At this critical moment, the Invincible Domain finally gave way under the strain and shattered with a bang. As the blinding light faded, the Witch Tribe army came clearly into view. The Great Witch raised his Battle Axe, his face twisted in savagery, and led the Witch Tribe in a wolfish charge toward the Human Race. Hu Shu forced his injured body to hold on as he shielded the Human Race behind him, roaring, "Sons of the Human Race, even if we die, we must die gloriously!" A brutal close-quarters battle was about to begin. Could the Human Race find even a sliver of survival in this desperate situation?
Hu Shu knew that he absolutely could not panic now. While circulating what little spiritual power remained within him, he swiftly surveyed the surrounding terrain. Shouyang Mountain was treacherous, filled with natural barriers and ravines. If used properly, they might win his people a chance at survival. "Everyone, heed my orders! Use the terrain and set up the Defensive Formation!" Hu Shu shouted. Though his voice was somewhat hoarse from exhaustion, the resolve within it stirred every member of the Human Race.
Under Hu Shu's command, the Human Race immediately sprang into action. The young and strong carried boulders over, attempting to construct rudimentary barricades, while the elderly, weak, women, and children assisted nearby, gathering whatever materials they could use. The Witch Tribe's attacks descended like a violent storm. Strange lights from witchcraft flickered everywhere, and the air was thick with the pungent stench of sulfur—the aura of Witch Tribe witchcraft, enough to make one retch.
Hu Shu stood at the very front. The Long Sword gleaming in his hand carved out sharp trails of sword light, blocking the Witch Tribe vanguard's assault. Every collision between sword and Battle Axe left his arms numb and sent his Qi and Blood churning. Yet he gritted his teeth and refused to take even a single step back. I can't retreat. My people are behind me. I have to hold the line!
When the Witch Tribe Great Witch saw that the Human Race could still organize an effective defense under Hu Shu's command, he flew into a rage. "Mere humans dare resist!" His hands rapidly formed seals as he chanted under his breath. In an instant, dark clouds covered the sky, and bolts of black lightning streaked through them. Accompanied by deafening thunder, they crashed down toward Shouyang Mountain.
"Not good! Everyone, be careful!" Hu Shu hurriedly warned them. Under the Witch Tribe Great Witch's strike, the Defensive Formation's light flickered unsteadily, on the verge of collapse. Fear appeared on the faces of the Human Race, but they did not retreat. They pressed tightly together, encouraging one another.
Hu Shu knew that if he did not act now, the Human Race would have no hope of survival once the Defensive Formation broke. He took a deep breath, disregarded his own injuries, and drove his spiritual power to its limit. His whole body transformed into a streak of light as he charged toward the Witch Tribe Great Witch. "You villain, don't get cocky!" Hu Shu roared, his Long Sword thrusting toward the Witch Tribe Great Witch with unstoppable force.
The Witch Tribe Great Witch sneered and swung his Battle Axe. A stream of black energy rushed toward Hu Shu. Their collision unleashed a powerful shockwave that cracked the surrounding ground. Hu Shu was blasted backward by the force and crashed heavily onto the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"Clan Leader!" "Lord Hu Shu!" The Human Race cried out in panic at the sight. Yet they did not lose their composure. Led by several older members of the Human Race, they continued maintaining the Defensive Formation.
Seizing the opportunity, the Witch Tribe army launched another fierce assault. Wave after wave of Witch Tribe warriors surged forward like a tide, colliding with the Defensive Formation in bursts of dazzling light. The air was filled with battle cries and screams, while the stench of blood grew ever stronger.
Hu Shu struggled to his feet. Looking at his people's stubborn resistance, he felt both comforted and guilty. I failed to protect everyone. I can't let my people die in vain any longer! Enduring the pain, he threw himself into the battle once more.
Time slowly passed amid the fierce fighting, and both sides fell into a stalemate. Though the Witch Tribe possessed overwhelming numbers and great strength, the Human Race relied on the Defensive Formation, the terrain of Shouyang Mountain, and their unyielding will to hold the line. However, they had also expended much of their strength. Many were exhausted beyond measure and covered in wounds.
At this moment, a vicious glint flashed through the Witch Tribe Great Witch's eyes. He seemed to have another move prepared and was ready to unleash even more powerful witchcraft to deal the Human Race a fatal blow. On the other side, Hu Shu looked at his exhausted people in growing anxiety. He had to find a way to break the deadlock quickly. Otherwise, utter destruction awaited the Human Race.
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