Du Yi jumped up hysterically, shouting, "Kid, you’re not going to take it by force?"

Mo Han, hearing this, said faintly to Guang Huo amidst the light: "Oh, Elder, what he means is that neither you nor the Church are worth these gold coins. In that case, for the sake of your own reputation and the Church's honor, if you still act now, no one can say you were bullying the weak."

Guang Huo’s face immediately darkened upon hearing Mo Han’s words.

He snorted and was about to strike.

Du Yi quickly cried out, "Wait, give us a moment to discuss this."

He then turned to Chris and snapped, "You caused this mess, so you should naturally be the one to compensate us."

Everyone who heard Du Yi nodded in agreement.

Chris bellowed, "What? I have to pay it all myself?"

Hearing Chris, Du Yi asked with a cold face, "You have an objection? Isn't your massive B-rank mercenary group rich?" Chris said, on the verge of tears, "I truly don't have that much money. My entire fortune amounts to only 90,000 gold coins. And that’s what our team sweated blood and risked our lives to earn from missions over the past two years."

Hearing Chris, Du Yi hesitated; indeed, asking him to cover such a massive sum alone was putting him in a terrible spot.

Then Du Yi gritted his teeth and said, "Fine. In that case, you pay 90,000, and the rest of us will chip in to help you make up the difference. You can pay us back slowly later—your life is far more important than money."

Du Yi then addressed the rest of the group, "That old man claims this is just a lesson, but who doesn't know his true capabilities? If he makes a move, none of us will survive."

Hearing Du Yi, the others no longer hesitated and began pulling out their money.

The most pitiable of all was Chris, who not only lost all his savings but was now saddled with a mountain of debt. He felt like dying right then and there. Why did I have to run into Mo Han? Chris thought mournfully. First, he was humiliated by him; then, his attempt at revenge failed, costing him men and material; and now today, he was ruined financially and still owed a huge sum for the future. He had no idea how he would face the members of his own squad.

After everyone pooled their resources, Du Yi approached Guang Huo and spoke, "Venerable Elder, we managed to gather a total of 140,000 gold coins. We truly have no more available. We hope the Elder can show leniency and forgive our unintentional offense."

Guang Huo said nothing, merely turning his gaze toward Mo Han.

The meaning was perfectly clear: Mo Han had the final say. Cold sweat immediately beaded on Du Yi’s forehead. Everyone knew Mo Han’s temperament; it was precisely because he seemed hard to talk to that Du Yi had sought out Guang Huo to intercede. If Mo Han refused, Du Yi thought grimly, even if they couldn’t defeat Guang Huo, they’d have no choice but to fight to the death.

Unexpectedly, Mo Han smiled at him and said, "Actually, I am a very reasonable person. And our Elder Guang Huo is also a man of profound compassion."

Mo Han didn't forget to slip in a flattering remark, which indeed delighted Guang Huo, whose eyes nearly crinkled shut with pleasure.

Mo Han then declared generously, "How about this: 140,000 it is, then. This way, you can’t accuse us of the Church of Light bullying people and being unreasonable."

Du Yi nearly stumbled upon hearing this. You call this not bullying? Then what are we—just innocent citizens? he thought bitterly. Still, he plastered a smile on his face and addressed Mo Han, "Then we thank you very much, Mister Priest." But a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Kid, I don't believe this old man can stay by your side every single day. Du Yi thought viciously, yet his expression did not escape Mo Han's notice.

Mo Han then turned to Guang Huo with a pitiful expression, "Elder, they are very respectful while you are here. If you weren't around, I’d be doomed. They would surely tear me limb from limb."

Guang Huo became furious upon hearing this, "They dare?" He already held a very high opinion of Mo Han and certainly did not want him harmed. He immediately turned to Du Yi and the others and roared, "Listen to me: if anything happens to my young brother here, even if a single hair is lost, none of you will leave here alive!"

Du Yi cursed Mo Han’s cunning internally, realizing the youth had foreseen all his plans. He could only reply respectfully, "How could that be, Elder? Please rest assured."

A swordsman in Du Yi’s group spoke up, "What if it wasn't us who harmed the Priest? What if someone else injured him?" Guang Huo’s voice thundered without reason, "That’s still your fault!"

Hearing Guang Huo’s decree, Du Yi’s group turned pale, inwardly lamenting their misfortune. If this kid accidentally fell tomorrow, or decided on a whim to pull out one of his own hairs, would they still have to pay with their lives? Yet, they dared not voice any objection.

Listening to Guang Huo’s unreasonable declaration, Mo Han inwardly marveled, Now this is true power. He had initially thought the Saintess represented the pinnacle of the Church of Light's authority, but meeting Guang Huo made him realize the Saintess was but a small calf compared to this great bull. However, Mo Han was deeply moved by Guang Huo's concern for him. For a mere acquaintance to show such care—this Guang Huo was truly a good person, Mo Han reflected.

Du Yi cautiously addressed Guang Huo, "Senior, we shall take our leave now."

Guang Huo said arrogantly, "Hmph. Scram. And remember what I said."

Hearing Guang Huo's words, Du Yi’s group felt like they had received a general amnesty, hastily retreating.

Mo Han, holding the compensation crystal card from Du Yi’s group, handed it to Guang Huo, "Elder, here is their compensation money. Please keep it safe." Internally, however, he wished, Keep some for me. I contributed a lot of lip service. Even if I didn't contribute effort, I certainly exerted energy. And if not energy, then certainly exhaustion.

To Mo Han’s surprise, Guang Huo generously stated, "No need. I don't need the money. Furthermore, you endured their bullying for the sake of the Church and my reputation. You should keep this money yourself—consider it compensation for your... losses?"

Mo Han quickly responded, "Spiritual compensation, Elder!"

Guang Huo burst into laughter, "Ah, yes, spiritual compensation it is! Hahaha, good kid, you are quite entertaining. By the way, what is your name?"

Mo Han quickly adopted a look of gratitude and respectfully replied, "Thank you for your care, Elder. I am deeply indebted. My name is Mo Han." But inside, he was ecstatic—150,000 gold coins! He could wake up laughing from dreams of this amount.

Guang Huo then said, "Mo Han, is it? You have a great affinity with this old man. It’s a pity your strength is a bit low. How about this: I’ll write you a letter. Take it to the Holy Capital and find that girl Shui Ling’er. She will certainly be willing to teach you, and then you won't have to be bullied anymore."

Mo Han looked confused, "Shui Ling'er? Who is that?"

Guang Huo explained, "Oh, that’s your Saintess. Forgive me; you're just a junior priest, so you wouldn't know the Saintess's name. Unfortunately, I have urgent and rather dangerous business to attend to and cannot escort you to the Holy Capital myself. You must be careful on your journey."

Hearing Guang Huo's concerned tone, Mo Han was deeply touched, feeling a pang of guilt for exploiting such an enthusiastic old man. Mo Han also sincerely said to Guang Huo, "Then Senior, you must take great care of yourself."

Guang Huo laughed heartily, "Hahaha, kid, there are few in this world who can harm this old man, so don't worry. Since you’ve shown such concern for me, I’ll give you one more thing. You must keep it safe."

He leaped toward