Traces of Spider Silk, Initial Clues Appear

Hu Shu looked at the winding, rugged mountain path before him and took a deep breath. He knew that danger awaited him ahead, but for the Human Race, he had no other choice. He turned to look back at the human settlement behind him and shouted, "Everyone, rest assured, I will definitely bring back the Spiritual Herb, break the Rune Magic, and protect our home!" With that, he resolutely embarked on the journey to find the Spiritual Herb, his figure gradually disappearing from everyone's sight.

On this early morning at Shouyang Mountain, a light mist permeated the air, and the damp atmosphere carried a hint of coolness that seeped into Hu Shu's clothes. The ground beneath his feet was soft, and occasionally he would step on a few smooth pebbles, making a faint "clack" sound. As Hu Shu walked, he cautiously observed his surroundings. He had a feeling that this seemingly peaceful Shouyang Mountain concealed some unknown secrets.

After repelling the Demon Race and resisting the attacks of an unknown powerful enemy, Hu Shu had become increasingly proficient in using the Invincible Domain System. However, his doubts grew deeper. That sudden appearance of a powerful enemy, along with the abnormal spiritual energy he had sensed earlier – were all these coincidences, or was there a deeper conspiracy behind them?

Hu Shu slowly walked along the mountain path towards the depths of Shouyang Mountain. Strange rocks dotted the landscape, each with its unique shape. Some resembled crouching beasts, while others looked like sharp swords piercing the sky. Occasionally, rays of sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, forming golden beams that added a touch of fantasy to this mysterious mountain forest.

As he walked, Hu Shu suddenly stopped. He keenly sensed that the spiritual energy fluctuations around him had become more chaotic. This strange feeling was like a boulder being thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. Hu Shu frowned and began to search the vicinity carefully.

His gaze fell upon a large stone. The surface of this stone was rough, covered with the marks of time. However, on one side of the stone, some strange runes were carved. The lines of these runes were twisted, emitting a faint glow, making them seem out of place with the surrounding environment. Hu Shu leaned closer to observe, and a faint, musty scent entered his nostrils, causing him to frown slightly.

"System, do you know what these runes are?" Hu Shu asked silently in his mind.

After a moment, the system's voice echoed in his mind: "Host, these runes appear to be a special type of Restriction Runes, capable of monitoring and interfering with spiritual energy. Judging by the style and aura of the runes, they are very likely related to the Heavenly Origin Sect."

Hu Shu's heart tightened. The Heavenly Origin Sect, that supreme and powerful sect in the Primordial World, why would they target the Human Race? He pondered for a moment, gradually forming some conjectures. The Heavenly Origin Sect valued one's origins and sought to maintain the existing order. The Human Race, under his leadership, had gradually grown stronger, perhaps drawing the vigilance and displeasure of the Heavenly Origin Sect, leading them to secretly employ means to hinder the Human Race's development.

Hu Shu looked at these runes, a surge of anger rising within him. But he also understood that now was not the time for impulsiveness. Although he suspected the Heavenly Origin Sect, there was no concrete evidence yet. If he acted rashly, with his current strength, facing a behemoth like the Heavenly Origin Sect would be like a moth to a flame. Not only would he fail to uncover the truth, but he might also bring greater trouble to the Human Race.

Hu Shu carefully examined the runes again, trying to find more clues. He reached out and gently touched the runes. His fingertips felt a cold sensation, as if the runes had a will of their own, resisting his touch. Suddenly, the runes flashed, and a powerful force surged from the stone, sweeping towards Hu Shu.

Hu Shu was startled and quickly activated his Invincible Domain. Instantly, a domain spanning three thousand li centered on him expanded, firmly blocking the force. Under the protection of the domain, Hu Shu clearly felt the powerful restriction energy contained within this force, like countless ropes trying to bind him.

"Hmph, you think you can trap me? Not so easy!" Hu Shu snorted coldly, concentrating his mind and controlling the power of the Invincible Domain to contend with the restriction energy. After a fierce struggle, the force gradually dissipated, and the runes' glow dimmed.

Hu Shu panted, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat. Although he had successfully resisted the runes' counterattack in this test, it also made him realize more clearly that this matter was far more complex and dangerous than he had imagined.

In the following time, Hu Shu continued his exploration on Shouyang Mountain. He discovered several more traces of similar runes, distributed in different locations, all emitting the same aura as before. These runes were like an invisible net, enveloping the human settlement, constantly monitoring every move of the Human Race, while also hindering them from absorbing external spiritual energy and limiting their development.

As his investigation deepened, Hu Shu's anxiety grew. The Heavenly Origin Sect's methods were so covert and ruthless. If a solution was not found soon, the future of the Human Race would be dire. However, the clues he currently possessed only pointed to faint traces of the Heavenly Origin Sect, far from uncovering the truth.

The sky gradually darkened, and the afterglow of the setting sun cast upon Shouyang Mountain, dyeing the entire forest in shades of orange and red. Hu Shu stood on a high ground, gazing in the direction of the human settlement, his mind filled with a thousand thoughts. Although he suspected the Heavenly Origin Sect, without concrete evidence, how could he uncover the truth and deal with the Heavenly Origin Sect's obstruction?

Hu Shu knew deeply that the road ahead would be incredibly difficult, but he had no intention of retreating. For the future of the Human Race, he had to press forward bravely, even if the path ahead was fraught with thorns, he would forge a path through blood.