Yet, Andu still put on an appearance of deference, no wonder the members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group couldn't stand it anymore.

However, Mo Han seemed to harbor no suspicion whatsoever toward Andu's intentions, even putting on a look of gratitude as he spoke: "In that case, Mo Han thanks your excellency. I also hope you will keep your promise. Many people are watching right now, so I trust you won't go back on your word."

When Andu heard Mo Han's words, he merely sneered and readily agreed. In his mind, Mo Han had absolutely no chance of defeating him. Besides, he had only said he would let Mo Han cast magic; he hadn't said he wouldn't dodge. Relying on his Great Swordsman strength, Andu was confident that even if things went poorly, he could evade the opponent's magic. Once he closed the distance to Mo Han, no matter how powerful Mo Han's magic was, his death would be certain. Therefore, Andu naturally didn't pay much mind to what Mo Han said.

Seeing that Andu had agreed to his request, Mo Han inwardly sneered. This Andu thought that the treasure he possessed could withstand his magical attacks. How little he knew that Mo Han's strength had already reached the level of a Saint Magus. If Andu had known Mo Han's true strength, he probably wouldn't have agreed to this bet even if his life depended on it.

The people of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group saw that Mo Han had agreed to the opponent's demand, so they couldn't say much more. They could only stand close to Mo Han, ready to guard against any sneak attack from Andu. As for Daili, Murong Feixue, and Bai Ling, since they already knew Mo Han's true strength, they appeared much more relaxed, simply standing there with gentle smiles on their faces. Truthfully, if Andu really tried to renege and sneak attack Mo Han, the unfortunate one would surely be him in the end, so there was nothing to worry about.

Andu watched as the members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group surrounded Mo Han, secretly sneering. These Heaven's Shadow people thought this formation could stop him—that was simply a pipe dream.

Therefore, he naturally paid no attention to the movements of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group, only coldly speaking to Mo Han: "You can begin now. Don't blame me for not telling you—you only get one chance. Start."

After saying this, Andu stared at Mo Han with a fully guarded expression. A deep green aura of battle qi began to radiate from Andu's body. Clearly, Andu was an extremely cautious individual. Even with the Demon-Repelling Stone, he wasn't entirely at ease, so he preemptively layered his body with battle qi to help him withstand Mo Han's subsequent magical assault.

The members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group cursed Andu for his shamelessness upon seeing his action. Just then, Mo Han smiled and spoke: "How about this? I will only unleash one magic spell with my full power. If this spell fails to defeat you, then I lose."

Hearing Mo Han's words, the Heaven's Shadow members were greatly alarmed. They had held little hope for Mo Han's victory to begin with, and now Mo Han only intended to use a single magical attack to defeat Andu, who possessed such a treasure. Did that not make victory even more hopeless? Just as they were about to try and dissuade him, Andu, with delight blooming on his face, readily agreed to Mo Han's terms. In Andu's estimation, this significantly increased his chances of winning. Andu simply could not believe that with his current Great Swordsman strength, he couldn't withstand the magic of a mere young brat—otherwise, his reputation would be for naught.

Mo Han, upon hearing this, smiled toward the members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group and said, "Actually, I wasn't exaggerating. If a full-power spell cannot break the magic shield from the treasure on him, then one attempt versus ten makes no difference. So there's no need to say more. You've known me for so long—when have you ever seen me attempt something I wasn't confident about?"

The Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group members, understanding the truth in Mo Han's words, could only nod in agreement.

Seeing this, Mo Han reached into his palm and pulled out a staff, stark white from end to end. The moment Mo Han's staff appeared, the surrounding magical elements surged fiercely. This was the Saint Dragon Staff, the only mage-type weapon among the Ten Great Artifacts that Mo Xiuyi had given Mo Han. The Saint Dragon Staff was forged entirely from the bones of a deceased Dragon race member, and the crystal embedded in it was the exceedingly precious Dragon Crystal—a treasure that money simply could not buy. Coupled with the Dragon race's innate mastery over magic, the Saint Dragon Staff greatly amplified the caster's magical energy and power. Mo Han had only used the Saint Dragon Staff once before, during his confrontation with that mysterious dark shadow, and this would be the second time. However, the previous use was out of dire necessity; this time, Mo Han bringing out the Saint Dragon Staff carried a different meaning.

When Bai Ling saw Mo Han produce the Saint Dragon Staff, her expression shifted. She hadn't expected Mo Han to possess such a divine artifact. But the look was fleeting. Bai Ling murmured softly, "I didn't realize he even had the Saint Dragon Staff. That truly is surprising. Just how many treasures does this fellow possess that I don't know about? Chen Mo Han, you truly are a walking trove of valuables."

Across the way, Andu’s face changed upon seeing the Saint Dragon Staff. Although he couldn't identify it, the imposing aura it exuded immediately told him this was no ordinary treasure. A person possessing such a high-grade weapon would naturally not have low strength. It seemed today he had seriously misjudged the situation.

Andu cursed inwardly, but he had already agreed to the bet in front of so many people, and he had set all the terms himself. If he backed out now, he would lose all face in the mercenary world. Thinking this, Andu could only keep comforting himself internally, hoping Mo Han was merely flashy but ineffective, to boost his own confidence.

The members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group, seeing Mo Han produce the Saint Dragon Staff, though they didn't recognize it, could sense its extraordinary nature and couldn't help but look pleased. Generally, only the strong could possess such an item; otherwise, it would have been snatched away long ago. Even if Mo Han’s skill wasn't the absolute best, it likely wasn't far off. Didn't this mean their chances of winning had just increased significantly? Only Loliya's face changed drastically upon seeing the Saint Dragon Staff; she seemed utterly shocked. Loliya muttered to herself, "Impossible, is this the Saint Dragon Staff? How could it be in the hands of this rich boy? Didn't Master say the Saint Dragon Staff disappeared along with Mo Xiuyi, the continent's strongest expert of that era? This can't be happening. How could this rich boy possess the Saint Dragon Staff? It must be a high-level weapon similar to it—it has to be."

Thinking this, Loliya's expression stabilized slightly. All of this was observed by Murong Feixue, who had been keeping an eye on her. Seeing Loliya's reaction, a flicker of confusion appeared in Murong Feixue's eyes, but it vanished instantly, and she showed nothing, continuing to chat with Daili beside her as if she had seen nothing at all.

At that moment, Mo Han turned and smiled at Loliya, saying, "Girl, watch closely as I teach you how to use water magic to defeat him. You'll see what true water magic looks like."

Loliya, hearing Mo Han's words, surprisingly did not argue but nodded, showing not a shred of doubt in Mo Han's statement.

Seeing this, Mo Han smiled toward the group of black-clad men surrounding Andu and said, "Don't say I didn't warn you. My control over magic isn't perfect. If you stay too close to him, don't blame me if you get accidentally hit by my magic."

After saying this, Mo Han raised the Saint Dragon Staff in his hand. Immediately, Mo Han's entire demeanor grew solemn, a complete transformation from his previous flippant expression—he exuded the aura of a true powerhouse.

The members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group were momentarily stunned by Mo Han's sudden change; they were clearly unused to the grave expression on his face. However, Daili and Murong Feixue, having witnessed Mo Han change before, were not surprised at all. The black-clad men standing near Andu, having heard Mo Han's warning, now saw his stance and naturally backed away from Andu. These mercenaries were cunning to the extreme and certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to remain within the range of Mo Han's magic. If Andu's Demon-Repelling Stone truly couldn't block Mo Han's spell, they wouldn't stand there inviting suffering.

Mo Han began to chant softly: "Pure maiden of water, one who knows the logic of surging waves, beautiful empress, Azure Eva! My great ally, following the sacred covenant of blood, beginning from the origin of our lineage and ending at its finality, respond to my call and freeze every enemy before me,..."

Hearing the incantation Mo Han was casting, Loliya could hardly believe her ears and cried out in disbelief, "Water Grade Forbidden Spell—Glacial Storm! How is this possible? Does he already possess the strength of a Saint Magus?" Upon hearing Loliya’s words, the faces of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group and the opposing black-clad men changed drastically. Andu turned deathly pale. What concept was a Saint Magus? If Mo Han were allowed to finish casting the spell, he probably wouldn't even have time to flee.

The magical energy opposite them began to surge wildly, following Mo Han's chant. It seems Mo Han was indeed casting a Water Grade Forbidden Spell; otherwise, the fluctuation of magical energy wouldn't be this intense. Realizing this, Andu hurriedly shouted, "Stop! I concede! Take my Demon-Repelling Stone if you wish."

Andu was an extremely cunning man. He knew that if Mo Han truly finished casting the Forbidden Spell, he would have no chance of defending against Mo Han's magic. While the Demon-Repelling Stone was a treasure, it was not a divine artifact and certainly couldn't withstand a Forbidden Spell from Mo Han. It was better to simply surrender now than to die by Mo Han’s hand. If he lived, he would still have opportunities to acquire treasures later. If he died, he would lose everything. Andu was a man of deep cunning, and at this critical juncture, he knew how to weigh his options, so he immediately conceded. Furthermore, his body leaped away instantly, trying desperately to escape the sphere of influence of Mo Han's magic.

Seeing Andu concede, Mo Han immediately halted his spell. As Mo Han’s chant ceased, all the surging magical energy vanished without a trace. Observing this scene, Loliya, who deeply understood the principles of magic, was even more astonished. This was because a mage’s spell, much like a warrior's battle qi, could not simply be retracted at will. A slight misstep could lead to the caster being violently backlashed by the spell’s immense power, and the greater the power of the spell being cast, the greater the danger of interrupting it, and the more severe the backlash would be, potentially costing one's life. Therefore, for any spell above Level Seven, no mage dared to casually stop casting mid-way, as it carried tremendous risk.

What Mo Han was casting now was a Water Grade Forbidden Spell, and its power was undeniable. Yet, Mo Han could stop it at will—it was simply incredible. Even mages who had reached the Saint Magus realm would not dare to easily interrupt the casting of a Forbidden Spell; doing so was akin to suicide. A small error could result in severe injury even if death was averted. Mo Han’s current performance completely surpassed the common knowledge of magic Loliya possessed, which explained her shock. Mo Han had presented her with too many surprises; he was vastly different from the rich boy she thought she knew.

Andu’s level of shock was no less than Loliya's. Although Andu didn't understand magic, he knew that mages couldn't simply retract spells they had begun casting. On the continent, no one had ever heard of a mage being able to stop a mid-cast Forbidden Spell at will. It was utterly impossible. Yet, Mo Han demonstrated this technique of effortless control, leaving Andu slack-jawed.

After careful consideration, Andu made the choice most favorable to himself. He understood that with the strength Mo Han currently displayed, even if all his men rushed forward, they might not be Mo Han’s match. At this level of confrontation, superior numbers offered no advantage unless the disparity was truly immense. By the time Mo Han exhausted his magic, Andu and his group might still have a chance. Moreover, the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group stood poised nearby, and the women beside Mo Han also appeared quite formidable. Under such circumstances, Andu and his men truly had no hope.

However, judging by the power Mo Han just displayed, Andu believed Mo Han could potentially cast two more Forbidden Spells. By the time Mo Han’s magic was truly depleted, Andu’s group might not even have ashes left. Thinking of this, Andu urgently addressed Mo Han: "Who exactly are you, sir? With the strength you've shown, you cannot be an unknown figure. Could you perhaps inform me of your name?"

After witnessing the power Mo Han exhibited, Andu’s tone shifted considerably, naturally adopting respectful language. Any fool would know how to choose when facing a mage of the Saint Magus level, and Andu was certainly no fool; he had no intention of provoking Mo Han further.

But when Mo Han heard Andu’s question, he acted as if he hadn't heard it at all, offering no reply, only coldly stating, "You lost. You must fulfill your promise. Do I need to teach you how to do that?" Mo Han's tone was one that utterly dismissed Andu, but Mo Han certainly had the grounds for such arrogance. Perhaps even ten Andus wouldn't be Mo Han's match right now.

Andu felt a surge of suppressed anger hearing Mo Han's words, but the gap in strength was evident. Pushing his luck further would only result in his own loss. Furthermore, Commander Ma’er and Commander Habaily were both opportunists; having witnessed Mo Han's true strength, they were undoubtedly calculating how to save their own skins. The only reason they still stood by him was out of fear of his future retaliation. But if Mo Han killed him now, they certainly wouldn't side with him later; they would surely align with Mo Han. Thinking this, Andu could only respectfully address Mo Han: "Your assessment is correct, sir. I have lost. I am willing to hand over the Demon-Repelling Stone with both hands."

As he finished speaking, Andu pulled a pitch-black stone from his robe. It emitted a faint, eerie glow, immediately conveying its extraordinary nature to anyone who looked upon it. When Andu produced the stone, Wasak was about to step forward to retrieve it for Mo Han, but Mo Han stopped him. Mo Han walked a few steps forward and coldly commanded Andu, "Bring it over yourself."

Hearing this, the members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group were greatly shocked. Mages feared close-range attacks the most. Andu was already quite strong; if he got close to Mo Han, wouldn't that give him an opportunity to assassinate Mo Han? The Heaven's Shadow members couldn't fathom why Mo Han would make such a decision, putting himself in peril. Andu, hearing Mo Han's words, was also greatly surprised. Had Mo Han's brain been fried? He was now separated from the protection of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group and alone. This would give Andu a significant opportunity for a sneak attack. Given Mo Han's shrewdness, he should have considered this possibility, yet he made this request. This could only mean Mo Han had extreme confidence in his own strength, not worrying at all about Andu launching a sneak attack, otherwise Andu could find no other explanation for Mo Han's actions.

Thinking this, a fierce internal struggle erupted within Andu. Yet, his expression remained completely unchanged, revealing not a trace of killing intent that might alert Mo Han, as he knew this was very likely a trap set by Mo Han to test whether he would actually launch a surprise attack. But this was such a rare opportunity with a high chance of success; if he didn't strike, he wouldn't be satisfied. But if he failed, he would certainly have no chance of survival. Andu's heart wrestled fiercely.

In the end, the desire for self-preservation won out. He felt Mo Han wouldn't give him such an easy chance to assassinate him; this was very likely a trap. As long as he kept his life, he would have chances for new treasures in the future, but if he died now, all hope would be gone. Between treasure and life, Andu chose the latter.

Andu walked respectfully to Mo Han and presented the Demon-Repelling Stone in his hand. Mo Han accepted it without courtesy, directly reaching out to take it. This sight caused a pang of heartache in Andu, but he dared not show any sign of dissatisfaction. Afterward, Andu respectfully bowed to Mo Han and turned to leave.

Witnessing this, the members of the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group finally breathed a sigh of relief. From the moment Andu approached Mo Han, they had been on high alert. Had Andu made any move against Mo Han, they would have immediately rushed to offer support. Seeing that Andu genuinely gave up such a good chance, the Heaven's Shadow members finally relaxed, having nervously sweated a cold sweat for Mo Han.

But just at this moment, a long sword glowing with white light suddenly appeared in Mo Han's hand, and he violently launched an attack toward Andu, whose back was turned. Seeing this scene, not only were the black-clad men and the Heaven's Shadow Mercenary Group members greatly surprised, but even Murong Feixue and the others were taken aback. They couldn't understand why Mo Han would attack Andu after he had conceded, and moreover, why he used the Light Holy Sword—this was completely contrary to Mo Han's usual style. Why would Mo Han do this? Andu, who had already turned, heard the black-clad men cry out and felt the sound of a weapon tearing through the air behind him. However, Mo Han's strength already surpassed Andu’s, and this attack was a deliberate sneak strike. How could Andu possibly evade Mo Han's full-power blow? Just as Andu turned, before he could even dodge, the Light Holy Sword in Mo Han's hand accurately pierced through Andu's body.

Andu, pierced by the Light Holy Sword, let out a sharp, piercing wail that sent chills down the spine. Witnessing this, all the figures in black were stunned by Mo Han’s action, baffled by the sheer speed of his sword—so fast that even Andu couldn’t evade an attack from a mere mage. For a moment, they froze, unsure of what to do next.

Loria of the Sky Shadow Mercenary Group immediately cried out at Mo Han, her tone filled with dissatisfaction: “Why would you kill him after he surrendered? That’s hardly the behavior of a true gentleman.”

Though others remained silent, they directed looks of confusion toward Mo Han, not understanding his motive.

Only Daili and Murong Feixue maintained their usual placid expressions. This wasn't because they knew the reason, but because they understood Mo Han so profoundly that they were certain he must have his own justification for such an act; otherwise, he never would have done it. Thus, they trusted him instinctively, believing Mo Han incapable of such despicable sneak attacks.

Mo Han, as if deaf to Loria’s shout, merely fixed his cold gaze on the nearby Andu and spoke in a low voice, “Do you know why I killed you?” Hearing this question, everyone quieted down, eager to know Mo Han’s reason for striking Andu.

Andu stared back at Mo Han with eyes full of resentment and slowly replied, “Since my skill proves inferior, kill me if you must. Why waste time with words?”

Upon hearing Andu’s response, Mo Han suddenly smiled, fixing his gaze upon him as he slowly continued, “In that case, I suppose you wouldn't mind if I let the power of Light flow through your body? Perhaps it could even send you to Heaven to meet the God of Light.”

With these words, Mo Han made a motion as if to act.

Daili and the others felt a sudden pang of confusion at Mo Han’s abrupt and context-free statement. Only Bai Ling seemed to grasp something, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes as she scrutinized Andu carefully.

Andu, whose face had previously been set in resentment, was now utterly aghast at Mo Han’s remark. His face instantly turned deathly pale, and his body began to tremble violently with fear. He stammered out in a terrified voice to Mo Han, “No! Please, I beg you, don't!”

Hearing Andu’s plea only deepened the surrounding crowd’s confusion. They couldn’t fathom why Andu feared a baptism of Light so much; the difference between this terrified man and the previous cunning and ruthless Andu was night and day, fueling their curiosity even further.

Mo Han nodded with satisfaction at Andu’s reply and stated, “Then you can tell me your identity now, can’t you? I don't have the patience to listen to your fabricated stories here. You understand what I mean, right?” Andu fell silent upon hearing this, then slowly spoke to Mo Han, “How did you see through my identity? Can you tell me?” “If you answer my question first, I might consider telling you the reason,” Mo Han replied, his face resuming its easy smile. Yet, in his heart, Mo Han had already decided he would never reveal the true reason; as the saying went, letting your enemy die in the frustration of ignorance was the greatest punishment of all.

The current Mo Han seemed like an entirely different person compared to the cold figure moments before, reverting to the playful, joking Mo Han that Loria and the others were familiar with.

Hearing this exchange, Bai Ling seemed to have guessed why Mo Han had suddenly made his move and revealed a slight smile.

Andu realized that Mo Han had no intention of answering his question and could only plead, “If I tell you the truth, will you let me go?” Mo Han shook his head and replied, “You currently possess no capital with which to bargain with me. However, if what you say satisfies me, I will consider giving you a swift death; otherwise, you know the consequences.”

Although Mo Han maintained his smiling demeanor while addressing Andu, making him appear amicable, Andu reacted as if he had heard something terrifying and quickly asserted, “No! I will definitely answer to your satisfaction! What exactly do you wish to know? I promise to answer everything!”

Mo Han nodded contentedly. “That’s better. Hurry and tell me: how did you ascend from the Underworld? The Church of Light didn't detect any transport fluctuations from the Netherworld. How did you manage to cross over?” Mo Han’s question shocked everyone present, including Andu’s accomplices. They were stunned that Andu was actually from the Underworld; it was almost unbelievable. Had Mo Han not revealed it, they would never have believed Andu was a denizen of the Underworld.

Andu immediately shook his head upon hearing Mo Han’s question and insisted, “My lord, please don’t misunderstand. I am not from the Underworld. I am truly human.”

Mo Han’s expression turned cold at this denial, and he said sharply, “It seems you won’t shed tears until you see the coffin. Do you want to sample the sensation of bathing in the power of Light first?”