As the pure, flawless white hand emerged, traces of the Poison Dragon Grass powder still clung to its palm. It seemed Bai Ling had already administered the antidote to herself, thus feeling no effect from the deadly herb's toxicity whatsoever.

Mo Han’s heart leaped at her words, but he quickly remembered Bai Ling’s mercurial temperament. Her tone now clearly indicated displeasure. Bai Ling’s nature was such that the angrier she became, the calmer her voice grew, and it was obvious she was seething now. Though Mo Han couldn't fathom what offense he’d just committed, he dared not risk provoking her further.

If this stunning beauty felt displeased and casually tossed him some Poison Dragon Grass, he’d be utterly ruined. While Mo Han was certain Bai Ling would ultimately save him, the mere thought of his entire nervous system being paralyzed made cold sweat break out on his brow. With this in mind, Mo Han immediately forced a smile and spoke, “Heh heh, I was merely speaking in jest, I never truly intended to take it. This Poison Dragon Grass is too rare; how could I shamelessly try to steal your belongings? You’ve misunderstood me.”

Hearing Mo Han’s explanation, Bai Ling couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and frustration. This Mo Han—hadn't he taken enough of her treasures already? In the Temple of Marvels within the Magic Forest, he had pilfered so many of her valuable items that he’d almost stripped her bare. And now, he dared to utter such apologetic nonsense with such apparent sincerity—he truly was the most shameless man alive.

With this thought, Bai Ling decided it wasn't worth engaging with Mo Han further.

She simply stated coolly, “If you don’t want it, then don't. You chose to refuse it, so don't blame me for being petty.”

Hearing Bai Ling, Mo Han felt immense reluctance to part with the Poison Dragon Grass, but he still didn't dare risk taking it. He was inwardly frustrated, cursing Bai Ling's cunning, yet completely helpless. He could only nod quickly and reply with a smile, “Of course, of course, hehe. Say, how did you end up here? How did you find me?”

In response to Mo Han’s question, Bai Ling offered a faint smile and said, “What if I told you I laid a peculiar magical ward upon you? That way, no matter where you went, I could find you. Would you believe me?” Mo Han was shocked, immediately employing his magic to conduct a thorough search.

However, after a diligent search, Mo Han discovered nothing. He reasoned that Bai Ling’s magical prowess far exceeded his own; if she had indeed cast a spell on him, it was entirely possible he wouldn't notice.

Putting aside further fruitless searching, Mo Han simply smiled at Bai Ling and remarked, “So you did. It’s no big deal. What’s wrong, do you miss me? Hehe.”

Hearing Mo Han’s flippant reply, Bai Ling snorted coldly.

“You failed to keep your promise,” she stated. “You agreed to travel the continent with me, yet you dared to sneak away while I was absent. You’ve already taken so many of my treasures; naturally, I couldn't be at ease. I had to follow to see what warranted you breaking your word to me, only to find it was for a woman. You truly are quite the romantic.”

Mo Han immediately hastened to explain earnestly, “Please don’t misunderstand. I didn't break my promise; I just had to leave temporarily. I already told Daili and the others that as soon as my business here is concluded, I’d return to you all immediately. And my departure to Lake Li was urgent because matters here required immediate attention, which is why I couldn't say goodbye to you properly. I hope you can forgive me.”

Bai Ling merely stared fixedly at Mo Han without speaking, which sent a shiver down Mo Han’s spine. He secretly wondered if the girl was about to lose her temper and throw some Poison Dragon Grass at him, which would be a truly unjust end.

As Mo Han was still contemplating this, Bai Ling suddenly revealed a slight smile and said, “Don't worry. The Poison Dragon Grass is too precious for me to waste on a faithless scoundrel like you. So, you don't need to be so frightened.”

Mo Han froze momentarily upon hearing this, then remembered that Bai Ling had told him she possessed mind-reading abilities. Whatever he was thinking, she could certainly know, provided she wanted to know. But since Bai Ling hadn't used this skill on him in a long time, Mo Han had almost forgotten about this peculiar ability.

Seeing her use it now reminded him, and Mo Han couldn't help but voice his gloom, “Miss Bai, could you please stop using that strange Mind Reading technique on me? The feeling of having everything you think laid bare for others to see is incredibly depressing, you know?”

Bai Ling replied in the same placid tone, “Didn’t I already tell you? If you don’t think wicked thoughts, you have nothing to worry about. Besides, I have no interest in probing your mind all day long. Do you think I’m as bored as you are?”

Mo Han was left speechless. When had this girl become so sharp-tongued? She was clearly investigating his inner thoughts just now, yet claimed she wasn't interested in prying into his mind... and she dared to call him boring? She was the pot calling the kettle black!

Bai Ling seemed to sense Mo Han’s inner turmoil and gave him an expression of pure, unanswerable challenge, which made Mo Han itch with irritation, though he was powerless to retaliate.

Just then, Bai Ling pointed to Liu Yanran, the Dark Saintess, still unconscious behind Mo Han, and asked calmly, “Who is this woman behind you? You seem quite concerned for her. I suspect your injuries were also sustained because of her, right? Otherwise, given your strength, even if you couldn't defeat your opponents, no one could have possibly stopped you if you simply intended to flee.”

Mo Han looked at the still-unconscious Liu Yanran on the ground, the memory of his actions toward her washing over him, and a wave of guilt surfaced. He replied, “She could actually be considered my wife, though I owe her a great deal. Also, I don't know why she remains unconscious. You have extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals; could you please examine her and see what’s happening?” Having said this, Mo Han stared earnestly at Bai Ling, hoping she would check on Liu Yanran’s condition. When Bai Ling first heard Mo Han’s request, she had been ready to mock him, but looking at his earnest gaze, her resolve softened, and she nodded, slowly walking over to Liu Yanran’s side to observe her carefully.

Mo Han stood anxiously behind, awaiting the results.

Not long after, Bai Ling stood up. “Don’t worry, she’s fine. She was merely drugged into a stupor, and her life is not in danger. She should wake up soon, but regarding her….”

Bai Ling paused mid-sentence. Mo Han’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly urged, “But what? Tell me quickly!”

Bai Ling sighed. “It’s just that her Battle Qi seems to have been crippled. She is now no different from an ordinary person.”

Mo Han was initially stunned by Bai Ling’s answer, but relief soon followed. “It’s fine, as long as her life isn’t in danger. Battle Qi can be cultivated again. During this period, I will protect her diligently and ensure she never suffers harm again.”

Bai Ling nodded and pointed to the Yin Puppet Warriors lying on the ground. “What about these Yin Puppet Warriors? What should we do with them?”

Mo Han replied helplessly, “These people have become mere killing tools for that Xue Sha Jielai—they suffer a fate worse than death. Do you have any way to save them?”

Bai Ling shook her head. “The concoction used to refine these Yin Puppet Warriors is highly peculiar; I have no remedy. Moreover, ever since that refining substance appeared, I have never heard of anyone developing an antidote for it. So, I am powerless as well.”

Mo Han said, resignedly, “If that’s the case, there’s nothing to be done. Didn't you say earlier that anyone poisoned by the Dragon Poison Grass would die if not treated promptly? Perhaps we should just let them remain here to await death.”

Bai Ling considered this for a moment. “That only applies to living beings. As for the Yin Puppet Warriors, once they are successfully refined, it is tantamount to being dead already. I don't know if the properties of the Poison Dragon Grass would affect them. How about this: let’s just cremate them directly to prevent Jielai from capturing them for further torment.”

Mo Han nodded, about to conjure a high-level fire spell to cremate the bodies of the Pope and the others, when Bai Ling extended her hand to stop him. Seeing Mo Han’s confused look, Bai Ling spoke, “You are still injured. Let me do it.”

Noticing Mo Han’s grateful expression, Bai Ling said coldly, “Don't thank me. I'm worried that if you exert yourself while injured, your wounds might worsen, and who ends up having to care for you all then? I am only thinking of myself. You don’t need to be grateful.”

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