A barrier separating the human tribe from the monster-infested forest stands deep within the canyon.
As Yu Su and others approach, they see a towering wall blocking the narrowest part of the canyon.
On either side of the wall lies two different worlds.
Though reinforced, signs of damage from the previous monster onslaught are evident, with many bloodstains still visible.
Noticing a large magic pattern on the wall, Yu Su senses a formidable power even though it's somewhat damaged.
The Grand Shaman of the Source Shaman Clan speaks, "This was left by our ancestors. Thanks to this pattern, the wall survived the monster onslaught, but it's heavily damaged now. I don't know how much longer it can hold."
Yu Su suggests, "Can't this pattern be reinforced?"
Shaking his head, the Grand Shaman replies, "It's been over two centuries since anyone in our Source Shaman Clan possessed strong magical abilities. Even I can't reinforce it."
This predicament worries the Source Shaman Clan.
As a cultivator rather than a shaman, Yu Su can't help with the magic pattern, but he offers to reinforce the wall.
The Grand Shaman eagerly asks, "Can you really do it?"
Yu Su cautiously replies, "I can give it a try."
The Source Shaman Clan is pleased; any reinforcement to the wall is crucial for their survival.
"Yu Su, if you succeed, you'll be an honored guest of our Source Shaman Clan. Feel free to ask for our help anytime," declares the Grand Shaman.
With the Shaman's approval, Yu Su starts the attempt.
It's his first time setting up such a large-scale array on a wall, but his experience with alchemy and forging arrays guides him.
Due to limited materials and the need to preserve the existing magic pattern, he uses spirit stones to form the array, embedding them throughout the wall.
After some effort, the array lights up with a faint blue glow.
Wiping sweat from his forehead, Yu Su assures, "This should hold for a while. However, it will consume spirit stones. You'll need a steady supply."
The Grand Shaman agrees, acknowledging the importance of the barrier.
In gratitude, the Source Shaman Clan offers Yu Su a unique token—a stone slab engraved with a distinct magic pattern.
"This pattern is one of a kind. Whenever you need help, present this to us. Consider it a debt of gratitude for saving our people," expresses the Grand Shaman.
Yu Su accepts, understanding the value of the token.
With night approaching, the Grand Shaman advises Yu Su and his companion, "Since it's getting dark, it's better to enter the monster-infested forest during daylight. Stay here for the night."
Following the advice, Yu Su and his companion spend the night at the Source Shaman Clan.
The next day, they prepare to venture into the monster-infested forest, leaving Yu Su's brother and the warriors under the care of the Source Shaman Clan.
As they depart, the Grand Shaman hands them a horn for emergencies, promising swift aid upon its sound.
Yu Su looked at the horn. Although it might not be needed, it represented the goodwill of the Source Shaman Clan. So, without refusal, he expressed his thanks to the Grand Shaman and kept the horn.
Afterwards, Yu Su and Lu Yan didn't disturb the Grand Shaman of the Source Shaman Clan any further.
Facing a major crisis, the Grand Shaman was busy, sparing time to host them was already rare. Seeing her still occupied with many matters late into the night, Yu Su and Lu Yan took their leave.
Returning to the wooden house arranged for them, unable to sleep in an unfamiliar environment, they decided to meditate and wait for dawn to head to the monster-infested forest.
However, things didn't go smoothly. Near dawn, Yu Su heard unusual sounds from a distance. The little mysterious bird in his backpack also crawled out and chirped twice.
Both Yu Su and Lu Yan were already awake.
Lu Yan: "It's the commotion from the other side of the barrier."
Yu Su, with a cold expression: "It's those monsters."
Lu Yan: "We need to quickly alert the people of the Source Shaman Clan. They probably haven't heard it yet."
Yu Su nodded.
They swiftly got up, Yu Su let the little bird return to the backpack, then carried it on his back as he and Lu Yan walked out of the wooden house. Lu Yan then used the horn given by the Grand Shaman of the Source Shaman Clan to blow a warning.
"Honk—"
As the horn sounded, the entire Source Shaman Clan was awakened.
The Grand Shaman also hurried out, looking at the horn in Lu Yan's hand with mixed feelings. She probably thought Yu Su and his companion were unreliable, blowing a horn in her tribe before dawn—it seemed like a disturbance.
Yu Su explained, "There's a disturbance on the other side of the barrier. Those monsters are likely coming again."
The expression of the Grand Shaman changed immediately. "How do you know?"
Yu Su: "I heard it."
Understanding due to Yu Su and Lu Yan's foundational cultivation, the Grand Shaman quickly ordered the gathering of all Source Shaman Clan members at the barrier.
Yu Su reminded her, "Grand Shaman, don't forget to bring the spirit stones."
The Grand Shaman nodded, had the necessary spirit stones brought, and hastily led a group of people to the barrier deep in the canyon. By this time, they could already hear the continuous howls from the monster-infested forest. Without Yu Su saying more, they understood the situation.