The blast Mo Han unleashed was a Level 7 Light magic, the Drumbeat of Light, which significantly enhanced the strength and speed of anyone within its aura.

Mo Han thought to himself, Surely this isn't something a mere priest like you can cast. He instantly saw Vic’s face turn deathly pale, cold sweat pouring down his brow, because Level 7 Light magic was reserved only for Bishops or, higher still, Archbishops; no one else possessed the ability.

One had to remember that the upper echelon of the Church of Light consisted only of the Pope,

the Saintess, the Six Grand Bishops, and the Twelve Bishops. Vic suddenly sank to his knees, saying, "I was unaware of the Bishop's presence. Vic offers his deepest apologies for any offense caused just now, I beg the Bishop's forgiveness."

The priests and warriors beside him were stunned by Vic’s words, quickly following suit and kneeling in a mass, forming a carpet of suppliants. Only the fat man and his few remaining subordinates stood frozen, speechless. They hadn't realized they had provoked a Bishop. If Mo Han reported their actions to their empire, their noble titles would surely be forfeit, and they might even lose their heads; the Empire would never risk offending the Church of Light for the sake of a mere Viscount.

The thought made Luther tremble violently.

Mo Han was startled too. He had only intended to frighten them a little, but who knew this was a technique only a Bishop could use? This was truly troublesome, and he needed to figure out how to explain this to the Church of Light later—a genuine headache.

Seeing Mo Han remain silent, Vic, still on the ground, looked up. He saw Mo Han frowning and assumed the Bishop was still angry.

He rushed to explain, "It was I, this humble servant, who was misled by Luther, which led to offending the esteemed Bishop. I beg your grace to forgive my unintentional mistake."

Hearing Vic speak, Mo Han snapped back to attention and said, "All of you, rise."

Vic hurriedly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, my Lord Bishop."

The anxiety that had gripped Vic finally loosened its hold.

Mo Han thought to himself: Forget it, stop overthinking. If the Church of Light questions me, I’ll just find some convenient excuse.

At that moment, Viscount Luther also suddenly dropped to his knees, crawling toward Mo Han and wailing, "My Lord Bishop, I truly did not know such a venerable personage was visiting! I have eyes but failed to see the mountain. I beg you, spare this worthless life of mine!"

Mo Han was taken aback by the words tumbling out of Luther, finding himself unable to laugh or cry.

He reached out, took the crystal card from Daili, and handed it to Luther, then smiled broadly and said, "You should know what to do now, shouldn't you? I'll be looking at your sincerity."

His expression was exactly that of the Big Bad Wolf.

Luther, still kneeling, quickly replied, "I know, I know."

He took Mo Han's crystal card, gritted his teeth, tapped a few times, and handed it back to Mo Han, saying, "My Lord, this is everything this humble servant possesses. I only hope you will show mercy. I am eternally grateful."

Mo Han took it and was startled. Good heavens, one hundred thousand gold coins! This fat man wasn't just ordinarily wealthy.

Mo Han had initially thought taking another ten thousand would suffice, but this Luther, desperate to save his life, had truly handed over his entire fortune. Heh, since it was delivered right to his doorstep, there was no reason to refuse, especially since this fellow’s money was clearly ill-gotten gains, Mo Han mused inwardly.

Though ecstatic inside, his expression remained placid. "Hmm, not bad. Your sincerity is sufficient. I will not pursue your past actions. You may leave."

The fat man quickly offered thanks, "Thank you, My Lord Bishop."

With that, he gathered his few subordinates and slunk away ignominiously.

Vic and the other members of the Church of Light nearby were dumbfounded. While they were aware of the high-ranking officials in the Church having a penchant for accepting bribes, they had never witnessed anyone so openly extorting wealth as Mo Han just had.

"Now it’s your turn to show sincerity," Mo Han said to Vic. Vic immediately replied with a pained expression, "My Lord Bishop, surely you understand that we don't have much money."

Mo Han sighed deliberately. "Oh? Then I suppose I'll have to report your conduct today to my superiors. Hopefully, the Saintess will show you some understanding. Alas, I have no choice."

Mo Han didn't believe for a second that Vic had no money. You’d have to be crazy to think he’s poor. Looking at you, you’ve clearly skimmed quite a bit, he thought.

Hearing Mo Han's words, Vic’s teeth ground together with suppressed fury, but he dared not show it, forcing a smile instead. "I shall do my utmost, my Lord."

He took Mo Han's crystal card, pressed the buttons with a wince, and said grimly, "This is all that your subordinate possesses."

Mo Han examined the card and saw 10,000 gold coins. He thought to himself, Only a fool would believe that, but he knew the wisdom of quitting while ahead. He said coolly, "Hmm, satisfactory. You may go. Next time, don't be so rash, or I won't let you off so easily."

Vic had been praying for these very words. He quickly exclaimed, feigning gratitude, "Thank you, my Lord!"

After speaking, he hurriedly led his subordinates away.

Once Vic and his group were completely gone, everyone burst into hearty laughter.

Anna said, chuckling, "Brother Mo Han, you are so wicked! You tricked those scoundrels into believing you."

Daili also smiled and scolded, "You, you only know how to stir up trouble."

Mo Han laughed, "Goodness, you should be thanking me! Isn't it wonderful that someone else is covering all our travel expenses?" This sent everyone into another round of laughter, and even the usually reserved Yun Xiang began to smile.

Mo Han said, "Alright, let’s head back and get a good night’s sleep. We leave early tomorrow morning. Yun Xiang, you should stay with Daili and the others."

Yun Xiang nodded in agreement, "En, I understand, Big Brother."

Everyone agreed, and they returned to the inn to rest.

The next morning, Mo Han and his party departed from Skywatch City, heading toward the Duchy of Kaea.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Church of Light in the Holy Capital, the Saintess Shui Ling'er sat in her chamber, examining the intelligence report just received from Skywatch City. A faint smile touched her exquisitely beautiful lips. Shui Ling'er murmured, "Heh heh, Viscount Luther, Priest Vic, a Bishop, and Chris's challenge… this truly is an interesting person. His actions are all so unique. But why would he know our Church of Light's Level 7 magic, the Drumbeat of Light? It seems I must meet this strange priest myself."

Just then, a maid’s voice sounded from the doorway: "Reporting to the Saintess, Grand Bishop Rall requests an audience."

Shui Ling'er replied, "Oh, let him enter." Then, she turned and raised her veil.

When Rall entered, he bowed respectfully, "Greetings to Your Holiness, the Saintess."

Shui Ling'er said, "Grand Bishop, please rise. What is the matter?" Rall replied, "It concerns that young priest we encountered in Kate City previously, the one named Mo Han."

Shui Ling'er asked, unhurriedly, "Oh? What about him?" Rall said excitedly, "This man dared to impersonate a Bishop of our Church, running scams everywhere! Just a few days ago, he even went to Priest Vic in Skywatch City and swindled the Church out of 10,000 gold coins. This is completely outrageous! I request the Saintess's approval to apprehend this lawless swindler and bring him back to headquarters for severe punishment."

Shui Ling’er responded, "Oh, Priest Vic of Skywatch City is your disciple, is he not, Grand Bishop?" Rall replied, "He is indeed my unworthy disciple."

Shui Ling'er said lightly, "I have long heard reports that Vic has been acting tyrannically in Skywatch City, preying on the common folk and using the Church’s name to amass wealth for himself. I wonder, Grand Bishop, have you heard these reports? Furthermore, Skywatch City’s entire annual budget is only 10,000 gold coins. I truly wonder how Vic managed to acquire so much money? I find it quite peculiar."

Rall, sweating profusely, hesitated, "This…"

In truth, a large portion of Vic’s money was tribute meant for him. Otherwise, given Vic's competence, he would have been overthrown long ago in Skywatch City. Rall had always concealed things well, believing no one knew, but it seemed the Saintess's private intelligence network exceeded his expectations, Rall thought to himself.

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