A torrent of Light elemental energy surged toward Mo Han, his figure entirely enveloped in a blinding white luminescence.

Everyone witnessing this spectacle was astonished; Handerson’s jaw literally dropped. Even the monster noticed Mo Han. Instead of attacking, it simply stood still, fixing its gaze upon the light-shrouded figure with distinct curiosity.

Before long, Mo Han ceased his chanting. He uttered, “Holy Light Illumination,” and a dazzling expanse of white light erupted from him, rapidly spreading to cover the entire battlefield. The injured individuals struck by the light instantly stopped their groans, and soon after, the dark miasma clinging to the wounded began to dissipate under the brilliance, vanishing entirely.

Most of the survivors could now manage to move, quickly withdrawing from the monster's immediate sphere of influence. Even the more seriously injured were pulled away from the creature by their comrades.

The monster made no move to stop their retreat, allowing them to depart freely. At this moment, Handerson, supporting an injured comrade, approached Mo Han. He executed a deep bow before speaking with sincere gratitude, “Thank you, young brother, for your timely aid. Handerson was blind before; I pray you take no offense. All of us from Iron Blood owe you our lives. Should you ever require assistance in the future, simply ask, and I, Handerson, will ensure it is done.”

Mo Han quickly interjected with a warm smile, “Heh, you shouldn’t blame yourself for that. It was hardly any trouble, and I never expected repayment.”

Hearing Mo Han’s response, Handerson’s respect deepened. “Young brother, though you are so young, your mastery of the Light element is formidable, and yet you remain so humble. I am utterly impressed, to the point of prostration. I consider you my friend from this moment on. In the future, if you have any request, state it clearly, and I, Handerson, will carry it out. To refuse would be to slight me.”

When Handerson pressed the matter so earnestly, Mo Han felt further demurral would seem disingenuous. He could only laugh and agree, “Very well, I am also delighted to count you as a friend. I will certainly seek you out if any trouble arises.”

The two men burst into hearty laughter. It was then that the panda-like monster seemed displeased at being ignored, letting out a low, rumbling growl. Handerson immediately tensed upon hearing the sound; the monster’s previous devastating strike still left him deeply unsettled.

Handerson instantly grabbed Mo Han with one hand and another team member with the other, preparing for a swift departure. Mo Han gently pulled his hand free, smiling. “It’s alright, I’ll go take a look. You all leave first.”

Handerson grew anxious, hurriedly pleading, “Young brother, that beast’s power likely rivals that of a Sacred Beast. Although your Light cultivation is high, you might still be no match for it. Please, do not take such a risk.”

Mo Han responded with heartfelt appreciation, “Thank you for your concern, but I have a feeling this monster means me no harm. I will just approach cautiously. If anything truly untoward happens, I possess the ability to protect myself. Please rest assured.”

Seeing Mo Han’s firm resolve, Handerson couldn’t argue further. He handed the injured team member over to someone nearby and said, “If that is your decision, then I will accompany you. I still owe you a significant debt, after all.”

Mo Han felt genuinely moved by Handerson’s words. Handerson, fully aware of the potential danger, was still willing to venture in with him—such genuine loyalty was rare. Mo Han said emotionally, “Brother Handerson, thank you for your concern, but having more people approach might actually provoke hostility from the beast. It is better if I go alone.” With that, Mo Han began walking toward the monster.

Hearing this, Handerson dared not follow, fearing he might endanger Mo Han. He could only wait where he stood, ready to rush in for aid should Mo Han find himself in trouble.

In the valley below, as Mo Han boldly drew near the monster, everyone held their breath, worried for him. After all, Mo Han had just saved the lives of the majority present, and most mercenaries possessed the inherent code of honor to repay a life debt.

Dely and her companions were even more tense, their palms slick with cold sweat—Dely, Anna, and Yun Xiang alike. Mo Han slowly approached the creature, murmuring softly, “I know you can understand me, can’t you? I mean no ill will, so please relax. I just want to have a short conversation with you.”

He finished, a gentle smile on his face, and slowly raised both hands to demonstrate his sincerity. The monster gave no outward sign of acceptance, yet it did not attack either, merely staring intently at Mo Han. Mo Han had now advanced to within three meters of the creature, dangerously close to the boundary of its protective aura.

For some unknown reason, looking at the panda-like beast stirred a profound sense of familiarity and closeness in Mo Han’s heart—perhaps it was the first sight of a creature so familiar from his previous world. Unbidden, memories surfaced: his parents taking him to the park to see pandas when he was a child. The thought brought a sudden sting of emotion, and Mo Han’s eyes grew red-rimmed. He spoke gently to the beast, “You must be lonely too, aren’t you? So am I. I understand how you feel.”

Hearing Mo Han’s words, the hostility in the creature’s eyes instantly vanished. It merely let out a soft, whimpering sound toward him. Mo Han continued, “I wanted to ask if your name is Panda, because you look so much like the pandas from my memories, they make me feel so close to you.”

Mo Han had only asked casually, never expecting the monster to comprehend. To his utter shock, the beast demonstrated clear sentience by nodding its head. The monster then retracted its protective barrier, allowing Mo Han to approach. It now showed absolutely no vigilance or hostility toward him, continuing only to make soft, low noises.

Mo Han, finding it hard to believe the beast had actually nodded, asked with joyful disbelief, “Is your name really Panda?” The creature nodded again, accompanying the gesture with another soft sound. Mo Han was genuinely overcome, his voice trembling as he asked, “Then do you know Earth? The one in the solar system?”

After posing the question, Mo Han felt his heart threatening to leap from his chest. At that moment, the panda nodded once more. Upon hearing Mo Han’s query, it became even more affectionate, rushing forward to rub its head against Mo Han’s leg. Seeing the panda’s response, Mo Han felt tears streaming down his face.

Mo Han immediately embraced the panda tenderly, laughing and weeping with joy. Indeed, a feeling like this was perhaps incomprehensible to anyone else. To encounter something so familiar in a strange, alien world—that sensation defied description. The people in the valley, initially relieved when the panda dropped its barrier, grew alarmed when it suddenly rushed toward Mo Han. Everyone watched in confusion as Mo Han hugged the creature, crying and laughing hysterically, wondering if Mo Han had been afflicted by some enchantment. Dely and Anna were already bracing themselves to rush forward.