Unexpected Ally, First Glimmer of Hope

Hu Shu took a deep breath and slowly raised his head, breaking the silence in the council hall. "Everyone, please be quiet for a moment. Let's re-organize our thoughts. Time is pressing, and we can't keep discussing this without any direction." All eyes turned back to him, filled with both anticipation and worry. In this tense atmosphere, how would the new round of discussions unfold? Would the solution that could save the Human Race appear?

Just as everyone was racking their brains, the atmosphere so oppressive it was suffocating, a Human Race guard rushed into the council hall. He knelt on one knee and urgently reported, "Clan Leader, a mysterious visitor has arrived at the foot of the mountain. They claim to have important matters to discuss and say it is directly related to the survival of the Human Race."

Hu Shu's heart stirred. He exchanged a look with everyone and then said, "Please bring them up quickly."

A moment later, a middle-aged man in plain robes, with a restrained aura, entered the hall, led by the guard. He scanned the room, cupped his hands in a salute to Hu Shu, and said loudly, "I am Su Ran, from the reclusive Qingyan Valley. I have long heard of the Human Race's predicament and have come today specifically to propose an alliance with the Human Race to jointly resist the Heavenly Origin Sect and the Witch Tribe."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted. The Human Race members exchanged whispers, their faces filled with disbelief and suspicion.

Hu Shu frowned, sizing up Su Ran. A sense of vigilance arose in his heart, and he asked, "Mr. Su, Qingyan Valley has been in seclusion for many years. Why do you suddenly wish to form an alliance with the Human Race? You must know that the Heavenly Origin Sect and the Witch Tribe are powerful, and such a move carries immense risk."

Su Ran's expression was calm, and he sighed softly. "To be frank, although Qingyan Valley is in seclusion, we have always paid attention to the situation in the Primordial World. The Heavenly Origin Sect has become increasingly overbearing in recent years, seizing resources everywhere, and our valley has also been greatly disturbed by them. Just a few days ago, disciples of the Heavenly Origin Sect even attempted to force their way into our valley to demand cultivation resources. Hearing that the Human Race is also suffering under the oppression of the Heavenly Origin Sect and the Witch Tribe, we find ourselves in the same boat. Therefore, we have decided to offer our assistance."

Hu Shu's gaze was sharp as he stared intently at Su Ran, trying to find any flaw in his expression. After a moment, he asked again, "Since Mr. Su has this intention, what kind of assistance can Qingyan Valley provide? And what are your requirements for the Human Race?"

Su Ran smiled slightly and said unhurriedly, "Although Qingyan Valley is small, we do possess some unique cultivation methods and Magic Treasures. We are willing to share our cultivation methods with the Human Race to help you improve your strength, and we can also dispatch some of our valley disciples to fight alongside the Human Race. As for our requirements, we only hope that after the Human Race rises, you will protect our Qingyan Valley's peace and prevent it from being harassed by various forces."

Hu Shu fell into thought. Beside him, a Human Race elder stroked his beard and slowly said, "Clan Leader, this matter is too significant and requires careful consideration. Although Qingyan Valley appears to be full of sincerity, we know very little about them. What if there is a trap..."

Several other important Human Race members nodded in agreement with the elder's view.

However, Hu Shu had his own thoughts. The Human Race was currently in a desperate situation. If they could receive help from Qingyan Valley, perhaps they could truly turn their misfortune into fortune. Moreover, judging from Su Ran's words and actions, he did not seem to be faking.

After much deliberation, Hu Shu stood up and said with a firm gaze, "Mr. Su, our Human Race is indeed at a critical juncture. Since you have the intention to form an alliance, I, Hu Shu, am willing to trust you this once. But to show our sincerity, we hope your valley can first send a few core disciples to jointly discuss the war plan with the Human Race. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ran was overjoyed and quickly replied, "Clan Leader is forthright! I will make the arrangements. In three days, several elders and core disciples from my valley will arrive to discuss grand plans with the Human Race."

Hu Shu nodded, stepped forward, and clasped Su Ran's hands. "Good! From this day forward, the Human Race and Qingyan Valley are allies. We will share fortunes and face hardships together!"

Seeing that Hu Shu had made his decision, the people in the hall, despite their lingering doubts, stepped forward one after another to welcome Su Ran.

Next, Su Ran elaborated on Qingyan Valley's situation to the Human Race members, including the distribution of strength within the valley and its cultivation characteristics. As they listened, everyone secretly pondered the possibilities of cooperation with Qingyan Valley and strategies to deal with it.

As the conversation deepened, the doubts of the Human Race members gradually lessened, and a glimmer of hope ignited in their hearts.

However, Hu Shu remained vigilant. He knew that Qingyan Valley's strength was limited, and even with an alliance, it would still be extremely difficult to truly change the Human Race's predicament. Furthermore, in this complex situation of the Primordial World, unforeseen variables could arise at any time during the cooperation. But no matter what, this unexpected ally was ultimately the only ray of hope for the Human Race at present.

At the Human Race's guest quarters on Shouyang Mountain, the two sides conversed cautiously yet enthusiastically. The candlelight flickered, casting long shadows of everyone present, as if foretelling a long and challenging road ahead