Immediately, most people fixed their gaze intently on Mo Han, all eager to see what this legendary figure looked like. In stark contrast, Leike and his band of mercenaries wore expressions of stunned disbelief, never imagining that Mo Han, a name famous across the continent, would be sitting among them, and so casually at that.

For the most part, true powerhouses tended to possess peculiar temperaments, often carrying an air of overbearing arrogance. Yet, Mo Han exuded none of that aura, which explained the shock on Leike and the others' faces. If it weren't for the words spoken by the Crown Prince of the Fire Cloud Empire, and the undeniable strength Mo Han had just displayed, they truly would never have believed the reality before them.

However, down on the floor, Mo Han’s expression immediately turned grave upon hearing the noise from the second floor. Mo Han spoke coldly toward the upper level, "I hadn't expected the continentally renowned Blood Kill Jela to be one who hides his head and tail? Has the Dark Church recently been short on manpower, or has Elder Blood Kill simply changed tastes and is looking to acquire a few male companions for his personal enjoyment?" At Mo Han's words, every face in the hall shifted dramatically, revealing sheer terror. Blood Kill was a notorious figure even twenty years prior, someone who killed purely based on whim, possessing supreme power.

Especially given that the headquarters of the Dark Church was situated within the Fire Cloud Empire, the nobles of that realm harbored deep-seated dread for Blood Kill.

At that time, countless Fire Cloud Empire nobles had perished at Blood Kill's hands. Because of this, the Fire Cloud Empire had even issued a continent-wide warrant for Blood Kill’s capture, but because he always operated in strict secrecy, he could never be apprehended, and the pursuit was eventually abandoned.

To think that Blood Kill, after vanishing for two decades, would reappear now; it was no wonder those nobles wore such expressions.

Even the Crown Prince of the Fire Cloud Empire’s face paled. He well remembered that it was his empire that had taken the lead in issuing the warrant for Blood Kill, often laced with mocking tones. Now, with Blood Kill suddenly reappearing, how could he not worry about retribution?

As soon as Mo Han finished speaking, a cold snort echoed, followed by a resounding bang as one of the walls of a private box on the second floor disintegrated into dust before the crowd. The billowing cloud of fine powder left the noble lords utterly covered in grime, yet not a single soul dared to voice a complaint, fearing the repercussions from Blood Kill.

Simultaneously with the wall’s collapse, Mo Han flickered and flashed, arriving atop the auction stage because the Dark Saintess, Liu Yanran, was lying there, resting peacefully.

And that massive cloud of dust, upon approaching the three-meter radius around Mo Han, acted as if it had struck an invisible barrier of energy. It could advance no further, naturally leaving Mo Han and Liu Yanran, situated within that zone, completely untouched.

Beside the Crown Prince of the Fire Cloud Empire, as the wall shattered, two hulking figures immediately moved to shield him tightly. Another pair of men in yellow robes promptly channeled their battle aura (Dou Qi), forcing the dust back and preventing themselves from being sullied. As for Leike and his group, their defense was far simpler: the female mage in white uttered a few soft incantations, manifesting a screen of blue water around them that immediately absorbed all the dust, leaving them entirely unaffected.

The others were not so fortunate. Many were utterly caked in dust, but not one dared to lash out in anger. The noble lords, usually so arrogant and bossy, had all turned into shrinking turtles, forced only to silently clean the dust from their persons, resigning themselves to bad luck.

When the dust finally settled, several figures slowly emerged from the breached private box. The person leading the group was none other than the long-absent Blood Kill Jela. Beside him stood several Elders of the Dark Church, figures familiar to Mo Han, though he only recognized the Black Gold Elder among them. The others were complete strangers, clearly trusted confidantes of Blood Kill.

Trailing behind them were several Dark Knights clad in the attire of the Dark Church, each possessing considerable strength.

Upon seeing Mo Han, Blood Kill Jela smiled and spoke, "Prince Mo Han, long time no see. I haven't yet offered my congratulations on your ascension to the rank of Prince of the Heaven Dragon Empire. I must also take this opportunity to commend your rapid progress to the Sword Saint realm—truly cause for celebration."

"Elder Blood Kill is too kind. Oh, forgive me, should I address you as Pope Blood Kill now? Regardless, I can hardly compare to how comfortably you achieved your position after openly rebelling and slaying the previous Pope," Mo Han retorted with heavy sarcasm.

Hearing Mo Han’s words, the faces of Blood Kill and his retinue changed instantly. Blood Kill let out a cold laugh. "It seems Your Highness knows quite a bit. No wonder you would appear in Fila City. I was just wondering if perhaps the Prince was short on personnel in his domain and intended to purchase some slaves."

Mo Han merely offered a cold sneer in response, saying nothing further.

Seeing this, Blood Kill didn't press the matter, continuing smoothly, "Since you are already aware, I won't beat around the bush. Today, neither you nor that little harlot will be leaving here."

As Blood Kill finished speaking, the Dark Knights and the Dark Elders immediately encircled Mo Han and Liu Yanran. They waited only for Blood Kill’s command to attack Mo Han. At that moment, Blood Kill spoke coldly to the surrounding crowd, "This matter is a personal feud between the Dark Church and Chen Mo Han. Those who are uninvolved would be wise to leave immediately, or do not blame me for being merciless."

With that statement, Blood Kill deliberately glanced toward the direction of the Fire Cloud Empire’s Crown Prince, the warning clearly conveyed.

Seeing the setup and hearing Blood Kill's words, everyone present rushed toward the exits, terrified of getting entangled. The Crown Prince of the Fire Cloud Empire, hearing Blood Kill’s audacious declaration, naturally began to bristle, but he was immediately restrained by the elderly mage in the gold robe beside him.

The old mage whispered a few words into the Crown Prince's ear, and the Prince’s expression gradually calmed. He then gave Blood Kill and Mo Han a frigid look before departing with his retinue.

When Blood Kill saw the Crown Prince leave, he offered no hindrance, focusing his cold stare solely on Mo Han. In Blood Kill's eyes, the Crown Prince was insignificant; Mo Han was his true adversary.

In just a few moments, the once densely packed auction house became utterly deserted. Aside from Mo Han and Blood Kill’s group, no one remained—even the stout owner of the Banner Cloud Hall had vanished at some point.

Seeing the imposing formation before him, Mo Han dared not be careless. Setting aside Blood Kill himself, who was already established as a Sword Saint, the collection of Dark Elders and Dark Knights presented a considerable headache. To be selected by Blood Kill from among so many subordinates to hold the rank of Elder was proof enough of their exceptional capabilities.

A flash of white light erupted, and the Holy Sword of Radiance appeared in Mo Han’s hand. Mo Han then mocked Blood Kill, "What? Is the great Blood Kill Jela going back on his word?" Hearing the sneer, Jela showed no anger, merely retorting with a cold chuckle, "Rest assured, I, Jela, have always kept my word. While you defeated me through strategy last time, I, Blood Kill, am still a man of my word. I only promised that I would not attack you; I never specified that my subordinates would refrain from dealing with you, did I?"

Mo Han paused internally at Jela's words. Did Jela truly possess such confidence? While the Dark Elders were certainly strong, dealing with Mo Han, who held the Holy Sword of Light, would still prove difficult for them. Within this confrontation, Mo Han’s greatest concern was the true strength of Blood Kill Jela himself.

Now, Jela was genuinely honoring the agreement from their prior contest by refusing to engage. Jela surely could deduce the likely outcome of the Elders' assault, yet he agreed not to intervene. Mo Han refused to believe Jela was simply being benevolent enough to allow him and Liu Yanran to escape, leaving him to deal with Jela later. There was definitely something amiss, but Mo Han could not fathom Jela's true intentions, so he could only remain inwardly vigilant against any conspiracy.

As Jela finished speaking, the Black Gold Elder immediately drew his personal weapon and addressed Mo Han coldly, "Boy, I shall settle the score today for the humiliation you inflicted upon me among the Beastkin clan. I will show you the consequences of offending me."

No sooner had Black Gold finished speaking than he lunged toward Mo Han, his weapon trailing a streak of deep-blue light as he swung toward Mo Han. Simultaneously, the other Dark Elders seized the moment, attacking Mo Han from different angles, their weapons all striking toward Mo Han, imbued with their Dou Qi. They all appeared to have reached the level of Great Sword Master. It seemed the Dark Church had been hoarding significant strength in secret.

Leaping toward