Hu Shu led the group into Shouyang Mountain once more. The forests still brimmed with a mysterious aura. They followed yesterday's route deeper inside, their hearts filled with both anticipation and unease toward the unknown. Suddenly, a patch of mist appeared ahead, carrying faint, eerie sounds from within. Hu Shu frowned and said quietly, "Careful. This mist doesn't seem simple. Stay close to me." Everyone gripped their weapons tightly and slowly entered the mist, their figures gradually swallowed by it.
As they felt their way through the mist, Hu Shu keenly sensed that the surrounding Spiritual Energy Fluctuations were unusually chaotic, as though some invisible force was interfering with them. Haunting howls occasionally rang in their ears, as if something were watching them from the shadows. The elite squad members stood back to back, warily watching their surroundings as their weapons gave off a faint glow.
"What exactly is this mist? Why does it feel more and more wrong?" one squad member could not help asking in a low voice, nervousness creeping into his tone.
Hu Shu did not answer. He focused intently on sensing the aura around him, trying to find a flaw in the mist. Then his eyes suddenly lit up. Not far ahead stood a massive boulder carved with strange runes. He strode over and studied them carefully, a familiar feeling rising in his heart.
"These runes... seem to be connected somehow to the ancient runes we found before," Hu Shu murmured.
Just then, several enormous demonic beasts suddenly sprang from the mist and pounced on the group with bared fangs and claws. Black aura emanated from their bodies, while savage light flickered in their eyes. Hu Shu shouted, "Everyone, be careful! Prepare for battle!"
The group swiftly formed up and engaged the demonic beasts in fierce combat. Hu Shu wielded his gleaming Long Sword, spiritual power surging along its blade. Every slash unleashed a sharp streak of Sword Qi at the beasts. The elite squad members were no less formidable. Working in perfect coordination, some attacked while others defended, and shouts of battle echoed through the mist.
After a grueling fight, they finally drove the demonic beasts back. The beasts collapsed and turned into pools of black liquid before dissipating into the air. Hu Shu wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "It seems the dangers within Shouyang Mountain are even greater than we imagined. We must not let down our guard."
The group continued onward. After a difficult search, they finally found the clue they had been seeking—an ancient ruin hidden within a cave. Mysterious light radiated from the ruin, its walls covered in runes and carvings. The sages eagerly gathered around and began studying it closely.
However, just as they were immersed in exploring the ruin, a member of the Human Race hurried over, terror written across his face.
"Clan leader, something terrible has happened!" the tribesman said, gasping for breath.
Hu Shu's heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "What happened?"
The tribesman steadied himself and said, "We discovered that the Chan Sect has secretly colluded with the Witch Tribe, intending to use them to wipe out our Human Race. The Chan Sect revealed some of our weaknesses and defensive arrangements to the Witch Tribe. That is what led to the Witch Tribe's large-scale attack this time."
Everyone was shocked by the news, and the already grave atmosphere grew even more oppressive. Hu Shu's expression darkened instantly. He clenched his fists, a flash of fury passing through his eyes.
"I never thought the Chan Sect could be so despicable. To preserve their ruling position, they would not hesitate to make enemies of the Human Race," Hu Shu said through gritted teeth.
The elite squad members were also filled with righteous indignation, cursing the Chan Sect's shameless conduct.
"What should we do now?" one squad member asked anxiously.
Hu Shu sank into thought. The Human Race now faced the combined threat of the Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe. The disparity in strength was enormous, and a single misstep could lead to utter ruin. He knew that he had to remain calm and devise a way to respond.
At the Human Race settlement on Shouyang Mountain, everyone sat gathered together. The atmosphere was so heavy it seemed ready to drip with water. Looking at them, Hu Shu slowly said, "Don't panic yet. We need to think calmly. The Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe are working together. We cannot act blindly, or we will only fall into their trap."
"But are we supposed to just sit here and wait for death?" someone could not help saying.
Hu Shu shook his head. "Of course not. On one hand, we must strengthen the Human Race's defenses, organize our people for training, and improve everyone's combat ability. On the other, we need to send people to secretly monitor the Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe, so we can learn their next move."
Everyone nodded, agreeing with Hu Shu's plan.
"I suggest selecting some agile tribesmen skilled in concealment to form a scouting squad. They should closely observe every move made by the Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe. The moment they discover anything unusual, they must return and report immediately," an elite squad member said.
Hu Shu nodded. "That is a good suggestion. In addition, we must strengthen unity within the Human Race. Every one of our people must understand the crisis we are facing, so that we can work together and overcome this hardship."
Afterward, they held detailed discussions concerning defensive arrangements, resource allocation, and other matters, establishing a series of countermeasures.
Yet despite making their plans, Hu Shu's heart remained full of worry. The Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe were both powerful. How could the Human Race possibly survive this crisis so easily? But he knew that, as the protector of the Human Race, no matter how great the difficulties ahead might be, he had to step forward and lead his people toward hope.
As night fell, Shouyang Mountain became silent. Hu Shu stood alone atop the mountain, gazing at the flickering lights within the Human Race settlement. He silently swore, No matter what, I will protect the Human Race. I will never let the Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe's conspiracy succeed.
The mountain wind howled past, lifting his robes. In the silent night, his figure appeared especially resolute. The Chan Sect's conspiracy had surfaced, and the Human Race faced the double threat of the Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe. Hu Shu knew that a difficult battle was about to arrive, and he had to make full preparations to meet the challenge.
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