"Hoo…hoo…"
Thor was panting heavily, his chest heaving like a bellows.
He shook his slightly numb arm and looked at his contracted beast, his eyes showing no fear, but instead burning with intense battle intent.
The Ironclad Rhinoceros also stopped, two thick streams of white air snorting from its nostrils, its large, bell-like eyes fixed on its master, seemingly awaiting the next command.
"Not bad, Thor. Your control over your strength has improved again."
The instructor walked over and patted Thor on the shoulder.
"The Earth Bear bloodline, it is only through constant tempering like this that its true potential can be unleashed. Your Ironclad Rhinoceros also cooperates very well; it's excellent in both offense and defense, with a promising future."
"When you advance to a Great Knight and activate more of your Earth Bear bloodline, you might awaken the 'Earth Rooting' talent ability. At that time, you will be able to continuously draw power from the earth, and your strength will undergo a qualitative change."
Thor grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth, his smile simple and honest.
"Thank you, instructor!"
He turned to look at his Ironclad Rhinoceros, extended his large, fan-like hand, and stroked the rhinoceros's rough, hard armor.
"Iron Bull, well done."
The Ironclad Rhinoceros seemed to understand the praise, gently nudging Thor's waist with its huge head, letting out a low snort, appearing quite affectionate.
On the training ground, the sun blazed, but the knights' training enthusiasm remained undiminished.
...
Two days later, in the afternoon.
Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass window of the castle study, casting dappled shadows.
Lord Lei Luo was seated behind a large oak desk, reviewing the dossiers of various territorial affairs.
"Thump, thump, thump."
A slightly hurried knock sounded.
"Come in."
Lord Lei Luo did not lift his head.
The study door was pushed open, and Bolin's figure appeared in the doorway.
Compared to two days prior, his entire demeanor seemed much more composed, and his previously somewhat simple face now carried an irrepressible excitement.
"My Lord!"
Bolin's voice was a few shades louder than usual, with a slight tremor caused by excitement.
"I... I succeeded! I have officially advanced to an Earth Knight!"
Lord Lei Luo put down the quill in his hand, lifted his head, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.
"Bolin, congratulations. I knew you could do it."
He could clearly sense the more solidified and profound aura emanating from Bolin.
Bolin grinned, scratching the back of his head, a little embarrassed.
"Hehe, it's all thanks to the breakthrough potion provided by My Lord."
Just then, a castle guard hurried in.
"My Lord, there is a knight outside the castle claiming to be from the Earl of Red Maple Territory, requesting an audience. He says he has urgent matters to report."
"Earl of Red Maple Territory?"
Lord Lei Luo's eyebrow twitched imperceptibly.
"Let him in."
"Yes."
A moment later, a knight dressed in dark red knight's attire, with a burning maple leaf emblem embroidered on his chest, entered the study.
He was about thirty years old, with a resolute face, sharp eyes, and steady, powerful steps, clearly an experienced knight.
As soon as he entered, his gaze fell upon Lord Lei Luo behind the desk, and he immediately knelt on one knee, his right hand placed over his chest.
"Marcus, Knight of the Red Leaf Territory, greets Baron Lei Luo."
"Knight Marcus, please rise."
Lord Lei Luo raised his hand.
"No need for formalities. May I know the urgent matter that brings you here?"
Marcus stood up, took a letter sealed with wax from his Pregnant, and presented it with both hands.
"My master, His Excellency Gawain Red Leaf, the eldest son of the Earl of Red Maple, has a personal letter for Lord Lei Luo."
Lord Lei Luo took the letter. The wax seal on the envelope bore the Red Leaf family crest—a clearly veined maple leaf with flame-like patterns along its edges.
He opened the envelope, pulled out the letter, and quickly scanned its contents.
The handwriting on the letter was strong and vigorous, but its content caused Lord Lei Luo's eyes to gradually deepen.
Marcus saw Lord Lei Luo finish reading the letter and said in a deep voice, "Lord Lei Luo, what is stated in the letter is all true. The Earl is gravely ill and may not have much time left. My master, His Excellency Gawain, as the eldest son, should have smoothly inherited the title of Earl. But his younger brother, Alanric, with a wolf's ambition, has colluded with outside forces, attempting to usurp the inheritance."
Lord Lei Luo gently placed the letter on the table.
"Outside forces? As far as I know, the internal affairs of the Earl of Red Maple Territory don't seem to be a matter for outsiders to interfere with, do they?"
A trace of indignation and helplessness flashed across Marcus's face.
"Alanric... he has gained the support of First Prince Elliott. Baron Mond of the Iron Thorn Territory, instigated by First Prince Elliott, is already preparing to intervene in the Red Leaf Territory's succession by force."
"First Prince Elliott..."
Lord Lei Luo's pupils constricted slightly.
So, the frequent movements of the Iron Thorn Territory recently were actually aimed at interfering in the succession dispute of the Earl of Red Maple Territory.
Marcus took a deep breath, his tone earnest.
"Lord Lei Luo, my master, His Excellency Gawain, knows how difficult this matter is. But if Alanric succeeds, not only will the Earl of Red Maple Territory become a vassal of First Prince Elliott, but the entire power dynamic of the northern frontier will likely be affected. His Excellency Gawain has heard that Lord Lei Luo is young and promising, that the Blackstone Territory is thriving under your governance, and that your army is strong and well-equipped. Therefore, he specifically sent me here to implore Lord Lei Luo to lend a helping hand, to assist His Excellency Gawain in stabilizing the situation and reclaiming everything that rightfully belongs to him."
He paused, then offered a highly tempting condition.
"In return, as long as Lord Lei Luo is willing to send troops to assist, after the matter is concluded, His Excellency Gawain is willing to grant half ownership of the medium-sized copper mine in the Black Stone Mountain Range within his territory to the Blackstone Territory!"
Half the profits of a medium-sized copper mine!
Even with Lord Lei Luo's steady temperament, hearing this condition, his heart couldn't help but stir slightly.
Copper is an important strategic material for forging weapons and equipment. The value of a medium-sized copper mine is immeasurable, especially for the rapidly developing and expanding Blackstone Territory, it is a much-needed resource.
Gawain Red Leaf's generosity could not be understated.
The atmosphere in the study became somewhat stagnant for a moment.
Bolin stood to the side, listening to this conversation, his heart also in turmoil.
Although he didn't fully understand the complex territorial disputes, he knew that this was definitely a major event that could affect the future of the Blackstone Territory.
Lord Lei Luo weighed the pros and cons.
Helping Gawain would bring immense benefits; half the output of a medium-sized copper mine would significantly boost the Blackstone Territory's military strength and financial income in a short period.
However, the risks were also considerable, as it meant directly clashing with First Prince Elliott.
But if he didn't help, and allowed Alanric to control the Earl of Red Maple Territory with the support of First Prince Elliott, then a potential powerful threat would emerge to the north of the Blackstone Territory.
An Earl of Red Maple Territory completely aligned with First Prince Elliott would undoubtedly be detrimental to the future development of the Blackstone Territory.
This piece of cake, while sweet, might also hide poison.
"What is the military strength of the Earl of Red Maple Territory? How much power does His Excellency Gawain control? And Alanric?" Lord Lei Luo pondered for a moment, then asked.
Marcus's spirits lifted, knowing that Lord Lei Luo's not directly refusing meant there was still a chance.