Murong Tian nodded with a smile upon hearing this. "That's enough formality with me. Come, let me introduce you to a rising young hero."

He then gestured toward Mo Han standing beside him and spoke kindly, "This is Envoy Mo Han, who is currently on a diplomatic mission to the Beast Clan, and also a great benefactor to our Murong family. He is truly an extraordinary person. In the future, if this young brother here needs any assistance, you must do your utmost to help him, and learn from him as well. Do you understand?" Upon hearing Murong Tian’s introduction, Ming Yan was startled, not by Mo Han’s status as an envoy, but by the sheer admiration and respect evident in Murong Tian’s tone.

This was completely unprecedented in his experience, clearly demonstrating how highly Murong Tian valued Mo Han. Realizing this, Ming Yan quickly bowed to Mo Han, saying, "Greetings, Envoy Sir."

Mo Han quickly intervened. "Heh heh, we are both young men. Let's drop the 'envoy' title. Just call me Brother Mo Han; it sounds awkward otherwise."

Ming Yan paused at Mo Han’s words, but seeing that Murong Tian offered no objection, his favorable impression of Mo Han grew significantly. He replied, "Since you say so, then I shall humbly obey. From now on, I will call you Brother Mo Han."

Mo Han chuckled in response. "That's more like it. All right, let's not stand here; let’s head inside first."

Murong Tian immediately nodded and said to Ming Yan, "Let’s return to the City Lord’s Mansion first."

Ming Yan readily agreed, turned, and led the way into the city for Murong Tian and Mo Han.

Upon entering the City Lord’s Mansion, rooms had already been prepared for Murong Tian and Mo Han. Murong Tian turned to Mo Han and said, "Little brother, please rest here for a while. Traveling these past few days must have been tiring. I need to go inspect the troops. I will come back tonight to chat with you."

Mo Han quickly nodded in agreement, signaling that Murong Tian should prioritize his important duties over attending to him. Mo Han and Xiao Mo remained in their room to rest.

Truthfully, Mo Han felt no fatigue. After lying down for a while with no sleep coming, he finally got up, set up a protective barrier around himself, and instructed Xiao Mo to guard him while he began to meditate to enhance his strength.

Mo Han had initially intended to resume his research into the magic-martial fusion techniques he had been half-studying previously. However, he feared getting engrossed and losing another five days, which would derail his mission, so he gave up that idea. Instead, he focused on quiet meditation to improve his magical cultivation.

When Mo Han awoke from his meditation, he realized that time had slipped by and it was already evening. He dismantled his barrier and approached the doorway.

Several guards from the Raging Dragon Elite Guard were now standing watch. Upon seeing Mo Han emerge, a small captain—one of the soldiers Mo Han recognized—saluted him and spoke, "Mr. Mo Han, we hope we haven't disturbed your rest. The General saw you meditating this afternoon and dared not interrupt. He ordered us to remain here at your service at all times. The General is waiting for you in the main hall. He specifically instructed that you should come directly to the hall upon waking."

Mo Han smiled and expressed his thanks, feeling a warmth from Murong Tian’s thoughtfulness.

When Mo Han arrived at the main hall, he found Murong Tian already seated and chatting with Ming Yan, the commander he had met earlier that day. Hearing Mo Han enter, both men immediately rose to greet him.

Murong Tian spoke with a smile. "Little brother, you must be rested and hungry. The meal has been prepared and we were waiting only for you. Please, come this way."

Mo Han spoke apologetically. "I am truly sorry, General. I didn't realize my meditation would take this long. I apologize for making you wait."

Murong Tian quickly shook his head with a smile. "Heh heh, we haven't waited long. We were just catching up with Ming Yan here and reviewing a few matters. Come, let's eat first. Afterward, we can discuss the details of your journey and get an update on the latest situation with the Beast Clan. We must ensure your safety."

Ming Yan added, "Brother Mo Han, please rest assured. The General has already dispatched all the city's scouts to gather the most current intelligence on the Beast Clan. News should be back soon."

Mo Han was touched by Murong Tian’s actions. For Murong Tian, busy with military inspections, to still consider his safety and make arrangements for him was truly rare. Considering this, Mo Han decided against false modesty and followed Murong Tian and Ming Yan directly.

They proceeded to the dining hall located in the side wing. As soon as Mo Han was seated, Murong Tian spoke first. "Come, Brother Mo Han, let me toast you first. I wish you success in completing this vital mission soon. I will certainly be waiting here for your good news."

Mo Han quickly responded, "Heh heh, thank you for your kind wishes, General. With General Murong’s support, I am confident I can accomplish my task." Ming Yan also offered his well wishes for Mo Han’s success during the meal.

Midway through the banquet, Murong Tian spoke again. "According to the latest intelligence gathered by our spies, the Behemoth Emperor of the Beast Clan has officially approved this confrontation and decided to exert maximum effort in cooperation with the Ao Yue Empire against us. Furthermore, word is that the First Prince of the Ao Yue Empire is currently a guest in the Beast Clan's imperial city. If this information is accurate, I fear it will be very detrimental to your mission, Little Brother. The First Prince of Ao Yue is notoriously treacherous and vicious. His personal visit to the Beast Clan suggests he seeks to use the success of this alliance to secure leverage for the throne. It is widely rumored that Emperor Peter XII of the Ao Yue Empire’s health is extremely poor; the announcement of a new heir may come at any moment. If he succeeds this time, I fear the throne of Ao Yue will surely be his. If you encounter him, Little Brother, you must exercise extreme caution."

Hearing Murong Tian’s words, Mo Han’s brow twitched. He felt he had grasped some kind of critical opportunity but couldn't quite articulate it. He could only nod and reply, "I understand; I will certainly be mindful. Regarding the Beast Clan's Prophet, has the General managed to gather any intelligence?" Murong Tian looked somewhat ashamed as he shook his head. "As for the Prophet, it is as if he suddenly appeared out of nowhere. We only heard that he materialized in the Beast Clan's Forgotten Forest about a month ago, carrying the ancestral token of every Beast Clan Prophet—the Blessing of the Beast God. We have no other information, and no one has seen his true appearance. It is said he always conceals his face with a black scarf."