Chapter 126: The Vengeance Plan

Although Yu Mu was in a deep slumber, his subconscious remained active. If it were otherwise, it could hardly be called a Daoist technique; it would merely be instinct.

Thus, Yu Mu was able to control the duration of his hibernation at will. After silently reciting the incantation in his heart, his body began to awaken slowly, gradually returning to its normal state.

The only drawback of this Daoist technique was the slow process of waking up. However, Yu Mu had another surprise: during this sleep, his affinity for the Earth Spirit had inexplicably awakened. Not only had his discomfort with the desert vanished, but he had even begun to grow fond of this environment.

Three days later, Tu Xiong had largely recovered from his injuries. After burying his brothers, the first thing he did was not to lead the two of them off for revenge, but to seek out a source of water.

Had he been alone, he would have long since charged into the enemy’s stronghold to fight to the death. But now, with Yu Mu and An Shu in his care, he would never risk their lives without absolute certainty of success.

The three of them had consumed nearly all their stored water during this period. Without water, An Shu would be the first to suffer, and Yu Mu would fare little better. Their attributes dictated that their need for water was immense; they could essentially not survive without it.

The water source was located not far from Black Wind Ridge and was firmly controlled by the bandits. However, with the combined abilities of the three, sneaking in to seize the water source was well within their reach.

Tu Xiong led the two of them for a full day before finally approaching the site. This day revealed the true extent of Tu Xiong’s capability; he knew the path like the back of his hand, remembering every single rock along the way. With such an experienced guide traveling through the desert, who would ever worry about getting lost or failing to find water?

The three arrived near the water source as darkness began to fall. Tu Xiong led them to a hidden spot and said, "The thieves here are mere minions with little strength, but they all carry signal flares. At the slightest sign of trouble, they will immediately raise the alarm. The bandit lair is very close; once the alarm is sounded, their experts will arrive quickly. We must be swift and decisive when we strike."

"Understood," the two nodded.

They finalized their plan and were just about to move out when a figure suddenly flew in from the distance. Yu Mu looked closely and was shocked: "It’s him!"

An Shu’s eyesight was not as sharp as Yu Mu’s, so he couldn't clearly see the newcomer and asked, "Who is it?"

"Shi Dali!"

"Ah! He’s still alive? Why is he alone? Where are the others?"

Yu Mu did not answer, falling into deep thought. A moment later, he revealed a devious smile. "Brother Tu Xiong, you can have your revenge now."

"What? What did you say?" Tu Xiong could hardly believe his ears.

Yu Mu lowered his voice and explained his plan in detail to the two. They were left stunned, staring at Yu Mu in disbelief.

Shi Dali was in a wretched state in the air. His clothes were tattered and stained with blood, as if he had been through a fierce battle. His face, ravaged by the scorching sun and sand, had lost its former glory. If not for the recognizable remnants of his clothing, Yu Mu would have barely recognized him.

The greatest change in the few days since they had last seen him, however, was his mental state. He appeared delirious, with flashes of primal ferocity and killing intent erupting in his eyes. He was on the verge of losing his sanity; he was going mad!

As he flew, Shi Dali licked his cracked lips, his eyes darting around with restless anxiety. Suddenly, a figure popped up from beneath his feet and shouted, "Brother Shi, come down! I’m here!"

Shi Dali was startled at first, but upon recognizing Yu Mu, he landed on the ground. "It’s you? You brat, you’re still alive?"

Yu Mu also licked his dry lips. "Barely. But if we don't find water soon, we’ll surely die of thirst."

At the mention of water, Shi Dali seemed triggered, immediately turning violent. A murderous glint appeared in his eyes as he walked toward Yu Mu, his red tongue darting out to lick his lips, as if he viewed Yu Mu as a delicious meal.

Shi Dali’s behavior made Yu Mu’s skin crawl. Just then, Shi Dali stopped in his tracks and shouted, "Who is it? Who is there? Don't blame me for being ruthless if you don't come out!"

At his shout, two figures stepped out from behind a rock. Shi Dali only glanced at An Shu before fixing his gaze on Tu Xiong. "Who is he?"

Yu Mu replied, "This is a straggling guide I met on the road. He got separated from his companions in the sandstorm and brought us here."

"Oh? And why come here?"

Yu Mu hesitated for a moment before saying, "To fetch water."

These three words hit Shi Dali like a chokehold. He became so agitated that his voice changed. "There is water here? Tell me where it is! Tell me now!" By the end, he had grabbed Yu Mu by the chest and hoisted him up.

All three felt a secret jolt of alarm; they hadn't expected this man, even in his current state, to possess such formidable strength. He was no ordinary mid-stage Nascent Soul expert—no wonder he dared to challenge the branch of the Abi Dao alone!

Yu Mu struggled. "It’s down that slope, but it’s guarded by people, so we didn't dare to approach."

"Hmph, all useless trash. Watch me." With that, he took to the air and flew toward the water source.

As soon as Shi Dali left, Yu Mu said, "Let's go. Stick to the plan."

Instead of going to the water source, the three of them lay in ambush between the bandit lair and the water site. They had barely settled into position when a rocket was fired from the direction of the water source. It exploded in the air, clearly visible even through the raging sandstorm.

A moment later, a figure completely wrapped in protective gear streaked over their heads. The three remained pressed into the sand, not moving a muscle.

After a while, another figure flew by. Just as it passed over them, all three erupted from the sand, unleashing their attacks simultaneously.

An Shu was the first, casting his last reserves of water to form a tornado that surged toward the enemy. Yu Mu cast a hemp rope, attempting to bind the target's legs. Only Tu Xiong’s attack was truly ferocious; he leaped high with a roar, extending his massive, fan-like palms toward the foe.

Though caught by surprise, the enemy reacted with lightning speed. The water dragon was shattered by a single palm strike before it could even reach him, dissolving into droplets that An Shu quickly recalled. Yu Mu’s rope didn't even graze him as he dodged aside.

Only when facing Tu Xiong’s attack was he forced to confront it head-on.

*Clap!*

Their palms collided. The enemy merely swayed slightly, while Tu Xiong was struck down to the ground.

All three felt their hearts sink. They realized this was going to be difficult. Before coming, they only knew this former Great Chieftain was an early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Although Tu Xiong had known him for years, they had never fought. When they were initially ambushed, the new Great Chieftain had taken him down with a single blade strike, so he had no idea of this man's true strength. But after this exchange, he immediately realized that even if the three of them joined forces, they were no match for this man.

Tu Xiong was secretly anxious; this ambush was a desperate gamble. If it didn't go according to plan, then not only he, but Yu Mu and An Shu as well, would have no hope of survival.

The enemy paused upon recognizing Tu Xiong. "How are you still alive? I saw you get struck in the chest by the Great Chieftain’s blade! This is truly bizarre!"

"Shut your mouth, Black Boss... no, I should call you Black Second now. You shameless wretch, for all these years, how have we ever failed you? Even when we had no food ourselves, we never skimped on our offerings to you. Who knew you harbored such wolfish ambition, lacking even a shred of integrity? The moment you gained power, you turned on us. You bastard..."

"You shut your mouth! I’ve long found you lot detestable. All of you, feigning righteousness and calling it brotherhood. I hate hypocrites like you the most." The bandit leader smiled cruelly. "Do you know? I took the brothers I captured, locked them in a room without food or water, and watched them kill each other. It felt so satisfying. Hahahaha..."

"Ah! *Pfft*—" Tu Xiong, overcome with rage, spat out a mouthful of blood. His eyes turned bloodshot, his muscles swelled rapidly, and the Earth Spirit energy in the sand surged frantically toward him.

Then, his Golden Core shot out from his crown, hovering above his head. With a sharp crack, the Golden Core shattered, and a tiny infant broke through the shell.