Daili smiled faintly and spoke, "Ignore him, Your Highness. He just loves to talk nonsense." After saying that, Daili couldn't help but laugh herself.

At that moment, Murong Feixue asked, "Brother Mo Han? What about that Nether Clan member? Where did he go?" Mo Han pointed at the pile of black powder on the ground and replied, "Right beside your foot. Heh heh."

Hearing Mo Han’s answer, Long Yuyan, who stood beside Murong Feixue, promptly shrieked, yelling loudly, "Damn Mo Han, why didn't you say so sooner!" She then hopped away, clearly quite frightened.

Murong Feixue, having seen battles before, was immune to such things. After hearing the explanation, she merely glanced at the black powder by her feet and dismissed it.

When Mo Han heard Long Yuyan’s sharp words, he was momentarily taken aback. The way she scolded him sounded almost intimate, like the teasing between lovers. And after scolding Mo Han, Long Yuyan herself realized she had sounded perhaps too familiar. Seeing the strange looks from everyone around her, Long Yuyan blushed deeply and said, "I meant Duke Mo Han, I just let two words slip in my agitation; please don't misunderstand."

Seeing the looks on their faces that suggested they were trying not to laugh, Long Yuyan knew her excuse was flimsy. She hastily added, "I need to go check on Father Emperor. I won't stay to chat with you all." With that, she rushed away, causing everyone to break into laughter.

Only the Fourth Prince, watching his sister's retreating figure, seemed lost in thought.

At this point, Murong Tian spoke up, "Since the matter is resolved, we must hurry to report to the Emperor. Everything that just happened must have alerted His Majesty."

The Fourth Prince heard this and replied, "Uncle Murong, rest assured. I will go inform Father about the cause of the incident right away. You must all be tired from today’s commotion, so please return to rest first. I will handle things here."

Murong Tian, hearing this, no longer insisted, nodding to the Fourth Prince, "Then we shall trouble the Fourth Prince. Everyone here was quite shaken today; it’s probably best if we return early." After speaking, he turned to Mo Han and the others, "Then let's head back to the manor first. We can report to the Emperor tomorrow morning."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, bowed to the Fourth Prince, and departed the Imperial Palace.

Meanwhile, on the Dragon Ascendant Continent, within a dense forest in the Proud Moon Empire, a shadowy black figure slowly materialized. The figure spoke with confusion, "Strange. I clearly sensed a distress signal from Mo Suo within the Nether Barrier just now, but it vanished suddenly. These people deserve death—before the mission is even complete, half their forces are lost. From Hukel in the Holy Capital of Light, there seems to be no way through for now. I had intended to rescue him first, but how did he disappear? Has he met his end? That’s impossible. With the current strength of humanity, how could they possibly break through the Nether Barrier personally crafted by the Nether King? What in the world happened?" The black shadow was muttering to itself.

From the sound of the voice, it was clear this individual was the Nether General leading the few Nether Clan members.

He lowered his head, pondering for a moment, then declared, "Forget him for now. I will go over and investigate what happened." With that, his body dissolved into a streak of black light and headed toward the Heavenly Dragon Empire.

At the same time, Mo Han and his group had returned to the Murong Residence. As soon as they sat down in the main hall, Mo Han suddenly exclaimed, "The more I think about it, the more uneasy I feel."

Hearing Mo Han’s abrupt, context-less statement, Murong Tian asked curiously, "What is it, Brother Mo Han? Did something occur to you?" Mo Han nodded, "Although we eliminated that Nether Clan member just now, I worry that the remaining members already know of his demise, or perhaps they don't know, but are rushing here to rescue him. This place is certainly not comparable to the Holy Capital. If that Nether General actually arrives, I fear it will be beyond our ability to resist. I think we should contact Priest Mora immediately, inform him of today's situation, and ask the Church of Light to send some reinforcements. It’s better to be prepared."

Hearing Mo Han's explanation, Murong Tian also nodded in agreement, "That is certainly possible. But is the Nether General truly that formidable? While our Heavenly Dragon City might not rival the Holy Capital of Light, it is still a gathering place for many masters. Would the Nether General really come to rescue one of his own?" Mo Han sighed, "That’s because you don't understand the Nether General’s power. According to the description from the Saintess of Light, this Nether General's skill surpasses that of a Sword Saint, putting him extremely close to the realm of a Sword God. Moreover, if he deliberately hides and causes trouble, there is truly no one in Heavenly Dragon City who can deal with him. The Church of Light, however, has greater knowledge of the Nether Clan and might be able to discover their weaknesses. Only then can we be secure."

Upon hearing Mo Han’s detailed explanation, everyone in the hall was startled. Latin exclaimed upon hearing this, "Close to a Sword God? Heavens, what kind of power is that? It’s unimaginable!"

Yan Shi chimed in beside him, "Exactly. I would be thrilled if I could just reach the level of Great Swordsman, but that Nether General is stronger than a Sword Saint—that’s just monstrous."

Mo Han laughed and scolded them, "Why are you all so lacking in ambition? As long as you work hard, and as long as I am here, you will all have a chance to reach that realm someday. Even if you don't become Sword Gods, you should at least manage to become Sword Saints! Such a lack of spirit, and you still call me boss."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, Yan Shi grimaced, "Good heavens, Boss, only you could say such things! Can a Sword Saint just be 'managed' to become? Sword Saints are the ultimate goal in the hearts of so many people now. As for Sword God, I don't think anyone has even dared to dream of it."

Hearing Yan Shi, Mo Han spoke with great boldness, "What’s a Sword Saint? If we aim high, we aim for Sword God! That would be truly exhilarating. Then let’s see who dares to provoke us then."

When Mo Han spoke, everyone in the hall believed him. No one doubted the words Mo Han uttered, because the strength he had consistently displayed filled them with profound admiration. If there was anyone on this continent who could become the first Sword Saint, they all believed only Mo Han possessed the potential to achieve this ultimate human aspiration.

Latin became excited after hearing Mo Han’s declaration, "Boss, we all believe you and support you! I have faith that you will become the first Sword God on the continent!"

Yan Shi and Jack also voiced their agreement with Latin’s statement. Only Daili and Murong Feixue looked at Mo Han with continuous smiles, speaking no words, but their eyes clearly conveyed their absolute belief in Mo Han's strength. Jump to