However, Luo De's initial psychological expectation was simply to gain some benefits from the natural resources such as the veins, forests, and beasts in Ice Blade Valley.

Additionally, maintaining good relations with Baron Blom and the War Blade Clan was also crucial.

Luo De really liked Baron Blom's personality, and in the future, when the territory develops, Luo De would certainly extend his reach beyond the Northern Territory.

At that time, it wouldn't just be about fights and killings; there would also be personal relationships and worldly wisdom involved.

Right now, Luo De didn't expect Baron Blom to suddenly take such an action.

"Baron Blom, why don't you return to the family?"

"The War Blade Clan has a long history, and although you are not the eldest son, with the background of the War Blade Clan, your father would not be stingy in supporting you."

Luo De leaned forward, seriously staring at Blom,

"I want to know, why did you forsake your lordship rights to pledge allegiance to me?"

"The future of the War Blade Clan belongs to my elder brother; I don't want to be a burden that steals my brother's property."

Blom's gaze was resolute, "I want to rely on my own abilities to repay your kindness, which is the honor of the War Blade Clan."

"You once said my value surpasses that of the lands in Ice Blade Valley."

"Yes, I admit that."

Luo De seriously nodded.

"Of course, besides repaying your kindness, I have my own selfish motives."

Blom openly continued, "I see a better future in you."

"What better future?"

Luo De had a slight epiphany but still asked.

"The walls of Frost Leaf Town, the prosperous life of the townspeople, the soldiers' armor, and the sudden change in Durant Knight's aura."

Blom earnestly replied, "Such changes in just one year's time, no matter who it is, couldn't achieve such feats."

"I've also heard some rumors in your territory."

"I don't believe those rumors, but I trust my intuition."

Blom spoke word by word, "Your ambitions will certainly extend beyond the Northern Territory, and by following you, I will go further than if I were the lord of Ice Blade Valley."

As soon as Blom finished speaking, Durant's eyes widened, and he was about to shout.

But at the critical moment, he forcefully swallowed, holding back his words.

"Intuition is not reliable, Blom."

Luo De said softly, "But I admire you; I can accept your allegiance."

Luo De paused for a moment, looking at Blom's pale face,

"It's just that I think you'd best consider this carefully and also make it clear to your father."

Luo De understood that Blom's intuition mostly stemmed from the effects of his own attributes.

But likewise, Blom was actually quite a meticulous person.

Unlike Gang Le, Blom ultimately received a noble formal education, with broader horizons and thinking.

If Luo De had someone like Blom to assist him, many tasks would yield twice the result with half the effort.

"After my father knows the situation, he will certainly consent to this matter."

Blom said resolutely.

"Moreover, I am now a Baron of the Empire, and I don't need my father's approval to make such a decision."

"I've already considered all the consequences of this decision, just waiting for your decision."

Luo De stood up.

"Since that's the case, I accept your allegiance."

Blom's face lit up, and he immediately struggled to rise, using a cane to support himself as he shakily kneeled down on one knee.

Luo De did not stop him and gestured for Durant to quickly step forward to assist.

After kneeling, Blom placed a hand over his chest, bowed his head, and with a firm voice declared,

"I, Baron of Ice Blade Valley, Blom War Blade, swear by the honor and life of the clan,"

"From this moment onwards, I pledge to fight wielding my sword for you, to defend your territory and family; your will shall be the direction in which my blade points!"

Clang—

With a light metallic clink, Luo De pulled out the Ashbringer and lightly tapped Blom on the shoulder.

"I accept your allegiance, Blom War Blade, and will shield you and your domain."

Luo De was unaware of how the ritual of accepting other lords' allegiance should be, so after speaking, he handed the Ashbringer to Durant and personally helped Blom to his feet,

"Alright, Blom, you should go rest now, and we'll discuss other matters later."

"Following your command, Lord."

Blom nodded and saluted, holding his cane as he limped away.

After Blom had left, Luo De let out a long sigh.

Suddenly he felt another burden on his shoulders.

However, Luo De didn't dwell on it, looking at Durant and ordering, "Let's set off to deal with the Lizardman issue."

"Yes, Baron!"

Durant, who had just witnessed Blom's pledge of allegiance, was quite excited, presenting the Ashbringer to Luo De.

Luo De took the Ashbringer, and while walking asked,

"By the way, what did you want to say just now?"

Durant hesitated for a moment but ended up answering honestly,

"Baron, I wanted to say that my intuition is the same as Baron Blom's."

...

...

The biting cold wind lashed the snow on the Icefield Mountain Range; the swirling snowflakes made it impossible for Seronie to open her eyes.

The cold deep within the Icefield Mountain Range exceeded that of a regular winter; even for Seronie of the Ice and Snow Race, wrapped in thick fur, the cold was bone-chilling.

Yet, despite the difficulty, Seronie persistently trudged forward, stepping through knee-deep snow, one step at a time.

Her breath formed white mist in the air, instantly freezing into small ice crystals.

Seronie had been trekking through this snow-covered mountain range for five days, and the dried meat in her pouch was almost gone.

She had to speed up to find the legendary goddess temple deep in the ice before starvation.

Seeing her master struggling, the Winter Boar following behind gently nudged Seronie with its head, crouching in the snow, indicating for her to get on its back.

Seronie shook her head, looking seriously at the Winter Boar,

"Bai Xue, I must cross this snow mountain alone; it's the goddess's trial for me."

"There is no room for negotiation on this matter."

With that, Seronie turned and continued on, ignoring her companion behind her.

The Winter Boar had no choice but to let out a low growl and stand up again, obediently following Seronie.

Soon after, snowflakes began to fall from the sky.

The wind blew even stronger, tearing at the cloak with a fierce sound.

"We need to find a place to hide from this snowstorm…"

Seronie raised her hand to shield against the wind and snow, searching the distance, as a crevice in the cliff appeared faintly in the snow.

"Hurry up, Bai Xue."

Seronie pointed ahead,

"That's where we'll spend the night."

```

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