Mohan heard Ham’s words and couldn't help but smile as he spoke, "Since you put it that way, I could also say that one of your men took a liking to my friend's sword and demanded that my friend let him examine it. Since the distance was too great to see clearly, your subordinate then insisted that the sword be placed right in front of him for a proper look. What more can you say to that?"

Ham froze upon hearing Mohan's defense. He had never imagined someone could argue so skillfully; it was truly unprecedented. The surrounding crowd also broke into smiles upon hearing Mohan's retort, surprised by what he had dared to say.

Veins visibly bulged on Ham’s face before he spoke coldly, "Very well, you certainly have a sharp tongue, don't you? I look forward to the moment when you won't be able to utter another word."

Hearing Ham’s threat, Latin and Rock immediately drew their personal weapons. In their eyes, Mohan was practically a god; if anyone dared to insult or threaten him, they would be the first to object.

Noticing Latin and the others' reaction, a flash of disdain crossed Ham’s face. He sneered, "What’s wrong? Do you think a few mere clowns like you can stand against the Raging Bear Mercenary Group? You are simply courting death. If you wish to die quickly, we can certainly oblige."

As soon as Ham finished speaking, the members of the Raging Bear Mercenary Group behind him burst into laughter.

Feiyun’s group was filled with anger. If Mohan hadn't intervened, Latin and the others would have already attacked.

Just then.

A cold snort sounded from outside the shop, followed by a voice carrying in, "Others might fear the Raging Bear Mercenary Group, but I, Kark, do not. Let's see exactly what you can do."

The moment the words fell, a group of people strode into the doorway. Kark was clearly the leader. Upon seeing Mohan, Kark immediately offered him a warm smile.

Ham’s expression shifted dramatically upon seeing Kark, and he shouted, "The Soaring Cloud Mercenary Group!"

At the mention of Kark’s name, the entire hall fell silent. Soaring Cloud was one of only two S-Rank mercenary groups on the continent, a sight rarely seen, and generally shrouded in mystery. Few expected them to appear here now. Everyone in the shop turned their gaze toward the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary S-Rank contingent.

Kark and his group leisurely approached Mohan and his companions. Arriving before Mohan, Kark smiled and spoke, "Young friend, long time no see! Though we parted only briefly, you have truly made a name for yourself across the continent. It makes me envious."

Mohan smiled warmly in response, "Uncle Kark, you flatter me too much. By the way, has your wife's injury healed?" Kark gratefully replied, "Heh heh, much better, thank you. I never found the right moment to properly thank you for your kindness. I intended to look for you, but I inquired at the Murong family and learned you had already ventured into the Magic Forest, so I followed along."

Hearing Kark’s words, Mohan quickly responded with a smile, "Heh heh, it was nothing more than a small effort, Uncle Kark, you are too polite."

As Mohan finished speaking, Lise, who stood nearby, interjected, "Is that so? It’s rare to see you being so generous. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of you taking a loss."

Lise’s comment drew smiles from Deli and the others, but Mohan replied without missing a beat, "Heh heh, that depends on who it is. If they are an enemy, they certainly must learn the consequences of provoking me. If they are friends, it’s different. Like a beauty such as yourself, Lise, I am quite happy to take a loss for you."

Slightly blushing at Mohan’s teasing, Lise muttered under her breath, "What a scoundrel."

Kark watched them with a gentle smile.

At this point, Ham, who had been completely ignored by the group, spoke up with clear resentment, "I wonder what relationship Commander Kark has with them. If you are acquainted, Commander, perhaps I can overlook their offense out of respect for you."

Kark merely offered a cold reply, "Oh, is that so? Then I should perhaps thank you."

Ham felt a bit awkward hearing Kark’s response. "There’s no need for that. We are all mercenaries; why fuss over details?"

As if not having heard him, Kark continued, "Actually, you should be thanking me. If I hadn't intervened just now, you lot would have been in serious trouble."

At Kark’s words, Ham displayed a look of skepticism, seemingly refusing to believe him. In his mind, if Kark hadn't stepped in to smooth things over, he would have already dealt with Mohan and his group. Thus, he assumed Kark was simply taking their side.

Seeing his expression, Kark shook his head. "I am only telling you this out of respect for the fact that I was once friends with your elder brother. Otherwise, I truly wouldn't bother with you. This young friend here is Duke Mohan, whose reputation is currently the most prominent in the Tianlong Empire. You must have heard of him, haven't you?"

Upon hearing this, Ham’s face registered pure astonishment. "He is that Duke Mohan, the one who visited the Beast Clan and thwarted the Dark Clan's conspiracy? But I heard he was a Priest! How is that possible? And didn't they say he has an Earth Bear accompanying him?" Kark replied, "Do I have any reason to lie to you? As for the Earth Bear, it is the one standing right beside Deli."

With that, Kark pointed to Xiao Mo, who had been quietly staying by Deli’s side.

Ham quickly responded, "Of course, I believe you, Commander Kark. It’s just... that is the Earth Bear?" Even as he spoke, a look of doubt remained on his face.

Xiao Mo, noticing he was being overlooked, couldn't help but let out a series of low, whimpering sounds, simultaneously emitting the unique aura of a high-level magic beast, which startled Ham and his men.

This caused Mohan and his companions to laugh.

Kark then spoke again, "Now you believe me, don't you? Do you think you stand any chance against the Earth Bear? This Earth Bear bested even me the last time we met. Do you truly believe you have a winning chance?" Ham stood frozen, unable to refute the statement. He could only turn to Kark and say, "Thank you, Commander. I believe this was all a misunderstanding. Ham takes his leave now and hopes for another chance to meet in the future."

With that, Ham turned and departed. Originally, Mohan hadn't intended to let them go so easily, but since Kark seemed to know them, he decided to let it pass, granting Kark that courtesy.

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