Even a novice can become a god

The sun gradually rose from the east. As the horses galloped, clouds of dust were kicked up and scattered in the sky.

Ryan on the horseback glanced at Jack beside him. Jack looked up at the dust flying in the sky, then reined in his horse and ordered, "Advance slowly."

All the knights gently held back their war - horses.

The war - horses stepped in neat paces and slowly formed a straight line, advancing forward.

Before the sun rose to the zenith and the temperature increased, they had to keep going like this for a while, and then find a shady place to avoid the sun and tracking, rest until the sun set and then continue on their journey.

They could only rest for two hours before the midnight storm blew up. After the storm passed, they would have to set off again.

The idea of relying on the early morning and evening to avoid tracking was put forward by Ryan. No one opposed this proposal. It seemed that overnight, Ryan had become the commander of these knights.

Ryan was quite unaccustomed to this.

However, what consoled him was that this suggestion he made was quite effective.

For several days, they no longer encountered those bandits. Many times, Ryan thought in his heart that perhaps those bandits had turned around to deal with their main force. When he thought like this, he often worried about Oliver and the others, wondering if they were in any danger now and whether the two knights who broke through had delivered the message to their team.

Sometimes, he would also think of the knight who volunteered to sacrifice himself. Although he always comforted himself that the knight might still have survived, in fact, he faintly felt that the knight was no longer in this world.

The scorching sun at noon rose to the zenith. On a sunny - slope, Ryan and his team found a place to stay.

As usual, Ryan laid out an illusion magic array.

It was not easy to discover them from a distance. This magic array was prepared to deal with those magicians who could fly in the air.

Of course, Ryan sometimes worried about the footprints left along the way.

Before dawn, he never worried about these. The wind and sand before dawn would cover all traces. There would also be such wind and sand in the afternoon. Only the morning time was the most dangerous.

Ryan had originally considered finding a place to hide before dawn, but considering the speed of the troop's advance, Ryan gave up this decision. After all, the safest way was to get out of this death desert as soon as possible.

In the magic array, all the knights sat around Jack. A map was spread out in front of Jack. It was this map that had provided them with supply points time and time again over the past few days to get out of the wilderness.

Jack pointed to the supply point on the edge of the map and said, "We must reach this place tonight. We will be able to cross Qisila Valley at noon tomorrow. Once we cross the valley, we will be safe."

Ryan glanced at the map and asked, "Can we get out from other places?"

Qisila Valley on the map was a fairly obvious landmark. If those bandits had any brains, they would surely set an ambush here.

Jack looked at the map again and again and shook his head, "It's impossible. The entire Varks Mountain Range seals off this side leading to the Kingdom of Caoqi. There is simply no way to cross it."

Looking back at Ryan, Jack comforted him again, "Don't worry. There is the Meikalus Fortress, the largest military fortress in the western part of the Kingdom of Caoqi, in Qisila Valley. The bandits definitely won't come here. Meikalus has ten thousand elite troops. Originally, this was the most terrible obstacle on our way home, but unexpectedly, it has now become our greatest hope at present."

Although Ryan felt a little relieved after hearing what Jack said, an ominous premonition still lingered in his heart.

While Ryan and the others were discussing Qisila Valley, Oliver and the others were also discussing how to cross the Varks Mountains.

The members participating in the discussion included two royal family members, Haomeng, Oliver, and Jiesitan. Only the magician Mados and Joel, the chief commander of the delegation, were absent.

"What's going on?" The princess on horseback asked the people beside her in confusion. Only she in the entire delegation had the right to blame Joel and Magician Mados.

As the direct heir to the throne of the royal family, in fact, the future Queen, as long as she didn't get married, she could ascend the throne as the first heir.

Moreover, as a magician trained by the Great Archmage Naga, she herself also had considerable strength.

When she was with her parents, the princess had always been involved in various political affairs. Compared with her younger brother who was still indulged in the excitement of games, she was much more mature and steady. Relatively speaking, the power she possessed was not comparable to that of her younger brother.

And there was no sign that this shrewd and proud princess was interested in anyone. Everyone in the court knew very well about this proud character of hers. Of course, her pride was not that kind of superficial pride of despising everyone blatantly.

The princess highly affirmed everyone who had a special skill. For example, our four trainees, the princess highly appreciated each of them.

This naturally included Ryan, who had once made her lose face, and Jiesitan, who didn't have any other merits and just liked to talk big.

However, in her mind, these people were just extremely useful talents to the country. Finding the most suitable positions for them and enabling them to play the greatest role for the country were what the princess really thought about in her heart.

It was originally proposed by the princess herself that Joel should arrange the whole journey this time.

No one knew Joel's ability better than Her Royal Highness the Princess. However, the recent routes made the princess have doubts.

Since getting the news, they had been traveling day and night, and the direction they were taking completely deviated from the original planned route. There was nothing wrong with this originally. But on the subsequent journey, they were getting farther and farther away from Qisila Valley, the only place that could cross the Varks Mountains.

Did Joel want to bypass the entire Varks Mountains? It would probably take at least a month to do so, which would inevitably delay this diplomatic mission plan.

No one dared to interrupt casually when it came to the princess's doubts. Although everyone had such a question in their hearts.

After a moment of silence, Haomeng said, "Maybe the chief commander is worried that there will be an ambush by the enemy in Qisila Valley."

"But do we have to bypass the entire Varks Mountains?" The princess asked.

"This, this, we can only ask the chief commander directly." Haomeng also didn't dare to answer this question casually.

"Isn't there the Meikalus Fortress in Qisila Valley? Do those bandits dare to attack us within the attack range of the fortress?" Oliver asked.

"Perhaps, the chief commander is worried that we don't even have the strength to protect the princess and the prince to reach the front of the fortress." Jiesitan said beside them. Just this sentence could explain why Jiesitan had never been able to get along well with those knights since the delegation was formed.

The princess also really disliked this kind of self-righteous character. Therefore, she turned around and glared at Jiesitan fiercely.

Jiesitan also realized that what he had just said seemed to have offended many people. He still needed the protection of these knights. It was really unwise to offend these knights at this time. So he quickly apologized to everyone again and again.

"If no one can answer these questions, then..." The princess paused for a while and said to Haomeng, "Go and invite the chief commander here."

Haomeng took the order and left. It took a while before they saw Joel urging his horse to come here.

Joel was still the same as before, like a person who seemed to have nothing to do and was quite idle, grinning and approaching everyone, completely ignoring the obvious dissatisfaction on the princess's face.

As soon as Joel opened his mouth, there was absolutely no serious talk: "Hi, my lovely little niece. What's the matter for calling uncle? Oh, don't pull such a long face. Be careful. You'll get old quickly like this."

The princess was completely left without any temper by Joel's words. She knew that it was completely useless to get angry or quarrel with this uncle.

Therefore, she calmed herself down and asked slowly and methodically, "Commander-in-Chief, may I ask if we should change the direction and head towards Meikalus Fortress?"

"Go to Meikalus? Why?" Joel asked.

The princess knew that Joel was just pretending to be stupid. Would he not know about Meikalus Fortress? But what could she do with this uncle?

The princess had no choice but to ask directly, "Commander-in-Chief, don't you want to pass through Qisila Valley and enter the Kingdom of Caoqi?"

"Pass through Qisila Valley? Why?" Joel asked.

"Are you planning to bypass the Varks Mountains then?" The princess further asked.

"Don't you think I like this shitty place so much." Joel shouted.

His words stunned everyone present. Was there a third way through the Varks Mountains? This was the question that almost everyone in their hearts was thinking about.

However, except for the princess, no one dared to raise this question.

Sure enough, the princess lived up to everyone's expectations and asked, "Do you know of any secret passages that can enter the Kingdom of Caoqi?"

The princess had a basis for asking this question.

Since ancient times, Qisila Valley has been the only passage to the Kingdom of Caoqi from the west, and Meikalus Fortress, known as the number one military fortress in the west, is located there. Therefore, the Kingdom of Caoqi can be said to be impregnable. Thus, for a long time, only the Kingdom of Caoqi had the ability to attack the Kingdom of Sophie, and the Kingdom of Sophie simply had no chance to fight back.

If there really was a secret passage, then the Kingdom of Sophie could strike first. Even if this diplomatic mission failed, it wouldn't matter.

Therefore, she was eager to get the answer to the question.

However, Joel's answer was far beyond everyone's expectations. He shrugged and said, "I don't think there is such a secret passage as you said."

Obvious veins bulged on the princess's forehead.

If this were another princess, lightning and flames would probably have been flying all over the sky long ago.

Joel didn't want to really anger his magic - wielding niece, so he quickly said, "Don't worry. Mados said it's okay."

Hearing that all this was arranged by Magician Mados, the princess finally calmed down. Magician Mados was a steady elder and would never do anything without certainty.

At noon, everyone had arrived at the foot of the huge Varks Mountains.

The Varks Mountains were like a city wall stretching for thousands of miles, tightly encircling the Kingdom of Caoqi. It was the natural protective barrier of the Kingdom of Caoqi. The whole mountain range had cliffs standing upright, and the sharp peaks were like interlocking dog teeth.

Since the entire mountain range was the masterpiece of ancient huge earth magic and not naturally formed, there wasn't even a single path between the mountains. There was simply no way to cross this barrier.

Everyone spurred their horses forward and saw from afar that old Magician Mados was bending over and drawing a huge magic array on the ground.

This magic array was so complicated that the princess, who had considerable attainments in magic, couldn't figure out at all what this magic array was for.

In fact, not a single one of all the people in the entire delegation, so many magicians and monks, could guess its function.

Everyone waited for the old magician to complete that huge magic array. When all this was over, an hour had already passed.

The tired old magician walked up to the princess after finishing the magic array.

The princess, full of questions, quickly asked, "Respected Great Archmage Mados, may I ask if you want to use this magic array to send us across the Varks Mountains?"

As soon as Joel opened his mouth, there was absolutely no serious talk: "Hi, my lovely little niece. What's the matter for calling uncle? Oh, don't pull such a long face. Be careful. You'll get old quickly like this."

The princess was completely left without any temper by Joel's words. She knew that it was completely useless to get angry or quarrel with this uncle.

Therefore, she calmed herself down and asked slowly and methodically, "Commander-in-Chief, may I ask if we should change the direction and head towards Meikalus Fortress?"

"Go to Meikalus? Why?" Joel asked.

The princess knew that Joel was just pretending to be stupid. Would he not know about Meikalus Fortress? But what could she do with this uncle?

The princess had no choice but to ask directly, "Commander-in-Chief, don't you want to pass through Qisila Valley and enter the Kingdom of Caoqi?"

"Pass through Qisila Valley? Why?" Joel asked.

"Are you planning to bypass the Varks Mountains then?" The princess further asked.

"Don't you think I like this shitty place so much." Joel shouted.

His words stunned everyone present. Was there a third way through the Varks Mountains? This was the question that almost everyone in their hearts was thinking about.

However, except for the princess, no one dared to raise this question.

Sure enough, the princess lived up to everyone's expectations and asked, "Do you know of any secret passages that can enter the Kingdom of Caoqi?"

The princess had a basis for asking this question.

Since ancient times, Qisila Valley has been the only passage to the Kingdom of Caoqi from the west, and Meikalus Fortress, known as the number one military fortress in the west, is located there. Therefore, the Kingdom of Caoqi can be said to be impregnable. Thus, for a long time, only the Kingdom of Caoqi had the ability to attack the Kingdom of Sophie, and the Kingdom of Sophie simply had no chance to fight back.

If there really was a secret passage, then the Kingdom of Sophie could strike first. Even if this diplomatic mission failed, it wouldn't matter.

Therefore, she was eager to get the answer to the question.

However, Joel's answer was far beyond everyone's expectations. He shrugged and said, "I don't think there is such a secret passage as you said."

Obvious veins bulged on the princess's forehead.

If this were another princess, lightning and flames would probably have been flying all over the sky long ago.

Joel didn't want to really anger his magic - wielding niece, so he quickly said, "Don't worry. Mados said it's okay."

Hearing that all this was arranged by Magician Mados, the princess finally calmed down. Magician Mados was a steady elder and would never do anything without certainty.

At noon, everyone had arrived at the foot of the huge Varks Mountains.

The Varks Mountains were like a city wall stretching for thousands of miles, tightly encircling the Kingdom of Caoqi. It was the natural protective barrier of the Kingdom of Caoqi. The whole mountain range had cliffs standing upright, and the sharp peaks were like interlocking dog teeth.

Since the entire mountain range was the masterpiece of ancient huge earth magic and not naturally formed, there wasn't even a single path between the mountains. There was simply no way to cross this barrier.

Everyone spurred their horses forward and saw from afar that old Magician Mados was bending over and drawing a huge magic array on the ground.

This magic array was so complicated that the princess, who had considerable attainments in magic, couldn't figure out at all what this magic array was for.

In fact, not a single one of all the people in the entire delegation, so many magicians and monks, could guess its function.

Everyone waited for the old magician to complete that huge magic array. When all this was over, an hour had already passed.

The tired old magician walked up to the princess after finishing the magic array.

The princess, full of questions, quickly asked, "Respected Great Archmage Mados, may I ask if you want to use this magic array to send us across the Varks Mountains?"

The old magician flipped his dim - gray eyes and said in a deep voice, "Princess, please enter the magic array quickly. If you have any questions, we can discuss them after entering the Kingdom of Caoqi. This magic array has a time limit."

Hearing what old Magician Mados said, the princess didn't dare to have any more doubts and quickly ordered everyone to enter the magic array.

Although this magic array was quite large, it still couldn't accommodate all the people and horses. Therefore, the whole delegation was divided into four batches, and each batch entered the magic array under the leadership of its captain.

Each team that entered the magic array would turn into a thick cloud of smoke after a burst of mist and cross the entire huge mountain range in an instant.

After everyone had crossed the Varks Mountains, the old magician finally entered the magic array. As he turned into thick smoke and squeezed into the rocks, the magic array on the ground slowly disappeared.

Everyone was waiting on the other side of the mountain. When the old magician emerged from the cliff and resumed his human form, the princess couldn't wait to greet him.

Seeing the old magician covered in sweat and looking exhausted, the princess also knew that this was not the time to ask questions. She immediately ordered two attendants behind her to help the old magician onto a simple makeshift marching palanquin, which was originally the princess's own sedan chair.

The old magician didn't decline. After he lay steadily in the palanquin, he said softly to the princess riding side by side on horseback beside him, "Princess, I will not be able to give you any help in the next few days. That magic has temporarily made my magic power disappear. Please take good care of yourself."

"Dear Great Archmage, thank you for everything you have done for us. Please rest well. This is my only request for you now." The princess replied politely.

After speaking, she turned her head and ordered her personal maid to serve the old magician carefully, and then led her warhorse and galloped towards Joel.

After hearing what the princess said, Joel frowned for the first time. Although there would be no more bandits in this territory, danger was still everywhere, and its perils might far exceed those of the death wilderness.

At this critical moment, the greatest reliance - Magician Mados - was temporarily unable to help him, which made Joel restless.

In silence, the delegation of the Kingdom of Sophie continued to march towards Karadan, the westernmost city of the Kingdom of Caoqi. At this speed, they should be able to reach their destination in two days.

However, the team had only walked forward for two hours, and it was still not dark yet, but the vanguard suddenly stopped.

The princess, full of doubts, led Oliver and the others to the front of the team.

Before getting close to the vanguard, Deputy Commander Haomeng came forward from the front and blocked the princess who was hurrying over.

It turned out that the scout knights reported that they had encountered a large cavalry unit ahead. Moreover, it seemed to be the elite - the Holy Knights of the Kingdom of Caoqi.

Hearing this news, the princess immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. The Holy Knights were one of the main combat forces of the Kingdom of Caoqi and were usually stationed near the capital and rarely came to such a border area.

The princess was flustered for a moment. It wasn't that she was worried about her own safety. Mainly because the large-scale movement of the Holy Knights often indicated the outbreak of war. Could it be that the Kingdom of Caoqi had launched an aggressive war against her motherland?

At this time, Haomeng's responsibility was to protect the princess's safety, and the first thing the princess thought of was to clarify the current situation. Therefore, under the insistence of both sides, the princess agreed to stay at the end of the vanguard, and Haomeng promised that there would always be a knight reporting the current situation at any time.

After leaving two knights to watch the princess and prevent her from moving forward without permission, Haomeng turned his horse back to the front of the team.

Seeing Haomeng coming, Joel, standing at the very front of the team, turned back and asked, "What, that girl finally agreed to stay behind?"

Haomeng shook his head. Negotiating with the princess was more tiring than charging and hacking in a battle.

The princess was really a rather troublesome opponent. Several times, Haomeng almost gave in. Fortunately, the knight's duty and honor often supported him at the last moment.

Haomeng glanced at the middle-aged fox in front of him. Joel clearly knew his niece's character well, so he pushed this difficult task onto him.

"Is there any movement ahead?" Haomeng obviously didn't want to discuss the question Joel had raised.

"No, there has been no movement so far." Joel said while shading his eyes with his hand and looking forward.

"Could it be that the war has already started?" Haomeng asked the question he had been thinking about. 

If that's really the case, it will be troublesome. Moreover, we can't get help from Magician Mados at present.

Right now, the only one we can rely on is this uncle who usually looks frivolous but actually has hidden depths.

Joel didn't answer Haomeng's question. He squinted his eyes and looked for a while, then turned back and said, "We'll know soon. Someone is coming from over there."

Haomeng tried hard to look like Joel for a long time, but he couldn't see anything. However, he would never doubt Joel's eyesight.

Sure enough, soon everyone could see a warhorse galloping fast towards them from ahead. The knight on the horse was dressed in blood-red clothes, and the fiery red fox-tail helmet ornament fluttering in the wind on his head indicated that he was a member of the Holy Knights of the Kingdom of Caoqi, which worried Haomeng a great deal.

The knight stopped 100 meters in front of the troop. Judging from the flag of the Kingdom of Caoqi held high in his hand, he was a messenger of peace.

Haomeng rode his horse over and reached the knight.

The two knights shook hands on horseback. Seeing this scene, all the knights were relieved.

The Holy Knights of the Kingdom of Caoqi, like the Royal Knights of the Kingdom of Sophie, are defenders of the traditional knightly spirit. If they have made friendly gestures, they will not go back on their words. Conspiracy and trickery have nothing to do with these two knightly groups.

Hearing the report from the knight in front, the heavy stone in the princess's heart was also temporarily lifted.

Taking advantage of the two knights who were monitoring her being relaxed and happy for a moment, the princess spurred her horse and rushed forward. The two knights who had just come to their senses hurriedly followed her, trying to stop the princess, but it was too late.

Looking at the princess riding towards him, Joel shook his head helplessly. He had already anticipated that this willful girl couldn't be stopped.

Haomeng, who had been talking with the holy knight for a long time, turned his horse around and walked towards the troop at this time.

Seeing the princess already standing in the front of the troop, Haomeng glared at the two negligent knights behind her. Then he walked up to the princess and scolded, "Princess, it seems that you didn't keep the agreement."

"All right, all right. I admit that I was wrong. Please tell me what news the messenger from the Kingdom of Caoqi has brought." The princess asked anxiously.

Joel didn't answer the princess's question. Instead, he turned his head and said to Joel, "Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Kobe Leo, the great magician of the Kingdom of Caoqi, is right ahead."

This news was like a stone thrown into the water, stirring up ripples in everyone's hearts. Even Joel was no exception and was stunned by this news.

If there was anyone Joel didn't want to face the most, Great Magician Kobe Leo was definitely one of them.

Regarding this only forbidden spell magician, Joel had no way to deal with him at all.

Moreover, at this time, even Mados, the greatest reliance so far, was unable to help him.

Joel frowned and pondered for a long time before ordering Haomeng, "Let that knight lead the way. We must meet Kobe Leo."

Haomeng took the order and rode towards the knight.

At this time, the princess came up and asked, "Dear uncle, isn't this too dangerous?"

"Let's take a gamble. Even if we go to Caoqi, we still have to face this guy. Moreover, in the current situation, even if we want to run away, do you think we can escape the pursuit of the Holy Knights? Even if we get rid of the pursuit, how can we escape Kobe Leo's forbidden spell magic? And don't forget, you are here on a diplomatic mission. You don't want us to come here for nothing, do you?"

After hearing this passage, the princess gradually calmed her troubled mind.

Looking at Haomeng making a gesture in the distance, the delegation slowly set off.

After walking for about an hour, the Holy Knights could be seen in the distance. On the green grassland, the Holy Knights in bright red battle robes were particularly conspicuous.

As they approached, it was clearly visible that the Holy Knights were lined up in an orderly reception formation, with a magician wearing a golden robe standing at the very front of the formation.

If he wasn't guessed wrong, he should be the Great Archmage Kobe Leo.

The princess and Joel were the first to rein in their warhorses, and both of them dismounted from their horses simultaneously. The knights behind them also dismounted one after another. Two guards quickly walked up and led away Joel's and the princess's horses.

The princess and Joel walked forward, and the magician hurriedly greeted them.

Upon closer inspection, this legendary magician was extremely tall and broad-shouldered, not looking like a magician but more like a warrior.

The magician walked up to the princess and gently bowed, saying, "I am Kobe Leo Senavis, the court magician of the Kingdom of Caoqi, here to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Franzine of the Kingdom of Sophie."

Joel was of no help in this diplomatic scene. All matters were left to the princess to handle, and Joel just needed to nod or shake his head at appropriate times.

After a set of routine diplomatic pleasantries, the Great Archmage Kobe Leo asked the princess, "Honorable Princess, if you don't mind, please allow my Holy Knights to serve and protect your safety."

The princess glanced at Joel.

Joel knew it was time for him to speak. He had been observing this legendary magician from the side since the beginning. It seemed that this magician could be trusted.

"So where are we going now?" Joel asked.

"Originally, we were going to Meikalus Fortress, but unexpectedly, we met Her Royal Highness on the way. Is Her Royal Highness interested in taking a trip to Meikalus with me?"

These words made Joel and the princess full of doubts.

Kobe Leo clearly saw the doubts in their hearts and smiled, "I received a message that a group of bandits and some other ill-intentioned people have gathered in front of Meikalus Fortress with evil intentions. These people have always been two great hidden dangers in our country. I came to take this opportunity to eliminate these two disasters at one stroke and be responsible for protecting the safety of Her Royal Highness. Now, this second task has been completed, but for the interests of our two countries, it is better for me to complete this first task."

After hearing Kobe Leo's explanation, Joel and the princess finally relaxed. If what the Great Archmage said was true, then there were originally differences within the Kingdom of Caoqi regarding launching an aggressive war, and this powerful Great Archmage in front of them belonged to the camp opposing external expansion.

This fact itself was quite reassuring. After all, no one wanted to be an enemy of this forbidden spell magician in front of them.

Since the Holy Knights had already received the delegation, they were not in a hurry to move forward. After resting for one night, they set off neatly the next morning. Joel and the princess were with the Great Archmage Kobe Leo all the way.

The princess walking side by side saw that the Great Archmage always had a frown on his face, as if he was full of worries, and asked, "Respected Great Archmage, do you have any doubts?"

"Oh, Princess, I'm just worried. Since you have successfully crossed the mountains, those guys who didn't meet you might give up this operation, and then I would have made a trip for nothing."

After hearing Kobe Leo's explanation, Joel and the princess also became worried. Indeed, if they hadn't met them, that group of bandits really didn't need to stick to Qisila Valley anymore.

When the sun gradually climbed to the top of its position, Meikalus Fortress was already in sight.

Looking up from the foot of the fortress, the entire fortress was like a huge gate, tightly locking the Varks Mountains on both sides.

The vanguard in front had called the door several times, but the soldiers on the city wall had no response. All of this seemed so abnormal.

At this moment, the Great Archmage Kobe Leo spurred his horse and rushed to the front. The princess and Joel closely followed.

The captain of the vanguard reported to Kobe Leo, "We have been shouting for a long time. Only one guard came out and answered twice, and then there was no news."

Kobe Leo frowned deeply, thought for a moment, and then raised his right hand and began to recite a spell.