Witnessing this scene, Mo Han’s expression grew grave. Although Mo Han couldn't identify the specific magic Moko was casting, judging solely by its effect, the spell was certainly no less potent than a Forbidden Curse.

This was because only a spell approaching Forbidden Curse levels of power could cause such a violent fluctuation in the aerial magic elements, leading to a sudden surge in a particular element that drastically altered the sky's appearance. What lay before them was a hallmark of Forbidden Curses, and this particular one was clearly nearing its conclusion; Mo Han could distinctly feel the fire element in the air had reached an astonishing intensity.

Bai Ling’s expression also turned serious, and she slowly began to chant from her lips.

“Endless magic power shall transform into boundless hope; Spirits of Wind, please gather by my side and form a barrier of air. Spirits of Water, turn into gentle ripples and coalesce into a polished mirror. Spirits of Earth, relinquish your hostility and sever the chains upon your hearts.” As Bai Ling’s incantation unfolded, a seven-colored magical barrier instantly materialized before her, tightly enveloping both Bai Ling and Mo Han behind her. At this precise moment, Moko’s magic reached its culmination.

The chanting abruptly ceased, and then, high in the sky—

Immediately, a monstrously vast flame, like an incoming tidal wave, surged violently towards the spot where Mo Han and Bai Ling stood. The entire sky was bathed in the crimson glow of that massive expanse of fire.

Yet, as this colossal flame encountered Bai Ling’s Time Guard Barrier, it was immediately repelled by her magical construct. The fiery deluge surrounded the seven-colored barrier from all directions, but it simply could not penetrate the magic woven by Bai Ling, posing no threat to Mo Han and Bai Ling.

If one were to compare this overwhelming inferno to massive ocean waves—

Then Bai Ling’s seven-colored magical barrier was undoubtedly the sheer cliff face. No matter how high the tide roared, it could not shake the barrier in the slightest.

Seeing the formidable strength Bai Ling displayed, Mo Han couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly. This Bai Ling was too monstrous; the power of the magic Moko unleashed was clearly on par with a Forbidden Curse.

Furthermore, this was an ancient spell inherited from the Elder Elves, arguably surpassing the power of many contemporary, common Forbidden Curses. Even Mo Han himself could not claim absolute certainty in blocking such a curse; unless absolutely necessary, Mo Han would likely choose evasion first.

But Bai Ling exhibited no evasion whatsoever.

She single-handedly intercepted this immensely powerful Forbidden Curse, and judging by Bai Ling’s expression—

There wasn't even a hint of strain. This made Mo Han’s heart sink slightly. The last time Bai Ling cast a Divine Curse, Mo Han hadn't witnessed it firsthand, so he hadn't formed a strong impression.

He had originally assumed that even if there was a gap between him and Bai Ling—

It wouldn't be that vast. But witnessing today’s situation, Mo Han’s confidence wavered significantly.

Mo Han even performed a private comparison in his mind: even if he could barely hold off Moko’s spell, it certainly wouldn't be as effortless as it was for Bai Ling. And based on Bai Ling’s current performance, she likely had considerable reserves left—what terrifying strength that implied.

However, Mo Han didn’t dwell on it too long. After a brief dip in morale, he quickly regained composure and looked toward Moko opposite him, figuring Moko must be far more shaken than he was. Indeed, Moko’s expression at that moment was a picture of utter disbelief. He simply couldn't fathom how the magic he was most confident in had been countered so easily by Bai Ling. This was a Forbidden Curse, an ancient Elven Forbidden Curse, yet Bai Ling had shrugged it off effortlessly.

Moko realized then that the gap in strength between himself and Bai Ling was clearly not just one tier, but perhaps several levels apart. He suspected even the Archmagi might not possess such monstrous power, causing a surge of helplessness to rise within Moko. He understood that even with the aid of the Moon-Shattering Staff, he stood absolutely no chance against Bai Ling.

As the sky-filling flames dissipated, the red conflagration vanished without a trace. Bai Ling’s seven-colored magical barrier remained perfectly intact, showing no change. Bai Ling simply gazed coldly at the pale-faced Moko across from her, refraining from launching a counterattack. “What’s wrong? Is that all you have?” Bai Ling spoke coldly. “Though, among today’s human mages, someone with your strength is marginally decent. Even though you possess the Moon-Shattering Staff, I’ve already told you, you cannot utilize its full power. If you had unleashed its complete might just now, perhaps it wouldn't have been quite so easy for me.”

Upon hearing Bai Ling’s words, Moko could only offer a wry smile.

“You are correct. I indeed cannot fully wield the power of the Moon-Shattering Staff. Yet, even if I could, I fear I still wouldn't be a match for you.”

With this declaration, Moko seemed to age considerably.

Moko continued, “Originally, I believed that with this Moon-Shattering Staff, no one on this continent could defeat me; I even thought I could contend with an Archmagus. Only now do I realize how utterly mistaken I was. I presume your power must have reached the realm of an Archmagus. I now truly see that the disparity in strength cannot be bridged merely by possessing a powerful weapon.”

Bai Ling, hearing this, spoke slowly. “In truth, what you say is not wrong. While the Moon-Shattering Staff allows you to contend with a true Archmagus, it would only allow you to hold out for a short while longer. The loser, in the end, would still be you. You must understand, your mastery over the comprehension of magic still trails behind that of a true Archmagus. Such gaps cannot be closed by a mere staff. Wielding this Saintly Magic Staff is actually hindering your magical progress; it is unequivocally detrimental to you.”

Hearing Bai Ling’s counsel, Moko lowered his head in deep contemplation. After only a few moments, he lifted his head and spoke with genuine gratitude to Bai Ling. “Thank you for your guidance, esteemed one. I was foolishly overreaching, thinking this Moon-Shattering Staff would allow me to dominate the continent. Thankfully, I encountered you today; otherwise, I fear I would have wandered down countless misguided paths.”

Moko’s tone toward Bai Ling immediately became reverent. After saying this, he bowed deeply to Bai Ling, expressing his profound appreciation. Then Moko continued, “In this contest today, I have lost. My strength is inferior to yours; I, Moko, have nothing more to say. Whether you wish to kill me or spare me, I submit entirely to your will.”

Seeing this, Bai Ling merely stated plainly, “I have no intention of killing you. You may leave.”

Hearing Bai Ling’s words, not only Moko was stunned, but Mo Han found it incredible as well. Mo Han had fully expected that, given Bai Ling’s temperament, even if she didn't execute Moko, she would at least ensure he suffered some hardship; she certainly wouldn't let him go so easily. This action was completely contrary to her usual disposition, which is why Mo Han was momentarily surprised. However, the surprise quickly faded. For Mo Han, whether Bai Ling dealt with Moko or not made little difference to him, so he naturally wouldn't interfere.

Moko seemed unable to trust his own ears. He had been certain that death was unavoidable, yet Bai Ling had released him with such unexpected ease. He remained frozen in place for a moment after hearing her words.

“What is it? Did you not hear me?” Bai Ling asked impatiently when she saw Moko’s daze.

“No, no,”

Moko hastily shook his head. “I am merely surprised. Are you truly letting me go just like that?” Moko questioned again, still harboring disbelief.

“Do you need me to repeat myself?” Bai Ling replied impatiently. “I told you to leave, so leave. Why all the chatter? Are you hoping I’ll change my mind?” Moko immediately denied this upon hearing her. In truth, who would willingly choose death when offered life? Moko was no exception, especially after receiving Bai Ling’s valuable pointers. He was desperate to make a fresh start, and being allowed to leave alive was more than he could ask for.

Just as Moko was about to depart, Bai Ling, who had been standing still, suddenly called out, “Wait.”

Moko stopped immediately and looked back at Bai Ling with a bewildered expression, suspecting she had reconsidered and now intended to kill him. However, Moko had already made peace with his fate. If Bai Ling truly wished him dead, he knew he was no match for her and felt no inclination to resist. He simply stared quietly at Bai Ling, wondering what her purpose was.

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