Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 493 A Powerful Ally, the Legendary Dwarf His Majesty Cadrin Ironsworn
Su Li's team returned to the core of Black Forest Territory, the Purple Thorn Palace, at top speed.

Along the way, messengers had already sped off, spreading news of the king's visit and the lord's orders to every corner of the territory. When Su Li's carriage arrived at the palace gates, the entire castle had already entered a solemn and orderly state of busy activity.

The distance from Lady Grey's Pass to the Bauhinia Palace was roughly the same as the distance Su Li traveled back from Blue Mirror Lake, so when Su Li returned, the messenger had already reported that the dwarf army was about to arrive.

The Blacksene Royal Guard knights, now clad in gleaming plate armor with vibrant coats of arms, stood like a steel forest on either side of the road leading to the main castle. The tips of their halberds gleamed coldly in the sunlight, their postures upright and their expressions solemn. The territorial banners embroidered with the golden bauhinia emblem and the imperial double-headed eagle standard fluttered in the breeze. Court servants bustled about, checking the final carpeting and decorations.

The most striking sight was the crowd gathered in the palace square. Besides the necessary guards and curious human inhabitants, the majority were dwarves from all over Blacksend. They weren't all warriors; many were artisans, miners, and merchants from the Redbeard Clan and other smaller dwarven communities or independent artisans settled in Blacksend.

Most of them wore their best clothes—perhaps festive leather aprons adorned with badges signifying their artisan rank; or polished chainmail; the clan elders wore heavy robes emblazoned with ancient runes. Their rugged faces wore expressions of excitement, pride, and profound respect. The musketeers spontaneously formed an informal honor guard, preparing their finest gunpowder to fire a salute as the king passed by—one of the dwarves' highest forms of respect.

Doglin strode to the front of his people, straightening his already sturdy frame, his fiery red beard meticulously combed, and his eyes gleaming with an irrepressible light.

For all dwarves, the visit of a king, especially the Gray Mountain King known for his resilience and ancient traditions, is an honor that may not be experienced for generations.

"For Granni! For Valaya! For all our ancestors!" Doglin roared to the dwarves around him. "Break your spirits! Let His Majesty Cadlin see that even in Blacksend, the dwarves' spines are of iron and their craftsmanship shines!"

Soon, the deep, rhythmic sound of bugles rang out again, this time even more resonant and lingering, carrying a melody that echoed through the mountains. On the horizon, a column of soldiers appeared.

The first thing that catches the eye is a massive royal banner forged from solid metal, engraved with the clan emblem of Kadrin Ironsworn—a rugged mountain held in the grip of an iron fist, against a backdrop of crossed warhammers and pickaxes. The banner flutters heavily in the wind, displaying its extraordinary weight.

Beneath the banner, King Kadrin Ironsworn rode slowly toward the road on an exceptionally tall and strong heavy war ram steed covered in thick scales.

Just as the legends say, he was more robust and imposing than the average dwarf, covered in finely crafted silver-grey plate armor engraved with defensive runes and images of his ancestors' achievements. His long white beard was meticulously braided into an intricate plait, bound with metal rings, and hung down to his chest.

He wore a dragon tooth crown inlaid with a huge sapphire, and his face was like granite sculpted by wind and frost, resolute and majestic, with sharp eyes like an eagle, scanning the distance with the scrutiny and composure of a king.

He held in his hand a massive, not-so-decorative, runic warhammer, its head casually resting on the goat's saddle.

On either side and behind him stood the formidable "Dragonrock Guards." These elite dwarven warriors were the king's personal guard, all clad in uniform, rune-infused heavy armor, their helmets adorned with dragon wings or fangs, and wielding massive shields and gleaming long-handled battleaxes or heavy hammers.

They marched in silence, their steps perfectly synchronized, exuding an oppressive aura like an iron torrent, their eyes scanning their surroundings warily to ensure the king's absolute safety.

Behind them stretched an endless army of dwarven soldiers, their ranks impeccably disciplined. They had endured a long march and battles; their armor bore the dust of war, a few traces of undried blood, and dents from cuts, yet this only enhanced their fierce bearing. The heavy footsteps and the scraping of armor blended into a deep, unsettling rumble.

This army itself is a silent testament to the strength of the Grey Mountain Kingdom and the significance of this journey.

The procession stopped before the palace gates. Dorok Redbeard immediately led all the dwarves present to kneel on one knee, place their right hand on their chests, bow their heads, and shout in unison in the dwarven language: "Homage to you, Your Majesty Cadrin! May your ancestors and the mountains protect your steps!"

The human soldiers also gave the most solemn military salute.

Su Li straightened his robes and, accompanied by Hilde, Orstein, and a group of core officials, steadily stepped forward to greet them. He did not appear humble because the other party was the king, but maintained the dignity and demeanor befitting a powerful lord, yet his actions were filled with the utmost respect for a distinguished guest and a powerful ally.

"Your Majesty, King Kadrin Ironsworn, in the name of Violet and all the gods of justice and order, welcome to Blacksin Territory!" Su Li's voice was clear and powerful, echoing across the square. "You and your warriors have traveled a long and arduous journey. Your arrival is the greatest honor for Blacksin Territory. Please allow me, Su Li Bauhinia, to extend my sincerest greetings to you on behalf of my territory and people."

King Kadrin Ironsworn's response, like himself, was weighty and direct. He dismounted from the magnificent war ram, his armor landing with a steady clang. He took a few steps forward, his deep, weathered eyes scrutinizing Su Li with a scrutinizing gaze, and a barely perceptible hint of approval for a rapidly rising young ruler.

"Lord Su Li, Bauhinia," the king's voice was deep and resonant, like thunder from the depths of the earth, carrying the unquestionable majesty unique to dwarves, "your name and deeds have already reached my halls with the caravans and the wind, even with battle reports. The promises in your letter and your respect for the remains of our ancestors make it worthwhile for us to embark on this journey." He nodded slightly, a gesture that carried particular weight and significance when performed by him.

He paused, his long white beard trembling slightly with his breath, and surveyed the solemnly standing Blacksene soldiers, especially his excited dwarven brethren. "It seems you have not only won the battle, but also the hearts of the people living on this land, including the approval of some of my own people. That's good. A ruler who understands how to respect tradition and oaths often wins the friendship of the dwarves."

Su Li's profound respect was by no means an overstatement for Kadrin Ironsworn. This king's fame stemmed far more than just his crown. He was one of the most renowned and legendary lords still active in the Grey Mountain Kingdom, and indeed, throughout the entire Old World of dwarven kingdoms. His reputation did not arise from court intrigue, but was built upon countless bloody battles of defense and arduous crusades of revenge—a monument erected from the bones of greenskins, ratmen, and trolls.

His Majesty Cadlin's life was almost a chronicle of his battles against the countless evil forces that surrounded Gray Mountain.

His extraordinary nature began at birth. According to royal records and oral accounts from elders, at the time of his birth, a deep, melodious hum resounded from the rocks inscribed with ancient vows in the ancestral hall deep within Karak-Greyhill, considered a blessing from Gronni and Valaya. Even as a child, he displayed a physique and resilience far exceeding that of his peers; at five, he could wield a training warhammer that required the strength of an adult dwarf; and at ten, he single-handedly repelled a mutated Chaos Egg deep within the mines.

His talent wasn't limited to martial prowess. In the rune blacksmith's class, his comprehension of ancestral runes astonished even the strictest long-bearded master; before the strategic sand table, he often offered unconventional and insightful observations. The older dwarves looked at him as if they saw the shadows of the heroes of the dwarven Golden Age. The entire Grey Mountain Kingdom placed its hopes for restoring its people's glory on this prince, believing him to be the "Hammer of Hope" capable of leading his people to eliminate border threats and reclaim some lost territory.

Kadrin did not disappoint. His youth was spent in constant warfare. In his early years, he wiped out the Beastman Bronzehorn tribe, which had been entrenched in the Weeping Valley for centuries and had been impossible to eradicate, personally hanging the head of their leader on the kingdom's gates. He led a scout team deep into the Poisonous Water River basin, tracking down and annihilating the Night Goblin Shamans and their War Wolf Riders who had long harassed the southern trade routes, ensuring the smooth flow of vital trade lines.

However, what truly made him famous throughout the mountains was the Battle of Blackrock Pass, which took place approximately 140 years ago. At that time, he was a young prince renowned for his bravery and tenacity. The Battle of Blackrock Pass was the first brilliant display of his military talent.

At that time, a massive greenskin warband of over ten thousand men, led by "Skullcrusher" Agath Ironjaw, broke through the outer outposts and headed straight for Blackrock Pass, the last and most important pass leading to the gates of Dragonrock Keep. After the death of the incumbent commander, Kadrin was appointed to lead the remaining eight hundred or so defenders (including warriors, engineers, and wounded soldiers) to defend the ancient dwarven fortress "Solidstone Gate".

The battle was incredibly fierce. The Greenskins launched a relentless, day-and-night assault, hurling boulders from catapults that shattered the battlements, while the Orcs, battered by arrows and ballistae, stormed the steel gates. Kadrin led the charge, wielding his ancestral runic warhammer, the "Hatebreaker," standing like a rock at the most dangerous breach.

He personally organized counterattacks, leading his personal guard in numerous counter-charges, forcefully smashing down enemies who had scaled the city walls. Legend has it that during the fiercest moments of the battle, he held out alone for hours on the ruins of the collapsed tower, hammering down Agath Ironjaw's most beloved giant spider mount and ten of his Black Orc champions, greatly boosting the morale of the defenders.

Despite running out of supplies and with many sections of the city walls collapsing, they held out for three months thanks to the sturdiness of their dwarven fortifications and their unwavering will, until reinforcements arrived. With the help of reinforcements from within and without, they finally routed the Greenskins, and Argus Ironjaw was severely wounded and forced to flee. After this battle, the name "Solidstone Cadlin" resounded throughout the mountains.

Another achievement that demonstrates his determination and strength is the "Wrath of the Longbeard" expedition. The ancient mining city of Stonehowl, located deep in the Grey Mountain range, was suddenly attacked and desecrated by a large army of Skaven decades ago. A large number of Dwarven relics and ancestral remains in the city fell into enemy hands, a shameful disgrace that the entire Grey Mountain Kingdom can hardly wash away.

Shortly after ascending the throne, Cadlin personally planned and led this vengeful expedition. He did not rush into battle, but spent several years investigating the intricate network of ratmen tunnels and troop distribution beneath Stonehowl by interrogating prisoners and sending out his most elite rangers.

The expeditionary force, composed of five hundred of Kadrin's most elite dwarven warriors (including numerous Butchers and Ironbreakers), abandoned heavy siege equipment and carried a wealth of gear for underground warfare: whirlwind crossbows, flamethrowers for dealing with damp wooden structures, and quick-setting rock-filled concoction for sealing passageways. The battle unfolded in the dark, cramped tunnels, exceptionally brutal. His Majesty Kadrin wielded the "Hate Terminator," its runes gleaming in the darkness, each swing like an earthquake, shattering the rats' fragile armor and bodies. They fought their way through layers of defenses composed of rat-man slaves, storm rats, and even the dreadful Cataclysmic Rats, ultimately recapturing the Ancestral Hall deep within the city.

There, they found the "Heart of Stonehowl," a massive lapis lazuli stone that the Skaven had used as a whetstone and an object of ridicule—a stone bearing the city's ancient runes and history. Kadrin personally reclaimed the relic and cleansed the hall of all its filth. Although the cost of reclaiming and permanently guarding the abandoned city was too high, successfully retrieving the relic and severely damaging the local Skaven clans was enough to partially wash away the shame. The surviving expeditionary warriors returned, each bearing scars and the glory of being hailed as heroes.

However, what truly demonstrated its strategic prowess and destructive power was its large-scale expedition against the troll kingdom. In the Sorrowful Rift and surrounding swamps in the northeastern part of the Gray Mountains, a troll tribe led by the ancient and cunning river troll warlord Mog the Swamp Devourer gradually rose to power.

They not only frequently raided caravans and outlying villages, but also began to systematically besiege small dwarven outposts and mines, abducting dwarves for food, and forming a loose but extremely threatening troll "kingdom." Ordinary extermination efforts were simply unable to eradicate these monsters with their extraordinary regenerative abilities.

His Majesty Kadrin was determined to solve the problem once and for all. He mobilized two full-strength legions, equipped with far more Engineers' Guild members and flamethrower squads than usual. The core tactic of the expedition was not a direct assault (that would come at a great cost), but rather the destruction of their lair and food sources. The army first swept through all the troll gathering points on the outskirts of the Rift with lightning speed, and then advanced steadily.

The engineers played a crucial role. They used explosives and directional blasting to massively collapse the troll cave system in the rift valley where the trolls hid; they modified the terrain, flooding or polluting the swamps the trolls relied on for food; flamethrower squads were responsible for burning the trolls' putrid lairs and their stored, nauseating "food." His Majesty Cadlin himself led the Dragonrock Guard, specifically hunting down troll leaders and those particularly large, mutated individuals.

In a famous battle, he encountered "Swamp Devourer" Mog Broken Tooth himself. After a fierce battle, he finally smashed the troll warlord's knee with "Hate Terminator," and then the Engineers used molten iron and runic shackles to completely imprison and burn him, eventually turning him into a terrifying statue that is still slowly regenerating and is erected at the entrance of the Rift as a warning.

This expedition lasted nearly a year, completely destroying the organizational structure of the "Broken Tooth" clan in the southern part of the troll kingdom and reducing their population to a level where they could no longer pose a large-scale threat. Following this battle, the northeastern border of Grey Mountain enjoyed decades of relative peace.

His Majesty Cadlin's activities were primarily confined to the Grey Hills and surrounding areas that threatened the kingdom's safety, yet his fame spread throughout the Old World. To all dwarves, he was a living legend, an embodiment of perseverance, courage, strategic acumen, and unwavering adherence to tradition.

His long, snow-white, exquisitely woven beard, and his plate armor, dented, burned, and stained with dried blood yet still gleaming with runic brilliance, were the best testament to his life's achievements and oaths. The personal visit of such a king was significant enough to warrant the highest level of courtesy from any wise ruler.

For a king to personally lead such a large elite army through perilous roads in response to Su Li's goodwill is of far greater significance than ordinary diplomatic protocol. It is in itself a silent yet extremely powerful endorsement of Su Li and the Black Forest Territory's strength and credibility.

“Your praise is a great honor, Your Majesty.” Su Li nodded slightly, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant. “Friendship is built on mutual respect and trust, and the Black Forest Territory cherishes this friendship with the Gray Mountain Kingdom. Your troops must have endured a difficult journey. Please allow my attendants to arrange rest and supplies for you and your warriors. The Bauhinia Palace has prepared a welcoming banquet for you. Although simple, it is made entirely from the best produce of the territory, hoping to wash away the dust of your journey.”

King Cadlin gave a short, satisfied hum, which he considered a great gesture of goodwill. “Very well. We certainly need beer, hot food, and a place to put down our shields. Have your scribes meet with my long-bearded messengers; they have a list of gifts and… some matters that require formal discussion.” The king’s words were direct, implying that this visit was not merely ceremonial.

“Of course, Your Majesty. Everything is ready.” Su Li stepped aside and gestured for him to proceed.

Amidst the deafening dwarven horns, the roar of musket salutes (which proceeded safely under the prior arrangement of Dorok), and the watchful eyes of all men and dwarves, Su Li accompanied King Cadrin Ironsworn toward the Bauhinia Palace.

Crossing the carnival square where the ceremony was held, the first thing you see is the magnificent, enclosed megabridge spanning the rushing Brienne River. This is the pride of the entire city of Hesse, the majestic Jaw of the Lion.

The moment King Cadlin stepped onto the covered bridge, he subconsciously slowed his pace. He raised his hand, removed the crown and helmet adorned with dragon teeth, and handed it to the Iron Guard behind him, revealing a weathered yet still sharp face.

His long white beard fluttered slightly in the river breeze that seeped through the arched windows of the covered bridge. He didn't speak immediately, but instead carefully examined the interior structure of the building with his insightful eyes.

The covered bridge is spacious enough for four carriages to travel side by side, with huge arched windows on both sides offering panoramic views of the rushing river and parts of Hessian city. Supporting the bridge are not slender stone pillars, but massive, incredibly sturdy granite piers, each requiring several people to encircle, deeply rooted in the bedrock of the riverbed. The bridge's roof is a tall arched structure, each arch stone perfectly cut and seamlessly fitted, showcasing unparalleled engineering precision.

The inner walls of the bridge are not only carved with the bauhinia flowers of the Black Forest and the eagle emblem of the empire, but also inlaid with huge bronze reliefs with a distinct dwarven style at key structural nodes, depicting mountains, ancestors and forging scenes, which are both beautiful and seem to be a powerful structural reinforcement.

“This bridge…” King Cadlin’s deep voice echoed softly in the covered bridge, tinged with a barely perceptible admiration, “its foundation is solid, its weight evenly distributed, the curves of its arches…perfect. This could not have been accomplished by human craftsmen alone. I can smell the blessings of Granni flowing through the rocks.”

Su Li smiled and walked beside the king, nodding in response: "Your Majesty has excellent eyesight. You are now walking on the pride of Blackforest City. This 'Lion's Jaw' bridge, and the main body of the Bauhinia Palace that you are about to see, are masterpieces of the Imperial Dwarf Craftsmen's Guild and the Redbeard Clan in my territory. Without their generations of inherited skills and profound understanding of the power of the earth, such a magnificent complex could never have risen from this treacherous riverbank."

After walking across the long covered bridge, you reach another, even more magnificent gate. As the gate slowly opens inward, a breathtaking view unfolds before you.

They officially entered the main courtyard of the Bauhinia Palace. King Cadlin's gaze was immediately drawn to the complex of buildings before him. The Bauhinia Palace was not a single building, but a vast architectural complex built according to the terrain and divided into functional zones, perfectly blending the grandeur of the human empire with the sturdiness and practicality of dwarven architecture.

Directly ahead lies the majestic palace complex, the residence of the lord and the venue for his grandest ceremonies. It possesses the typical imperial architecture of towering spires and enormous stained-glass windows depicting historical scenes and divine figures, yet the overall base and load-bearing structure are distinctly dwarven—built with massive square stones, the walls are thick and the lines rigid, giving a sense of solidity capable of withstanding any impact. The palace's exterior walls are adorned with intricate stone carvings, featuring imperial angels and saints, as well as cleverly incorporating dwarven runes and mountain patterns.

Su Li raised his hand and pointed in various directions, introducing the area to his distinguished guest: "Your Majesty, please look. The area to our right with the massive bronze-clad iron gate and watchtower is the vault and armory. Its core was entirely designed by the artisans of the Redbeard Clan, employing the oldest dwarven vault design, dug deep into the mountainside, with several secret doors, pitfalls, and gates that require a specific sequence of runes to open. It is said that even if a dragon were to attack, it would not be able to easily steal the wealth inside." His tone was filled with absolute trust in the dwarven artisans.

"The relatively square cluster of buildings on the left, with many independent entrances and spacious courtyards, is the administrative area. The territory's provincial government, tax office, archives, and other institutions are located here. Its internal passageway design draws inspiration from the dwarven fortress, ensuring that even if the outside is breached, the inside can still conduct zoned resistance and evacuation."

Finally, he pointed to a towering structure rising abruptly from the ground behind the palace complex, its top seemingly shrouded in mist. "That's the Tower of Justice, also known as the 'Eye of Justice' by the people. It's the highest point in the Bauhinia Palace, and also a watchtower. Its foundation extends deep beneath the riverbed, cast by dwarven engineers using a special mixture, making it indestructible. Standing atop it, one can overlook the entire city of Blacksend and the surrounding area, and detect any signal fires instantly."

King Cadlin listened quietly, his gaze sweeping over every building. He saw the splendor and brilliance of human art, and even more so, the resilience and enduring nature of dwarven craftsmanship. These two styles were not simply pieced together, but rather harmoniously blended, together forging this magnificent and impregnable palace complex.

"Very good," the king finally commented, his voice carrying a hint of genuine satisfaction. "Humanity's desire for height and light, combined well with the dwarves' tenacity in plunging into the rock. There is no sacrifice of sturdiness for magnificence, nor is beauty abandoned for the sake of sturdiness. This palace is worthy of a powerful lord, and it proves that my people are given the respect and importance they deserve here."

His opinion of Su Li had clearly risen to a new level as a result. A human lord who knew how to appreciate and truly utilize dwarven skills was far more trustworthy than rulers who only offered empty flattery.

Su Li bowed slightly: "It is an honor for the Zijing Palace to gain your approval. Please follow me. The banquet hall is ready. Let us formally welcome you and your valiant warriors with the ale and roast meat from the Black Forest Territory."

After listening to Su Li's introduction, King Cadlin's gaze lingered for a moment on the magnificent architectural complex, as if assessing the merits of each stone joint and defensive design. However, when Su Li gestured to invite him to the banquet hall, the king firmly shook his head.

His face, sculpted like granite, wore a solemn and dignified expression.

"A feast and fine wine are the best medicine to soothe the weary body of a warrior and the nectar of celebration. But before we drink, Lord Su Li, there is one thing that must be done first. This is the original purpose of this trip and an inescapable responsibility of a king to his ancestors and people."

He turned his head, his sharp eyes staring directly at Su Li: "Please take me to see those ancient, slumbering souls. Before sharing the bread and salt of the living, I must first pay my respects to my ancestors who have returned home."

His words echoed in the air, carrying an almost sacred meaning. The surrounding dwarven guards, upon hearing this, instinctively straightened their backs, their expressions becoming even more solemn and reverent. For the dwarves, respect for their ancestors far surpassed any worldly pleasure.

(End of this chapter)