Lord: I can see loyalty.

The reason for this situation is quite simple.

First of all, Russell's swordsmanship level has definitely reached the intermediate level.

The reason why other knights, including himself, couldn't see it was because each realm has different levels of depth.

Having just entered a new realm, especially with swordsmanship that exhibits relatively minor surface changes, it is difficult for someone of the same skill level to discern the difference.

Serpent Eagle Sword Technique (Intermediate Level): Increases speed.

Vio finally stopped smiling, his expression turning slightly serious. He wanted to test just how fast his opponent was.

call!

In an instant, Vio, who had been frozen in place as if he had missed his target, changed his posture and disappeared before the others could react.

So fast!

Russell was also dumbfounded. Was this the Earl's speed?!

As the sword wind swept in, Russell could only raise his weapon to desperately defend himself, finally jumping backward to create distance.

Vio then slowly stood up. He still did not use his breathing technique; this was his Dune Sword Technique.

Dune swordsmanship, which emphasizes balance and speed, is indeed superior in this respect.

Vio did not pursue them further.

He sheathed his sword and stood there, his face showing undisguised approval.

"Russell," he said, his voice clear to everyone, "your swordsmanship is approaching the threshold of the intermediate level of the Serpent Eagle Swordsmanship."

The entire room fell silent.

The knights exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with shock. Nearing the intermediate level? This usually quiet young man, who only knew how to train diligently, had actually reached this point?

Even Russell himself was stunned; he only thought he had some understanding of the Serpent Eagle Sword Technique.

"My lord, I..."

"No need to be modest." Vio stepped down from the platform, came up to him, and patted him on the shoulder. "I can see that your speed, reaction, and understanding of swordsmanship far surpass those of your peers."

"All you lack is time. With more practice, breaking through to the intermediate level is inevitable."

Russell opened his mouth, but something seemed to be stuck in his throat, and he couldn't speak for a long time.

Vio turned around and looked at Jimmy.

"Jimmy, write down his name. From today onwards, Russell is promoted to captain of the knights."

"Yes, sir!"

Jimmy readily agreed, while giving Russell an approving look.

Russell finally came to his senses, knelt on one knee, and said with some emotion, "Thank you, Earl! I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations!"

Vio helped him up and nodded slightly: "Get up. Being a captain isn't the end. Train hard, and there will be even higher positions waiting for you in the future."

Russell nodded emphatically, his eyes burning with passion.

The knights around him gathered to congratulate him, some patting him on the shoulder and joking with him, creating a lively atmosphere on the training ground.

Vio watched this scene with a slight smile on his lips.

He was now certain that the Azure Peak Knights were the top warbands in the entire kingdom and even the world.

Even if that so-called Finn personally takes action, he won't be able to take any territory from them.

…………

Evening at Earl's Castle.

Vio sat in his study, watching the last rays of the setting sun sink into the sea. Gazing at the orange-red afterglow, a sense of melancholy rose in his heart.

When was the last time I sat like this, waiting to call Gina and Jimmy over?

At that time, the southern border was still struggling with bandits. Portor was just a dilapidated village. The Knights only had a few dozen men, with tattered equipment and low morale.

His only advantage was that he was relatively well-off, so he didn't have to be so frugal when it came to paying his soldiers.

And now...

The Azure Peak Knights consist of two hundred elite soldiers, a militia of several thousand men, and a navy of twenty warships.

The city of Portor is bustling and lively, with caravans coming and going in an endless stream. The port of Frido has already been taken over, and the port of Mari is about to become another stronghold in the western region.

In just over six months, everything has changed dramatically.

"Your Excellency," Vincent's voice came from outside the door, "Gina and Jimmy have arrived."

"Let them in."

The door was pushed open, and two familiar figures walked into the study one after the other.

Gina remained silent, standing behind him with her hand on the hilt of her sword, her gaze calm.

Jimmy bowed respectfully and sat down to the side, behaving in a manner befitting a knight.

Vio looked at them, and a warm feeling suddenly welled up in his heart.

They have been with me from the most difficult times until now.

"Your Excellency,

"What do you want from us?" Jimmy asked.

Vio did not answer immediately, but instead took a thin booklet from his pocket and placed it on the table.

This is a handwritten copy with a simple kraft paper cover and some wear on the edges, clearly indicating that it has been frequently read.

Jimmy's gaze fell on the booklet, and his pupils contracted slightly.

"This is……"

"The sand breathing method." Vio's voice was calm, yet filled with barely suppressed pride. "My notes and practice methods."

Jimmy froze. Gina stood behind him, her hand off the hilt of her sword, her eyes fixed on the booklet.

The study was quiet for a moment.

"Sir, this..." Jimmy's voice trembled slightly, "Did you do this yourself...?"

Vio waved his hand.

"Don't make it sound so awkward." He smiled. "It's just some ordinary insights, and your level is already at that point."

He paused, his gaze becoming serious.

"The reason I didn't teach you before wasn't because I was unwilling, but because..."

He paused for a moment, seemingly considering his words.

"But I myself haven't fully grasped it."

This is the truth.

At the first level, the sand breathing technique was a power that he needed to fully feel to operate and master.

He himself is still exploring those subtle perceptions, those tricks of operation, and those key points for breakthroughs, so how can he teach others?

It wasn't until he broke through to the second level that he truly and thoroughly understood the sand breathing technique.

Just like the view from the foot of a mountain is completely different from that from the top.

Looking back at the first level from the second level, those once blurry places suddenly became clear, and those feelings that were once difficult to describe could now be clearly described in words.

"Things are different now." Vio looked up at the two of them. "I have fully understood the first level of the breathing technique, so it won't be a problem for you to learn it."

Jimmy stood up and solemnly performed a knightly kneeling salute, and Gina also stepped out from behind and knelt on one knee.

"Lord Earl Xie!"

Vio helped them up, put the booklet in Jimmy's hand, and then took out a copy and gave it to Gina.

"Practice hard, I'll need your help in the future."

After the two left, it was already night outside the window, and the faint chirping of birds could be heard.

"My lord, there is a letter."

Just as Vio was about to close his eyes and relax, Vincent's voice came from outside the door.

"Come in."

As Vio's voice rang out, the door opened, and Vincent brought out the letters.

Vio took the envelope and opened it.

The letter was written in neat handwriting, with a touch of delicacy rarely seen in this era. It was clearly written by a woman, yet it was not lacking in competence.

"To the Earl of the Southern Border:"

I have already sent people to investigate the matter in the North.

There are undercurrents within the royal family, seemingly caused by the unusual activities of the royal in-laws, who seem to have some grand schemes.

The ports in the north have strengthened their defenses to prevent foreign enemies from taking advantage of the situation... This has greatly affected my "business," since those prosperous coastal towns are now like turtles that have retreated into their shells, with nowhere to attack.

The kingdom is in turmoil, and I can vaguely sense the approaching storm.

The Western Pirates are now out of the woods. Philip has been eliminated, Derek is selfish and self-serving, and although Ulysses has knights at his side, he may not dare to act rashly due to his status.

As for Finn... that old man, he can't handle everything on his own.

So, I want to make a deal with you.

Or rather, they are allies.

I am willing to lead my troops to join the Southern Territory, under your command, only requesting to retain the autonomy of the fleet and to obtain supplies and protection at the ports of the Southern Territory.

If you are interested, you can send someone to my stronghold in the northern part of the western border to discuss the details.

Timothy.

Vio finished reading, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

He walked to his desk, spread out a new sheet of paper, and dipped his brush in ink.

Timothy:

You are welcome anytime.

The ports of the South are always open to you. The details of the alliance can be discussed, but the major principles have been agreed upon.

Also, please let me know if there are any new developments in the North. A storm is coming, and it's always good to have another friend.

Vio Ross, Earl of the South.

After writing the letter, he sealed it with sealing wax and handed it to Vincent outside the door.

"Send it to Timothy's stronghold in the northern part of the western border."

The night was deep outside the window, and distant thunder could be faintly heard rolling by.

Author Tianci Liu personally recommends: I hope you enjoy the story of "Lord: I Can See Loyalty".