In a Knight Territory adjacent to Gale Heart, a mounted procession advanced slowly.

In addition to the Qinghui Guard and Royal Forbidden Army that comprised the core pilgrimage contingent, the procession was also swelled with a great number of Yonglan Knights.

The armored Knights held their reins, riding at a relaxed pace as they sang lustily, chanting verses from the Song of Yonglan. In stark contrast to the stone-faced, solemn core members, their spirits were far more cheerful and excited.

Despite it being the season of eternal winter, endless wheat fields stretched as far as the eye could see. A silvery sheen coated the golden stalks as they swayed in the snowy wind, creating one ripple after another across the landscape.

A harsh environment didn’t mean farming was impossible.

The environment around the Yonglan Capital was indeed harsh, and the Riding God had no intention of changing the climate, but mortals had their ways. With a little research, they had managed to cultivate high-yield crops that thrived in the severe cold, some even producing eight harvests a year.

Techniques. Pretty amazing, right?

Westheid had left the Floating Battleship, forgoing his lofty perch to survey the land. Instead, he now rode a Griffin, ambling along the paths that wound through the fields.

His departure from the Floating Battleship was partly to show his respect for Gale Heart, and partly because the airspace near the Capital was a flight-restricted Domain, similar to the one around the Pool of the Holy Grail. The ship’s Ascension Ceremony was powerful enough to bully the Chaos Demon Army, but he dared not test a Barrier laid by a Celestial God.

The Griffin was massive. Its powerful frame, fitted with a saddle, was large enough for four or five riders. Mivana sat in front of Westheid, while Reiya embraced him from behind, her arms wrapped around his waist. The three of them made no secret of their intimacy.

Reiya, Mivana, and Westheid alike were the type to do as they pleased—the proper bearing for any Powerhouse. To be timid and constrained by the judgment of others would be utterly pathetic.

"The Griffins from Yingxi Castle are so docile. It’s like a big, tame cat. A true testament to your breeding program. My compliments to the Legendary Beast Training Base, Yingxi Castle."

Westheid stroked the Griffin’s coat and turned with a smile to the Grand Knight in jet-black Armor riding alongside him.

Uther glanced at the great Griffin, which was not only being ridden by three individuals of the Legendary Celestial Rank but was also trembling under Reiya’s Dragon Might. He couldn’t help but retort:

"He’s not actually docile. This is Death’s Claw, the leader of our Griffins. He’s normally a ferocious beast, with a record of tearing a thousand men to shreds."

"It’s fine. As long as it doesn’t hiss at me, it’s a good pet."

Westheid continued to stroke the Griffin’s coat. After a moment, he realized he was stroking Mivana’s wolf tail. He pretended not to notice and carried on.

"To be honest, I’m very glad you’ve all decided to join me."

Westheid said to Uther:

"Even though I’ve demonstrated overwhelming power and attracted many Yonglan Knights to my cause, barely any of the crucial Grand Knights have pledged their allegiance. Do they truly have so little faith in my chances?"

"Because they won’t easily stake their honor on a King Claimant. It doesn’t matter how many ordinary Knight Territories fall. As long as Gale Heart itself hasn’t welcomed you as its master, they will remain on the sidelines."

Uther said resolutely, his gaze fixed straight ahead:

"But I am different. Your Excellency Westheid possesses the grand ambition to encompass the world and command the cosmos, and the aspiration to subvert the past with a compassionate heart. It truly makes even these old bones of mine burn with passion."

The Black Knight had barely finished speaking when his Apprentices chimed in with praise:

"As expected of Lord Uther! The other Grand Knights are just opportunists, waiting to see which way the wind blows. They can’t compare to your decisiveness and courage!"

"To conquer Gale Heart! What a thrilling Great Enterprise! Cowards who cling to their lives will probably never get such a chance!"

"..."

Basking in the praise, Uther gave a faint smile and a dismissive wave of his hand. "Enough. All that remains is to fight."

’He’s such a good actor. I almost believed him.’

Of course, Westheid knew exactly why Uther had bent the knee so readily, but it would have been rude to say so.

In any case, ignoring the unpleasant business of threats and enticements, Westheid’s rendezvous with Uther was a very pleasant one. The contingent of Yonglan Knights in his procession had been sparse, but with the addition of Yingxi Castle’s army, it finally looked the part.

Westheid was always generous and friendly toward sensible allies.

He extended a finger, pointing toward the horizon:

"In that case, I cannot allow Lord Uther to be saddled with a reputation for poor judgment. Once we cross this Knight Territory, we will reach the heart of Yonglan. I will prove to you all just how wise and farsighted your choice has been."

The final and most critical objective of the pilgrimage was the conquest of Gale Heart. Everything else was secondary—mere preparations for that single purpose.

If he were confident enough, he could have headed straight for Gale Heart and taken the Capital. The rest of Yonglan would then be his for the taking; it would only be a matter of time.

"It is most fortunate that you have such confidence, Your Excellency Westheid."

Uther said with a slight nod, though he did not seem particularly excited.

He certainly hoped Westheid would claim the Knight King’s throne and believed it was possible. However, as a Grand Knight with a will of steel, Uther could not simply place all his hopes in another person. He had to be mentally prepared for the pilgrimage to fail.

’Learn virtue, but always leave an escape route!’