My Misfortune Crushed Instances-Chapter 290: The Southern Bandit Leader Has Arrived

Li Rui finished counting his gains and found that he had already quickly looted nearly a third of the Divine Wood Forest. It had only been three days since the battle in the Secret Realm, which was quite fast.

Even for someone as greedy as him, he felt somewhat satisfied. After all, the Divine Wood Forest was a major source of war spoils. By rights, even if a team were sent out to explore for a month, it wouldn't be a waste because in the battlefield of the Secret Realm, places like this almost always yield legends.

He integrated the Sheep Deer Antelope Tribe with the other tribes they originally commanded, gathering all the most skilled warriors under his banner to form an elite army.

In this way, even if Li Rui himself didn't take action, the Yangli Race would have to think twice about quelling this rebellious force.

Following his usual practice, he opened the treasure vault and bestowed rewards based on merit using the natural treasures collected by the three tribes. None of the tribes had any complaints.

Anyway, Li Rui didn't feel distressed because these items couldn't be put into the inventory and couldn't be taken away.

The Profound Bear Clan, which initially obeyed orders out of fear, also changed their attitude from fear to admiration, because, although they had lost wealth and territory before, they quickly regained them from the three tribes, and even gained more.

Besides the tangible benefits in hand, there was also a distant, promising future.

Li Rui had already pointed out that within three days, they were to capture the central Divine Wood, overthrow the Yangli Race, and then establish a Divine Wood Forest Council so that all tribes could negotiate and resolve matters of the Forest. Those places beneficial to the Demon Race's cultivation would be shared among all, no longer concentrated in the hands of one tribe.

Previously, the Yangli Race was powerful, occupying the best spots, and other tribes dared not speak out. Over time, it became customary. Now, when hearing they too had an opportunity to cultivate in the most spiritually enriched areas, they were naturally envious and eager.

After another night's rest, Li Rui came out of his room, freshened up under the guidance of a small demon, and then summoned Yuan Ju.

"What's the reaction from the Yangli Race?"

Yuan Ju replied: "No reaction."

Li Rui frowned: "Are you sure?"

Yuan Ju was momentarily flustered, then said: "Uh, according to the vanguards' investigation, there was indeed no movement, but... given our limited strength and the deep-rooted power of the Yangli Race, there might be news we couldn't detect."

Li Rui waved his hand: "Not might, but definitely. We uprooted three camps of the Sheep Deer Antelope Tribe overnight and incorporated twenty-plus tribes of varying sizes. If those big cats have any sense, they will definitely do one thing."

"Sir, you mean gathering all the other tribes?"

"Naturally," Li Rui said, "if no information was gathered, it means that what's-his-name?"

"Yang, Yangmo Cauldron."

"That's right; that Yang Dingtian is indeed capable, not a simple brute."

"...Sir, I have another question." Yuan Ju didn't get hung up on names and looked worried instead.

"Speak."

"The newly loyal tribes are now being sent to attack the Yangli Race. Won't the rear become unstable?"

Li Rui glanced at the task list, noticing the "fear" and "admiration" statuses of their forces' goodwill, and confidently shook his head: "No need to worry, I have my own plans."

...

Beneath the central Divine Wood was where the Yangli Race resided, a grand complex of wooden palaces in the forest. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

These buildings were constructed around the Divine Wood, packed together like scales, and covered by those magnificent trees, walking among them, one would feel as if they were in a fairyland.

Even though many had visited before, the leaders of the various tribes under the Yangli Race couldn't help but look up in awe.

"Do you know why I've urgently summoned you here?"

Yangmo Cauldron sat on the high platform, his words carrying authority.

Among those present, some of the demon race leaders were aware of the situation in the southern Divine Wood Forest, while others were clueless about what had happened; they had just received word to bring their strongest and all their elites here.

Of course, Yangmo Cauldron wasn't truly asking, and before anyone could answer, he explained the situation himself.

Despite the unfavorable circumstances, he didn't hide anything because he was confident that as long as he was here, none of these tribes would dare have second thoughts.

He believed that the Sheep Deer Antelope Tribe had only defected because they were caught off guard.

However, while he was confident, the other tribes were filled with suspicion.

A mouse demon with a large tail asked, "Do we know who this outsider unifying the southern tribes is, and what divine power he possesses?"

Yangmo Cauldron signaled, and a subordinate from the Yangli Race beside him said, "According to the ones who escaped from the White Deer Tribe, this person is agile, with the strength of a thousand pounds in each arm, exceptionally brave, and adept at using the Thunder Skill. He can charge into battle and hold off the enemy alone, not to be underestimated."

The Mouse Demon chuckled awkwardly: "To unify the southern tribes in just three days is indeed no small feat."

A demon race with a large head and ears and four tusks projected from its mouth said, "Our great king is wise; surely, he has a plan, which is why he summoned us here."

Yangmo Cauldron smiled, "Indeed, the Pig Race Leader understands me well."

Although most demon race tribes call their leaders 'great king,' as the common ruler of the Divine Wood Forest, he naturally wouldn't address others this way.

"The rebels have suddenly united, which suggests their hearts are not aligned. Where is Zhang Yuan?"

"Ah, my great king, I am here."

A demon race member with a simple appearance and furry ears stood up.

"Your camp is not far from the Forest Antelope Race. I want you to lead your tribe to feigned submission, lay low, gather intelligence, and when I engage them in battle, create an uproar from the rear, divide their forces and attack their leader. Do you understand?"

"Yes, but great king, could you describe the leader's appearance for me to identify?"

"Walks on two legs, little body hair, finely dressed, speaks an unknown language. In summary, quite different from the usual."

The demon named Zhang Yuan accepted his orders and left.

Yangmo Cauldron further instructed: "Northern tribes, send word immediately, have the main force of your tribe head over here, while the rest stand ready with the elites."

"Yes!"

The demon races went about their tasks as instructed, and soon the message was conveyed to the northern part of the Divine Wood Forest.

...

Father Alan led the group further into the Divine Wood Forest.

"Father, Priest, there's a camp up ahead with smoke rising from it, indicating local inhabitants. Shall we make contact?"

The observer named Yor returned to report to those resting during their resupply break.

Father Alan looked delighted: "Finally, signs of people. This forest is huge; thanks to the gods' guidance. Let's approach, but avoid using force unless absolutely necessary."

Following Yor, the group soon spotted a camp.

At the gate, a small demon holding a knife shouted: "Who goes there?!"

It's a sensitive time; the leader had taken most of the elite warriors and returned to commandeer another batch of main forces, leaving the camp defenseless, requiring caution.

Father Alan didn't respond verbally, as he couldn't understand what the other party was saying. He just wanted to approach and present a gift as a gesture of goodwill before speaking.

However, before he could get closer, he heard a sharp cry.

He didn't know, but the small demon was shouting:

"Walks on two legs, little body hair, finely dressed, speaks an unknown language!"

"The southern rebels' leader is here! Defend! Quickly, defend!!"