Mount and Blade System: Start from Pioneer Lords.

Chapter 492 The Persian Gulf Empire Returns

“I didn’t realize it before.” Tina sighed as she held Aishilu’s little hand. “As Darling’s cultivation level and strength increase, we not only can’t help him, but we’ve become a burden.”

These words inevitably created a somewhat somber atmosphere.

Van Gogh and Hyde, in particular, were deeply frustrated. As guards, they were powerless to protect their own leader, which was a great disgrace.

"Oh dear, people are all born to do what they are born to do. Li Wei is destined to be extraordinary. We just need to manage Gaoya Fort for him. As for other important matters, we'll leave them to him. We're not cut out to be heroes," Elder Tang Jin comforted everyone.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the carved door. A maid, after being granted permission, bowed respectfully and announced the exciting news: Li Wei had returned.

So the people of Gaoyabao immediately set off and arrived at the inner wall of the palace.

"What's that?" Tina's eyes were immediately drawn to it as soon as she reached the city wall.

Hundreds of magnificent birds were soaring in the distance, their postures elegant and composed. As they drew closer, a chill swept over them.

Levi arrived ahead of time on Sersney and was chatting with Hyde, who was on duty, on the city wall.

To be honest, everyone breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that Li Wei was not missing any limbs.

Although they believed that no one in the world could harm this man hailed as the greatest warrior under the stars, they couldn't help but worry.

"These are top-tier frost beasts tamed by the Frost Giants, the Liver Birds. We still have too few air cavalry in High Cliff Fortress, so I brought these guys over." The lord patted Hyde's arm, letting it continue patrolling the city walls, and then turned to the crowd to speak.

Five hundred magical beasts with extreme speed and diving abilities would form an incredibly powerful aerial force if riders could be trained.

"Doesn't that mean that our Gaoyabao now has another organized air cavalry force?" Tang Jin was overjoyed.

There is no need to elaborate on how powerful air cavalry is. Even if an air cavalry unit is only used as a scout, it is a scout that can make a mess of things for all ground troops.

Although the Griffin Knights of High Cliff Fortress were strong in the past, they only numbered five hundred at most. They had to act as scouts and maintain sufficient attack power against ground troops, which made it difficult for them to be in two places at once.

At the time, I was thinking of tricking some more griffins back to High Cliffs from Harland, so I wasn't in a hurry to expand the air cavalry.

However, with the undead calamity of Gonda, all the griffins that roosted in the Gonda Cloud Cave Tower also became undead, and finally perished under the swords of the High Cliff Fortress warriors.

As a result, only one griffin of Debe remained in High Cliff Fortress, and the species did not perish.

There are wild griffins in the wild, but these high-level magical beasts are often untamed and have become somewhat different from the griffins that Debe has bred for hundreds of years.

"However, their habitat requirements are very high; they need extremely cold places with high magic concentrations." The lord then frowned: "Extreme cold is a minor problem; I can easily create such an environment with the Frost and Water Rings, but magic concentration is indeed a problem."

“My lord, now that you are the Hand of the King, you can simply issue a decree to summon those magicians to Gonda to establish a magic circle that gathers magic power. I believe that as long as you give the word, plenty of magicians will come.” The swan butler smiled slightly and said casually.

Li Wei slapped his forehead. He really hadn't thought of this. He was used to doing things himself and almost forgot that professional tasks should be done by professionals.

It just so happens that Gonda is currently in dire need of reconstruction and the court's monastic community is dwindling in size. It shouldn't be too difficult to summon the unaffiliated monks of Debe to take up their posts as court monks.

After all, mages are human too; they need to eat, drink, and relieve themselves. Most struggling mages wouldn't refuse funding for their magical research if a wealthy patron provided it.

Tina smiled with relief upon hearing this: "Darling always takes everything on his own shoulders, but now he has finally learned to recognize and delegate tasks effectively."

“Indeed,” Elder Tang Jin adjusted his reading glasses and winked, “Our lord is a master at fighting and is becoming increasingly adept at governing his territory, but sometimes he’s too hands-on. If you ask me, now that he’s the Hand of the King, he should really put those pleasure-seeking nobles to good use.”

Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and the atmosphere immediately became much more relaxed.

“In that case, I will go and draft a transfer order.” The Swan Butler bowed slightly. “I believe those mages will be very happy to do you this favor. After all, being able to follow the Twin Dragon Knights is a rare opportunity for them.”

In the end, might makes right in this world. Although mages naturally despise knights, who are just a bunch of brutes, this is only limited to the higher-ranking mages looking down on the lower-ranking ones.

As a legendary powerhouse, Lord, you already stand at the pinnacle of the world.

The hundreds of Leviathans, like blue-white lightning tearing through the sky, arrived above the palace in an instant.

With each flap of their enormous wings, they stirred up icy air currents and fine ice crystals, causing the temperature on the city wall to plummet.

They did not fall immediately, but hovered in the air, emitting clear and melodious cries that pierced through the clouds, carrying the purity and chill of ice and snow.

Tina, Aishilu, Elder Tang Jin, and the others were instantly drawn to the flock of birds flying in.

Its magnificent appearance, smooth body, and elemental features made even those who were used to seeing griffins exclaim in amazement.

"What incredible speed!" Van Gogh exclaimed in a deep voice, unconsciously clenching his fist, his eyes filled with the gleam of a warrior seeing a fine steed: "It's much faster than a griffin!"

It also has its own orca mount, but every man has dreamed of soaring through the sky.

However, its species dictates that, apart from top-tier magical creatures like dragons, ordinary flying magical beasts simply cannot carry it.

Just then, a clear chirping sound came from the sky. The largest raptor swooped down toward the city wall and stopped abruptly just a few meters away from the group. The cold wind it brought made everyone's robes flutter.

This swift bird was larger than its kind, with a tuft of ice-crystal-like feathers on its head that refracted brilliantly in the sunlight. It tilted its head curiously, observing the people on the city wall.

A tall figure nimbly leaped down from above.

"This is Tamene, Ragras's daughter, the best Liverbird rider in the Frost Giant tribe, and the future leader of the Liverbird Knights. She will teach our warriors how to fight alongside these children of ice and snow," Levi's introduction was brief and powerful.

To be honest, no matter how magnanimous the lord is, he wouldn't allow a frost giant who is clearly a traitor to hold a relatively important position in Highcliff Keep. However, Tamene's notice of joining the party changed this outcome.

With the system's endorsement, the lord directly carried out the excellent virtue of trusting those he employs and not employing those he distrusts.

In any case, the other party is not only proficient in taming birds, but also a high-level frost giant. His strength is beyond question. Once he has been tempered on the battlefield, he will be more than qualified to serve as the captain.

"These things are so beautiful." Ashley tilted her head up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Lord Levi, can I ride them too?"

Women are powerless against beautiful things.

Putting everything else aside, just in terms of appearance alone, these snow-white griffins are incredibly handsome, far surpassing the griffins.

“Of course, my beloved Ashlu.” Levi smiled and ruffled her hair. “But they are fierce and take a long time to tame. If you really want to become a rider, you’ll need to learn a lot from Tamene.”

"I definitely will." Aishilu said with a determined look, waving her little hand.

“Darling, you’re becoming more and more like a father.” Tina covered her mouth and chuckled as she watched Levi coaxing a little girl.

Li Wei chuckled awkwardly, and to be honest, it really did have that kind of flavor. He withdrew his hand.

Actually, if you think about it carefully, he's only in his early twenties, and Aishilu is about to turn 18, so the age difference between them isn't that big.

However, Aishilu's figure is too petite and cute, and because of her status and power, the lord has unknowingly developed a certain demeanor, lacking the impetuousness of a twenty-year-old boy, so it is inevitable that people will have a misperception.

"I'll leave the selection of riders to you, Elder." Li Wei looked at the Turtle Elder: "I want the elves of the Whisperwind Tribe to be the first batch of riders. They've been with High Cliff Fort for so long, and although I've always said that all citizens of High Cliff Fort have an obligation to serve in the military, and they are no exception, I've never forced them to serve. But that's definitely not going to happen now."

"Although I have the power to exempt them from military service, and no one in Gaoyabao can refute me, because I am the only sun in Gaoyabao, my words are the truth, the rule, and the words of the gods, without a doubt."

Li Wei's words were extremely arrogant, but no one present refuted them; instead, they nodded in agreement.

"But the High Cliff Fortress was not born out of peace. Its birth was accompanied by horrific wars and bloodshed. Therefore, every adult citizen of High Cliff Fortress is obligated to serve in the military, regardless of gender. If I were to exempt the elves from their obligations but grant them the same status and power as other races in High Cliff Fortress, it would break the balance and ultimately cause a backlash."

Li Wei's words were both stating a fact and meant for everyone present: "While I was alive, things were fine, and no one dared to step forward. But I think the lifespan of a powerful force is likely to be longer than that of a legend like me."

Previously, High Cliff Fort didn't pay attention to these things. The lord would only choose powerful races to become warriors because High Cliff Fort was just a makeshift operation at that time, and had to squeeze out all resources to achieve the greatest effect.

But things are different now. As the base grows larger, we have to take these kinds of things seriously.

“Li Wei, you’re right.” Tang Jin nodded in agreement. It had lived for over 750 years, a vast age span that also meant a wealth of experience. It had personally witnessed many forces perish in history because of this issue.

At the same time, I think it's really commendable that Li Wei can think these things through at his age.

"By the way, how have other countries reacted lately?" After finishing their business, Li Wei led everyone toward the hall.

“Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse, not to mention that the Sith Kingdom and Taylor have formed an alliance with our Debei. I’m afraid they don’t want anything to happen to Debei.” Elder Tang Jin smiled. “Other countries that want to do anything to our Debei will probably have to get past them first.”

Relations between nations are more complex than those between individuals.

Although the Sith and Tyler's countries absolutely do not want to see Debe develop better and better, they will also not allow Debe to easily get into trouble.

"Furthermore, with Aishilu's accession to the throne and the issuance of various decrees, Gonda is gradually recovering its former prosperity. After all, it is the capital. Even after the calamity of the dead, as long as the buildings are not completely destroyed, people will still come here." At this point, Tang Jin couldn't help but sigh: "It's just that it's probably impossible to restore it to its former prosperity in the short term."

"No one can predict the future," Li Wei smiled.

He thought of his homeland from his previous life.

No one could have predicted that a country that had experienced such a terrible ordeal would become so powerful in just a few decades.

……

After resolving a series of troublesome matters, Li Wei, along with some of his followers, joined the expedition support group. Following the customs of Debe, they went to the Holy Light Church to worship the Goddess of Holy Light before officially embarking on their journey to the Persian Gulf Empire.

After more than a month at sea, the soldiers, who had not seen land for many days, breathed a sigh of relief as the White Whale Harbor, which had been occupied by the expeditionary force, was finally in sight.

Along the way, both nobles and soldiers endured the salty sea breeze. The soldiers were alright, but the nobles had never suffered like this before. Some inland nobles who had never been to the sea almost vomited up sea urchins along the way.

Unfortunately, that Lord Li Wei was a Holy Knight with unparalleled Holy Light cultivation. He restored her body with a single healing spell, only for her to vomit again, causing the nobles immense suffering and driving them nearly insane.

After all, healing techniques can only treat the body, not the mind.

As the vast fleet of ships came into view, the guards on the watchtower of White Whale Harbor sounded their horns, the clear and melodious sound carrying far and wide.

A knightly order of about a thousand men charged out of the city gate, whipping their mounts, and headed toward the port.

"Hurry up, all of you! Your dawdling is making Li Weimian lose face!" The officers pointed at the soldiers and cursed, almost to the point of insulting their entire female families.

These soldiers from various provinces, when put together, completely showed the lord what a mob truly was.

Fortunately, his task was simply to bring these people here; the training and integration would be left to the old man, which was exactly what the governor was supposed to do.

He doesn't need to take on everything himself; he can't just shoulder all the responsibilities.

(End of this chapter)