The moment Kala's words fell, he had already flashed behind Ram. Mohan understood instantly: Kala's cultivation was at least that of an Intermediate Swordsman, while Ram was at best a Beginner Swordsman. They were simply not on the same level.

Sure enough, the fleeing Ram, upon seeing Kala’s silhouette, spun around and lashed out a punch, sending a fierce gust of air towards Kala’s chest. Kala, however, neither dodged nor retreated, meeting Ram’s fist with one of his own. As the two fists collided, Ram was forced back several steps, while Kala merely swayed slightly before lunging forward again, pressing his attack on the retreating Ram.

Seeing no escape, Ram gritted his teeth and threw a desperate block. The two powerful bursts of force met again. Kala, with an elegant roll mid-air, landed steadily on the ground, but Ram’s feet were driven into the earth up to his ankles by the sheer energy, a trickle of blood appearing at the corner of his mouth—it seemed he was badly injured.

Kala then spoke, feigning magnanimity: “Ram, you should just surrender now and spare yourself further pain. If you come before the Second Prince with me, I will naturally speak favorably for you, otherwise…” Kala left the rest unsaid, but the threat was perfectly clear. Ram spat towards Kala and cursed, “Pah!

You think I’d believe your words? If I go back with you, will I even live? Don't dream about it.” Kala received Ram’s reply with a cold tone: “Since you are determined to walk the wrong path and refuse the chance given, then do not blame me.” With that, Kala surged forward towards Ram again.

Though Ram knew he was no match for Kala, he met the charge fearlessly. Watching this, Mohan couldn't help but feel a favorable impression of the straightforward, bold fellow. The two figures quickly became entangled in a fierce fight, with Ram clearly at a disadvantage, barely managing to parry.

Normally, Ram’s skill, though inferior to Kala's, shouldn't have led to such a swift defeat. The issue was that he had no will to fight from the start; he was caught off guard and injured early on. After sustaining the injury, Ram could no longer truly contend with Kala; his attack speed had noticeably dropped, posing no real threat to Kala, who was already a cut above him.

Kala’s attacks, however, found their mark frequently, inflicting fresh damage with every blow. Yet, Ram was incredibly tenacious. Despite his injuries, he persisted on sheer physical fortitude.

Just then, Kala let out a fierce roar, his entire body radiating a deep emerald light. The speed of his fists suddenly accelerated, striking out at Ram wrapped in that green glow. Ram, worn down by continuous assault, was at his limit and utterly unable to evade Kala’s full-force strike.

He could only watch helplessly as the Dou Qi-infused fists hurtled towards him, his eyes fixed with an expression of utter reluctance. If Ram took that Dou Qi-laced punch head-on, he would likely be severely wounded, if not killed. As Kala’s fist neared impact, a look of smug satisfaction flickered in his eyes, and he struck without hesitation, intent on ending Ram with that single blow.

Ram’s eyes, in turn, were filled with utter despair. At that precise moment, a low shout rang out: “Fire Cloud Technique!” Kala suddenly sensed a potent surge of energy rushing in from his left. If he didn’t dodge, even if he hit Ram, he himself would be wounded by the incoming energy.

Kala ignored Ram momentarily and swiftly sidestepped. A stream of flame scraped past his body, startling him into a cold sweat. And then, from right beside him, a languid voice spoke: “You are both subjects of the Beast Clan.

Surely there is no need to pursue such a ruthless end, is there? I doubt even the Beast Emperor wishes to see his own people engage in civil strife.” Kala turned toward the sound to see a young human, clad in pure white priestly vestments, regarding him with a gentle smile. Seeing that the newcomer was merely a human daring to lecture him here, Kala’s temper instantly flared.

He spat out, “Who is this jumping clown that dares to cause trouble here? Do you even know who I am? Which merchant caravan do you belong to?

Who is your employer?” Kala had already concluded that Mohan was just a hired mercenary for a caravan visiting Bymon City. However, since many merchants had ties to the Second Prince, Kala held back from seizing Mohan, merely out of caution that he might be one of the Second Prince’s associates. Mohan heard Kala’s words.

He paused for a moment, then quickly grasped Kala’s implication—Kala took him for a mercenary hired by a human caravan. With this realization, Mohan smiled and replied, “I am no mercenary. I am merely an ordinary Priest, representing the Tianlong Empire to negotiate with your Beast Emperor.” Upon hearing Mohan’s answer, Kala understood Mohan’s true identity and mocked him: “So you are that foolish priest who wants to stop our Beast Emperor from starting this Holy War?

I thought you had some impressive skills, but you turn out to be this pathetic. It seems you humans are all cowardly creatures who cling to life; how could you possibly defeat our great Beast Clan?” After saying this, he burst into loud laughter, and the several Lion-men around him joined in mocking Mohan. Mohan’s expression turned frigid upon hearing their scornful words.

He represented the entire Tianlong Empire now, and their attitude clearly showed they held him in contempt. If the Bymon Royal Family held the same view, his negotiations would stand no chance of success. He had to let these arrogant Beast Clan members witness his strength.

Only then would they clearly understand that in this conflict, they were not the sole victors. With this in mind, Mohan spoke coldly, “You must apologize for your conduct just now, or you will pay a terrible price.” Hearing Mohan’s threat, Kala and the others merely scoffed dismissively. They utterly disbelieved that Mohan would dare do anything to them on Beast Clan territory.

Moreover, Mohan was, after all, just a Priest; surely they shouldn't fear a single Priest? Thinking this, Kala said, “Oh, I said it already. You humans are useless cowards.

What can you do to me?” Mohan merely gave a cold laugh, about to reply, when a sweet, melodious female voice cut in from beside him: “Who said we humans are all cowards? I’d like to hear that again.” The moment Mohan heard that voice, the icy coldness vanished instantly from his face, replaced by a smile as he spoke, “Yanran, what are you doing here?”