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

Chapter 277 The Strange Blacksmith
……

……

Noon three days later.

In the Red Griffin family's study, Rhodes and Vivian reviewed the caravan manifests and noble gift lists.

After the nobles learned that Avril had become the heir and Rhodes, the gifts they gave were no longer luxuries, but "strategic materials" that directly enhanced the strength of their territories.

Armor and weapons, artisans and slaves, warhorses and pack animals, and some even sent cows directly.

It seems these nobles have done their homework.

There were just too many items and they were too fragmented, so Rhodes needed to sort out the unwanted goods and sell them here, then exchange them for other supplies.

"Dong dong dong."

There was a knock on the door.

"My lord, it is I, Vika."

"Well, come in."

Vika, having received Rhodes's permission, pushed open the door and entered, her face showing obvious signs of exhaustion.

"You should get some rest, Vika."

Rod looked at Vika with concern, "I would be very sad if you fell ill."

"Thank you for your concern, I will take a rest."

Vika stepped forward, holding a roll of parchment in his hand.

“My Lord, I may have made a new discovery regarding that mysterious spellcaster.”

"Okay, sit down and let's talk."

Rod waved his hand, and Vivian stepped forward to make Vika a cup of tea.

"I'll drink this first to replenish my energy."

Having had ample time at Red Griffin Castle, Rhodes used the local herbs to prepare a tea to replenish his strength.

It can't compare to potions, but it has affix effects that make it more effective than regular herbs.

Vika nodded, picked up the cup as if he had completed his task, and gulped down the drink.

Rod was somewhat helpless... Isn't it hot?

Rod put down his teacup and gestured for Vika to sit down and give a detailed report.

“We have carefully investigated the situation around Brando’s territory.”

Vika reported, "We have found almost no clues about the rumors surrounding the spellcaster."

“The villagers and merchants around there all say that there are no spellcasters or other supernatural beings in that area.”

“We also paid friendly visits to spellcasters in more distant places. Three of them were frauds, and only one apothecary was genuine.”

"Would he be willing to go to our territory?" Rhodes asked.

Vika shook his head slightly. "He's not too keen on leaving his home."

"Ah."

Rhodes was not surprised and nodded calmly. "There's no rush for this. Continue."

"Although we did not find the spellcaster, we discovered an interesting situation."

Vika raised his head, his eyes filled with deep thought.

“In Ironstone Village, which is next to Brando’s territory, an old blacksmith suddenly disappeared.”

When did they disappear?

Rod frowned, keenly sensing the key to this information.

"It was exactly the day before the accident at the mine."

Vika opened the parchment, which contained detailed information about the old blacksmith.

"That blacksmith's name is Sainda, and he should be fifty-three years old this year."

Rod said thoughtfully, "He's not young anymore; it's time for him to stop working and rest."

“You’re right, and in principle, he should have taken on apprentices.”

Vika shook his head slightly, "But he's the only one working in his blacksmith shop."

"The villagers said he had an eccentric personality and rarely communicated with others."

"But his forging skills are excellent, far surpassing those of ordinary village blacksmiths."

Vika paused for a moment,
“Saindar usually forges farm tools and iron pots for farmers, which are generally more durable than the works of other blacksmiths.”

“Some farmers say that Senda’s hoes can last for five years without breaking down.”

"Oh?"

Rhodes was somewhat surprised.

An ordinary village blacksmith could not possibly possess such a level of skill.

Farmers' hoes often wear down and crack within a year, requiring them to be remade.

It sounds incredibly exaggerated that it won't get worse after five years.

"That's so strange. You must have secretly gone into his blacksmith shop to investigate, right?"

"Yes, we investigated."

Vika nodded, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

“Sainda lived in a small courtyard on the edge of the village, which looked like an ordinary blacksmith shop.”

"But we found something unusual in his cellar."

Vika took a small cloth bag from his pocket.

I carefully opened it, and inside were several metal fragments.

"This is what we found in the cellar."

Vika presented the metal fragments to Rhodes with both hands.

Rod picked up one of the pieces and examined it closely.

The metal surface has intricate patterns and gleams with a faint blue sheen in the sunlight.

"This is not ordinary ironware."

Rhodes's voice was filled with surprise, "These patterns look like some kind of runes."

"We also found several unfinished weapon prototypes in the cellar, but we didn't touch them."

Vika reported, "You said we must be careful when facing spellcasters."

"Yes, you did the right thing."

Rhodes nodded in agreement.

If this Sendar really is a spellcaster, then those unfinished weapons might contain restrictions or traps.

"This fragment says it all."

Rhodes kneaded the metal fragments, recalling Brando's description and Senda's current situation.
"Perhaps I already have a guess about what this Senda wants to do."

……

……

After the rain, sunlight shone through the thin clouds, drying the mountain road leading to the Brando mine.

Rhodes rode his black warhorse in the center of the procession, followed by ten fully armed knights.

Baron Brando followed nervously beside him, wiping the sweat from his brow from time to time.

"Baron Rhodes, the entrance to the mine is just ahead."

Brando pointed to the huge mine pit below the hillside in front of him.

The area around the cave entrance was piled with a large amount of ore and timber, making it look like an ordinary copper mine.

But at this moment, the entire mine was deathly silent, with no workers in sight, only squads of soldiers guarding various places.

Rhodes dismounted and carefully observed the terrain ahead.

"Are there any other entrances?" Rhodes asked.

Brando immediately shook his head. "No, this silver mine was only recently developed, and there's only this one mine shaft at the moment."

Rhodes nodded slightly, staring thoughtfully at the cave entrance.

Brando, being very perceptive, took out an exquisite iron box from his pocket.

"Baron Rhodes, it is a great pleasure to have you here. This is your reward."

Brando said in a low voice, "If my son can be rescued successfully, in addition to other rewards, the Iron Hammer family will sell this to you at half price every time they dig it up in the future."

Rod took the iron box, opened it slightly, and saw the silvery-white items inside.

Then Rhode reached in and grasped it, attempting to inject his scorching energy into it.

Nothing stands in the way.

Even if it's not mithril, it'll be some kind of magical metal.

"Don't worry, I will do my best."

Rod solemnly assured him.

Rhodes agreed to get involved not only for the mithril, but also for Brando's Iron Hammer family.

This will be the foundation of Rhodes's position in the Red Griffin family.

"Thank you for your help!" Brando bowed deeply.

Rhodes didn't say much, but said, "Leave the archers and a squad of soldiers to lead the way, everyone else, step back."

There's not much point in ordinary people staying here to deal with spellcasters.

"Remember, retreat immediately if you encounter resistance, and don't force it."

"clear."

Brando quickly beckoned his knight over.

He was a burly middle-aged man with a long scar on his face.

"Kullen, take a team in to scout ahead."

Brando's voice trembled slightly as he gave the order.

"Yes, sir."

Knight Cullen nodded respectfully in response.

He then waved his hand, and five fully armed soldiers, who were already prepared, quickly stepped forward.

Rhodes ordered the Winter Knights to tie thick hemp ropes around the waists of these soldiers so that they could be quickly pulled back in case of danger.

Rhodes was reluctant to let his men take risks, but he would try his best to protect the lives of other soldiers.

After doing all this, the soldiers slowly walked toward the mine entrance, shields in hand.

Rod led his team behind, ready to carefully observe the entire process.

However, as soon as these people entered the cave with torches, less than thirty meters from the entrance, something unusual began to happen.

The surrounding walls glowed blue, and a pale blue mist began to rise.

Knight Cullen's steps began to falter.

He reached out to try to clear the fog in front of him, but his movements were unusually slow.

"Sir, what's wrong with you?"

The soldiers following behind asked loudly.

But the knight Cullen seemed unable to hear his companion's voice and continued to stagger forward.

The other soldiers also entered the fog area one after another.

Their behavior was exactly the same as that of Knight Cullen: slow movements and a bewildered expression.

"My Lord, they seem to be lost."

Looking at the scene ahead, Sao thought, "The road is right in front of them, but they're just going around in circles."

Rhodes carefully observed the soldiers' behavior patterns.

They didn't lose consciousness, nor did they collapse. Instead, they seemed to be controlled by some force, unable to find the right direction.

"It looks like some kind of psychedelic effect."

Rhodes analyzed, "It's not a direct attack, but rather interference with perception. Interesting."

Rhodes's gaze swept across the surrounding walls, searching for the source of the magic circle.

Just then, Knight Cullen suddenly stopped.

He turned around, facing an empty direction, and raised his longsword.

"Enemy attack!"

Knight Cullen shouted and began slashing at the air.

The other soldiers also drew their weapons and launched attacks on the illusory enemy.

Their faces were filled with excitement, and their sword-wielding movements were incredibly serious, as if they were truly fighting an unseen enemy.

"It seems to be an illusion array."

Rhodes instructed Sao and the others, "Bring them all back."

"Yes, Holy Lord."

Sao nodded, raised his arm, and the Winter Knights immediately took action.

The people of Black Pine Ridge are much stronger than ordinary people, and the Winter Knights are among the best.

The five soldiers in front had no chance to resist at all; they were pulled down to the ground and dragged back.

Of course, Knight Cullen was no exception.

Once they were out of the fog, they gradually regained consciousness.

Cullen quickly scrambled to his feet and reported, "Lord Rhodes, we..."

"Step back, I'll handle the rest."

Rhodes reached out to interrupt Cullen, "Step back a bit, I'll let you know if I need anything."

"Yes, Lord Rhodes."

Without hesitation, Kulun immediately led his soldiers out of the cave by fifty meters.

Rhodes, who was standing at the entrance of the cave, took out his whistle and blew it.

The whistle blew, followed by a low whistling sound.

Everyone unconsciously raised their heads and looked up at the sky.

Frost and Thunder then appeared, swooping down from the clouds.

"My God!"

Brando's eyes widened, his voice trembling: "The legend is true!"

Marcus and the other soldiers were so frightened that their legs went weak and their hands unconsciously went to the longswords at their waists.

"You'd better not move around."

Rhodes warned, "Thunder and Frost won't hurt you, but if you show hostility, I can't guarantee your safety."

Upon hearing this, the soldiers breathed a sigh of relief and retreated dozens of meters again.

Brando muttered to himself, completely stunned.

Although Vika had long known that Rhodes was extraordinary, she was still so shocked that she couldn't speak when she saw the dragon in person.

Thunder and Frost circled once in the air before slowly descending in front of Rhodes.

As the wings folded, a cloud of dust rose around them.

"You two still need to practice your flying skills and control your wings better."

Rhodes waved the dust off his face. "Thunder, do you see the cave, about thirty meters ahead?"

Take a good look around; the surrounding walls seem to be inlaid with magical items.

Lei Ting seemed to be deep in thought. He lowered his head and crawled into the mine, proceeding cautiously forward.

After walking a dozen meters, Thunder suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at Rhodes with his purple vertical pupils.

"Feel it."

Rhodes sensed the meaning of the thunder and commanded, "Now, destroy them all with your breath."

Thunder's dragon head swayed slightly up and down, looking towards the mine.

After taking a few more steps forward, Thunder opened its enormous mouth, and a red glow began to emanate from the depths of its throat.

"call!"

Crimson flames erupted from Thunder's mouth, completely engulfing the cave in front of it.

The scorching heat distorted the surrounding air, causing sand and gravel to melt and crack.

At the same time, blue light flashed again on the wall, seemingly trying to resist the impact of the flames.

But the power of the dragon's breath far exceeded that of ordinary magic, and these runes simply could not withstand it.

The blue light grew dimmer and dimmer, and then disappeared completely in a moment.

The cave was charred black and filled with the smell of sulfur.

Thunder immediately shut his mouth and nodded to himself, seemingly quite satisfied.

It turned to look at Rhodes, its eyes filled with anticipation for praise.

"well-done."

Rhodes stepped forward and approvingly stroked the fine scales on Thunder's neck: "Alright, you can continue your journey now."

Thunder let out a cheerful low growl, nuzzled Rhodes, and strutted out of the cave with its head held high and chest puffed out.

Seeing this, Frost stepped forward and stared at Rhodes with her icy blue vertical pupils.

It's as if it's saying, "Now it's my turn, isn't it?"

Rod smiled and waved his hand, "The matter is temporarily resolved, you can go and have fun now."

"I'll call you if there are any more problems."

Frost tilted its head and stared at Rhodes, seemingly wondering why it wasn't included.

Without pausing, Thunder flapped its wings and took to the air.

"Okay, you'll get some next time."

Rod urged, "If we don't go now, we won't be able to catch up with Thunder, and he'll have eaten all our prey!"

Upon hearing this, Frost hurriedly turned its head and saw that Thunder in mid-air had already gone far away. Without further hesitation, it flapped its wings and chased after it.

Rhodes turned his gaze away from the two dragons and looked at the knight Cullen.

"Go in and try again."

"Ah, yes, Lord Rhodes!"

Despite his calves still trembling slightly, Knight Cullen dared not delay and quickly led his men into the mine.

The stone wall still retains the high temperature, and the scorched earth still exudes a scorching heat.

Kulen moved forward cautiously, observing his surroundings warily.

But this time, neither the blue light nor the fog appeared.

"Sir, your pet is amazing!"

Cullen turned around and waved his hand, "The trap that has kept us trapped for so many days is gone!"

"Ah."

Rhodes responded softly, walked to the spot where he had been, took Sao's sword and searched through the scorched soil, where he found a piece of metal about the size of a palm.

Rod bent down to pick it up and gave it a quick look.

The metal sheet had melted most of its surface, and the engraved patterns on it could be vaguely seen.

A basic rune.

Runes can be drawn on any material with magical affinity.

Ordinary wizard apprentices typically draw on animal hides, while master blacksmiths and enchanters inscribe runes on special metals.

Alchemists, who can create all sorts of magical items and alchemical golems, can even carve runes on crystals and special stone slabs.

Rod played with the piece of metal.

"Sao, look around and see if there are any more."

"Yes, Holy Lord."

Sao responded respectfully and began searching the surrounding area with the Winter Iron Guards.

Soon, seven metal plates were found on the ground, walls, and the top of the cave.

Only one piece remained intact; the rest were burned away by the fiery breath.

In fact, these are not sophisticated methods for wizards; they only need to destroy the rune array.

However, for ordinary people who are unaware of the situation, there is basically no way to crack this mysterious mechanism.

It only brings fear.

"If the rock ridge were still there, we wouldn't need to go through all this trouble."

Rhodes sighed, put away the metal plates, and waved for everyone to continue on their way.

The torchlight flickered in the wide mine shaft as Kulen carefully led the way.

The passage extends downwards, and the stone walls on both sides become increasingly rough.

According to information provided by Brando, this place was originally a natural cave, which was later expanded into a mine tunnel by workers.

As soon as Kulen jumped down into the mine, a heart-wrenching wail came from inside the cave.

The sound was sharp and distorted, like countless souls screaming in agony, which frightened him so much that he immediately climbed back up.

The other soldiers froze on the spot, their faces filled with fear and unable to move.

"Sir, did you...did you hear that?"

Kulen's voice trembled, "Such a tragic and terrifying sound, could it be the legendary ghost?"

"Just a few meows."

Rhodes remained calm.

This time it was a pure mental attack, capable of awakening the fear within those with low mental strength, causing them to retreat and run away.

But for Rhodes, it was just a few meows.

Rhodes took a few steps forward, entering the edge of the mental field, where the piercing cries and despair grew louder and louder.

Without any hesitation, Rhodes took out the wand he had found in the Red Griffin family's treasure vault and focused his mental energy on it.

Immediately, the spiritual tendrils spread forward rapidly like vines.

Soon, Rhodes discovered the problem.

On a protruding rock at the top of the passage, there is an intricate rune.

The talisman emitted a faint purple light, which was the source of the mental interference.

Rhodes concentrated his mental energy, and his tentacles transformed into sharp spears, piercing straight into the talisman.

"Crack!"

Cracks appeared on the surface of the rune, and the purple light began to flicker.

This rune is more robust than I imagined.

However, Rhodes remained calm, possessing the "Mental Amplifier." His mental power increased once more, and the spear with its tentacled transformations became even more solid.
"Oh!"

With a dull thud, the talisman shattered completely.

The wailing stopped instantly, and the oppressive feeling in the mine vanished.

"This guy is quite interesting,"

A smile appeared on Rod's face.

"The traps prepared in the cave are just for show; they won't cause any real harm."

(End of this chapter)