Chapter 28: Build Me A Tomb

Two groups of warriors, clad in strange vine armor and wielding a variety of weapons—mostly short blades—were locked in combat. Ordinarily, such a scene would have been bloody, but the vine armor they wore seemed indestructible. Even when struck by swords, it only left a faint white mark.

Yu observed the vine-armored soldiers with satisfaction. These suits of armor were crafted using his dendro energy, making them incredibly durable—far stronger than ordinary steel. Not only did they serve as excellent protective gear, but they were also perfect for training exercises. With these suits, soldiers could fight freely without holding back, effectively doubling the intensity and results of their training.

Best of all, the vine armor could be produced in unlimited quantities. It was not only tough but also lightweight, making it suitable even for those lacking great physical strength. Additionally, it could float on water and be used as a makeshift raft. With proper fireproofing, it would even resist flames.

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, a muscular desert warrior wielded a massive iron hammer while riding a robust wild boar. Strangely enough, a mushroom sprouted from the boar's rear.

The warrior looked… exhilarated.

"Overlord, I feel invincible! I think I'm a knight now—a wild boar knight!" he exclaimed with excitement.

"That's just an illusion," Yu replied calmly.

Still, he was quite pleased. With cavalry like this, he could form a mobile force capable of quick strikes and rapid retreats. The thought filled him with satisfaction.

Yu had a knack for communicating with animals. His usual tactic involved capturing a creature, offering food if it obeyed, and threatening to roast it if it didn't. Most animals would submit after hearing his terms. If they didn't, well, they'd end up salted, castrated, or cooked.

While wild boars were a limited resource, Yu realized he didn't have to rely solely on them. Desert horses were also suitable for riding, and they were easier to tame. Even sandworms could serve as mounts, though scorpions were out of the question.

Surveying his growing forces, Yu felt confident. With vine-armored infantry and wild boar cavalry, he could wipe out those eighteen desert gods.

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Leading his vine-armored soldiers, Yu marched towards the location where the eighteen desert gods were dividing their spoils. A few days prior, they had raided a granary, and the subsequent squabbling over the loot had lasted several days. Yu seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack.

Soldiers clashed with soldiers, while Yu personally hunted down the enemy gods. One by one, he drained their power until only ashes remained, which he scattered to the winds.

"If you don't have the strength, don't bother coming," Yu declared coldly.

Word of this spread quickly across the land. It became known that the new king of Sumeru was not one for mercy—he ruled with iron and blood.

Unease gripped the remaining gods in the region. Some chose to flee eastward… directly into Zhongli's domain, giving him a new headache.

For once, Yu used his head and sought out weaker gods, offering them food in exchange for their loyalty. Overjoyed by the offer, they accepted and returned home—only to be immediately robbed by stronger gods.

Enraged, Yu declared, "Anyone who bullies my vassals disrespects me! This time, we'll strike first and restore my vassals' dignity!"

---

Following this incident, word spread far and wide: Yu provided food to those who became his subordinates. Soon, everyone was clamoring to join him.

To manage the chaos, Yu added a caveat: "There are limited spots. Only those I favor will receive gifts."

This sparked new conflicts among the gods, who began fighting each other to prove themselves worthy of Yu's favor.

Some of the more cunning gods tried a different approach—they began sending gifts.

One day, to Yu's surprise, a supposedly dim-witted god presented him with a rather unexpected gift: a beautiful young maiden who could dance.

Yu… accepted.

---

In the palace that once belonged to the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, Yu lounged on a chair, barefoot, with his legs propped up on the armrest. Little Blue lay nearby, napping peacefully. Behind him stood Apep, silent and expressionless, watching her new overlord with a mixture of confusion and exasperation.

In the vast, empty hall, the red-haired girl stood nervously. She had never imagined that her love for dancing would land her in such a place.

"Aren't you supposed to be a dancer? Go ahead and dance. It's not like you have anything better to do. Don't worry—I won't feed you to my pets."

"Yes, my lord," the girl replied timidly.

She began to dance, her graceful movements exuding charm and elegance. With each twist of her waist and lift of her leg, she radiated a captivating allure.

Yu hadn't expected to enjoy the performance, but to his surprise, he found it quite pleasant. Watching her dance reminded him of his Mother's friend. If only the Goddess of Flowers were still alive…

"Overlord…"

Yu turned to see Alhaitham approaching.

"What's the matter?"

"Overlord, a strange rumor has spread. It's said that you have a fondness for dancing girls…"

"So?"

"So… now all the nearby gods have come."

"Why? Do they have a death wish?"

Alhaitham clapped his hands, and a group of beautiful girls entered the hall.

"They've come bearing gifts… and they're competing to outdo each other."

Yu was momentarily stunned by the sight of so many graceful, elegant young women. He felt overwhelmed.

"They hope that by offering more, they might gain your favor. Some have even promised to bring you the most beautiful girls they can find. Also…"

"What else?"

"Word has spread in Sumeru City, and now all the local girls are practicing dance."

"Why would they do that?"

"They say… they can't let foreign girls steal their prince."

Yu felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. Since when have I been so popular with girls?

Seeing his lord remain silent, Alhaitham added, "Overlord, should we begin construction on a new palace?"

"No. Build me a tomb instead."

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