War never broke out.
The conclusion was as expected by the old butler, Holden. After all, a desert tribe with only a few thousand people and scarce high-level professionals stood no chance against the mighty Royal Griffon Knight Legion. With their combat power, it would take just one round of attacks to completely obliterate the camp. As long as the camp leader wasn't foolish, he would know the correct choice to make.
The camp's supplies were plentiful, taking a full two hours to pack up. Notably, the camp had a large herd of elk—over seven thousand—far more than any other sand people settlements that had joined the Golden Oasis. This abundance was directly tied to the oasis resources they had. The oasis provided ample water and lush needlegrass, the elk's favorite food, which the sand people cultivated specifically to feed their herd.
The elk were grouped in fives, bound with strips of cloth and rough hemp ropes. The golden griffons, with their retractable talons similar to eagle claws, could easily grasp two elk each, carrying ten at a time. Their broad backs could accommodate three to five sand people, and even some packed goods with a bit of squeezing.
Soon, the Royal Griffon Knight Legion set off again, heading straight back to the Golden Oasis. In just two trips, they had emptied the large camp, transporting thousands of sand people and all their supplies safely to Haotian's territory.
When the sand people arrived at the stunning Golden Oasis, they were awestruck. Everyone was rendered speechless by the beauty around them. This place truly looked like paradise.
"Is that the Sapphire Lake?" someone exclaimed. "It's so vast and clear!"
"And look at all those big fish swimming in the lake!"
"My goodness, there are even orchards over there!"
"In all my years, I've never seen such a lush forest. It's like stepping into the legendary Forest of Life!"
"The mage didn't deceive us. Our people really are living in beautiful houses here, not in shabby tents!"
"Many of our kin are working in the forest, but there are no overseers or signs of enslavement!"
At this moment, all the sand people were overwhelmed with emotion. They even wondered if they were hallucinating. To them, this scene was like a dream come true, a life they had only ever imagined.
In the orderly residential areas, they saw many pregnant women sewing clothes, and children playing and running outside. Everyone had a smile of happiness on their faces. Even if this place were a den of beasts, they would willingly stay.
In the town hall, Haotian received Erick. The camp leader, responsible for thousands of sand people, knelt anxiously, not daring to look at the mysterious lord seated before him.
"Rise," Haotian said gently. "My butler has told me about you, Erick. You are the camp leader, and you will continue to lead your people. Your task is to manage them well and avoid conflicts with other sand people."
"Now that you have joined my domain, you are my subjects. I will protect you and provide you with a better life and future."
"Praise you, great lord!" Erick exclaimed gratefully. He then cautiously asked, "Lord, your butler mentioned that our work is to extract resources for your territory. Is that all?"
"What else?" Haotian replied with a smile. "Do you think I want you to expand the territory or hunt magical beasts?"
Erick, embarrassed, admitted, "In the face of your mighty beast knight legion, our people's strength is insignificant. But if you need us, we will fight for you!"
Haotian nodded approvingly. "It's good to have such an attitude. Unless enemies invade the Golden Oasis, you won't need to fight. Your daily tasks are logging, quarrying, and harvesting salt at the salt lake. Those unable to do these tasks will handle minor jobs, like sewing, cleaning, and processing beast carcasses. My territory doesn't support idlers. Those unwilling to work will be expelled."
Erick immediately assured, "Lord, we will work diligently. None of us will slack off. You have sheltered us and made us your subjects. Even our youngest children will understand gratitude!"
"Very well!" Haotian said with a broad smile. "Now, go and gather your people. I will have Agou assign your tasks."
"Yes, my lord!" Erick replied respectfully, his excitement barely contained. A beautiful paradise and a benevolent lord—surely, they had been blessed by the goddess of fortune.
Outside the town hall, Erick met Agou, the one Haotian had mentioned. To his surprise, Agou was a gnoll, which instinctively put Erick on guard. Gnolls were inherently evil creatures, and Erick's camp had often been attacked by gnoll raiders. But then he remembered that this was the paradise of the Golden Oasis. If a gnoll was here, it must have reformed.
"Master Agou!" Erick greeted respectfully.
"Indeed," Agou replied, nodding with his hands behind his back. Despite Erick's strength as a high-level professional, Agou showed no fear, only arrogance, bolstered by the support of his divine lord.
"Take me to your settlement. I will assign your tasks for the day," Agou said, eyeing Erick, who was still covered in oil from the move. "As the leader of thousands of sand people, remember that my master likes cleanliness. Keep your settlement tidy and bathe frequently. And ensure all women are properly dressed. No more exposing themselves. Anyone who disobeys will answer to me!"
Erick quickly agreed, "Understood, Master Agou. Thank you for the reminder!"
Agou huffed proudly, strutting away with the air of an important figure