Chapter 1503: An Unprecedented Crisis

Watching his colleagues from Shadow Island come to assist, and even the ordinary residents showing no fear, Lu Qingshan felt a lump in his throat, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

However, Qing Huanxiang and the old turtle were still entangled in a fierce battle with the dense shadows, and the task of repairing the barrier was urgent!

He had no time to dwell on his emotions and could only clasp his fists and solemnly explain the harsh reality.

"Everyone, I am deeply grateful on behalf of Shadow Island for your willingness to assist."

"However, this mission will be extremely perilous. We must use our flesh and blood to block the enemies descending from above, and we cannot retreat even half a step. I urge you all to consider this carefully!"

"To put it bluntly, this mission is no different from a suicide charge!"

As soon as his words fell, the surrounding crowd fell into a brief silence.

Some began to exchange glances, their eyes revealing hesitation.

Although everyone was a part of Shadow Island, the thought of knowingly marching to their deaths naturally instilled fear and hesitation in some, which was only human.

But this silence lasted only a few moments before it was broken by resolute shouts!

"I am willing to die!"

"Indeed! For Shadow Island, we have no regrets even in death!"

"We are all willing to die!"

The increasingly loud cries echoed through the already devastated streets, carrying a tone of solemn heroism that stirred the blood and filled the air with valor!

To stand up in times of crisis—this is the true nature of a hero!

Lu Qingshan and Wu Yonghong were deeply moved, their eyes reddening.

Seeing that time was of the essence, they both clasped their fists in gratitude.

Then, Lu Qingshan spoke with solemn gravity.

"Thank you all for your assistance!"

"Those with family or children, please take a step back!"

His voice resonated, and some in the crowd hesitated and stepped back, but the majority remained steadfast, their expressions resolute.

Scanning the crowd, Lu Qingshan noticed Xiong Zhong standing at the forefront.

Having endured the trials of ten thousand years, this once impulsive young worker had grown into a high-ranking figure in the labor protection company. Now, his expression was firm, embodying the demeanor of his father.

Seeing Xiong Zhong refuse to step back, and many others following his example, Lu Qingshan had no choice but to speak sternly.

"Xiong Zhong!"

"You have family. Step back immediately!"

"And the rest of you, if you have family, step back now. This mission is far too dangerous. If you insist on going, I cannot focus on repairing the barrier!"

"Your sense of duty is admirable, but this time, whether out of righteousness or practicality, you must not participate!"

Hearing this, Xiong Zhong and the others clenched their fists in frustration but had no choice but to step back.

With the team now decided, Lu Qingshan looked up at the sky and issued the order.

"Move out!"

With a loud shout, Lu Qingshan and Wu Yonghong took the lead, soaring into the air, followed closely by over a thousand others, charging fearlessly toward the rift in the barrier above.

Although shadows continued to fall from the rift, like a black fountain pouring from the heavens, endlessly invading Shadow Island, no one showed any fear. Instead, they pressed forward against the tide!

Master Lu, Jiang Zhi, Wu Yonghong, and other high-ranking figures led the charge, while Qing Huanxiang and the old turtle did their best to assist, holding back the falling shadows. The rest followed closely, fighting their way upward!

For a moment, the sky was filled with explosions of red and blue blood mist!

Advanced martial techniques and divine powers were unleashed, the explosions shaking all of Shadow Island!

The terrifying and brutal battle in the sky gripped the hearts of those on the ground, and all the residents of Shadow Island watched anxiously, countless prayers silently offered in their hearts.

As the tide of falling shadows was temporarily held back, Lu Qingshan gritted his teeth and flew closer to the edge of the rift. He began to weave complex hand seals, channeling ancient power into the barrier, slowly initiating the repair process.

The others held their ground at the rift, using their bodies to block the oncoming shadows!

Despite the efforts of the elite fighters leading the charge, the shadows continued to pour in endlessly. Every moment, someone was injured or fell!

Lu Qingshan dared not let his focus waver. Hearing the cries and explosions, his heart was constantly tormented, but he could only concentrate on the repair.

However, as he personally participated in the repair, he gained a deeper understanding of the profound and terrifying nature of the barrier. In just a few dozen breaths, his ancient power was nearly depleted!

The craftsmanship of the Creator truly surpassed human comprehension!

Though his strength was insufficient, Lu Qingshan wanted to buy a few more moments to shrink the rift. Even a slight reduction would decrease the number of shadows pouring in, easing the pressure on Shadow Island's defenders and reducing casualties.

Unfortunately, his cultivation was limited.

Even after exhausting all his ancient power, he could only hold on for a few dozen breaths!

Seeing the heavy casualties among those holding the line at the rift, Lu Qingshan, though unwilling, had no choice but to shout.

"The repair is complete! Retreat immediately!"

"Relief forces, take over!"

After shouting with all his strength, Lu Qingshan felt completely drained.

Fortunately, Wu Yonghong, who was supporting him, steadied him, allowing him to retreat with the remaining forces back to the ground.

As the others withdrew, the relief forces moved forward to hold the line.

The group collapsed on the ground to rest, finally letting out a long breath. Looking around, they realized that only about sixty percent of the original force remained. In just a few dozen breaths of close combat at the rift, hundreds had fallen!

The atmosphere grew heavy, and Lu Qingshan, with a look of guilt, clasped his fists and bowed toward the sky.

Seeing his remorse, Master Lu approached to comfort him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Brother Lu, don't blame yourself too much."

"Everyone who went knew the risks, and you did your best. Managing to shrink the rift even slightly is the best outcome we could hope for."

Hearing this, the others also looked up at the sky and quietly agreed.

"The rift has indeed gotten smaller..."

"The sacrifices of our comrades were not in vain. It was all worth it!"

"As long as we can protect Shadow Island, I have no regrets even if my soul is destroyed!"

Hearing the united voices of determination, Lu Qingshan also gritted his teeth and looked up at the sky.

The once meter-wide circular rift had indeed shrunk slightly!

At the very least, the number of shadows pouring through each time had decreased by one. Even that small reduction significantly eased the pressure on Shadow Island's defenders!

Looking at the hard-won result, Lu Qingshan's expression was complex, and he couldn't tear his gaze away. But as he watched the shadows continue to pour in relentlessly, seemingly unafraid of death, using their bodies to press against the barrier's light, he couldn't shake a growing unease in his heart...

As Lu Qingshan had feared, just a few days later, the repaired rift was forced open by another inch, plunging Shadow Island into an unprecedented crisis. The leaders of all departments gathered in the meeting room, the atmosphere heavy with tension.

Master Lu looked around and spoke first.

"Everyone, the repaired rift has been forced open again. Although it hasn't returned to its original size, if this continues, it's only a matter of time before the repaired section is completely destroyed..."

"Does anyone have any ideas?"

With this question, the entire meeting room fell into silence!