Chapter 715: Chapter 65: Western Expedition Victory Report and the West Merchant Association’s Intelligence and Gifts_2

In the meeting hall, Su Li specially arranged furniture made of Blood Pine Wood, crafted by the carpentry workshops of the West High Merchant Association. The combination of grand solid wood and luxurious velvet truly exudes class, giving the entire hall a grand and magnificent style.

After sitting down, Su Li smiled and asked Master Kote: "How was your journey this time? Did everything go smoothly?"

To be honest, this was simply a polite inquiry from Su Li, a form of greeting upon meeting.

However, Master Kote’s reaction and answer were particularly formal. He appeared solemn and shook his head: "Not very smooth, especially after reaching Blue Mirror Territory where we faced significant difficulties. Everywhere within Blue Mirror Territory, troops are assembling; squads of knights and infantry legions are marching on the roads, gathering towards the eastern canyon, preparing for a major action."

Upon hearing this, Su Li’s brows furrowed; the opponent’s actions were faster than he anticipated!

This also highlighted the value of merchant caravans. In this era, without satellite reconnaissance, caravans and missionaries often played the roles of spies and informants. They traveled far and wide, becoming the greatest intelligence gatherers.

The fact that Master Kote presented this information right away clearly aimed to show his value to Hesse Territory and strengthen relations between the two parties.

Despite this intelligence, Su Li felt indifferent, simply smiling faintly and saying: "In my eyes, Blue Mirror Territory is merely a place of decay, nothing worth mentioning. I will eventually vanquish it."

Even if Blue Mirror Territory didn’t actively close its borders, Su Li still planned to wage war against it.

Though the opponent’s moves were much quicker than he anticipated, with troops already gathering, the pace of the Black Forest was not slow either; or rather, it was swift and decisive. While the opponent was still preparing, Oerstein had already launched an offensive to the west.

Su Li’s lack of attention to the battle reports didn’t mean Oerstein was without achievements. In fact, Hesse Territory’s Marshal commanded over a thousand elite infantry and cavalry, with victories reported frequently.

His vanguard, Black Steel Redemption Knight Order Leader, Handsome Gilles, had led his Redemption Legion to capture 3 strongholds, 4 villages, and farms, as well as seize 2 ranches, capturing over 300 people and more than 200 cattle and horses.

These battle results are indeed impressive; since the war began, every attack was a victory. The Pioneer Lords on the western side of the territory had no resistance capability and could only flee in defeat.

The main force of the army, the soldiers Su Li paid, hadn’t arrived yet, but Gilles was already under the enemy’s castle.

Once the siege equipment arrived, this exceptional Champion Knight could lead his Redemption Knight Order to conquer the castle, achieving the goal set since the Western Expedition of annihilating the first Pioneer Lord.

This would have strategic influence on the upcoming battles. If just the vanguard army could defeat one Pioneer Knight easily, it’s highly likely the remaining Pioneer Knights would lose courage and voluntarily surrender to Su Li, causing large territories to fall without a fight.

These Pioneer Knights would become part of Su Li’s knight clan, with Su Li reserving certain lands for them, and they would fight and serve him. If they performed bravely, there was potential for them to continue being granted Kingdom Knight status after Su Li became Baron. It was far better than a futile resistance leading to self-destruction.

Thus, Su Li was very confident now; within just a few months, he aimed to clear these western Pioneer Lords, turning their territories into villages, strongholds, and manors in the west of his domain, expanding westward by hundreds of miles, soon bordering Blue Mirror Territory.

Clearly, with both sides deploying their main forces for a decisive battle, Blue Mirror Territory couldn’t possibly stand against the followers of the Sun Goddess. Su Li held three Divine Chosen Knights and numerous Champion Knights in his hand! This massive advantage in military might could utterly defeat them.

The Swamp Lord, who had nearly reached Count-level strength, was Su Li’s next main adversary.

Master Kote, with a serious expression, said: "Lord, I came from Blue Mirror Territory and heard some rumors. Their strength may not be underestimated."

Not to be underestimated?

Su Li raised an eyebrow and said: "What does this mean? Do you know if your words were not spoken in front of me, but in front of my proud knights in my territory, it would provoke their anger and an attack, assuming you belittle their combat strength, exaggerate the enemy threat, thus undermining military morale." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Regarding the knights’ temperaments, Su Li never denied that they were a bunch of aggressive and stubborn mules.

Anyone who told them they might fail due to complacency would instantly ignite their wrath, believing it was malicious cursing, undermining military morale.

But fortunately, Su Li possessed unparalleled historical knowledge from previous life experiences, knowing well that underestimating the enemy and complacency were major causes of defeat.

He had enough patience to hear Master Kote’s detailed explanation.

Master Kote, unfazed, solemnly stated, "The military strength of Blue Mirror Territory may indeed not match Hesse Territory, but their external support should not be underestimated. I heard rumors of a powerful Knight Order stationed in Blue Mirror Territory, assisting them in resisting external threats."

"What’s more, there’s an ongoing rumor within Blue Mirror Territory about an ancient Green Knight Legion beneath Blue Mirror Lake, awaiting summoning by devotees of Manan to resurface, launch an assault, and deliver devastating blows to enemies."