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

Chapter 207 You can go to the North

……

……

Stepping over the melting snow, Rod slowly walked into the wolf enclosure.

Hammer and Bard followed behind, cautiously scanning the entire wolf enclosure with tense eyes.

"Hamo, do you really think there are giant wolves like the one the lord described?" Bard asked in a low voice.

"When has the lord ever lied to us?"

Hamo replied in a low voice, "Besides, it's not true. Did the master bring us here for a walk...?"

"Oh yes, yes!"

Bud sighed and rubbed his head. "As you get older, some things are still a bit hard to accept."

On the way, the lord had already told them their purpose, but after hearing the description, Bard found it hard to believe.

Despite the legend of the giant wolf that has always existed in Frostleaf Town.

"Let's go, we'll see it soon."

Hamo urged him on, keeping up with Rod's pace.

Besides Hammer and Bard, there was also the carpenter Waller and the foreman of the leatherworkers, Seren.

Previously, the leatherworkers were in charge of the work, but after he became a key member of the army, the leatherworkers' work was handed over to the newly promoted deputy commander.

Just as they were about to enter the wolf farm manager's cabin, everyone stopped in their tracks.

"What...what kind of monster is this?"

Bard's hand unconsciously reached for the axe at his waist.

At the entrance of the wooden house, two giant wolves were slowly walking out.

One was a white wolf, and the other was a mutated fang.

Despite having heard about it beforehand, Bard was still startled when he saw the giant wolf in its true form, and his legs trembled involuntarily.

With their fierce, sharp eyes and menacing fangs, it's hard to believe they've been domesticated.

Hamo wasn't in much better shape either, and instinctively hid behind Rhodes.

"Don't worry, they don't eat people."

Rhode walked toward the two nearest giant wolves, and the white wolf and Fang lowered their heads in unison, allowing Rhode to stroke them.

"They are partners and comrades-in-arms, you don't need to be afraid."

"Come on, let's take their measurements."

Hammer and Bard exchanged glances, then looked at Waller and the leatherworker Cyren.

Waller and Siren both stepped back.

"Go ahead, sir."

Bud pushed Hamo forward, saying, "I'll treat you to drinks tonight."

"I quit."

Hamo pulled Bard back, saying, "You are the elder, you should be braver than me!"

“Okay…but they’re so big, I can’t do them by myself, we have to do them together.”

Bader also held onto Hamo tightly.

Finally, the two of them swallowed hard and slowly walked forward.

Seeing the two men's cautious demeanor, the white wolf suddenly lowered its head and let out a low growl, startling them so much that they immediately sat down on the ground.

"Stop joking, White Wolf, our craftsmen are very timid."

Rod slapped the white wolf, who grinned and slyly stared at him.

Bai Lang has been taking care of the children lately, and he's noticeably less serious and composed than before.

"It's alright, you guys go and measure Fang's teeth, the four of you together, hurry up."

Rhodes gave the craftsmen a few instructions, then turned around, took out a newly prepared mutation potion from his pocket, and handed it to Wolfhoof.

"Go and arrange for a new Steppenwolf awakening, select the strongest one, and avoid any mishaps."

"Yes, Holy Lord."

Wolfhoof bowed respectfully, then turned to face the burning gazes of his tribesmen.

Rhodes snapped out of his daze and said to the white wolf, "Let's go, old buddy, we need to get some raw materials."

White Wolf nodded, and the two walked toward the wooden house next door.

The white wolf lay down with practiced ease, while Rhodes took out a bone needle and used it to draw blood from the wolf.

"Have you tested Fang's physical attributes, such as stamina and endurance?"

Rod stared at the dripping blood and asked casually.

"High burst damage, but its sustained endurance can't compare to that of a warhorse."

White Wolf answered without hesitation, "When there's no one on my back, my top speed is about the same as Night Fury's."

"So fast?"

Rod looked at the white wolf in surprise.

"Of course, you don't look at who their mutated blood comes from."

The white wolf's wolfish face held a human-like pride, then it changed the subject, "But its stamina... is much worse."

"After the long run, you were clearly left behind by the Night Fury, while your other warhorses slowly caught up."

"That's normal. Long-distance raids are not your strong suit."

Rhodes stroked the white wolf's long fur and asked again, "Then, what about strength?"

"Let's not compare strength; we have different areas of expertise."

The white wolf spoke with a hint of a smile, "Our carrying capacity is no match for warhorses."

"But the ability to bite and pounce is something we wolves are born with, something these warhorses can't match."

"Besides the Night Fury, many warhorses dare not charge at the sight of Fang."

Rhodes nodded. "That's perfect. Let Fang train with the warhorses more to make them bolder."

"Yeah, no problem."

White Wolf agreed, "Even if you don't say it, we will communicate more with the horse farm. We need to learn from the training methods of warhorses in many aspects of our training."

"Okay, I'll have Durant come and give you some riding lessons."

Rhodes agreed with the White Wolf's point of view.

There's no training method for the giant wolf riders in the legacy; we can only figure it out slowly together.

Aggression is in the nature of white wolves, and these white wolves can be directly handed over to the mutated giant wolves.

However, White Wolf was completely clueless about how to coordinate with the knight on his back, and he had to learn and train all over again.

Warhorse and knight training can provide him with valuable insights.

"Eh?"

Rod stroked the white wolf's long fur and suddenly said, "Aren't you hot in the summer? Do you want to cut this fur off?"

"I just need to make a cushion..."

"no!"

Before Rhodes could finish speaking, the white wolf widened its eyes and refused.

He excitedly tried to get up, but was stopped by a sharp pain in his neck. After lying down, he solemnly reiterated...

"No one is allowed to lay a finger on my hair!"

"You can draw as much blood as you want, but you absolutely cannot cut the hair!"

"Don't get excited, I was just saying it casually."

Rod gently stroked the white wolf to soothe it, "I didn't say I had to cut it..."

As he spoke, Rhodes plucked a small tuft of long fur from the white wolf.

……

……

Rhodes wasn't a professional and was worried that drawing too much would affect White Wolf's health, so he only drew 500 milliliters.

These are enough to make ten mutated potions.

The dimensions of the fangs had been measured, and the four craftsmen huddled in a corner like wronged little women.

Rod looked at them and couldn't help but laugh, but then he realized it was normal.

Even soldiers seeing such a giant wolf for the first time would feel fear.

"Alright, come here, let's discuss the design of the Wolf Armor."

Rhodes beckoned Hamobad, Wolfhoof, and the others over.
"The first things manufactured were riding gear such as wolf saddles."

"Just like a saddle, you need a saddle seat, front and rear axles, and stirrups."

"But the giant wolf's body structure is different from that of a warhorse, so remember to make modifications based on the wolf's body."

As soon as Rhodes finished speaking, Wolfhoof looked at Rhodes, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopped.

Rhodes noticed this and waved his hand, "You can say what you think."

"You are absolutely right, Holy Lord."

Wolfhoof nodded in agreement with Rhodes's words and explained, "Master craftsmen, Fang's back is very narrow. Please add more padding!"

As he spoke, Wolf Hoof unconsciously touched his groin, "My inner thighs have been chafed raw these past two days, and..."

Wolf Hoof immediately stopped and did not continue speaking.

But everyone present was a man, and they knew that what Wolf Hoof was probably trying to say was that his manhood had also been worn down.

"Yes, what Wolfhoof said is very valuable. There are still big differences between wolves and horses."

Rhodes reiterated, "For example, back shape, gait movement, skeletal load-bearing points, etc., you all need to exchange ideas and study these carefully."

"Yes, sir," the four craftsmen replied in unison.

"As for the armor, it's the same as the horse armor."

Rhodes continued, “Head, neck, back, the back can be designed to be integrated with the saddle.”

"But giant wolves don't need muzzles; biting is their method of attack."

"The armor should primarily protect vital organs, leaving space for the eyes and nostrils on the head. Pay attention to the joints of their limbs and try not to impair their flexibility."

Rod looked at Hammer and Bard, "This matter is mainly the responsibility of the two of you, which is why you two are in charge of taking measurements."

"My lord, how much iron is needed for this armor?" Hamo asked.

"Design it according to the size of a warhorse, so it's not too heavy."

Rhodes couldn't estimate it either, but it absolutely couldn't exceed the weight of the horse armor, otherwise it would consume even more of the giant wolf's stamina.

Hamo nodded and began to carefully examine the fangs before he stood up.

Once given a specific task, Hamo's gaze immediately changed, and his fear of the giant wolf lessened.

Bard also moved to the other side.

Waller and Siren also gradually approached to observe.

Compared to the terror of the giant wolf, everyone was more afraid of failing to complete the lord's task.

Rod suddenly felt a pang of regret.

I should have brought Avril along; she was able to draw the giant wolf's basic body structure.

“Can you draw?”

Rhodes looked at Vivian beside him, "Can you describe this wolf?"

Vivian was clearly taken aback, staring at Fang and muttering, "Never tried it..."

“Then let’s give it a try.” Rhodes immediately called over his supervisor, Gomoka, and brought paper and pen for Vivian to try.

……

……

Shattered Rock Empire, southwestern border.

Xiliuhe Town was once a beautiful town full of birdsong and fragrant flowers, with pleasant scenery.

Countless travelers have stopped here to enjoy the coolness of late winter and the comfort of early spring.

But at this moment, the entire town has fallen into the shadow of war, and the air is filled with the stench of blood and decay.

Linda's arms were wrapped around the leaping flames, which made her fair skin appear orange-red.

Directly in front of Linda, the soldiers who had been stabbed to death staggered up from the blood-stained ground.

Their empty eye sockets gleamed with an eerie green light as they charged toward Linda, gripping their broken-bladed longswords.

Linda narrowed her eyes and suddenly hurled the flame between her fingers and hand!
"Foul-smelling corpses, let the flames purify you!"

Linda wore a fanatical smile as flames shot from her fingertips like long snakes, instantly engulfing the monsters!

Compared to Rhodes's clusters of flames, Linda's hands were even more ferocious than a flamethrower!

The rotting corpse soldiers let out a mournful howl amidst the raging flames, their decaying flesh sizzling!
Even their armor melted and deformed under the high temperature!
"If Rhodes saw this, he would be heartbroken for these armored vehicles."

Linda smiled, and inadvertently thought of Lord Rhodes.

"We could have gone to the wilderness to play in the snow, but because of you disgusting guys!"

As Linda thought about it, anger welled up in her heart, and she casually threw a fireball the size of a watermelon at the rotting corpse on the other side.

A nauseating stench filled the air, and soon all the rotting corpses turned to ashes and scattered in the wind.

Linda took a deep breath.

The air was still polluted, but at least the stench of decay was gone.

The town's streets returned to silence, with only the mournful sound of the wind blowing through the ruins.

"Your Excellency Linda!"

A well-equipped squad of soldiers ran over, bowed respectfully, and saluted.
"Thank you for your intervention."

“We’ve already cleared away the rotting corpses around the northern part of the manor, but…”

"but what?"

Linda countered with a question.

She's an impatient person and doesn't like people who beat around the bush.

"It's rather disgusting; please go and see for yourself." The squad leader's expression was rather grim.

"lead the way."

At Linda's command, they headed straight for the northern estate.

The manor's high walls have collapsed, and rubble is scattered everywhere.

Led by the captain, we passed through the manor courtyard and entered the main building, where we soon saw the dark entrance to the basement on the side of the hall.

"Right in here."

The captain pointed inside and said, "Torch."

The soldiers immediately lit the torches and took them over, and the squad leader handed them to Linda.

Linda shook her head, her brow furrowed.

"I smell magic."

Linda snapped her fingers, and a ball of flame appeared and floated beside her.

Then she went down the steps into the basement.

The stone steps were slippery and steep, and an unknown viscous liquid seeped from the walls.

By the light of the fireballs around her, she saw a terrifying sight.

Countless shriveled corpses were neatly arranged on the ground.

Their skin was as pale as goat's milk, and their eyes were sunken, as if all their blood and life force had been drained away.

No wonder the soldiers couldn't describe it.

Even Linda was shocked, let alone ordinary people.

Linda crouched down to observe carefully.

These bodies had no external injuries or signs of decomposition, as if everything had been drained away in an instant.

What caught Linda's attention even more was that these corpses surrounded a complex runic array drawn with black blood, emanating a chilling aura.

"This magic circle has drained them of everything."

She frowned and shook her head. "I don't recognize these runes. I need to find my companions."

The flames flickered uneasily around her, as if they too feared this evil force.

"Protect this place and don't let anyone else get close."

Linda stood up. "I'm not sure if it has any power left."

"You all stay outside and keep watch, don't come any closer."

"Yes, Your Excellency Linda."

The squad leader nodded solemnly and immediately led his men out.

Linda didn't linger and turned to leave the eerie place.

But Linda's doubts only deepened.

What are these magic arrays for?

Evil ritual?

Or is it the source of resurrecting these rotting corpses?
Why choose this remote town?
Linda pondered, feeling she needed to quickly write a letter to her companions to let the wizards resolve the situation.

No one can say for sure whether those rotting corpses will come again.

"Retreat! Retreat!"

The soldier's shout interrupted Linda's thoughts.

She turned her head and saw a crowd gathered in an open space outside the town.

They must be residents of this small town; they wanted to enter the town but were stopped.

"Sirs, please let us in! I beg you!"

"Our food and possessions are all in there!"

"I haven't eaten for days, please let me in to get my things!"

The townspeople cried out and surged forward, but were frightened back by the sound of a longsword being drawn.

"Xiliuhe Town has been polluted; no one is allowed to enter now!"

The soldier captain shouted sternly, "Anyone who takes another step forward, I'll chop off their head!"

This is not alarmist.

Soldiers had already been infected by the stench of decay and turned into rotting corpses.

If Linda hadn't come and brought the antidote to prevent intrusion, they wouldn't have dared to enter without permission.

"Then, when can we go in..."

"do not know!"

The soldier captain said coldly, "I advise you to leave here for now, stay with your relatives and friends, and come back after the war is over."

The soldier's words immediately filled the townspeople's faces with despair.

Everyone started sighing and groaning, some even sobbing in despair.

The children were affected by the adults' emotions, and their crying became even louder.

Linda watched all this, then walked towards the crowd.

Upon seeing Linda's attire, the townspeople assumed she was a noblewoman and immediately became agitated.

An old man came to greet him.

"Miss, please help us..."

The old man's voice trembled, "We haven't eaten for three days."

"Yes, beautiful lady, please have mercy..."

The townspeople echoed this sentiment.

Linda didn't speak, but looked at the soldier next to her.

And look at these desperate townspeople.

Very helpless.

She had seen too many tragedies like this; the war had turned the entire southwestern border into hell.

Linda couldn't do anything about it.

She was not an aristocrat and did not have enough wealth.

Linda hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Where are you planning to go?"

"I don't know," the old man shook his head.

With war raging and refugees everywhere, no one was willing to take them in anymore.

“We wanted to go home and rebuild, but the soldiers wouldn’t let us in.”

"They say the town is dangerous because it's infected... but where else can we go besides here?"

Linda nodded silently; indeed, everyone had their difficulties.

Seeing the woman holding the baby next to her, Linda slowly walked forward and stroked the child's head.

"Miss, could you please give us some food?"

The woman's voice was choked with tears as she said, "Even just a little bit would be fine."

Linda sighed, patted her pocket, and pulled out a few pieces of dry bread, handing them to the woman.

Seeing this, the other refugees immediately surrounded her, and Linda instinctively raised her hands as if to breathe fire.

But I still held back.

At this moment, the soldiers nearby ran over and used their sharp blades to stop the refugees in their tracks.

"I have no food, I can't help you."

Linda looked at the crowd and said helplessly.

As soon as he finished speaking, a sigh of disappointment came from the crowd.

This was followed by desperate wails.

Some people started to cry, while others looked up to the sky and sighed.

The children seemed to sense the adults' despair and started crying again.

At this moment, Linda raised her hand to signal them to be quiet.

"However, I can show you a way."

Everyone looked up at her, their eyes burning with admiration.

"You said, as long as I can live..."

As soon as the old man finished speaking, Linda pointed directly to the north.
"If you can hold out, you can cross the Empire and head to the Northern Wasteland."

“Baron Rhodes of Blackpine Ridge is a very capable and charismatic lord. He will take you in and feed you.”

Linda's words left everyone looking at each other in bewilderment.

The Northern Wastes?

Isn't that a barren wasteland intertwined with poverty and danger?
(End of this chapter)