Clues Emerge

Hu Shu looked at the winding, rugged mountain path before him and took a deep breath. He knew countless dangers awaited him ahead, but for the Human Race, he had no way back. He turned to look at the Human Race settlement behind him and shouted, "Don't worry, everyone! I'll definitely bring back the Spiritual Herbs, break the Cracking Rune spell, and protect our homeland!" With that, he resolutely set out in search of the Spiritual Herbs, his figure gradually disappearing from everyone's sight.

Early morning on Shouyang Mountain was shrouded in a thin mist. The damp air carried a trace of chill, seeping into Hu Shu's clothes. The ground beneath his feet was soft, and he occasionally stepped on smooth pebbles that made faint clicking sounds. As he walked, Hu Shu vigilantly surveyed his surroundings. He always felt that Shouyang Mountain, seemingly peaceful as it was, hid some unknown secret.

After repelling the Demon Race and resisting the attack of that unknown powerful enemy, Hu Shu had become increasingly adept at using the Invincible Domain System. Yet the doubts in his heart had only deepened. That suddenly appearing powerful enemy, along with the abnormal Spiritual Energy Fluctuation he had noticed before—was it all mere coincidence, or was there a deeper conspiracy behind it?

Hu Shu slowly made his way deeper into Shouyang Mountain along the mountain path. Jagged rocks surrounded him in all manner of shapes. Some resembled crouching beasts, while others were like sharp swords piercing straight into the sky. Occasionally, a few rays of sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, forming golden pillars of light and adding a touch of fantasy to the mysterious forest.

As he walked, Hu Shu suddenly stopped. He keenly sensed that the Spiritual Energy Fluctuation around him had become even more chaotic. The strange sensation was like a massive stone being thrown into a tranquil lake, sending ripples spreading outward. Hu Shu frowned and began carefully searching the area.

His gaze settled on a massive boulder. Its surface was rough and covered in the marks of time. Yet strange runes had been carved into one side of it. Their lines twisted unnaturally, giving off a faint glow that seemed utterly out of place in the surrounding environment. Hu Shu leaned closer to inspect them carefully, and a faint rotten stench entered his nostrils, making him frown slightly.

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

After a moment, the system's voice rang out in his mind. "Host, these runes appear to be a special kind of Restriction Runes. They can monitor and interfere with spiritual energy. Judging by their style and aura, they are very likely connected to the Chan Sect."

Hu Shu's heart tightened. Why would the Chan Sect, that lofty and powerful sect of the Primordial World, target the Human Race? After thinking for a moment, he gradually formed some guesses. The Chan Sect valued lineage and origins, and it had always sought to preserve the existing order. Under his leadership, the Human Race had gradually grown stronger. Perhaps this had already drawn the Chan Sect's vigilance and dissatisfaction, prompting them to secretly employ such methods to hinder the Human Race's development.

Hu Shu looked at the runes, anger rising in his heart. But he also understood that now was not the time for recklessness. Though he suspected the Chan Sect, he had no conclusive evidence at present. If he acted rashly, then with his current strength, confronting a colossus like the Chan Sect would be like an egg striking a stone. Not only would he fail to uncover the truth, but he might also bring even greater trouble upon the Human Race.

Hu Shu carefully studied the runes again, trying to find more clues within them. He reached out and lightly touched them. A chilling sensation came from his fingertips, as if the runes possessed wills of their own and were resisting his touch. Suddenly, the runes flashed, and a powerful force surged from the boulder, sweeping toward Hu Shu.

Hu Shu was startled and hurriedly activated the Invincible Domain. In an instant, a domain spanning three thousand li unfolded around him, firmly blocking that force. Under the domain's protection, Hu Shu could clearly sense the immense restrictive power contained within it. It was like countless ropes, trying to bind him tight.

"Hmph, trying to trap me? It won't be that easy!" Hu Shu snorted coldly. He focused his mind and controlled the power of the Invincible Domain to contend against the restrictive force. After a fierce struggle, the force finally dissipated, and the runes' glow dimmed as well.

Hu Shu panted heavily, fine beads of sweat covering his forehead. Though this test had successfully withstood the runes' retaliation, it also made him realize more clearly that this matter was far more complicated and dangerous than he had imagined.

Over the following period, Hu Shu continued exploring Shouyang Mountain. He discovered several more traces of similar runes, scattered across different locations. Yet without exception, they all emitted the same aura as before. These runes were like an invisible net, enveloping the Human Race settlement, constantly monitoring every move of the Human Race while also hindering their absorption of external spiritual energy and restricting their development.

As his investigation deepened, the worry in Hu Shu's heart grew stronger. The Chan Sect's methods were so covert and ruthless. If he did not quickly find a way to deal with them, the Future of the Human Race would be grim. Yet the clues he currently possessed were only faint traces pointing toward the Chan Sect, nowhere near enough to uncover the truth.

The sky gradually darkened. The lingering light of the setting sun fell across Shouyang Mountain, dyeing the entire forest orange-red. Hu Shu stood on high ground, gazing toward the Human Race settlement, his mind filled with countless thoughts. Though he suspected the Chan Sect was responsible, without conclusive evidence, how could he uncover the truth and deal with the Chan Sect's obstruction?

Hu Shu knew full well that the road ahead would be unimaginably difficult, but he had no intention of retreating. For the Future of the Human Race, he had to press forward bravely. Even if thorns covered the path ahead, he would carve out a bloody road through them.