...

...

Stepping into the depths of the cave, the heat waves rushed in like tides, fiercely hitting Rein's face.

Ignoring the sweat on his forehead, Rein cautiously held up his hunting bow, aiming at the Yak people in the center of the cave.

The spacious cave was even broader than the manor hall, with at least twenty Yak people standing inside.

Three Yak people were hammering iron materials by the anvil, while others sat in small groups to the side.

The other members of the hunting team moved swiftly, aiming their bows at the Yak people in the cave.

"No, they are my clansmen!"

Alse hurriedly shouted again.

Kael immediately translated for Rein, but Rein remained unmoved, still holding up his hunting bow.

"I know,"

Rein stared at the Minotaurs in the cave and said, "but before they pledge allegiance to Lord Rod, I won't put down the bow."

Even though Alse said these were his clansmen, anyone would feel tense seeing Yak people over two meters tall, wielding massive hammers.

Besides, Alse's clansmen were unaware that the Giant Hoof Tribe had already submitted to Rod.

Kael nodded, then immediately said to Alse, "Quickly tell your clansmen that the Giant Hoof Tribe has already joined Black Pine Ridge and is living a peaceful life!"

"Okay!"

Alse immediately nodded and ran up to his clansmen,

"Don't be afraid, they are the guards of our new master!"

"Alse, why did you betray us and bring these bad people to our Holy Land?"

A Yak person asked in a muffled voice.

"No, they aren't bad people, Gamor."

Alse quickly blocked in front of the Yak person, raising his hands to deny,

"The friendly Snow Rabbit People told us that Black Pine Ridge is a stable and prosperous place, where we won't be bullied anymore."

"Chief Bain has already taken our clansmen there, and I stayed to inform the others who got lost."

Alse's words left the Yak people looking at each other in doubt.

"Really?"

Gamor placed down his massive hammer, asking for confirmation, "Is everything you said true?"

"Yes!"

Kael stepped forward and said, "I swear by my ears, everything is true, my clansmen are also in Black Pine Ridge!"

"Alright, I believe you all."

Gamor seriously nodded, looking at Kael, "Snow Rabbit People, can the guards of the new master put down their bows? I'm a bit scared."

"Mm-hmm."

Kael turned back and nodded to Rein,

"It's alright now, Master Rein, they have submitted."

Rein's hand trembled slightly as he held the longbow.

He looked at the towering Yak people before him, feeling a mix of emotions in his heart.

Their size was truly intimidating.

Their strong builds, firm skin, and fierce twisted sharp horns did not seem like harmless beings.

But surprisingly, after a few words, they submitted.

The last time he encountered Yak people, they surrounded him, so submission was expected.

This time was different, both sides were evenly matched.

Yet Rein still lowered his hunting bow.

He trusted Kael's judgment.

The tense atmosphere gradually dissipated, and the strong pungent scent in the cave flooded back into his nostrils.

Rein couldn't help but cover his mouth and nose with burlap.

"Is this smell not toxic?"

He asked, frowning, "How can they endure this smell?"

Kael also frowned and shook his head with a wry smile.

"It should be fine."

He pointed around.

"They've been hiding here for a long time and seem to be still living well."

Rein looked around.

The cave was filled with various living utensils, pots, bowls, and some food remnants.

There were even some jerky hanging on the walls.

"I can't stand this smell."

Rein shook his head, his attention captivated by the scene deep in the cave.

At the end of the cave, there was a pool-like pit.

But it wasn't water.

It was crimson liquid flowing like flame.

"What is that?"

Rein pointed towards the distance, his eyes full of curiosity.

Kael shook his head and turned to ask Alse.

After listening, Alse explained in a low voice.

"That is the Flame Light."

Kael translated for Rein, "It's the Holy Light of their Holy Land that helps them forge weapons."

"So miraculous?"

Rein blinked, curious, "Where did it come from?"

"Granted by the gods."

Kael continued to translate Alse's words, "Because it existed when they arrived here, it's a gift from the gods."

Rein chuckled lightly.

Perhaps due to Rod's influence, he wasn't so devout about so-called divine signs.

As Lord Rod would say, if there truly were gods, then where were they when these Yak people were enslaved?

If there truly were gods, Rein felt Lord Rod was more relatable.

Not only because Lord Rod ensured everyone was fed daily and didn't freeze in winter, but also due to his miraculous means.

Since Lord Rod arrived, Black Pine Ridge improved every day. Isn't this a divine sign?

Of course, Rein didn't verbally trample on the Yak people's beliefs.

And he couldn't resist taking a closer look at such a novel thing.

He walked towards the flame pool.

The pungent smell hit hard.

Before getting close, the scorching heat waves and acrid odor made him stop.

"I really can't stand this smell."

Rein shook his head and eventually didn't go near, retreating.

The heat made Rein uncomfortable, feeling like a piece of meat being roasted on a fire.

Even exhausting the water in his water bag didn't quench his thirst.

He licked his dried lips.

"Aren't you thirsty in this heat?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.