That look on Lick's face was one of deep conflict; he was reluctant to let this rare opportunity slip away, yet he couldn't abandon the matter of little An Li. Thinking this over, Lick finally spoke with some hesitation: "Esteemed Captain, I truly wish to cooperate with you, but we currently have a private matter that requires our attention. I wonder if the Captain would be willing to wait until we've settled our affairs before we join forces?" Hearing Lick’s words, Captain Lick laughed heartily, "Since we are all currently trapped in Kith City and cannot leave, I suspect we will all be staying here for some time. If you all manage to conclude your business by then, you are welcome to join us at any time."

Subsequently, Captain Lick exchanged a few pleasantries with Lick and his group before returning to his own contingent. Mo Han, seeing no further reason to remain, gathered Bai Ling and Liu Yanran and left the tavern, intending to return to their lodging. However, as they departed, Mo Han noticed the body of the blue-robed mage from earlier twitch faintly, seemingly trying to stop Mo Han, but Lick quickly restrained him.

Witnessing all this, a slight smile touched the corner of Mo Han’s mouth. He was curious to see just how long these people could hold back before seeking him out.

Yet, Mo Han was certain that Lick and his companions would not endure for long. Thus, upon returning to the inn, Mo Han didn't rush to his room. Instead, he asked Bai Ling and Liu Yanran to go ahead while he remained in the lobby, leisurely sipping tea.

Everything unfolded exactly as Mo Han had foreseen. Hardly had Mo Han and his group entered the inn when, not long after, Lick and his people followed.

Seeing Mo Han, Lick hesitated for a moment before finally walking toward the table where Mo Han sat. Lick bowed respectfully to Mo Han and spoke with deference, "Your Highness, Prince, please forgive our intrusion."

"Oh, it's you folks. What a coincidence. Meeting you even here; it seems we truly share an unusual destiny."

Mo Han feigned an air of enthusiasm.

Lick felt a surge of frustration upon hearing this. If it weren't for little An Li, they certainly wouldn't be scurrying after Mo Han. Lick knew Mo Han was saying that deliberately, and with that thought, he had no choice but to steel himself.

He opened his mouth and said, "Your Highness speaks in jest. We actually came specifically to find Your Highness; there is a matter we wish to request your assistance with."

Mo Han, hearing this, secretly thought, Here it comes, but his expression remained completely unfazed. He quietly watched Lick, waiting for him to continue. Seeing this, Lick had no choice but to proceed.

"We have come regarding the matter of little An Li. I believe Your Highness has already guessed our intention?" Mo Han responded merely with a simple statement, "I purchased her for one million gold coins. I assume you are aware of that?" Hearing this, Lick quickly interjected, "Of course we know. We would never dare let the Duke suffer a loss. That is why we have been scrambling to raise funds during this time, which is why it took us so long to approach Your Grace."

Only then, hearing Lick's explanation, did Mo Han understand why Lick and his group had taken so long to find him. Contemplating this, a subtle smile played on Mo Han’s lips as he spoke, "So, Captain Lick, you have managed to gather the money."

At Mo Han's words, Lick nodded eagerly, "That is correct. After selling off some of our possessions, we managed to scrape together one million gold coins, and we came straight here to find Your Highness."

"But how do you know I will agree to your request? I don't lack money, Captain Lick, you should know that, shouldn't you?" Mo Han replied with a gentle smile.

At Mo Han’s response, Lick and his companions’ expressions changed drastically. However, they also knew they stood no chance against Mo Han; even if all of them attacked together, they wouldn't last more than a few moves against a Sword Saint. Achieving the realm of a Sword Saint was not something to be overcome by sheer numbers.

With this realization, Lick could only continue, "We know our request is rather presumptuous, but this little An Li is truly vital to us. We implore Your Grace to show mercy. Our Karrun Mercenary Group will be eternally grateful. If Your Grace feels the gold is insufficient, we will certainly find other ways."

Mo Han merely shook his head. "I told you, I don't lack money in the slightest, Captain Lick. Have you become forgetful?" Hearing this, Lick became troubled. They couldn't fight Mo Han, and if Mo Han refused to release the girl, they seemed utterly helpless.

At this point, the blue-robed female mage standing behind Lick could no longer restrain herself and spoke up, "Then what exactly must we do for you to release An Li? If you don't let her go, don't blame us if we stop being polite."

At the blue-robed mage’s words, Lick’s face shifted, but Mo Han merely snorted coldly, staring intensely at her. A powerful, oppressive aura erupted from Mo Han and surged toward the blue-robed mage opposite him. The mage suddenly felt as if she were bound by invisible ropes, unable to move an inch, and her breathing grew difficult, causing a visible shift in her demeanor.

Even Lick and the others felt a suffocating pressure that made them deeply uncomfortable, let alone the blue-robed mage who bore the brunt of it. Within moments, sweat beaded on the mage’s forehead, and her body began to tremble slightly.

There was, however, an exception: the white-robed female mage who had been quite kind to Mo Han at the auction house. This was why Mo Han had been careful with her, not applying any pressure. But the white-robed mage clearly sensed her companion’s predicament. Though she didn't know why she felt no strange sensation, she immediately guessed that Mo Han had deliberately spared her.

At this juncture, the white-robed mage urgently addressed Mo Han, "Your Highness, Sister Nas meant no offense. She is just extremely worried about An Li, which is why her words were disrespectful to you. Please forgive her. I apologize on her behalf."

Hearing the white-robed mage, Mo Han immediately withdrew his Battle Qi. The blue-robed mage, Nas, and Lick and the others instantly felt the pressure lift, each letting out a sigh of relief. The blue-robed mage Nas nearly lost her balance and fell, saved only by the quick action of the white-robed mage steadying her, thus avoiding public embarrassment.

Nevertheless, Nas had now fully experienced the terrifying power of a Sword Saint. Mo Han hadn't even acted physically; his mere aura was enough to render her helpless. If Mo Han had truly intended to kill her, it would likely have taken only the flick of a finger. The thought sent a wave of retrospective fear through Nas, and she dared not speak recklessly again.

Seeing her companion was safe, the white-robed mage quickly offered her thanks to Mo Han. Lick also understood that if Mo Han was unwilling to grant their request, they were truly out of options. Now that his companion had offended Mo Han, it was even less likely Mo Han would agree.

Thinking this, Lick decided to take his leave and seek another solution, but just as they were about to depart, Mo Han stopped them. Lick assumed Mo Han intended to keep them detained, and his expression shifted slightly. He spoke, "Your Highness, I know Nas offended you with her words just now, but she has already received due punishment. Is Your Highness still unwilling to let this go?" Lick simultaneously resolved in his heart that if Mo Han truly refused, he would have no choice but to fight with everything he had, even if they couldn't win.

To Lick's surprise, Mo Han merely smiled and asked, "What is it? Are you no longer planning to take little An Li with you?" Hearing this, Lick wondered if his ears were deceiving him, but when he saw his companions wearing the same look of astonishment, he realized he hadn't misheard. Lick spoke with disbelief, "Are you saying, Your Highness, that you agree to our request?" Mo Han responded coolly, "Did I ever say I wouldn't agree? However, before I release her, you must answer a few questions honestly. If you lie, don't blame me for not giving you a chance."

Hearing this, Lick quickly replied, "Your Highness, please ask away. As long as we know the answer, we will tell you everything without reservation."

Mo Han nodded. "Then first, tell me what relationship you truly have with little An Li. It seems little An Li doesn't recognize you—what is going on?" At Mo Han’s question, expressions of sorrow crossed the faces of Lick and his group. Lick took a long, deep breath and slowly began to speak, "An Li was originally the younger sister of one of our Karrun Mercenary Group members."

Mo Han showed no great surprise at Lick’s words, simply watching him, awaiting the continuation. Lick continued, "Our Karrun Mercenary Group originally consisted of six members: two warriors, three mages, and the remaining one was an archer named Reid."

"But during our last mission, we were attacked by an Evil-Faced Spider. Reid stayed behind to cover our retreat, drawing the spider away by himself. By the time we found him, he was barely clinging to life. His final request was that we look after his only sister back home. That person is little An Li, whom Your Highness has purchased."

Mo Han asked with some curiosity, "From what you say, An Li wasn't originally a slave? But how did she end up at the Qi Yun Pavilion?" Lick replied with a hint of anger, "An Li was staying with Reid’s uncle. Reid would regularly send money back to them as support fees. However, because our mission was delayed slightly, combined with Reid’s incident, we failed to send the money to his uncle on time. Reid’s uncle then sold An Li to human traffickers. By the time we rushed there, it was too late."

"We learned from her uncle that An Li had been sold to Fila City. As soon as we got the news, we immediately rushed to Fila City. But when we tracked down the slave trader, we discovered that little An Li had been sold to the largest slave exchange in Fila City, the Qi Yun Pavilion. Since the Qi Yun Pavilion is the most famous slave exchange in the Fire Cloud Empire, they are not someone we can afford to offend. So, we went inside the Qi Yun Pavilion, hoping to buy An Li back. As for what happened next, you already know."

Mo Han understood then why little An Li had appeared to treat Lick and his group as strangers earlier. He stated, "So, An Li has never met you?" Lick nodded. "That's right, we have never met An Li. We only found her using a portrait left behind by Reid."

Mo Han nodded and said, "Alright, you pass this question. For the second question: What is your true identity?" Hearing Mo Han’s inquiry, Lick’s expression changed slightly. He quickly countered, "We are just an ordinary mercenary group. We don't understand what Your Highness means by this question." Mo Han gave a cold laugh. "I said, I won't give you a second chance. It seems you don't intend to save little An Li, do you? Do you take me for a fool? How could a D-rank mercenary group like yours possess one million gold coins? Don't tell me you earned it from missions, right?" Lick’s face paled at Mo Han’s words.

Knowing he couldn't hide anything from Mo Han’s perception, Lick fell silent for a moment before speaking with difficulty, "Your Highness, we are sworn not to reveal our identities. We swore an oath before we left that we would never disclose who we truly are. Please forgive us for being unable to answer your question, but we guarantee that everything we have told you is the absolute truth. We hope Your Highness can understand."

"Oh, since you are unwilling to speak, I won't press you. You failed to cherish the opportunity yourself, so you cannot blame me." Mo Han replied calmly, and with that, he turned as if to leave.

Seeing this, Lick looked distressed. Then, Lick pleaded with Mo Han, "If we tell Your Highness our true identities, can Your Highness promise to keep it secret and guarantee you will never tell anyone?" Mo Han paused in thought, then nodded. "I can only promise you this: besides my few dearest friends, I will absolutely not tell anyone else, as I have never had a habit of concealing things from friends."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, Lick thought it over, seemingly making a firm decision. He spoke, "In that case, could Your Highness grant us the privacy to speak in private?" Mo Han nodded and replied, "Let's go to my room to talk." With that, he turned and led Lick upstairs to his room. Once Lick and the others had entered their respective rooms, Mo Han casually cast a soundproofing barrier around the area and addressed Lick, "Alright, you can speak now. I have already placed a soundproofing barrier around the vicinity; there is no need to worry about being overheard."

Lick nodded gratefully to Mo Han. Then, Lick began, "I wonder if Your Highness has ever heard the legend of the Dark Moon Clan?" At Lick’s words, Mo Han’s expression shifted slightly. He countered, "Are you referring to the clan capable of turning invisible at night, communicating with low-to-mid-level magical beasts, and even shape-shifting—the Dark Moon Clan?" Speaking of the Dark Moon Clan, they had a profound history. Legends claimed that several centuries ago, the Dark Moon Clan was the most powerful race on the continent. Though not numerous, they were greatly feared.

It was said that Dark Moon clansmen could not only turn invisible at night but also shapeshift, much like the Druids of the Beast race. The most terrifying aspect was their ability to communicate with and command certain low-to-mid-level magical beasts. Therefore, centuries ago, merely mentioning the Dark Moon Clan instilled apprehension even in the Church of Light.

Due to these inherent advantages, the temperaments of the Dark Moon clansmen grew increasingly arrogant, gradually causing them to disregard the Church of Light and the nations of the continent. This led the Dark Moon Clan to offend many major powers. At one point, the Dark Moon Clan Leader secretly infiltrated the headquarters of the Church of Light, the Holy City, intending to steal the Church's most treasured artifact, the Scepter of Light—and surprisingly, he succeeded.

However, the Dark Moon Leader's actions were soon discovered by the Church of Light. The Pope, greatly enraged, demanded that the Dark Moon Leader return the Scepter of Light and voluntarily submit to the Church's judgment. But the proud and haughty Dark Moon Leader could never agree to such a demand from the Church of Light. Thus, when the Church demanded the return of the Scepter, the Leader flatly refused, finally provoking the Church of Light. Consequently, the Church mobilized the Judgment Knights and the Ten Bishops, led by the Pope of that era, to launch an attack against the Dark Moon Clan.

Simultaneously, the Church of Light issued a call across the continent to all major nations, requesting that their armies join forces to suppress the Dark Moon Clan. The empires already harbored deep dissatisfaction with the Dark Moon Clan and had long wished to eradicate them, merely lacking the opportunity. The Church of Light initiating military action was precisely what the empires desired.

Several nations immediately mobilized troops to assist the Church of Light in campaigning against the Dark Moon Clan. Finally, a cataclysmic war erupted at the Dark Moon City, the ancestral home of the Dark Moon Clan on the Dark Moon Plains. That battle was truly earth-shattering and spirit-wailing, lasting several days, ending with devastating losses on both sides.

Though few in number, the Dark Moon Clan utilized their advantage of invisibility at night to launch surprise attacks, initially inflicting heavy casualties on the forces of the Church and the empires. However, under the Pope's command, the allied forces exploited the Dark Moon Clan's lack of mages. All the empire’s mages and the Light Priests established countless magic barriers around the allied encampments to counter the Dark Moon Clan.

These magic barriers indeed caused great suffering for the magic-less Dark Moon clansmen. Eventually, the Dark Moon Clan suffered terrible losses, with countless clansmen dying beneath the allied forces' magic barriers. The Dark Moon Leader could only command his people to retreat into Dark Moon City and leverage their advantage in controlling low-to-mid-level beasts, summoning hordes of magical beasts to fight the allied army, leaving the coalition temporarily helpless.

Ultimately, the Pope combined the power of the contemporary Light Priests and unleashed the ultimate forbidden spell of the Church of Light: 'Judgment of Light.' The power of the Church of Light's ultimate forbidden spell needed no description. It was said that the entire Dark Moon City was submerged by the power of the 'Judgment of Light.' Those present could not even discern the shape of the city, seeing only an expanse of blinding white. When the light faded, the entirety of Dark Moon City had been reduced to ruins.

The Dark Moon Clan suffered catastrophic losses under this magical assault; the majority of their people perished from the might of the Judgment of Light. Only a small fraction managed to hide underground, escaping the catastrophe. Following this, under the direction of the Church of Light, the allied forces hunted down the remaining Dark Moon clansmen.