Witch Tribe's Retreat, A Moment's Respite

Hu Shu watched the direction of the Witch Tribe's retreat, his brow furrowed. He turned to look at the exhausted but relieved people beside him and said loudly, "Everyone, don't let your guard down. The Witch Tribe will surely come again. We must prepare as quickly as possible." With that, he began to methodically assign personnel, treating the wounded while collecting scattered weapons and resources from the battlefield. However, the doubts in his heart about the mysterious power grew stronger. Was this power a blessing or a curse, and could it truly help the Human Race overcome the numerous crises?

The battlefield below Shouyang Mountain, the smoke had yet to dissipate, and the pungent smell of blood filled the air, nauseating. Broken weapons, severed limbs, and unextinguished fires painted the land as if it were a purgatory. The people of the Human Race, dragging their weary bodies, moved through the battlefield, their steps heavy, yet carrying a determination born of surviving disaster.

Hu Shu, enduring his own injuries, moved through the crowd, directing the work of treating the wounded. He saw a young man from the Human Race whose leg had been pierced by a Witch Tribe blade, blood gushing out, his face as pale as paper. Hu Shu rushed forward, took out a pill from his embrace, and fed it into the youth's mouth. Then, he channeled his Spiritual Power to help the pill's efficacy spread. The youth slowly opened his eyes and said weakly, "Clan Leader... I can still fight!" Hu Shu patted his shoulder and comforted him, "Rest well and recover first. The Human Race still needs you."

The members of the mysterious small force also joined the rescue efforts. Between them and the Human Race, a peculiar tacit understanding seemed to have formed after this battle for survival. An elder from one of the small forces walked up to Hu Shu and said in a low voice, "Clan Leader Hu, the mysterious power played a crucial role in repelling the Witch Tribe this time. But this power is too enigmatic; we need to study it carefully." Hu Shu nodded and said with a firm gaze, "Exactly. This power might be the key to the Human Race's rise. But until we understand it, we must not be careless."

As time passed, the wounded were gradually settled properly. The people of the Human Race began collecting the remaining resources from the battlefield. The weapons discarded by the Witch Tribe, though some were damaged, were still valuable treasures for the resource-scarce Human Race. Hu Shu looked at the mountains of weapons and scattered Witch Tribe Magic Treasures, contemplating how to allocate these resources reasonably to enhance the overall strength of the Human Race.

During a break in the busy work, Hu Shu gathered the wise men of the Human Race and members from the mysterious small force who had some understanding of formations and runes. They sat together in a relatively flat area on the battlefield to summarize the battle. Hu Shu looked at everyone and said with a solemn expression, "The Witch Tribe's retreat this time, though seemingly a victory for us, is actually fraught with hidden dangers. Everyone, please share your thoughts on that mysterious power."

A wise man from the Human Race stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and said, "Clan Leader, when that mysterious power appeared, it was accompanied by strange light and immense pressure, seeming to have a natural restraint over the Witch Tribe. But this power appeared too suddenly and is unstable; it's difficult for us to control."

A member from the mysterious small force, skilled in rune research, added, "I noticed that when the mysterious power appeared, some ancient runes seemed to surface on the ground, but they vanished in an instant, and I couldn't see them clearly. Perhaps by starting with these runes, we can find some clues."

Hu Shu frowned slightly, recalling the scene when the mysterious power appeared. There were indeed runes flashing. He said, "It seems these ancient runes are the key. We must find a way to understand their meaning and their connection to the mysterious power."

The group discussed for a long time, analyzing the various manifestations of the mysterious power during the battle. Some suggested that this mysterious power might be an ancient Restriction hidden within Shouyang Mountain that was triggered, while others speculated it was a special opportunity in the world that resonated with the Human Race. However, all these speculations lacked sufficient evidence.

While discussing, Hu Shu was also strategizing how to deal with the upcoming crisis. The Witch Tribe's retreat would not mean the end of their aggression, and the Heavenly Origin Sect's conspiracy from behind was like a sharp blade hanging overhead. The Human Race must use this brief respite to quickly improve their strength and find a way to cope.

Hu Shu stood up and looked at everyone, saying loudly, "Everyone, although the road ahead is difficult, we, the Human Race, must never give up. From now on, some people will continue to research clues about the mysterious power, while others will intensify their training to improve their own strength. We must make use of every minute and second to prepare for the coming crisis."

Everyone responded in unison, their eyes filled with firm conviction. At this moment, the afterglow of the setting sun cast upon the battlefield, dyeing the land filled with blood and exhaustion with a tragic hue.

However, the Witch Tribe's retreat was merely a temporary peace. In the distant Witch Tribe camp, the Great Witches of the Witch Tribe were gathered, discussing how to attack the Human Race again. One Great Witch angrily slammed the table and roared, "To be defeated by the Human Race and those small forces this time is a complete disgrace! We must gather our forces as soon as possible and attack again to annihilate the Human Race completely!"

Another Great Witch said calmly, "Do not be rash. The key to the Human Race being able to repel us this time was the appearance of that mysterious power. We need to first understand the source of this power before making plans."

The Great Witches of the Witch Tribe fell into thought. They knew well that their next attack must be foolproof, otherwise, the Witch Tribe's status in the Primordial World would be severely threatened.

And on Shouyang Mountain, Hu Shu looked in the direction of the distant Witch Tribe camp, understanding that a greater crisis was imminent. Whether the Human Race could find a path to survival and development amidst these dire straits, with the help of clues from the mysterious power, remained an unknown. But the conviction in his heart had never wavered; no matter how many hardships and obstacles lay ahead, he would lead the Human Race forward bravely.

Amidst the busyness and contemplation, night gradually fell. Campfires were lit in the Human Race camp below Shouyang Mountain. The wounded rested in makeshift tents, while others sat around the campfires, either cleaning their weapons or discussing countermeasures in low voices. Hu Shu sat alone on a large rock, gazing at the starry sky, silently praying for the Human Race to overcome this difficulty.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze blew, carrying a hint of an unusual scent. Hu Shu stood up alertly. He felt that this seemingly peaceful night might hide unknown dangers. He gripped his Long Sword tightly, his eyes revealing wariness and determination.