After returning to the dormitory, Lin recruited five skeleton warriors and then succumbed to exhaustion, falling into a deep sleep. The continuous battle in the dungeon, under the scorching desert sun, had drained him both physically and mentally. Meditation was the last thing on his mind. Having exchanged the Tyrant's Heart for the primary cooling amulet from Bai Yiyuan and learning about the Meta Battlefield and ways to earn contribution points, Lin knew his next steps. Soon, he was fast asleep, a slight smile playing on his lips as he dreamed sweet dreams.
Meanwhile, the Dungeon Hall buzzed with activity, lively even in the middle of the night. A group of forty emerged from the dungeon, their leader, Cheng Qiuyang of Baili Academy, announcing their new record for conquering the Tyrant Desert Dungeon in 15 hours and 58 minutes. However, their pride was short-lived. When they realized Lin Moyu had outperformed them solo, completing the dungeon in just 14 hours, 11 minutes, and 43 seconds, disbelief and dismay took over. Despite their preparations and efforts, they were second to a lone challenger. Humiliation and a sense of defeat enveloped the Baili team as they quickly departed, leaving the hall in laughter and whispers about their double defeat that day.
Waking up refreshed the next day, Lin thought of Ning Yiyi as he prepared his meal, then set off for the dungeon hall, still hopeful for another encounter with the desert fruit. Despite Bai Yiyuan's words, Lin was determined to master his skills further. Upon his arrival, he was approached by a man claiming Baili Sheng wished to see him. Dismissing the man's arrogance, Lin entered the Tyrant Desert Dungeon again, paying no heed to the imposed cooldown and the costs for entry.
As Lin ventured back into the desert, determined and equipped with his summoned army, the academy buzzed with the news of his refusal to meet Baili Sheng and his immediate return to the dungeon. Baili Sheng, already humiliated by the previous day's events, took Lin's disregard as a further slight, plotting to teach him a lesson should they ever meet outside the academy's protection. Unaware of the brewing resentment, Lin pressed on, the desert unfurling before him unchanged, his army of skeletons marching towards an oasis, the map familiar and unchanged, a promising sign for his quest.