Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 480 New Intelligence: The Territory's First True Legendary Knight's Opportunity

The morning light filtered through the gaps in the heavy velvet curtains, casting warm dappled patterns on the carpet. Su Li slowly opened his eyes; a deep sleep and the intense "cultivation" he had just endured had washed away the last trace of fatigue. Beside him, Lady Bayonetta remained fast asleep, her long, flowing hair spread across the pillow, her cheeks flushed with contentment, her breathing even and deep, as if she were completely immersed in peace and happiness.

Su Li did not disturb her. He calmed himself down and began to practice the family's top-level Candle Breathing Technique. The air was filled with a scorching heat. The surging power within him flowed with each movement. With each breath, the energy merged and settled more deeply with the pure moonlight power that Bayonetta had left in his body the night before.

About half an hour later, he slowly stopped, his body steaming with heat, and a faint light seemed to emanate from beneath his skin. He felt that his control over the raging dragon blood power within him had improved by another fraction, and his foundation was even more solid. This combination of daily, unremitting training and nighttime "cultivation" had unexpectedly good results.

By the time he finished his breathing exercise, Bayonetta had been slightly awakened by the noise. She was lazily sitting up, the silk quilt slipping down to reveal a large expanse of her smooth, white skin. Her eyes were hazy, carrying the allure of someone just waking up. Seeing Su Li's increasingly sharp and imposing aura after his morning practice, a blush rose on her face.

“My lord is always so…diligent.” Her voice, hoarse from the morning, was particularly alluring.

Su Li chuckled softly, leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips, the warmth of her morning exercise still lingering.

“Just to better… cultivate my fertile land, my lady.” The double entendre in his words made Bayonetta’s ears turn bright red.

After the intense 'morning training' ended, the maid Ilya gently knocked on the door and brought in a silver tray with a cup of warm milk, exuding a rich, creamy aroma. Su Li took it and drank it all in one gulp. The warm liquid slid down his throat, into his stomach, and quickly transformed into a warm current flowing through his limbs, resonating with the active energy within him, bringing a thoroughly satisfying feeling.

Then a cheerful voice from the system sounded.

[Because you are in a state of physical and mental well-being while lying down, today's prophetic message has been updated.]

[1. Whispers of the Black Forest Stone Tomb: In the eastern border of the territory, in that hilly region covered by the ancient Black Pine Forest, beneath three rugged, triangular stone mounds lies the burial place of an ancient human tribal warchief. His peerless battle axe, "Soul Ripper," did not decay but absorbed the earth's ley lines and the resentment of the fallen, transforming into the embryonic form of a runic weapon. If a trusted aide is dispatched on the next double crescent moon night to irrigate the central stone mound with the blood of three pure black bulls and challenge the undead with a battle cry, it may win the warchief's remnant soul's approval. "Soul Ripper" will then burst forth from the earth, granting the weapon the powers of [Berserk Tear] and [Terrifying Undead]—a crucial runic embryonic form for a short-lived legendary weapon.]

[2. The Chaos Dwarf's Lost Forge Core: A group of wandering Chaos Dwarf slave traders briefly stopped at the edge of Blackwood, leaving behind a damaged [Hellforge Core Fragment]. This item is currently being worshipped as a deity by a group of burrowing ratmen and is hidden in an abandoned spur nest deep within the subway mines of the Dwarven Grayrock Tribe. Promptly clearing it out will yield core runes to enhance Dwarven cannons, allowing the forging of a rare runic cannon, the Organ Cannon. Ignoring it will likely attract the attention of the main Chaos Dwarf force due to the increasing devotion it receives.]

3. The Triumphant Sacrifice of the Blazing Sun: The core loot you brought back from the Valley of Memories—the staff of the ancient lich Jasper, the faded leaves of the sacred tree of Atherarion, and numerous weapons that have drunk the blood of legendary dwarven ancestors—all possess immense power and symbolic significance. Simply collecting or dismantling them would be a waste of their value. If you were to place these loot, including the staff, the leaves, and at least 10 perfect-quality longswords and 3 rare-quality or higher weapons (stained with the blood of legendary dwarven ancestors), in the Radiant Plaza of the Temple of the Blazing Sun, and personally preside over a triumphant sacrifice ceremony at noon, burning them with the holy flames of the sun while loudly chanting your achievements and reverence for the goddess, you would greatly please the Goddess of the Sun. Based on the quality and significance of your offerings, the goddess's generous reward may include: the fourth gift of the triumphant ceremony—the Rainbow Barrier—and the fifth gift—the Blood-Ink Scroll. You will be bestowed with an amulet imbued with the power of the blazing sun, and may even directly elevate the rank of a chosen goddess follower (Note: Choosing a high-ranking, peak-level Divine Chosen Knight will grant them a breakthrough inspiration, with a low probability of reaching Legendary rank). This is an excellent opportunity to proclaim your martial prowess and the goddess's favor to the world.

[4. The Cornerstone of Dwarven Friendship: The three carefully wrapped and sealed remains of dwarven ancestral heroes are priceless treasures from the depths of the Valley of Memory, especially for the dwarves. Immediately dispatch a reliable envoy through official channels, carrying your personal letter and some of the spoils as tokens, to the Graymountain Dwarf Kingdom. Formally inform them that you have found the remains of their lost heroes and wish to return them in full. This act will be no less significant than retrieving their long-lost family relic. The anticipated rewards far exceed monetary: the Graymountain Dwarves' enduring friendship and profound respect, the potential priority purchase rights or even gifts of dwarven premium equipment/engineering machinery, the signing of favorable mining or military treaties, and the promise of support from legendary dwarven armies should you need them in the future. This is a solid step towards laying the foundation for a century-long alliance.]

5. The Greenskins' Chosen One?: A group of orc lads from the Bloodhand Clan discovered a strange, prehistoric mushroom-like rock formation oozing green slime in a cave on the border of their territory. They believe it to be a divine revelation from "Brother Gomoku" and are currently performing a war dance around it. Their WAAAGH!!! energy may be spawning a new, more aggressive type of combat mushroom. Eradicating this force in time can prevent the spread of the Greenskins.

[6. Gift of Imperial Deserters: A group of Imperial soldiers (possibly from Núnn or Midden) who fled from the northern Chaos front offer a spoil they seized from a Chaos wizard in exchange for supplies and shelter—a constantly whispering, bloodthirsty [Brass Skull]. This item is a powerful Chaos artifact, but it could also be a deadly source of curses. However, if used properly, it can bring tremendous opportunities to your territory. Placing it in the Flashspear Fields and using a magic circle to expand its perceived range will attract a large number of Chaos warbands. Regularly clearing these areas will bring you a wealth of loot and divine favor.]

7. The Wood Elf Observer: The wood elves of the Blackpine Great Forest have been secretly observing the unique ecology of Blackwood Territory and Bauhinia Manor. A forest ranger, curious about human culture, left behind an [Acorn Beacon]. This beacon has now been found by Ralph Powell, a hunter from Blackrock Village, who uses it as a collar for his hunting dogs. Infusing it with natural energy or placing it under a Vitality Oak tree might attract a wood elf messenger, initiating limited trade or intelligence exchange with the forest dwellers.

[8. Leyline Node and Harvest Ritual: A ranger discovered a faint leyline energy node (not magical wind, but closer to natural life energy) deep within the ancient Black Pine Forest. If a druid or life mage guides a small harvest prayer ritual at this location during the next harvest festival, the node's energy can be temporarily diffused to farmland within a ten-mile radius, increasing crop yields in the area by 50% and producing plumper, more delicious fruit. The node's energy will take several years to recover.]

9. Medicinal Mud from Hot Spring Valley: The hot spring town in the northern part of Bauhinia Manor has mud at its bottom that, due to being soaked in mineral-rich hot water year-round, possesses mild effects in relaxing muscles and tendons and treating bruises. The quality of the mud seems to peak on the night of a full moon. Organizing manpower to systematically mine and package this warm mud can produce a popular product called "Hessen Hot Compress Mud," favored by soldiers, farmers, and laborers, becoming a valuable local specialty and source of income. Sustainable mining is essential to avoid damaging the hot spring ecosystem.

[10. The Opportunity to Domesticate Forest Boars: A group of highly adaptable forest boars migrated from the south to the edge of the Black Forest Territory's woodlands. They are more ferocious than domestic pigs, but their meat is firm and delicious, and they can forage for themselves in the forest. If adequate supplies (such as surplus crop roots) are provided during the winter when food is scarce, and the ferocious leader is carefully hunted and driven away, there is a chance to slowly domesticate the remaining boars, introducing a new breed of livestock—the Black Forest boar—that is hardy, has excellent meat quality, and whose mature sows typically weigh up to 500 Imperial catties.]

Su Li's consciousness slowly withdrew from the flood of information. He took a deep breath, feeling the warmth rising within him from the milk and the sense of satisfaction, and a pleasant smile appeared on his cheeks.

Today's intelligence is exceptionally helpful!
His attention was first and foremost drawn to the [Triumphant Sacrifice of the Blazing Sun], and his heart even began to beat faster.

"Triumphal procession...the fourth and fifth ceremonies..."

This is the highest and most direct recognition and reward from the goddess to mortal travelers. For ordinary generals, obtaining the first "Golden Eagle Crown" or the second "Fire Emblem" is already an unparalleled honor. Even Su Li, through years of fighting in the north and south, has only accumulated the blessings of the first three gifts—the Golden Eagle Crown, the Sacred Fire Emblem, and the Lark's Morning Song.

Each gift provided tremendous assistance to his legion. And this time, the goddess directly foretold the arrival of the fourth and fifth gifts!

"Rainbow Barrier..." Su Li recalled the introduction from the Rong En priests. The city walls, built strictly according to the "Twelve Rules of City Building," would display tactical runes on the bricks after withstanding more arrows than the defending army. The famous "Emerald Fortress" thus refracted sunlight into holy flames that scorched the dead during a vampire siege.

The fifth ritual, Blood Ink Scroll, is even more extraordinary. Legend has it that it is a contract or decree written by the goddess with divine blood as ink. Its specific form and effect vary from person to person. It may be a powerful one-time divine scroll, or it may be a divine gift that grants the holder special powers. Its value is immeasurable.

In addition, there is an exclusive Sunfire Amulet and a Divine Gift that can directly enhance the strength of believers... This whole set of rewards is so generous that any lord would covet it!
This could even be a chance for a chosen knight to leap to the legendary level—though the hope is slim, it is still of great significance. For any chosen knight, there may not be even one opportunity in their entire life to break through to the legendary realm.

Every possibility of a breakthrough is worth their utmost effort, even at the cost of their lives. It is a glimmer of light leading to a higher level, a faith and pursuit that can ignite the burning passion of every knight.

"It seems that my battle in the Valley of Memory, especially my achievements in completely purifying that cursed land, retrieving the remains of the dwarven heroes, and slaying that ancient lich, have pleased the goddess far more than I had anticipated."

Su Li was secretly delighted. "This is a great favor, and a clear signal—the goddess is lifting her skirt to greet me!"

He made his decision almost instantly: "Today, the first important thing upon my return must be to go to the Temple of the Blazing Sun and preside over this sacrifice! It must be grand and solemn, so that all the people, potential allies and enemies, can see that the goddess's gaze is upon us!"

After contemplating this crucial piece of information, his mind quickly scanned the other pieces of information, and he began to rapidly weigh and plan.

The second and most important piece of intelligence is undoubtedly the friendship of the dwarves. This is as important as the sacrifice itself and must be handled immediately and solemnly. Returning the remains is both a matter of morality and a highly astute political investment. The friendship of the Grey Mountain dwarves and their "promise of support led by a legendary dwarf army" will be crucial, even decisive, in the storms that Blackwood may face in the future. This matter requires sending the most capable halfling foreign minister, who is most familiar with dwarven etiquette and their complex code of honor, to demonstrate the utmost respect and sincerity.

"The support of a legendary dwarf leading an army..." Su Li repeated the phrase in his mind, its weight as heavy as a mountain. This was not merely reinforcements; it was a resounding promise from a powerful race, an endorsement of the personal honor of a legendary figure. It meant that no matter what political pressure or military threats Joachim of Maleburg might exert in the future, no matter how restless the Chaos in the north might become, even if one day a powerful legendary knight personally led tens of thousands of troops, banners waving, besieging the city of Blacksem—

Just as war clouds loomed over the city, the city walls trembled under the bombardment of catapults, and the enemy's legendary warriors swaggered in front of the battle lines, attempting to intimidate Su Li and force him to submit.

On the other side of the horizon, the heavy, unified sound of war drums and horns, like a mountain collapsing, will surely come! The sound of the horns is rugged and desolate, and is definitely not a human creation.

Immediately afterwards, a moving "mountain" of steel, fury, and thick beards would appear at the edge of the battlefield. Thousands of well-equipped dwarven warriors, their armor gleaming with runes, would advance steadily in an unbreakable phalanx. Warhammers would pound heavily against shields, unleashing thunderous roars that drowned out all other clamor on the battlefield.

Leading the group was undoubtedly an exceptionally robust and imposing old dwarf, his beard braided into a thick, intricate plait, possibly even studded with gold or jewels, and clad in legendary runic armor—none other than the legendary King of the Grey Mountain Kingdom, Cadrin Ironsworn. He rode a massive, equally armored, and restless mountain ram, his legendary warhammer, the "Hatebreaker," perhaps the size of a millstone, gleaming with a chilling energy.

He didn't even bother to greet Su Li first, but instead directly commanded his army to occupy a strategic high ground, deploying their ranks facing the human besieging army. Then, this legendary dwarf would spur his mount forward a few steps, take a deep breath, and unleash a roar that, fueled by centuries of ale, was powerful enough to drown out the roar of the battlefield:
“You shiny, long-legged shrimp idiot riding a skinny horse over there! Yes! You! Put away your pathetic toy sword and prick up your ears, which are probably only for decoration, so that Lord Cadlin Iron Oath can hear me clearly!”

His voice boomed like thunder, filled with undisguised contempt and anger:

"The land beneath your feet is protected by the eternal oath of the Grey Mountain Kingdom! Lord Su Li of the Black Forest Territory is my, Kadrin Ironsworn's, most important ally, blood-sworn brother, and trading partner, as well as all the Grey Mountain Dwarves! His enemies are the enemies of the entire Grey Mountain Kingdom!"

He brandished his massive warhammer, pointing it at the enemy commander below the city walls, his spittle practically spraying into the man's face from a distance:
"You bunch of arrogant, short-lived bastards, whose bones are lighter than cheap iron ore! How dare you besiege my dwarven allies? Do you want to test the hardness of the dwarven warhammer, or add a few more holes to your laughable battle banner?!" "I swear in the name of my ancestral gods and the father of blacksmithing! If you dare to lay a finger on Lord Su Li, or let his people shed a single drop of blood—today I will personally use this 'Hate Terminator' to smash your head and the heads of your rabble into your cavities like I'm smashing goblins! I will also melt down your beautiful armor and turn it into chamber pots to send to the filthiest orc tribe!"

"Now! Immediately! Take your bunch of whining wimps and get out of Blackforest territory! Otherwise, don't blame your old man Kadrin for stretching his muscles today and teaching you a lesson in what dwarven wrath is! What it means to always pay your debts!"

This roar, a mixture of the dwarves' characteristic stubbornness, arrogance, rudeness, and almost obsessive protection of their allies, was enough to send any besieger's heart sinking to the bottom. It wasn't just about gaining an army; it was about gaining a legendary powerhouse and the overwhelming fury of the entire dwarven kingdom.

The situation will reverse in an instant, just like the sudden appearance of the dwarf Dain Ironfoot's reinforcements at the foot of Lonely Mountain in "The Battle of the Five Armies," which brings unparalleled shock, morale blow, and strategic pressure.

Just imagining that scene made Su Liguang's lips curl into a relieved smile. This investment was absolutely worthwhile.

He must appoint the most courteous and diplomatically experienced minister to oversee this matter. This, one could say, is crucial intelligence that could guarantee the continuation of the Hessen territory.

Of course, besides these two extremely important pieces of information, other information also made Su Li feel happy.

For example, the domestication of wild boars and the creation of a new specialty species, the Black Forest Pig, is something that has never happened in the territory before.

This also shows that the Hessen Territory now boasts a vast territory, magnificent mountains and rivers, and abundant resources! It has even been able to develop a unique species belonging to the Hessen Territory. The yield of this Hessen pig is 20% higher than that of the fattest old sow!

A 500-pound sow, slaughtered at the end of the year, is enough to feed 4 to 5 families for a bountiful year; the pork dishes are more than they can eat.

If this intelligence proves that the territory of Hessen is vast and its mountains and rivers are magnificent, then the hot spring mud proves that Hessen has a rich history!

This Black Forest hot compress mud is entirely due to the flowing of healing hot springs. The mud at the bottom, constantly soaked in mineral-rich hot water, develops a mild effect of relaxing muscles and tendons, and treating sprains and bruises. Without long-term sedimentation, this effect would be impossible.

Su Li decided to turn this hot compress mud into a relatively inexpensive specialty product and sell it to soldiers, farmers, and laborers so that they could also experience the benefits of the territory's development.

Both pieces of information are relatively easy to handle. Information such as the stone mound in the Blackpine Great Forest, the Chaos Dwarf Forge, the threat of Greenskin Fungus, and the Leyline Nodes can be handled by him simply by informing his steward, Hilde. The territory is now full of talented people who can perfectly resolve all of this.

He had to be cautious about two other pieces of information: a beacon of wood elves and a trophy of a brass skull.

He had a gut feeling that the appearance of this elf's beacon was somewhat unusual.

He had just emerged from the Valley of Memories, and the adventure party led by the Bone Merchant Frostwood was about to return from the ancient Titans, when the Wood Elves, who had been hiding, suddenly appeared!

He didn't believe it was just a simple coincidence.

It should be noted that the outposts, settlements, and farms in the Black Pine Forest have reported many times that they have seen figures resembling elves near the interior of the forest.

But to date, the two sides have had absolutely no contact. Not a single instance has occurred; not a single hunter or ranger has successfully greeted a wood elf in the forest.

They seem to be intentionally or unintentionally avoiding appearing in human sight.

Su Li had just acquired some ancient items, and the wood elves had voluntarily left behind a beacon?

To call this a coincidence would be to underestimate his intelligence.

However, this matter will have to wait until the expedition returns from the Black Pine Forest. For now, Su Li can only send his high-ranking attendants to the hunter to retrieve the beacon.

Finally, his gaze swept over the information about the [Brass Skull] again, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"Attract Chaos Warbands, clean them out regularly, and exchange them for loot and divine favor..." He repeated the words from the intelligence report in a low voice. Even with his current strength, he could feel the unsettling abyss behind this seemingly "efficient harvesting" plan.

“This thing…” Su Li’s voice carried a hint of caution, “It doesn’t emit ordinary chaotic energy. It thirsts for blood and keeps whispering… It’s more like the Blood God’s fetish.”

His intuition was screaming a warning. Using the skull as bait sounded like an efficient farmer planting dangerous crops, expecting a regular harvest. But chaos, especially creations associated with Khorne, is never a docile beast. They are natural disasters, the embodiment of destruction.

Khorne's Chosen... Su Li could almost picture the terrifying scene. If the signal from this brass skull were amplified excessively, it might attract far more than just ordinary, chaotic beastman warbands or scattered Yankee raiders.

More likely, it will attract a true Khorne legion with a clear objective of destruction. Its leader will likely be a Khorne's chosen champion—a destructive engine blessed by the Blood God, consumed by an insatiable thirst for slaughter. Such a being often possesses terrifying strength approaching or even reaching legendary status, and commands the most fanatical and bloodthirsty Khorne berserkers and warhounds.

They come not to plunder, nor to conquer, but only to sacrifice and destroy. Their goal is to regard the entire Flashspear Plains, and even the neighboring Blackforest Territory, as a vast altar of skulls, vowing to please their dark god with endless blood and slaughter.

“This is no longer about clearing out spoils,” Su Li said with a chill in his heart. “This is about actively opening the gates of hell, gambling that you can close them in time when the army pours out—but who can guarantee that you can close them every time? One mistake could mean utter ruin.”

While Flashspear's defenses are formidable, and the dwarven hero Ankar Redbeard is a significant asset, the war against a raging chosen one of Khorne and his army, born purely for slaughter, will be incredibly brutal and unpredictable. Every "harvest" will be tantamount to dancing on a knife's edge.

The rewards could be enormous—Khorne followers often carry enchanted, evil weapons, armor imbued with divine power, and their own blood and souls brimming with violent energy, making them "high-quality" sacrifices for certain dark rituals or offerings to deities of order. But the price could be severe damage to the territory, or even the breaching of its defenses.

"The risk is too high..." Su Li finally shook his head, temporarily suppressing this seemingly tempting but actually extremely dangerous plan.

"This brass skull is more like a hot potato, an unstable beacon of chaos. Perhaps... a safer approach would be to seal it tightly, or find an opportunity to 'gift' it to the Empire's witch hunter headquarters or the Church of Redmar, letting them figure out how to purify or dispose of it. In exchange for some substantial political support or resources, it might be more worthwhile than risking attracting the Khorne army."

Of course, this is not absolute. Perhaps in the future, at a time when merit and divine favor are extremely needed, or when the territory's power expands to the point where it is no longer afraid of the threat of the Khorne Legion, this dangerous plan can be re-evaluated.

But not now. What the Blacksene Territory needs now is stable development, to digest its gains, and to deal with the potential threat from Maleburg, rather than actively provoking the Blood God's attention.

Su Li marked this intelligence in his mind as "extremely high risk, postpone execution", and even put it after dealing with the Wood Elf beacon.

Thinking of this, Su Li couldn't help but smile. The stronger he became, the more cautious he became, unwilling to take meaningless risks.

Now he truly understood the Empire's higher-ups; avoiding and staying away from chaos was absolutely the wisest choice. He would rather lie low and farm than do something so meaningless and extremely risky.

(End of this chapter)