# Chapter 34: Sand King
In the small stone room, the fluctuations of two "Original Sin Objects" spread, seeming to solidify the air itself. This caused everyone in the room, except Su Xiao and Kaisa, to be exceptionally tense.
"So, your plan is to give both of these Original Sin Objects to the Sand King?"
The High Priest spoke, his expression somewhat worried. If the plan was truly this, he wouldn't even prepare to head to the "Rich Water Capital" of the Desert Kingdom, which was the central royal city.
"First give the crown. If that doesn't work, give another one."
Su Xiao tapped the Abyssal Box with his index finger, causing the Nether energy inside to fluctuate slightly.
"What if, I say what if, the Sand King not only resonates with the Soul Crown, but also resonates with this second Original Sin Object?"
The Ghost Tribe Prophet spoke.
"Heh~, what do you think happens then?"
Baha said with a laugh. Hearing this, even the Platinum Archbishop twitched at the corner of his eye. He looked at Su Xiao suspiciously, estimating that Su Xiao probably couldn't summon a third Original Sin Object.
"Let's not talk about that for now. I estimate that even just this crown, the Sand King won't be able to handle."
Somewhat hunched, the aged Ghost Tribe Prophet changed the subject, mainly because the more he listened, the more uneasy he felt. He secretly observed Su Xiao, gaining a new impression of how the Law Destroyers dealt with enemies—when in doubt, send an "Original Sin Object." No one could withstand that.
The plan was set. The group would first arrive at the central royal capital "Rich Water Capital" of the Desert Kingdom, get a general understanding of the forces under the Sand King's command, then adapt accordingly. Although Su Xiao had some understanding of the Sand King's forces through the intelligence channels of the Alliance Hunter Unit, seeing was believing.
Su Xiao took out a Soul Crystal Core. Though somewhat pained, he still took out a technique carving knife and carved a small teleportation array pattern on this Soul Crystal Core. When the time came, he only needed to draw a debuff teleportation array, using this Soul Crystal Core as the central node, to construct a one-time teleportation array.
Although this method was convenient to use, the teleportation experience... hmm, was rather indescribable. Previously, Sacred Hymn had experienced a "One-Time Demon Teleportation Array." Her original words were that she felt like she had broken through the boundaries of dimensions. Of course, this was Sacred Hymn being tactful. To put it bluntly: "I felt like I almost died."
The Ghost Tribe Prophet had a Covenant Item that allowed him to freely teleport himself, but there were many restrictions. For example, aside from himself, even carrying a very small insect prevented spatial movement.
Su Xiao tossed the Soul Crystal Core engraved with the teleportation technique to the Ghost Tribe Prophet. Seeing this, the Ghost Tribe Prophet took a deep breath, then held it. A few seconds later, his figure began to blur and eventually disappeared.
The reason for using the teleportation array to reach "Rich Water Capital" was not only for speed but also to hide their tracks. Currently, "Rich Water Capital" was completely controlled by the Sand King. Even the seemingly inconspicuous tramps on the streets could be informants of the "Holy Sand Castle."
The so-called "Holy Sand Castle" was actually the royal palace used by the Desert Kingdom for generations. This was a very ancient kingdom. In the ancient era when the Alliance and the Northern Kingdom had not yet been established and the various kingdoms were still in chaotic warfare, the Desert Kingdom had already roughly unified its tribes. The Holy Sand Castle located in "Rich Water Capital" was the center of power.
Initially, the Holy Sand Castle was more like a parliamentary institution. The chiefs of several major tribes in the desert served as the leaders ruling the Desert Kingdom. This system continued until the Defector came to this world. A few years later, the Defector became the Sand King, gradually becoming the autocratic monarch of the Desert Kingdom by controlling the freshwater supply.
Su Xiao could confirm that at this stage, he couldn't enter the Holy Sand Castle. Not just enter, even approaching would be detected by the Sand King's subordinates.
After some investigation, Su Xiao already knew what the Sand King intended to do. Previously, the Black Rose aimed to use the resources of the Saint Lan Kingdom and the calamity generated from cooperating with the Radiance God to ultimately achieve "Absolute Strength." The result was that the Black Rose succeeded, but just after succeeding, something went wrong, and she was sent by Su Xiao to the Eternal Light World for "training."
The Black Rose was once a member of the Law Destruction Faction, so her vision was naturally high. As for the Sand King they were about to deal with, would his vision be low?
Of course, the Sand King's vision wasn't low. His ambition was great enough to swallow the entire world. The current Desert Kingdom appeared backward and poor, but after Kaisa secretly investigated, he discovered that "Rich Water Capital" had strong soldiers and abundant horses. On this vast desert, the Desert Kingdom had no enemies. Why expend such material and human resources to cultivate such a desert legion?
There were only two answers: 1. Ally with the Northern Empire to attack the Alliance. 2. Ally with the Alliance to attack the Northern Empire.
Apart from these two possibilities, there was no other need for such a large-scale desert legion. Was the Sand King going to swallow one of the Alliance or the Northern Empire? No, this guy clearly intended to first win over one, crush the other, then turn around and kill his ally. The name "Defector" wasn't given for nothing.
If the Sand King ruled these three vast territories—the Desert Kingdom, the Alliance, and the Northern Empire—the resources he could obtain afterward might be enough for him to take a step toward "Supreme Strength."
The Black Rose's goal was "Absolute Strength," which was the level of Soaring Wind King and Holy Maiden Seat. The Sand King's ambition was greater, intending to become "Supreme Strength," which was the level of the Underworld God, Soul Lord, and Deer God.
While Su Xiao was pondering these things, the teleportation array he had just carved on the ground began to glow faintly, causing everyone in the room to have complex expressions.
Su Xiao, Bubu Wang, Amu, and Baha all stepped onto the teleportation array. The Platinum Archbishop hesitated for a few seconds before also stepping on. The High Priest wanted to say something but ultimately stepped on as well. Everyone's gaze turned to Sacred Hymn, who shook her head—this was her last stubbornness.
A moment later, amidst Sacred Hymn muttering curses at Su Xiao, the teleportation array activated with a bang.
When the teleportation was complete, the Platinum Archbishop straightened the mask on his face, took a deep breath, and had already somewhat adapted.
[Tip: Your Space Resistance has permanently increased by 12 points.]
"Ugh~"
Sacred Hymn received this tip while dry heaving. She was first a bit stunned, then resigned.
The fragrance of early autumn night flowers spread around. Su Xiao was in a warehouse without a door, covered by a membrane-like barrier. This was clearly the Ghost Tribe Prophet's doing, to prevent the loud noise from the teleportation from alerting the farm owner.
Exiting the warehouse, a flower field bathed in moonlight came into view. It was the unique thorn flowers of the Desert Kingdom, one season per year. The stems had thorns, the sap had medicinal value, and the roots, after being dried and ground into powder and roasted, made a beverage similar in taste to coffee.
Looking around, Su Xiao saw a half-meter-high low wall enclosing a large area. Green land was precious in the Desert Kingdom, each piece having a corresponding deed. This hundred-acre green land belonged to a local farm owner named Kerba.
The value of such premium green land capable of growing thorn flowers and Sanka trees was easy to imagine. Moreover, Kerba wasn't just a farm owner; he was also a famous wealthy merchant in "Rich Water Capital."
Su Xiao looked toward the castle surrounded by flower fields. Since it was already past midnight, all rooms in the castle were pitch black. Farm Owner Kerba, his three wives, and seven children all lived here.
"Boss, the guards are all taken care of. They won't wake up for at least 48 hours."
Baha flew over silently and landed on Su Xiao's shoulder. Dealing with a dozen guards of a wealthy merchant was a trivial matter for Baha.
Su Xiao and his group walked toward the castle a hundred meters away. Pushing open the main door and entering, they saw a row of guards lying on the banquet table in the main hall, their snores rising and falling. One guy's foot odor spread throughout the main hall.
Going up the spiral staircase to escape the foot odor zone, Su Xiao stopped in front of a bedroom door. Looking at the all-metal door locked from the inside, and considering the fairly good public security in "Rich Water Capital," Farm Owner Kerba must have done many guilty deeds to order such a bedroom door.
Su Xiao took out the Mysterious Eye, attached it to the door lock. A few seconds later, with two clicks, the door opened.
Su Xiao, Amu, Baha, Bubu Wang, Kaisa, the Platinum Archbishop, the High Priest, and the Ghost Tribe Prophet entered the bedroom. Several people surrounded a large bed, on which lay the middle-aged, somewhat pudgy Farm Owner Kerba, with two beautiful women in his arms. Judging by their age, these probably weren't Kerba's three wives.
"Hey, wake up."
The High Priest poked Kerba's double chin with his staff. Unexpectedly, Kerba was completely unaware and continued snoring like thunder. Seeing this, Amu pulled out the Dragonheart Axe. The large axe fell naturally, the blade half-sinking into the ground with a thud.
Kerba kicked his legs and woke up with a start. He blinked his bleary eyes, looked around at the people standing by the bed, and almost went into shock on the spot. This couldn't be blamed on him. First, there was Amu holding the Dragonheart Axe like a reaper coming for his soul. Then there was the Platinum Archbishop in a bright red robe and platinum mask, which was quite frightening. Beside him were two old men with the appearance of gods and ghosts (the High Priest and Ghost Tribe Prophet). Further over was Kaisa wearing the Abyssal Jar. Finally, there was Su Xiao, half-shrouded in darkness, with -17 Charm, and blood energy seemingly spreading around him.
It was the middle of the night. Kerba opened his eyes and saw this lineup. His first thought was that he had slept to death, and this was the legendary Underworld.
"Several... several Nether Envoys, I... I haven't done anything bad, please be lenient."
Kerba subconsciously said this, but then he realized something was wrong. The surroundings looked exactly like his bedroom. Looking carefully, it was indeed his bedroom.
"Several sirs, the safe is over there. Take everything inside, please don't be polite. Just don't take my life."
Kerba spoke with his eyes closed, acting as if the room was too dark and he hadn't seen Su Xiao and the others' faces. Clearly, Kerba hadn't achieved his current assets by accident. Both his adaptability and intelligence were considerable.
Seeing Kerba's reaction, Su Xiao knew things would be easy from here. He went to the safe, opened it, took out two bags of gold coins, and tossed them to the two beautiful women huddled in the corner, covered with a sheet.
"Shh."
Baha made a silencing gesture. The two women clutched the money bags with both hands and nodded repeatedly, then simply pulled the sheet over their heads to minimize their presence.
Crack, crack, crack~
A crystal seat formed beside the bed. Su Xiao sat on the crystal seat, looking calmly at Kerba.
Ten seconds later, Kerba was drenched in cold sweat. Half a minute later, Kerba was completely unsettled, his heart rate dropping to 30-40 beats per minute.
"They exhausted their family wealth and commissioned me to skin you alive."
Su Xiao spoke. Hearing this, Kerba both breathed a sigh of relief and became angry, saying, "It was clearly them who..."
Su Xiao raised his hand, indicating Kerba need not say more. Actually, Su Xiao didn't know what the matter was about, but someone without a guilty conscience wouldn't reinforce their bedroom door to armored level, with window glass being Alliance-made fourth-grade crystal.
"Help me do something."
"Okay, okay, not just one, ten is no problem."
Kerba agreed very readily, as this was a life-and-death matter.
Su Xiao raised his hand. Amu handed him a portrait. Su Xiao aimed the portrait at Kerba and asked, "This person, do you recognize him?"
"Don't recognize him."
"..."
Su Xiao made as if to stand up and leave. Amu immediately swung the axe down, preparing to chop off Kerba's head. Amu didn't care about anything else; if Su Xiao instructed it, he would do it.
"I recognize him!!"
Kerba shouted. The axe blade stopped less than a centimeter from his neck. The sharp blade made him feel terrified, and his throat, about to be struck, ached faintly.
"He, he is the Quartermaster of Rich Water Capital, Gabuchi. I had a celebratory banquet with him a few days ago. Our personal relationship is very good. He is my friend."
"Very good. Invite him to your castle tomorrow noon."
Su Xiao sat down again. Amu moved the Dragonheart Axe away.
"But, this is my old friend."
"Hmm?"
"This bastard often commits crimes. Even if he's my friend, he should be punished!"
In the end, Kerba spoke righteously. It wasn't that he had turned from evil to good, but that Amu's Dragonheart Axe was pressed against his neck again, which strengthened his conscience.
When the sky was just getting light, Kerba's entire family was tied up and locked in his bedroom. Kerba himself sat in the main seat of the banquet hall, with Amu behind his chair responsible for "protecting" the farm owner's safety.
In the banquet hall, Su Xiao sat cross-legged on a single sofa meditating. Since the "Heart Meditation" ability's level had broken through Lv.90, he found that improving this ability was extremely difficult. However, correspondingly, each level increase brought considerable improvement to himself.
Time quickly reached noon. The main gate of the farm courtyard was open. The guards and servants appeared normal, but if one observed carefully, they would find a small, inconspicuous bump on the back of each person's head, indicating that their actions were being controlled like puppets by the High Priest.
A car stopped in the courtyard. Cars were rare in the Desert Kingdom, all imported by sea from the Alliance, costing dozens of times more than in the Alliance. Therefore, those who rode cars in the Desert Kingdom were either rich or noble.
Quartermaster Gabuchi got out of the car. This thin, middle-aged man wearing a small round hat was one of the most trusted confidants of the Sand King's Right Minister. Because of this, he could sit in the position of Quartermaster of Rich Water Capital. Don't underestimate this position. It was not only a lucrative post but also held considerable authority, especially now that Rich Water Capital was secretly stationing troops.
Quartermaster Gabuchi casually tossed his small round hat into the car. The reason he came alone was that he and Farm Owner Kerba had been partners in crime... ahem, had cooperated for a long time. Both had made a fortune.
"This damn weather, so hot."
Gabuchi wiped the sweat from his forehead, entered the cool castle, and familiarly went up the spiral staircase to the banquet hall on the third floor. He pushed the door open and entered.
"Kerba, why did you urgently call me here? Do you have another..."
Gabuchi stopped mid-sentence, suddenly feeling something was wrong. He looked around furtively, finding that the windows were sealed, and the door behind him slammed shut, covered with ice on the outside.
"Daring to ambush me, you've gotten quite bold, Kerba."
Gabuchi pressed one hand on his lower back and spoke through gritted teeth. Kerba, sitting at the main seat of the banquet table, said nothing.
"Let your hired men come out. There's something I never told you. Lord Right Minister promoted me not only because my brain works well, but also because I'm more capable in combat than I appear."
Gabuchi spoke while pulling a short blade from his lower back. He stared at Kerba across from him, but was puzzled to find Kerba frowning and slowly shaking his head at him.
"Oh ho, from the sound of it, you think you can fight?"
An alternate space opened, and Baha flew out. Then Su Xiao, Amu, the Platinum Archbishop, the High Priest, the Ghost Tribe Prophet, and Sacred Hymn walked out of the alternate space.
The next second, Gabuchi, who had his back to the banquet hall door, hid the hand holding the short blade behind his back. Cold sweat seeped from his forehead. He was terrified at that moment. Among these five people, he recognized three—not because he wanted to, but from newspapers: the Dean of the Alliance's Twilight Madhouse, Kukulin Bai Ye; the Chief Archbishop of the Sun God Church, Platinum Archbishop; and the High Priest of the Dawn God Church, Trivikan.
Gabuchi swallowed hard. He could confirm that if he made any move to call for help or any other suspicious action, his head would part ways with his body.
"Several sirs, I am..."
Gabuchi had only spoken half a sentence when a hood was placed over his head. This item was called the [Deceiver's Headwrap].
The moment the [Deceiver's Headwrap] was put on, Gabuchi's body suddenly became rigid, straight as a rod. He fell stiffly to the ground, twitched once, and then stopped moving.
Then, Kaisa, now one with the jar, clasped his hands together, muttered Goblin language, and his body trembled as yellow smoke emerged. A marvelous scene appeared: Kaisa's appearance and aura began to transform into Gabuchi's. This was the wonderful use of one of Kaisa's three divine artifacts, the [Deceiver's Headwrap].
To be precise, Kaisa wasn't disguising himself; he was temporarily replacing Gabuchi's existence on a conceptual level. To outsiders, Kaisa was still Kaisa, but in everyone's impression, Kaisa had been the Quartermaster of Rich Water Capital for a long time. This was the effect of replacing existence.
Two hours later, a well-fed 'Quartermaster Gabuchi' drove away from the farm, heading toward the rear district of Rich Water Capital. Everything seemed very ordinary.
...
The evening sun hung at the edge of the sky, bathing Rich Water Capital, this desert-style city, in the afterglow of dusk. Among the uneven buildings, a majestic structure was very conspicuous. This was an ancient building called "Holy Sand Castle."
At this moment, in the council hall of "Holy Sand Castle," a group of ministers and nobles respectfully withdrew. On the throne forged from black iron sat a figure with a bare upper body, his right arm completely covered in golden scales. His build was robust, over three meters tall, with wine-red hair adding to his sense of power. His eyes were so pitch black they were terrifying. Just meeting his gaze made one unable to control the urge to kneel and worship. The aura was such that only by prostrating on the ground could one feel slightly at ease.
Yes, this powerful king was the tyrant who ruled the entire Desert Kingdom, the Sand King.
On the left and right sides of the Sand King stood a man and a woman. The man had one eye, a thin build, and an aura like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows. That single eye coldly stared at enemies. This was the Sand King's Right Minister, Kaga.
On the other side of the throne was the Left Minister, in charge of finance and taxation. The silver metal mask on her face was very similar to the one Silver Face wore, suggesting both came from the Deer Horn Organization.
"After waiting so long, we're finally going to see the Alliance and the Northern Empire go to war again."
The Sand King spoke in a deep voice. Hearing this, the Left and Right Ministers on both sides bowed in agreement.
"Kaga, has your soul injury improved?"
The Sand King picked up the metal cup on the armrest of his throne and drank the wine in one gulp.
"It's somewhat better, my King."
Right Minister Kaga didn't appear overly respectful, since there were no outsiders present. Being too respectful to the Sand King would instead seem distant and alienating.
"In a few days, I'll go to Saint Lan. I heard a famous doctor who can treat soul injuries has appeared there."
"I dare not trouble the King to go personally. I will go instead."
"A doctor who can treat soul injuries is rare even in the Void, let alone here."
As the Sand King spoke, the Left Minister refilled his empty cup.
Clearly, the Sand King wasn't a pure tyrant. His few capable ministers were completely loyal to him. If the Sand King were an incompetent tyrant, he couldn't have ruled the Desert Kingdom for so many years, nor could he have built a desert legion capable of contending with the Alliance and the Northern Empire.
However, every late night when all is quiet, the Sand King would recall a past scene—the moment when he pierced the back of the already severely wounded Mawen Hua'erzi with his sword. The look of shock and pain in the other's eyes when he turned to look at him replayed in his nightmares again and again.
'Little brat, you look like you're about to starve to death. Want to come with me? I'll fill your stomach, there's meat to eat.'
The child who was starving to death by the roadside could never forget those words, even now that he was a king, he couldn't completely forget them.
The Sand King had betrayed the Law Destruction Faction in the most straightforward way. The reason was simple: the Sand King wanted to stand on the winning side. The defeat of the Law Destruction Faction had reached an irreversible point. There were too few Law Destroyers.
"My King, one of my trusted subordinates has a treasure he wishes to present to you. I wonder..."
Right Minister Kaga's words pulled the Sand King back from his memories. The Sand King raised his hand, indicating to decline. Over the years, too many people had presented treasures, and rarely were they good things he needed. Moreover, when facing these gift-givers, as a king, he generally had to give something in return. If he gave too little, it made him seem stingy. If he gave too much, he lost out, which was both frustrating and had nowhere to complain.
"Ahem~, this time it really is a treasure."
Saying this, Right Minister Kaga smiled helplessly and awkwardly. The Left Minister beside him turned her head to stifle a laugh.
"Oh?"
The Sand King's interest was piqued. He pondered for a moment. This subordinate had followed him faithfully for so many years. If he refused again after the other had recommended this gift-giver twice, it would be somewhat inappropriate. He waved his hand slightly, indicating for Right Minister Kaga to bring the gift-giver.
Before long, Right Minister Kaga brought the cowering Quartermaster Gabuchi into the council hall. Quartermaster Gabuchi—no, it should be Kaisa with his explosive acting skills—knelt on the ground with a mix of fear and expectation.
Seeing the kneeling Kaisa, the Sand King on the throne frowned. For some reason, seeing this person made him inexplicably uncomfortable, uneasy all over. Compared to the treasure the other was presenting, he wanted more to immediately order him taken out and beheaded.
"Great King, I happened to find a treasure to present to you. Please take a look."
Kaisa opened the exquisite wooden box in his arms. A black crown appeared in the Sand King's line of sight. The moment he saw this object, the Sand King's pupils rapidly contracted. He stood up abruptly from his throne.
"Guards! Take this person out and behead him!"
The Sand King shouted. A dozen personal guards burst open the door, and without explanation, grabbed Kaisa by his hands and feet and carried him out.
"Throw this thing into the border deep ditch, no, throw it into the farthest sea."
The Sand King pointed at the wooden box on the ground. A guard closed it, picked it up, and walked toward the council hall exit. Just as this guard reached the door, the Sand King gradually calmed from his rage. He made as if to speak but held back.
Just as the guard holding the wooden box was about to close the council hall door, the Sand King ordered, "Come back."
Hearing this command, the guard who was almost closing the door stopped, returned to the council hall, knelt on one knee, lowered his head, and waited for the Sand King's judgment.
The Sand King paced back and forth in front of the throne. Finally, he ordered his ten personal guards to strictly guard this item, temporarily not throwing it away. Although the Sand King sensed that this item was most likely an Original Sin Object, Original Sin Objects also had compatibility. If one had high compatibility with a certain Original Sin Object, it wasn't a disaster but rather a great opportunity. The Sand King vaguely felt that his compatibility with this crown was very high, but the rationality in his heart prevented him from rashly touching this object.
Time passed unnoticed. At 11 PM, in the sleeping hall of Holy Sand Castle, the Sand King on the bed opened his eyes. Moonlight shone on him through the open French windows. The night wind moved the thin gauze curtains. The Sand King gently rubbed his forehead with one hand. A moment later, he ordered:
"Someone."
As soon as he spoke, the guard stationed outside the sleeping hall entered and knelt on one knee.
"Go, bring that crown here."
The guard acknowledged the order and soon brought the wooden box. He opened it, knelt on one knee, and presented the wooden box with both hands.
The Sand King looked at the crown in the wooden box. The more he looked, the more entranced he became. Finally, a smile appeared on his face, and he said, "I am the sovereign you have been waiting to serve."
With these words, the Sand King picked up the Original Sin Object: Soul Crown. When he came to his senses, he had already placed the Soul Crown on his head. What surprised him even more was that he felt only an instant had passed, yet it was already dawn. What puzzled him further was that he found his strength had taken a great leap forward. However, it seemed he was holding something in his right hand. He raised it to look—it was a withered corpse. The corpse's expression was exceptionally twisted, and its shriveled eyes seemed to still hold disbelief.
The Sand King examined it carefully and finally confirmed that this was his trusted subordinate, Right Minister Kaga.
"My King, what... what are you doing?"
In the royal hall, the Left Minister, whose body was trembling like a sieve, spoke. Behind her were dozens of bewildered personal guards.