Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 478 Huge Gains and Recap
Sylvanas immediately understood Su Li's intention. The preciousness of the Life Amber was self-evident; it was the essence condensed from the Sacred Tree of Atherarion, containing immense life energy. It was a monumental undertaking laid out ten thousand years ago by numerous Saint-level and Legendary mages when the entire Elven Kingdom retreated from this place!
“Two Life Ambers can create a powerful Chosen Warrior for the territory.” Su Li’s voice carried an undeniable determination. “This is crucial to enhancing the strength of my Black Forest Territory. Sylvanas, only you, in your current best condition, are most likely to accomplish this.”

The transition from flirtatious intimacy to a serious mission was swift, yet Sylvanas felt no discomfort. She knew perfectly well that Su Li's bestowal of the precious Lilith's Tear upon her was not merely for personal reasons, but also because he valued the potential she could bring after her enhancement.

Now is the time for her to prove that this investment was well worth it.

She took a deep breath, her flirtatious and alluring expression vanishing, replaced by focus and solemnity. Feeling the unprecedentedly pure power flowing within her, she nodded emphatically: "I understand, my lord. Sylvanas will do everything in her power to retrieve the Amber of Life for you!"

After saying that, she turned and left the communal graveyard, walking towards the swaying branches of the sacred tree outside. Her long hair, a blend of emerald green and silvery white, swayed behind her, and moonlight and life energy, faintly resonating with the sacred objects, began to emanate from her.

Su Li watched Sylvanas's figure disappear at the entrance to the tomb. She could feel the call of the sacred tree branches; this was her unique mission. Then, he took a deep breath, suppressing all his romantic thoughts, and his gaze swept over the chaotic hall, as if ravaged by a giant beast, before he gave the order in a deep voice:
"All troops, listen up! Prepare for rest and recuperation, then clean up the battlefield!"

His voice, carrying an unquestionable authority, echoed in the empty tomb. The chosen ones and soldiers, who had been sitting or lying down, taking the time to catch their breath and heal their wounds, immediately roused themselves and sprang into action.

Soldiers with minor injuries began to help the seriously wounded to a relatively clean corner, where the accompanying chaplains and clergy with healing abilities immediately stepped forward to provide emergency treatment. Healing Hands, Salya's Touch, and basic bandaging techniques were quickly applied.

Despite his own injuries, Tiberius shouted orders, and the able-bodied soldiers began clearing rubble and obstacles from the battlefield, carefully collecting the bodies of their fallen comrades and arranging them neatly to one side. The atmosphere was heavy and solemn.

Orstein then led a group to meticulously search every corner of the hall, leaving no potentially valuable item unchecked. From the shattered crystal sarcophagus, they salvaged some elven burial goods that were not entirely damaged—ancient coins, some exquisite (though mostly broken) jewelry, and a few fragments of amulets imbued with faint magic. While their value had greatly diminished, these remained testaments to history and might still be salvaged or used for research.

Durmst directed his ravens and several assistants to carefully handle the extremely thin energy dust remaining from the elven spirits completely annihilated by the lightning, as well as the traces of chaotic energy dissipated during Yseramar's final collapse, to avoid leaving any hidden dangers. At the same time, he was also responsible for guarding M'Hawa, who was tightly bound by runic chains and whose soulfire was waning.

Regarding the dwarves' actions and redemption, Gerson Greyrock and his dwarven people threw themselves into the work with an almost apologetic urgency. Utilizing their expertise in stone and construction, they quickly assessed the stability of the tomb structure, reinforcing areas severely damaged in the battle and at risk of collapse.

"Here! Use the support poles to hold it up!" Gerson's voice was hoarse but powerful as he personally lifted a heavy stone beam and, together with the other dwarves, propped it up under a huge crack. They were especially careful in collecting the elven coffins and remains that had been damaged and shattered in the previous battle and the rampage of the heroic spirits, gathering them together as solemnly as possible. This was their silent apology and atonement for misunderstanding Su Li and for disturbing the peace of the dead. Watching these dwarves work silently and efficiently, the others who had initially been resentful of their departure more or less felt less displeased.

Su Li personally walked to the center of the high platform and carefully collected the floating treasures one by one.

He wrapped the charred remains of the ancient oak staff in a thick piece of velvet, and he could feel the dormant yet still powerful life force and magical afterglow contained within it.

After Sylvanas absorbed most of the Lilith's Tear, a trace of extremely fine silver mist remained. Su Li carefully collected it in a specially made small bottle lined with soft silver, hoping it might be useful in the future.

Most importantly, he carefully put away the five faded leaves, which were key to their departure and also the hope for future connections with the sacred tree of spirits.

The entire tomb hall resembled a giant construction site. Although everyone was wounded and exhausted, everything proceeded smoothly under Su Li's command. They were preparing for the final evacuation while also minimizing losses and collecting all valuable spoils.

Between tasks, everyone would occasionally glance towards the tomb's exit, a mixture of anticipation and worry in their eyes. They were waiting—waiting for news of Sylvanas, waiting for the arrival of the second Amber of Life. That would bring their devastating yet incredibly rewarding tomb raiding expedition to a perfectly fitting conclusion.

Time passed slowly amidst the tense rest and waiting. As the clearing work inside the tomb neared completion, the wounded received initial care, and everyone's physical and mental strength was almost at its limit, footsteps finally echoed again at the entrance of the passageway.

Sylvanas reappeared. Her steps were slightly weary, fine beads of sweat glistened on her once-smooth forehead, and her breathing was somewhat rapid, clearly indicating that this journey had not been easy. But her eyes shone brightly, filled with the relief and pride of having completed her mission.

In her hands, she carefully cradled a ball of soft and warm light.

At the heart of that radiance was an amber crystal, about the size of a fist and perfectly shaped like a teardrop. Unlike ordinary amber, which is lifeless, it seemed as if liquid sunlight and life were slowly flowing within it, emanating a pure and refreshing aura of life. Just a glance at it seemed to heal the weariness and wounds of body and mind. The light was not dazzling, but it gently and firmly dispelled the lingering cold and deathly atmosphere in the tomb, invigorating all the warriors bathed in its radiance.

This is the [Amber of Life]—the condensation of ten thousand years of essence from the Sacred Tree of Atherarion, a supreme miracle that created the chosen warriors!

“My lord,” Sylvanas approached Su Li and solemnly presented the document, “I have not failed in my mission.”

Su Li reached out and accepted the heavy, incredibly warm amber of life. Powerful life energy surged through his skin into his body, significantly alleviating the hidden injuries and fatigue accumulated from the series of fierce battles. He could clearly feel the immense power contained within, enough to reshape a mortal body and ignite the flames of divinity.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sylvanas. You did a great job." Su Li nodded and solemnly put away the priceless treasure. He now had two Life Ambers.

Within the territory of Blackwood, there are quite a few knights qualified and capable of receiving this favor. Should they choose the loyal, brave, and decorated handsome Gilles? Or should they bestow it upon the steady, reliable, and skilled commander Edwin? Or perhaps… reserve it for a future crucial moment when this power might be needed even more to stabilize the situation?

This was a sweet yet difficult choice, concerning the future power dynamics of the territory. He needed to return to Blacksin Territory and carefully examine the status and achievements of all candidates before making the most advantageous decision.

Finally, after all the spoils that could be taken were packed up, the bodies of the fallen were properly disposed of or cremated, and the wounded were helped up, Su Li led this exhausted but resilient team on their way out of the Valley of Memories.

Passing through distorted illusions and over charred battlefield ruins, when they finally emerged from the lingering gray fog, breathed in the crisp, cool air of the outside world, and saw the entrance to the valley, almost everyone felt as if they had been transported to another world.

Su Li stopped at the valley entrance, looking back at the valley shrouded in eternal battlefields and ancient resentment. As he weighed the gains and losses of his journey, even with his usual composure, a wave of emotion washed over him.

The harvest was undoubtedly enormous, even astonishing.

The primary achievement was the slaying of the legendary Death Archmage, Old Jasper. This not only eliminated a major threat, but its significance lay even more in the confiscated half of the legendary bone staff. Offering it as a sacrifice to the Goddess of the Sun would surely bring forth a vast divine blessing, and the territory would likely receive numerous blessings as a result—perhaps a new chosen one, perhaps the strong support of the Goddess's Church, perhaps the purification and prosperity of certain areas, or even the territory's first legendary figure! ...This would be a leap forward in the overall strength of the Black Forest Territory.

Secondly, there's the [Legendary Spell Ring - Ring of the Eight Winds of Magic] left behind by old Jasper. This ring is currently on Ariria's finger, subtly resonating with her own power. This green dragon mage already possesses terrifying potential approaching legendary level; obtaining this treasure that can unify and amplify the eight elements of magical wind will elevate her magical power and control to unimaginable heights, truly making her a mobile strategic deterrent force within the Black Forest Territory.

And the biggest, most unexpected spoils...

Su Li's gaze shifted to her side—[Morkana, the Crimson Calamity], standing there quietly. She had already transformed into human form, her figure tall and imposing, even slightly taller than Ariria, her perfect nine-head proportions outlining breathtaking curves. Thick, cascading wine-red hair cascaded freely, the ends seemingly flickering with an inextinguishable dark red ember. Her skin was a cold, pale white, yet it shone with a molten lava-like glow deep within, creating a fatal allure.

At this moment, she was only casually draped in Su Li's large lord's cloak. The cloak wasn't fully fastened, slipping down slightly to reveal her smooth, rounded, snow-white shoulders and a delicate collarbone. Beneath the cloak's hem, a pair of long, powerful, and perfectly shaped legs were faintly visible. Her eyes, burning with deep red soulfire, were lazily half-closed, carrying the arrogance and scrutiny unique to dragons, yet undisguisedly revealing a wild interest and possessiveness towards Su Li.

She tilted her head slightly, almost leaning her body weight against Su Li's side. A contradictory aura of coldness and heat emanated from her, blending into a heart-stirring attraction.

Possessing both the sharp danger of death magic and the fiery sensuality of a dragon's essence, she is a living trophy, brimming with destructive power and ultimate allure.

Sensing Su Li's gaze, Morkana's lips curled into a lazy yet dangerous smile. Her cloaked arm seemed to unintentionally move closer to Su Li, the strange sensations of cold and warmth penetrating through her clothing.

Su Li remained expressionless, but a hint of triumphant control and conquest flickered deep in his eyes.

This near-legendary crimson dragon, this newly born Deathwing, will be his greatest and most dangerous trophy on this journey, and also the woman he is about to "tame" and conquer... the court lady.

Of course, she is not only

The valley wind ruffled the black hair on his forehead. He took one last look at the Valley of Memories, turned around, and never looked back.

"Back to the territory." The group, carrying heavy casualties, countless spoils of war, and a dangerous new member, marched slowly towards the Black Forest Territory.

Of course, this means far more than just a beautiful and powerful female courtier. Morkana herself is a crucial strategic asset. Su Li can already foresee that, utilizing the death winds controlled by this crimson dragon, he will be able to train the renowned Amethyst Ironclad Army. The legendary guardian of the Elector of Wessen Territory—"The Rose of the Graveyard," Elsbeth von Draken—derives much of her fearsome power from her crimson dragon mount.

The Amethyst Ironclad Army, imbued and strengthened by the death power of the Crimson Dragon, is an extremely unique ranged unit. Their specially crafted ammunition, enhanced by Crimson Dragon magic, can easily penetrate the hardest heavy armor and inflict devastating damage on the very essence of living beings. Su Li calculated that if he could successfully train and equip three full-strength squadrons in the early stages, their concentrated fire would be enough to tear apart any stubborn enemy's lines on the battlefield, clearing a large number of obstacles for him.

His thoughts then turned to another heavy and precious gain from this trip—the legendary Engineer's Hammer.

The power of this warhammer lies first and foremost in its impeccable legendary quality. Any chosen warrior, whether human knight or dwarven, who wields this hammer will have their destructive power amplified to a terrifying level, enough to threaten even legendary beings.

But its core value lies in the extraordinary blessing it bestows upon artisans: all large war machines manufactured or maintained by it have a significant probability of receiving a permanent upgrade in quality. This means that the Hessian arsenal will have the opportunity to equip itself with a large number of unconventional, perfect, and even rare war machines in the future—whether they are dwarven helicopters, war wagon fortresses, or mortars and cannons.

Su Li's gaze swept across the rear of the column, where packhorses were pulling the wreckage of several severely damaged dwarven helicopters. In this battle, their air power suffered heavy losses; the territory's own "Warhammer" squadron and the dwarven reinforcements combined had lost eight helicopters shot down or severely damaged, almost wiping out their air force. Originally, given the current level of craftsmanship in the Blackforest Territory, the hope of repairing these intricate machines was slim; most of the wreckage would likely only be able to be dismantled for parts.

But now, with this engineer's hammer, the situation is entirely different. They have the potential to repair these steel wreckages and even forge them into something stronger than ever before. Of course, those completely shattered are beyond saving, but a few core structures remain. These will be the seeds for the future rebuilding and even expansion of Blacksem's air power.

Besides this legendary warhammer, there was also a legendary banner, a treasure worthy of being the cornerstone of the kingdom. His fingers touched the banner, which was not made of solid cloth but was formed from pure battle intent and sorrow: the [Legendary War Banner - Cadrin's Blazing Fire].

This banner silently tells an epic tale of fall, sacrifice, and resilience. It originates from the will of the Butcher King Agrim Ironfist in his darkest hour, and is the culmination of the final resistance at Karak Cadrin Keep. Simply by sensing its presence, Su Li could almost hear the final roar and vows of the dwarven battleaxes.

Its triple power is already clear to everyone: Once [Ancestral Wrath] is unleashed, this battle banner can greatly inspire the surrounding allies through a bloodline resonance, especially the dwarves, granting them strength, stamina, and intimidating the enemy. This is the collective blessing of the will of the mountains.

【Forge Barrier - Array】When troops form a defensive array around the battle flag, it significantly enhances the resilience of the entire formation, and is particularly adept at deflecting ranged attacks, as if draping the army in the indestructible barrier of Cadlin Fortress.

【Ember of the End - Vengeance】This is the most resolute ability, triggered when the unit suffers heavy losses or the holder is on the verge of death. It absorbs the last fighting spirit of the fallen, unleashing a devastating vengeful impact, and grants the survivors a brief "Ember of Courage" for a desperate counterattack. This is the last resort to perish with the enemy.

Undoubtedly, this battle banner is far more valuable than an ordinary legendary item. It is a strategic symbol of military spirit. If it were bestowed upon the dwarven legions of Blackforest, it would not only greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of the dwarven troops, but also tightly unite them under the banner of Blackforest, making them an unshakable core fulcrum on the battlefield, especially in defensive battles and fierce wars of attrition.

The number of legendary items obtained in the Valley of Memories may exceed the total number of legendary items acquired throughout the entire Black Forest Territory. This is because, in addition to these three legendary items, there is also a legendary amulet, the [Rage Rune].

This amulet possesses a power that is simple, direct, and deadly: it can instantly amplify the wearer's or a designated target's strength and aggression to the extreme, even beyond their limits, but at the cost of rationality and defense. It is a double-edged sword, meant to be used on its sharpest edge at the most crucial moments. Perhaps it could be given to a champion warrior charging into battle, to tear through enemy lines in an instant; or, if necessary, to be used on certain…special “experimental subjects.”

Finally, there's the peerless [Blazing Plate Armor Forging Blueprint]. This isn't a finished product, but its value is immense. It means that once the Blackforest Territory's armory acquires enough materials and skilled craftsmen, it could potentially mass-produce this powerful plate armor. This armor would provide elite troops with superior protection and could even be enchanted to grant powerful fire attacks. This is a crucial step in improving the overall equipment level of the army; although it requires investment of resources and time, the reward will be a significant boost to the entire army's strength.

All of these, along with the two [Life Ambers], the [Engineer's Hammer], the [Ring of the Eight Winds of Magic], and the largest "living trophy" [Morcana], together constitute a powerful blueprint for the rise of the Black Forest Territory.

The valley wind ruffled his black hair as he took one last look at the Valley of Memories shrouded in gray mist and resentment. It was a place fraught with danger, where every step teetered on the edge of death, but also, in return, a tremendous opportunity to change one's destiny.

Even so, Su Li was well aware that what they had explored and obtained this time was perhaps only the tip of the iceberg of this ancient battlefield's legacy. The enormous Aetherarian Tree still stood rooted here, and the dozens of Life Amber crystals condensed on it were unattainable treasures. Many more areas were shrouded in mist and danger, and there was no time to explore them.

“The next night of the double crescent moon…” Su Li silently memorized. At that time, when the barrier of the valley weakens again, he will send an elite force back to this place to continue excavating this treasure trove that buries ten thousand years of history.

His thoughts were interrupted by a dwarf's gruff muttering. His gaze turned to the lich Mhawa, who was being watched over by Demst. Mhawa was now tightly bound by runic chains, his soulfire dimmed, and he no longer possessed his previous arrogance.

Gerson Grayrock and several dwarven warriors were nearby, glaring at Mhawa with hostility. Gerson, in particular, had his fists clenched so tightly they cracked. Mhawa's manipulation of the remains of their dwarven ancestors had deeply defiled the most sacred place in the dwarves' hearts, and this hatred was hard to quell.

Su Li's eyes were filled with complex emotions. From a selfish and personal perspective, the most direct and satisfying choice would be to completely annihilate Mhava, eliminating any future threat, and comforting his dwarf allies. However, he couldn't.

This is a world where gods are watching from above. Oaths and promises carry real weight, and virtues and vices attract the attention and responses of the corresponding deities. As a lord who upholds order and promises, Su Li's "virtue" is the cornerstone of his legitimacy of rule and the favor he gains from certain gods of the established order. Going back on his word, especially by targeting those who have just rendered meritorious service (even if forced), is a grave injustice that will inevitably lead to the loss of virtue and incur the displeasure or even curses of the gods. He is not, and cannot, be, such a person who breaks his promises.

"Let him go." Su Li's voice was calm but left no room for argument.

"Lord!" Gerson looked up abruptly, his face filled with suppressed anger and bewilderment. "This filthy thing... it has desecrated the resting place of our ancestors! It..."

“Gerson Greyrock,” Su Li interrupted him, her gaze sharp as she looked at the dwarven leader. “I understand your anger, and mine is no less. But we had a pact with him: he helped us against Yseramar, and in return, we spared his life. A pact is a pact.”

Gerson opened his mouth, but ultimately just spat on the ground and turned away. The other dwarves also grunted in dissatisfaction, but they didn't argue further. Dwarves were one of the races in the world that valued oaths and contracts most highly, and Su Li's words touched upon their core principles. They could be angry, they could be dissatisfied, but they could not openly demand that their lord break his sacred promise.

Su Li walked up to Mhava, looking down at the withering soul fire. Demst manipulated the runic chains, slightly loosening their bindings on the lich's head.

“Mhawa,” Su Li’s voice was as cold as the wind in the valley, “you heard me. We’re keeping our promise, and now we’re giving you a way out.”

Mhawa's soul fire flickered weakly, seemingly in disbelief. Given the wretches' baseness and darkness, if it were them, they certainly wouldn't have kept their promise.

Before he could react, Su Li's tone suddenly turned icy: "But this way out comes with conditions. Get out of the Black Forest Territory, get out of the Gray Mountain Range! Never let me, or any of my subordinates, see you anywhere again! If you dare to set foot on my territory again, or dare to harass my allies again, even if it's just the slightest unpleasant news about you—"

Su Li suddenly leaned closer, her voice lower and filled with undisguised killing intent: "I swear on the honor of the Goddess of the Blazing Sun and the Lord of the Black Forest Territory, no matter which rat hole you're hiding in, I will personally drag you out, crush your pathetic soul fire bit by bit, stuff it into a cesspool, and make you regret living this day in eternal agony! Do you understand?!"

This threat was crude and direct, full of dwarven curses, which made the dwarves, including Gerson, feel a sense of relief and even nod in agreement.

Mhava's soulfire trembled violently. He could feel the absolute seriousness in Su Li's words and the immense, irresistible power within them. He had no doubt that if he made the same mistake again, this human lord would definitely keep his word.

“…I understand…” the lich said in a hoarse voice with difficulty, with no more thoughts of resistance.

"Hand over the evidence of your collusion with the Electoral Council, and get out of here immediately!" Su Li straightened up and shouted.

Demst completely released the runic chains. Mhava immediately retrieved a secret letter from his body, which was formed from the dark winds, and presented it with the official seal of the Imperial Electoral Council, which shone brightly like blood!
He hastily handed it over to Demst, and then, not daring to linger for even a second longer, the soul fire enveloped the tattered life box, transforming it into a dark streak of light, and then hurriedly sped away from Black Forest Territory and Gray Mountain, quickly disappearing into the horizon.

Watching the direction where Mhawa had disappeared, the dwarves, though still resentful, felt their frustration lessen considerably. Their lord had kept his promise, but had also upheld their dignity in the strictest way, thoroughly banishing the blasphemer.

Su Li said no more and turned to face the road leading to the Black Forest Territory.

"Let's go home."

The team set off again, carrying the weight of sacrifice and glory, bearing the heavy harvest and the hope for the future, heading firmly towards the Bauhinia Manor, gradually leaving the shadows of the valley behind.

(End of this chapter)