The Beast Emperor, hearing Shui Ling’er’s reply, spoke with a look of regret, “That is truly a pity. Since the Saintess has pressing matters, I dare not detain you further. I can only hope you will visit our Beast Clan again next time so I may make amends for this oversight.”

Shui Ling’er quickly offered her thanks with a smile.

But Mo Han, watching from below the stage, inwardly stiffened. That this girl had so easily dismissed the Beast Clan’s Prophet caught Mo Han completely by surprise. Did she not sense the fluctuation just now? Mo Han wondered. Yet, he dismissed the thought as impossible. Since Shui Ling’er had taught him how to sense things, surely she understood it herself. He had felt the vibration of the Jade of Light even from that distance; she had been so close to the Prophet, it was inconceivable that she missed it.

Her current actions, however, left Mo Han utterly bewildered, unable to fathom her true intent.

As Mo Han wrestled with his confusion, Shui Ling’er spoke, addressing the Prophet, “Venerable Prophet, you must visit the Church of Light when you have leisure. We would welcome you with the utmost enthusiasm.”

The Prophet, who was eager for Shui Ling’er to depart, nodded quickly upon hearing her intention to leave. “I certainly will. Thank you for the invitation, Saintess.”

Shui Ling’er nodded, preparing to turn away, but then let out a small exclamation. “I almost forgot something! Not long ago, I found a treasure in some ancient ruins, but I have no idea how to use it. Since you, esteemed Prophet, are so learned, could you perhaps help me examine it?” The Prophet, hearing this, nodded. “What is it? Show it to me.”

Shui Ling’er quickly retrieved a box from her bosom and presented it to the Prophet. “It’s a black bead, engraved with some strange runes. I haven’t the faintest idea what its purpose is.”

Upon hearing Shui Ling’er’s words, the Prophet reached out, accepted the box, and placed it before him. “Ah, let me take a look for you.”

He opened the box, and at that very moment, chaos erupted. A blinding white light shot out from within the box, instantly piercing into the Prophet’s body. The Prophet emitted a sharp cry of pain, dropped the box, and clutched his face, screaming.

Witnessing this turn of events, every member of the Beast Clan assembly turned pale with shock. Only Shui Ling’er remained standing perfectly still, as if this outcome had been long foreseen, showing not a flicker of surprise.

Seeing this, Mo Han finally understood why Shui Ling’er had pretended to be unconcerned and acted as if she were leaving. It was merely a ploy to lower the Prophet’s guard. Otherwise, given this cunning Beast Clan Prophet’s nature, he would never have fallen for such a trap. Mo Han silently admired Shui Ling’er’s quick wit.

The Beast Emperor, witnessing the scene, roared in anger, “Saintess, what is the meaning of this? Why ambush the Prophet of my Beast Clan? If you do not explain yourself today, do not blame us if we show no courtesy to the Church of Light, even its emissary!”

Shui Ling’er spoke calmly. “Your Majesty need not panic. You will understand my intentions shortly.”

Just then, the Prophet, still crouched on the ground and screaming, spoke in a raspy voice, “The Exorcism Needle of the Church of Light. What a cunning girl. The Saintess of the Church of Light is indeed formidable.”

However, his voice was utterly unrecognizable from before, sounding like the grating friction of iron, deeply unsettling to hear. The Beast Clan members, seeing this transformation, were stunned silent, completely failing to react.

Shui Ling’er remained unperturbed. “You are too kind. I am surprised you are so knowledgeable; you even recognize the Exorcism Needle. How about it? Will you emerge willingly, or must I assist you?” The assembled crowd grew even more perplexed by Shui Ling’er’s words, but only Mo Han grasped the full implication of what she said. Concerned for her safety, Mo Han quickly ascended the steps and stood beside her. The others in the hall were too engrossed by the sudden drama to notice Mo Han; their eyes were locked solely on the Prophet.

Seeing Mo Han approach, Shui Ling’er lifted her veil, gave him a sweet smile, and said, “Worry not. Once struck by this Exorcism Needle, even a Nether General might not escape, let alone someone who hasn't reached that level.”

Mo Han replied, “You had such a marvelous item and didn’t tell me sooner? You made me worry for you this entire time.”

Shui Ling’er smiled faintly. “While the Exorcism Needle is powerful, its speed is not exceptional. It has a chance of hitting only at extremely close range; otherwise, it's effectively useless. I imagine, given its speed just now, you could have evaded it with a moment’s attention?” Mo Han nodded. “That’s true. It only succeeds as a sneak attack; otherwise, it’s worthless. I never thought you’d master the art of ambush, girl! Truly a worthy student, showing marked improvement.”

Shui Ling’er gave him an exasperated look and chuckled lightly. “Get out of here with that! Are you complimenting me or insulting me? Is that how you praise someone?” Mo Han realized his phrasing was clumsy, but the words were already out. Unable to retract them, he could only offer an awkward laugh.

At that moment, the Prophet let out a sudden yell, and a cloud of dense black mist erupted from his body. From within the fog came the Prophet’s triumphant laughter. “Girl, although you are clever and managed to lower my defenses, leading to your ambush, you didn't account for me carrying the Nether Pearl! I doubt you can break through my Gloom Barrier. My companions will be here to rescue me soon—you can just wait for your doom! Lord Nether General and the others will surely come for me, and then it will be your end.”

No sooner had the Prophet finished speaking than Shui Ling’er’s expression drastically changed. “This is bad! It’s the Gloom Barrier! Stop him quickly, or it will be too late!”

As Shui Ling’er finished speaking, Lyle, who stood nearby, drew his Knight Sword and lunged toward the black mist. A white radiance shone from the blade as it struck the dark smoke. There was only a faint swoosh as the white light hit the black mist, then vanished as if swallowed by the sea.

Mo Han’s face also paled slightly. Lyle possessed the strength of a Sword Saint, yet he could not penetrate this so-called Gloom Barrier. Others likely stood no chance at all. How overpowered is this Gloom Barrier?

Lyle, however, refused to yield. He roared, and a white light enveloped his entire body, while his weapon blazed with an even more intense light. He struck the black fog again. Where the white light met the dark vapor, the fog merely rippled slightly before settling back into a dense, unwavering mass.

He leaped towards...