The Harvest Festival of the Golden Oasis

In the forbidden territory of the Greyland Dwarf Kingdom stood a massive wooden ship-shaped structure. It measured an astounding four hundred meters in length, seventy meters in width, and nearly a hundred meters in height. Even Haotian's Sky-Swallowing Dragon Python King would appear diminutive beside it.

"Is this the battleship those dwarves spoke of?" one of the powerful Royal Judicator Knights remarked, standing beneath the enormous structure.

"Indeed," another knight confirmed. "A dwarf claimed that their ancestors navigated this dwarven battleship across the Forest of Life to reach the Karal Desert. Unfortunately, the ship sustained severe damage, and the Greyland Dwarves lacked the technology to repair it. They had no choice but to leave it here. The heavy magic cannon that pierced Bone Dragon Charles was dismantled from this very ship."

The battleship, neglected for over a century, had accumulated layers of dust, with many parts missing. Remarkably, the wood used to construct it had not decayed over the years, a testament to its mysterious durability.

"We should bring it back to our lord. If it can be restored or its construction methods studied, our territory could also possess such battleships. These warships are immensely powerful weapons of war, capable of great destruction. Having a fleet of them would greatly facilitate our conquest of the Sacred Continent."

***

"Do we have the war damage report?" a Royal Judicator Knight inquired.

"Yes," another knight replied. "We lost a total of 796 Royal Gryphon Knights in this war. Their souls have returned to the void, awaiting rebirth in our lord's divine kingdom."

"How envious! Glorious death, eternal life!" another knight exclaimed. "I wonder when it will be our turn…"

The knights laughed heartily, their faces showing no trace of sorrow, only envy and anticipation. As future devotees of their lord, their sole aim was to fall in battle and be resurrected in their lord's divine kingdom, achieving eternal life. The path to godhood was far more elusive and, for most, unattainable. Even if they broke through their bloodline limits on the battlefield, they would at best reach the Saint level. Becoming a deity was beyond their reach. Hence, dying valiantly for their lord and gaining eternal life was their most realistic aspiration.

"Let's clean up the battlefield and bring the spoils and the Greyland Dwarves' reserves back to our lord, especially the fine iron!"

"Yes, sir!"

***

Outside the capital, the corpse dragon fished Bone Dragon Charles' head out of the moat. The large, white skull still burned with a ghostly blue soul fire. Though its body was shattered, Charles' soul fire remained unscathed. Given time, it could reassemble its skeleton, but with the corpse dragon's assistance, the process would be much quicker.

"Foolish Charles, I still need a leg bone and three ribs. Find them for me," Charles grumbled.

The corpse dragon, annoyed by the constant nagging, threw Charles' head to the ground. It then lazily gathered the missing bones.

Soon, with the abundant supply of soul essence, the soul fire within Charles' skull flared brightly, causing the bones scattered nearby to tremble. In just a few minutes, Bone Dragon Charles' skeleton was reassembled, even the gaping hole in its chest restored.

"Our strength is still too weak," Charles mused. "If it were the Zombie Dragon King, it would have only lost some skin at most."

Charles twisted its head and body, producing a series of cracking sounds. "Our third brother has slain many undead in the Dragonfall Gorge and has already advanced to high-level Saint rank. We should also head there to strengthen ourselves."

"The third brother" referred to Ghost Dragon Charles.

The corpse dragon retorted, "Charles is currently the strongest among us. He's our leader."

Bone Dragon Charles sneered, "That's only temporary! Give me a few days, and I'll reclaim my position as the leader!"

"Surpass me first," the corpse dragon replied, turning to leave. "I'm off to eat."

Watching the corpse dragon flap its wings and fly into the city, Bone Dragon Charles fumed. The Royal Gryphon Knights had slain countless Greyland Dwarves, and the blood and flesh were a feast for the corpse dragon. Meanwhile, Charles had to use all the soul power it absorbed to repair its body. It feared becoming the weakest of the three brothers, an unacceptable outcome for one who aspired to be the leader.

"I, Charles, will never allow such a thing to happen!" it vowed fiercely.

***

In the Golden Oasis, a grand festival was underway. All the sandfolk had set aside their work to gather near the livestock farms. They lit numerous bonfires, roasting delicious lake fish and whole elk. The aroma of roasted meat and the joyful laughter of the sandfolk filled the entire territory.

Fruits, bread, and other goods purchased by the Crystal Chamber of Commerce from Forest City were distributed among the people. Today was the Golden Oasis' Harvest Festival, and everyone had one task: to eat.

Haotian had also ordered the new Rat King, Harvey, to allow the ratfolk to enjoy the festivities. The celebration would last all day, and once the Royal Gryphon Knights and the ancient tree army returned, it would become even more lively and spectacular.

To ensure everyone, including the golden gryphons, feasted to their heart's content, Haotian had slaughtered at least seventy thousand fat elk. He had also taken all the lake fish caught from Sapphire Lake and provided ample reserves of beast meat. In short, there was no shortage of food.

***

"Lord, your speech was full of passion and inspiration! Praise to you and this heavenly dream oasis!" In the backyard, Sophia, her cheeks flushed, raised her glass to Haotian. She was drunk again.

In the midst of the festivities, Sophia had decided to let loose, intending to drink until she dropped with Haotian. However, she had overestimated her own tolerance and underestimated Haotian's. Before Haotian even began, Sophia was already swaying unsteadily.

Once again, Haotian ended up carrying her to the guest room. This time, he stayed in the room for quite a while before emerging.

"That beautiful guild leader must have gotten drunk on purpose," Haotian mused. "I thought I was the hunter…"