Hu Shu took a deep breath and slowly raised his head, breaking the silence in the council hall. "Everyone, calm down first. Let's sort through our thoughts again. Time is pressing; we can't keep discussing this without any direction." Everyone's eyes focused on him once more, filled with both expectation and concern. In this tense atmosphere, how would the next round of discussion unfold? Would a way to save the Human Race finally emerge?
Just as everyone racked their brains and the stifling atmosphere became almost unbearable, a Human Race guard hurried into the council hall, dropped to one knee, and urgently reported, "Clan Leader, a mysterious visitor has arrived at the foot of the mountain. He claims to have an urgent matter to discuss, one closely tied to the life and death of the Human Race."
Hu Shu's heart stirred. He exchanged glances with the others, then said at once, "Bring him up quickly."
Before long, a middle-aged man in plain robes, his aura carefully restrained, entered the hall under the guard's guidance. He swept his gaze around the room, cupped his hands toward Hu Shu, and declared, "I am Su Ran, from the reclusive Qingyan Valley. I have long heard of the Human Race's plight. I have come today willing to form an alliance with the Human Race and stand together against the Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe."
The hall immediately erupted into an uproar. The Human Race members whispered among themselves, their faces full of disbelief and suspicion.
Hu Shu frowned slightly and sized Su Ran up and down, vigilance rising in his heart. "Mr. Su, Qingyan Valley has remained secluded for many years. Why are you suddenly willing to ally with the Human Race? The Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe are powerful forces. This is an extremely risky move."
Su Ran remained composed and sighed softly. "To be honest, although Qingyan Valley has lived in seclusion, we have always kept watch over the situation in the prehistoric world. The Chan Sect has grown increasingly domineering in recent years, seizing resources everywhere, and our valley has suffered greatly because of it. Not long ago, Chan Sect Disciples even tried to force their way into our valley and demand cultivation resources. Hearing that the Human Race has likewise suffered under the Chan Sect and the Witch Tribe, we sympathized with your plight and decided to offer our aid."
Hu Shu's gaze was sharp as he stared intently at Su Ran, trying to find the slightest flaw in his expression. After a moment, he asked again, "Since Mr. Su has such intentions, what support can Qingyan Valley provide? And what does it ask of the Human Race?"
Su Ran smiled faintly and answered without haste, "Qingyan Valley may be small, but we possess some unique Cultivation Methods and magic treasures. We are willing to share our Cultivation Method with the Human Race to help you increase your strength. We can also dispatch some of our disciples to fight alongside you. As for our request, we only hope that once the Human Race rises, you can protect Qingyan Valley's peace and spare us from harassment by the various factions."
Hu Shu fell into thought. A Human Race sage beside him stroked his beard and slowly said, "Clan Leader, this matter is too important. We must consider it carefully. Qingyan Valley appears sincere, but we know very little about them. What if this is a trap..."
Several other important Human Race members nodded in agreement with the sage.
However, Hu Shu had other thoughts. The Human Race was facing a desperate situation. If Qingyan Valley could aid them, perhaps they truly could find life amid death. Besides, judging from Su Ran's words and manner, he did not seem to be pretending.
After thinking it over again and again, Hu Shu rose to his feet and said with firm eyes, "Mr. Su, the Human Race truly stands at a critical moment of life and death. Since you intend to form an alliance, I, Hu Shu, am willing to trust you once. But to show your sincerity, I hope your valley can first send several core disciples here to discuss battle plans with the Human Race. What do you think?"
Su Ran was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly replied, "Clan Leader, you are straightforward! I will make the arrangements myself. In three days, several Elders and core disciples from my valley will come to discuss our great plans with the Human Race."
Hu Shu nodded, stepped forward, and clasped Su Ran's hands. "Good! From this day onward, the Human Race and Qingyan Valley are allies. We will share blessings and endure hardships together!"
Seeing that Hu Shu had made his decision, the others in the hall still had doubts, but they stepped forward one after another to welcome Su Ran.
Next, Su Ran gave the Human Race a detailed account of Qingyan Valley, including the distribution of its strength and the characteristics of its cultivation. As they listened, everyone quietly considered the possibilities of cooperation and how they should respond.
As the conversation deepened, the Human Race's doubts toward Qingyan Valley gradually lessened, and a flicker of hope rose in their hearts.
Yet Hu Shu remained vigilant. He knew Qingyan Valley's strength was limited. Even with an alliance, changing the Human Race's predicament would still be immensely difficult. Moreover, in the complicated situation of the prehistoric world, other variables could arise at any moment during their cooperation. But no matter what, this unexpected ally was ultimately the Human Race's only glimmer of hope.
At the Human Race's guest quarters on Shouyang Mountain, both sides spoke cautiously yet warmly. The candle flames flickered, stretching everyone's shadows long, as though foreshadowing the long and challenging road ahead...
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