The Dragon Clan Patriarch paid no mind to Mo Han’s gesture, his smile unwavering, though a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes. If this was Mo Han’s true nature, he couldn't fathom why the Sacred Dragon Patriarch held him in such high regard, entrusting him with such matters.
Upon seeing the Dragon Clan Patriarch’s reaction, Mo Han’s expression remained unchanged, yet his heart grew heavier. This display thoroughly demonstrated the man’s formidable character. The fact that Mo Han treated him this way and yet provoked no trace of anger revealed a truly profound depth of cunning. Mo Han considered him the most scheming individual he had ever encountered.
However, the Patriarch’s composure only confirmed that the task assigned to him would likely be far more difficult. If he failed, Daili remained in their custody, and here, deep within Demon Dragon territory, even with Bai Ling at his side, they stood no chance against them. With this thought, Mo Han’s mind raced, desperately seeking a countermeasure.
Then, the Dragon Clan Patriarch spoke, “Prince Mo Han is truly a straightforward person.”
“I will be direct then. My request is simple. Prince Mo Han, you will soon be going to the Ancient Blue Ruins to assist the Sacred Dragon Clan against that Blais, correct? I presume the Sacred Dragon Patriarch has asked His Highness to retrieve the Dragon Race's ultimate treasure—the Seven-Star Dragon Orb.”
Mo Han let out a soft 'hngh,' his tone implying a deeper meaning as he responded, “I did not realize the Patriarch’s strength had reached that of the Bright God.”
Stunned by Mo Han’s abrupt and context-less statement, the Dragon Clan Patriarch paused before replying with confusion, “I don’t understand why Your Highness suddenly brings this up. I do not believe I have reached that level. Your Highness flatters me.”
Bai Ling, unsure of what Mo Han was truly plotting, looked at him with equal perplexity.
Mo Han merely shook his head and spoke, “I am not speaking nonsense. When the Sacred Dragon Patriarch first told me about this matter, I believe only myself, the Patriarch, and a few elders of the Sacred Dragon Clan were aware of it, right? How did the Patriarch learn of this news so quickly? If the Patriarch hasn't reached the level of the Bright God, then how did you know? Mo Han truly cannot comprehend this; I hope the Patriarch can enlighten me.”
Hearing the subtle sarcasm in Mo Han’s voice, the Dragon Clan Patriarch remained unfazed. He maintained his smiling tone as he replied, “Naturally, I do not possess the strength of the Bright God. It was merely a coincidence that I learned the Sacred Dragon Patriarch invited Prince Mo Han over, so I ventured a bold guess. I didn’t expect to be right—what luck.”
Mo Han clearly displayed skepticism but kept his composure. He smiled slightly and said, “That is quite a coincidence; I must be impressed. That is correct. The Sacred Dragon Patriarch did assign this matter to Mo Han, but Mo Han has not yet agreed. Why would the Patriarch suddenly bring this up?” Hearing Mo Han’s reply, the Dragon Clan Patriarch showed no surprise, as if he had anticipated Mo Han’s response.
The Dragon Clan Patriarch continued with a smile, “Your Highness jokes. I have heard that Your Highness already accepted this task, with the condition being that the Sacred Dragon Patriarch would help you break the seal on the Holy Sword of Light upon your body. Furthermore, the Sacred Dragon Patriarch has already fulfilled Your Highness’s request. How could Your Highness possibly not have agreed to the matter?”
Mo Han inwardly acknowledged the man's cleverness. This Dragon Clan Patriarch had clearly come prepared, knowing these details intimately. This could only mean there was a spy or an insider within the Sacred Dragon Clan, otherwise, how could the Demon Dragon Clan know things so clearly? Mo Han already had a suspect in mind for the mole, but it seemed clear that if he didn't agree to the Patriarch's terms today, the Patriarch would not relent.
With that realization, Mo Han nodded. “It seems the Patriarch knows everything clearly. Mo Han will not beat around the bush. The Patriarch may state his demand; as long as Mo Han can achieve it, I will do my utmost.”
Hearing this, the Dragon Clan Patriarch chuckled heartily. “I am certain Your Highness can accomplish it. All we require is that once Your Highness obtains the Seven-Star Dragon Orb, you bring it directly to us. Also, Prince Mo Han must absolutely not harm the life of Blais. Our Demon Dragon Clan will never forget Your Highness’s kindness. If Your Highness ever requires anything in the future, simply name it, and our Demon Dragon Clan will surely see it done.”
Hearing the Dragon Clan Patriarch's words, Mo Han sucked in a cold breath. He hadn't expected the Demon Dragon Clan to covet the Seven-Star Dragon Orb. It seemed this entire scheme had been planned for a long time. With this in mind, Mo Han adopted a difficult tone. “Patriarch, it seems you have the wrong person. The Seven-Star Dragon Orb is a treasure of the Sacred Dragon Clan; it doesn't belong to me at all. What right do I have to dispose of this item? Has the Patriarch made a mistake? If you wish to negotiate, you should speak with the Sacred Dragon Patriarch. Mo Han cannot make that decision. If it’s inconvenient for the Patriarch to speak to him directly, Mo Han can relay your request to the Sacred Dragon Patriarch. What does the Patriarch think?”
The Dragon Clan Patriarch paid no mind to Mo Han’s smooth evasion, which shifted all responsibility onto the Sacred Dragon Patriarch, adopting an air of detachment. He already knew Mo Han’s reputation for sharp words. Mo Han’s current behavior was much more in line with the legends, unlike the arrogant demeanor he displayed upon arrival. This was the bearing of someone truly capable of handling the Sacred Dragon Patriarch’s commission, leaving no room for doubt.
With this thought, the Dragon Clan Patriarch continued smiling, “Your Highness is too fond of joking. You must know the relationship between our Demon Dragon Clan and the Sacred Dragon Clan, correct? If this could be solved that easily, I wouldn't have needed to trouble Your Highness to travel such a great distance. The Seven-Star Dragon Orb is genuinely crucial to our Demon Dragon Clan, and we sincerely hope Your Highness can assist us. The Demon Dragon Clan will surely repay this favor.”
Mo Han shook his head again. “It is not that I am unwilling to help, Patriarch. Since you know the Seven-Star Dragon Orb is a treasure entrusted to me by the Sacred Dragon Patriarch, how could I casually give it away? Besides, the Sacred Dragon Patriarch has already fulfilled Mo Han’s conditions, so I certainly cannot be a person who breaks his word. Moreover, isn't the Seven-Star Dragon Orb also a treasure of the Sacred Dragon Clan? What use does the Demon Dragon Clan have for it? Please forgive Mo Han, but I cannot comply. Perhaps the Patriarch could suggest something else, which Mo Han would certainly manage.”
But how could the Dragon Clan Patriarch let the matter rest? He spoke unhurriedly, “Prince Mo Han must know that long ago, our Demon Dragon Clan and the Sacred Dragon Clan were originally one family, correct? The Seven-Star Dragon Orb existed then. Therefore, shouldn't the Seven-Star Dragon Orb also be considered a treasure of our Demon Dragon Clan? In that case, taking back my own treasure should not be considered excessive, right?”
“As for what Prince Mo Han said about the Sacred Dragon Patriarch fulfilling your requirements, you can simply ask the Sacred Dragon Patriarch to reseal the power of the Holy Sword of Light. I still have a way to help you break the seal on the Holy Sword of Light, and furthermore, we can present you with an additional top-tier divine artifact, one absolutely no worse than the Holy Sword of Light. Additionally, our Demon Dragon Clan can promise Prince Mo Han any three other requests, as long as they do not harm the interests of our Demon Dragon Clan, and we will certainly deliver. What does Your Highness think?”
Mo Han inwardly realized the Dragon Clan Patriarch was determined to succeed, even willing to offer an artifact equivalent to the Holy Sword of Light as payment. The Seven-Star Dragon Orb must be incredibly significant to the Demon Dragon Clan, and they would not give up easily. Mo Han began to feel a headache, unable to devise a plan to resolve the situation immediately.
Mo Han knew he could not agree to this. If the Demon Dragon Clan, with its ambition, obtained the Seven-Star Dragon Orb, even the Sacred Dragon Clan might not be able to suppress them, and humanity would be the first to suffer. He wasn't that foolish.
However, if he refused, he couldn't rescue Daili and Murong Feixue, and his own safe departure would be questionable.
Considering this, Mo Han could only offer a vague reply, “It seems the Patriarch is set on obtaining the Seven-Star Dragon Orb, even offering a divine artifact. To be honest, the terms are very tempting; even I am moved.”