Chapter 20: That is my great master
The sand people settlement erupted in disbelief. Agou's words were astonishing, yet undeniable, for they came from a gnoll of the Blackwind Tribe. Why would he lie? Deceiving them held no benefit. If the Blackwind Tribe wanted to attack, they'd send an army, not resort to tricks. Clearly, the Blackwind Tribe had been destroyed!
This was divine intervention!
"Hurry up! Don't waste time!" Agou snapped at the sand people leader. "Do you want my great master to wait for you?"
The sand people leader hesitated briefly, then nodded. "I'll go with you. Just give me a moment."
Quickly delegating tasks, he mounted his elk with a few of his people, and under the blessings of hundreds of their kin, they left with Agou.
The second and third settlements went just as smoothly. Agou easily gathered the three leaders.
"Where are we going?" one of the leaders asked as they crossed yet another sand dune.
"To the Golden Oasis, my master's territory!" Agou replied. "Show respect when you meet him, or you'll face dire consequences!"
"Understood. Thank you for the warning!" The leaders expressed their gratitude. They didn't fear the level-three gnoll, but the master behind him, who had defeated the Blackwind Tribe, commanded their respect.
They were curious about this master, who dared to claim the Golden Oasis. He was likely an outsider.
"By the Great God Brewster!" one of the sand people leaders exclaimed. "Is that the Golden Oasis? It's nothing like I remember!"
Brewster, the deity of the sand people, had united their ancestors to form the Sand People Kingdom in the Kalar Desert. Legends said he ascended to godhood after his great deeds.
Before them, dense, towering trees stretched out, vibrant with life. Beneath them, flowers bloomed and green grass spread, a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. It was like stepping into another world, one teeming with life instead of desolation.
"That area used to be just dunes. Now it's a forest!" one leader marveled. "Only the life water of nature spirits or a powerful druid could create such a miracle!"
"The lord who controls the Golden Oasis must be truly formidable!" another agreed.
With awe-filled eyes, the sand people followed Agou through the lush forest, stepping lightly to avoid damaging the precious greenery. To them, who had lived their lives in the barren desert, this lush life was sacred.
Finally, they emerged from the forest, and a familiar sight greeted them—the Sapphire Lake. Many had visited this lake before, as its water was essential for their survival.
Suddenly, a troubling thought crossed their minds. With the Golden Oasis now controlled by an outsider, would they still be allowed access to the lake's water? This could be disastrous!
In addition to the beautiful Sapphire Lake, they saw numerous buildings and an orchard filled with small, pink flowers. Even from a distance, they felt the magical energy emanating from the orchard.
"By Brewster's grace! This orchard is full of magic yuan fruit trees! Such luxury!" they exclaimed, awestruck.
To the sand people, this place was like paradise, something they had only seen in dreams.
Then, a sound interrupted their reverie—a giant tree crashing to the ground, leaves scattering. Nearby stood a young man, bare-chested and holding a gleaming knight's sword. He wiped sweat from his brow and moved to another tree, cutting it down with a few swift strikes.
The sand people were shocked. Cutting down trees in the desert was unthinkable, a desecration of life's gift. Even the brutal gnolls wouldn't do such a thing.
"That's my great master!" Agou said proudly. "A powerful lord with divine power who transformed the Golden Oasis."
At the sight of Haotian, Agou's proud stance shifted to one of subservience. Outside, he might boast, but here, he was the loyal servant of his master.
Without hesitation, Agou led the sand people towards Haotian, who noticed their approach and sat on a tree stump to wait.
Reaching Haotian, Agou knelt and reported, "Great Divine Envoy, I have brought the leaders of the three sand people settlements!"
"Excellent," Haotian said, pleased. He handed Agou a red dragon fruit as a reward, causing the gnoll to tremble with joy.
The sand people leaders and their followers bowed respectfully to Haotian. Despite his level not being overwhelmingly high, which surprised them, they knew he could easily kill them. His divine power commanded their respect.
"Thank you for your guidance, great one," the sand people leaders said, their tone reverent. They believed Agou's words. An eighth-level warrior without divine power couldn't have performed such miracles in the desert.
Weekly Power Status
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