Chapter 1502: A Narrow Escape From Death

"Elder Lu! I am willing to assist you in repairing the barrier from the air!"

"I am also willing!"

As more and more people volunteered, Lu Qingshan and his old friends felt a mix of emotions. Seeing the wounded approaching to offer their help, he could only grit his teeth and refuse.

"All of you, step back and rest first!"

"As for assisting in repairing the barrier, we have our own arrangements!"

His firm tone left no room for argument. Even though the members of the security team were reluctant, they had no choice but to comply. Those who still hesitated were forced to retreat under the pressure from Lu Qingshan and the others.

After the security team left, Wu Yonghong couldn't help but sigh.

"These young ones..."

"They truly are worthy members of Shadow Island!"

Lu Qingshan nodded slowly, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Ah..."

"They are indeed loyal and righteous, but they have just endured a fierce battle with heavy casualties. How could I bear to send these young ones to their deaths again?"

Hearing this, Wu Yonghong also nodded in agreement and remained silent.

Seeing that Qing Huanxiang and the old turtle were also locked in a desperate struggle, they knew they could no longer hesitate. Even if the casualties would be even greater later, for the sake of Shadow Island's stability, sacrifices had to be made!

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Qingshan gritted his teeth and took out a communication jade slip to send a message to all departments.

"Shortly, I will begin repairing the barrier. We need people to step forward and hold back the tide of shadow creatures, using their flesh and blood to block the cracks in the barrier!"

"This mission is a one-way trip with no hope of survival!"

After delivering the message, Lu Qingshan put away the jade slip and closed his eyes, his expression grave. Beside him, Wu Yonghong also stood solemnly, his usual carefree demeanor gone.

The two old friends had known each other for many years and shared a deep understanding. At this moment, no words were needed to convey their thoughts.

Lu Qingshan was determined to repair the barrier and protect Shadow Island. Even if no one came to his aid, he would charge forward bravely. This was the only thing he could do for Shadow Island, and it was the island's last hope for the future!

Even if he were to fall in battle, he would not fear!

Seeing his old friend's resolve, Wu Yonghong also steeled himself. As long as Lu Qingshan could repair the barrier, he would fight to the death, even if it meant his soul would be destroyed, to buy time!

This mission was fraught with danger.

They could only rely on their own determination to protect Shadow Island. They dared not force anyone else to join them, and even if only a few were willing to come, they would be deeply grateful.

As the two waited in silence, messages reached all corners of the city, and people began to step out of their homes.

In front of a small grocery store in the east district, an old man steadily walked forward with a cane. Behind him, his neighbors called out.

"Old Liu!"

"The message was for the security teams. What are you..."

The old man stopped but did not turn around.

"I, too, am a member of Shadow Island!"

"In this lifetime, I never dreamed I would have the honor of setting foot on Shadow Island and achieving my current level of cultivation. Now that Shadow Island is in danger, how can I not lend a hand?"

Hearing his words, the neighbors were deeply moved, but seeing his frail figure, their hearts ached, and they couldn't help but try to dissuade him.

"Old Liu, you're absolutely right! But you..."

Before they could finish, the old man slowly turned around, a kind smile on his face.

"Haha."

"You youngsters are worried that this old bone isn't of much use, aren't you? Don't worry, I won't hold anyone back!"

"No matter how powerful those foreign beasts are, I can still take a few down with me. At my age, do you think I'm afraid of death?"

"All these years, I've lived a peaceful life. I've had enough of comfort. Today, I will go to my death, making my final journey a glorious one!"

As his voice echoed, the old man's body erupted with terrifying power!

The once ordinary grocery store owner suddenly transformed, his aura radiating strength. Though his back was hunched, he now seemed towering and majestic, his figure elongated by the morning sun, standing tall and unyielding!

As his figure receded into the distance, the old man began to sing his favorite tune.

"Look ahead, the darkness looms, surely the enemy's lair lies there. I shall charge forward..."

"And slaughter them... to the last!"

His powerful voice resonated through the streets, bringing tears to the eyes of the neighbors. Unconsciously, their blood boiled, and they clenched their fists, shouting in unison.

"Slaughter them to the last!!!"

Watching this scene, women holding children in the distance couldn't hold back their tears...

Similar farewells were taking place all over the city. The overwhelming sense of heroism infected the entire metropolis. Regardless of status or cultivation level, people of all walks of life stepped out of their homes and headed for the battlefield.

In a school district apartment, Xiong Zhong read the message on the jade slip and immediately forwarded it to all his subordinates. Then, in his study, he began to write furiously, his eyes filled with determination.

Just as he finished the letter, the door slowly opened.

His gentle wife walked in, and their eyes met, words unspoken.

Seeing Xiong Zhong's solemn expression, the woman remained silent for a long time. Xiong Zhong, unable to look at his wife, gritted his teeth and prepared to rush out the door.

As he was about to leave, his wife softly reminded him.

"I'll be waiting for you to come back..."

The words slipped out instinctively, and both of them froze. Xiong Zhong clenched his teeth again and strode forward.

Just as he was about to open the door and leave, the old bear on the left balcony, who had been ignoring everything, continued to play with his grandson, smiling as if nothing had happened.

But seeing his father's graying temples and his still-young son, Xiong Zhong's heart was filled with turmoil.

He dared not speak, only offering a silent salute from afar. His throat felt as if it were filled with lead, and his back bore a thousand pounds of pressure, making it hard for him to lift his head for several breaths.

The old bear continued to laugh and play with his grandson, as if nothing was amiss.

"You little rascal..."

"Your father is a true hero of Shadow Island. When you grow up, you must not bring shame to the Xiong family's name!"

These few words cut Xiong Zhong to the heart.

It seemed his father already knew everything.

Even though these were the highest words of praise his father had ever given him, they brought him no joy. Instead, they filled him with guilt and remorse, the pain of sacrificing his family for the greater good.

Xiong Zhong slowly stood up, his gaze lingering on his father's smiling profile. He clenched his fists and saluted.

"Father!"

"Your son is unfilial. Please take care of yourself!"

With these solemn words, Xiong Zhong dared not delay any longer and rushed out the door.

In the sky, figures flew past, streams of light converging from all directions toward the battlefield on the main street. As this spectacle unfolded, Shadow Island fell into a profound silence, yet an aura of desperate determination permeated the air.

From labor companies...

To the night soil collectors.

From market aunties!

Even ordinary residents and the security team that had just left all gathered on the battlefield, saluting Lu Qingshan, who stood waiting.

"Elder Lu, we have been waiting for you!"

A thunderous roar erupted, and the fighting spirit soared to the heavens!

Looking around at the sea of familiar faces, many of whom were already battered and wounded from days of fighting, yet still came forward to lend their strength, even the experienced Lu Qingshan felt his eyes welling up with tears.