Today's princess is still cute

But on the way, the then Chief Arbitrator of the Inquisition sent a secret order from the imperial capital, requiring Marshall to lead the knights to a valley further west to wipe out a group of pagans who were in collusion with the devil.

According to the information from the Chief Arbitrator, that group of pagans numbered less than a thousand, and the strongest was an Undead Bone Wizard (one of the mage's job transfer routes, first transfer to Black Magician, second transfer to Undead Bone Wizard). He also provided the exact location and a "foolproof" marching route.

All the Templar Knights were full of justice, committed to eradicating the evil heretics, and wanted to gain honor. Marshall immediately changed direction and led the knights straight to the valley.

Out of trust in the chief arbitrator, Marshall took the route given in the secret order.

As a result, before they reached the valley, most of the Vatican Knights Expeditionary Force had been killed, even though even the fierce wolf soldiers in the northwest did not dare to face their sharp edge.

Various ambushes, attacks from both sides, and an endless stream of undead creatures along the way put Marshall and his team in a dilemma. They didn't even have time to collect the bodies of their comrades before they were forced to break into the valley.

According to Neil Pine's recollection -

"The moon was red that night. It was the first time I saw such a moon. The instructor who always charged ahead was seriously injured. We had no food and no reinforcements. We had only one thought: even if it meant death, we had to see what was in the valley. Why did the chief arbitrator make such a decision to send us to our deaths? Yes, many people had already thought so at the time."

"But the instructor still encouraged us, saying that this was the mission of the Vatican Knights and the glory of the Templar Knights. We entered the valley, which was surrounded by high mountains on both sides. Only after we passed through it was there a basin in the middle. It was there that we met a devil, a real devil!"

"Dead, all dead. The valley was soaked with blood. The instructor tried his best to die together with the undead bone witch. We were surrounded and slaughtered by those pagans. Their fighting power was the strongest I have ever seen. It seemed that they did not know what death was. Those comrades died one by one in front of my eyes. I was the captain of a team at that time, and Xizel was my adjutant. He asked me to leave with my brothers, otherwise we would all be gone."

"I took the remaining young men and ran out desperately. We want to tell the Pope what happened here. We want to question the Chief Arbitrator. Why, why! Templar Knights are not afraid of death, but we don't want to die in such an unclear way!"

"But, out of our team of more than 300 people, only Caesar and I, who were the strongest, escaped. I wanted to cover them, but my son knocked me out and handed me over to Caesar. He..."

"There are eight thousand people, and only two are left. Two, we are the last two left there, and I should be the one left."

Needless to say, there is no need to say more about what happened next.

This scandal was suppressed by the Vatican and the public was unaware of it. The final internal investigation concluded that someone leaked the information.

But they didn't tell Pine and César who had leaked the information. They just purged a large number of knights and priests who were said to have "shaken faith", and the chief arbitrator was only punished with three years of confinement and penance.

The disheartened Neil Pine applied to leave the Church, while Cesare, who was filled with revenge, stayed.

Fifteen years later, the high-spirited Neil Payne has become an old man in Purple Leaf City, and the Chief Arbitrator César has been "inspired by God" and has become the Grand Master of the Knights Templar.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Come, one last drink."

Old Pine raised his glass and clinked it with Rong Ke's.

All Cardinson could do was sigh.

Chapter 9 Set off for the imperial capital!

People always have to move forward throughout their lives. No matter how heavy the memories of the past are, they have to move forward. If they can't move forward, they will die.

Some people cannot get out of the prison they have built for themselves. They are already dead when they enter that circle, and what is left is just a living shell.

At least now Nell Pine was alive, and Cardinson brought him warmth and hope, making the old man for the first time look forward to living longer and seeing what the future would bring.

After having a good meal and a few drinks, Rong Ke went to find a hotel to stay in. He could see that Old Pine and Cardinson had something to say, so he decided not to sleep on the floor.

After cleaning up the dishes, tables and chairs, Old Pine called Cardinson to his room. Without saying anything, he silently turned over a floor tile and took out a long box from it.

"It's been a year," Old Pine brushed the dust off the box and smiled, "You've grown up too."

Cardinson stood with his hands behind his back. He knew why Rong Ke came from the imperial capital today. In this year, he had grown rapidly, and his physical fitness had reached the threshold of a formal knight, or even exceeded it by a lot. Cardinson estimated that his strength was about Lv. 15, but he did not learn any skills, because only by choosing a profession and getting the "source energy stone" of that profession planted in his body could he exert the power of that profession.

Originally, Old Pine's idea was to buy one for Cardinson at the Chamber of Commerce. After all, this kind of thing can be bought with money. But ever since Cardinson told Old Pine about his wish, the matter has been delayed until now.

This may not be easy to understand, but you can simply understand it as the Eye of God of the Genshin Impact, or the Duelist's chuck, or the children's Digimon.

It is a tool, but an indispensable tool. Legend has it that it was a gift from God so that humans, who had no advantages at the time, could have the power to fight against other races.

"I know what you are thinking and the path you want to take, my child. No matter what your purpose is, have you decided?"

Old Pine opened the lid of the box, and inside lay a gorgeous long sword with a blue handle inlaid with red gems, with a flash of blue light on it.

It has not been seen for more than ten years, but there is not a trace of rust and it still shines coldly.

Cardinson knew its name just by looking at it.

Rare weapon, one-handed sword, frostfire.

Cardinson whispered: "Grandpa, I not only want to help you find an answer, but also to find your own way."

"Templar?" Old Pine narrowed his eyes and tapped his sword with his fingers.

Cardinson nodded seriously: "Yes! Templar Knight! I want to be a Templar Knight!"

There are many ways to become stronger, but the most foolproof way is to transform from Templar to Shadow Knight, a path that Cardinson has already reached the final level.

Cardinson doesn't dare to say that he knows more about the knight profession than anyone else in the world, but he can guarantee that he is the strongest among shadow knights!

He needs to become stronger. Only by becoming stronger can he survive well in this world, enjoy the life he wants, and help the old man in front of him, who is as close as a grandfather to him, to find the answer from more than ten years ago!

Old Pine suddenly laughed and looked at Cardinson with a loving look in his eyes.

"It's not easy to become a Templar Knight, but with your talent, it shouldn't be too difficult. This sword is called Frostfire, and it was given to me by a good friend named Turner. You hold it, so you don't bury this good sword. As for how to use it, I won't tell you. You have to slowly explore it and learn how to use it. Otherwise, you can't be considered to have mastered it."

Taking the long sword from Old Pine's hand and feeling its weight, Cardinson said calmly, "Don't worry, Grandpa. I won't let this sword be disgraced in my hands."

There weren't actually that many things that needed to be said. Old Pine had already told Cardinson everything that needed to be said during this period of time.

The old man didn't want to burden him too much and only hoped that he could live out his own glory and lead a better life.

But Old Pine didn't know that Cardinson was a very loyal person. At the beginning, just because the leader of a small guild helped him once in a time of crisis, Cardinson decisively lent him 3 million gold coins when the small guild was in danger of disbanding due to financial problems! He also promised to repay it in installments without interest and indefinitely. Until the eve of his crossing, he still had more than 2.7 million yuan of money that he had not received, but Cardinson didn't care.

It's so stupid! But Cardinson thinks it's natural!

There are countless such things. The reason why [Qie Sui Ying Xing] has so many fans and friends is mainly because of his style of doing things and personal charm.

You can say anything about Cardinson, but you can never say he is ungrateful.

How could Old Pine's kindness to him be worth more than three million?

"I can't go with you to the imperial capital this time, and the child can't always grow up under protection. But after all, it is the imperial capital, and you are a half-blood of the Dark Moon Elf. I must remind you of three things." Old Pine saw Cardinson take the sword and his expression became serious. "First, if you join the Church, you must keep a certain distance from the royal family. Second, in the Church, Rong Ke and Xi Zeer are trustworthy, but you can't rely too much on their power. Third, do everything within your ability, life is the most important!"

Listening to the old man's words, Cardinson's eyes were red, and he nodded heavily and said, "I understand, Grandpa!"

Old Pine looked at him for a moment, then rubbed Cardinson's hair vigorously. "Well, be happy. You are going to the imperial capital, which will be the real starting point of your life. Cheer up, always remember virtues, and don't embarrass our Pine family."

To make the atmosphere more relaxed, Old Pine pretended to remember something and suddenly said, "By the way, this sword was given to me by Turner. His real name is Turner Cowell, a hereditary viscount. If you go to the imperial capital, you might as well pay a visit to the Cowell family. Haha, they probably don't need help from poor knights like us, but we still have to go and take a look. Having more connections will also be good for your development in the imperial capital."

The rest of the time, it was mostly Old Pine who did the talking and Cardinson who listened.

What nobles are there in the imperial capital, what places can and cannot be visited, what is the royal family like, what etiquette and customs should be observed?

In fact, compared to this old man who has devoted most of his life to the Holy See, Cardinson is much more familiar with the imperial capital than him.

But Cardinson likes to listen to the old man's chattering. Only at this time will he feel warm.

The next day.

Rong Ke arrived at Pine's door on time again.

"Grandpa Rong Ke, I'm ready."

After packing up his luggage, Cardinson wrapped Frostfire in a cowhide scabbard and belt and put it on his back. He stood in front of the door and nodded to Rong Ke with great energy.

Today, Cardinson wore a warrior outfit bought for him by Old Pine. It had a navy blue base with white cloud patterns, and his boots and belt were both made of dark brown cowhide. He looked less delicate and handsome, and more heroic and neat.

Rong Ke looked behind him and saw the house with the door tightly closed. He said with a sigh, "Nell is old, but I didn't expect him to be so pretentious. It's just going out. It takes at most a week to get here from the capital."

After that, he patted Cardinson on the shoulder and said cheerfully: "Good boy, you look so handsome like this. When you go to the imperial capital, I wonder how many girls will go crazy for you!"

Hearing this, Cardinson smiled shyly: "No matter how good-looking you are, you still have to be shameless. Grandpa Rong Ke, please don't make fun of me."

Rong Ke laughed again.

He brought two horses with him. You could tell at first glance that they were the ancient blue horses from the west. This kind of horse was large in size, had good endurance, and was not slow in speed. Its only drawback was that its reproductive capacity was much worse than other horse breeds, and it was most afraid of the cold. Therefore, the army would not choose this kind of horse as a mount. They were more inclined to choose the northern Dati horses, which were relatively average in all aspects, as companions for the grassroots cavalry. The ancient blue horses were quite popular among local garrisons and aristocratic private armies.

But let’s not talk about the horse issue for now, there is something even more embarrassing.

"Grandpa Rong Ke, I don't know how to ride a horse." Cardinson said so frankly.

As for a knight, what kind of knight is he without a mount? It’s not like in the game where you just have to spend some time learning “horse riding” skills. Now Cardinson really doesn’t know how to do it.

If you give him a bicycle and he rides for ten minutes, he can go farther than he could on horseback in two hours.

Of course, there were no bicycles in this world, but he couldn't ride a horse either.

Rong Ke didn't find it strange, after all, he knew what had happened to Cardinson before.

"It's okay. I'll give you some lessons along the way. Even now, there are no more than five people in the Church who dare to say that they are better at riding than me! I'll teach you!"

With these words, Cardinson felt relieved.

The two hung their belongings on the horses, and Rong Ke shouted to the yard: "Nell! I'm taking your child away! Don't worry, I'll return you a healthy Templar Knight. Don't cry secretly at home, old man!"

As soon as Rong Ke finished speaking, he jumped onto the horse. Cardinson followed suit. Although he was a little clumsy, he at least took the first step - getting on the horse.

"go!"

With their legs lightly clamped on the horse's belly and swinging the reins, Rong Ke and Cardinson rode away slowly.

Cardinson couldn't help but look back, but he only saw the old man standing at the door of the inner room, smiling and waving at him.

"Have a safe journey, child. May God bless you with a bright future."

Old Pine watched the two figures gradually disappear into the distance, then he clasped his hands together and prayed to God.

Chapter 10 The Holy See is finally not the villain

A week later.

On the road near the imperial capital, two tall ancient blue horses were galloping.

"Yes! Bend down appropriately, don't squeeze your legs so tightly, and relax! The horse is your most important partner on the battlefield!" Rong Ke laughed out loud, looking at Cardinson with a serious face, his eyes full of approval.

This kid from the Pine family learns everything really quickly.

Along the way, whether it was horsemanship, identifying some basic herbs, or hunting, I learned everything quickly.

Cardinson enjoyed the feeling of the wind blowing past his ears. It reminded him of the excitement of riding a motorcycle to the mountains for night races in his previous life.

The horses they bought were all trained, so riding them was not difficult. With a flexible body, Cardinson was able to ride the horses at full speed and travel back and forth in just one week.

Ziye City is located in Zesong County in the central part of the country, and Zesong County is similar to the Yanzhao land that surrounded the capital in the previous life. As long as the direction is right, it is very fast to get there from anywhere.

The imperial capital has two secondary capitals, one is where the Royal Guards are headquartered, and the other is where the crazy people in the Mage Tower are located, and it also has quite a few residents.

Rong Ke took Cardinson along the road to Zuo Peidu. There was no need to reveal his identity as the captain of the Vatican Knight Guard. He just showed the badge of the Templar Knight. All he received along the way were bows and nods of greeting, but Rong Ke did not even look at those people. He just nodded to himself, which was considered a response.

After riding for about three more hours, I could finally see the outline of the imperial capital.

Even though I have seen it countless days and nights in my previous life, I still feel my heart pounding when I see it now.

An incredibly magnificent city stands on the earth.

Incredible, yes, it’s incredible.

This is a city covering an area of 200 square kilometers. The city walls are built with pale golden boulders. Even the prosperous Chang'an City in the previous life, which welcomed visitors from all over the world, was only 84 square kilometers. The moat is really a big river. The canal from the south connects the heart of the empire. Merchant ships come and go at the port of the western secondary capital. The naval branch that has been feared by the world in expeditions is stationed near the imperial capital. Countless ships guard the foot of the city wall, waiting for the next expedition.

At the beginning of the founding of the country, the wise and powerful Emperor Shen'en spent countless manpower and material resources and built the capital here in three years. Since then, each emperor has used part of his finances to repair and strengthen the city walls and various defense facilities, just for the original saying "This will be a miracle city in the Blue Empire that will never fall!"

Indeed, even if all the dragons came out, this city could still defend for a whole month until the energy of the defense array was exhausted. Well, it was very powerful, but Cardinson knew that nineteen years from now, with the inevitable development of history, that woman would rebel against the Blue Empire, and in just one year, she would lead a million-strong army of demons to the imperial capital.

Thinking of the peerless devil who chopped a city wall into pieces with one sword, Cardinson trembled.

He didn't know whether there would be more players entering this world in the future, nor did he know how this empire would face the terrifying "God not recognized by the world" who had already broken through the level cap without tens of millions of players defending the city together.

Imperial City!

The origin of all stories is the imperial capital!

If Cardinson wants to change his future fate of becoming a handful of ash under the feet of the devil, the best way is to find the devil who is still a girl and save her, or kill her.

However, the official information about this demon king is pitifully scarce. He doesn't even have a name. We only know the background story within one year after his appearance.

The imperial capital has a population of over a million, and trying to find a girl with some general information is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Cardinson can't be in a hurry, he has to take it slow.

"Hey! Kaisen, are you too engrossed in watching this?"

Seeing Cardinson staring at Didu, Rong Ke thought to himself, he is still a child after all. However, when he first met Didu, he was not much better than him.

Cardinson heard Rong Ke's voice beside him, and came back to his senses and said, "Ah, yes, this is the imperial capital."

"This is the most prosperous place in the entire empire, but it is also the place that wears down one's morale the most." Rong Ke picked up the whip and pointed at the imperial capital from afar. "I won't let you stay here for too long. Nell and I have the same idea. Once you become a formal knight and have grown up for a while, I will send you to the frozen forest in the north, or the prairie in the northwest."

"I understand!" Cardinson nodded, knowing that this was for his own good.

If you understand it from a player's perspective, there aren't many monsters for you to spawn in the imperial capital, so it's better to go to those large maps to level up.