Knight Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence

The Wyvern King was undoubtedly the first God-chosen challenge that Black Forest Territory needed to face.

With the cunning and treachery of the Green Dragon, it certainly wouldn't immediately gather all its main forces and recklessly engage in a decisive battle with Black Forest Territory. Especially since Black Forest Territory had taken the initiative, attacking the forest and killing a large number of the Green Dragon's kin, leaving corpses everywhere and burning down numerous camps.

This had undoubtedly enraged the newly awakened dragon. If it were a Red Dragon, it would probably have rushed over in a frenzy, burning the entire territory to ashes. But Green Dragons are inherently sinister, preferring behind-the-scenes conspiracies to direct combat.

Based on Su Li and the knights' judgment, after giving it a warning, this dragon would definitely overestimate the territory's strength, assuming it was a powerful force trying to eliminate it. So, it would first cautiously test the strength of Black Forest Territory.

The fact that it chose to nest in the forest rather than in the Gray Mountains suggests that this Green Dragon has a cowardly streak, afraid to provoke the wealthier dwarves in the Gray Mountains, instead only ravaging the newly emerging frontier territories around the forest.

This means it would be particularly cautious about war with stronger opponents.

And the Wyvern Legion has always served as scouts in its forces. It's very likely that it will lead the first wave of troops out of the forest to fight Black Forest Territory.

In this battle, Marshal Orstein led the army into the forest, with the important task of investigating the Wyvern King's information, in addition to clearing the area and establishing dominance through killing.

In this regard, there were quite a few achievements. Knight Orstein said with a serious expression: "We captured a large number of prisoners in this battle. After interrogation, we have very detailed information about the Green Dragon's affiliated legions."

"This Green Dragon's name is Deceitful Wing · Aerylia · Erebus · Shadowgreen. It is said to be a descendant of an Emperor Dragon, possessing immense wealth, so it gathered a large number of monsters into its legion through bribery, recruitment, and conspiracies."

"Beneath its Thorn Throne are four God-chosen guardians: the Elemental Bear · Ostanka · Ursol."

"The Chaos Beast · Chimera · Scaros · Mad Hiss."

"The Venomous Treant · Gairleogon · Wistenwood."

"And the Wyvern King · Sandarion · Fearworm, whom we already knew about."

Hearing all this, Knight Connor was already pale with fright. Didn't this mean that Black Forest Territory would have to face an attack from five God-chosen monsters?

But Su Li breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, saying, "Isn't this a mixed blessing?"

Hilde also nodded in agreement. When this bleak reality was finally revealed, everyone felt the burden on their shoulders lighten a lot.

The unknown is the most terrifying, because it can lead to unlimited amplification of the opponent's strength.

So, humanity's greatest fear comes from the unknown. It can lead to a situation where even coping strategies cannot be formulated.

Now that Orstein has led the army deep into the forest to investigate intelligence, revealing everything, the bad news for Su Li is, of course, that the monsters are much stronger than known.

But the good news is that we finally know the full strength of the opponent, so we don't have to worry anymore, and we don't have to worry about the opponent throwing out a new trump card when we have already exhausted our main forces.

Hilde took a deep breath and said, "It seems that our pre-emptive scorched earth tactic was correct. The number of the Green Dragon's evil claws far exceeds our imagination. They should be gathering their troops now, preparing to rush out of the forest and destroy all human towns and villages."

Orstein nodded heavily and said, "According to the knights who covered our retreat, they could already hear the dragon's angry and terrifying roar when they left the forest. This will be like the horn of the Wild Hunt, summoning its evil claws from all directions to gather under its throne."

Su Li asked with concern, "My Marshal, based on your investigation into the forest, how many legions do you think the monsters will have?"

The monsters' command ability is far inferior to that of humans. They simply cannot command tens of thousands of legions.

But don't underestimate them because of this. They have learned to adapt and change after so many years of war. Generally, they will have a Beast Lord command a warband, with a size of about 2,000 monsters. The more experienced the Beast Lord, the more monsters they command, but the warband size almost never exceeds 3,000.

Marshal Orstein led his army into the forest this time, and a battle broke out with a monster army in the forest, which was obviously to wipe out a warband of the Green Dragon's kin.

This kind of warband is commanded by a powerful monster, and is composed of multiple different tribes or herds, and occasionally mixed with powerful monsters that have been bribed and lured to join, such as forest giants, forest trolls, etc.

How terrifying the Green Dragon's kin are depends not only on how many God-chosen monsters they have, but also on the size of their warbands and how many forest monsters are willing to act as their claws.

Speaking of this, Knight Orstein's expression became very solemn: "Lord, the number of monsters may exceed our imagination. This dark forest filled with cobwebs is full of all kinds of evil. We have only explored the vast area of the western forest, which is full of the spires of evil wizard towers, guarded watchtowers, and mysterious ruins—many of which are now the lairs of fierce beasts, bandits, or mutants."

"Moreover, it is not only evil and barbaric monsters that will attack humans. In fact, trees will also attack intruders. They stretch out thick branches to first trap their prey, then absorb their bodily fluids and tear open their dried-up skin. There are also some tree spirits shrouded in venomous emotions, who will tear human bodies into pieces in groups to vent their resentment against the living."

"This is also why the Green Dragon did not rush out of the forest immediately after waking up. It is obviously gathering these scattered and large-scale monsters."

Marshal Orstein's report made Su Li frown. The entire forest had become a nightmare for mankind, launching a terrifying attack on humans.

No wonder people in this world have a deep-seated fear of forests, and very few normal people are willing to leave the plains and roads to venture deep into the forest.

"My Marshal, do you mean that the Green Dragon's claws may include forest treant legions in addition to monster legions?"

Orstein nodded and said, "Yes, Lord. This is both a benefit and a disadvantage for us. Although the scale of the monster legions is large, it is destined that their assembly time will be longer."

"And our tactics have been successful. Taking the initiative has reduced their strength. I believe that as long as we actively defend and actively attack in the following battles, we will definitely be able to continue to weaken their scale."

Su Li also agreed with Marshal Orstein's view: "If we passively defend and let the enemy forces assemble calmly, and wait for them to successfully gather all their troops, then their massive scale will overwhelm us like a wave. Offense is the best defense!"

As the highest commander of the territory, Su Li certainly couldn't be too negative. He was the courage of the army. If he didn't have the courage to resist, the army would collapse immediately, and the Green Dragon's legion would drive straight in, and Black Forest Territory would be completely lost in a matter of days.

Moreover, he had never treated his soldiers badly, providing them with generous salaries, rewards, and extremely rich food supplies.

In wartime, he also set up a large number of honors and meritorious rewards for knights and soldiers.

As long as he could make up his mind, the soldiers would be willing to die for him and defend their homes.

So, Su Li took a deep breath and said, "And you are right, every day we delay, our strength will grow by one point. The monsters are summoning their claws, preparing for a feast of the Wild Hunt. Aren't we also gathering troops, reorganizing new troops, and summoning friends?"

The arrival of family reinforcements had significantly increased the size of his army again.

In any case, Knight Connor had brought more than 500 family armed forces and more than 500 merchants, mercenaries, etc.

Together with the family's two attendant camps, the scale of Su Li's direct armed attendants was close to half a warband, more than 600 people.

Obviously, this infantry regiment will become the provincial army of Black Forest Province in the future.

Although the noble knights are more inclined to join the Knights Order and are unwilling to hold positions in the Provincial Army, fighting alongside a group of civilians, this does not mean that the Provincial Army is not combat-effective. If this were a world with less martial spirit, this army, entirely formed and funded by the lord, would be the most professional soldiers. They are the most elite professional soldiers of the mortal empire, completely detached from production and only training how to kill people every day.

It can be said that as long as these professional troops are provided with sophisticated armor, a thousand of them can easily defeat thousands or even tens of thousands of refugees and rebels.

Even in this extraordinary world, the professionally operating Provincial Army can hold the line against the siege of evil monsters and fight to the death against the most valiant green-skinned orcs, the most terrifying ogres, and the great horned beasts. As for weak monsters such as goblins, gnomes, and lesser horned beasts, they are simply objects of their slaughter.

Moreover, the combat power of the Black Forest Territory's army is far more than that. Knight Orstein was also greatly encouraged by Su Li's words and said excitedly: "Lord, there is another good news to report to you. Your pre-war expectations for the territory's knights have finally been realized. Our knight legion is indeed growing stronger."

"The lightscale fish and fire velvet rabbits that you generously rewarded have played their effects to the extreme in the subsequent fierce battles. More than 30 of our armed attendants have awakened their bloodlines and become squire knights, and another 24 formal knights have broken through to elite knights after bathing in divine grace."

"The number of breakthroughs on the Sun Crown Knights side is roughly the same as ours. If we add the Crimson Night Knights, the scale of elite knights loyal to you on the battlefield of the decisive battle with the Green Dragon is close to 500!"

This news immediately excited Su Li as well. Having seen the heavy armored knights shining with armor and light below the platform today, everyone can deeply appreciate the power of these elite knights.

It can be said that they are the military pillar for the establishment of the human empire in this world!

Five hundred heavy-armored knights lined up on the battlefield, and their thick armor and tall bodies alone could bring unparalleled oppression.

Even if they marched on foot and lined up on the valley battlefield, they were an unstoppable elite. Their heavy armor lined up could push their opponents directly down the valley and into the water.

If they rode their war horses and launched a charge, their lances could penetrate the defense lines of all monsters!

So, Su Li said excitedly: "My commander, I will leave the integration of the territory's army to you. I don't think Knight Connor will have any objections, right?"

As Su Li and everyone's eyes turned to Knight Connor, he finally came back to his senses from the shock and quickly said: "Of course, Lord, your arrangement is extremely wise. The territory's army should of course be handed over to the strongest marshal to command, and everyone will respect your will. My meager talents really don't know how to fight against such a huge evil legion and so many God-chosen monsters. I can only follow your will, and wherever your sword points is the battlefield where I will fight to the death."

Knight Connor's words undoubtedly represent the past that Black Forest Territory has experienced.

Every time Su Li drew a red arrow on the map, countless soldiers rushed to the bloody battlefield. They fought with gold and iron horses, bathed in blood, and fought hard, slashing and slashing, cutting down wave after wave of enemies, and constantly expanding the territory of Black Forest Territory.

It was the soldiers who had fought for more than half a year that allowed the territory of the Bauhinia family to occupy a large area of land below the Black Forest Mountains, allowing the banner of the Bauhinia to fly over this fertile land.

Knight Connor's title changed from Young Master Su Li to Lord, which meant that he had finally surrendered, and Black Forest Territory once again had only one will!

So, Su Li became amiable again and said with a smile: "It's great that Knight Connor can think this way. Come, let me also introduce you to our territory. Let you and the family's knights know what kind of home we are defending."

After saying that, Su Li led Knight Connor to the map hanging in the castle hall, pointed to the map and said: "Although Black Forest Territory is remote, it is very fertile. The warm lowlands are conducive to planting good wine grapes, and the cool highlands near the mountains are the source of high-quality wool. Although the mountains are home to dwarven fortresses, we have a good relationship with them. Humans also mine iron and silver in the mountains, and then transport them to Black Forest Territory to be forged into sophisticated equipment and sold to Maleburg or other territories."

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"The commercial families of Maleburg also have warehouses and agents here. We border the Gray Mountains in the northeast, the Blood Pine Forest in the east, and the vast wilderness and swamps in the south, but we can still maintain our independence because our territory is fertile and wealthy, and we have enough funds to support any army we need."

"So Knight Connor, if you have relatives and friends, you can completely call them over, and I will provide generous salaries."

Knight Connor looked at the vast territory and the villages and strongholds on the map, his eyes lit up, and said: "Lord, your career in Black Forest Territory has really exceeded everyone's expectations in Bauhinia Castle. I believe that as long as the detailed situation here is transmitted to the north, many knight families will be like me, moving their entire families to Black Forest Territory to seek greater opportunities."

Knight Connor brought his sons, daughters, family servants, and armed attendants with him on this trip south.

Therefore, he absolutely didn't want this territory to be burned down, and continued, "And all of this is predicated on us holding the territory and defeating the Green Dragon's powerful minion army."

Su Li nodded, replying firmly, "This is without question. I will spare no cost to defend our home."

As Knight Conner softened, Su Li's attitude became more amiable. He continued with a smile, "We will hold a grand banquet tonight, with the Halflings cooking lamb and slaughtering cattle, and we will drink our fill of fine wine! We celebrate our victory and welcome the knights of our family!"

As Su Li's words fell, cheers erupted again in the castle. The knights had already heard Knight Orstein mention fire rabbit meat and lightscale fish, and they all looked forward to finding new opportunities in the Black Forest Territory.

And Su Li truly didn't let their expectations fall flat. Without any conditions, Su Li generously gifted the arriving knights a Dragon Blood Grass to enhance their physique. The knights with the Lion Bloodline even received a Lion Mane Mushroom to accelerate their cultivation speed.

The Dragon Blood Grass was planted by people Su Li sent according to the guidance of the daily intelligence system at the beginning of summer. Although the effect was not as strong as Dragon Blood Stone, it was better in terms of quantity.

Summer is the wildest season in Tal. After the Dragon Blood Grass was successfully cultivated, it grew wildly under Lake Leiflin. Su Li was even wealthy enough to take out a batch for sale in the market, earning him more than 50 gold crowns.

Now, facing the moment to win people's hearts, he was of course more willing to distribute generously.

And the effect was also very remarkable. The lord's generosity quickly won the favor of the family's arriving knights.

Su Li's combination of kindness and power today allowed him to successfully establish his authority among the family knights. Previously, many knights did not really recognize Su Li as their lord, believing that he was just a callow youth. Why should he command the Crimson Night Knights, the most powerful and proud knights of the Purple Thorns Castle?

However, with Su Li's intimidation and wooing, they quickly developed a considerable sense of belonging to the Black Forest Territory, especially when a large number of powerful knights celebrated with them, and a large amount of food and wine was served, which further heightened the atmosphere of the banquet.

The knights were all boisterous in character. In the banquet hall, some couldn't help but start a competition performance. The most intense competition was between the Crimson Night Knights and the Sun Crown Knights.

Both sides were knightly orders, so they inevitably competed, boasting about how powerful their knightly order was. It is said that in literature, there is no first, but in martial arts, there is no second. After a few glasses of wine, their hot bodies naturally had their blood surging, unable to restrain the urge to compete.

So, after obtaining the consent of the High Servant General Manager, a group of servants cleared a spacious area in the hall. Two knights, wearing their own fine heavy armor, holding training swords, shields, and halberds, began an intense confrontation.

This rough style has always been despised by the elegant and proud elves, who believe that the people of the Empire are a bunch of country bumpkins. But the Empire and the dwarves unanimously believe that this kind of enthusiastic confrontation at the banquet can make the banquet more lively and enjoyable.

According to the Empire's custom of betting on everything, naturally knights gathered in twos and threes, betting one after another.

Su Li sat at the end of the banquet table, looking at the center of the arena with interest while holding a glass of fruit tea.

He is now also an elite knight, full of interest in the battle of elite knights. Especially the two in the middle of the arena, their stabbing skills and fighting skills are extremely outstanding!

As elite knights representing their respective knightly orders, they are the best in the knightly order, reaching the stage of high-level elite knights.

Whether it is physique, martial arts or experience, they have reached the highest level of the current stage.

Both attacks were swift and violent, with punches to the flesh, bringing the fierce collision of knights to the extreme. At the same time, the stabbing technique was like an antelope hanging its horns, and from time to time a brilliant technique would attract cheers from the audience.

This wonderful confrontation benefited Su Li a lot, giving him a sense of enlightenment. Many performances could make his eyes shine. So there could be such a showy attack method? Such superb skills, he never dreamed of it.

While he was watching the excitement, a tall figure stood beside him, and the shadow covered the bright light above the hall.

"Lord, are you only drinking fruit tea?"

A clear and cold voice came from above, and Su Li withdrew his gaze from the center of the arena, raised his head to look at the person, and a faint and fresh white tea fragrance lingered in front of his nose, like a fresh scent mixed with geranium and freesia, which was refreshing.

So Su Li said with a light smile: "I was once forced to drink too much wine that I didn't want to drink at the dinner table. I swore that one day, when everyone at the banquet is drinking, no one will dare to question me drinking tea."

"If Knight Freya wants to drink with me, we can change to a day that is not at the banquet. I am very welcome to the captain to visit my castle and manor."

Freya coldly raised her glass: "This cup is to Lord. " After she finished speaking, she raised her glass high and drank it all in one gulp to Su Li. Her raised chin was exquisite and flawless, making her neck appear particularly slender and fair in the light.

After drinking a glass of fine wine, a faint blush appeared on her clear and cold cheeks: "Lord, are you interested in betting?"

Su Li raised his eyebrows. When a woman takes the initiative to talk to you and takes the initiative to propose a bet, does winning or losing matter?

Especially such a proud, indifferent, sharp and powerful female knight, she looks at all men as if she is looking at garbage, but takes the initiative to come to talk.

This sense of accomplishment is enough to excite an ordinary man.

But Su Li just smiled faintly. It wasn't like he hadn't seen a pure boy with women, and the various beautiful women in his court had made him extremely resistant to beauty.

So he said directly: "I don't actually like gambling. Especially when I don't know the odds of winning, I will never participate in the gambling game."

"But, I accept your invitation."

Freya's sharp sword eyebrows frowned slightly, and her exquisite face looked down at Su Li, and asked: "So Lord is willing to accept this invitation, is it because he already has the certainty of winning? Or because he gave me special treatment?"