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

Chapter 256 Try
……

……

The Shattered Rock Empire.

Blood Raven Castle, Southern Province.

The council chamber of the castle that has just been captured.

Towering stone pillars supported the arched ceiling, and a huge tactical map was laid out on a heavy oak table, with flags of three different colors—red, blue, and gray—stuck on it.

Leon Goldenblade, commander-in-chief of the allied forces of the Shattered Rock Empire and a marquis for life, stood before the map, surveying the battle situation with satisfaction.

"Blood Raven Keep, Stone Spear Valley, Ironhammer Ridge, and Birchwood Town have all been captured."

As he spoke, Leon took down the red flags representing the four places where the battle was taking place and replaced them with blue flags.

"The progress is going more smoothly than expected!"

Leon turned to look at the side of the wooden table.

A man in a black robe sat to the side, leisurely sipping a glass of milk.

If Rhodes were there, he would have recognized the man in black as the familiar Lusen.

A rare smile appeared on Leon's face.
"Is this all thanks to the Dawn Society's assistance?"

Luxen put down his cup and said with a smile, "You flatter me. Even without the Dawn Society, the Empire would not have lost."

"But we will suffer heavy losses."

Leon praised, "The antidote you provided played a crucial role, preventing those dead soldiers from getting up again."

"It greatly relieved the pressure on our soldiers."

Luxem smiled and nodded slightly.

The so-called antidote should be a necromancy potion, but Lucien wouldn't explain much to the imperial commander.

"Those rotting corpses shouldn't have gotten up in the first place. For safety's sake, it would be better to burn the soldiers who sacrificed their lives."

"Yes, I'll make the arrangements."

Leon turned and walked to the wine cabinet, took out a bottle of fine wine in a glass bottle, and placed two silver cups in front of Luxen.

Leon uncorked the wine and poured it for Luxem himself.

Lusen was flattered and quickly stood up.
"Thank you, Commander!"

Luxem recalled the beginning, when he represented the dawn.

This commander not only distrusted himself, but also loathed him, regarding wizards and witches as insidious and evil, devils who manipulate souls.

However, under orders from the royal family, the marshal had no choice but to tolerate his presence and even send people to assist him.

It wasn't until he helped purify the army's food supplies and uncovered the spies hiding in the ranks that the commander gradually accepted him.

At this moment, the Commander-in-Chief even poured himself a drink.

It is clear that people need to have sufficient abilities to be valued at any time.

"Come, Your Excellency Luxembourg,"

Leon raised his glass. "To the future of the Empire, to our cooperation, cheers!"

Luxem quickly picked up his wine glass with both hands and clinked glasses with Leon.

Lusen wasn't used to drinking in the morning, but he had no choice but to drink it all in accordance with the commander before him.

"The Empire will not break its promise regarding the agreed-upon compensation; the agreement will be delivered immediately."

Leon said with a smile, "The territory of the Howling Mountains on the west coast will be under the jurisdiction of the Dawn Society for three hundred years."

Thank you again.

Luxembourg's face lit up with joy, and he poured a glass of wine and offered it to Leon.

Leon put down his cup and then took a wooden box from his personal trunk and placed it in front of Luxem.

Slowly lift the lid, and inside are gleaming gold coins.

"Commander, what's wrong...?"

Luxem looked bewildered.

"Previously it was an agreement between the Empire and the Dawn Society; now it's a cooperation between us."

Leon smiled and said, "I will inevitably encounter some troublesome things in the future, and I may need Lord Luxem's help to solve them."

"You can contact me if you need anything, Commander. We don't need these things now..."

Luxen glanced at the gold coins in the box; there were at least two hundred.

This commander is quite wealthy.

"My wife wrote to tell me that my youngest daughter has been acting strangely lately, and it seems she's what you call a witch..."

Leon did not hide anything and said frankly, "I hope His Excellency Luxembourg can help me with this."

"That's fine, we don't need the gold coins."

Luxembourg understood.

Many nobles believed that the witch's out-of-control power was an ominous sign.

Even now, having witnessed Lusen and Linda's abilities, Leon still felt that Dawn had used some means to control the witch's powers.

However, looking at it from another perspective, it does seem to align with the facts.

Leon's smile faded, and his expression turned serious.

"Please accept it, Your Excellency Lucien. I only have this one daughter, and I don't want anything to happen to her."

"OK then."

Luxembourg knew.

If you do things for these nobles without accepting bribes, they won't trust you.

Luxen obediently accepted the gold coins, but before he could even say thank you, there was a knock on the door.

"Commander-in-Chief! Urgent military situation!"

"Come in!"

Leon frowned and gave an order. His lieutenant, dressed in brand-new armor, strode in and knelt on one knee.

"What are you so worried about?"

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief!"

The lieutenant's forehead was covered in sweat, clearly indicating he had rushed here.

"A large number of skeleton monsters have suddenly appeared in the southwest! There are at least two thousand of them!"

"Our forward outposts have been destroyed, and they've already advanced to our location!"

Leon's expression turned serious, but he wasn't too worried.

"Skull legions? No need to worry, they only rely on numbers to win."

Leon casually ordered, "Have the Ninth Legion engage the enemy head-on, the Seventh and Eighth Legions flank them from both sides, and the Reserve Legion prepare to clean up the mess."

The adjutant's face turned even paler, and he hurriedly shook his head.
"No, Commander, those skeleton monsters aren't the broken bones we encountered before!"

The adjutant's voice trembled slightly, "The soldiers who retreated reported that those skeleton monsters were exceptionally tough!"

"The longsword struck them repeatedly, but only caused minor cracks in their bones, failing to inflict any effective damage!"

"Their bones gleamed with a silvery metallic sheen! They looked as if they were cast from metal!"

Luxen's hand trembled, and the cup clattered onto the table.

Leon and his adjutant both looked at Lucien.

"Feel sorry."

Luxem immediately apologized, then changed the subject...
“However, Commander, if there are thousands of skeletons with a metallic sheen, this is no small matter.”

"What do you mean?"

Leon was completely baffled by this reaction.

Lucien explained, "If I'm not mistaken, this is a skeleton monster enhanced by a necromancer."

"Ordinary skeletons are indeed very fragile; any farmer could easily smash them with a hoe."

"The enhanced skeletons have bodies as hard as metal, making them very difficult to destroy."

"If the bones gleam with a silver light, it's probably a silver-level skeleton monster, whose body has a natural defense against physical attacks."

Leon frowned upon hearing Luxen's words.

"Then what should we do?" Leon asked.

"Use magic or knight's aura to attack the necromantic fire in their heads."

Lucien said, "Weapons imbued with magical energy can also be harmed by their necromantic fire."

"it is good."

Leon turned to his adjutant and ordered, "Have all the mid-ranking and higher-ranking knights from the noble families gather here, and also bring me my armor."

"Commander-in-Chief, are you going to lead the expedition yourself?" the adjutant asked nervously.

"Ah."

A slight smile appeared on Leon's face.
"I want to lead a true knightly order to see for myself what these so-called enhanced skeleton monsters are really like."

……

……

The northern wilderness, the lord's manor.

After drinking the enlightenment potion, Rhodes sat upright on the chimney, waiting for the effects of the medicine to take hold.

Based on past experience, enlightenment potions can cause intense pain.

The potion effect of the Ember Breathing Technique is to make the whole body feel like it's being burned by flames, causing the skin to become abnormally dry and shriveled.

For this purpose, Rhodes prepared ice and a large bucket of water.

However, Rhodes waited for a long time, but nothing happened.

Looking through the skylight, Rod saw that the sun had already risen, but his own figure remained unharmed.

Rhodes frowned.

He was checking his physical condition.

There was no pain, no burning sensation; it was as if I had just drunk a cup of ordinary tea.

"Failed?"

Rod muttered to himself, his brow furrowing.

Did something go wrong during the potion-making process?

Or is Vivian's blood not good enough?

Rhodes thought for a moment, wondering if the reaction might not have been strong because he had practiced before?
Now that you've already taken the enlightenment potion, why not try the breathing technique itself?

Rhodes jumped out of bed, straightened his back, and began to assume the posture described in the classic texts, adjusting his breathing.

Suddenly, a faint warm current rose from my limbs and began to circulate throughout my body.

Before Rhodes could react, strands of scorching energy within his body suddenly began to stir!
Like a puddle on a dried-up riverbed suddenly encountering long-awaited rain, it immediately stirred! The scorching energy and the breath of new life resonated with each other, forming a complete cycle within his body.

The breath guides the flow of scorching energy, constantly nourishing that wisp of scorching energy as it grows.

The scorching energy and the Qi cultivated through the Ember Breathing Technique blended together perfectly, as if they were originally from the same source, merging seamlessly!

His cultivation level has doubled compared to before!
The Seed of Nature also began to operate wildly, and the scorching energy in Rhode's body rapidly increased!

"Durant's predictions were indeed effective!"

Rhodes was overjoyed and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

In fact, Rhodes didn't know that the reason he could double the effect of his cultivation was not only due to the scorching energy, but also because of his own super strong physique.

Durant was right about one thing: the scorching energy is indeed the essence of the Qi, unique to the legendary knight.

However, Durant was unaware of another point—the legendary knight's state when practicing breathing techniques involved circulating the scorching energy within his body.

This is determined by one's physical constitution.

Rhodes possesses a powerful physique, capable of withstanding the constant brilliance of restless energy, which allows the scorching energy to circulate smoothly according to the principles of Qi.

If it were another witch with a weaker constitution, such as Linda, this effect would definitely not be achieved.

However, Rhode has only just begun to learn the Ember Breathing Technique, and his body has not yet fully adapted.

Once all the scorching energy begins to circulate, Rhodes will become a true legendary knight.

"call--"

After a moment, Rod took a deep breath, feeling a fatigue he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Although the Seed of Nature had begun to operate wildly, the energy it generated was still insufficient to compensate for the body's fatigue.

Rhodes estimated that he had only cultivated for three hours.

"It's probably because of the new breathing technique I've learned; my body needs time to adjust."

Rhodes speculated in his mind.

The good news is that Rhodes' body is now full of energy.

"Vivian, have Leah prepare lunch."

Rod sat in his chair and gave the order loudly.

In fact, lunchtime had long passed.

But if the lord wants it, no matter when or who has to give it to him.

"Also, select three more Winter's Iron Guards for me."

……

……

After condensing three Seeds of Nature, the scorching energy within Rhodes' body was once again completely exhausted, leaving him utterly empty, like a dried-up riverbed.

Therefore, after dinner, when night fell, Rhodes prepared to return to his room to cultivate.

However, at this moment, the guards reported that Xue Rui requested an audience.

Rhodes returned to the hall and took his seat in the main seat.

"My lord, I apologize for disturbing you so late."

Sheryl bowed respectfully and reported, "The dragon's lair has been dug, and the ravine below the cliff has also been completed."

"As per your request, a three-meter-deep trench has been dug, and then sharp wooden stakes will be driven into it."

Rod nodded in satisfaction.

The trench will greatly improve the safety of the northern cliff, and it will be expanded further when time permits.

"very good."

He thought for a moment, "By the way, tell Lawrence and Otto that the deep ravine behind the cliff is now a restricted area, and no one should approach it casually."

Rod wasn't worried about someone stealing the wooden stakes; he was afraid someone might accidentally fall in and die.

After all, those sharp wooden stakes are no joke.

"Yes, Lord Lord."

Sherry nodded and continued her report, "The foundation for the manor's outer perimeter has been dug, and the slaves have begun laying the foundation stones for the outer walls."

"The work on the Earth Dragon Rock Ridge is complete, and you can take it with you at any time."

"Let it rest for now. I'll give it a new job when I have time."

Rod waved his hand. "It's late, you should go and get some rest too."

"Yes, my lord."

Xue Rui bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Sheryl spoke, and Rhodes did not linger in the hall, heading straight back to his room.

I need to practice the Ember Breathing Technique tonight to replenish my burning energy, so it seems I won't have time for meditation.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

If only there were a way to cultivate and generate scorching energy while also enhancing one's mental strength.

"Eh?"

Rhodes had a sudden inspiration, "Why not?"

If modern wizard apprentices or knights heard this idea, they would definitely think it was crazy.

But Rhodes was not from this world, and his thinking had never been confined by any rules or regulations.

Rhodes was thinking.

Perhaps one could try entering a meditative state while practicing the Ember Breathing Technique?
Think of something and put it into practice.

Rod immediately assumed a cultivation posture, began adjusting his breathing rhythm, and quickly entered a state of breathing technique cultivation.

Once the burning heat within his body became active, Rhode slowly closed his eyes.

He then began meditating according to the method of star ring meditation, trying to construct those complex star ring runes in his mind.

However, while imagination is beautiful, reality is cruel.

No matter how hard Rod tried.

They were unable to concentrate and enter a meditative state.

Breathing exercises require him to focus on the flow of breath, while meditation requires him to focus on the operation of mental energy.

The two cultivation methods do not conflict, but it is difficult to do them at the same time.

But Rod didn't give up, and continued like this until late at night.

Exhausted, Rhodes was unable to maintain his breathing technique and collapsed to the ground.

However, at this moment, extreme physical and mental exhaustion allowed Rhodes to relax and quickly enter a meditative state.

The star rings appeared clearly in his mind, and his mental energy began to fluctuate slowly, constructing runes.

After meditating for about two hours, Rod stopped and felt much better.

"It seems this method isn't very practical..."

Rhodes sat on the floor and sighed deeply, leaning against the wall and muttering to himself.
"If we could use mental power to guide the flow of scorching energy, could we combine breathing techniques and meditation?"

"Forget it, such profound and mysterious things don't seem to be my forte. It's more appropriate to leave them to Avril to study."

Knowing his lack of knowledge about the extraordinary, Rhodes didn't think much of it and got up to take a purple extraordinary gem from the cabinet.

The twelve life gems have been absorbed, as have the seven fire gems.

Rhodes has a vigorous life force and his natural lifespan has reached about 220 years.

It is worth mentioning that for life gems of the same quality, the increase in vitality after absorption remains the same, but the increase in natural lifespan decreases.

Rhodes estimated that it was because he himself had become a powerful creature, and a longer lifespan required more vitality to maintain.

If it weren't for the fact that some of these twelve life gems were exceptionally large, Rhodes estimated that his natural lifespan would only be around 180 years.

Rhodes now has four Spirit Gems, two Magic Gems, three Frost Gems, three Hurricane Gems, and two Earth Gems remaining.

Rhodes gripped the Spirit Gem tightly, a familiar stinging sensation washing over him.

Not long after, a system message came in.
[Absorbing a small amount of spiritual energy increases mental strength by 6% and physical energy affinity by 10%]

Rhodes stood up and placed his hand on the crystal ball, which then displayed thirteen points of light.

This means that Rhodes' mental strength has reached 13 points.

"The osmanthus blooms faster."

Rod couldn't help but laugh.

He hadn't spent as much time meditating as the other wizard apprentices in the territory, but now no one's mental strength could match his.

Rhodes closed his eyes and tried to use his mental power to sense things, instantly sensing Vivian outside the door.

Vivian has a Seed of Nature within her body, and those who are close by can easily sense her presence.

Just then, Vivian, who was sitting in a chair outside the door, suddenly stood up and cautiously observed her surroundings.

She searched for a while but found nothing wrong, so she reached out and knocked on the wooden door.

"Your Excellency, please stop for a moment."

Vivian whispered.

Rod also snapped out of his daze, opened the door,

"what happened?"

"I felt something was wrong, like something was watching me, but I couldn't find anything."

Vivian reported in a low voice, her gaze still wandering around the room.

"It's gone now, but still be careful."

"..."

Rhodes realized that the attention Vivian had just felt was coming from him.

But Rod didn't explain further, and gently patted Vivian's back.
"Good, very alert."

Rod walked out of the house.

"I'm going to rest now. If I have time tomorrow, I'll bring the rock ridge to the coast and start the coastal expansion project there."

The rock ridge is just sitting idle anyway, so we'll dig as much as we can.

"OK, all right."

Vivian nodded.

After scanning the room again and finding no target, Vivian looked away and reminded, "But there aren't any slaves over there. Are you short-handed?"

"Are you going to send some over there?"

“Okay, you’re right. We can also help out at Blade’s Edge Mountain stronghold, which is still reclaiming new land… wait a minute.”

Suddenly, Rhodes had a flash of inspiration.
"If earthworms can dig trenches, then turning over the soil must be a piece of cake for them, right?"

(End of this chapter)