70: Chapter 70 Secret Conspiracy! The Great Knight's Three Realms!

"Hmm?"

Hearing Count Farrell's voice, the Pale Knight's figure paused.

Count Farrell looked at the Pale Knight's back and asked word by word:

"Can the sacrifice... really let me... break through that barrier?"

He had been stuck at the rank of Low-tier Great Knight for too long—so long that the once high-spirited youth had withered into an old man with graying temples.

A Low-tier Great Knight's combat qi has completely solidified. It can leave the body for a hundred meters to strike from a distance, and the torrent of combat qi possesses staggering power. In the eyes of ordinary people, such a person is already a super-powered expert.

But he knew that above this realm, there was a broader world.

A High-Order Grand Knight can use their combat qi source as a foundation to condense their own unique [Will]. Once the combat qi leaves the body, it becomes as easy to control as one's own limbs, capable of manifesting a [Battle Aspect] up to ten meters tall.

It could be a roaring giant bear, or a soaring eagle...

Linking with the main body for a combined strike, it integrates offense and defense while doubling power. Only such a person is truly a powerhouse among Great Knights.

More importantly, using this to temper the source of life can extend one's lifespan and further break the limits of the mortal body.

And the final Peak Great Knight is even honored as an [Earth Knight], only a single step away from the legendary [Sky Knight] who can fly through the air with their physical body.

They can spread their combat qi into a [Domain].

On the ground, they are practically walking natural disasters.

They are the true pillars of the Empire.

He had been stuck at the Low-tier for decades, never able to glimpse the threshold of condensing a [Battle Aspect].

Lifespan, power, the survival of the family, the realization of ambition—everything required stronger power as support.

For him, conventional hard cultivation and the accumulation of resources had already become negligible in effect.

He needed unconventional means.

The Pale Knight slowly turned around to face Count Farrell.

Despite the mask, Count Farrell felt as if two gazes filled with chaos were piercing through the smooth surface, looking directly into his soul.

"Of course!"

The Pale Knight's voice became even more ethereal, carrying a strange rhythm as if chanting:

"Do not doubt the generosity of my Lord, the [Lord of Scarlet]. He is the master of pain and pleasure, the source of destruction and rebirth."

"As long as you offer a sufficient amount of pure sacrifices to satisfy His preferences and please His will..."

"Then, what difficulty is there for Him to bestow a gift, help you break the mortal shackles, and step into a higher level of life?"

He leaned forward slightly, his gray-white cloak fluttering without wind. "Think about it, Lord Count."

"When the New Moon Rift occurs, the wails and blood of living beings will turn into the sweetest sacrificial rite, and my Lord's brilliance will penetrate the veil of the world to bestow His grace..."

"At that time, the shackles you have held for so long will melt away like thin ice under the sun."

"The power you have dreamed of will be within your reach."

Hearing this, Count Farrell's heart began to beat uncontrollably fast.

Power... a higher level of life... that was his lifelong pursuit.

But he was a Great Knight who had weathered many storms after all; his will was firm, and he quickly forced himself to calm down.

He took a deep breath and looked at the Pale Knight with a heavy gaze. "I need certain assurance."

The Pale Knight seemed to let out a low chuckle, which sounded particularly eerie in the secret room. "Don't worry, Lord Count. Do you even have a way out now?"

These words were like an ice pick, piercing through the last bit of wishful thinking in Count Farrell's heart.

Indeed, he was already deep in the mire, completely tied together with this group of madmen.

Withdraw now?

The Church would not let him go.

The Empire would not let him go.

Duke Witton would not tolerate a traitor either.

"As long as you follow our plan," the Pale Knight's voice continued.

"On the surface, you just happen to be handling official business near Mist Whisper Town. In the shadows, you participate in the sacrifice, receive the blessing, and successfully break through."

"Then, you 'timely' discover the evil plot and bloody sacrifice of the Crimson Knights heretics. In your righteous fury, you strike, revealing the power of a High-Order Grand Knight to wipe out these dregs who have defiled Gino County!"

"Avenge all the innocent lives that died! Restore peace and clarity to Gino County!"

"At that time, you will not only be a great hero who eradicated evil but also a newly ascended High-Order Grand Knight!"

"With such merit, such astonishing strength, and the support of Duke Witton, wouldn't it be a matter of course to integrate the noble forces of Gino County?"

"Even, using this momentum and the chaotic timing to suppress the nobles of the other two counties and bring all three northern counties of Will Province under your control is not impossible."

"By then, the position of a Marquis... would it still be an unreachable dream?"

The Pale Knight's words were low, painting an alluring prospect for Count Farrell.

Count Farrell's breathing couldn't help but quicken slightly, a burning light flashing in his eyes.

Marquis!

This was indeed a secret desire deep in his heart.

The plan was certainly good.

Interlocking steps, killing several birds with one stone.

But... can it really go so smoothly?

Conflicting thoughts collided in his mind.

Finally, he slowly closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, all the turmoil had settled, leaving only cold determination.

"I understand," he said solemnly, his voice returning to its usual steady and powerful tone.

"Everything will proceed according to plan. I hope your Lord does not disappoint me."

"Please rest assured..." The Pale Knight nodded with satisfaction, his figure slowly dissipating like ink blending into water, silent and soundless.

Count Farrell sat alone on the cold obsidian throne, motionless for a long time.

He reached out his hand, and a wisp of combat qi, solidified like liquid dark gold, slowly rose, emitting a powerful pressure.

Low-tier Great Knight... the realm that had imprisoned him for too long.

"I am doing this all for the family... for..."

He whispered to himself, his faint voice echoing in the empty secret room.

Eventually, everything returned to silence.

...