The mercenaries surrounding them wore expressions of astonishment upon witnessing the prowess displayed by Dai Li and Latin. They could hardly have imagined that members of a mere D-rank mercenary group could exhibit such skill. Moreover, the evident, seamless coordination between Dai Li, Latin, and Jack left them dumbfounded. Every time Jack’s spell struck the Silver-Scaled Lizard, capitalizing on the brief moment of paralysis as the creature absorbed the magic and its dermal resistance dropped, Dai Li and Latin’s attacks would land with unerring accuracy, inflicting damage.

If either side had been even slightly faster or slower, this synchronized effect could never have been achieved.

The surrounding mercenaries, admitting to themselves that they couldn't replicate such coordination, couldn't help but look upon Mo Han and his group with newfound respect. Mo Han, in particular, was clearly the leader of this D-rank group, yet he had remained on the sidelines from the very beginning, observing the battlefield with a relaxed air, as if he held the Silver-Scaled Lizard in utter disdain. This could only mean one thing: he was absolutely certain of victory, which explained his demeanor. Therefore, Mo Han’s own strength must be even greater, otherwise, he wouldn't be the core of this D-rank mercenary contingent. With this realization, the mercenaries began to regard Mo Han with a touch of reverence. In this era where strength reigns supreme, possessing great ability earns universal respect; lacking it ensures the opposite. Mo Han, long accustomed to this dynamic, paid the mercenaries no mind, standing quietly and focusing intently on Dai Li and the others.

By this point, the Silver-Scaled Lizard’s movements had grown sluggish, rendering it no longer a threat to Dai Li and the others. Seeing this, Mo Han let out a sigh of relief, turned toward Jack, and remarked, "Well done, Jack. Your magic control has improved significantly. It seems you haven't been slacking off in practice."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, Jack quickly wiped the sweat from his temples and replied with a grin, "Thank you, Boss. Hehe, under your brilliant and divine leadership, how dare I be lazy? Otherwise, I’d be doing a grave disservice to the cultivation you’ve provided, Boss."

No sooner had Jack finished speaking than Murong Feixue, standing nearby, burst into laughter. "Jack," she chuckled, "I see what Dai Li meant; you really are becoming as formidable as your Boss."

Upon hearing this, Jack immediately beamed. "Is that so? That’s wonderful! Miss Feixue, you truly have discerning eyes, hehe."

Murong Feixue continued smoothly, "Yes, increasingly so. You’re becoming as thick-skinned as your Boss. I suspect this Silver-Scaled Lizard’s hide isn't even as thick as yours."

Murong Feixue’s response drew laughter from those around, though the smile on Jack’s face faltered slightly. He stood there awkwardly. "Xue'er, please, can you try to finish your thought next time before pausing? It makes me terribly embarrassed."

After saying this, Jack himself couldn't help but chuckle.

Mo Han adopted a look of mock misery. "What have I done to deserve this? I’m just standing here and getting talked about! Alas, being a person is hard, and being a man is even harder."

Hearing Mo Han’s lament, even the mercenaries from the nearby B-rank groups couldn’t help but laugh.

Murong Feixue rolled her eyes at Mo Han. "Always talking nonsense. I think you’re quite comfortable, really. What’s so hard about it?"

Mo Han opened his mouth to offer a defense.

Just then, a piercing shriek tore from the Silver-Scaled Lizard, echoing into the heavens. Mo Han quickly turned his gaze. The creature’s body was riddled with wounds, and thick, green blood oozed from every gash—it was clearly grievously injured. The terrible cry was the result of Dai Li successfully driving her blade into one of its eyes, causing immense pain.

At that moment, the Silver-Scaled Lizard abruptly ceased its attack, freezing in place as if it had given up struggling. Dai Li and Latin were overjoyed, believing it had conceded defeat and was preparing to surrender.

But then, Mo Han suddenly sensed a massive surge of energy rapidly condensing within the lizard’s body, growing with unbelievable speed. Could it be self-destruction? Mo Han recalled the common knowledge about high-level magical beasts that Mo Xiuyi had shared with him back on Flame Island. Realizing the danger, Mo Han urgently shouted, "Dai Li! Latin! Fall back immediately! That Silver-Scaled Lizard is about to self-destruct!"

He then turned and yelled at the other mercenary group standing near him, "Why are you just standing there? Do you want to die?" Hearing Mo Han's command, Dai Li and Latin swiftly turned and flew toward him. The members of the B-rank group, alerted by Mo Han’s warning, quickly helped up their wounded and retreated entirely behind Mo Han. Mo Han, meanwhile, pulled a bead directly from his robe. As Dai Li and Latin drew close, he crushed the bead. Instantly, a circular screen of blue light expanded rapidly from the shattered artifact. A water-blue luminescence enveloped Mo Han and his immediate vicinity—this was the advanced protective magic of the Water Element, the Azure Water Aegis.

This bead was something Mo Xiuyi had personally refined before her death on Flame Island. She hadn’t made many, but she had entrusted them to Mo Han upon meeting him for just such emergencies. Mo Han knew there wasn't enough time to cast an advanced spell to erect a full barrier before the lizard detonated. Although Mo Han was confident he could escape the blast radius himself, Murong Feixue and the others behind him simply wouldn't manage it in time, forcing him to use the artifact.

This bead possessed an effect similar to the Nether Pearls of the Nether Race, though its power was significantly lower, making it suitable only for immediate crisis management. Although the Azure Water Aegis was only a Ninth-Grade Water spell, it was capable of deflecting most incoming attacks, or at the very least, buying Mo Han and his companions the precious time needed to flee.

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