Territory population surge

"Honored Lord," one of the sand people leaders began respectfully, "may I ask why you have summoned us?"

"There's no need to be nervous," Haotian replied with a smile. "I've heard that your three settlements collectively house over two thousand people. My newly established territory needs hands to help build it."

"It would be our honor to serve you, Lord," the leader said, though he hesitated before cautiously continuing, "but how can my weak people be of service to you?"

"Rest assured, I'm not asking you to fight for me," Haotian said, seeing the leader's concern. "Your tasks will involve quarrying stone, cutting wood, and making salt from the salt flats. Hunting magical beasts is beyond your capabilities."

The highest-ranking sand people leader was only at level five, and his followers were even lower. Sending them to hunt would be like offering a feast to the beasts.

Hearing Haotian's words, the three leaders visibly relaxed. Quarrying and woodcutting were tasks their people could handle.

The level-five leader spoke up, "Honored Lord, I can gather a hundred of my people to work for you, but more would disrupt our settlement's daily life. Please have mercy on us; we still need to provide for ourselves."

The other two leaders were about to speak, but Haotian raised a hand to stop them. "I give you two choices. First, bring your people and join my territory. You will become my citizens, and I will ensure everyone has enough to eat and wear. The second choice is to remain autonomous, but each settlement must provide me with three hundred workers. I will supply them with food and water in return."

The three leaders were stunned. The sand people behind them were equally shocked. They hadn't expected any compensation from Haotian, prepared instead for forced labor without reward.

"Praise Brewster, the true god!" one leader exclaimed, his voice trembling. "Honored Lord, are you really willing to accept us as your citizens and not as your slaves?"

"Slavery would taint my territory," Haotian replied with a smile. "As long as you work hard, the Golden Oasis will be your new home."

"Praise be to you, merciful Lord!" the leader cried, dropping to his knees. The other leaders and their followers quickly followed suit, overwhelmed with gratitude. To them, the Golden Oasis was paradise.

"You've made a wise choice," Haotian said, still smiling. "Now, return to your settlements and bring your people to the Golden Oasis."

"Yes, great Lord!" they responded in unison, offering profuse thanks before hurrying away.

Watching them leave, Agou, the gnoll, couldn't help but comment, "Great Divine Envoy, you are too kind to these humble sand people. With your army, you could easily subdue them."

"War means casualties," Haotian replied, glancing at Agou. "Each dead sand person is one less worker. Would you prefer to do the quarrying and woodcutting yourself?"

Agou, realizing the wisdom in Haotian's words, was about to kneel in apology when Haotian kicked him lightly. "Grab your axe and get back to chopping! No dinner until you've felled a hundred trees."

"Yes, great Divine Envoy, right away!" Agou scrambled off, a broad grin on his face. Haotian's kick was a gesture of favor to him.

By afternoon, with Agou's help, the woodcutting efficiency had doubled. Haotian's stockpile of lumber reached four thousand units, enough to upgrade the village hall to a town hall. Now, he just needed more gold.

Around three or four o'clock, the sand people began arriving at the Golden Oasis. The lush scenery left them in awe, their jaws dropping at the sight.

"This is like a dream!" they exclaimed. "To think such beauty exists in the desert!"

"The old Golden Oasis was nothing like this," one of them said. "It wasn't nearly this vast, nor so full of trees and flowers. This place is like an elven realm!"

"Praise the Lord!" they chanted. "He is truly great and merciful!"

A total of over 2,800 sand people were settled by Haotian on the east side of Sapphire Lake, near the livestock pen. The majority were adults, with only a fifth being children or elderly. The harsh desert meant few lived past fifty, and the birth rate was low.

For Haotian, this was good news: more adults meant more workers. As he organized the sand people, he recalled his Royal Knight regiment for additional security, as he did not fully trust the new arrivals yet.

Upon seeing the knights, the sand people were even more obedient, understanding how their Lord had conquered the powerful Blackwind Tribe.

Ultimately, all the sand people joined Haotian's territory, becoming his citizens. This wasn't just a matter of swearing allegiance; it was recognized by the Lord's system, ensuring their loyalty. They were now as devoted as any recruited soldiers.