Mo Han bristled at the Saintess's words, his anger flaring as he boomed, "Damn it, you think I want to be a priest in your Church? With a church like yours, I wouldn't join even if you begged me! You accuse me of causing trouble, but where exactly has your Church's reputation been damaged? Haven't I actually helped spread your name?"

Mo Han pressed on, "And don't even get me started on that Priest Vic. Just thinking about him boils my blood. The moment I saw that bastard, I knew he was the type to rely on the Holy Church’s name to oppress the common folk everywhere. That kind of lowlife being a priest—it just shows that you higher-ups tolerate this garbage. As the saying goes, if the beam is crooked, the house will lean."

"Your actions set the example. You prattle on about being saviors, but tell me, what have you truly done for the common people of this world? You only treat them when they pay; if someone has no money, would you, the priests, still offer your services? And you always carry yourselves as if you're above everyone else, superior beings. I can tell you this: no one is born superior. There are only self-important fools like you."

Mo Han finished his tirade feeling utterly exhilarated; he’d wanted to vent at them for ages.

He looked over at the Saintess and saw her trembling with rage. Shui Ling'er was furious; no one had ever dared speak to her this way—not even the Pope. Yet, this infuriating man had dared utter such things. True, Mo Han's words were extreme; the Church of Light was certainly arrogant, but perhaps not as utterly corrupt as he claimed. Every organization had its black sheep, like Vic. There were priests in the Church who regularly treated the poor for free, which was the only reason the Church of Light maintained such high esteem across the continent.

Shui Ling’er’s voice turned icy. "Today, I will teach this arrogant fool a lesson."

As soon as the words left her lips, Mo Han felt the surrounding light elements surge violently. Damn, this girl is serious! he thought with a bitter smile, quickly preparing his magic to defend himself.

Just then, a sound like a string of silver bells cut through the air, followed by a melodious female voice. "Heh heh, well said! That was wonderfully put. I always enjoy hearing someone curse these running dogs of the God of Light, who only know how to bully others under the guise of authority."

Mo Han followed the sound and saw a dozen figures slowly emerging from the woods. Leading them was a woman clad entirely in black, wearing a black mask, with several black roses embroidered on the breast of her robe. The others behind her were all masked with simple veils.

Mo Han thought internally, Great, a masquerade ball; everyone’s dressed up.

Shui Ling’er gasped upon seeing the assembled group. "The Church of Darkness. The Dark Saintess."

The Dark Saintess at the center addressed Shui Ling’er. "Saintess, long time no see. How have you been? Oh dear, why are you alone today? Where are your Knights of Judgment? So irresponsible. Nights are so unsafe. For your safety, it seems little sister will have to ask you to come visit my place for a while."

Shui Ling’er replied coolly, "I won't trouble the Church of Darkness with such concerns. You only dare show yourselves when I am alone. If you wish to invite me to your domain, I wonder if you possess the ability to do so."

She then moved to Mo Han’s side and whispered softly, "When we start fighting, you run first, do you understand? They are from the Church of Darkness; they certainly won't let you live to reveal their whereabouts." Shui Ling’er couldn't fathom why she cared about a man who had dared to insult and enrage her. She had kept her movements secret from her guards just so she could speak to Mo Han alone, never imagining the Church of Darkness would intercept them.

The Dark Saintess heard this but did not grow angry; instead, she smiled. "Just you alone? Do you think you have a chance of winning? Saintess, you should comply quietly and avoid unnecessary suffering." She then gestured to her subordinates. "Go and invite the Saintess over."

At that moment, Mo Han called out, "Wait." Damn, they’re treating me like I’m air, he thought.

Shui Ling’er looked at him curiously as well.

The Dark Saintess spoke up. "Sir Priest, you may leave. Since you are an enemy of the Church of Light, you are naturally our friend. We will not trouble you."

Mo Han chuckled lightly. "May I ask how you plan to deal with the Saintess of Light?"

The Dark Saintess replied, "That is none of your concern. Hurry up and leave before I change my mind."

Mo Han laughed again. "Who said I’m leaving? While I have no fondness for the Church of Light, that doesn't mean I have a fondness for people who hide their faces."

The Dark Saintess let out a delighted cackle. "You couldn't possibly have fallen for the Saintess’s beauty, could you? Being a hero isn't easy work, you know. You were given a chance and you refused it, so don't blame us later."

Mo Han returned the smile. "Even if I did fancy the Saintess, it's not your business to worry about. How about I give you a chance instead? Leave before I make my move. How about that?" Hearing Mo Han’s words, Shui Ling’er’s face flushed slightly, and she snorted.

The Dark Saintess seemed to smile even more radiantly at Mo Han’s retort. "You truly are an interesting person. How about this: if you help me capture the Saintess, I will allow you to pursue me. How does that sound?" Mo Han responded with a sly grin. "You’re veiled; how can I see you? If it turns out you could be my grandmother, I’d suffer a great loss. Why don’t you show me your face first, then I'll consider helping you." He finished with a lecherous expression.

Shui Ling’er, standing beside him, couldn't help but mutter, "Shameless."

Mo Han turned his head and smiled back, correcting her. "Toothless? No, I have very good teeth; I can eat anything well. Believe me, look!" He flashed a set of strikingly white teeth at Shui Ling’er, who immediately turned bright red and fell silent with a huff.

At this point, the Dark Saintess interjected, "You two don't need to flirt here. We can discuss these matters later in the cells."

With a wave of her hand, three figures emanating greenish fighting spirit rapidly closed in on Mo Han and Shui Ling’er. Just as Mo Han was about to warn Shui Ling’er to be careful, he noticed she wasn't panicked at all, but was calmly watching the three approaching figures. Mo Han felt a surge of curiosity—could she know martial arts? When the three figures were about five meters away from Shui Ling’er, a burst of white light suddenly flashed. The three collided simultaneously with an invisible barrier of light and were violently thrown backward. They landed some distance away, apparently injured. A faint, shimmering white barrier had materialized in front of Mo Han and Shui Ling’er.

The Dark Saintess seemed genuinely surprised. "Holy Light Barrier! I didn't realize you had mastered the Church of Light’s ultimate defensive magic—the Level Ten Holy Light Barrier."

Mo Han realized: Shui Ling’er must have secretly erected the Holy Light Barrier while he was distracting the Dark Saintess with conversation. That explained why she hadn't reacted to the three Swordsmen's charge.