Apocalypse Descent: Farming with My Harem

"Legend has it that long ago, there was a witch who lived in seclusion in the Royal City, possessing extraordinary talent in alchemy. The potions she crafted saved even the dying king."

"Her fame quickly spread across half of the Western Continent."

"And those nobles, suffering from hidden ailments or rare diseases, upon hearing the news of this witch, traveled vast distances to the Ice Crystal Kingdom, willing to pay a great price just for her to brew a potion for them."

"Gradually, they discovered that many people were disappearing near the witch's residence."

"From commoners to merchants, nobles to the royal family..."

"In just a few years, the number of people who disappeared near the witch's residence reached thousands."

"This matter gradually caught the king's attention."

"Until he ordered the army to search the witch's house, unveiling her secrets."

"Then, the soldiers discovered a large number of corpses in the basement, living corpses!"

"They were horrified to find that the witch was using these bodies for some terrifying experiment!"

At this point, Renice paused for a moment.

Cao Xing asked, "And then what happened?"

"Later, the witch was hunted down by the army, pursued until she vanished into a forest."

"And together with the soldiers pursuing her, they disappeared as well, never to be seen again."

"This is the legend of that forest..."

"However, many villagers told me the legend is false, claiming there's no witch in that forest because they haven't seen any witch appear there for hundreds of years."

"So, I'm not really sure about the truth of this matter..."

Cao Xing nodded, thinking it was not surprising.

For mortals, decades could be their entire lifetime.

And in this world, the strong had very long lifespans.

Even if such a powerful witch truly existed, not appearing for hundreds of years would gradually fade her from memory.

And the original story, passed down through generations, likely became distorted.

Therefore, to discover the real truth, one would have to ask someone who lived through that era.

But this piqued Cao Xing's interest.

He nodded and said, "I understand, Renice, now you should go and rest."

Renice said nothing but looked at Cao Xing with a somewhat restrained gaze, as if wanting to speak but stopping.

Cao Xing noticed her status and asked, "What's wrong, Renice?"

"I... I..."

Renice tried to speak several times but seemed unable to muster the courage.

Then, with a reproachful look, she glanced at Cao Xing, turned, and left.

Cao Xing was a bit puzzled.

He shook his head, pushing these thoughts aside.

At this moment, he looked up at the sky.

As night fell, everything outside his territory was enveloped in darkness.

Although subjects could continue to gather resources at night, Cao Xing had more important matters to attend to.

Thus, he ordered, "Assam, Andrew, bring all our subjects back!"

The two subordinates, who had reached the Deadly Loyalty Level, obeyed Cao Xing's every command without hesitation, immediately going out of the territory.

In no time, the subjects returned to the territory like ants returning to their nest.

Cao Xing announced, "Everyone, go eat and regain your strength."

"All combat personnel, take note, tonight there might be a fierce battle, prepare for combat."

Hearing this, everyone tensed up!

They all knew how powerful Cao Xing was.

If even he said it would be a tough battle, it meant tonight's fight was indeed challenging.

Seeing their serious expressions, Cao Xing smiled and said, "There's no need to worry, trust in our strength. We can keep all enemies out of the territory."

"By staying inside the territory, you're absolutely safe."

Assam was the first to respond, "My sword will sever any who dare to invade the territory!"

Blom also raised his shield excitedly, "Aha! No matter what enemy, let them come, and Blom will knock each one of them flying!"

Including Andrew and the other combat personnel, they all responded confidently.

Their strong confidence also infected the other subjects, and smiles reappeared on their faces.

Cao Xing nodded, saying, "Go on, after you eat, gather here."

"Yes, Lord!"

Then everyone went into the cafeteria.

After the subjects left, Liu Muxue came to Cao Xing's side.

Her bright eyes showed concern.

"Axing, what about tonight?"

Cao Xing smiled, "Don't worry, just dealing with some Ice Nest Monsters."

Then he explained the effects of the Ice Dragon Horn.

After listening, Liu Muxue's worry gradually vanished.

She realized the potential benefits of the Ice Dragon Horn, which could bring them significant gains if used well.

Liu Muxue smiled warmly, holding a golden shield, "I'll join you!"

Cao Xing smiled and nodded.

"Alright."

...

Meanwhile, upon hearing about the battle tonight, the subjects quickened their pace of eating.

Cao Xing himself also took out a specially prepared rabbit from his backpack and shared it with Liu Muxue.

After they ate and drank their fill.

On the open ground below the city wall, everyone gathered.

Assam, Andrew, and others had already prepared for battle.

Eliza and the Imperial Soldiers were checking weapons and arrows.

As for the subjects, they stood solemnly on one side.

Everyone was ready, waiting for the battle to commence!

...