Mo Han was seething inside. If it weren't for his Master's explicit instruction to take good care of the Murong family's descendant, he wouldn't bother dealing with this scum. He would have long since taught him a lesson. But recalling his Master's earnest expression when giving the order, he had no choice but to swallow his fury, as Mo Xiuyi was perhaps the person he respected most in this world.

Murong Feiying's face shifted dramatically upon hearing Mo Han dare call him trash, and he roared back, "You mere commoner dare insult an Earl of the Empire? I see you have no desire to live."

He raised his weapon, just about to strike.

Mo Han watched him coldly, unhurried, merely sneering inwardly. You brought this upon yourself; don't blame me, he thought, preparing to teach this arrogant fellow a necessary lesson.

Just then, a powerful roar thundered from within the city: "Beast, haven't you embarrassed us enough? Stop right there!" As the voice faded, several generals on warhorses emerged from the city gates. Leading them was an old man about fifty years of age, with a stern, square face, thick brows, and large eyes, emanating an aura of authority only possessed by those long accustomed to high office.

Seeing the newcomer, Murong Feiying was overjoyed. "Father, you’ve arrived just in time! This commoner dared to insult our Murong family. You must see justice done for your son!"

The moment Mo Han heard Murong Feiying speak, he guessed the man’s identity: it was none other than Murong Tian, the patriarch of the Murong family, who currently held the highest civil office.

Upon hearing his son's words, Murong Tian erupted in anger, cursing, "Silence! Do you think I don't know the good deeds you've been pulling outside? You're always the one provoking others; it’s never the other way around! Hurry up and get back home—stop shaming me here!"

Seeing Murong Tian’s fury, Mo Han thought to himself, This Murong Tian truly understands his son.

Murong Feiying’s face fell as he saw his father ignite. He reluctantly turned to leave with a look of deep dissatisfaction. Mo Han quickly interjected, "Wait, you haven't apologized to this gentleman yet. Can you just leave after assaulting someone?"

Murong Tian turned to Murong Feiying and roared, "Is what this young brother says true?"

Hearing his father’s question, Murong Feiying couldn't help but retort, "He blocked my procession, and I wasn't the one who hit him! Even if I did, he’s just a commoner..." Murong Feiying trailed off as he saw Murong Tian’s expression worsen, wisely biting off the rest of his words.

Murong Tian was truly disappointed by his son’s sophistry, shaking his head repeatedly. He couldn't believe Murong Feiying was still like this, making no progress. He truly wondered how he could have fathered such a son.

Murong Tian spoke coldly to Murong Feiying, "Whether you struck him or not, the incident started because of you. You must take responsibility. A man of the Murong family must dare to act and dare to own up to it. Go and apologize to that gentleman immediately."

Seeing this, Murong Feiying reluctantly walked over to the middle-aged man who had been struck and mumbled, "I am sorry; I was wrong just now."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away. Murong Tian watched him go, shaking his head in resignation. He dismounted his horse and approached the middle-aged man, surprisingly bowing slightly. He spoke, "It is Murong Tian’s failure in raising my son that led my boy to offend this gentleman. Murong Tian is deeply ashamed."

The man was deeply moved to see a Duke of the Empire apologizing to him so humbly. He quickly said, "General Murong, you must not speak that way. You have dedicated your entire life to the peace and security of the nation and have always been a man of respect. Furthermore, the fault does not lie with you. Your actions demean this commoner."

Murong Tian shook his head. "The fault is ultimately my son's; Murong Tian cannot evade responsibility." With that, he pulled a pouch of gold coins from his pocket and offered it to the man. "This is a small token of Murong Tian's regard. Though it represents little, I hope this gentleman will accept it."

The middle-aged man repeatedly waved his hands. "This is merely a surface wound; it is nothing. I appreciate General Murong's kindness, but I absolutely cannot accept this money."

Murong Tian insisted, "Murong Tian said this is only a small gesture. Compared to the harm my son caused you, this is truly insignificant. I implore you, sir, please do not refuse."

Seeing Murong Tian’s steadfastness, the middle-aged man finally accepted the pouch with a touch of emotion, murmuring his thanks repeatedly.

The onlookers, witnessing a Duke as gracious and polite as Murong Tian, treating a commoner with not an ounce of contempt, began praising his conduct aloud.

Mo Han was also greatly impressed by Murong Tian, changing his initial impression. He thought, Regardless of Murong Tian’s true character, his actions today command respect. For an Imperial Duke to act this way is truly rare. No wonder the Murong family has consistently held the top position among the Empire's Four Great Families.

Murong Tian then approached Mo Han, smiling faintly. "May I ask this young brother’s honorable name? To see such chivalry in one so young is truly rare. It is Murong Tian’s honor to make your acquaintance. I hope you will visit the Murong estate when you have time; you will be most welcome."

Mo Han quickly bowed. "I dare not presume. I am Chen Mo Han. I am deeply impressed by General Murong's upright and selfless conduct. I will certainly pay a visit to your estate if I have the opportunity."

Murong Tian looked pleased. "Then Murong Tian shall await your esteemed arrival at the estate. I have pressing matters now, so I bid you farewell." He bowed slightly to Mo Han and his companions, who returned the gesture. Murong Tian then studied Mo Han deeply one last time, feeling that this young practitioner named Mo Han possessed a depth that was not easily fathomed, almost unfathomable. However, he did not dwell on it, offered Mo Han a final smile, mounted his horse, and departed.

Once Murong Tian was gone, Daili remarked, "Murong Tian is truly exceptional. A Duke who is so humble—it’s no wonder the Tianlong Empire remains the foremost of the Five Great Empires."

Anna and the others nodded in agreement with Daili. Mo Han chuckled, "Heh, regardless of his true nature, his actions today have certainly earned admiration. Let’s go. We should find somewhere to settle in first before anything else."

As they passed the soldier captain, Mo Han smiled at him. The captain returned the smile in kind.

Leaping to...