The moment Mo Han mentioned the Nether Race, the faces of the remaining nobles blanched. For humanity, the Nether Race had always been nothing short of a nightmare. To think that actual members of that race now stood before them—these pampered aristocrats could no longer restrain themselves. A chorus of shrieks erupted as they scrambled toward the main doors. Only Murong Tian and Daisy remained outwardly calm, having been mentally prepared for this eventuality.

The Fourth Prince, upon hearing the name, merely showed a flicker of change in his expression before it quickly settled back to normal. He waved off the nobles urging him to leave, speaking with a cool detachment. "I am fine. Did you not see Duke Mo Han and General Murong here? As a Prince of the Empire, this is precisely when I must remain. There is no need for further argument."

The nobles surrounding the Prince had no choice but to steel themselves and remain, standing alongside him. They dared not leave an impression of cowardice on the Fourth Prince, who was the most likely successor to the throne—the future Emperor of the Azure Dragon Empire. To leave such an impression now would undoubtedly darken their future prospects.

Consequently, the nobles began voicing their determination to stand guard and protect the Prince’s safety, uttering grand, passionate speeches as if preparing for a battlefield charge. Murong Tian and his group watched these displays with cold eyes, disdain evident in their gaze. Long Yuyan, seeing this, couldn't help but remark, "Is this truly what the Empire’s nobility has become? If all the nobles of the Empire are like this, I genuinely worry for the future of the Azure Dragon Empire."

Murong Feixue, hearing this, offered a gentle smile. "Heh, this is the common state of nobility across all nations, not unique to our Azure Dragon Empire. So, Yuyan, do not borrow trouble unnecessarily. If these nobles were to suddenly stop behaving this way, then you would have cause for concern."

No sooner had Murong Feixue finished speaking than Daisy and the others accompanying her broke into smiles.

Meanwhile, Mo Han, standing center stage on the dance floor, was unable to spare any attention for the drama unfolding nearby. His focus was entirely locked onto Hais, who was now possessed by the Nether entity. He dared not let his guard down for an instant. After all, this was a creature of the Nether Race. Though Hais had suffered a significant blow from his surprise attack, her inherent strength could not be underestimated.

At that moment, Hais slowly rose to her feet, fixing Mo Han with an icy stare, and spoke: "I would very much like to see how you intend to deal with me now."

With that declaration, she lunged directly at Mo Han, her speed no less than that of a Sword Master.

Murong Tian looked on curiously. "Hais possessed absolutely no martial skills before. It is astonishing that, under the control of this Nether being, she can attain the strength of a Sword Master. The power of the Nether Race is truly terrifying. If this is what the host can achieve, one shudders to think what their true power level is."

Saying this, Murong Tian turned to address Daisy, Rock, and the others. "It is dangerous here. You all should leave immediately. We do not know what secret arts this Nether entity might yet employ. Remaining here will not help in the slightest; in fact, you will only cause a distraction."

Daisy and Latin heard him, and though they were reluctant to agree, they understood the cold truth of Murong Tian's words. The Nether entity's strength was manifest—merely controlling Hais granted her the rank of Sword Master, equivalent to Daisy herself. If the entity were acting through its own body, its power would surely be immeasurably higher. Yet, they were deeply concerned for Mo Han’s safety, causing them to hesitate.

Seeing their worry, Murong Tian clarified. "Relax. With me here, I can at least lend some aid to Brother Mo Han. If genuine peril arises, there will be nothing you can do to intervene anyway. Your presence here will only cause Mo Han to lose focus."

"Please, leave now. I will handle the vigilance required."

"Furthermore, the Imperial Guards will be arriving shortly."

Hearing Murong Tian’s final point, Latin and the others seemed ready to argue further, but Murong Feixue interjected, "Daisy, please don't worry. If my father says it's fine, then it truly is fine. Let us exit now."

Daisy, placated, finally spoke. "Then we must impose upon Uncle Murong. We will wait outside."

With that, she took the lead and moved toward the main doors. Latin and the others, seeing this, could only follow reluctantly in Daisy’s wake.

Murong Tian then used the same reasoning to persuade the Fourth Prince and the remaining cluster of nobles to depart. In an instant, the great hall contained only three figures: Murong Tian, Mo Han, and Hais.

Though Hais's attacks were swift by the standards of ordinary people, they posed no genuine threat in Mo Han's eyes. He evaded her barrage of strikes with remarkable ease, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Is this all your Nether Race has to offer? How could the Nether King send such simpletons as spies? I suspect the Nether King is an imbecile himself."

Hearing this provocation, Hais abruptly halted and began to curse loudly. "How dare you insult our Nether King! You top-tier human experts, compared to His Majesty the Nether King, are less than one ten-thousandth of his worth! We wouldn't even need the Nether King to act; just one of our Nether Generals appearing would leave you running for your life. And you dare boast here!"

Mo Han remained unruffled, maintaining his smile. "Oh? If you wish for me not to see through you so easily, then step out and fight me properly, instead of posturing with words here. I find that the only thing your Nether Race excels at, besides their supposed power, is bragging."

Mo Han intended to use provocation to lure the entity out.

However, the Nether entity proved cunning beyond measure. Hearing Mo Han’s words, it only sneered. "Do you think I would fall for such a flimsy human trick again? I would rather wait and see what you can truly do."

Mo Han’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold glint. "Don't presume I have no recourse against you. Push me hard enough, and I will find a way to force you out yet."

He leaped towards...