I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 197 The Iron Guard of Winter
……

……

Bain's voice trembled as he solemnly looked at the black markings on Rhodes' arm, but dared not look directly at Rhodes.

"Are you an envoy sent by the gods, my lord?"

Rhodes looked at Bane kneeling on the ground and finally shook his head.

“I am no one’s messenger, Bane. I am who I am, and I belong to no one.”

Rhodes originally wanted to play the role of a messenger of the gods, but suddenly felt a bit disgusted with the title of messenger of the gods.

Rhodes was indifferent to religious doctrines, but not averse to them.

But I just don't like being anyone's messenger.

Because this god does nothing, yet can be above oneself.

This feeling made Rod very unhappy, and he didn't want to back down.

Bain looked bewildered and didn't know how to answer for a moment.

Rhodes then spoke again,
“But as long as you come to town and work honestly for me, I can give you back the tradition and let it be passed down in your tribe.”

Bain looked up, his eyes filled with awe.

"Thank you, then...then I..."

“You must be worthy of this legacy, and to gain the legacy’s recognition, you must endure the burning pain.”

Rhodes warned, "It's a pain more intense than being engulfed in flames."

"I just went through it; it was a torment worse than death."

Rod added.

“I can, Your Excellency.”

Bain's gaze was firm. "I am not afraid of pain, sir."

"I am willing to pay any price to receive this blessing."

Rhodes nodded in satisfaction and took out the engraved flame gem.

“Reach out your hand, Bain.”

Bain presented his rough hands to Rhodes.

"are you ready?"

Rod's voice was deep and serious.

Bain swallowed hard. "I...I'm ready, my lord."

Rhodes could hear the tremor in his voice, unsure whether it was from excitement or fear.

Whatever it may be, Bain is willing to accept it.

Rhodes pressed down on Bane's hand, firmly placing the Flame Gem between their clasped hands.

"Remember, this is not an ordinary inheritance."

Rhodes' voice became even more serious.
"I'll remind you again, it will tear your flesh and burn your marrow, but you must never give up."

"I will never tarnish the glory of the Giant Hoof Tribe!"

Bain nodded emphatically.

"it is good."

Rhodes took a deep breath and began to activate the power within his body.

Scorching energy surged from his palm, instantly pouring into the Flame Gem like a torrent of magma.

Even though it was held in the palms of Rhodes and Bane, the crimson light still emanated from the back of Rhodes' hand!

The next instant, that scorching energy burst forth from Bane's body.

"what--!"

Bain let out a heart-wrenching scream.

His arm turned bright red instantly, as if it were steel being scorched by a raging fire.

The skin began to emit bluish smoke, and the hair was instantly singed, emitting a nauseating burnt smell.

Rhodes could clearly see the flames spreading along his veins, and Bane began to tremble all over!
But Bain gritted his teeth and forced the subsequent screams back into the depths of his throat.

Only heavy snorting sounds escaped from his nostrils, like the low growls of a wounded beast.

"hold onto!"

Rod quickly spoke up to remind him.

"This process is long, but you must persevere. Once you do, you will receive the true inheritance!"

"I...I will..."

Bain managed to squeeze out a few words, his sweat turning into puffs of white vapor before it could even condense.

The flames continued to rage within him, lasting even longer than those in Rhodes.

Bain's upper body began to tremble uncontrollably, and he leaned forward.

He braced himself against the ground with his other hand, his thick arm veins bulging, his fingernails digging deep into the floor.

Rhodes's hand holding the Flame Gem remained motionless, as firm as a rock.

Time seemed to stand still, each second feeling like an eternal torment.

Finally, the crimson flames began to subside.

The same black patterns as those on Rhodes' body appeared on Bane's thick arms, radiating a faint energy.

The next moment, Bain could no longer hold on and collapsed heavily to the ground.

"Did you make it?"

His voice was as weak as a mosquito's buzz.

Rhodes nodded slowly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

"It looks like it was a success. Take a rest and feel the changes in your body."

Bain had no time to waste.

He struggled to his feet and examined his arm closely.

The black lines meandered and swirled across his skin, pulsating slightly like those of a living creature.

He could feel the heat surging through his body.

It was an unprecedented sense of power, as if his hands could control the most intense flames in the world.

"Success..."

Although Bain's face was full of fatigue, he couldn't hide his excitement.

"It really worked!"

He suddenly knelt down in front of Rhodes, his forehead hitting the ground hard.

"Thank you, great lord! You have restored our yak people's true forging tradition!"
You are our eternal master, and we will serve you forever!

Rhodes nodded.

"You must be tired too, go back and rest."

His eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"After we've rested, we still have things to arrange."

"Yes, sir."

The yak-man struggled to his feet, bowed to Rhodes, and then withdrew.

Rhodes then called Leah over and told the kitchen to prepare dinner quickly.

Back home, Rod got right to work; his stomach was already rumbling.

……

……

As evening fell, the sky darkened.

On the main road outside the manor, Bane, who had just awakened, walked unsteadily.

The process of receiving the inheritance had taken a toll on his physical strength, but this pace was perfectly synchronized with the Snow Rabbit Man.

The yak people are very happy to receive the inheritance, but they are also full of confusion.

He scratched his head, his rough fingers tracing the dark lines on his arm.

"Is...is this really the legacy of God?"

He muttered to himself, "But why does the lord say he is not a messenger of God?"

The snow rabbit translator paused, turning to look at the manor behind him.

He had lived in Frostleaf Town for quite some time and had heard many rumors.

The snow rabbit thought for a moment, then lowered its voice and asked Bain, "What do you think a god should be like?"

This question surprised Bain.

He scratched his head. "I...I don't know either."

"Ok."

The snow rabbit man, somewhat exasperated, pressed on, "Then let me ask you, what kind of life do you think you would lead if God granted you such a gift?"

"Uh... we should have food every day, be able to forge iron, no one bullies us, and life is quite stable."

Bain answered honestly, "And this magical heritage forged by flames."

Bain grinned and raised his arm.

"So what is your life like now?" the snow rabbit asked.

"Now……"

Bain suddenly stopped, as if struck by lightning.

The snow rabbit's question was a revelation to him.

Life now...

They have plenty of food every day, safe shelter, jobs they enjoy, and they've even met amazing machines.

Just now, Bane only received the inherited spells of divine grace.

Isn't this the perfect life bestowed by the gods?

"You mean...you mean..."

Bain was speechless for a moment, overwhelmed with shock.

The snow rabbit shook its head.

“I didn’t say anything. We rabbit people worship our ancestors, which is different from yours.”

He paused for a moment, his voice becoming even more mysterious:

“I heard from the savages that the lord is the Holy Lord who is said to have returned in their prophecy.”

"Perhaps, the lord is also that legendary..."

Bain's pupils contracted sharply.

If this is true... then everything makes sense.

……

……

Rhodes let Bane rest all night.

The next morning, after breakfast, Rhodes couldn't wait to go to the blacksmith's shop to arrange matters concerning the use of flame-tempered forging.

But as soon as he stepped into the blacksmith's shop, the sight before him stunned him.

Bain and his people all knelt on the ground, as if worshipping a god.

"May our Lord be well!"

The unified sound echoed throughout the blacksmith's shop, startling the other blacksmiths into trembling.

Rhodes looked puzzled and turned to look at the snow rabbit translator beside him.

"What happened? Is it because of yesterday's inheritance?"

"That's right, my lord."

The snow rabbits replied respectfully, "Bain feels that you have given them a peaceful and beautiful life like that of a divine kingdom, as well as the legacy they have longed for."

"And your superb forging skills have created amazing machines that can replace blacksmiths..."

The snow rabbit paused for a moment, then said cautiously, "They believe you are the incarnation of their god."

Rhodes was stunned for a moment.

The same thing again?
This time, no lies were fabricated beforehand.

These are all insights that the yak people themselves have come to realize.

But thinking about it carefully, it does seem to make some sense.

Many of the things I do probably align with the ideal life that a different ethnic group accustomed to a primitive lifestyle aspires to.

He simply couldn't explain those complex truths to these yak people.

Forget it.

As long as these yak herders work honestly for themselves, they can be themselves whatever they want.

"Let them all get up."

Rhodes didn't explain further, and waved for the yak people to get up.

Bain stood up tremblingly, not daring to look Rhodes in the eye.

"My Lord, what do you want?"

Rhodes was slightly stunned; his new identity momentarily stunned him.

The name made him feel strange, but now was not the time to dwell on it.

"We need to test the effects of the flame tempering as soon as possible."

He reorganized his thoughts.

"We happen to have Sea-Patterned Magic Iron. Let's see if we can use it to forge weapons through flame tempering."

"As you command, my lord."

Bain answered respectfully.

Rhodes still found the form of address strange, but nodded nonetheless. He turned to Hammer beside him and instructed:
"Go and get a harpoon made of sea-patterned magic iron; we need to do a test."

Hamo nodded in agreement and strode toward the warehouse.

As the head of supplies, he was responsible for managing all the valuable materials.

Just then, Bard walked over.

"My lord, the plate armor you requested has been forged and is ready for the soldiers to try on at any time."

Rod's face lit up with joy. "Finally finished."

It's much faster to have machines for forging; if it were done by hand, who knows how long it would take.

Rod happily pointed towards the military camp outside.
"Send a guard to inform Durant to have his elite squad assemble at the blacksmith's shop."

"Yes, my lord."

Bard responded respectfully and immediately ran out of the blacksmith's shop.

……

……

Not long after, the sound of heavy, orderly footsteps came from outside the blacksmith's shop.

Durant has high standards for the military, especially for elite units.

These fifty soldiers were no longer green recruits.

Having been through several wars and seen the ferocious and terrifying lizardmen, his aura became more composed, and his eyes held a fierce intensity.

Without Durant's direction, the five teams entered the blacksmith's yard one by one and lined up.

"Good day, Your Excellency."

Durant bowed and said, "As you command, your most elite soldiers have all assembled."

Rhodes nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over the loyal warriors.

Every face was filled with anticipation.

"It seems you all know what's going on today,"

Rod's voice was loud and clear.
"Today, I will fulfill my promise to you and make sure each of you wears full armor."

As soon as Rhodes finished speaking, the yak people brought out pieces of armor that were hanging on the wooden racks.

The brand-new steel gleamed in the sunlight, attracting the attention of all the soldiers.

What's hanging on the shelf is exactly the same as the armor the knight is wearing!
Breastplate, faceplate, handplates, legplates, shoulderplates... they have it all!

This set costs almost ten gold coins!
All the soldiers were somewhat moved, and they couldn't help but lean forward, wanting to see more clearly.

Seeing this, Durant coughed lightly and hissed sharply in a low voice, "Discipline!"

The soldiers straightened up, but their eyes remained burning with fervor.

"It's ok."

Rhodes waved his hand, then immediately picked up a breastplate and displayed it to everyone.
"These plate armors are forged from the finest steel. In the future, they will become your second skin, protecting you from the harm of your enemies."

As he spoke, Rod picked up a dagger and made two sharp cuts on it.

The soldiers in the front row immediately looked distressed and whispered, "My lord, this is too precious. You don't need to test it..."

"fine."

Rhodes made two more forceful scratches, but the plate armor was barely visible.

This is steel enhanced by the Rhodes entry, making it far stronger than armor forged from ordinary iron.

"These suits of armor are certainly valuable, but remember not to be afraid to damage them in battle."

Rhodes's voice became more solemn.

"The armor is just a tool; your lives are the most important thing."

“A blacksmith can repair damaged armor, but if you die,”

Rhodes shook his head with a helpless smile, "Neither the blacksmith nor I can revive you."

Rhodes' words made the soldiers laugh, and the serious atmosphere immediately eased a bit.

"Remember this: I'd rather not have the armor than collect your corpses."

Rhodes' smile faded, and he solemnly declared,

"You have courage, you have loyalty, and you have a desire for victory."

"These steels will bear witness to your glory and carry your legend."

"You are the most precious treasure of Frostleaf Town."

He paused, meeting the gaze of each soldier.
"From today onwards, you are no longer ordinary soldiers."

"I name you the Winter's Iron Guard!"

"For the Lord!"

Durant was the first to shout, his voice booming like thunder throughout the blacksmith shop.

"For the Lord!"

"For Black Pine Ridge!"

All the soldiers shouted in unison, the sound causing dust to fall from the roof.

A satisfied smile appeared on Rod's face.

After everyone calmed down, Rhodes waved his hand.
"Now, begin distributing the equipment!"

……

……

The blacksmith shop instantly became bustling with activity.

The soldiers eagerly approached the armor, their eyes sparkling with childlike excitement.

All the soldiers were wearing such armor for the first time, and their movements were very clumsy.

Although Rhodes had said that the armor was not as precious as them, these were things they had always dreamed of, so who would dare to be careless?

The soldiers were extremely careful, even more so than they would be on their wives' first night.

Rod called all the blacksmiths over to help, and Durant and he also went into the crowd to teach everyone how to dress.

"My God, this weight..."

A young soldier raised his arm guards, his face full of surprise.

"It's much heavier than our previous equipment, and it's definitely much sturdier."

The soldier couldn't resist tapping on it.

"How could something only a knight could wear be trash?"

His companion pursed his lips, "Put this arm guard down first, let me help you with your breastplate."

The two worked together to carefully secure the arm guard to their arms.

Rod walked over to them and personally checked the tightness of the buckles.

"How does it feel? Is it too tight?"

The young soldier was somewhat flattered and stretched his arms.

"Absolutely no problem, my lord! I feel like my strength has increased!"

"It seems your training is quite good; at least the armor hasn't affected you."

Rhodes patted the soldier on the shoulder and walked toward the next savage, Graystone, who was already wearing full armor.

"The Great Holy Lord!"

Greystone quickly knelt down, "Thank you for your kindness!"

"Well, haven't seen this before, have you?"

Rhodes pulled him up, patted Graystone's chest, and a dull thud sounded.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

He smiled broadly, "My lord, I feel like a moving boulder."

"Hmm, your imposing physique paired with this outfit makes you look like a shiny boulder."

Rod commented with a smile.

The other soldiers also put on their armor one after another.

The blacksmith's courtyard echoed with the sounds of metal clanging and soldiers talking excitedly.

How do I look?

"He's just like a real knight!"

"My wife will scream with excitement when she sees me like this!"

"Like in bed at night?"

"Hahaha……"

……

Rhodes weaved through the crowd, stopping occasionally to help the soldiers adjust their equipment.

He personally tightened the belts of each soldier and adjusted the height of their shoulder armor.

"Lord Lord..."

The soldier's sobbing could be heard coming from inside the helmet.

“I…I never imagined I would be able to wear such armor one day.”

"Thank you for letting me wear it, I love it so much, but I'm really afraid of ruining it..."

Rhodes patted the soldier on the shoulder.

"do not be afraid."

Rhodes understood the soldiers' feelings, which were likely the thoughts of all the soldiers.

He immediately shouted to all the soldiers,
"These armors are a gift to you; they belong to you."

"I will assign someone specifically to maintain the armor."

"What you have to do is wear it every day from now on to eat, sleep, and train, and get used to this armor as quickly as possible."

"The Snow Rabbit people are building the walls of Frostleaf Town."

"And you, the Winter's Iron Guard, will be the walls of Blackpine Ridge!"

Rhodes's loud voice reassured the soldiers once again, and they shouted in unison.
"Yes, Lord Lord!"

……

……

As the soldiers' cheers gradually subsided, the blacksmiths began to adjust the unsuitable parts of the armor.

Rhodes went back into the house and looked at Bain.

"Come on, now it's time to test your heritage."

"By your will, my lord."

Bain responded with utmost respect.

Rhodes picked up the sea-patterned magic iron harpoon and handed it to Bane.

"You do it."

The tempering process in flames is, after all, a tradition passed down among the yak people, and Rod felt that it would be better for Bain to conduct the experiment.

Bain took a deep breath and took the harpoon with both hands.

He closed his eyes and began to unleash the power of the flames.

The black markings on the muscular arm gradually began to glow.

Immediately afterwards, intense heat surged from his palm and spread along the surface of the harpoon.

The patterns on the sea-patterned magic iron began to emit a faint red glow.

But suddenly——

"Crack!"

A crisp snapping sound rang out.

The harpoon broke in two, and the cross-section was charred black.

"what happened?"

Bain opened his eyes, looked at the wreckage in his hands, and immediately knelt down.

"I'm sorry, my lord, I'm incompetent!"

Seeing Bain's condition, Rhodes quickly helped him up.
"Perhaps the flames were too intense. Although the Sea-Patterned Magic Iron is tough, it also has its limits."

Without much preamble, Rod picked up a second harpoon.

"Try again, this time control the intensity of the flame."

"Yes, my lord."

Bain gripped his weapon again, this time more carefully.

He struggled to suppress the raging fire within him, trying to make the energy flow more gently.

The red light reappeared on the surface of the harpoon.

This time it lasted longer, but—

"Crack!"

It was the same breaking sound again.

The second harpoon also became scrap metal.

Bain lowered his hand in frustration, hanging his head like a child who had made a mistake.

"I'm sorry, my lord, I have let you down."

Rod didn't speak, but shook his head.

"Perhaps it's not your problem."

Is the material of the Seaweed Magic Iron not good enough?
Or perhaps the harpoon's structure was too slender and couldn't withstand the impact of the flames?
Rhodes turned to Hammer and gave him instructions.

"Go and try getting those turtle shields."

"If that still doesn't work, let's try magic steel."

(End of this chapter)