In any country, knights are a symbol.
Not everyone who can ride a horse or makes a career out of being a cavalryman can be called a knight. In fact, most lifelong cavalry soldiers never have the chance to become knights.
A knight is a noble title.
A knight possesses eight virtues:
Humility: Maintaining a spirit of modesty and caution, showing mutual respect.Integrity: Being inherently kind, not bullying the weak.Compassion: Sympathizing with the weak and helping those in need.Courage: Stepping forward in critical moments, fearlessly fighting against evil.Justice: Maintaining fairness without bias.Sacrifice: Putting others' interests before one's own.Honor: Earning praise and gratitude from the majority.Soul: Constantly engaging in self-reflection and inner dialogue.
Dragon Knights are the proudest and most noble among knights. As part of the mid-tier human race, their recognition by the higher-tier dragon race is an unparalleled honor.
Moreover, if someone earns the recognition of an ancient sacred dragon, equivalent to the deities, and forms a pact, they transcend even the greatest sages and legendary heroes of history.
What if one gains the recognition of a higher-tier sacred dragon envoy?
Historical records state that the first Dragon Knight recognized as a sacred dragon envoy was Da Qingshan. Wherever civilization reached, in any place with records, language, or thought, the name Da Qingshan became synonymous with "integrity, honesty, companionship."
— The Legendary Life of Da Qingshan, Sacred Dragon Envoy
In every grand city across the world, the triumphal arch is typically located on the northern side, usually aligned with the city's central axis, in harmony with the imperial palace at the center and the platform for appointing generals to the south.
Before each military campaign, the emperor departs from the palace to the platform, where the main general is granted the command token, announcing the emperor's trust and expectations. Returning victorious, the army enters through the northern triumphal arch to receive the city's inhabitants' welcome.
However, the layout of Snowfield City is quite different. To the north are the towering remnants of the Longya Mountains, averaging over 3,000 meters above sea level, made entirely of red and blue basalt. At the mountain's base, the rock's natural color is occasionally visible, but further up, it's covered in snow year-round.
As such, the triumphal arch cannot be placed to the north.
Snowfield City has a single city wall to the north against the mountain, while the other three sides have double walls. The southern side boasts a 1,000-meter gap between the inner and outer walls, with a platform for appointing generals built on the inner wall and a triumphal arch on the outer wall. Outside the arch is a massive 2,000 by 2,000-meter military drill ground, hosting grand parades each summer.
In Magic Year 2, the most notable military parade since the founding of the Hamir Kingdom was held here. King Yisu III of Hamir personally inscribed the parade with the theme "Dragon's Contest." Reliable sources say that A-class mercenary Dragon Knight Da Qingshan would engage in a trial with Hamir's only two Dragon Knights, Marquis Han Meng and Minister of Military Affairs Earl Mo Qiu, following the parade.
Although Yisu III made this decision at the last minute, news spread at an unprecedented speed. By the next morning, Snowfield City was almost deserted. Churches canceled masses, schools closed, and even nearby villagers got word, leaving sleds parked outside the event.
Records later showed that at least 50,000 people gathered outside Snowfield City's triumphal arch to witness this unprecedented contest.
In the early morning of summer, dawn comes early.
Lin Yushang and Sha Ruo couldn't sleep, so they got up early to find Amy and Da Qingshan. As they entered the courtyard, they saw Da Qingshan practicing with a golden dragon spear in one hand and a shield in the other.
"Da Qingshan, where's Amy? Is he still lazing around and sleeping?" Lin Yushang asked, peeking into the house, noticing a bulge under the blankets on one bed, and immediately questioned further.
"No, he went out on an errand last night and didn't return. He told me he'd head straight to the triumphal arch today, so we shouldn't wait for him," replied Da Qingshan, evidently having been practicing for some time, sweat covering his body.
"Oh, I see someone on the bed."
"Ha, that's Lü'er. He loves curling up in others' blankets," Da Qingshan said sheepishly.
"Strange, Amy shouldn't know anyone in Snowfield City," Lin Yushang mused to herself.
During breakfast, while Lin Yushang went to check if Amy had returned, Sha Ruo slipped a small charm to Da Qingshan—a silver chain with ancient, worn patterns and a sachet dangling below. Blushing, Sha Ruo whispered, "A talisman, it seems quite effective. You should wear it."
Da Qingshan didn't know what to say, and his face flushed red. Afraid Lin Yushang might notice, he quickly tucked it into his chest and gulped down his soup.
Of course, someone as carefree as Lin Yushang wouldn't notice such tricks even if they were right under her nose, let alone behind her back. Clearly, Da Qingshan still lacked experience.
To avoid drawing attention, Da Qingshan asked Lü'er to stay indoors first. Once he reached the battlefield, he would signal with a barrier, and Lü'er could fly over on its own.