...

...

Luo De felt an overwhelmingly oppressive atmosphere.

He opened his eyes, and the sky was covered by dark red clouds, causing unease in his heart.

In front of Luo De, the earth cracked, hot lava spread everywhere, and several constantly erupting volcanoes stood in the distance.

The most shocking sight was a giant dragon lying in the center of the erupting volcano.

Its body was covered with dark red scales, larger than any jumbo jet Luo De had ever seen, spanning hundreds of meters across the volcano's center.

The giant dragon had its eyes closed, yet its face was still grotesque, and its body was covered with scars.

The largest wound was in its abdomen, like a cave, continuously spilling magma-like blood, submerging the nearby valleys.

At the same time, the ground near Luo De was littered with various corpses.

But these bodies were not human; they were grotesque monsters.

Hideous, ferocious, just a glance made Luo De feel disgusted.

"Where is this?"

Luo De was incredibly shocked, instinctively stepping back two steps.

"What are these things?"

He wondered if he was dreaming in his sleep, full of confusion.

Suddenly, Luo De felt a chill on the back of his neck, a cold fear creeping up his spine like a snake.

Instinctively turning around, he saw a giant phantom-like object covering half the sky.

"What the hell!"

Luo De couldn't help but cry out in surprise, involuntarily stepping back two steps.

The overall shape of the giant object resembled a cosmic starship from sci-fi movies in Luo De's previous life, but it lacked any futuristic technology sense, instead full of primitive ruggedness, its surface shimmering with magical light.

As Luo De was still marveling, the next second, a purple light appeared at the top of the giant object!

Then a thick beam of light descended from the sky, crashing down towards the giant dragon!

"Boom!"

The giant dragon screamed in agony, its body exploding like fireworks!

Flames completely engulfed Luo De's view!

"Ah!"

Luo De suddenly woke up in shock!

All visions disappeared, and Luo De was back in the hall of the manor.

Yet his heart was still pounding rapidly, his forehead covered in thin sweat.

"Oh, so soon?"

Linda asked in surprise, "What did you see?"

Luo De, still shaken, took a deep breath and described in detail the scene he witnessed to Linda.

After listening, Linda slightly frowned, thinking for a moment, then said, "Hmm, sounds like it's related to flames."

Her tone carried some uncertainty, "But the rest of it is a bit chaotic..."

"Most apprentices see elements they resonate with, like ocean, flames, or forest."

Linda explained, "For example, what I saw was flowing rivers of flame, of course, I tested out of curiosity after awakening."

"Oh, those who see magical beasts are usually bloodline wizards, and they typically see magical beasts related to their bloodline."

She paused, looking at Luo De with curiosity, "But yours has everything, kind of..."

"Hmm, I'm a bit unsure. The flame element and such certainly exist, but the giant thing you mentioned in the sky..."

Linda's voice gradually grew smaller,

"I've never heard of it."

Luo De had already calmed down from his shock, his face regaining tranquility.

He smiled at Linda, quietly listening to her explanation without responding.

Such behavior from Luo De made Linda feel she was being slighted.

— He hadn't meant to ask her originally, but she answered proactively, yet couldn't explain clearly.

Luo De didn't mean it that way, but Linda still felt a bit ashamed.

"I'll go back and ask for you; perhaps the Prophet can help explain."

Linda bit her lip gently, awkwardly changing the subject, "However, your spiritual strength is quite good, the crystal test is 10.5."

Linda picked up the crystal ball, "The dot on it represents a unit of spiritual strength; you just had ten and a little more than half."

"Oh?"

Luo De asked curiously, "What kind of level is 10.5?"

"Ordinary people have 6-10 dots; below six indicates a problem, usually stupidity."

Linda explained, "If your age is suitable, this spiritual strength could actually allow you to try becoming a wizard apprentice."

"Really?"

Luo De's eyes lit up, "Then you mean I can read that meditation technique or cultivation technique you mentioned?"

"Yes, but I don't have it with me right now."

Linda thought for a moment, "After this winter, I could bring it to you; of course, I need to consult the Prophet first."

Luo De nodded with a smile.

He was now only interested in knowing what energy he should absorb.

As for the meditation technique, he would treat it as expanding his knowledge.

For now, Luo De did not plan to delve into other matters.

Having received the answer from Linda, Luo De no longer resisted absorbing the energy of the Spirit Gem.

After she left, Luo De returned to his studio and began absorbing the Spirit Gem.

However, Luo De remained cautious, absorbing only a little at a time, slowly.

Only when he confirmed there was no discomfort did he start to increase the absorption.

But as Linda mentioned, after absorbing for a while, Luo De felt a chill on his neck, his head swelling, a nauseating discomfort.

He had to stop and wait until he felt better before continuing.

Luo De took a nap.

When he woke, the sun had already set, and the distant clouds were dyed orange.

Luo De felt the world before his eyes become clearer, everything around him appearing more three-dimensional, and his gaze seemed to reach further.

The sound of the Guard's chain armor rubbing as he twisted his body, the bubbling of hot soup in the pot, and in the distance, the splashing sound of Leia the maid pouring water...

These sounds, which Luo De had never noticed before, suddenly poured into his ears.

Luo De realized that his perception had become more acute.

At this moment, even the footsteps outside the door could be distinguished in subtle differences by Luo De.

"Durant, come in!"

Before the person outside could knock, Luo De's voice sounded first.

Soon after, the wooden door opened, and Durant's figure appeared at the doorway.

"Sir, how did you know it was me?" Durant asked curiously.

Luo De smiled without explaining and asked back, "Is there something you need?"

"Routine news from the patrol team."

Durant reported, "The patrol team to the south found no abnormalities.

It seems that Count Hawk is more obedient than we imagined."

"But we cannot be complacent, continue to observe them," Luo De reminded.

"Hmm, I understand."

Durant continued to report, "Additionally, Baron Halon also sent a message that he has returned to his territory, and he has replied to your request."

"Around Chris's family, Count Hawk has also sent people to monitor, it seems our plan is going to fall through."

He spread his hands, with a hint of helplessness in his tone.

Chris cares a lot about his family, which is why Luo De has never tried to persuade him to surrender.

If possible, Luo De wanted to bring Chris's family over quietly.

That would increase the chances of winning over Chris.

Even if Chris did not become his knight, training soldiers would be very effective.

The premise is that Chris truly submits.

"It's okay, it was expected."

Luo De squinted his eyes and let out a cold snort, "Let's see whether it's my patience or Count Hawk's composure that's greater."

Durant nodded, smiling and said, "I believe in your patience."

"Alright, since you're here."

Luo De stood up, "Accompany me to practice a bit."

If indeed my perception has become keener, it should also manifest in combat.

Luo De wanted to test if there was any effect.

If there was, he would continue to absorb that Spirit Gem.

Otherwise, Luo De would use the Flame Gem.

"Alright, sir."

Luo De and Durant went together to the training ground, each taking an unopened iron sword.

Durant was already used to accompanying Luo De in practice.

He understood Luo De's sword techniques, habitually feeding him moves.

However, after only a few rounds, Durant felt somewhat surprised.

"Sir, you seem to be in a good state today?"

Durant felt that Luo De's sword techniques were smoother than before.

Luo De pointed his sword straight at Durant,

"Try your hardest without holding back."

"Alright."

Durant nodded, and began to attack Luo De without holding back, his single-handed sword striking like a flexible snake.

Durant's swordsmanship was inclined towards agile and fast attacks.

Primarily because of his rich combat experience, his moves were precise and sharp, often quickly catching the opponent's flaws.

Yet today, the more he fought, the more astonished he became because Luo De's swordsmanship seemed to be in sync with his!

Luo De could always anticipate his flaws, continuously repairing his own weaknesses, and blocking Durant's sword techniques in advance!

Durant couldn't help but frown, fully concentrating his attacks towards Luo De!

"Clang! Clang!"

The iron swords clashed, sparks flying.

Durant thrust a sword towards Luo De's left shoulder, but it was deflected by his sidestep.

Before he could change his move, Luo De's sword was already across his chest, forcing him to take a step back!

The next moment, Luo De once again predicted in advance, his sword edge turning to block Durant's retreat, stopping right at Durant's neck!

Both their movements froze in an instant, then Luo De withdrew his sword, and the two parted.

"This..."

Durant was momentarily speechless with shock.

This kind of prediction is not something that can be learned through Breathing Techniques.

This requires the intuition of a swordsman, gained only through constant combat training.

Beyond that, it can only rely on astonishing talent!

Luo De placed the sword back on the rack, smiling as he turned to ask,

"How was it?"

"Sir, I don't know how to comment on it."

Durant exhaled a long breath,

"All I can say is, I'm no longer a match for you."

Durant wasn't exaggerating.

He prided himself that in terms of sheer strength, he was not a match for Luo De.

His advantage lay in his agile sword techniques, but today even those had not gained an upper hand.

If Luo De were to use a heavy sword in wide, sweeping combat, Durant understood he would stand no chance of winning.

Durant exhaled a long breath, feeling a bit desolate.

It seemed he would have to put all his main energy into training soldiers, striving to do his best as an outstanding instructor.

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