Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence.

Chapter 525 Su Li's 'Xu You' arrives!
Amidst the fierce fighting, a month-long stalemate quickly passed in a bloody tug-of-war. The sky over the border princely territory was completely shrouded in leaden-gray clouds, and the air began to carry the biting chill of a harsh winter in Yurik. This presented another severe test for both sides in the conflict.

Winters in the Old World were never mild. The "Erenglen" winds, emanating from the chaotic wastelands of the north, howled across the withered earth like blades of ice. Rain began to mingle with ice pellets, and thin ice formed on the edges of the swamps at night. The damp, cold air seemed to penetrate to the bone, drawing away the last trace of warmth from the soldiers' bodies.

For Litanel's army, which was already suffering from food and clothing shortages and relied on the swampy environment, this was undoubtedly adding insult to injury. Frostbite and disease began to spread like a plague in the camp, further weakening their already low morale.

However, for the army of Hessian territory, this harsh environment only served to highlight their despairing strength. The legions under Orstein's command were not only well-equipped, but also had a constant supply of provisions.

What made the swamp soldiers even more helpless was that they could see their enemies on the other side, the soldiers of the Black Forest Territory. The armor, shields, and even their winter coats shimmered with a faint magical glow—the effect of expensive cold-repelling runes. These runes weren't particularly powerful magical items, but they were enough to keep the Black Forest Territory soldiers' fingers nimble and their bodies warm in the cold wind, maintaining their high fighting spirit and strict discipline.

They did not slow their pace due to the harsh winter; on the contrary, like steel behemoths adapted to the cold, they continued their unstoppable and methodical expansion, systematically shrinking the strategic space of the Green Moss Swamp. The fortifications advanced, watchtowers rose like a forest, and the regular "Sky Horns" continued to wreak havoc on the swamp's ecosystem. Litanel's controlled territory was visibly shrinking.

On this bitterly cold afternoon, Su Li received a formal report from Hilde in the central command tent. The legendary knight, who had just returned to the camp, had a weathered face but could not hide the sharp glint in her eyes as she pointed to the huge military map spread out on the table.

“My lord, after nearly two months of clearing and advancing, our army has basically completed the strategic encirclement of the Swamp Territory.” Hilde’s finger traced a huge pincer shape on the map. “Marshal Orstein’s main army has made steady progress and has occupied all the high points on the east and north sides of the Swamp. As for my cavalry, they have completely cleared all the outer strongholds on the south side and have advanced to the foot of the Cloud Crown Mountains on the west side.”

Su Li's gaze then fell on the area marked "Cloud Crown Mountains" on the map, and he immediately recalled some memories of this place. He clearly remembered that when he led a large caravan to Maleburg, he had passed through the northern edge of this mountain range. He had also climbed to the highest point of a high plateau, where the vast plains to the west and the magnificent city of Maleburg at the edge of the plains lay before him, leaving a deep impression on him.

Hilde's finger pointed to a narrow area where the Cloudcrown Mountains meet the Swamp Territory: "Now, this is the last passage left for Litanel, passing through the 'Blackwater Canyon,' crossing the eastern branch of the Cloudcrown Mountains, and maintaining a fragile connection with the direction of Maleburg."

The map clearly shows that the "Blackwater Canyon" passage winds between the steep cliffs of the Cloud Crown Mountain Range and the Blackwater Ravine filled with poisonous gas. The terrain is extremely dangerous and easy to defend but difficult to attack.

“The reason we haven’t immediately and completely cut off this passage is because we’ve thought it through carefully,” Hilde calmly explained her tactical intentions, her eyes gleaming with wisdom. “This passage is now a ‘bait’ and a ‘supply route’ that we’ve deliberately left behind. We want to keep those behind the scenes in Maleburg from having any illusions, to let them believe that they can still send reinforcements and supplies to Litanel through here. These incoming people and resources will eventually become our spoils. This is tantamount to continuously weakening our opponents while replenishing our population and resources.”

She explained the current situation in detail: "Currently, the enemy has stationed a large force here. Both ends of the canyon have been fortified with strong stone fortifications and arrow towers, mainly defended by swamp demon warriors and some humans. According to reconnaissance, every few days, caravans from the direction of Maleburg carry food, inferior weapons, and some unidentified 'volunteers' through the canyon into the swamp. This proves that our strategy is working."

Finally, Hilder's voice carried an unwavering resolve: "Once we pinpoint the exact location of Mudcrown Castle through continuous reconnaissance or by utilizing the purification effect of the 'Sky Horn,' our main air cavalry force will immediately take action, descending like a thunderbolt from the sky to sever this umbilical cord completely! At that time, Litanel, now completely trapped, will have no room to struggle."

Outside the tent, the north wind howled, whipping the camp flags into a fluttering sound. Inside, the strategic initiative was firmly in Hilder's hands; the deliberately left passage, like a noose, was slowly tightening around the swamp territories' neck, just waiting for the final moment to come.

As Su Li listened to Hilder's well-organized report, a genuine smile appeared on his face. He looked approvingly at his dashing steward and praised him generously:
"Well done, my chief! This patience and foresight have turned a war of attrition into a feast that continuously supplies our Black Forest territory with resources. Your deployment is nothing short of an art."

He then cut to the crucial question, his tone filled with anticipation: "So, what specific gains has this ingenious plan brought us so far?"

Hilde was clearly prepared and reported smoothly: "As you expected, my lord. Since our pincer movement has almost completely isolated this area, any attack or harassment against this place seems perfectly reasonable. In the past cycle, my elite cavalry have frequently launched attacks to ambush reinforcements and supply convoys that enter the swamp through the canyon, with remarkable results."

She rattled off a series of impressive figures and a list of items: “We have captured over a thousand human soldiers and their entourage, seized over ten thousand gold crowns worth of cash and bank drafts, as well as enough armor and weapons to equip two infantry companies, over fifty carts of food and fodder, and a huge quantity of arrows, crossbow parts, and other military supplies.”

She paused, then added the most valuable part: "In addition, we intercepted a batch of precious magical items, including several parchment scrolls containing basic spells, some amulets containing faint elemental power, several weapons engraved with protective or sharpening runes, and even a chest of rune-engraved dwarven armor from Dwarven Mountain Fortress. Clearly, our adversaries are sparing no expense to sustain this war."

"Hahaha!" Upon hearing this, Marshal Orstein couldn't help but slam his fist heavily on the table covered with maps, making a dull thud. His resolute face was full of excitement. "This isn't a battlefield; it's practically a 'tribute mine' that continuously supplies us with gold and steel! The wealth and resources we've gained through this passage have even exceeded the daily expenses for sustaining the frontline legions! This battle was worthwhile!"

However, the marshal's excitement did not last long. His brows furrowed slightly, revealing the caution of a professional soldier: "However, the other side knows that this is a self-destructive act, yet they are still willing to pay such a huge price to stubbornly maintain the war... There is probably more to this than meets the eye. They must still be hoping for something, some trump card or external intervention that can turn the tide, otherwise they should have sought negotiations or other solutions long ago."

Su Li nodded, agreeing with Orstein's assessment. He was about to speak when steady, rapid footsteps sounded outside the tent. Immediately afterward, the booming voice of Tiberos, the chosen knight and commander of the camp's guards, rang out from outside the tent:

"My lord! Your allies at Maleburg—Senator Smith and Senator Zoe Ramsey—have arrived at the camp and request an audience!"

A glint flashed in Su Li's eyes, and he exchanged a meaningful glance with Hilde and Erstein.

The "opportunity" that Litanel was hoping for may not have arrived yet, but the camp in the Black Forest Territory has already welcomed a key figure who could break the deadlock.

Su Li smiled and immediately ordered, "Please let them in."

Soon, the tent flap was lifted by the guards, and two figures walked in one after the other. However, even though Su Li was somewhat prepared, he couldn't help but be slightly surprised when he saw the two people.

Senator Zoe Ramsey, walking slightly behind, hadn't changed much. She was still dressed in a well-tailored, gorgeous robe, her chin slightly raised, maintaining that innate arrogance and scrutiny of everything around her, as if the military camp and the war before her were separated from her by an invisible barrier. She merely nodded slightly to Su Li as a greeting.

But the changes in Senator Smith, who was at the forefront, were dramatic and shocking!
Su Li clearly remembered that when they last met, Smith was a typical bureaucrat with a thin build, a sinister look in his eyes, and a self-important and calculating demeanor. But the man standing in front of him now seemed to have his energy drained away, and was on the verge of collapse from the torment of invisible pressure.

His once-fitting parliamentary robes now hung loosely, clinging to his even more hunched body. His eyes were sunken, surrounded by dark circles, his complexion an unhealthy sallow, and his hair thinned and turned gray, making him appear as if he had aged twenty years in an instant. His once sinister yet sharp gaze now held only barely concealed weariness, panic, and an urgent urgency as if he had seen a savior.

What astonished everyone in the tent even more was that as soon as Smith entered and his gaze locked onto Su Li, he completely disregarded his status and image, rushed forward, and under everyone's astonished gazes, almost knelt down with a thud, tightly hugging Su Li's legs with both hands. He then burst into tears, his voice hoarse and filled with grievance:

"Lord Su Li! You...you've finally come! You've finally come!" He was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face. "You don't know...when the 'Eastern City Patrol Regiment,' loyal to me, reported that they saw your familiar Bauhinia banner on the Golden Radiance Plain, and that they saw your Black Forest Territory's battle flag fluttering in the wind on the ridge of the Cloud Crown Mountains...I...I was so excited, so thrilled!"

He looked up at Su Li with teary eyes, as if he wanted to pour out all his bitterness at once: "You have no idea what kind of hardship I've endured for the past year! That Joachim, and those opportunists in the council, they... they practically wanted to devour me alive!"

This dramatic scene caused Orstein to frown slightly, and a hint of surprise flashed in Hilde's eyes. Only Zoe Ramsey remained expressionless, though a subtle mockery seemed to flicker deep in her eyes.

Su Li looked down at the senator who was on the verge of collapse. It seemed that the internal struggle in Fort Male was far more brutal than he had imagined, and Smith was clearly being driven to the brink of despair.

Then Su Li bent down slightly and helped him up, her voice steady and reassuring: "Senator Smith, there's no need to panic. Now that I'm here, your predicament will naturally be resolved."

He gestured for a servant to bring a chair, and after Smith reluctantly sat down, he continued, "Now, calm down and tell me, what exactly is happening in Maleburg?"

Smith hastily wiped the tears and snot from his face with his sleeve, took a few deep breaths, and tried to calm himself down, but his voice was still trembling with grief and indignation: "My lord... Maleburg is no longer the prosperous, or at least superficially peaceful, trading hub you once knew! The political struggle in the city has now reached a point of life-or-death conflict and intense turmoil!"

He swallowed hard, and continued with lingering fear, "It's mainly from two directions, like two whirlpools tearing at the city! On one side are those bureaucrats sent by the Imperial Electoral Council. They're like gamblers who've lost everything, desperately trying to cover up their corruption and setbacks in the border princely territories. Any news that's unfavorable to them could invite retaliation."

“On the other side is Lord Joachim!” A hint of fear flashed in Smith’s eyes when he mentioned the name. “After returning from that ‘Holy Expedition,’ he was like a completely different person. He tore off his mask of hypocrisy and openly broke with the city council.”

Senator Smith's voice was shrill with fear and agitation: "Sir, you can't imagine! Fort Maley is no longer a political struggle, but an open, bloody civil war! Right here in the city streets!"

He took a deep breath, as if he needed to muster the courage to recall those images:
"Joachim returned from the expedition with not only glory, but also a group of 'expeditionary veterans' who were completely loyal to him and had been tempered in blood and fire. He no longer followed any parliamentary rules and, under the pretext of 'purging traitors and strengthening the city's defenses,' mobilized his personal guard and those veterans to carry out a naked purge of the parliamentary faction's forces!"

“This is no longer a simple assassination!” Smith waved his arms, his face pale. “Just last month, the ‘Merchant Guard’ loyal to the Council clashed head-on with Joachim’s Lord’s Guard on Silversmith Street! More than five hundred men from both sides fought each other with crossbows, longswords, and warhammers in the market filled with goods! The streets were stained with blood, shops were ablaze, and corpses filled the drains! In the end, Joachim deployed his personal griffin riders to indiscriminately bombard the area with explosive crossbow bolts from the air, which forcibly suppressed the Council’s resistance… It was a massacre!”

Zoe Ramsey added coldly, a hint of chill in her voice: "This is just a microcosm. Joachim controls the main force of the city's defenses and the bulk of its weaponry, while the council relies on mercenaries and the private armies of major merchant houses. Now, the nights in Maleburg belong to arrows and torches; there is no law or order whatsoever. Today, a banker who supports the council might have his entire family hanged at his doorstep; tomorrow, a patrol of the city's guards might be crushed into mincemeat by a boulder falling from the roof."

Smith continued, his voice filled with despair: "There's no bottom line, absolutely no bottom line! Joachim's men are kidnapping senators' families to force them to submit; on the parliament's side, extremists are trying to poison the city lord's water supply! The economy has collapsed, the docks are practically paralyzed, because both sides are fighting over the tax revenue from every ship, and brawls frequently break out in the port area. Ordinary citizens either flee or can only hide in their cellars, praying not to be killed by stray arrows or soldiers breaking down doors."

“What’s even more terrifying,” Zoe continued, her eyes sharp, “is that Joachim has cloaked all his atrocities in a ‘legal’ guise. He has set up so-called ‘military tribunals’ where anyone accused of ‘colluding with the enemy’—and this ‘enemy’ can now refer to anyone who opposes him, including us, and perhaps even you, Lord Su Li, or anyone who ‘endangers the safety of the city’—can be executed without trial. The gallows in the central square are almost never empty.”

Smith concluded, his voice trembling, "My lord, Maleburg has now split into two opposing camps, each hating the other and ready to kill at any moment—the 'Lord's Faction' led by Joachim and the 'Parliamentary Faction' centered around some of our remaining senators and the Chamber of Commerce. Every street could become a battlefield; trust has completely collapsed, and the only rules are strength and ruthlessness. We...we truly have nowhere left to retreat!"

He leaned forward nervously, lowering his voice: "And now, the most terrifying thing is that these two vortexes seem to be intertwined! Joachim is frantically searching the city for all intelligence and personnel related to the Black Forest Territory and you. We have received definite information through special channels that Joachim is secretly colluding with the bureaucrats of the Imperial Electoral Council; they want to work together against you!"

Su Li listened quietly, his gaze deep. He could almost see the intricate web of conspiracies woven across the skies above Maleburg, one stemming from the corruption and panic within the imperial bureaucracy, the other from the legendary knight's personal hatred and lust for power. And he himself, and the rise of Black Forest Territory, were the catalysts that forcibly intertwined these two potentially independent vortexes. The trajectory of fate seemed so clear and so dramatic at this moment.

He nodded calmly, then waved his hand valiantly, his gaze sharp as he looked at Smith: "Senator Smith, you've risked your life to travel thousands of miles to my camp, surely not just to complain and whine to me? State your purpose."

At this moment, Zoe Ramsey, who had been calmly observing from the sidelines, decisively stepped forward and took over the conversation. Her voice still carried that unique arrogance, but with a touch more pragmatism: "Lord Su Li is right. We are here on behalf of the forces within Maleburg that still uphold rationality, to formally establish an alliance with you."

"An alliance?" Su Li raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping between Zoe and Smith. "Whom do you represent in this alliance? Are you yourselves, or a faction within the Maleburg Council? More importantly, how do you demonstrate your sincerity?"

Zoe seemed to have anticipated this question. She straightened her back and spoke clearly and forcefully: "We naturally bring you something that will move you—a method that can help you find and pinpoint the exact location of Mudcrown Castle!"

The moment these words were spoken, the air in the entire tent seemed to freeze. Orstein and Hilde's gazes instantly focused on Zoe, and even Smith, immersed in grief, instinctively stopped sobbing. The biggest problem that had plagued Blacksene for so long—the ghostly castle that kept moving in the swamp—had indeed been solved by two senators from the enemy's core?

Su Li leaned forward slightly, a sharp glint in his eyes: "Go on."

Zoe Ramsey met Su Li's sharp gaze without flinching, and stated clearly and calmly:
“Lord Su Li, as you know very well, the rule of our Maleburg Council, or rather the Empire, on this land is deeply intertwined with the bureaucratic system of the Electors' Council. It is precisely because of this that we have access to the most crucial information.” She paused deliberately, emphasizing what she was about to say.

“Right now, the envoys sent by the Electoral Council, especially the likes of Helmut, are indeed frantically supporting Litanel and trying to stop you. But not all of them are as blinded by greed as Helmut, willing to sink with Litanel’s sinking ship!”

A cold, insightful smile curled at the corner of her lips: "There are always some people who are more 'concerned about the big picture,' or rather, more cowardly, and more concerned about their own lives and futures."

“They know very well that if things really get out of control, if a powerful figure with a dragon and a legendary knight, capable of defeating a count in a head-on confrontation, is ultimately proven to be unable to obtain his rightful title due to the corruption and obstruction of the Electors Council… once this matter is brought to Terra, what will the enraged Electors do to quell the situation and maintain the facade of ‘fairness’ of the Council?”

"They might not easily target a strong person like you, but the probability of them pushing Helmut and some 'specific handlers' who knew the inside story but did not perform their duties as scapegoats and hanging them on the walls of Terra as a warning to others is almost one hundred percent!"

“So,” Zoe lowered her voice, with the solemnity of sharing a secret, “we obtained crucial information from these ‘rational’ bureaucrats—intelligence about the interior of the Swamp Territory, and how to crack the strange ability of Mudcrown Castle to constantly move around.”

(End of this chapter)