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

Chapter 232 Inheritance
……

……

The dark cave resembled the gaping maw of a giant beast.

Sejuani gripped her chain hammer tightly, stepped over the snowdrift formed by the snow at the cave entrance, and slowly entered the cave.

The ground inside the cave was covered with a thick layer of ice, and every step made a dull cracking sound.

The walls were covered with delicate frost flowers, and cold air seeped out from the cracks in the stone.

However, without the fierce winds and blizzards outside, the Ice and Snow Tribe can still withstand the cold.

Finding no danger, Sejuani found a clean stone platform without ice, laid out a leather cushion, sat down to rest, and took out some jerky from her bag.

There are very few plants in the Icefield Mountains, so starting a fire is impossible. Sejuani can only gnaw on cold jerky.

"Groo-ho-ho—"

Just as Sejuani leaned against the wall, squinting her eyes as she prepared to rest, Snow White suddenly groaned.

Sejuani opened her eyes. "Oh right, I forgot to give you something to eat."

Sejuani took a piece of meat the size of a grapefruit out of her bag and tossed it to Snow White.

"That's all we can eat, there's no more."

However, Snow White ignored the pieces of meat her master threw out and continued to groan and bang against a boulder inside the cave.

Do you feel itchy?

Sejuani stepped forward, observed Snow White's actions, and pondered for a moment.

"Are you going to smash this rock?"

Snow White's pig head bobbed up and down, and Sejuani, understanding, also stepped forward to help push the boulder.

As the leader of the Snow Clan, Sejuani was no less strong than anyone else, and the boulder was moved without incident.

"Alright, tell me what you want to do..."

As soon as Sejuani finished speaking, she saw a cluster of faint blue light beneath the ice.

The light was unusually clear in the darkness. Sejuani pressed herself against the ice to examine it closely, her expression instantly changing.

"Are these the runes of the legendary temple?"

Sejuani hurriedly picked up her chain hammer and began to pound it violently against the ice.

The sharp point of the warhammer stirred up bursts of ice flowers, and soon the runic rock wall came into view.

Without the slightest hesitation, Sejuani forcefully scratched a slit in the edge of the ice block with her fingers, letting the blood drip onto it.

"Buzz!"

A faint tremor sounded on both shoulders, and suddenly countless lights shone on the frost-covered rock wall.

"These, these are all temple runes!"

Ancient, icy-blue runes, covered in a thin layer of frost, exuded a chilling aura.

The harsh scraping sound echoed through the cave.

Bathed in blue light, Sejuani could clearly see a staircase made entirely of ice.

Sejuani picked up her warhammer and went inside without hesitation.

The ice beneath her feet made a soft crackling sound, the blue light grew brighter, and the cave became clearer.

This is a huge palace completely covered in ice and snow.

The broken stone pillars leaned against each other, covered with thick ice.

The ground was paved with smooth bluestone slabs, each of which was covered with ice.

As Sejuani arrived, the previously dim runes on the walls lit up one by one, as if welcoming her.

Sejuani moved forward cautiously, the biting cold making her instinctively pull her cloak tighter around herself.

Even someone like her, a member of the Ice and Snow Tribe, couldn't withstand the cold here.

But soon, Sejuani forgot the cold and stared blankly ahead.

Deep within the palace, a statue of a goddess stands silently.

The statue is as tall as three people and is carved entirely from ice-blue ice crystals.

The goddess's face was breathtakingly beautiful.

A high, straight nose, thin lips that seemed to be smiling, and eyes that seemed to see through everything.

She held an oak branch, representing nature, in one hand, and a crystal staff, symbolizing ice and snow, in the other.

Her snow-white hair cascaded down like a waterfall, each strand sculpted with lifelike detail.

Her long robe was light and flowing, as if it would sway in the wind at any moment.

If the goddess statue in front of us came to life in the next second, no one would question it.

Sejuani looked away and involuntarily knelt down, her knees hitting the cold stone floor with a thud.

Sejuani, however, didn't care at all. She placed her hands on her chest and bowed her head reverently.

"The great and benevolent goddess of nature and frost."

Her voice echoed in the empty temple.
"You are the ruler of the eternal winter."

"The creator of life is also the judge of death."

Sejuani's voice became even more impassioned.
"Your majesty is like the summit of a snow-capped mountain, which cannot be climbed."

"Your compassion is like a spring breeze and rain, nourishing all things."

"Your wisdom is as deep as the ocean, unfathomable to anyone."

"Your power is like a blizzard, sweeping across the heavens and the earth."

She paused for a moment, then clenched her fists.

"The brutal lizardmen wantonly slaughter your loyal followers, trample on your majesty, and despise your greatness."

Sejuani's voice began to tremble, filled with suppressed anger.

"The elderly, women, and children—none were spared; they tried to destroy us and erase your voice from this world."

"Your humble follower, Sejuani Frost, begs you with her blood to grant her a wisp of your great power, so that those cold-blooded reptiles may pay the price."

"Let them shiver in the ice and snow, their blood congeal in the extreme cold."

"Let them feel the despair of being slaughtered."

Sejuani knelt down in front of the ice statue with her head down, picked up a sharp ice pick, and cut her palm without hesitation.

"I offer my blood as a sacrifice to you!"

Blood dripped down, spreading crimson across the ice, seeping into the cracks of the base and spreading toward the statue.

Suddenly a blue light shone, and Sejuani felt a strong suction force coming from the ground. Sejuani's blood instantly turned into a stream and flowed towards the idol!

A sharp pain shot through her palm, but Sejuani showed no panic; instead, a look of joy appeared on her face.

"Thank you for accepting the sacrifices of your people!"

Sejuani clenched her fists tightly, trying to make the blood flow faster.

The loss of blood turned Sejuani's lips white, but it did nothing to diminish the fervor in her eyes.

The next instant, the statue's gem-like eyes suddenly lit up, and a deep blue light surged forth like a tide.

The cold air inside the cave suddenly intensified, and Sejuani's hair was covered in frost, with white frost clinging to her eyebrows.

Sejuani trembled violently as she felt an unprecedentedly cold energy surge into her body.

But this chill is not uncomfortable.

On the contrary, it made Sejuani feel incredibly clear-headed and powerful, as if she were being reborn in this coldness.

Sejuani looked down at her hands.

I don't know when, but the wound on my palm had frozen over and stopped bleeding.

Moreover, Sejuani discovered that her skin had become as smooth as snow and was no longer as rough as before.

Before I could think any further, the ice crystal staff on the statue suddenly shot out an even more dazzling blue light that landed on the chain warhammer, covering the hammer surface with a thin layer of ice and causing it to tremble slightly.

Sejuani couldn't help but reach out and touch the chain hammer, a chilling sensation washing over her palm.

"This……"

Sejuani's eyes widened in disbelief.

His own warhammer was also awakened by the power of frost.

"Thank you for your blessing, great goddess of nature and frost."

Sejuani knelt down again and bowed deeply before the statue.

The blue light in the statue's eyes gradually dimmed, and the glow of the runes slowly faded.

The temple quickly returned to its original state, as if everything that had just happened was merely an illusion.

But the cold power within Sejuani proved that everything that had just happened was real.

She slowly stood up, her icy blue eyes flashing with a vengeful desire.
"Bloodscale Tribe, I will make you feel the wrath of frost."

……

……

Rod led the advance team forward.

On the fifth day, they finally arrived at the Frozen Bone Wasteland.

Rhodes sat on the back of the Night Fury, gazing at the ruined town ahead.

"Damn beast."

The population of the northern wilderness is already sparse, making each town and village a precious existence.

After the lizardmen's visit, the Frozen Bone Wasteland became a complete wasteland.

Rhode never expected these lizardmen to be so ruthless as to go to such lengths to attack Frozen Bone Town.

Had he known this would happen, Rhodes would have warned the lords here in advance to strengthen their defenses.

Perhaps the tragedy wouldn't have happened.

"Which family is this?" Rod asked in a deep voice, pulling on the reins.

Vivian, who was standing to the side, thought for a moment and replied, "It's the Heavy Hammer family, a viscount family in the eastern province."

"I wonder if the lord here has escaped. Let's go back and find a chance to send the message to the border town."

Rod gave the order leisurely.

Once the news reached the border town, it would naturally spread to the east.

"Holy Lord."

Gala strode forward, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported.

"The patrol ahead has sent word that our men have located the territory and delivered the letter to the lord there, Camille Moonlake."

"The lord was very grateful and said that if he could defend the town, he would come to Black Pine Ridge in person to thank him."

Rhodes nodded slightly. "Any other news? Have you found any trace of the lizardmen?"

"Laniel and his men found the lizardmen; they had just attacked a tribe of northern bearmen."

Gala respectfully reported:

"Right now, those lizardmen are processing the bearmen's carcasses, transporting them deeper into the Icefield Mountains."

Rhodes nodded. Just as he had thought.

Rhodes thought for a moment, then pressed on, "The Northern Bearmen are quite strong. What were the casualties among the Lizardmen?"

"My Lord, the report says that the northern bear-man tribe is a small tribe of thirty or forty people."

Gala shook his head slightly. "The lizardmen were numerous and easily wiped out the tribe, so the casualties were minimal."

How many lizardmen are there?

"There are still about five or six hundred people..."

"Five or six hundred people?"

Rhodes couldn't help but retort, his voice rising a few octaves.
"Where did you get five or six hundred?"

Previous reports indicated that the Bloodscale Tribe only had a total of over 800 people.

Where did these five or six hundred warriors come from to fight?

Did all those people we killed before go to waste?
Gala shrank back, and said somewhat timidly, "Holy Lord... I don't know either."

Rhodes waved his hand.
"It's okay, I'm not asking you a question, I just have some doubts."

"Notify Lanier to continue monitoring and report any developments immediately."

"Yes, Holy Lord."

Gala bowed and withdrew.

Rhodes couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

It seems the lizardmen hid quite a few people in the Icefield Mountains.

Five or six hundred warriors still dared not attack Black Pine Ridge; the lizardman's high shaman was quite cautious.

"Five or six hundred..."

This number completely extinguished Rhodes's idea of ​​a direct encirclement and annihilation, forcing him to rethink his battle plan.

He wasn't afraid of these reptiles, but he couldn't send his soldiers to their deaths.

"My lord."

After Gala left, Gunle approached.

"Should I lead some men to harass them and wear down their army?"

"No, we can't let them realize we're watching them."

Rhodes shook his head slightly, his eyes sharpening.
"We need to wait for the main force to arrive, and then, once we find an opportunity, we can launch a single attack and wipe them out."

The Bloodscale Tribe had already deliberately avoided Black Pine Ridge; if they were to alert them again, the enemy would definitely flee.

This is inconsistent with Rhodes' current strategic goals.

Gunther nodded thoughtfully.

Rhodes then waved his hand, "Let's go, we'll spend the night in the ruins of this small town in the Frozen Bone Wasteland, let the team get some rest."

"Yes, my lord, I will pass on the message now."

Gunle nodded in acknowledgment and turned to relay the order.

Rhodes slightly pushed off with his legs, signaling Night Fury to move forward.

After taking only two steps, Rod glanced at Vivian to the side.
"Write another letter to the lord of Icebreath Hills later, and tell him to hold on."

……

……

into the night.

Ice-covered hills.

Inside the lord's manor hall in Icebreath Town, the fireplace flickered.

The aroma of pine resin mingled with the smoke from firewood, dispelling the chill of the night.

Camille, with her short silver hair, stood at the table in the hall, quietly looking at the map.

The dark brown leather armor was well-tailored, fitting her shoulders and waistline, outlining her toned and powerful figure.

His handsome, masculine face carried a hint of coldness as he toyed with an exquisite arrow in his hand.

"Miss, you'd better leave quickly!"

The butler, Cullen, stood before her, his hunched figure wrapped in a heavy woolen robe, his voice pleading.

"Your guards and militia total only sixty-four men!"

The butler clenched his fists and tried to persuade him:
"Even if you include all the men in town, there are only a little over two hundred people. They can't possibly stop those ferocious lizardmen!"

"Then let's include all the women too."

Camille's voice was clear and resolute.

“Kullen, don’t underestimate me.”

Camille slowly raised her head, her gaze resolute.
"Don't forget, my mother gave birth to me while surrounded by wolves!"

Camille casually flicked his wrist, and the arrow struck the target with a clang.

"My first cry was met with the fangs of a hungry wolf!"

"The ferocity of those wild beasts doesn't scare me!"

"My lord!"

Kulen's lips moved, his eyes filled with helplessness.

"Things were different then!"

"You haven't reached that desperate situation yet! These lowly people of the wasteland are not worth protecting with your life!"

Kulen tried his best to persuade him: "Although you are an illegitimate child, the Marquis loves your mother the most. He would be very sad if you were hurt!"

"Don't worry, as long as you're willing to go home, you'll definitely get a fertile territory!"

"It is precisely because of my father's love for me that I am even more determined to protect my territory!"

Camille's voice was firm and clear.
"Protect the honor of the Moon Lake family!"

She turned her back to Cullen and raised her hand to stop the conversation.
"Kullen, stop talking nonsense."

Camille's tone carried a stern command.
"Now go and prepare supplies! Arrows, stones, spears, the more the better!"

Kullen watched Camille's retreating figure, his shoulders slumped, his eyes filled with worry.

But the lord remained resolute, and Kulen could only sigh deeply and nod helplessly.

"Yes, Lord Lord!"

After saying this, the butler, leaning on his cane, slowly left the hall to make the arrangements.

The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the crackling of the flames.

Before long, Camille's knight entered, bowed, and smiled.

"Judging from Kulen's expression, I guess your decision hasn't changed."

He leaned against the doorframe, his tone relaxed yet respectful.

"Still holding out in Icebreath Town."

Camille turned his head, his gaze sweeping over the knight, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Are you also trying to persuade me to desert, Dorster?"

Camille's voice was mocking.

"Of course not,"

Knight Dostoy quickly waved his hand and straightened up.

"But once the town is breached, I will take you away immediately."

"Protecting your safety is my duty."

Camille gave a soft snort and waved his hand.

"Have you found any trace of the lizardmen?"

Dostoer nodded, his smile fading.

"Yes, Lord."

Dostowe took two steps forward, looked at the map on the table, and pointed northeast.

"The reconnaissance team found traces of them here and is keeping a close eye on their movements."

Doster paused for a moment, then added, "The information from the Baron of Blackpine Ridge is accurate; these lizardmen are indeed hunting all kinds of life."

Camille squinted, his gaze fixed on the map.

"As planned, everyone is prohibited from leaving the town, and traps have been set up all around the town."

"No matter what, we must strike those lizardmen hard!"

A cold smile curled at the corner of her lips, and a fighting spirit ignited in her eyes.

"Let them know that the women of the Moon Lake family are not to be trifled with!"

"Yes, Lord Lord!"

Dostoer nodded vigorously, then turned and left.

Only after Camille was left alone did she let out a long sigh of relief and slump into the chair as if she were losing control.

"Being a lord is really not easy."

……

……

Camille's decision to persist in the resistance threw the entire town of Icebreath into a flurry of activity.

Everyone got to work, digging trenches, moving stones, and setting up spike traps all around the town.

The trees on the surrounding hillsides were all cut down, turning into sharpened wooden stakes in the deep pit.

Although Camille strictly forbade the dissemination of information about the lizard people, she only said it was to prevent alien invasion.

But amidst such a high-profile operation, some astute residents sensed something amiss, packed their bags, and attempted to flee under cover of night.

Camille had anticipated this.

Her guards had been lying in ambush and captured all the escapees.

Without exception, the escapees were executed, their property confiscated, and distributed to the soldiers who were actively preparing for war.

This action made everyone realize that something big was likely going to happen in the town.

But Camille's iron fist intimidated everyone, and no one dared to make any further moves.

Staying might offer some hope, but escaping would surely mean being hanged on a wooden frame.

They could only console themselves that the lord hadn't left.

It should be fine, right?
To maintain morale, Camille not only oversaw the training of farmers and slaves in the camp during the day, but also patrolled at night.

Three days passed in this way.

On the morning of the fourth day, Camille was inspecting the training ground.

Knight Dosto strode over, followed by a travel-worn figure.

(End of this chapter)