to locate the Misty Mountain Range. Some suggested asking around to see if anyone knew such a place. Others proposed sending multiple teams to search in different directions. As Hu Shu listened to their suggestions, a plan gradually formed in his mind.
Just then, a burst of commotion came from outside the settlement. Hu Shu's heart skipped a beat, and he hurried outside. Dust billowed in the distance, as though something was rushing toward them. Hu Shu's expression changed. Could it be that the Chan Sect and the Demon Race had returned?
He quickly gathered everyone and prepared for defense. As the dust drew closer, Hu Shu made out the newcomers' appearance. They were a group of ragged members of the Human Race. Their steps were hurried, and their faces were full of fear and exhaustion. Filled with confusion, Hu Shu went to meet them.
"Who are you? Why are you so frightened?" Hu Shu asked. A young man at the front panted heavily as he replied, "Clan Leader, we are members of the Human Race from a nearby village. We were attacked by a group of ferocious beasts. The village was destroyed, so we could only flee here." Hu Shu's brows drew together. Ferocious beasts attacking a Human Race village was no small matter.
"Don't panic. Come in and rest first," Hu Shu said, having the others settle the refugees. Looking at those injured clansmen, Hu Shu's heart was filled with worry. The Human Race now had to face threats from every side while also enduring attacks from ferocious beasts. Their situation was becoming increasingly difficult.
Yet Hu Shu knew that they could not panic now. He returned to the place where they held discussions and continued speaking with everyone about finding the ancient Divine Artifacts and dealing with the current crisis. Everyone spoke in turn, and the atmosphere was lively. However, Hu Shu knew clearly that solving these problems would be no easy task. The Mysterious Woman's words lingered in his heart like an unsolved riddle. Where exactly was the Future of the Human Race headed?
Hu Shu looked at everyone, his gaze resolute. "No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, our Human Race cannot give up. We must continue searching for the ancient Divine Artifacts. At the same time, we must strengthen our own defenses and resist attacks from ferocious beasts and all other forces." Everyone answered in agreement, their morale soaring.
That night, Shouyang Mountain was silent. Hu Shu stood alone atop the mountain, gazing at the vast starry sky. The starlight flickered, as though recounting the endless mysteries of the Primordial World. Countless thoughts filled Hu Shu's mind. The Mysterious Woman's appearance had brought new hope, but also more mysteries. He did not know what awaited the Human Race next, but he knew that he had to lead them forward bravely.
The mountain wind howled, making Hu Shu's clothes flap loudly. He took a deep breath and felt the faint chill in the air. In that silent night, he seemed able to hear the call of the Human Race's future. Yet the Mysterious Woman's words continued to echo in his ears: the Fate of the Human Race was closely tied to the future of the Primordial World. What secret lay hidden within those words? Hu Shu clenched his fists and silently swore that he would unravel this mystery and protect the Future of the Human Race.
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