Chapter 40: The Authority of the Dragon

The tradition of welcoming mythical beasts has a long history.

Over 2000 years ago, mages and knights discovered the wondrous Sanctuary of Mythical Beasts. Any animal entering this sanctuary at the precise moment when two suns fully align and undergoing purification in the blood pool can gain astonishing power enhancements. All creatures acquire the ability to float and forge a pact with the humans who brought them to the sanctuary, enabling summoning through barriers.

A mythical beast knight's power is equivalent to that of 100 ordinary cavalry of the same type.

Moreover, the sanctuary can transcend typical bloodline recognition. For instance, even non-Hamy people can summon and ride a snow wolf beast if they bring it into the sanctuary.

Over the years, experiments confirmed the ideal species for the sanctuary trials across different continents. Notable examples include the snow wolves from the Ice Continent, crocodiles from the Lanfaris Continent, and unicorns, sand lizards, and land dragons from the Aminor Continent.

To optimize the quality of each species, nations have assigned specialists to breed special young mythical beasts, ensuring the quality of these creatures improves year by year.

Access to the Holy Snow Mountain has been controlled by one or several countries. Nations without direct access must exchange specially bred young mythical beasts to gain the right to cultivate their creatures there.

Every five years, countries with access rights send delegations to other nations to welcome mythical beasts. Based on pre-established agreements, other nations send equal numbers of prospective mythical beast knights and young beasts to undergo purification in the sanctuary.

From "Strange Tales of Mountains and Seas"

The young knights of Dragon Authority, full of youthful vigor, hurled insults at what appeared to be a noble but was actually a shameless rogue, a despicable scoundrel.

It's said that the derogatory terms used for Chi Hanfeng covered almost every pejorative known in the Aimi Empire and the Hamy Empire, often with sexual connotations.

Despite numerous earnest pleas and advice, Chi Hanfeng remained unmoved. Seeing no one ready to surrender, he slowly raised his hand. The imperial spearmen at the front immediately hoisted their six-meter-long spears, quickly sealing all exits. He raised his hand again, and the archers pulled arrows from the grease barrels in front of them, lit them, and prepared to fire.

At this moment, a fellow snow wolf beast knight, a noble named Yi Su III, stood up. A forty-something nobleman in attendance blushed, lowered his head, and charged out, demanding a duel with a certain rogue knight. If defeated, he was willing to pay 20,000 gold coins; if victorious, he demanded the imperial troops immediately clear a path.

It's said that the rogue knight calculated for a long time and, after consulting with the imperial officer, concluded that the Hamy Kingdom was economically weak, with 20,000 gold coins being their upper limit.

Chi Hanfeng agreed to his request.

No one anticipated that this seemingly rogue knight possessed extraordinary combat skills. In one charge, he disarmed the heroic knight's scimitar and, with self-deprecating humor, remarked, "Hmm, I didn't expect the motivation of 20,000 gold coins to be so immense. Otherwise, I might not have beaten you."

When other nobles came forward to challenge, they were consecutively defeated by a silent young man wielding a greatsword. Ultimately, they had to surrender 50,000 ransom and gambling stakes, being escorted back to their country. It was later revealed that the silent accomplice was the captain of the Glacier Brigade, while the main culprit was the captain of the Cavalry Brigade.

Subsequently, Yi Su III took a keen interest in these two captains, believing that without shedding blood, they had greatly aided him. Not only did they teach those arrogant nobles a lesson, but they also caused their families significant financial loss, which could be leveraged for control through monetary means in the future.

Later, whenever a disobedient noble arose, Yi Su III's most direct order was to have them attack the empire's border troops, ultimately leaving that noble's family impoverished and disgraced.

A few years ago, the silent captain of the Glacier Brigade escorted a grand mage from the Aimi Empire to Snow City. Yi Su III hosted a grand banquet for them. While it was officially a banquet for the mage, Yi Su III's frequent toasts to the captain suggested it was more like a tribute to Lakeharbour.

Some nobles who had suffered losses repeatedly challenged Lakeharbour at the mage's residence, but the outcome...

According to Yi Su III, those challenging nobles later expressed relief that Chi Hanfeng hadn't come; otherwise, who knows how much more they might have lost.

Finally, Yi Su III lamented, "Alas, it was only later that I learned your father inadvertently entered the Tower of Wishes. Afterward, Chi Hanfeng left the army. I've missed them over the years."

Yi Su III's eyes suddenly brightened, "By the way, Aimi, Da Qing Shan, would you two like to join the army?"

Everyone present thought Yi Su III intended to recruit for the national army, but...

"I can recommend you as the cavalry brigade captain of the Aimi Empire's border troops and the glacier infantry brigade captain." Yi Su III's words were astonishing.

Yi Su III's eyes were filled with visions of a promising future, "The current two captains of the Aimi Empire's border troops are too soft. I can send people to attack them daily; they'll surely be overwhelmed. Then I'll arrange for insiders within the empire to recommend you. You both are a tiger from a general's gate and a disciple of a renowned teacher. Haha, I've even thought of your nicknames: the Empire's Little Grindstone. Ha ha ha!" Yi Su III laughed heartily at his ingenious plan.

"Your Highness, we can also recommend Aimi and Da Qing Shan. Aimi is the disciple of Master Reger, the empire's only grand mage, and Master Reger is a family friend of ours." Lin Yushang didn't heed the deadly stares from the other military officers as she enthusiastically supported Yi Su III's brilliant idea.

"But Your Highness, we are currently mercenaries." Upon hearing Aimi say "but," all the military officers breathed a sigh of relief. "My father is still in the Tower of Wishes. According to my teacher and Uncle Chi's grievances, I need to train so I can undergo trials at the Tower of Wishes to save my father in the future."

"Oh." Yi Su III once again displayed the magnanimity of a wise emperor, showing not a trace of anger despite having his opinion contradicted in court, "That's a bit unfortunate, but it's also good. You both can train for a few more years, and if you return, you'll be even more suited for the position."

"Are you also a mage? What type?" Yi Su III inquired.

"He's a swordsman, a level two mage, and a magic swordsman. Ice element." Lin Yushang answered eagerly, "Da Qing Shan is also very formidable. His mentor was a mythical beast knight, and he has surpassed that to become a dragon knight."

The fact that the grand mage's disciple had mastered three disciplines and was already a level two mage at such a young age was undoubtedly shocking to everyone.

However, the fact that there was also a young dragon knight in the room was beyond shocking; it was unbelievable, leaving exaggerated expressions of disbelief on everyone's faces.

"Your Highness, I request a duel between dragon knights with Mr. Da Qing Shan." The forty-something nobleman from earlier stepped forward, bowing deeply.

"Don't you understand?" Yi Su III slammed the table heavily, "Back when Chi Hanfeng and Aimi's father only caused verbal harm to you, didn't they always treat you well? The empire's food was better than the kingdom's. Whenever you were released, weren't you always well-fed? Some soldiers even ran over to their 5000-man camp to scavenge for food. Don't you understand my intentions?

Why do I and the older nobles jokingly call them the Empire's Grindstone? It's to hope they wear down your arrogance, helping you mature faster. Marquis Han Meng, do you feel any shame? Without Chi Hanfeng, would you have fully broken through the mythical beast knight's realm and gained the dragon's recognition to become a dragon knight?"

"Your Highness, I request a duel with Mr. Da Qing Shan as fellow dragon knights. A duel between dragon knights transcends borders and royal authority." Marquis Han Meng's face displayed an exceptional determination. At this point, Aimi and Da Qing Shan noticed the blue dragon emblem embroidered on Marquis Han Meng's clothing.

"Your Highness." The Minister of War stepped forward, "As a dragon knight, I also request a duel with the dragon knight Mr. Da Qing Shan."

"Your Highness," Aimi suddenly interjected, "Since the two dragon knights are interested, why not have a small contest?" Aimi's face showed a sly smile, "But it shouldn't be a free contest. I suggest we place a bet. What do you think?"

Hearing the word "bet," the expressions on the faces of all the military officers became complex, showing signs of expectation and resignation, as if recalling past experiences of being swindled.

"My partner Da Qing Shan is only years old, and his dragon is merely a third-tier, which is unsuitable for riding. Hence, we're at a significant disadvantage, especially in a two-against-one scenario. Therefore, we demand tenfold odds." Everyone present seemed to see the same confident look on Chi Hanfeng's face from ten years ago. "Our starting stake is 5000 gold coins. Please place your bets, or we reserve the right to refuse this challenge."

"I bet 100 purple gold coins on Da Qing Shan's victory." Lin Yushang was clearly a girl who thrived on chaos.

"I also bet on Da Qing Shan to win." A soft voice came from beside Lin Yushang. Sha Ruo, who seemed forgotten earlier, blushed as she stole a glance at Da Qing Shan, cautiously taking out a purple box from her bosom. She opened it to reveal a dazzling, transparent pearl.

"The Holy Church's sacred healing elixir: the Seizing Heaven Pill." Several knowledgeable old nobles exclaimed. It's said this is an exclusive medicinal product of the Holy Church, created by high-level priests using their devout faith, gathering various herbs unique to the Flower Plain, boiled in holy water, and finally blessed by the divine, possessing life-saving properties. It's valued at over 2000 gold coins, though it's rarely available, with only limited transactions between royal families.

"Hmm," Yi Su III stroked his beard, "Since everyone's keen, I won't oppose it. Although I have high hopes for Da Qing Shan, it's inappropriate for me to bet on his side. So, I'll abstain from betting and just enjoy the spectacle. Marquis Han Meng, are you willing?"

A few higher-ranking marquises in their forties huddled together, whispering, before Marquis Han Meng gave the final response:

"Yes, Your Highness, we're willing to wager 90,000 gold coins. However, our current funds are insufficient. I have a large estate in the northern federation of the Aimi Empire, valued at 20,000 gold coins. If we lose, we're willing to offer it as part of the stake."

"Alright, the bet is on. Tomorrow morning, at the south gate of the city, a dragon knight duel will commence. Minister of War, you should also arrange a parade of land dragon cavalry to inspire them. Let them understand that if they work hard, they too might one day become esteemed dragon knights." Yi Su III once again demonstrated his remarkable leadership, achieving multiple objectives at once: establishing the bet, showcasing the Hamy Empire's strength to the imperial envoy, and boosting morale.

At night, Sha Ruo, worried, gently tapped Lin Yushang, "Yushang, will Da Qing Shan be in danger tomorrow?"

Lin Yushang smiled sweetly, "Don't worry, it's all arranged by Aimi. Have you ever seen him suffer a loss?"