Chapter 880 - 108: The Great Expedition Announced and Father Nurgle

Although the Elite Knights are not the most powerful combat force in the Empire, nor are they the most numerous knights within the Empire, they have an extremely large scale compared to the powerful Champions and Divine Chosen. Compared to the generally numerous Apprentice Knights, their combat strength is exceptionally formidable and resilient.

It is undoubtedly the case that the vast and considerable combat strength of the Elite Knights forms the sturdy cornerstone of the Empire, serving as an absolute pillar of its military power.

In a stronghold like the Hesse Territory, Champion Knights are as rare as phoenix feathers. Within the army, they mainly serve as Knight Commanders, and are only found within the ranks of a powerful Knight Order.

Thus, at the Radiant Competition Festival in the Hesse Territory, the perfect conclusion of the highly participated, most match-filled, and fiercely fought Elite group marks a great success for the festival. After all, Champion-level Knights remain beyond the reach of the ordinary populace for future endeavors.

Coincidentally, Su Li emerged as the champion of the Elite group, earning a new title: Radiance of the Sun.

When others introduce him in the future, he will carry a series of illustrious titles, such as Lord of Hesse Territory·All-Knowing Informant·Star of Light·Radiance of the Sun·Steel Mercy Father·Bauhinia Knight·Su Li.

Though compared to other titles, Radiance of the Sun may be insignificant, it is the first title Su Li earned through his own strength, and he remains very excited about it.

At the awards ceremony, Su Li personally presented awards to the other two knights, marking the perfect conclusion of the Elite group. All participants stood on the podium in good condition, with no unexpected incidents occurring.

After handing out the awards with great enthusiasm, Su Li passionately and excitedly delivered his speech upon receiving his award, summing up and praising the Radiant Competition Festival.

Facing the tens of thousands of cheering spectators, and countless eagerly expectant citizens and knights, Su Li took a deep breath and then emphatically spoke. Clad in a war robe embroidered with the Bauhinia and Blazing Sun Emblems, his gaze was as intense as a torch, and his voice echoed throughout the venue.

"Fellow people of the Hesse Territory, knights and friends who’ve come from afar! Today, we gather under the watchful eyes of the Sun Goddess! She is the embodiment of war, the beacon of wisdom, and the eternal flame within iron and blood!

Just as the Goddess Violet once purified Chaos with golden flames, today’s glory also stems from her gift—her sword cuts through the fog, and her shield guards our belief!

On the battlefield, we do not fight alone! The Sun Goddess’s all-seeing eye pierces through the gloom, guiding us to tear apart cowardice with courage, and defeat disorder with discipline!"

With his praises, the knights below raised their arms and cheered, each as if bathed in the Divine Grace and radiance.

"Today, I have the honor of being bestowed with the title of ’Radiance of the Sun.’" He removed his helmet, smiling as he raised the golden Sun Medal symbolizing his title.

"But this medal belongs not only to me! It is also a tribute to all who wield their swords for the Hesse Territory! The Goddess never demands us to become perfect Divine Chosen Champions, she only expects us—to ignite a spark in the darkness and hold aloft the banner in adversity!"

Lowering the medal close to his chest, his voice suddenly rose passionately: "I have held many titles, once an ’All-Knowing Informant,’ a ’Steel Mercy Father,’ but today, under the name of ’Radiance of the Sun,’ I vow: Every inch of the Hesse Territory shall be saturated with the Goddess’s will; every knight’s blade shall transform into spots of blazing sunshine!"

"The conclusion of the Radiant Competition Festival is not the end, but the call of an expedition!

Should the shadow of Chaos spread again, should the enemy’s iron hoof trample our borders—will we retreat?"

The audience immediately erupted into deafening cries: "No!!!"

"When the expedition arrives, and the Goddess’s will guides us to perform a Peach Court Sweep, will we fear?"

"No!!!" The shouts rang out earth-shaking, audible for miles around.

With satisfaction, Su Li raised his warhammer, its surface reflecting the golden light of the blazing sun: "The Sun Goddess has long carved the answer into our souls: True victory is when mortals advance despite knowing fear!"

"On this day, filled with the Goddess’s grace, I formally announce the formation of the Bauhinia Expeditionary Corps to partake in the Empire’s Holy Great Expedition, to sweep the evil from Oka Mountain, ensuring every charge becomes a prayer of the Goddess; let enemy blood cultivate the eternal Flower of the Sun in the Hesse Territory!"

Although news of the Great Expedition had already circulated among the people, hearing Su Li announce all this himself led the knights in the arena to respond with continuous bursts of exclamations.

Soon, thunderous and passionate cheers filled the entire venue, with many knights moved to tears of excitement. The Holy Great Expedition has finally arrived!

Countless people raised their arms in cheer and shouted frenziedly, the atmosphere both feverish and sacred.

Su Li’s subsequent proclamation elevated it all to its peak: "All knights participating in the Bauhinia Expeditionary Corps can acquire one free Fire Spike Crystal enhancement from the Black Forest Armory! For purchases of Perfumer’s Fragrance, gemstones, witchcraft items, and others, a 10% discount is available."

As his words concluded, the cheers of the crowd rose higher and higher, with the excited knights unanimously praising the radiance of the Sun Goddess and the generosity of the Lord.

After all, it’s the Fire Spike Crystal they are talking about. In recent times, they have witnessed its power in the arenas when knights unleash a heavy strike, the weapon can be imbued with a powerful flame without even activating a bloodline ability, with the flame enchantment fully delivering a heavy blow upon impact.