Pioneer Lord: Starting From Daily Intelligence

Chapter 512: Chapter 8: Su Li’s Nightmare and the Legendary Knight

This made Su Li clench his fists, recalling the beautiful times he spent with her. When dusk permeated the vineyards of Hesse Territory, Philis would always love to run barefoot through the dew-laden iris fields to pick the freshest Purple Crystal Grapes for him.

In this flourishing garden, amidst the endless green meadows, her laughter, clear like a silver bell, could be heard.

If he lost her, he would lose not only a courtier but also a plethora of memories of a beautiful life and the most simple, sincere emotions.

Su Li smiled at her, then turned his head, took a deep breath, and solemnly said to Hilude, ”Not a Divine Chosen-level assassin. Rather, a Legendary-level knight! Can we... withstand it?”

Hilude’s pupils immediately shook, ”A Legendary-level knight? How is that possible! Why would such a powerful knight come for an assassination?”

”It’s not really an assassination,” Su Li said slowly, calming his mood. ”It’s the nobility from Sulande Province wanting to take Philis away. Can we withstand it?”

Hilude decisively shook his head and said, ”Impossible. If a Legendary Knight truly arrives, no matter how many Divine Chosen-level knights, they won’t be able to stop it. You may not know how vast the gap is between Legendary and Divine Chosen levels. It’s even the difference between a commander of an elite army having a Legendary-level figure or not!”

Su Li furrowed his brows and asked, ”Could it be that even if we gather all our strength, with two thousand elite infantry and cavalry, we can’t stop a single Legendary Knight?”

Hilude was silent for a moment and then said, ”If everyone fought to the death without retreating, we might have a chance to exhaust him. But are you really prepared to pay such a high price for Philis? After all, even if Philis is taken away, she may not necessarily be in danger. It might not even be a bad thing.”

Clearly, Hilude was reminded of the rumor that Philis would become one of the most critical aids for Su Li to ascend to the throne.

But does Su Li want to be emperor?

Su Li took a deep breath and thought it would be too insincere to say he didn’t want to.

Which man wouldn’t want to reign over the world and command all directions?

Which man hasn’t dreamed of having heavenly decrees on their lips, making laws with a word!

But is it worth sacrificing a loved one for the throne?

Thinking of this, Su Li quickly shook his head. Was there a woman even more important than a throne?

When he previously didn’t have such choices, Su Li would have unhesitatingly said that no woman could compare to the nation.

But now, standing at this moment of decision, he realized it wasn’t just a matter of choosing between two empty words—woman and throne.

It’s a specific person! A woman you spend days and nights with, sharing joys and sorrows, who loves you deeply. She’s willing to wash her hands and make you soup, bear children for you, and even find ways each day to make you happy.

It’s no longer just love, but also a part of family, bonds, and life!

Which man wouldn’t fly into a rage for such a woman?

So, Su Li hesitated a moment and asked, ”Isn’t being a Pioneer Lord already pretty good for us? We could even become a baron, a duke, or an elector! The emperor of the Empire can’t manage how we roam freely in the Border Prince’s Territory. Is it worth giving up Philis for an elusive throne?”

Hilude gently stroked Su Li’s cheek and smiled warmly, saying, ”Whatever decision you make, My Lord, I will firmly stand behind you and support you.”

Suddenly, Su Li felt a warmth in his heart, even the cold of winter dissipated somewhat. He extended his arms, pulled Hilude into a tight embrace, inhaling the fragrance of her hair, and said, ”Thank you, Hilude. Really, with those words, I feel much more settled.”

”My Lord, perhaps you should ask Philis what she thinks. I think after the last appearance of the Divine Chosen-level assassin, her attitude has had a subtle change.”

A subtle change?

Su Li remembered an intelligence report from today, that a Lion’s Mane Mushroom would upgrade to Dark Blue Quality [Heart of the Lion King] today.

This achievement was exactly urged by Philis and completed by Vandar, capable of directly creating a Champion-level Knight for the territory.

Similar effects also include the [Green Knight’s Test].

The Green Knight is a legendary figure known throughout the Empire as the champion of the Sun Goddess. Aside from testing whether Imperial Knights are strong and devout enough, he would also manifest when the Holy Land was tainted by creatures with ill intentions.

In the beastman tribes of the filthy forest, the moniker ”Soul Slayer” is passed around, referring to the thousands of beastmen killed by the Green Knight over the centuries. The Green Knight has an elusive presence, possibly bursting forth from the roots of ancient trees or bolt out of the calm lake surfaces or raging waterfalls, unleashing his wrath upon invaders. He comes suddenly, leaves swiftly, and vanishes into the thick fog after his wrath subsides. In some stories, he even vanishes before an enemy’s eyes and reappears in a flash to slay them from behind, only to disappear and resurface once more.

Weapons have difficulty inflicting harm on the Green Knight. Some say blades and arrows pass through his body like slicing through morning mist, injuring nothing. Other tales say no matter how grave the damage inflicted, the Green Knight would not die. In one narrative, the Green Knight had his head chopped off by an adventurous knight but merely picked it up and left.

There is much debate about who the Green Knight really is, but no one in the Empire dares to claim they know the truth. Some believe the Green Knight is the embodiment of the Empire’s national spirit, while others think he is a founding knight returned to protect the Empire and this land.

But one point is confirmed: anyone who passes the Green Knight’s test can at least be promoted to Champion-level. After acquiring the [Champion’s Heart], the path to becoming a champion is unimpeded, and a bright future awaits, provided there is diligent training.

Most of these opportunities were brought to the territory’s knights by Su Li, yet Philis indeed participated in part of it.

This woman has all the typical fantasies of women. When someone stakes their life to protect her, there’s a bright light shining in her eyes.

Perhaps she indeed enjoys being valued and protected by others.

Su Li definitely should respect her opinion too.

So Su Li pondered for a moment, then said to Hilude, ”Have the Swan Knights immediately send orders to Marshal Orstein, asking him to come to Heisen Castle with Deceitful Wings · Aeliria.”

”Then gather the high-level directly affiliated attendants; we need to prepare for both eventualities! Issue the armor and weapons to the soldiers, make sure they’re fully armed, and ready for action.”

Currently, the level of equipment in the Bauhinia Palace’s armory far surpasses what ordinary people can imagine.

There are nearly 100 sets of Vibranium Rune Armor and more than 200 pieces of perfect-quality weapons already available!

With these 200 perfect-level weapons and 300 refined-level ones, we can arm 500 high-grade directly affiliated attendants to the utmost combat potency.

Even a Legendary Knight may not be able to massacre all these soldiers.

Hilude softly touched Su Li’s cheek and gave a gentle smile, then said, ”No matter what decision you make, My Lord, I will firmly stand behind you.”

Then Su Li felt a warmth spread through his heart, dispelling much of the wintery chill. He reached out his arms, pulled Hilude into his embrace, and hugged her tightly, inhaling the fresh fragrance of her hair, saying, ”Thank you, Hilude. Really, your words have brought much comfort to my heart.”

”My Lord, you might want to ask Philis how she feels. Since the appearance of the Divine Chosen-level assassin last time, I think her attitude has undergone a subtle change.”

A subtle change?

Su Li also remembered a note in today’s intelligence, about a Lion’s Mane Mushroom advancing to Dark Blue Quality [Heart of the Lion King] today.

This achievement was accomplished under the supervision of Philis and could directly create a Champion-level Knight for the territory.

Similar in effect, there is also [Green Knight’s Trial].

The Green Knight is a legendary figure known throughout the Empire as the champion of the Sun Goddess. Beyond testing whether Imperial Knights are strong and devout enough, when the Holy Land is desecrated by malicious creatures, he would appear.

In the past centuries, the nickname ”Soul Slayer” circulated among the beastman tribes in the defiled forests, referring to the thousands of beastmen killed by the Green Knight. His whereabouts are mysterious, and he has a reputation of suddenly appearing in the face of the enemy, unleashing anger, and vanishing into the dense fog shortly after ending the slaughter. In one story, he was even decapitated by an adventurous knight, only to pick up his head and leave.

Debate over the true identity of the Green Knight continues, but no one in the Empire dares to claim they know the truth. Some believe the Green Knight is the spirit of the Empire, while others think he is a founding knight returned to safeguard the Empire and its lands.

It is confirmed that passing the Green Knight’s test at the very least qualifies one for Champion-level. Once the [Champion’s Heart] is obtained, the future path to becoming a champion is clear, as long as one trains diligently enough.

Many of these opportunities have been offered to the territory’s knights by Su Li, but Philis has indeed played a real part in it.

This woman possesses allurement typical of women. When she is highly regarded and protected, there is a bright gleam in her eyes.

Perhaps she truly enjoys being doted on and looked after by someone.

So, Su Li indeed should respect Philis’s opinion, at least to some extent.

After considering for a moment, Su Li said to Hilude, ”Tell the Swan Knight to immediately send orders to Marshal Orstein, asking him to come to Heisen Castle with Deceitful Wings and Aeliria.”

”Then gather the high-level directly affiliated attendants, and let’s prepare for both scenarios! Distribute the armor and weapons to the soldiers, ensure they are fully equipped and ready for battle.”

As of now, the opulence of Bauhinia Palace’s armory surpasses ordinary expectations.

There are nearly 100 sets of Vibranium Rune Armor, and over 200 pieces of perfect quality weapons!

In addition to spoils from the battlefield, there are also over 300 pieces of Refined Level weapons! There is a batch of [Thunder Hammers] that Su Li procured using not Dwarf Oath Gold, but the Human Empire’s Golden Crown from the Redbeard Clan of Dwarves.

These 200 perfect quality weapons and 300 refined-level weapons are enough to fully arm the combat power of 500 high-level directly affiliated attendants.

Even a Legendary Knight may not manage to kill them all.

When Hilude cleaned away the scent of blood, she brought it up with Su Li, ”My Lord, perhaps you should consult with Philis about her views. After the last appearance of the Divine Chosen-level assassin, her attitude seemed to have changed subtly.”

A subtle change?

Su Li also recalled a report from today, about a Lion’s Mane Mushroom ranking up to Dark Blue Quality [Heart of the Lion King].

This accomplishment was directly urged to fruition by Philis working with Vandar and can create a Champion-level Knight for the territory.

That’s similar in effect to the [Green Knight’s Test].

The Green Knight is a renowned figure throughout the Empire, celebrated as the champion of the Sun Goddess. Besides testing the strength and devotion of the Imperial Knights, he appears when the Holy Land is desecrated by creatures with ill intent.

In filthy forest beastman tribes, legends speak of ”Soul Slayer,” a name for the Green Knight who slaughtered thousands of beastmen over past centuries. The Green Knight moves secretly, appearing suddenly before invaders, unleashing fury, then vanishing swiftly into the fog after his deed. Some tales even recount that the Green Knight, no matter how grievously wounded, cannot be slain. In one story, he was decapitated, yet he merely picked up his head and left.

The true identity of the Green Knight is hotly debated throughout the Empire, but no one can credibly claim knowledge. Some consider him the incarnation of the Empire’s national spirit, while others suggest he might be a returned founding knight protecting the Empire and its land.

What is certain is that passing the Green Knight’s test allows a minimum promotion to Champion-level. With [Champion’s Heart] achieved, there will be no bottleneck on the path to becoming a champion, as long as you train hard enough.

Most of these opportunities have come to the knights in Su Li’s Territory through him, though Philis indeed had a significant role in it.

She is a woman full of whimsical charm. There is a bright sparkle in her eyes when she is cherished and protected.

Perhaps she truly enjoys the feeling of being cared for and protected by someone who matters.

Undeniably, Su Li is aware that he should consider her opinions.

After pondering for a moment, Su Li said to Hilude, ”Have the Swan Knight immediately send orders to Marshal Orstein, and tell him to come to Heisen Castle with Deceitful Wings · Aeliria.”

”Then gather the high-level directly affiliated attendants, prepare for both contingencies! Equip the soldiers with armor and weapons, and keep them ready.”

The level of armament in the Bauhinia Palace is far beyond what ordinary people imagine nowadays.

There are already nearly 100 sets of Vibranium Rune Armor, and over 200 pieces of perfect quality weapons!

Additionally, there are 300 refined-level weapons, apart from those captured on the battlefield! Su Li didn’t purchase these [Warhammers] with Dwarf Oath Gold; instead, he used the Human Empire’s Golden Crown to acquire them from the Redbeard Clan of Dwarves.

With these 200 pieces of perfect-level weapons and 300 refined-level, the combat power of the 500 high-level directly affiliated attendants can be maximized.

Even a Legendary Knight may not be able to kill them all.

When Hilude mentioned a subtle shift in Philis’ attitude since the appearance of the Divine Chosen-level assassin, Su Li fell into thought.

He recalled the intelligence briefed today: about the promotion of a Lion’s Mane Mushroom to Dark Blue Quality [Heart of the Lion King].

This outcome was achieved under Philis’ urging of Vandar, allowing the territory to produce a Champion-level knight directly.

A similar effect is found in the [Trial of the Green Knight].

The Green Knight is a legendary figure known throughout the Empire as the champion of the Sun Goddess, appearing not only to test if the Imperial Knights are strong and devout but also to strike when holy lands are desecrated by malevolent beings.

Called the ”Soul Slayer” in beastman tales from the tainted forests, it’s said that thousands of beastmen have been slain by the Green Knight across many centuries. His movements are mysterious, and he often vanishes in front of his enemies’ eyes only to reappear suddenly behind them to strike them down, vanishing quickly into the mist afterward.

Harming the Green Knight with weapons is exceedingly difficult. Some stories claim that no injury, no matter how severe, can kill him. In one tale, a daring knight beheaded the Green Knight, but he just picked up his head and disappeared.

The true identity of the Green Knight is fiercely debated, with no one in the Empire daring to assert they know the truth. It’s said that he embodies the spirit of the Empire or may even be a returning legendary hero safeguarding the land.

The opportunity to pass the Green Knight’s trial promises at least the rank of champion. Once the [Champion’s Heart] is obtained, the path to becoming a champion is unimpeded, requiring only diligent training.

These opportunities for the knights in Su Li’s Territory have mostly come through his efforts, but Philis indeed played a significant part.

This woman exhibits all typical feminine fantasies. When fiercely protected to the point of life being risked for her, that’s when her eyes shine with bright light.

Perhaps, she genuinely relishes being cared for and protected like this.

Su Li should definitely respect her opinion too.

So Su Li pondered for a brief moment, then said to Hilude, ”Have the Swan Knight immediately send a message to Marshal Orstein, telling him to come to Heisen Castle with Deceitful Wings · Aeliria.”

”Then gather the high-level directly affiliated attendants; we must be prepared for two situations. Distribute the armor and weapons to the soldiers, make sure they’re fully armed and ready.”

The luxury of the arsenal at Bauhinia Palace is far beyond ordinary people’s imagination.

Ninety near-perfect-quality Vibranium Rune Armors are already prepared, along with over two hundred perfect-level weapons!

Along with the spoils of war, Su Li purchased a batch of [Thunder Warhammers] from the Dwarf Redbeard Clan, not with Dwarf Oath Gold, but with the Human Empire Golden Crown and minerals, a trade agreement was reached with the dwarves. This wealth had been unearthed by them from the ancient kingdom ruins, and upon the intelligence hint, Su Li swiftly sent people to make the purchase, which is pretty considerable in scale.

With these 200 perfect-grade weapons and 300 refined-grade weapons, it will be enough to fully arm the battle capability of the 500 high-level directly affiliated attendants to the teeth, from weapons to armor, from rings to the talisman on their bodies, all are equipped.

Even a Legendary Knight may not be able to completely slaughter all these soldiers.

After Hilude left, Su Li adjusted his mood and returned to the treehouse.

Philis looked up at him and asked, ”My Lord, are people coming from Sulande Province?”

In surprise, Su Li asked, ”You heard?”

Philis gently shook her head and said, ”No, the wind and snow are too strong. I couldn’t hear a word of your conversation with the Chief Steward. But if you’re trying to avoid telling me something, it can only be about this matter.”

Su Li walked to the couch, gently caressing her head, and asked, ”So what do you think? Would you go to the Grand Prince’s Territory of Sulande?”

Philis decisively shook her head, pressing her beautiful cheek against Su Li’s leg and holding him tightly, said, ”No, if I could choose, I would want to live with you, My Lord, forever. The life now is perfect beyond measure, it is the happiest time of my life.”