"However, if you refuse to hand over this extraordinary gem, it would be considered an act of betrayal and theft."

Rein recalled his experiences and earnestly advised, "You will become enemies of Black Pine Ridge, and the army will suppress you."

"By then, you will not only lose the gem but also everything you have now."

Kael translated Rein's words to all the Yak People word for word and added,

"Even the Lizardmen are not a match for the Lord, nor are the Yak People."

Kael solemnly reminded, "Rein's advice is correct."

"Will we really receive a reward?" Alse asked cautiously.

"I guarantee it with my honor, and Kael's ears."

Rein said seriously, "The Lord is very generous and will surely reward you."

"Moreover, if the gem stays with the Lord, it can be put to better use."

Alse hesitated for a moment and then turned to whisper with his people.

Their voices were low, but their inner conflict was palpable.

"If we agree, we really won't be punished by the gods?" Alse asked again.

Rein could feel their hesitation and patiently explained,

"You are already subjects of the Lord, and the Lord will protect you."

"Besides, I was the one who unearthed it; any punishment should be on me."

Rein chuckled and said, "If your gods truly favor you, they should be fair."

Alse took a deep breath, "Alright."

Alse finally nodded.

"But you must tell the Lord that we are willingly offering it to him."

"Of course."

Rein sighed in relief, "I will report to the Lord truthfully."

He raised his dagger again and carefully began to pry out the gem.

This time the Yak People did not stop but still looked tense.

Rein's movements were light and slow, fearing he might damage the gem.

After a soft sound, the gem was finally pried loose by Rein.

The moment the gem left its place, its internal glow seemed even brighter.

Seeing this, a hint of amazement flashed in Alse's eyes.

Rein held the gem up to the torchlight for a closer look.

Watching the flowing light within, Rein was convinced it was an extraordinary gem.

Rein put the gem away, smiling as he patted Alse on the back,

"Don't worry, the Lord will certainly give you generous rewards."

...

...

Evening.

Frost Leaf Town, Winter Manor.

Vivian sat beside the long table, staring intently at the oil lamp before her.

Beside her, Luo De was murmuring a tongue-twisting spell, lightly snapping his fingers at the oil lamp.

Poof!

A small flame flickered, and the oil lamp was instantly lit.

"It worked!"

Vivian exclaimed in surprise.

Luo De nodded, a smile appearing on his face.

With study and practice, after a week, he finally learned his first zero-ring spell!

One must admit, spells are not only convenient but also make one appear more dashing.

Others would need a firestarter, while a wizard just needs a bit of magic power to snap their fingers casually.

"Try again, predict tomorrow's weather, my dear Baron," Vivian urged.

"Alright."

Luo De nodded, taking a breath, once more muttering and chanting the spell.

Moments later, mist rose before Luo De, forming a circular pattern, surrounded by lines radiating outward.

Upon seeing the pattern, Luo De stopped the spell immediately and said, "Tomorrow will be sunny."

"Huh?"

Vivian was taken aback, perplexed, and asked, "How can you tell?"

"The pattern just now was a glowing sun."

Luo De flipped open an ancient book, pointing to a diagram as he explained, "Having this sun means a sunny day."

"Oh, right."

Vivian nodded, "This zero-ring spell 'Natural Tricks' can not only ignite and predict the weather but also make seeds germinate quickly."

"Shall I ask Leia to bring some wheat seeds to plant in the flowerpot and try it?"

"Good."

Luo De nodded in agreement.

Without a flame spell, Luo De chose to learn a more general, nature-related spell.

This spell is also known as the 'Druid Trick,' originating from a wizard of an alien race very attuned to nature.

Weather prediction can better plan work during spring plowing; rapid seed germination and seedling growth can be used in a botanical garden.

As for farming, managing thousands of acres of farmland is beyond Luo De's capacity.

With Luo De's approval, Vivian immediately stood up.

Just as she was about to reach the door, a guard brought Gala in,

"My Lord, Rein requests you to the Watchtower in the north; he has discovered something to present to you."

The Watchtower is the northern border outpost of Black Pine Ridge, named after a suggestion from the patrol team, approved by Luo De.

"The item is too precious and needs to be personally handed to you, but he can't leave Razor Plain too far, so he requests your presence."

"Alright."

Luo De did not hesitate, readily agreeing.

Rein is relatively steady; if he deems the item important, it certainly isn't nonsense.

"Inform him, I will depart early tomorrow."

...

...

The next evening.

The Watchtower, inside the wooden cabin.

"Good day, my Lord."

Rein knelt on one knee, bowing his head as he reported to Luo De, who was seated by the hearth:

"Please forgive my impudence and my failure to request permission before returning personally; this item is too precious."

As he spoke, Rein carefully took a leather pouch from his bosom, presenting it with both hands to Luo De.

Luo De did not have Vivian handle it, taking the pouch himself.

Rein had wrapped it very securely; Luo De peeled off layer after layer, akin to opening a nesting doll.

Finally, after unwrapping six or seven layers, Luo De saw the gem glowing with fiery light inside.

"A Flame Gem?"

Luo De looked at the pigeon egg-sized gem in his hand with joy,

"Rein, you've done excellently!"

Luo De quickly raised his hand repeatedly, "Stop kneeling, stand up."

"Yes, my Lord."

Rein exhaled, a smile also emerging on his face.

"Sit down and tell me properly how you acquired this gem..."

As Luo De spoke, pinching the gem from the leather pouch, his movements suddenly stilled, and he frowned slightly.

Luo De's expression caused Rein, who wanted to explain the situation, to freeze too,

"My Lord, what's the matter?"

"Rein, you've truly brought back a surprise."

Luo De's smile widened,

"This isn't just a Flame Gem; it could very well be a magical artifact!"

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