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

Chapter 335 War Soul Commander

……

……

In the city of Giant Stone, in a luxurious manor.

Salido was sitting in his study, quietly looking at the battle report in front of him.

The eldest princess's army launched a swift offensive, and coupled with the insufficient strength of Prince Golden Hammer's troops, they lost the cities in the southern province, leaving only Giant Stone City.

But that's all.

The Holy Council's assassins, hidden beneath the Shattered Rock Empire, launched a surprise attack on the Grand Princess's military camp using methods that were unimaginable to ordinary people.

The eldest princess and Commander Leon turned the tables and killed the assassins, inflicting heavy losses on the Holy Council's treacherous servants.

But other senior generals were not so lucky.

The supervising officer, the flag bearer, the first battalion commander, senior staff officers, and others were all killed, plunging the army into complete chaos.

Fearing a surprise attack from Prince Golden Hammer's army, the eldest princess had no choice but to retreat and hold her ground, reorganizing her troops.

In contrast, the Flower Duke's army was much more difficult to deal with.

With Dawn Spellcasters in the camp, Salido had no better option.

The army can only fight using the most primitive methods.

Fortunately, the walls of Boulder City are high, and it is protected by a moat, so it will not be an easy task for the Flower Duke's army to take it down.

What's even more captivating is the presence of Count Red Griffin and Rhodes' army in the northeast.

The Red Griffin Earl is now like a troublemaker, stirring things up all over the eastern provinces.

Like bandits, they plundered weakly defended towns and retreated when they encountered strong enemies, never lingering in battle.

Rhodes' army, like a flood, swept across all the noble territories from north to south.

Even more troublesome is Rhodes' dragon.

"Bang bang bang."

A sudden, urgent knocking broke the tranquility of the study.

Salido frowned and looked up.

"Come in."

The door was pushed open, and a priestess dressed in a white robe appeared in the doorway.

It was Nabila.

"My lord, our lord's messenger has brought a new divine decree,"

Nabila's voice was visibly tense. "I need you to listen to it yourself."

Salido's pupils suddenly contracted, he threw down the battle report in his hand, and abruptly stood up.

Without a word, Salido strode out of the study.

Nabila dared not slack off and followed closely in Salido's footsteps.

The two walked through the manor's long corridor and came to a seemingly ordinary wooden door.

Salido reached out and knocked five times in a specific rhythm. The wooden door clicked open from the inside.

Behind the door was a small room filled with all sorts of odds and ends.

Wooden crates, burlap sacks, earthenware pots, and some dusty tables and chairs made it look like an ordinary storage warehouse.

"Your Majesty Bishop."

Two deacons dressed in grey robes stood in the room and immediately bowed respectfully when they saw Salido enter.

Salido nodded slightly in response.

The deacon was very sensible; he quickly walked to the corner and lifted a square wooden cellar cover.

A faint, musty smell wafted over, and a deep, downward-facing staircase stretched into the darkness.

Salido casually waved his hand, and a bright orb of light appeared beside him.

Then Salido entered the passage and walked quickly down the stone steps.

The further down you go, the lower the temperature gets, and the air becomes damp and chilly.

At the end of the stone steps is an incredibly clean and smooth stone door.

But when Salido placed his palm on it, countless lines appeared.

With a creak, the stone door rotated ninety degrees, and Salido carefully stepped inside.

Nabila lowered her head and waited outside the door.

The stone door creaked shut again.

In front of Salido was a spacious underground chamber.

The walls of the secret chamber were covered with complex and eerie runes that glowed faintly in the darkness.

A huge magic circle was drawn on the ground with blood, the lines intertwined and forming intricate rune patterns.

In the center of the secret chamber stood a thick, jet-black pillar.

On the pillar, an iron chain was wrapped around a naked corpse.

The body looked completely shriveled, with wrinkled, grayish-brown skin clinging tightly to the bones.

The corpse's head hung low, its empty eye sockets sunken deep.

Upon closer inspection, a star-shaped golden crystal can be found embedded in the forehead of the corpse.

Salido walked to the edge of the magic circle and knelt down on one knee.

He lowered his head, his expression one of utmost reverence.

“Great messenger of dawn,”

Salido's voice was respectful: "Humble servant, heed the will of my lord."

A brief silence fell over the secret room.

Only the faint light emanating from the runes on the wall flickered.

Suddenly, the lines drawn in blood on the ground, like a lit fuse, gradually converged towards the central stone pillar.

The mummified corpse's body began to tremble slightly, and the golden crystal on its forehead lit up.

The drooping head slowly rose, and the empty eye sockets were filled with golden flames.

“Salido…”

A dry, hoarse voice came from the mummified corpse's mouth, ethereal and clear, as if it were coming from a deep cave.

"Morian has given himself to the glory of dawn."

The mummified corpse's voice was devoid of any emotion, as if it had only killed an insignificant animal.
"He died at the hands of Rod Tulip."

Salido's body trembled slightly, and an expression of disbelief flashed in his eyes.

Morian possesses a soul of pure faith and is one of the crucibles for forging the Dawn Sword.

Not long ago, Morian was favored by the Lord of Dawn and received divine grace. If things continue as they are, Morian will surely become a bishop.

"May our Lord have mercy on him, and may his soul live on forever in the light of the morning," Salido lamented.

"The existence of Rhodes Tulip threatens the brilliance of dawn."

The mummified corpse's head slowly turned, its eyes, burning with golden flames, staring intently at Salido.

"His fate is shrouded in flames, and if he continues to grow, those flames will spread throughout the world."

“He will ruin the coming of glory and hinder the return of our Lord.”

“It is the will of my lord to execute him.”

The mummified corpse's voice was cold and resolute.
"Use all the power of the Shattered Rock Empire, at any cost."

"Follow the will of my Lord."

Salido lowered his head again.

“I will make the blood of Rhodes Tulip a sacrifice offered to my Lord.”

"very good."

The mummified corpse's voice returned to silence.

"If you fail, then what awaits you is eternal torment."

Before Salido could reply, the golden flames in the corpse's eye sockets went out, and the light of the magic circle began to dim.

The mummified corpse's head drooped again, returning to its original lifeless state.

Salido remained kneeling.

After a while, when the secret room was completely silent, he slowly stood up.

Turning around, Salido opened the stone door and walked out.

"Pass the order."

Salido instructed Nabila outside the door:
"Initiate the 'Glorious Trial' plan. Target: Rhodes Tulip."

"what?"

Nabila was visibly taken aback upon hearing this, and cautiously said, "Your Excellency, once the 'Radiant Judgment' is initiated, all our decades of hard work in the Shattered Rock Empire will be for naught..."

"Follow orders."

Salido interrupted Nabila, his voice cold and authoritative.

"This is the messenger's command, and also the will of our Lord."

"As you command, Lord Bishop."

Nabila lowered her head respectfully and quickly left the secret room.

Salido stood there with a frown, his mind beginning to formulate a plan that would surely kill Rhodes.

……

……

Rhodes flicked the blood off Ashbringer.

A system notification appeared:

The army has killed a total of 5,000 enemies and personally executed 1,000, unlocking the entry: War Soul Commander (Purple)

[War Soul Commander (Purple): Loyal soldiers have a small chance of generating War Souls from enemies they slay in battle. These War Souls will permanently increase the killer's overall physical attributes by 1% (up to 100%) and will regard the killer as a gift, becoming even more loyal.]

Loyal soldiers who die in battle will become heroic spirits, which will reside in the nearest military flag, doubling its strength and creating a heroic spirit flag.

Within a 500-meter radius of the Heroic Banner, soldiers' stamina is increased by 20%, and the rate of wound bleeding is reduced by 50%.

[The effect of the Heroic Spirit Banner increases by one percentage point for each heroic spirit it hosts.]

Each Heroic Spirit Banner can host a maximum of twenty Heroic Spirits; the effects of Heroic Spirit Banners cannot be stacked (only the maximum effect takes effect)

"..."

After reading the entry, Rhodes' first thought was of the Myriad Soul Banner from the immortal novels of his previous life.

However, the souls of the Ten Thousand Souls Banner were forced into it, while the heroic spirits of this world are the souls of great warriors who, after their deaths, still possess a strong sense of honor.

"Heroic spirits" is a term of praise for heroes.

Legend has it that their souls will continue to fight for faith or glory.

"It seems we need to appoint more flag bearers in the future and make sure they take good care of the flag."

Rod was making plans in his mind.

Aside from the effect of the Heroic Banner, the effect of gaining Battle Souls by defeating enemies is also very useful.

The warriors under Rhodes' command also have a way to improve themselves besides training.

Using war to sustain war is especially suitable for warmongers like Gunther and Sejuani.

Following the War Soul Commander entry is the last gold entry in the War Domain:
[Next entry: With an army of 100,000 soldiers, three extraordinary officers (with the strength of a legendary knight or a high-ranking wizard apprentice), and having commanded or participated in 100 battles involving more than 1,000 soldiers, achieving 50 victories, the entry "War Grandmaster (Gold)" is unlocked.]

"It seems the key to the problem still lies with the extraordinary officer."

Rhodes pondered to himself. Although the required number of soldiers was large, it was actually quite easy to achieve.

The number of wars was also well accomplished.

As long as you offer some war advice to Earl Red Griffin, you can basically increase your war attempts.

The officers of legendary knights and high-ranking wizard apprentices are the most difficult to complete.

"Fortunately, I no longer need to personally execute these stubborn rebels."

Rhodes put away Ashbringer, leaving the mess to Gungle to clean up, and then took Vivian back to Moonwolf Keep.

"Sir, my sister has found the information about that ring and bracelet set."

On the way, Vivian suddenly reported, "Using that set of magical accessories together can cast a stun spell."

"The target of the spell will be paralyzed, and even high-level magical beasts are not immune."

"The spell takes at least 120 breaths to cast, and the effective time is at most 30 breaths."

As Vivian walked, she said in a deep voice, "It can only be used once, and then this set of magical ornaments will be completely destroyed."

"It seems this is their biggest source of confidence in dealing with Frost and Thunder."

Rhodes nodded slightly, stopped, thought for a moment, and said, "Let Lusen select seven people from our wizard apprentices. Who knows, this thing might come in handy in the future."

……

……

The next day.

Chris presented Rhodes with a preliminary report on the number of spoils and prisoners.

The bloodstains in the council chamber hadn't been cleaned up yet, but Rhodes was already sitting in his chair dealing with business.

"The number of prisoners captured this time has exceeded three thousand, and the specific list is still being compiled."

Chris reported, "Some deserters have fled to nearby towns; the initial estimate is that there are about four or five hundred of them."

"Let Wolfhoof lead men to find those guys, and bring along some of the surrendered soldiers who are familiar with the area."

Rhodes ordered, "We can't let them roam around here."

The soldiers who managed to escape were all seasoned veterans, and their presence in the vicinity would seriously affect the security of the villages and towns.

This would cause significant problems for the future management of the review panel.

With four or five hundred veterans gathered together, even a small town could be easily captured.

With the army here, it won't be difficult to deal with them during our rest breaks.

"Yes, Lord Lord."

Chris responded respectfully and continued, "Our scouts have sent word that Lord Durant's team will take another week to arrive."

Rhodes nodded slightly. "Yes, we'll rest here for a week."

Although this battle was much easier than a typical siege, it was still a life-or-death struggle, and the army still needed a short period of rest and reorganization.

Moonwolf City also needs to quell the riots and stabilize public morale so that all areas can return to normal.

"Do I need to arrange for people to inventory the supplies and establish supply lines?"

Chris asked, "The breach in the city wall also needs to be repaired."

These were Durant's responsibilities before, but now that there's still a week left, Chris has volunteered to take on the task.

"Yes, replenish the army directly if it's lacking anything, and remember to issue tax deduction vouchers to the merchants."

Rhodes nodded slightly in agreement, casually reminding him, "Leave the specific tasks to the surrendered soldiers, especially the collection of grain."

"Tell them that those who perform well can join the vanguard regiment."

"And what about the rest?" Chris asked.

Rhodes thought for a moment, then looked at Chris, "It's time to replace the people in the slave camp."

“No problem,” Chris replied.

Armies all have slaves accompanying them; this was not a special arrangement by Rhodes.

These slaves were specifically tasked with dirty and strenuous work, such as cleaning up battlefields, digging trenches, and moving corpses.

Slaves who performed well would do odd jobs such as tending to armor and warhorses.

"In addition, pay attention to military discipline, restrain the behavior of soldiers, and prohibit harm to civilians."

Rhodes' expression gradually turned serious, and he ordered, "But if anyone attacks or provokes us, hang them in the square to deter others."

“Remember, the dignity of the military is inviolable,” Rhodes reminded him again.

"Don't worry, sir,"

Chris replied solemnly, "No one dares to offend our army!"

After speaking, Chris nodded and bowed, then turned and left.

With the participation of locals, the grain collection went very smoothly.

By the time Durant arrived with his army, the granaries of Moonwolf City already contained two million catties of grain.

Eight hundred warhorses and two thousand packhorses were all requisitioned for the army.

As for the herbalists and artisans, Rhodes only selected a portion of the elite to bring back to the North to assist the wizard apprentices.

After all, this is also Rhodes' territory, and fertile land cannot be left to waste.

Durant has already made arrangements for the back office and officials.

In fact, all officials have the seed of nature within them, and Durant's main task is to select talented people to take over the job.

With Durant personally directing the Dragon's Breath, Rhodes' workload was significantly reduced.

Subsequently, 30,000 soldiers set off from Moon Wolf City, divided into four routes, and marched south, sweeping across the entire eastern province.

The church seemed to have vanished, never to be seen again.

Ordinary noble armies were no match for it, and when news of the four-headed dragon spread, the nobles all defected and submitted.

No matter how valuable land is, it is not as valuable as life.

Desperate resistance means certain death, while obedient submission allows you to retain your title of honorary noble and one-tenth of your family fortune.

If you perform well, you can even become an assistant judge on the review panel.

Of course, there are also families with long-standing traditions who uphold their ancient glory.

Unfortunately, all they had left was glory, but they failed to preserve its legacy.

Before the dragon's breath, there is no distinction between honored nobles and ordinary nobles.

By the time the army reached the city of Boulder, Rhodes' forces numbered 80,000.

But Rhodes also knew that even without considering the armor produced in his Frostleaf Town, the true elite force numbered no more than 30,000.

However, with the Rhodes Commander series of entries around, those ordinary soldiers were not a mob.

……

……

Stone City, Lord's Manor.

"Where's Salido?"

Prince Golden Hammer's roar echoed in the council chamber.

The sound was like thunder, and even the servants standing outside the door could hear it clearly, and they all lowered their heads in fear.

Where have all his men gone?

"Why did Rhodes' army arrive here so quickly?"

"What exactly is going on?!"

Prince Golden Hammer's face was contorted, and his eyes were bloodshot.

Anger completely consumed his reason and composure; at this moment, he was like a wild beast driven to the brink of despair.

The Earl of Blue Lake stood to one side, head bowed, not daring to look the Prince in the eye.
“Bishop Salido has disappeared, Your Majesty.”

"There wasn't a single person in the entire Golden Radiance Manor."

Earl of Blue Lake's voice trembled slightly, "The entire church has vanished..."

"Liars! They're all a bunch of liars!"

Prince Golden Hammer slammed his fist on the table, frantically overturning the items on it to the ground.

He roared furiously, venting his anger, and in the blink of an eye, the council chamber was a mess.

After venting his anger, Prince Golden Hammer regained his composure and sighed deeply.

I had considered the possibility of failure, but I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

Everything felt like a dream.

They didn't even know what they had done wrong.

Prince Golden Hammer slowly turned his head to look at Earl Blue Lake.

"You may leave, Langley."

Prince Golden Hammer placed his hands on the table, his tone becoming unusually calm.
"Go and surrender to the Duke of Flowers; perhaps you can still keep your title and territory."

"No, Your Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, the Earl of Blue Lake immediately knelt down.
"I will always be loyal to you!"

"No matter what happens, I will never betray you!"

The Earl of Blue Lake shouted loudly, his tone utterly sincere.

"roll!"

Prince Golden Hammer grabbed the remaining ink bottle from the table and slammed it heavily onto the Earl's shoulder, splashing ink onto the Earl of Blue Lake's face.

Earl of Blue Lake blinked, but stubbornly remained kneeling on the ground.

"clang!"

Prince Golden Hammer turned and drew his sword from the wall, pointing it directly at Earl Blue Lake.

"I told you to get out!"

The tip of the sword was only inches away from the count's throat.

"His Majesty……"

Earl of Blue Lake looked at the gleaming blade and slowly stood up. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

The Earl of Blue Lake bowed deeply, his waist bending at almost a ninety-degree angle.

Then, Earl of Blue Lake gritted his teeth, turned around, and left the council hall with heavy steps.

The sound of the gate closing rang out, and Prince Golden Hammer withdrew his gaze.

He watched the sunlight cast a cold glint on the blade, and slowly placed the blade against his neck.

The sharp blade pressed against my skin, bringing an icy chill.

With just a simple swipe, everything will be over.

"If you die like this, it would be a waste of the emperor's bloodline that was once favored by this world."

Just then, a flippant, hoarse female voice suddenly rang out from the corner.

Prince Golden Hammer whirled around, pointing his sword directly at the source of the sound.

"Who?"

"Get out of here!"

From the shadows in the corner, a figure gradually emerged.

The woman was tall, but her appearance was extremely ugly.

The woman wore a nauseating smile, and her voice rang out again.

"Your life is not worth it, so you might as well give it to me."

(End of this chapter)