Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence

Splattered blood dyed the magnificent golden hall red, the gilded reliefs melting into wriggling serpentine shapes in the bloody mist. Phyllis' terrified screams echoed through the heavy curtain of water. The clang of drawn swords and the clatter of iron armor reverberated from all directions.

Limbs flew, flesh splattered, and a familiar severed hand, dripping with blood, passed before Su Li's eyes. Blood droplets appeared clearly before him, like beads off a broken string, but instead of falling, they flowed backward along the hall's domed ceiling, dyeing the cloaks of the battling ancient knights in the war murals a crimson hue.

This absurd scene made Su Li realize with surprise that his thoughts seemed to have slowed down considerably. Only now did he realize that the familiar hand seemed to be his own.

But when he looked down at his severed hand, the fractured surface of the palmar bone revealed a translucent texture like a crystal vein.

Why didn't he feel any pain?

That's right, there's no pain in dreams!

Su Li suddenly sat up straight, opening his eyes and gasping for breath. He looked out the window, and the magnificent golden hall from his dream was in the distance, the manor's reception hall with its fluttering crimson iris banners.

But now, the resplendent hall was covered in silver, and snowflakes continued to fall from the sky.

This was the first snow of the winter, and its arrival marked the beginning of the harsh winter.

Su Li frowned slightly, with a sense of foreboding. He hated the changing seasons. Every time the seasons changed, the divine power shifted, causing violent tremors in the mortal world, affecting his peaceful farming life.

Especially since the deity on duty was Yurick, the god of war, the wolf god, and the god of winter. He was the blood brother of Tal.

As the lord of winter, Yurick was a cold, ruthless, and vengeful god. He expected his followers to rely on their own strength and be self-sufficient, demonstrating their loyalty to him on the battlefield through their valor. Compared to the civilized gods, Yurick was savage and brutal, fierce and independent, the embodiment of strength, honor, and courage.

In fact, he asked nothing more of his followers than strength, honor, and courage. Yurick admired boldness, fearlessness, and ruthlessness, despising weakness, cowardice, and treachery.

In the cold northern lands, he would test each of his followers in the guise of the lord of wolves. The followers had to defeat the hungriest and most ravenous wolves that Yurick sent. Only the strong would survive, while the weak would be eliminated.

Where bonfires burned was where Yurick's protection and mark could be found. Even in the realm of chaos, one would be safe from hostile chaotic forces under the firelight and under the eaves of the temple, while chaos was omnipresent elsewhere.

Yurick believed that war was good. Only through war could human potential be unleashed. Humans had to rely on themselves. The older races had become decadent, weak, and were declining.

Courage was considered the noblest virtue. Yurick expected his followers to always face difficulties head-on, like true warriors rather than petty people who relied on schemes and tricks.

This led to humans bidding farewell to warmth and comfort every winter, and welcoming harsh challenges.

The slight chill of the quilt startled Phyllis awake. She immediately sat up, supporting herself with her hands, and seeing Su Li's reaction, she knelt beside him, gently patting his back with her soft hands, and asked, "What's wrong, Lord? Why did you wake up so early? It's a good four or five hours earlier than usual."

Hearing this, Su Li reached out and grasped the Amulet of Fate around his neck. This nightmare must have been the Amulet of Fate taking effect.

But what kind of fierce attack could cause the Amulet of Fate to fail and directly sever his hand?

With the blessing of the magical power of the four-leaf clover, the Amulet of Fate could help him avoid three enemy attacks.

Yet, even with that, the enemy was still able to cut off his hand, but without harming his life?

This didn't seem like an assassination either. Assassination would definitely be aimed at his life.

Su Li couldn't figure it out, so he could only gently stroke Phyllis' head and say, "It's nothing, just a dream."

Phyllis misunderstood his meaning and immediately reached behind her swan-like, smooth neck to tie up her beautiful hair. Then, gently stroking her rounded abdomen, she knelt down in the quilt and asked, "Was it a nightmare? Let me help you calm down."

Tenderness is always a woman's trump card, and beautiful women can always soothe a man's tension and anxiety with gentle and considerate service.

Under Phyllis' care, Su Li quickly relaxed, lay back on the bed, closed his eyes, and exhaled a deep breath of turbid air.

After cuddling with Phyllis for a while, he opened his eyes and opened today's daily intelligence report.

【Because you are in a lying-down state, today's prophetic information has been updated.】

【1: The political struggle in the province of Soulande has gradually subsided. Your female councilor, Phyllis, has successfully weathered this round of white terror under your protection. As the fifth in line to the throne, she is now the second in line! The legendary knight Duke Archibald of the Eternal Sword from the province of Soulande will lead the Eternal Light Knights to your territory to welcome Phyllis back to the province of Soulande to undergo trials. Be sure to treat this legendary knight with caution. His temper is like his title of Eternal Sword, and he does not tolerate challenges!】

【2: The Griffin Knights of Mordheim are crossing the Crying Canyon, with "Rather break in glory than live in disgrace" inscribed on the inside of their breastplates. Be sure to raise the iris flag embroidered with the Blüte family crest on the western border of the territory. When the genius of the Knight Academy sees the twin-tailed comet fragment inlaid at the top of the flagpole, he will take the initiative to dismount and perform a forehead touch ceremony - this is the only chance for you to win the respect of this genius.】

【3: Tonight at midnight, the ghost of the legendary Green Knight will appear in Mol's Garden. Prepare the holy relics of the Goddess of the Blazing Sun, the bloodstained mythical materials, and a volume of "The Prophecy of the Blazing Sun." When the Green Knight's starlight longsword points to the blood moon three times, offer these tokens in sequence, which will be enough to verify your and your territory's devout faith. Knights can participate in the [Green Knight's Trial]. Knights who successfully pass the trial will receive the [Heart of the Champion].】

【4: A willow silkmoth on Lake Revelle's Heart Island will freeze to death in the wind and snow. Building an obelisk for it can greatly enhance its purification ability, increase the Jylland wind around the Heart Island, and reduce its corrosive ability. During Tal's Summer Solstice celebration, the water of Lake Revelle can significantly dispel the illnesses of the people.】

【5: Today at twelve thirty noon, a precious four-leaf clover will appear in the southeast direction of the clover patch under the Wisteria Tree in your territory. Its existence will only last for 15 minutes. Timely harvesting this four-leaf clover to make a specimen or medicine can bring incredible good luck.】

……

【7: The wandering astrologer's brass astrolabe hides a Slaanesh trap. A wandering astrologer has arrived at the Rossi Eagle Tavern in the territory. The Ophiuchus position of his star chart is inlaid with succubus scales. Observers will gradually forget their knightly vows. If you want to obtain true stellar prophecies, you must sacrifice the astrolabe to the Goddess of the Blazing Sun at high noon - Violetta will reshape it into the "Holy Grail Sundial," which can enhance the power of heavenly spells and is highly respected by mages. But the user must wear a silver tongue stud engraved with vows for life.】

【8: The lion's mane mushrooms in the territory are nurturing vigorous vitality. The series of powerful stimuli released by the druids have laid the foundation for their accumulation. Today, a lion's mane mushroom will be promoted to a ghostly blue quality [Heart of the Lion King]. Harvest it in time to prevent it from withering in the wind and snow. Taking it can guarantee that an elite knight with the bloodline of a lion will be promoted to a champion knight.】

【9: Emerald spiritual liquid is seeping from the religious icon of the Convent of the Goddess of the Dawn. This is an important material for making the Earth's Blood potion, but if it is not collected in time, a large number of vines will grow here. If the Sisters of the Dawn can complete the [Thorn Asceticism] here, they will be able to master the art of thorn foot binding.】

【10: The young green dragon, Errant Wing, Aeria Erebus, is currently in heat. If you have a sufficient dose of love potion, you will have a great chance of obtaining her body. Do you want to fulfill your dragon knight's wish? Be bold and try it! Of course, if you don't have enough love potion, be careful that her dragon breath will burn you to ashes.】

After reading the daily intelligence report, Su Li's heart suddenly tightened.

A legendary knight was about to arrive in Black Forest?

If a legendary knight came to take Phyllis away, could he stop him even if he lost his hand?

Seeing the last message, Su Li was even more disturbed. Was he about to lose a female councilor and welcome a new one?

Su Li quickly sorted out his thoughts and said to Avril, "Go and get the chief high-ranking attendant."

Since Phyllis was about to give birth, Su Li and she lived in the tree house here at the Wisteria Tree, while Hilde remained stationed in the Blackthorn Fortress, directing various affairs.

The heavy snow did not delay Hilde's loyalty and enthusiasm. After Avril conveyed the order to her, it only took more than ten minutes for Hilde to arrive at the Blackthorn Manor.

Su Li didn't chat with her in detail in the room, but opened the door and stood under the Wisteria Tree. This extraordinary spirit tree was an evergreen tree. Even in winter, its wisteria flowers were as beautiful as a dream. Clouds of purple flowers hung in clusters on the branches, like purple waterfalls descending from the sky.

Each small flower was exquisite and delicate, with soft and fine petals, tightly clustered together to form a sea of flowers, swaying in the wind and emitting a faint fragrance.

After being covered with a layer of white snow, it shone with mottled light and shadow in the winter sun, becoming crystal clear, making people feel as if they were in a fantastic fairy tale world.

When Hilde saw Su Li deliberately walking out of the room, she frowned and asked, "Lord, what information did you want me for? Is it related to Phyllis?"

She was born intelligent and insightful, seeing the abnormality in Su Li's state at a glance. Otherwise, he wouldn't have walked out of the room in this freezing weather, avoiding Phyllis: "Could it be that the ratmen have sent another god-chosen assassin? This time is a very good one. Phyllis is about to give birth, which is when she is weak and we are inconvenient to move. The blades from the dark shadows will be especially deadly."

Su Li turned to look into the room. The stained-glass windows of the Blackthorn Manor filtered the dazzling light refracted from the snow into a warm color. Phyllis was leaning on a soft couch made of blood pine and white sable fur, her fingertips unconsciously stroking her slightly bulging brocade dress.

Seeing Su Li look over, she smiled lightly at the purple wisteria flowers in the garden: "The little rascal is kicking me again."

This made Su Li clench his fists, recalling the beautiful times he had with her. When dusk permeated the Black Forest vineyard, Phyllis always liked to run barefoot through the iris bushes covered with dewdrops to pick the freshest amethyst grapes for him in the amethyst vineyard.

In this flourishing garden, on the endless green grassland, her clear, silver-bell-like laughter was left behind.

If he lost her, he would lose not only a councilor, but also a lot of memories of a good life and the most simple and sincere feelings.

Su Li smiled at her, then turned around, took a deep breath, and said solemnly to Hilde: "It's not a god-chosen assassin. It's a legendary knight! Can we... stop him?"

Hilde's pupils suddenly shook: "A legendary knight? How could it be! How could such a powerful knight come to assassinate?"

"It's not an assassination," Su Li calmed himself down and said slowly, "It's a nobleman from the province of Soulande who wants to take Phyllis away. Can we stop him?"

Hilde shook her head decisively and said, "Impossible. If a legendary knight really arrives, no matter how many god-chosen knights there are, they won't be able to stop him. You may not know how big the gap between legendary and god-chosen is. Even whether an elite army has a legendary figure as its commander makes all the difference!"

Su Li frowned and asked, "Could it be that if we gather all our strength, with two thousand elite infantry and cavalry, we still can't stop a legendary knight?"

Hilde was silent for a moment and said, "If everyone fights to the death and doesn't retreat, we have a chance to exhaust him to death. But are you really prepared to pay such a high price for Phyllis? After all, even if Phyllis is taken away, she may not be in danger. It may even... not be a bad thing."

Obviously, Hilde remembered the rumor that Phyllis would become one of the most crucial aids to Su Li's ascent to the imperial throne.

Did Su Li want to be emperor?

Su Li took a deep breath and said that it would be too hypocritical to say that he didn't want to.

Which man doesn't want to rule the world and command all directions?

Which man hasn't dreamed of having the power to speak the law and follow it!

But is it worth sacrificing a lover for the throne?

Thinking of this, Su Li quickly shook his head. How could his thoughts be so twisted? Could it be that a woman is more important than an imperial throne?

In the past, when he didn't have this choice, Su Li would definitely say without hesitation that no woman could compare with the country.

But when it really came to this moment of choice, he realized that this was not a simple choice between two words, not a choice between two empty words, a woman and the country.

But a specific person! A woman who lives with you day and night, supports each other, and loves you deeply. She is willing to wash her hands and make soup for you, willing to have children for you, and even willing to think of everything every day just to make you happy.

This is not just love, but also affection, bond, and part of life!

Which man wouldn't be angry for such a woman?

So, Su Li also hesitated for a moment and asked, "Wouldn't it be good for us to be pioneering lords? We could even be barons, dukes, or electors! The emperor of the empire can't control us enjoying ourselves in the border principality. Is it worth giving up Phyllis for a vague throne?"

Hilude reached out and gently stroked Su Li's cheek, smiled tenderly, and said, "No matter what decision you make, my lord, I will firmly stand behind you and support you."

Su Li immediately felt a warmth in his heart, and even the coldness of winter dissipated a lot. He stretched out his arms and hugged Hilude tightly into his arms, embracing her slender body, smelling the fragrance of her hair on his cheek, and said, "Thank you, Hilude. Really, with your words, I feel much more at ease."

"Lord, perhaps you should ask Phyllis what she thinks. I think her attitude has changed slightly since the Chosen-level assassin appeared last time."

A subtle change?

Su Li also remembered a piece of information from today, that today a Lion's Mane Mushroom will be promoted to a Nether Blue quality [Lion King's Heart].

This achievement was precisely completed by Phyllis urging Vandal, and it can directly create a champion-level knight for the territory.

The [Green Knight's Trial] has a similar effect.

The Green Knight is a legendary figure known to every household in the empire. Legend says that he is the champion of the Goddess of the Blazing Sun. In addition to testing whether the imperial knights are strong and pious enough, he will also appear when the holy land is defiled by creatures with evil intentions.

In the beastman population of the filthy forest, the name "Soul Killer" is circulating, which refers to the fact that hundreds of thousands of beastmen have been killed by the Green Knight in the past few centuries. The Green Knight is elusive. He may suddenly rush out from the roots of ancient trees, or from the calm lake, or from the rushing waterfall, and pour out his anger on the invaders. He comes suddenly and leaves quickly. When he finishes killing, he will soon disappear into the thick fog. In some stories, he even disappears in front of the enemy, and then instantly appears behind the enemy and assassinates him, then disappears again, and reappears.

Weapons are difficult to damage the Green Knight. Some say that swords and arrows penetrate the Green Knight's body, just like lightly passing through the morning mist, and nothing can be cut. There are also stories that no matter how badly the Green Knight is injured, he will not die. In one story, the Green Knight was beheaded by an explorer knight, but he just picked up his head and left.

There is much debate about who the Green Knight is, but no one in the entire empire dares to claim that they know the truth. Some believe that the Green Knight is the embodiment of the imperial national spirit, while others believe that this is actually the founding knight returning to protect the empire and this land.

But one thing is certain, as long as you pass the Green Knight's assessment, you can be promoted to at least the champion level. After obtaining the [Champion's Heart], there are no more bottlenecks on the road to the championship, and it will definitely be a smooth road, as long as you practice diligently.

Most of this was brought about by Su Li's opportunities for the knights in the territory, but Phyllis did participate in some of it.

This woman has all the typical fantasies of a woman. When someone guards her with their lives, there is a bright light shining in her eyes.

Perhaps, she really enjoys this feeling of being cared for and guarded.

Su Li should indeed respect her opinion.

So Su Li pondered for a moment and said to Hilude, "Let the Swan Knight immediately send a message to Marshal Orstein, and let him and the Cunning Wing, Ailiria, come to Hassenburg together."

"Then you gather the high-level direct attendants, we will prepare for both! Distribute the armor and weapons to the soldiers, let them be fully armed and ready for battle."

Now the armory area of ​​the Zijing Palace is far more luxurious than ordinary people can imagine.

There are already nearly 100 sets of Vibranium rune armor, and more than 200 perfect-quality weapons!

It can be said that under Su Li's full arming, the territory's high-level attendants can achieve that everyone is armed to the teeth, from weapons to armor, from the rings on the left and right hands to the amulets on the body, all fully equipped.

There are more than 300 exquisite weapons! In addition to the spoils on the battlefield, there is also a batch of [Thunder Warhammers] that Su Li purchased from the dwarf Redbeard clan.

This weapon was not really purchased by Su Li with dwarf oath gold, but a transaction between the human empire gold crown and minerals and the dwarves. This is the wealth they dwarves dug out from the ancient kingdom ruins. Under the prompt of the intelligence system, Su Li sent people to purchase it as soon as possible, and the scale was very considerable.

With these 200 perfect-level weapons and 300 exquisite-level weapons, it is enough to arm the combat power of 500 high-level direct attendants to the extreme.

Even a legendary knight may not be able to kill all these soldiers.

After Hilude left, Su Li adjusted his mood and walked back to the tree house.

Phyllis looked up at him and asked, "Lord, are people from the Province of Suland coming?"

Su Li asked in surprise, "Did you hear everything?"

Phyllis shook her head gently and said, "No, the wind and snow are too heavy. I didn't hear a word of your conversation with the Chief Steward. But I guess the only thing you want to avoid me is this."

Su Li walked to the soft couch, gently stroked her head, and asked, "Then what do you think? Are you going to the Grand Principality of Suland?"

Phyllis shook her head decisively, put her beautiful face on Su Li's lap, hugged him tightly, and said, "No, if I have a choice, I would like to live with you forever, Lord. The current life is perfect beyond compare, and it is the most beautiful time of my life."