Mo Han and his group arrived at Baili City just as evening fell. Upon entering, Mo Han realized the sheer number of mercenary groups in the area was anything but ordinary. Mercenaries carrying weapons were everywhere on the streets, making the city bustling despite the late hour.

They settled into a random inn and decided to find a place to eat before retiring for the night, assuming most shops would be closed by then, leaving any necessary provisions shopping for the next day.

Just as they approached the entrance of a restaurant, a loud commotion erupted from within, followed by several figures being flung out, landing on the ground and wailing in pain.

The pedestrians on the street, however, seemed entirely accustomed to such incidents, going about their business without sparing the fallen men a second glance.

Mo Han had learned from Daly that conflicts were commonplace in Baili City due to the massive mercenary population. The local government habitually turned a blind eye, as interfering in every minor scuffle would surely overwhelm the city's meager jail capacity; as long as no lives were lost, they let things slide.

Hearing this, Mo Han nodded in understanding. Indeed, most mercenary groups, especially the larger ones, carried themselves with an air of arrogance. Inevitable clashes and quarrels arose when they crossed paths. With that realization, the group walked straight into the establishment without further discussion.

Only when passing close to one of the men on the ground did Yun Xiang suddenly cry out in surprise, "Uncle Mark? Uncle Mark, do you remember me?" Hearing Yun Xiang’s words, Mo Han and the others paused curiously, surprised that Yun Xiang knew someone in Baili City.

The middle-aged man Yun Xiang called Mark eyed her suspiciously for a moment after hearing her voice, then exclaimed with genuine joy, "Is that you, Yun Xiang? It really is you! What are you doing here?" Hearing his reply, Yun Xiang eagerly grabbed his hand, her voice thick with emotion, "Uncle Mark, where have you been? Yun Xiang missed you so much."

Mark, equally excited, stood up instantly. "Uncle Mark missed you all too. Right, where is your father? Why are you alone?"

At Mark's question, a look of profound sorrow crossed Yun Xiang's face as she began recounting her recent experiences to Mark.

And the events leading to her encounter and subsequent rescue by Mo Han and his company.

Hearing Yun Xiang’s tale, Mark declared with righteous fury, "I can't believe such things happened! Yun Xiang, rest assured, when I return, I will absolutely demand justice for your father."

Yun Xiang quickly shook her head upon hearing Mark’s words. "No need, Uncle Mark. Brother Mo Han has already promised me that once his business here is settled, he will return with me to settle accounts with those villains."

Hearing Yun Xiang's reply, Mark turned his serious gaze upon Mo Han and his companions. Facing Mo Han, he said, "This must be Brother Mo Han that Yun Xiang mentioned. I am Yun Xiang’s uncle. Thank you for saving her; please accept my bow."

Mo Han quickly intervened, saying, "Mr. Mark, there’s no need for such ceremony. We merely did what we felt was necessary; it was nothing."

Mark looked at Mo Han with deep admiration. "To give aid without expecting repayment—that is the mark of a true man. I respect you from the bottom of my heart."

Mo Han, feeling a little curious, began to ask, "Speaking of which, how did you all get beaten..."

Mo Han had meant to say "beaten out," but felt it sounded undignified, so he trailed off.

At that moment, the three others still on the ground managed to get up and stood behind Mark. They were all quite young, mere youths. Hearing Mo Han’s question, Mark spoke with renewed indignation, "We were beaten out by the Mad Bear Mercenary Group inside. They are simply too tyrannical!"

As he finished speaking, he seemed to aggravate his injuries, a fleeting look of pain crossing his face.

Seeing this, Mo Han swiftly waved his hand, casting a restoration spell upon him. Mark immediately felt the pain in his wounds subside significantly, and his entire body felt much more comfortable.

Mo Han then cast several healing spells in succession on the men beside Mark to help their recovery.

At this point, Mark said with genuine emotion, "I didn't realize you were a Cleric! Thank you so much, esteemed Cleric. But Clerics usually wear clerical robes, don't they? Why are you..."

Mo Han was currently dressed in the simple attire of a Mage; at first glance, he looked like nothing more than an ordinary spellcaster, which naturally confused Mark.

In response to Mark's query, Mo Han smiled and explained easily, "Well, sometimes I find wearing the Cleric vestments inconvenient. Besides, it makes one too much of a target, which I don't much care for, so I temporarily switched roles, hehe."

Mark was so astounded by Mo Han's explanation that his jaw nearly dropped. Mark considered himself knowledgeable and experienced, but Mo Han’s reasoning was utterly unexpected. What kind of rationale was that? So many people desperately sought entry into the Church of Light, yet Mo Han found their target profile inconvenient. What an oddity. He must either be overwhelmingly confident in his own strength or slightly unbalanced in the head.

Mark, of course, concluded Mo Han belonged to the former category.

With that thought, Mark replied, "Your explanation, young friend, was truly beyond my expectations. Heh heh."

Mo Han simply smiled in response. "You mentioned the Mad Bear Mercenary Group earlier. Can you tell us more about them? Perhaps I can assist you."

Mark’s expression fell when he noticed the D-rank mercenary group insignia on Mo Han and his companions. "Thank you for your kindness, but the Mad Bear Mercenary Group is an A-rank force. There is a significant disparity between our strengths, and they outrank you slightly as well. So, I'm afraid you won't be able to help us, but I appreciate the thought nonetheless."