Chapter 2336 Counterattack
“In addition, in the World of Forests, every clan of the tree spirit tribe was searching for you. The Federation suffered several attacks from the tree spirit tribe, resulting in heavy losses. We collaborated with the Federation twice to fight against the tree spirit tribe, with mixed results.”

“However, the forces stationed in the ‘Inner World’ suffered devastating blows from the tree spirit tribe. The Prayer Temple we occupied was also destroyed by the Leaf tribe, forcing us and the Human Federation to abandon our camp and retreat from the ‘Inner World’.”

“Another important matter is that the Root tribe has privately conducted several trades with us. They are very interested in our proposal to exchange for branches of the sacred tree and wish to meet with you to discuss the trade.”

“Hmm…”

Fang Heng nodded thoughtfully.

It seemed that many events had unfolded during his seclusion while grinding dimensional energy.

He anticipated that the Leaf tribe and the Wood tribe would certainly retaliate once they regained their senses.

Hiding in the Zombie Apocalypse world could avoid many troubles, but to complete the final step of his upgrade, he needed to return to the Prayer Temple in the ‘Inner World’.

Currently, he had gathered over 300 million units of dimensional strength, and he was optimistic that he could gain 5-6 levels.

After this enhancement, he believed the vampires’ strength would rival that of the tree spirit tribe’s four major clans.

Possibly, it might even surpass them.

“You go and arrange to contact the Root tribe. I’m very interested in their trade proposal. Also, prepare yourself. We’re heading to the Prayer Temple in the ‘Inner World’.” After a moment’s thought, Fang Heng added, “And contact the Federation, let them know I’m back.”

Carl’s expression brightened, and he solemnly replied, “Yes!”

…

The atmosphere in the Federation’s Central Command Post was tense as the emergency command group fretted over recent developments. Since Fang Heng’s last departure from seclusion, the attacks from the tree spirit clan had intensified significantly. The Wood tribe and the Leaf tribe seemed relentless, launching concentrated assaults on key Federation domains while scouring for Fang Heng’s whereabouts.

In a late-stage development, the Leaf tribe had even issued threats, stating they would directly attack vital military and civilian areas unless the Federation handed over Fang Heng.

Forced into a defensive stance, the Federation responded, albeit with their psychic teams and vampire allies assisting, their hard power was still insufficient, resulting in more losses than victories.

“Based on the Leaf tribe’s movements, we believe they are preparing a major assault on the central control center in the northern domain. Given our current defensive strength, it’s unlikely we can hold them off.”

“What about the civilian evacuation?”

“We’ve initiated evacuations promptly, but the time constraints are severe, and the pressure to evacuate is immense.”

“Hey everyone, relax a bit. No need to look so gloomy.”

Sandy, representing Fang Heng’s faction in the operations department meeting, waved his hand and said, “Without the sapling of the sacred tree, the Wood and Leaf tribes’ strength will gradually diminish. They won’t last much longer. When Mr. Fang returns, they’ll have a lot to regret…”

Indeed, the Federation forces were beginning to sense it too. The Leaf and Wood tribes were rapidly losing strength with each passing day, which only seemed to fuel their desperation.

However, dealing with the relentless attacks from the Leaf and Wood tribes proved challenging. The losses from the war were tangible, and not everyone had Sandy’s optimism.

The discussion was interrupted when a soldier hurriedly pushed open the door and solemnly announced, “Good news, we have news about Fang Heng.”

The entire room stood up from their seats, turning towards the soldier eagerly.

“Haha! What did I say? Is Mr. Fang back?” Sandy asked the soldier with enthusiasm, “What did Mr. Fang say?”

“He mentioned wanting to contact the Root tribe for a trade involving the branches of the sacred tree. After that, he immediately headed to the ‘Inner World’ with the vampires.”

“See! I told you!” Sandy exclaimed, even more invigorated. He waved his hand again, “Brothers, get ready! I reckon it’s time for the final showdown, to completely wipe out the tree spirit tribe!”

“Mhm.”

Minister Ray nodded at the news.

Putting aside the complete eradication of the tree spirit tribe for now, at least the pressure on them would lessen significantly once Fang Heng returned. At this moment, Fang Heng had already entered the ‘Inner World’ with the senior vampires.

This time, instead of causing trouble with the Leaf tribe, Fang Heng sought out the Wood tribe. After all, the Prayer Temple occupied by the Wood tribe was closer to their teleportation point. Moreover, the Wood tribe had lost their sacred tree sapling, and there was little significance in holding onto the Prayer Temple. Thus, they had withdrawn the elders guarding the temple a few days earlier.

When Fang Heng led his zombie team into the Prayer Temple ready for a major battle, he found the temple’s defenses laughably inadequate. He effortlessly took control of the temple.

Inside the hall of the Prayer Temple, the vampires gathered again, using the large alchemy magic array stone slab to set up Abe Akaya’s summoning magic array.

In a short moment, the magic array activated.

The entire Prayer Temple was enveloped in a crimson hue. With powerful mental strength driving it, even the sky was tinted with shades of blood.

[Hint: Abe Akaya’s current dimensional level has been raised to Level 16, consuming 120,000,000 points of dimensional energy (affected by the level of the Prayer Temple, leveling energy consumption reduced by 12%)…]

[Hint: Due to the increase in the level of Abe Akaya’s dimensional level, the vampires that belong to it have received an additional 150% increase in basic attributes (only the attribute increase obtained through academic and bloodline skills are calculated).]

Fang Heng glanced at the mission prompt and realized he had just leveled up by 5 levels.

As he progressed into the late stages, the amount of dimensional energy required for each level-up increased significantly. Currently, he had 10 million units of dimensional energy left, but leveling up to Level 17 now required a staggering 410 million units.

He had tirelessly grinded for over five and a half days to accumulate just over 300 million units of dimensional energy, even without encountering any unexpected incidents and with sufficient resources. To level up again to Level 1 would likely take another week.

Dimensional energy was indeed powerful, but achieving higher levels required considerable effort.

Outside the temple, feeling the surge in their power once more, the vampires all knelt in unison.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gracious gift,” they chorused.

Exiting the Prayer Temple, Fang Heng raised his hand to signal everyone to rise.

With his dimensional energy level now at Level 16, he figured he could now match the tree spirit tribe head-on.

“I’ve heard that the Federation is currently battling the invasion of the tree spirit tribe. We don’t need to stay here; let’s go support them,” Fang Heng declared.

Carl lifted his head, his eyes gleaming with intense determination.

During Fang Heng’s absence, the vampires joined forces with the Federation to resist both the Leaf tribe and the Wood tribe, but they were struggling on the front lines, which left a burning fire in their hearts.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

…

Fang Heng had no interest in rushing to the front lines to face the Leaf tribe and Wood tribe head-on. Instead, he controlled vast hordes of zombie clones, directing them towards the Wood tribe’s habitat, ready to strike at a moment’s notice to support the vampires and Federation in their operations.

His strategy focused on a surprise attack.

After all, there was no guarantee of success in a confrontation. Moreover, the likelihood of finding sacred tree branches on the front lines was low, making such engagements time-consuming and exhausting.

If the surprise attack succeeded, Fang Heng planned to thoroughly search the Wood tribe’s habitat. There was a chance they could salvage something valuable from the situation.