Hu Shu gazed at Shouyang Mountain beneath the cloak of night, took a deep breath, then turned to the others. "Everyone is ready. Now we wait for the enemy to take the bait. This battle concerns the survival of the Human Race. We may only win—we cannot lose!" The others answered in low voices, their eyes resolute. Hu Shu knew that a brutal battle was imminent. The Human Race's Destiny rested on this single fight.
On Shouyang Mountain, members of the Human Race and the Mysterious Minor Faction were carrying out the final arrangements with tense precision, following their plan to turn the enemy's scheme against them. The night was terrifyingly still. Even the occasional chirp of insects sounded especially jarring in the strained atmosphere.
Hu Shu moved through the crowd, closely watching every detail of the preparations. He saw several Human Race members carefully burying rune-covered stones along both sides of the mountain path. Once triggered, these stones would unleash powerful offensive formations. The runes flickered faintly beneath the moonlight, as though whispering of the battle to come.
"Everyone, make sure the formations connect tightly. There cannot be the slightest oversight," Hu Shu reminded them as he inspected the work. His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable firmness.
In a hidden valley on Shouyang Mountain, A Mu led a group in setting up a Defensive Formation. They embedded pieces of softly glowing jade into the ground, forming a massive circle. A Mu was utterly focused, fine beads of sweat covering his forehead. He understood the formation's importance—it would be one of the key lines of defense against the enemy's assault.
"A Mu, how are things here?" Hu Shu asked as he hurried over.
"Brother Hu, the Defensive Formation is mostly complete. We're only waiting for the