Bai Ling nodded, then began to explain, “My magic barrier is, at best, a half-finished product. Although it absorbs energy on its own, the rate of absorption is incredibly slow, making it impossible to keep pace with the barrier’s depletion. Over time, the barrier's power would severely diminish. Even if you hadn't come, it would likely have vanished on its own within a few hundred years. Otherwise, do you think you could have broken through the barriers I set up so easily? Even with the Holy Sword of Light, it would have kept you busy for quite some time.”

Hearing Bai Ling’s explanation, Mo Han finally understood. No wonder he always felt the barrier of that phantom palace wasn't as powerful as he had imagined—it was because of this reason.

Bai Ling continued, “But the magic formation before us is something entirely different. You could say it’s a perfect magic formation now. The speed at which it absorbs energy perfectly matches the formation's own consumption rate. Therefore, I believe even if it remained here for tens of thousands of years, this formation wouldn't disappear. This is the only aspect of the ancient Dragon Clan ancestor that I admire. I wonder who possessed such skill back then; even a God of Magic might not have surpassed it. If I were to cast it, though I could manifest it, I certainly couldn’t sustain it for such a duration.”

Hearing this, Mo Han realized how astonishing this magic formation was, and that it might even originate from a God of Magic. He couldn't help but observe the formation a few extra times.

Yet, he couldn't discern anything remarkable about it. He figured he’d only know its intricacies upon making contact. Mo Han thought to himself that since he was already here seeking the Dragon Clan’s lair, he wasn't afraid of alerting them.

Mo Han acted immediately, without hesitation. He slowly began chanting under his breath; it seemed he intended to use magic to probe the energy of this ancient Water Attribute magic formation.

A series of melodious incantations slowly drifted from Mo Han’s lips.

“In the name of the Covenant Holder, I summon my Guardian Deity—the Fire God King! Oh, Sovereign of Flame, grant me infinite power, reveal your wrath. Lend me your world-destroying demonic might to annihilate my mortal enemy. At this moment, let your fury and mine merge into one, manifesting the strongest divine power—The Wrath of the Fire God!” What Mo Han was casting was a level-ten spell among Fire Magic, ‘The Wrath of the Fire God.’ Besides Forbidden Curses, this was the Fire Spell with the widest attack range and most immense energy. Using a Fire Attribute spell that countered this ancient Water Attribute formation was the best way to test the energy of this magical barrier.

Bai Ling merely watched Mo Han with a gentle smile, making no move to stop him. It seemed she also wished to gauge the extent of Mo Han’s cultivation through his display. However, Mo Han's performance clearly surprised Bai Ling.

A distinct flicker of astonishment flashed through Bai Ling's eyes.

As Mo Han finished his incantation, a vast expanse of fire instantly materialized not far ahead of him and Bai Ling.

Covering an area spanning over ten meters, the massive flames reflected a deep crimson onto the faces of both Mo Han and Bai Ling. However, this searing heat, which would be lethal to ordinary people, had virtually no effect on Mo Han and Bai Ling.

Both Mo Han and Bai Ling were shielded by a faint magical barrier, warding off the intense heat; the thermal energy could not reach them.

At Mo Han’s command, the immense fire, roaring fiercely, shot rapidly toward the Water Attribute magic formation ahead. In the blink of an eye, it submerged entirely into the formation. Upon suddenly encountering the high temperature and energy of the Fire Magic, the entire island’s magic formation shook violently. Even the mist before Mo Han and Bai Ling glowed a fiery red under the heat of the flames.

Mo Han looked at the effect of his magic, seemingly quite satisfied, and couldn't help but smile. Just then, Bai Ling spoke calmly by his side, “Your magic control and overall power are quite good; you are certainly rare among those on the continent. But this single spell is nowhere near enough to defeat this magic formation; it will only consume a small amount of the formation’s energy.”

Upon hearing this, Mo Han wasn't disappointed at all. He hadn't intended for one spell to break an ancient formation. His goal was merely to test the formation's true power, so he paid no mind to Bai Ling’s comment.

Indeed, shortly after the intense flames entered, the mist of the entire magic formation suddenly increased dramatically, instantly obscuring the magic that was emitted. Mo Han could barely see the red glow from the flames; his magic had been completely suppressed by the formation and no longer had any effect.

Seeing this result, neither Mo Han nor Bai Ling seemed surprised. If it could be broken so easily by Mo Han, it wouldn't be called an ancient magic formation. Bai Ling spoke again, her voice calm, “Just as I thought. Compared to before, nothing has changed.”

Mo Han didn't understand why Bai Ling suddenly said that, but since she was unwilling to elaborate, Mo Han didn't press the issue. He continued to ponder how they might enter the formation.

Noticing Mo Han’s expression, Bai Ling spoke up, “You don't need to think about it; someone has already come out to greet us.”

Hearing Bai Ling, Mo Han quickly tried to sense things intently, but apart from the vast white mist, he could see nothing else. He didn't know how Bai Ling knew, but Mo Han didn't ask further, patiently waiting where he stood beside her.

Sure enough, not long after, two figures slowly emerged from the dense white fog. The one leading was the young master of the Dragon Clan, whom Mo Han had already met several times. Seeing Mo Han, the young master merely stared coldly, saying nothing. Beside the young master stood a frail, grey-haired elder whose hair and beard were both ash-white. He was gazing at Mo Han with a gentle smile, but when his eyes fell upon Bai Ling standing next to Mo Han, his expression shifted subtly, and a clear hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes—it seemed Bai Ling’s strength had already aroused this elder’s suspicion.

The elder performed a gesture common across the continent toward Mo Han and Bai Ling, then smiled at Mo Han and spoke, “This must be His Highness Prince Mo Han, renowned across the continent? I am Elder Agares of the Dragon Clan. I have long heard of Your Highness’s great name, and seeing you today, the rumors are indeed true. It is no wonder our Young Master speaks of Your Highness with such unforgettable reverence. You have truly opened the old man’s eyes.”

Mo Han was momentarily unsure what Elder Agares of the Dragon Clan intended with those words, but Mo Han was no pushover. He immediately replied calmly, “Your Excellency exaggerates too kindly. I, too, have a deep impression of your Young Master. The great name of the Dragon Clan has long resonated across the continent, and I have long wished to pay a visit. I only fail to understand the purpose of your clan sending people to abduct my friends this time?” Upon hearing Mo Han’s response, Agares was first stunned, then burst into loud, hearty laughter. He laughed and said, “It was all just a misunderstanding. Our Clan Leader had long heard of Prince Mo Han’s renown and was eager to make your acquaintance. But fearing he could not invite Your Highness personally, we had no choice but to first invite two of your friends over. Rest assured, Prince Mo Han, your two friends are completely unharmed. Everyone in the Dragon Clan has treated them as honored guests, and Your Highness will be able to see them shortly.”

Mo Han scoffed inwardly. This Elder Agares of the Dragon Clan was certainly not simple. They had clearly used force to seize Daili and Murong Feixue to compel him to come to Dragon Island, yet in the elder’s retelling, it sounded as if they were merely guests invited due to their admiration for him, shifting the blame onto Mo Han.

But Daili was currently in their hands, so Mo Han chose not to expose the deception, simply nodding and saying, “The Dragon Clan holds Mo Han in such high regard; it truly humbles me. Since that is the case, please lead the way, Elder, so Mo Han may pay respects to your Clan Leader and convey my regards.”

Agares heard this.

He quickly nodded and agreed with a smile, but as he looked at Bai Ling beside Mo Han, he deliberately—or perhaps unintentionally—said, “May I ask who this young lady accompanying Prince Mo Han is? Anyone who stands beside Prince Mo Han must surely not be an ordinary person, yes? Would Prince Mo Han be so kind as to introduce her to this old man.”

Mo Han cursed the cunning old fox Agares internally. He was clearly concerned about Bai Ling’s strength and wanted to ascertain her identity, yet he phrased it so politely that it was hard to refuse. Thinking this, Mo Han simply smiled and gestured toward Bai Ling, saying, “Oh, you mean this young lady? She is merely a good friend of mine, nothing famous. Your Excellency need not concern yourself with her.”

Mo Han’s explanation was as good as saying nothing. Agares felt a slight annoyance, but Mo Han’s words were flawless, and he couldn't press further without appearing petty on behalf of the Dragon Clan.

Jumping to