"Vile human, do not think that spewing nonsense will make me believe you. Today, you either surrender and come with us to the Elven Forest to face judgment, or we drag you back. Think carefully; if I have to take action, I fear your life will be forfeit."
The middle-aged elf spoke with extreme confidence, a cold sneer fixed on Mo Han.
Hearing this, Mo Han spoke coolly, "With just you? Do you think you have that capability? If it weren't for Anna's sake, I wouldn't bother explaining so much to you. Any intelligent person can see that your clansmen were clearly ambushed and killed. Look at the wounds on their bodies, and you'll understand. Do you think I could manage that alone? Yet, you insist on pinning it on me. Truly hopeless."
Upon hearing Mo Han’s words, the middle-aged elf reacted with surprise, "You know our Princess Anna?" "Of course. Is there any reason for me to lie to you? We are very close friends; you'll understand once you meet Anna."
The middle-aged elf couldn't help but hesitate upon hearing this.
Just then, a low voice cut through the air: "Don't be fooled by this brat! How could our Princess Anna possibly know him? This is clearly just his deceptive rhetoric. What are you waiting for? Take him down! I suspect he is a spy from the Kanya Empire. After murdering our people, he intends to flee."
Slowly, an elderly elf, clutching a green magic staff, emerged from the crowd. He was completely enveloped in a wide mage's robe, but the vibrant green jade pendant hanging on his chest was particularly conspicuous.
Seeing this elder elf, all the other elves hastily bowed respectfully. The middle-aged elf rushed forward and spoke, "Elder Lui. Why are you here? You believe this person is a spy from the Kanya Empire?" The elder elf, addressed as Elder Lui, nodded upon hearing the middle-aged elf’s inquiry. "I received word a few days ago that a spy from the Kanya Empire planned to infiltrate the Elven Forest to gather intelligence. So, I ordered my people to keep a close watch. Unfortunately, we were a step too late, and this Kanya Empire spy struck first, killing our clansmen."
After saying this, Elder Lui displayed an expression of deep sorrow, as if genuinely grieving for the deceased elves.
Only Mo Han watched the elven elder’s performance with cold eyes. Although Mo Han couldn't fathom why the elder was so certain he was a Kanya Empire spy or why he believed the Empire was responsible, it was evident that the Elder was determined to pin the blame on the Kanya Empire. Mo Han, however, knew that these elves were absolutely not killed by the Kanya Empire. Even if the people of the Kanya Empire were incredibly foolish, they wouldn't commit an act so detrimental and useless to themselves. If they wished to deal with the elves, they wouldn't wait until now.
Yet, Elder Lui adamantly claimed it was the Kanya Empire's doing. On what grounds? As an elder of the Elven race, he should exercise greater caution in his words and actions. Why did Lui immediately convict the Kanya Empire without any observation? Wasn't that too rash? Mo Han simply couldn't grasp what benefit this course of action brought to their Elven race. It seemed to offer none at all, but perhaps only Lui knew the true reason. With this thought, Mo Han began to scrutinize Lui closely.
Meanwhile, upon hearing their elder’s command, the other elves raised their weapons, glaring coldly at Mo Han, ready to strike the moment the order was given.
Seeing this, Mo Han let out a cold laugh and addressed Elder Lui, "Your Excellency claims I am a spy from the Kanya Empire and insists the Kanya Empire is responsible. Do you happen to possess any proof?" Lui simply sneered back, "These dead elves are the best evidence; what more proof do you need? You had better surrender quietly and tell us your purpose. Otherwise, don't blame us."
With that, Lui turned to the middle-aged elf and commanded, "Seize him! If he resists, kill him without hesitation. Do not waste time discussing morals with these vile humans."
Hearing Lui’s instruction, several elven warriors immediately raised their blades and lunged toward Mo Han.
Mo Han merely snorted, watching them without moving. In an instant, the warriors were upon him. Seeing Mo Han show no reaction, a trace of smugness appeared on the faces of several elves.
At that precise moment, Mo Han’s right hand, gripping the Bright Holy Sword, swung out sharply. The sword moved towards the warriors who had already closed in. With several sharp clangs, the weapons aimed at Mo Han were all cleanly severed into two pieces by the Bright Holy Sword. The elven warriors stumbled back, their faces pale, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.
Everyone, including the surrounding elves, was stunned, as they hadn't clearly seen how Mo Han moved. They only saw his wrist flick, the warriors' weapons break in two, and then the warriors were sent flying backward, clearly defeated. This was still Mo Han holding back; otherwise, given his current cultivation, it wouldn't have been their weapons that were severed, but their very bodies.
Witnessing this display, Elder Lui’s face registered shock, while the middle-aged elf’s expression shifted to one of excitement, a thirst for battle shining in his eyes, as if ready to engage Mo Han at any moment.
Lui’s face changed rapidly, and then he roared, "This person murdered our kin first, and now he has injured our warriors! His crimes are unforgivable! Everyone, hesitate no longer! Do not concern yourselves with formalities with such an individual. Attack him together and kill him to avenge our fallen clansmen!"
Hearing Lui's command, the middle-aged elf’s face clearly showed displeasure, but he was helpless and could only let out a muffled snort of dissatisfaction. The elven archers and mages, upon hearing their elder’s order, raised their bows and staves, and the situation quickly turned unfavorable for Mo Han.
Mo Han spoke coldly, "It is for the sake of Princess Anna that I have repeatedly shown restraint. I never expected that the highly respected Elven Race would be so incapable of distinguishing right from wrong, merely a group of people who rely on bullying others. Are these the ethics your race has always prided itself upon? Truly disappointing."
Hearing Mo Han’s words, the faces of the elven warriors and mages showed hesitation, and they exchanged glances, clearly moved by his speech. Seeing this, Lui quickly interjected, "Do not be fooled by his flowery words! Humans have always been cunning. He says this now only to clear his own name and find a way to escape. Do not fall for it! Hurry and kill this enemy of our people to avenge them!"
Mo Han listened, still not understanding why Lui was so intent on targeting him. However, Mo Han was certain that Lui had another motive for acting this way, and it wasn't as simple as avenging his clansmen, as he claimed. Mo Han also understood that this matter could not be settled with a few words from him today. The only solution was to find Anna; only she could prove he wasn't a Kanya Empire spy and thus clear his name.
But looking at the current situation, these elves, under Lui's command, seemed intent on ensuring he did not leave alive. If he truly fought them, he would fall right into this already laid trap, making it even harder to explain. Furthermore, the strength of these elven mages, archers, and warriors was not low; if a fight broke out, avoiding injury to them would be nearly impossible. Yet, if he actually harmed the elves now, the situation would become even more complicated; perhaps even Anna wouldn't be able to clear his name then.
Thinking this, Mo Han resolved to stop concealing his strength. With that thought, an incredibly intense aura erupted from his body, enveloping the surrounding dense forest. The air around the forest seemed to instantly solidify, and the elves within the woods felt a heavy, oppressive sensation rise from their core, making them extremely uncomfortable.
At that moment, the middle-aged elf and Elder Lui both cried out in unison, "Dueling Domain! Sword Saint!"
The elves hearing this had their expressions change, showing looks of utter disbelief. If these words hadn't come from their own Elder, these elves would never have believed that the seemingly unremarkable young man before them could actually be a Sword Saint! This was because Sword Saints rarely appeared active on the continent, and the number of known Sword Saints across the continent was countable on one's fingers. They couldn't imagine when such a young Sword Saint had appeared on the Dragon Soaring Continent.
Leaping forward...