Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 411 The Growth of the Maiden's Ring

Hilde's words made Su Li raise an eyebrow. What did she mean by saying that the Stardew Orange was just a complimentary decoration?
Seeing Su Li's confusion, Hilde continued, "Do you remember the effects of the Stardew Orange spirit plant in the garden?"

"Of course." Since Su Li often stayed overnight at the treehouse, and sometimes even took Ingrid to cultivate in the flower bushes near the Stardew Orange, he was very familiar with the effects of this spiritual plant.

When the stars appear, its leaves shimmer with a faint silver light, like countless stars scattered across the earth, while its fruit glows with a bright, luminous light, like a pearl under the moonlight.

In this magnificent scenery, no matter how much snake venom a human has suffered or how vicious the curse is, as long as he enters the vicinity of this sacred tree, the pain will be relieved, and he will fall asleep peacefully and enter the dreamland.

When he wakes up, all the curses and poisons on his body will be completely purified, as if everything was left behind on him in the dream.

"This spiritual plant has excellent effects in purification, combating curses, and treating diseases."

Hilde nodded and continued, "But all of this is just the effect of last year. This year, especially after the Church of Dawn also cultivated a Stardew Orange, we have discovered that the effect of this tree far exceeds our expectations."

"As you probably know, stable, large-scale, passively effective anti-chaos fields are almost non-existent in the Old World (except for the High Elves' Aetherian Vortex, the Lizardmen's Nether Vein Network nodes, and some of the Dwarven Rune Fortresses). The Stardew Orange Tree's purification field can dispel, suppress, and even decompose the corruption of chaos, including the chaos energy itself, mutation inducement, demonic whispers, and mental pollution, making it an important stronghold in our territory. Soldiers can effectively cleanse themselves of accumulated corruption by resting here, preventing mutations and rebellions."

"It can also heal warriors wounded by Chaos weapons, those who have come into contact with Chaos artifacts, or those exposed to strong Chaos energy. It prevents them from becoming Chaos eggs or spreading corruption. Powerful mages can use its power to perform larger-scale purification rituals, removing corruption from land or objects. Its powerful life purification and dream transfer effects are ideal for resisting Nurgle plague (viruses, curses, rot)."

"Furthermore, the Old World is rife with mental attacks (the whispers of Tzeentch, the hypnosis of vampires, the mental terror of the undead, and the oppressive aura of Chaos warriors). The soul-soothing power of the Stardew Orange Tree and the power of the Dream Laws can resist mental intrusions, soothe madness, heal mental trauma, and dispel mind control. Its significance is immense, protecting key figures or strategists from the bewitching and prophetic interference of Tzeentch. It can also rescue victims of mind control by vampires, chaos warlocks, or dark elf sorceresses."

"The Church of Dawn has used this effect to heal a large number of its citizens who have been corrupted by Chaos, especially those citizens in the direction of Flashspear City who have been bewitched by cultists. This has made their Holy Land, the Ring of Maidens, famous and spread the name of the Holy Land widely."

"Another Maiden's Ring?" Su Li said in surprise, "I remember the Moon Goddess Moon Mulberry Tree was also planted in the Maiden's Ring, right?"

"That's right, my lord. Thanks to the efforts of the Church of Dawn, the Moon Goddess Moon Mulberry Tree has been transplanted to the purple spirit field above the Maiden's Ring. Currently, the Moon Mulberry Tree leaves are being used to supply the Moonlight Silkworms."

Su Li pondered for a moment, then said to Hilde, "Then I'll go check out the Ring of Maidens. You stay in the territory and prepare to welcome the Ascetic Saint Dantin. Once he arrives, send him directly to the Ring of Maidens. I refuse to believe that a saint like him, who is not interested in eating, drinking, and having fun, would also be uninterested in missionary work. The Crimson Silkworm Silk is exactly what works best for someone like him."

Silk garments made from iridescent silkworm silk greatly enhanced the authority of nobles and priests, and had an unparalleled effect on missionary work.

Su Li intended to use this unparalleled silk garment to completely retain this saint in the Black Forest Territory.

If we add this Chosen One, the territory will have as many as eight or nine Chosen Ones. Some of these people may not directly serve Su Li, such as the Dragon Slayer Sogard, while others do not have much combat power, such as the Sixth Ring Wizard Thrall and the Provincial Council Dean Oliver.

But the very existence of so many chosen ones is an unparalleled deterrent.

Even if Su Li sleeps with Sister Bei, the lord of Maleburg will have to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether to start a war with Su Li.

After all, while legendary-level beings are powerful, engaging in a life-or-death battle with nearly 10 Chosen Ones would come at an extremely heavy price.

Of course, Su Li didn't want to do such a thing either, since adultery is considered immoral in this world.

He was a virtuous lord, not a cruel one; it's still a bit painful to lose virtue.

He needs to find a legitimate way to get Bayones.

He then mounted his griffin and, escorted by his guards, headed towards the Maiden's Ring below Bjorn Bay. On the way, he seriously considered how to obtain Bayonetta.

The most reliable way, without a doubt, is to fight your way through. In fact, his territory is not far from Maleburg. After capturing Blue Mirror Fortress, the journey that originally took more than a month has been compressed to more than 20 days, or even 15 days.

If it weren't for the Twilight Mountains along the way, his journey to Maleburg would have been a smooth one. Then, after capturing Mudcrown Fortress, he could advance directly towards Maleburg.

The lord of Mudcrown Castle had a vast territory, stretching from the Green Moss Marsh to the Blackwater Whirlpool, from Dragonbone Shoals to the Twilight Mountains, and finally to a Pale Cavern—all of which were his domain.

This certainly makes him very powerful, but it also has an advantage: as long as Su Li can conquer this territory and defeat this lord, there will be no more powerful enemies to hinder him.

Su Li could basically take over the entire northern border province. This province has three major city areas: the Green Moss Swamp area represented by Mud Crown Fortress, the Blue Mirror Lake Basin represented by Blue Mirror Territory, and the Black Forest Foothills region represented by Black Forest Territory.

Once these three main regions and major cities are captured, the surrounding smaller outposts will be insignificant and easily pacified by a small force. They will then surrender without resistance, submitting to Su Li's rule and paying vassal taxes and fiefdom taxes.

Judging from the timeline, Su Li should be able to launch an offensive against the Swamp Territory next year. Even if he conquers the territory within a year, based on the current war situation, it will only take Su Li 3-4 years to be able to share a bed with Lady Bayonetta.

Considering Su Li's long lifespan, this time is actually not very long.

However, no matter who it is, they can't help but be impatient when faced with such a sacred opportunity. They want to get close to her as soon as possible.

But Su Li hadn't really decided on the specific methods. Perhaps after everything settled down, he could make another trip to Maleburg this winter or next spring.

However, he didn't expect that the Ring of the Maiden would soon be in sight, after all, this holy place was located on the outskirts of Blacksburg.

The griffins flapped their wings and quickly left the hustle and bustle of Hessenberg and its stone walls behind. Below, the scenery of the outskirts of the city gradually transitioned from neat farmland and scattered farmhouses to a meticulously cultivated and spiritually vibrant agricultural area.

Although it was autumn, the colors of the Maiden's Ring had not faded. Beyond the core area, vast, meticulously cultivated flowerbeds remained in full bloom; chrysanthemums displayed golden and deep purple hues, tuberoses exuded a sweet fragrance, and hardy sage swayed its blue-purple spikes, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of evergreen shrubs. A clear stream flowed down from above, meandering like a silver ribbon through each ring, shimmering in the sunlight, and finally merging into an irrigation canal at the foot of the slope. Su Li immediately spotted the brand-new Moon Goddess Moon Mulberry Tree on the highest, most central ring platform. This spiritual tree possessed an aura completely different from that of the Empire. Its trunk was ancient and gnarled, its bark bearing mysterious purple veins. Most peculiar were its leaves—not the common green of mulberry leaves, but a deep and noble dark purple, with veins shimmering with flowing silver light. At this moment, nuns and carefully selected young women from the Church of Dawn, dressed in simple blue linen robes, are meticulously picking these precious purple leaves under the trees or on gentle ladders. A unique, cool, slightly sweet scent of herbs permeates the air. Exquisite silkworm rearing houses can be seen nestled against the hillside, raising the Moonlight Silkworms, which feed on these purple leaves. These silkworms are translucent, as if formed from moonlight, and their silk threads shimmer with iridescent light—the very raw material for the unparalleled "Rainbow Silk." This area, filled with a busy and sacred atmosphere of production, is an important extension of the Holy Land's power.

Between the circular platforms are pebble paths strewn with wildflowers. Rustic stone lampposts dot the paths, presumably illuminating the night with a soft, sacred light. Simple stone benches and wooden pavilions are scattered throughout, offering places to rest, meditate, or pray. Pilgrims and those seeking purification walk quietly between the rings, their faces filled with piety and hope. Some sit quietly under the Star Dew Orange tree, feeling its silent purifying power; others pause outside the Moon Mulberry platform, watching in awe as its magical purple leaves are harvested.

The entire Maiden's Ring, bathed in the warm autumn sun, features colorful flowerbeds, clear streams, a mysterious purple mulberry grove, and the Star Dew Orange Tree at its center, radiating a holy silver glow, all of which together create a harmonious and sacred scene.

The griffin's wings stirred up the air currents, landing steadily on the designated airspace at the edge of the Maiden's Ring. Su Li flipped and leaped down, and the moment her feet touched the land imbued with a sacred aura, an indescribable sense of refreshment permeated her from the outside in. It wasn't just the freshness of the air; it felt as if her soul had been cleansed by warm spring water. The sensation of the breeze from the flight and the complex thoughts swirling in her mind were instantly soothed and settled.

Almost simultaneously, the Minister of Agriculture and Patriarch of the Church of Dawn, Vandall Oak, who had been waiting nearby, came forward with a group of nuns dressed in blue linen robes and with a serene demeanor.

Fandral's appearance had changed dramatically. Many of the wrinkles on his face had disappeared, and he was radiant with joy. His dark green patriarch's robe was embroidered with the emblem of dawn and oak leaves, and his face was filled with heartfelt reverence and happiness.

"My lord, welcome to the Ring of Maidens. May the light of the Dawn Goddess forever shine upon your robes." Fandral bowed, and the nuns behind him also bent down in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized, revealing a glimpse of their fair, beautiful legs and full, delicate curves.

"No need for formalities." Su Li waved his hand, but his gaze had already passed over the crowd and was once again fixed on the Star Dew Sweet Orange Tree, Moon Goddess Moon Mulberry, in the core area. "The changes here are even more astonishing than I imagined. Just standing on the edge, I can feel the power that cleanses my body and mind."

“Praise be to the dawn! This is all thanks to divine grace and the blessing of the spiritual plants brought by you, my lord!” Fandall’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he stepped aside to lead the way. “My lord, please allow me to introduce you to the latest developments in the Holy Land and to witness firsthand the extraordinary properties of the spiritual plants and the Heavenly Silkworm.”

Su Li nodded, and surrounded by Fandral and the nuns, walked along the pebble path full of wildflowers toward the core area, then asked, "Isn't it the time for autumn silkworms to be sold now?"

Upon hearing this, Fandral's face immediately lit up with the radiance of a farmer seeing a bountiful wheat field. He quickened his pace slightly, keeping half a step behind Su Li, and excitedly reported:
"Reporting to the Lord, this is the last autumn silkworm season of the year! Thanks to the blessing of the Goddess of Dawn and the meticulous care of the nuns, this season's Moonlight Silkworms have yielded results far exceeding expectations!"

He pointed to the Moon Goddess Mulberry Tree not far away, which shimmered with a mysterious purple-silver luster in the sunlight, and the exquisite silkworm house built against the mountain: "Currently, we have successfully and stably cultivated more than 5,000 mature Moonlight Silkworms. Thanks to the unique moon essence contained in the purple leaves of the Moon Mulberry Tree and the stable environment brought by the Star Dew Sweet Orange Domain, the survival rate of this batch of silkworms has reached an astonishing 92% or more! This is much higher than the survival rate of ordinary silkworms."

“So, to help the silkworms spin cocoons and produce silk, we’ve built three more silkworm rearing rooms. Please take a look, Lord.” Fandall led Su Li to a glass observation window in one of the rearing rooms. Inside, layers upon layers of specially made silkworm trays were covered with celestial silkworms, their bodies shimmering like moonlight crystals. They were tirelessly munching on deep purple mulberry leaves, their bodies seemingly shimmering with flowing rainbow light. “They’ve entered their peak feeding period; their appetite is astonishing, but their conversion efficiency is extremely high. Most importantly, they’ve begun spinning silk on a large scale!”

Fandral gestured to a nun to bring a tray lined with soft white velvet. On it lay several spools of freshly reeled, unprocessed raw silk. At first glance, the silk appeared a soft, silvery-white, but under different angles of light, it refracted a dreamlike halo of seven colors, as if a rainbow had been crushed and woven into it. The silk itself emitted a faint, cool fragrance, and its touch was icy and smooth, yet possessed a strange, warm quality.

"This is the raw silk of the Rainbow Silkworm!" Fandall's voice was filled with excitement. "Conservatively speaking, we can harvest at least 10 jin of high-quality Rainbow Silkworm raw silk this autumn! This is enough to support our initial trial production and the production of high-end gifts. Moreover, as the Moon Mulberry Trees further adapt to this environment, their roots penetrate deep into the spiritual fields, and with the accumulation of our breeding experience, there is still huge room for improvement in the yield and quality of the next season!"

"The Church has selected nuns with skillful hands and steadfast faith to set up a special weaving workshop within the Holy Land. Working in the tranquil realm of Stardew Orange, their minds are clear, allowing them to better utilize the magic of silk. Currently, they are experimenting with different weaving techniques and dyeing methods, striving to produce the first batch of top-quality silk samples before this winter for the making of robes or scarves."

Ten pounds of raw silk! Silk production in the territory can finally begin.

Su Li asked, "Have you found a fashion designer and a tailor yet?"

Vandall nodded immediately and said, "The provincial council has already recruited a tailor and fashion designer for us."

"His nickname was 'The Gilded Rose,' Friedrich Schneider. This designer came from the lower-class neighborhood of Terrabheim, the imperial capital. His father was a guild-approved tailor, and his mother ran a small dye house. Friedrich grew up surrounded by piles of fabric, vats of dye, and needles and thread."

"After displaying extraordinary talent in his youth, he was taken in as an apprentice by a master tailor in Maleburg. In Maleburg, he not only mastered the tailoring techniques of traditional imperial clothing (the intricate lace, tight-fitting bodices, and crinolines of the nobility; the uniforms of soldiers; and the robes of priests), but also gained in-depth exposure to exotic styles and rare fabrics from Arabia, elves, and even distant China and India. He was particularly adept at skillfully integrating exotic elements into the imperial aesthetic, making them both novel and dignified."

"This man's skills were unparalleled. In Maleburg, he was renowned for his bold, extravagant designs and pursuit of perfect artistry. His pursuit of beauty, sensory stimulation, and artistic form... bordered on obsession. Because of this, many of his colleagues and even some church spies suspected that he might secretly worship that... evil god who craved ultimate sensual pleasure." Fandral did not directly mention the name of the Sinister, but the nuns present all changed their expressions slightly and subconsciously tightened their grip on the Dawn Emblems on their chests.

Van Dalton paused, his tone turning serious: “It turns out that this suspicion was not unfounded. After he came to our territory, he displayed unparalleled talent, and the everyday garments he designed for you, sir, and several important officials were widely praised. However, when we commissioned him to design the first batch of iridescent silk products, we found disturbing signs in some of the ‘concept sketches’ he submitted.”

Sexual abuse!
This is the youngest of the four Chaos Gods, and the energy that nurtured him is happiness, indulgence, pleasure, and even love.

For living beings, no deity is more alluring than Slaanesh. Every creature, to some extent, is willing to pay the price for spiritual pleasure, and this inherent nature makes Slaanesh as irresistible as a drug. Things that bring joy are all the beautiful things in the world, and Slaanesh knows all the secrets to satisfaction and elation. Humans, especially, are emotionally expressive beings who are often seduced by his beauty, easily succumbing to the chaotic gray areas he tempts.

Many people misunderstand this evil god, believing he merely engages in various lewd acts. This is far from the truth. Within the Chaos Cults, the most insidious and mysterious is undoubtedly the Slaanesh Cult. The followers of the Lord of Pleasure dedicate themselves to pleasing their god by subverting values ​​and corrupting others. These fanatical hedonists seek out strangers and more intense, perverse pleasures, allowing their weary minds and bodies to experience a new kind of climax. Over time, the followers abandon all morality and scruples, instead using the name of the "God of Bliss" to commit murder and depraved acts.

The young god indulges in all extreme experiences, and his followers, like their god, are willing to do anything for thrills and pleasure, regardless of whether such behavior is acceptable to others in society. Salamansi's followers are always blessed with a kind of "blessing"—after experiencing pleasure once, they feel nothing when doing the same thing a second time, like drug addicts who need to increase the dosage with each use. Rapid withdrawal symptoms plague the lazy followers, forcing them, both physically and mentally, to try even more extreme forms of pleasure.

Salaam's fanatical followers have infiltrated all levels of society. It is extremely popular in high society, where people are often unaware of what they worship. In their quest for ecstasy, these lost souls are instructed to pray to strange and alluring idols or seek novel pleasures in sensual gatherings behind closed doors. Artists, poets, and other sensual seekers are often drawn to Salaam's faith. For all, Salaam's cult is perhaps the most difficult chaotic sect to eradicate, as the political consequences of revealing the truth could bring down an entire empire.

Salamansi also had followers among the lower classes, who used pleasure to find solace from the harsh realities of a life devoid of dignity. On certain festivals and holy days, especially those days of release from bondage and revelation that offered access to places of catharsis, the Salamansi sect held sway. Believers used these days to recruit new followers, promising pleasure and depravity. Witch hunters and priests were always vigilant and watchful as these festivals approached, ensuring that people were not led astray.

Take, for example, the typical Hedonist Guild, which believes that the two experiences are reflections of the same thing: the limits of human endurance. To understand pure pleasure is to experience supreme pain, and vice versa. Members of the Hedonist Guild include intersex and asexual individuals, ranging from novice intrigue to utterly corrupt apostles; the organization welcomes people from all walks of life. Priests from various religions within the empire are also hedonists, as many priests harbor hidden desires. Members see themselves as theorists and pioneers of emotion, thought, art, literature, pleasure, and pain, capable of satisfying their desires and reaching the pinnacle of happiness and sorrow anytime, anywhere.

Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable for a master who pursues art to become a follower of sadomasochism.

Su Li asked cautiously, "Under these circumstances, is it alright to hand over the Rainbow Silkworm Silk to him?"

Fandral replied very cautiously, "We are already monitoring and purifying him with all our might. He is now inseparable from Stardew Orange and purifies a large amount of Crimson Corruption every day. But when the fragments of the Twin Tail Comet come into contact with him, we can still see a continuous stream of purple smoke rising from his body."

Isn't that similar to Su Li's situation?

(End of this chapter)