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

Chapter 368 Nature Sprites

……

……

Rhodes didn't know what it felt like to be burned by holy light.

Just hearing the agonizing screams of evil spirits is enough to send chills down your spine.

Wisps of white smoke drifted out of the pearl, mixed with a nauseating stench.

Rhodes waved his hand. "Alright, Salia, stop now."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Celia stopped what she was doing and obediently returned the orb to Rhodes.

Rhodes picked up the Soul-Binding Orb again and released the seal inside.

The evil spirit slowly emerged from within, noticeably fainter than before.

This time, the evil spirit was much more docile and did not attack Rhodes on its own initiative.

It seems that the holy light not only weakened it, but also made it calmer.

Perhaps sensing the evil spirit's emergence, the little dragon made of broken stones also crawled out.

The sudden appearance of the two spirits startled Salia.

But remembering that her own holy light could deal with evil spirits, she mustered her courage and remained calm.

"It seems the power of love does have an effect."

Rhodes stared at the shadowy figure. "That must have felt terrible."

The shadow didn't speak.

It was just floating in mid-air, trembling slightly.

"You should know that."

Rhodes said calmly, "Killing you would be easy for me."

"But your death means nothing to me."

"As long as you serve me honestly."

Rhodes' voice softened, "I will let you live forever."

"Otherwise, you will feel the warmth of love every day."

With that, Rhodes looked at Salia and said, "Come, show your holy light."

Salia nodded slightly, raised her hand, and a cluster of holy light appeared in her palm.

The evil spirit, feeling the heat of the holy light, quickly retreated, trying to get away from it.

However, the Soul-Binding Pearl restricted its movement range, and no matter how hard it tried, it could only move outward by two meters.

Rhodes didn't press the issue too much, waving his hand to signal Salia to stop what she was doing.

Immediately, Rhodes condensed a Seed of Nature and sent it to the evil spirit.

"Accept it, or continue to feel the warmth of the holy light."

Rod said calmly, "You choose."

Having already witnessed the terror of the Holy Light, the evil spirit hesitated only slightly before actively approaching the Seed of Nature.

"Feel its energy, accept it, and do not resist its energy."

Rhodes cautioned, "Otherwise, you should return to the embrace of the Holy Light."

The Seed of Nature, which had been floating in front of the evil spirit, gradually merged into the evil spirit's body after Rhodes finished speaking.

The evil spirit's figure flashed with green light before disappearing.

"very good."

Rhodes nodded in satisfaction. "Now we can officially begin the experiment."

Rhodes picked up the Soul-Binding Orb and captured the evil spirit inside.

“Salia, continue to pour holy light into it,” Rhodes instructed.

"what?"

Salia paused for a moment, then subconsciously said, "Isn't it very obedient?"

After saying that, she immediately covered her mouth and hurriedly took the Soul-Binding Pearl. "Yes, Your Majesty, I'll be right there."

Rhodes wasn't angry. He patiently explained, "It's precisely because it's obedient that I need to purify its necromantic power."

"The Seed of Nature will give it hope for life. After all the necromantic power is purified, it will become a normal spirit."

Rhodes cautioned, "So you need to slow down."

"oh oh."

Salia nodded as if she understood, holding the Soul-Binding Pearl, and the golden light in her hand shone again.

Just as Rhodes had instructed, she was extra careful this time.

The cries came from the Soul-Binding Pearl again, but they were much better than before.

The calls continued for a while, then grew fainter and fainter.

Rhodes felt it was about time and told Salia to stop.

The seal is broken, and the evil spirit is released once more.

But this time, it should no longer be called an evil spirit.

His body had darkened considerably, but it was no longer black; instead, it had turned a pale green.

It floated in mid-air, facing Rhodes.

"Master, Master."

The ethereal voice was somewhat stuttering, similar to a hoarse female voice.

But the calmness there brought a smile to Rhodes's face.

The transformation from an evil spirit into a spirit capable of normal communication indicates that it has become normal.

"how are you feeling?"

Rhodes said with some concern, "I don't mean to torture you, but only by clearing away that necromantic energy can you become sane."

"I, I, know,"

The spirit's voice came intermittently, "The tearing pain is gradually getting better, and the noise in my ears is fading a little..."

"Yes, I can sense that your necromantic energy has diminished considerably."

Rhodes asked, "Can you take any more?"

The spirit remained silent for a moment before slowly replying, "I... am willing to try..."

"In that case, let's keep trying."

As soon as Rhodes finished speaking, the spirit flew back into the Soul-Binding Orb on its own.

Salia also took it and once again activated her Holy Light.

This time, Salia was even more cautious.

To her, this spirit is now a living being, and Salia doesn't want to destroy it.

……

……

The purification process lasted all morning.

During the final purification, Salia's forehead was covered in sweat.

It wasn't that she was consuming too much Holy Light, but rather that Salia became more and more cautious as the game progressed.

Even though Rhodes reminded Salia that the spirits inside were no longer so averse to the Holy Light, Salia was still very cautious.

After the final purification, when the spirit emerged from the Soul-Binding Orb, it had turned completely green.

The color was very pale, almost disappearing.

Its consciousness is very clear, and it is exceptionally friendly.

"Don't worry, I won't let you disappear."

Rhodes looked at his masterpiece with satisfaction and carefully put it back into the Soul-Binding Orb.

He then channeled his magic into the Soul-Binding Orb, and a faint green light gradually appeared.

The Soul-Binding Pearl transforms magic into life force, slowly nourishing this spirit with the Seed of Nature at its core.

"It's no longer appropriate to call you an evil spirit. You'll be called a little nature sprite from now on."

"There will be more little nature sprites in the future, and you can give yourself a name."

"If you can't think of a name for yourself, then call yourself Zero."

……

……

Rhodes did not continue to exploit Salia.

She was just a child.

Although constantly controlling the Holy Light could train her, it was still too exhausting.

Rod had the kitchen prepare lunch and also made some desserts for Salia.

Avril was invited, and Millie and Franny were brought along for lunch.

Salia was more timid than Millie and was particularly reserved at the dinner table.

However, children are often naive, and perhaps because of her talent, Salia is exceptionally innocent.

The three children quickly became friends and became much more lively.

It's worth mentioning that, in order to stay by Rhodes and Avril's side, Millie and Franny have joined the Crimson Academy to continue their studies in wizardry.

This caused some complaints from the teachers at Hanxing Academy, as it was obvious to anyone with eyes that the two girls were exceptionally talented.

When they grow up, they will definitely influence the competition between the two colleges.

Later, Avril softened and finally agreed that the two of them would only be temporary students at Red Sun Academy, and their grades would not count towards any academy's ranking during the competition.

While the three children played together, Rod and Avril got down to business.

"Saria's Holy Light is very effective against the undead."

Rhodes asked Avril, "Could you create some magical items that can store holy light?"

"When needed, just throw it out and it will easily explode, causing some damage to the surrounding undead."

Rhodes' idea came from the bomb.

Ordinary knights and soldiers cannot use spells directly, magic scrolls are relatively expensive to produce, and divine spell scrolls are rarely made.

Rhodes wanted something simple and straightforward.

Avril looked confused, unable to understand what Rod was saying for a moment.

“If the magical item can be blown up, that works too,” Rhodes added.

"I'm sorry, darling, I've never seen anything like that."

Avril shook her head slightly. "However, we can study it together with Falfolk and Selena."

“Hmm, this kind of thing is very practical. If the cost is relatively low, we can give it a try.” Rhodes murmured thoughtfully, “Actually, you can make a Molotov cocktail without magic, right…”

This idea caught Rod's eye.

Molotov cocktails might actually be a pretty good throwing weapon.

Neither kerosene nor tar is difficult to obtain; they can be obtained by processing pine resin.

The northern wilderness is full of pine trees.

Sulfur powder is not difficult to obtain; Rhodes knows it can be found on the edge of the Icefield Mountains.

The glass bottle might be precious to others, but Rod didn't care at all.

If we could really make Molotov cocktails, we wouldn't feel bad using as many Rhodes as we wanted.

……

……

Having formed an idea in mind, Rod instructed Cerf to inform the servants to prepare the materials.

But Rhodes did not rush to put it into practice; instead, he continued to complete the Spirit of Magic.

After a long midday rest, as the sun set behind the mountaintop, Rhodes, along with Salia, continued purifying the spirit of the Stone Dragon.

Perhaps it was because the Stone Dragon had been implanted with the Seed of Life for a relatively long time, or perhaps it was because its own consciousness was strong enough.

The Stone Dragon didn't feel the Holy Light very strongly.

Even after Salia completely purified the necromantic energy in his spirit, the Stone Dragon did not let out a scream.

It turns out that Rhodes's worries were unfounded.

"Has any memory been restored due to the purification by the Holy Light?"

Rod asked, "For example, your background and past, even your name?"

"No."

The little dragon's voice was filled with confusion, "It feels like I've forgotten even more things."

Rod shook his head with a hint of helplessness.

Rhodes was not only curious about the Stonebreaker Dragon's origins, but also hoped that it would possess more memories from ancient times.

Perhaps Rhodes can gain more knowledge and learn about some technology from it.

"Never mind, take your time thinking about it."

Rhodes didn't press the issue, and said with a smile, "Let's go, let's go see your new body first."

……

……

With the two Soul-Binding Orbs in hand, Rhodes teleported back to the Abyss Wizard Tower.

After a moment of dizziness, Rhodes appeared in the underground hall of the Wizard Tower.

There are now many more figures here, hurrying through the hall.

Upon seeing Rhodes, the guarding knight immediately knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty the Emperor, may you enjoy good health!"

The other wizard apprentice guarding the side beamed with joy and immediately bowed in greeting.

The other wizard apprentices around immediately showed joy and bowed to Rhodes.
"May Your Majesty be well!"

Many citizens of the Flame Dragon Empire may not yet know about Rhodes.

But all the wizarding apprentices and witches knew Rhodes.

They knew very well that it was because of this Flame Dragon Emperor that they were allowed to walk freely and openly.

It is also because of this Flame Dragon Emperor that everyone is able to learn and research knowledge in this wizard tower.

At the same time, the wizard apprentices all harbored a longing.

I was lucky enough to be recognized by His Majesty the Emperor and was able to receive the Seed of Nature, which could help with my cultivation, in advance.

"Everyone is free of charge."

Rhodes looked at everyone calmly, "Everyone seems to be in good spirits and likes it here."

"This makes me very happy. The Empire needs intelligent and hardworking extraordinary individuals like you."

Rhodes nodded in agreement. "Now I've decided that at the end of this month I will select the ten most outstanding superhumans."

"At the same time, these ten extraordinary individuals are granted the Seed of Nature as a reward."

The loud voice echoed in the hall, and the wizard apprentices were clearly taken aback for a moment, then their eyes lit up with excitement.

There are only forty-odd wizard apprentices in the Wizard Tower now, while the wizard apprentices in Frostleaf Town have long since obtained the Seed of Nature.

This means that at least 30% of people have the opportunity to obtain the Seed of Nature!
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty!"

A wizard apprentice immediately realized what was happening and bowed with delight.

At this moment, the other wizard apprentices also realized what was happening and bowed one after another.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

……

"All right."

Rod waved his hand to interrupt the successive expressions of gratitude, and walked through the hall into Melos's private domain—now known as Research Lab Two—under the watchful eyes of everyone.

The knights on guard all recognized Rhodes and did not stop him at all, so much so that Zoya and Senda did not even realize that Rhodes had entered and were arguing fiercely.

"No, those are defensive runes on the outer shell; they can't be installed here!"

"You're wrong. This is a runic logic array, which controls the behavior of construct wards!"

"Foolish woman, the lord intends to place a magical spirit here, without any runic logic array!"

"Senaar, even a magical spirit needs a place to reside!"

"That doesn't need to be so complicated at all. If you don't believe me, let's take apart another construct guard and see!"

"Go and go!"

……

Sainda and Zoya's voices stopped abruptly, and hurried footsteps echoed inside the room.

The two then rushed out of the lab and bumped into Rhodes, who was all smiles.

The two stopped in their tracks, paused for a moment, then bowed respectfully, "Lord!"

Upon hearing this, Vivian immediately peeked out and whispered, "It's His Majesty!"

"Ah! I'm so sorry, Your Majesty!"

The two immediately realized what was happening and hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects, saying, "May Your Majesty be well!"

"Your Majesty, we have been studying that half of the construct golem these past few days, and our minds are in a state of confusion. Please forgive us!"

Zhuo Ya lowered her head and explained loudly.

As the daughter of a former baron, Zhuo Ya naturally knew some etiquette. Such an incorrect form of address would be a serious crime and an offense against authority.

"Get up quickly, this is not a crime."

Rod smiled and stepped forward to help the two up, saying, "This just proves how serious you two are."

"But I'm worried that if you two keep arguing like this, you might break up."

"It's alright, Your Majesty,"

Zhuo Ya took the initiative to say, "Only through arguments and debates can truth be born, and Master Sainda is not such a petty person."

"I can't bear to break up with Miss Zhuoya,"

Sainda shrugged and said, "I guess other noble ladies aren't as smart as her, and they can't stand my bad temper either."

Seeing the two of them, Rod smiled with relief.

Rhodes then took out the Soul-Binding Pearl and handed it to Zhuoya.

"This was purified from the evil spirits you created; I call it a nature sprite."

Zhuo Ya's eyes widened instantly, and she reached out her hands to carefully take the Soul-Binding Pearl.

"Success?"

Zhuo Ya looked at the Soul-Binding Pearl in her hand in disbelief and released the seal without hesitation.

The green figure of Zero then appeared in mid-air, quiet and docile, with no trace of evil spirits remaining.

Senda, equally curious, carefully examined the little sprite floating quietly in mid-air.
"This little guy doesn't seem to be either an evil spirit or an elemental spirit..."

Rhodes nodded, looking at Zoya and Senda, "Next, you need to put them into the construct guards."

"no problem!"

Zhuo Ya had been looking forward to this for a long time. Holding the Soul-Binding Pearl, she quickly ran into the warehouse.

Senda followed closely behind and entered the warehouse, where he immediately began to work.

It seemed that the two of them had indeed learned a lot during this period, as they quickly removed the metal shell from the construct guard's chest.

A complex metal structure appeared before everyone's eyes.

Countless metal supports crisscross, forming a tight network.

At the center of the frame, a metal plate engraved with runes can be clearly seen.

The metal plate is surrounded by seven extraordinary gemstones, and at its center is an irregularly shaped circular recess.

The inside of the grooves is also engraved with runes, each piece a fine magical pattern.

Zhuo Ya held the Soul-Binding Pearl and carefully reached her hand into the chest of the construct guard.

With a soft "click," the Soul-Binding Pearl was pressed into the groove.

Zhuo Ya withdrew her hand, took two steps back, and looked at the construct guard.

No one spoke; all eyes were fixed on the construct guard.

The warehouse fell silent; only the sound of everyone breathing could be heard.

Time passed by second by second.

The construct guard remained standing silently, without any reaction.

Its body remained motionless, still a cold sculpture.

The Soul-Binding Pearl also did not react.

"Could it be that too much time has passed, causing problems with the magic runes inside this construct guardian?"

"I asked, frowning," Senda asked.

"Impossible, I checked it, the runes inside are all intact."

Zhuo Ya spoke firmly, then speculated, "If there's a problem, it's probably that the soul's consciousness isn't strong enough to drive this construct guardian..."

"Om-"

A soft thud from the construct guard interrupted Zhuo Ya's words.

Then, the seven extraordinary gems lit up one after another, and the runes on the metal plate began to flow, with light traveling along the traces of the engravings.

The light grew brighter and brighter, illuminating his entire chest.

The next instant, a green light shone from the gap in the construct guard's helmet, and a deep, muffled sound slowly rose.
"Thank you, Master."

(End of this chapter)