The Dread General's resentful voice echoed from the sky. "I will remember you," he spat out. "For what you did to me today, I will make you pay a hundredfold once my wounds have healed." With those words, the Dread General vanished without a trace. The Imperial Guards and Murong Tian immediately rushed to Long Zhantian, their faces etched with concern. "Your Majesty, are you alright?" The Emperor, hearing them, shook his head to assure them he was unharmed, yet his tone was heavy with worry. "I never imagined this Dread General's power was so formidable. Letting him escape this time will surely become a grave, future threat."

Guang Huo nodded in agreement. "Indeed. This is the first time I've ever seen a member of the Nether Clan struck by an Exorcism Needle and still manage to flee. If he hadn't been wounded, I doubt any of us here would have stood a chance against him."

Hearing Guang Huo's words, the Emperor exclaimed in disbelief, "Elder, even with your profound skill, you are no match for this Dread General?" Guang Huo shook his head. "In my estimation, the Dread General's power already surpasses that of the Sword Saint, drawing perilously close to the legendary Sword God. He is truly a figure who causes headaches. His escape this time is certainly troublesome."

Long Zhantian’s expression grew more anxious. He turned to Mo Han. "Duke Mo Han, do you perhaps have any strategy to deal with this Dread General?" Mo Han shook his head as well. "I cannot devise a suitable countermeasure immediately. However, I do know that he will not reappear for at least a year, giving us time to plan thoroughly in the interim."

The Emperor looked at Mo Han curiously. "Duke Mo Han, how can you be certain the Dread General will not appear within a year?" Before Mo Han could reply, Guang Huo interjected, "Your Majesty, rest assured. Although the Dread General escaped after being struck by our Exorcism Needle, the damage inflicted is absolutely tremendous. Even forcing the needle out to begin healing will take him at least over half a year. And forcing the needle out is no simple task; I estimate that alone will consume half a year of his time. Therefore, even if he seeks revenge, the earliest it could happen is a year from now."

Hearing Guang Huo’s explanation, the Emperor felt a measure of relief settle in his heart. It was true; knowing one now had a terrifying opponent approaching the level of a Sword God would leave anyone unsettled.

In the time that followed, the Emperor ordered Murong Tian to see to the proper burial of the fallen soldiers, while he himself prepared to address the officials who would soon arrive. The most critical alarm had been sounded, and the Imperial City must be in chaos. To prevent opportunists from exploiting the situation, stabilizing conditions was paramount.

Meanwhile, Elder Guang Huo led Mo Han away from the Imperial Palace. Mo Han was quite ready to leave; with so many matters pending, he hadn't known what productive role he could play there anyway. Guang Huo pulling him away suited his own inclination perfectly.

On their way back, they encountered Liu Chengde leading 5,000 reinforcements who had rushed over upon hearing the news. Upon learning from Mo Han that the Emperor was safe, Liu Chengde’s tightly held anxiety finally eased. He quickly offered his thanks to Mo Han before stating he needed to return to the palace to await further orders, taking a hasty leave. Mo Han, witnessing this display, felt a deep admiration for the man’s loyalty.

Guang Huo, however, pulled Mo Han all the way to the Church of Light in Tianlong City. As soon as they entered, Guang Huo remarked, "I knew you disliked being cooped up in the palace, so I rescued you. Aren't you grateful to me?" Mo Han couldn't help but feel a mix of laughter and tears, thinking, Did you really have to be so blunt? Mo Han offered an awkward smile. "Elder, your insight is truly penetrating; you saw right through my thoughts. I thank you for that, Elder. And once again, I must thank you for lending me the Exorcism Needle to deal with that Dread General. Without it, overcoming him wouldn't have been so straightforward."

Guang Huo looked puzzled. "Speaking of which, things were so rushed that day, I forgot to ask you: how did you know I possessed the Exorcism Needles? That is a secret of our Church."

Mo Han explained, "I actually heard it from Ling'er. She told me that the refinement of the Exorcism Needles is incredibly difficult, and the entire stock held by the Church of Light totals no more than fifty. Only those at the rank of High Bishop or above are equipped with them. Since you are a Guardian Elder, how could you possibly not have one?"

Hearing the explanation, Guang Huo had a sudden realization. "So that's how it is. That girl, Shui Ling'er, must be quite fond of you, otherwise she wouldn't have shared such secrets of the Church of Light with you. You certainly have good fortune with women, young man."

Mo Han scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Heh heh, Elder, you are too sharp; far sharper than us. Calling you the Esteemed Guardian Elder is truly fitting."

Guang Huo chuckled and scolded lightly, "You little flatterer. Don't think a little sweet talk will suffice. Do you remember when I gave you the Exorcism Needle, I mentioned there was something I needed your help with?" Mo Han’s face fell. "Elder, you can't be serious, can you? If even you cannot manage a task, how could I possibly succeed? Please don't tease me."

Guang Huo’s tone turned mild. "Oh? Are you trying to renege on a promise?" Mo Han quickly denied it. "How could I? It's just that if someone of your immense ability cannot handle it, it certainly won't be an easy matter. Alas, well, what choice is there? Just tell me. I, Mo Han, will see your assigned task through, even if it costs me my life."

Guang Huo smiled. "You make it sound like you're heading to your death; it's not that difficult a task."

Mo Han inwardly cursed: Not difficult? Fat chance! If you people can't handle it, you expect me to breeze through it? Do you take me for an idiot? Nevertheless, he maintained his smile. "You tell me, Elder, what exactly is the matter so I can prepare accordingly."