Number Five, Part 3

Xiao Feng approached the lakeshore and instructed Tugou to stand back as he drew water from the lake, pouring it gently over Tugou's body to cleanse the grime accumulated on his metallic frame.

Tugou's expression was one of pure bliss, as if truly savoring the sensation of a bath—though now a machine, such comfort might forever elude him.

Still, his look of enjoyment was amusing to behold. Rush and Pandora also washed their faces at the lake's edge, finding profound relief in this oasis amid the scorching heat.

As Tugou luxuriated under the refreshing water, he murmured contentedly, "So comfortable… so comfortable…"

Suddenly recalling something, Xiao Feng checked the beast tracking function on his wrist communicator, hoping to discern whether any large magical beasts roamed nearby. Surely, within hundreds of kilometers, this small lake and its surrounding oasis would attract them for water.

Yet, his device revealed no signs of any creatures.

"How strange," Xiao Feng muttered to himself, "No beasts here at all? In such a lush oasis, they must surely be present."

Tugou overheard and inquired, "What did you say?"

"I said, why haven't we detected any beasts around this lake?"

"Oh, they must have sensed us and fled," Tugou replied smugly, nearly finished rinsing his armor, which now gleamed pristinely.

"That's unlikely," Xiao Feng frowned.

Just then, two dark-skinned children appeared, brandishing spears. They approached, their faces animated, shouting excitedly in rapid, incomprehensible chatter.

Rush, of course, understood nothing.

But Xiao Feng's mind suddenly tingled, much like when communicating with Qin Tian in Asia. Instantly, he comprehended the children's words as if by newfound supernatural ability—he had grown accustomed to this strange shift.

Tugou and Pandora quickly switched their language modules as well, and all three understood the children's native dialect.

"How dare you take water from our sacred lake!"

"You seek death, don't you?"

"Wait here! We'll bring others to kill you all..."

Amid a flurry of curses, the two children scampered away.

Xiao Feng exchanged looks with Tugou and Pandora, then sighed. "No wonder this place is so beautiful. It's a sacred lake. We disturbed their holy water; they're bound to come after us."

Tugou scoffed, "Let them come. With our combat power, no tribe of savages stands a chance."

"Sure, you say that, but can you really bring yourself to fight? Using your mini-missiles against a group of unarmed barbarians? Do you have the heart?"

Tugou shook his head. "Honestly? I couldn't bring myself to do it…"

"Enough talk. I say we leave quickly before we stir up trouble," Rush urged.

"Agreed. Let's get out of here," Xiao Feng nodded.

The four hurried into the Trident aircraft. Pandora started the engines and the plane swiftly departed.

Flying over a vast wasteland, Pandora soon approached the coordinates Xiao Feng had given. Below lay a sizeable tribal village—larger than any they'd seen along the way, clearly home to many inhabitants.

The aircraft descended slowly under the watchful eyes of the village's black-skinned residents. Though still primitive, they were no longer ignorant of airplanes and regarded the machine with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Xiao Feng, wearing sunglasses and clad in a brown combat suit, stepped down. He met the gaze of the assembled villagers—mostly women and children—who stared at him in stunned silence.

Behind him followed Rush, armored Tugou, and the striking Pandora—whose allure was recognized only through the aesthetic lens of Xiao Feng and his companions; to the villagers, she was anything but beautiful.

With hands in his pockets, Xiao Feng approached the group, contemplating how to communicate. He greeted them in their language, "Greetings..."

The villagers erupted into astonished chatter, unaccustomed to a stranger from the sky speaking their tongue.

"Where do you come from?"

"Who are you?"

"Are you evil?"

"Our men have gone hunting—don't think to do us harm. If you do, they will kill you when they return!"

Questions buzzed at Xiao Feng like a swarm of flies, overwhelming him and leaving him at a loss for how to respond.

Pandora frowned, joining Xiao Feng's side. "Why do they seem so hostile? What should we do?"

"I'm not sure. It's my first time dealing with such a tribe. Thankfully, we understand their language; otherwise, this would be much worse…"

"I think if we give them something, they might accept us more quickly."

"But what should we offer?"

Pandora smiled and said, "I'll check back on the plane."

She returned and retrieved a package of spare biscuits from the aircraft's stores. Smiling, she said, "I think this will do."

Opening the packet, she offered the biscuits to the wary villagers.

Though cautious—they recognized the biscuits—none dared eat at first.

Xiao Feng took a bite himself and then passed them around. Seeing his example, the villagers eagerly seized the biscuits, devouring them with delight. Such sweetness was a rare, exquisite treat.

Their suspicion melted, and they ceased their hostility, inviting Xiao Feng and his group into the village.

They were led into a large grass hut, whose interior was markedly cooler than the sweltering heat outside.

Xiao Feng chuckled to Rush, "Ah, diplomacy at its finest—just a bag of biscuits and suddenly we're honored guests. See that?"

Rush laughed softly, "Careful now—the chief's daughter might set her sights on you and insist on marrying you. What will you do then? Looks like you'll be stuck here as the new chief."

"Damn, you really know how to spin a tale…"