However, sometimes they would be rescued by Adventurers exploring the Dark Tide, or by mercenary groups dispatched by the Lord; these were the fortunate Wanderers. The fate of those Wanderers who weren't rescued...
Lu Xuan looked at these dozen or so Wanderers, his mind racing.
Generally speaking, these Wanderers might be a burden to Adventurers, but to a Lord, they were perfect laborers.
He could have them work in his territory.
Most Lords, upon encountering Wanderers, would choose to bring them back and have them serve their territory.
Therefore, Lu Xuan felt a sense of pleasant surprise.
The first mercenary aid mission yielded gold!
They actually brought back Wanderers!
Lu Xuan gazed at the three mercenaries before him; their armor was full of cracks, clearly having endured countless fierce battles. The damaged armor highlighted their exhausted faces, which were covered in a thick layer of dust, almost obscuring their features.
Immediately, Lu Xuan stepped forward, patted Black Wolf's shoulder, and said gratefully, "You've worked hard. I'll cover the cost of your equipment repairs later. You can go rest; there are many rooms in the castle, use whichever you like!"
"Thank you, My Lord!"
Upon hearing this, a sincere smile appeared on Black Wolf's tired face as he bowed deeply to Lu Xuan. Iron Fist, behind him, also beamed with a joyful smile and followed suit, bowing in thanks.
Hearing the Lord's words, both of them instantly felt that all the hardships of their journey were worth it.
"Rest well. I'll handle these Wanderers."
Lu Xuan said with a smile.
"Yes, My Lord." After Black Wolf and Iron Fist received their orders, they retired to rest. They were utterly exhausted and needed a good sleep.
Only after the two had departed did Lu Xuan notice Withering Shadow following behind them.
Withering Shadow's cloak was also tattered, revealing much of her pale, slender skin.
Noticing Lu Xuan's gaze, Withering Shadow jogged over and handed him an earthy-yellow crystal.
"For you... My... Lord... It's 30 progress in total."
Her voice was faint, almost imperceptible.
It seemed she was indeed utterly exhausted.
Lu Xuan thought to himself.
But he still took the earthy-yellow crystal and examined it.
[Earth Demon Sac Crystal: Formed by the combination of four Earth Demon Sac crystals, it gathers a large amount of earth power within. If released, the internal earth power will condense and solidify, transforming into expansive land.]
[Capacity: 20 square kilometers]
[Current Capacity: 30% / 100% (6 square kilometers / 20 square kilometers)]
[Usage Method: Only the Lord can use it. Use mental power to control the earth power to extend and expand within your territory.]
Looking at the filled portion inside the crystal, that was the land snatched from the Dark Tide, and also the power of earth.
"You've worked hard, Withering Shadow." Lu Xuan smiled, "Go rest first; I'll handle these Wanderers."
"Thank... you... My... Lord..." Withering Shadow said softly.
"Go on." Lu Xuan smiled, instinctively reaching out, only to touch her hooded head, then withdrew his hand.
But her body stiffened momentarily.
Then she slowly turned and jogged away.
Watching her leave, Lu Xuan turned his attention to the flustered Wanderers before him.
He first scanned these people with his mental power.
He found that most of them were ordinary people.
It was a pity; there were no extraordinary power users who could be directly cultivated.
Lu Xuan already had a decision on how to arrange them.
Immediately, he stepped forward and said loudly, "You are very fortunate to have escaped from the Dark Tide! Let me introduce myself: I am a Lord, possessing powerful strength, capable of resisting the Dark Tide and protecting you.
Of course, I will not force you to become my subjects. I give you the right to choose. If you are willing to stay in my territory, I welcome you greatly, but you must obey my commands. If you are unwilling, I can also take you to other places."
As Lu Xuan spoke, he exerted strong mental pressure. For these ordinary people before him, he needed to display his power.
In an instant, these Wanderers felt a powerful aura, and fear arose from within them.
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment, and none of the Wanderers responded.
"Are you... the legendary... Lord?"
Just as the atmosphere became heavy, an old man with an aged appearance stepped out from among the Wanderers.
"I've heard tales of the Lord, but I never imagined I would truly see one in my lifetime!"
The old man seemed to have some knowledge. Lu Xuan nodded slightly, "That's right, I am the Lord, and this is my territory."
The old man's face showed reverence, then he surveyed the surrounding crowd and said excitedly,
"Everyone, this esteemed adult before us is the legendary Lord! He possesses the power to fight against those disasters, a divine existence! It is our good fortune to have met him!"
The old man's words caused a stir among the Wanderers.
"Old John, is what you say true?"
"Can we really settle down here? Can the Lord truly protect us?"
"I don't want to run anymore; I want to live! I want to stay here!"
The Wanderers discussed animatedly, their eyes filled with hope, wishing that Lu Xuan could fulfill their desires.
And Lu Xuan could clearly hear everyone's words. Looking at these people, he nodded slightly and responded loudly,
"I can save you. Here with me, you no longer need to fear the attacks of those Dark Tide monsters."
When Lu Xuan spoke these words, tears welled up in the Wanderers' eyes.
"Thank you, My Lord, we will definitely obey your commands."
"My Lord, if you can give us food and shelter, we are willing to stay!"
The Wanderers knelt before Lu Xuan, expressing their respect and gratitude to him.
Of course, some Wanderers harbored doubts; they knew nothing about this legendary Lord before them.
They simply held a skeptical attitude, choosing to stay.
They had lost their homes and had nowhere else to go, only hoping to find a place of rest.
If it could be realized, they were also willing to obey the commands of this Lord.
Lu Xuan was delighted to see that all these Wanderers were willing to stay, and he nodded happily.
Afterward, he took out crops like carrots from the castle's storage room and gave them to these Wanderers to satiate their hunger.
And the crops he took out were all edible directly, requiring no processing.
Of course, the crops given to the Wanderers were ordinary, with no special effects, so he didn't feel bad about it.
Seeing the food spread across the ground, the Wanderers' eyes gleamed green like hungry falcons; they hadn't seen so much food in a long time.
And after eating the carrots, tears instantly streamed down their faces. Such delicious things, the Lord had so generously given to them.
At this moment, in their hearts, this Lord was a great existence, like a deity.