That was why Wells spoke those words in such haste; under normal circumstances, Wells would never have lost his composure like that. The situation before him simply allowed no room for hesitation.

Mo Han and Bai Ling knew Wells’s intentions, yet neither exposed it. Mo Han simply spoke with a smile, “We might not be staying long.”

Seeing the slight change in Wells’s expression, Mo Han continued, “Lord City Lord, rest assured. That magician from the Proud Moon Empire forcibly cast a forbidden-level spell using his staff; he likely has very little magic power left. He’ll need at least a month to recover his strength, so for at least this month, the Proud Moon Empire’s magician shouldn't pose too great a threat to you.”

Hearing Mo Han’s explanation, Wells let out a breath of relief, but feeling as though Mo Han had seen right through his motives, he couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. He managed a smile and asked, “Forgive my lapse in composure. Are the two of you planning to leave the Fire Cloud Empire?” This was, after all, the border city of the Fire Cloud Empire, facing the pass controlled by the Proud Moon Empire.

Due to the war, the pass had long been closed.

Moreover, since the war began, a magic shield had been active over Kit City. If Mo Han and the others had arrived here, they certainly hadn't come from the direction of the Proud Moon Empire. No matter how strong Mo Han was, he couldn’t have entered Kit City without alerting the magical barrier.

Naturally, they must have come from within the Empire and were preparing to leave the city.

Hearing Wells’s question, Mo Han nodded and replied, “Indeed. We actually intended to leave Kit City earlier, but due to the war, the city has been under strict lockdown. We didn't wish to cause any misunderstanding with the City Lord, so we were delayed. City Lord, you see…” Mo Han did not finish, but Wells, having served as an official for many years and being shrewd, naturally understood the implication of Mo Han’s words. Yes, with Mo Han and Bai Ling’s strength, they could indeed bypass Kit City’s magic barrier easily. However, doing so during this **period would certainly lead to obstruction from the mages of Kit City. While the mages of Kit City would surely be no match for Mo Han and Bai Ling’s power, this action would instantly put them in opposition to the entire Fire Cloud Empire, one of the five great empires on the continent. Even with Mo Han and Bai Ling’s immense strength, unless absolutely necessary, they would never needlessly create such a powerful enemy. Although Mo Han and Bai Ling might not fear the strength of the Fire Cloud Empire, it would still bring them unnecessary trouble, which is why they patiently remained in Kit City, awaiting the right opportunity. Now that Mo Han had brought it up with him, his meaning was perfectly clear: he hoped Wells would allow them to leave the city without sending anyone to obstruct them.

With this realization, Wells hurriedly said with a smile, “Please rest assured, the two of you have already done our Fire Cloud Empire a great service. You are naturally honored guests of Kit City. I will give the orders; absolutely no one will impede your departure. Whenever you wish to leave, it will be no problem at all.”

Mo Han smiled upon hearing this. “In that case, we thank the City Lord. However, we still have matters to attend to, so I fear…”

How could Wells not understand the meaning behind Mo Han’s words? He quickly waved his hand and said, “Heh heh, please attend to your business. The battle situation in Kit City is not yet settled, and I must return to the battlements to check on things. I shall not detain the two of you any longer.”

Having said this, Wells smiled and nodded to Mo Han and Bai Ling, then turned and led his retinue away from the main street.

Seeing Wells and his group depart, Mo Han and Bai Ling did not linger but headed straight for the inn where they were staying. When Mo Han left previously, he had left Liu Yanran and little Anli at the inn. However, Liu Yanran had since lost all her martial skills and suffered amnesia. Traveling with little Anli, Mo Han was still uneasy. Since he and Bai Ling had been gone for quite some time, as soon as they shook off Wells’s persistence, they rushed back to the inn.

After reuniting with Liu Yanran, Mo Han and Bai Ling decided to leave Kit City immediately. After all, they had been away for so long. Previously, they stayed in Kit City to avoid unnecessary trouble, but now that those matters were resolved, there was no reason to remain. As for helping Wells—that was out of the question. Mo Han had only acted against Moco because of Bai Ling; to put it plainly, if Bai Ling hadn't made the first move, Mo Han wouldn't have bothered at all.

Leaving the city was also smooth. Thanks to Wells’s instructions, the soldiers of Kit City dared not cause trouble for Mo Han and his party, instead politely escorting them out of Kit City. As for the expected resistance from the Proud Moon Empire ahead, it was no issue at all. Although Mo Han and Bai Ling’s Flight spell could not sustain long-distance flight with passengers, short bursts were perfectly fine.

Upon exiting Kit City, Mo Han and Bai Ling cast the Flight spell, each carrying Liu Yanran and little Anli, and quickly flew over the Proud Moon Grand Camp. Several magicians among the Proud Moon forces immediately tried to intercept them, but upon clearly seeing Mo Han and Bai Ling’s attire, the Proud Moon magicians naturally retreated back to their camp.

The forces accompanying Jameiji from the Proud Moon Empire included Moco, who possessed some strength, but the other magicians were generally weak. Now that even Moco had been easily defeated by Bai Ling, the other Proud Moon magicians present had witnessed the entire event. If even Moco was no match for Bai Ling, they stood no chance whatsoever. These Proud Moon magicians were not foolish, and naturally, none dared to step forward to stop Mo Han and his party from leaving.

Furthermore, the Proud Moon Empire figures were eager for Mo Han and Bai Ling to leave quickly, removing a major threat. If Mo Han had truly remained in Kit City, they would have had virtually no chance of victory. Seeing them leave now, they were only too happy.

The journey back was relatively smooth. After half a month of travel, Mo Han, Bai Ling, and the others finally returned to the long-missed Sky Dragon City. Standing on the streets of Sky Dragon City, watching the bustling crowds and the diverse merchants constantly hawking their wares, Mo Han felt a surge of familiarity and warmth. Having been in this other world for so long, whether he wished to admit it or not, Mo Han had come to regard the Sky Dragon Empire as his home on the Dragon Soaring Continent. That was why, whenever the Sky Dragon Empire faced difficulties, Mo Han would invariably step in to help.

Thinking of Dai Li and Murong Feixue, and La-tin waiting for him at home, Mo Han felt an indescribable excitement, quickening his pace involuntarily.

Upon reaching the entrance of his Prince’s Manor, sharp-eyed guards recognized Mo Han. They rushed forward to salute him, and one immediately went inside to inform Dai Li and the others. Mo Han then instructed a few guards to escort little Anli and Liu Yanran to rest first. Mo Han paused, deciding it best to speak with Dai Li and Murong Feixue before introducing Liu Yanran to them. Dai Li and Murong Feixue knew something about his past entanglement with Liu Yanran, and Mo Han arranged this to avoid awkwardness when the two women met directly.

Within moments, Dai Li and someone else were running swiftly out of the manor. La-tin and Rock followed behind them, but everyone’s eyes held undisguised excitement. Seeing this scene, Mo Han’s heart warmed, and he strode forward to meet them.

Looking at Mo Han, Dai Li’s eyes were filled with unconcealed tenderness, as if a thousand words were bottled up. In the end, however, she only said one deep sentence: “You’re back.” And nothing more. But Mo Han understood how much affection that single phrase held. Hearing Dai Li’s brief greeting, Mo Han felt an overwhelming warmth and a wave of tenderness washed over him. Since he had known Dai Li, whether he was an unknown mercenary or now a Prince of an Empire, she had always supported him silently. No matter where he went or what he did, Dai Li never questioned it. Even though she knew about his connection to Liu Yanran and that he had gone out this time for Liu Yanran, she still supported him without hesitation. This devotion was profound. Yet here he was, sowing affection everywhere. Although it was not his intention, he indeed felt he had failed her. While Dai Li never spoke a word of complaint, Mo Han knew that no woman was willing to share her lover with others. But Dai Li continued to support him without resentment, filling Mo Han with guilt.

With this thought, Mo Han’s emotions surged. Disregarding the onlookers, he opened his arms and pulled Dai Li into a deep embrace. Mo Han’s sudden action caused Dai Li to let out a soft gasp, and a blush quickly spread across her delicate face. But she did not struggle, merely allowing Mo Han to hold her, feeling the beating of his heart and an undeniable sweetness welling up inside her. Everyone else saw Mo Han’s gesture and wisely refrained from interrupting. Even the ever-joking Jack remained silent, the others watching them with gentle smiles. Bai Ling also showed a slight smile.

“I’m back, my wife. I missed you so much,” Mo Han murmured softly in Dai Li’s ear. Dai Li froze for a moment, then her eyes misted over slightly. She quickly tried to cover it up, “Alright, you must be exhausted. Go inside and rest first. Xue’er went to visit Madam Murong. She wasn't expected back today, but I sent someone to notify her; Xue’er should be back soon.” Having said that, she tried to pull herself from Mo Han’s embrace.

But Mo Han was unwilling to let her go so easily. He smiled and asked gently, “You haven’t told me yet if you missed me.” Dai Li’s face flushed even deeper upon hearing this, but she managed to whisper almost inaudibly, “En, I did too.” After saying this, she buried her head deep in Mo Han’s chest, causing him to laugh heartily. However, Mo Han knew Dai Li was quite reserved; for her to say those words was already a great effort. Teasing her further might make the poor girl cry.

With this thought, Mo Han released Dai Li and turned to Rock and La-tin. “Brothers, you see your boss is back, aren't you going to show some appreciation?” Hearing Mo Han, Jack and the others burst into laughter. Jack, ever the joker, quipped, “Boss, we want hugs too! You can’t play favorites.”

“Go to hell,” Mo Han retorted without hesitation. “If you want a hug, hug the huge Rock next to you. He’s big enough to hug for ages.” Everyone laughed at Mo Han’s retort, but after saying that, Mo Han still walked up to Jack and the others, giving each of them a strong embrace. After finishing, Mo Han said emotionally, “Brothers, I really missed you all. You must have been living quite well while your boss was away, right?”

Hearing Mo Han, Rock offered a wry smile and said, “Boss, we haven’t had time for leisure. That… mother…” La-tin stopped mid-sentence and glanced around fearfully. He then lowered his voice and continued, “While you were gone, that Holy Dragon Clan Princess came by almost every day to give us some ‘training.’ If you had been gone any longer, we might not have been here to see you.”

When Mo Han heard Rou Xue’s name, he instantly understood the latter half of Rock’s sentence. It must have been ‘Mother Tyrant Dragon’—a term Mo Han himself had used to describe Princess Rou Xue. Judging by Rou Xue’s skill and temper, Rock and the others must have endured quite a bit, though perhaps not as exaggeratedly as Rock described. Everyone smiled at Rock’s comment.

At this moment, they all turned to look at Bai Ling, who had been standing silently behind Mo Han, with expressions of awe. Although they had only met Bai Ling once, they had learned from Dai Li and the others about her terrifying power—she could single-handedly cast a Divine Curse and save Mo Han from being enveloped by Pluto Hades’s Death Qi. Moreover, La-tin and the others had heard from Dai Li that Pluto Hades himself admitted Bai Ling would soon become the first magician on the Dragon Soaring Continent to reach the level of Arch-Magus. Arch-Magus! That was the dream goal of countless magicians, yet across generations of effort, no one had achieved this legendary power, said to be the closest attainable to divinity. And now, the person most likely to achieve this goal was right before their eyes. It was no wonder La-tin and Jack were so excited.

Jack asked Mo Han in an awestruck tone, “Boss, this must be that Grand Magician Bai Ling, the one closest to the Arch-Magus realm?” Mo Han smiled and replied, “I don’t know about approaching Arch-Magus, but I can tell you that even a hundred of you wouldn't be a match for her.” Hearing this, Jack and the others realized their assumption was correct, and their gaze toward Bai Ling became even more fervent. If not for Bai Ling’s cold demeanor and the warnings they received from Dai Li about her temper, they would have rushed over immediately to ask for her autograph.

By the time Mo Han and his group settled in, it was already afternoon. Mo Han was chatting happily with La-tin and the others in the main hall. Since Bai Ling preferred quiet, Mo Han had already arranged for her to stay in his personal room. Only Dai Li and La-tin and the others remained in the main hall. Just as they were deep in conversation, Murong Feixue hurried back from the Murong residence, her expression equally excited upon seeing Mo Han. Mo Han had already intended to tell Dai Li about bringing Liu Yanran back, and now that Murong Feixue was present, it was a good opportunity for Mo Han to explain Liu Yanran’s ordeal to both of them, saving him from repeating the story to Murong Feixue later.

After hearing Mo Han’s account of Liu Yanran’s suffering, Dai Li and the others in the hall were filled with sympathy. Mo Han didn't need to elaborate much; a brief summary was enough for Dai Li and Murong Feixue to agree with his plan, rendering Mo Han’s carefully prepared speech unnecessary. This display of understanding moved him deeply.

At that moment, Dai Li spoke up, “In that case, let’s have Miss Yanran stay in our rear courtyard. The guest rooms are inconvenient, and since she is a woman who has lost her martial arts, it’s better if we all stay together for mutual support.” Hearing Dai Li, Murong Feixue readily agreed with the suggestion. Mo Han considered it sensible too. He had initially planned for Liu Yanran to stay temporarily in the guest rooms until he had spoken with Dai Li and the others, so Dai Li bringing it up matched his own thoughts perfectly.

Thinking this, Mo Han smiled and said, “Dai Li and Xue’er are truly considerate. It is my fortune to have married you two as my wives.” Of course, Mo Han’s words earned him a flurry of eye-rolls from Dai Li and Murong Feixue, and outright scorn from La-tin and the others. But what kind of person was Mo Han? He completely ignored their scorn and playfully tapped the heads of those who dared to mock him, causing La-tin and the others to cry out in mock pain, which in turn elicited cheerful giggles from Dai Li and Murong Feixue.

Just then, a clear voice called out from just outside the living room: “Sister Dai Li, what are you all talking and laughing about so happily? Can you tell me?” Hearing that voice, a slight smile touched the corner of Mo Han’s lips. The loud exclamations from La-tin and the others immediately ceased, replaced by expressions of pain. It seemed Princess Rou Xue’s methods of ‘training’ truly left lingering psychological scars on La-tin and the others. Jack leaned toward Mo Han and said helplessly, “This Princess loves dropping by unannounced. Boss, you must save us this time!”

As soon as Jack finished speaking, Rou Xue, dressed in a light yellow gown, entered swiftly. She happened to overhear the latter half of Jack’s sentence and asked curiously, “Eh? Jack, who are you asking to save you? What’s wrong? Did you offend someone? Should this Princess help you take revenge?” Seeing Mo Han, Rou Xue showed no surprise, as if she had expected him to be there.

Jack replied helplessly to Rou Xue, “If Your Highness stops bullying us, we will sincerely thank the God of Light! Who else would dare bully us?” Rou Xue couldn't help but laugh and scold him, “Good for you, Jack! You dare to mock me now? It seems my previous special training wasn't enough. This Princess will have to find an opportunity to train you thoroughly again!” Jack immediately adopted a pained expression, while Rock and La-tin on the side looked at Jack with expressions of sympathy, as if watching him be led to the executioner’s block. It was clear that Rou Xue’s so-called special training was far from enjoyable.

At this moment, Mo Han intervened to relieve Jack, smiling as he spoke, “Princess, your news travels fast! I only arrived home this afternoon not long ago, and you are already here. Surely you didn't come specifically to see me, did you?” Rou Xue rolled her eyes at Mo Han and retorted, “This Princess has no interest in visiting you! However, you are correct; I came specifically to find you, but it is under orders from my father to invite you to meet with him. I wonder if you have the time?” Seeing Mo Han frown slightly, Rou Xue quickly added, “I know you just returned and have much to say to Sister Dai Li and the others, but an urgent situation has arisen, which is why Father reluctantly sent me to extend this invitation. I hope you can understand.”

Hearing this, Mo Han found it difficult to refuse. After all, the Holy Dragon Patriarch had helped him significantly, especially regarding the Holy Sword of Light. Since Rou Xue put it that way, he couldn't decline. He replied, “Very well. Since it is an emergency, I will make the trip. Will Your Highness be accompanying me?” Rou Xue shook her head hurriedly. “I have no interest in that. You can go by yourself. You know the place well enough, having been there several times. Just go directly. Father has already sent someone to wait for you at the valley entrance. I need to stay here and chat with Sister Dai Li and the others.”

Having said all that, Rou Xue ceased paying any attention to Mo Han, instead fastening herself to Daili and Murong Feixue, engaging them in conversation. Though Daili and Murong Feixue felt a slight reluctance to part with Mo Han, they were unable to resist Rou Xue’s insistence. Daili looked toward Mo Han and said, "Come back early; Xue'er and I will wait for you to return for dinner." Hearing this, Mo Han could only nod with resignation and depart from the Prince’s Mansion, heading toward the temporary dwelling place of the Sacred Dragon Clan.

While en route to the Sacred Dragon Clan’s residence, a strange feeling crept into Mo Han’s mind. Why was the Dragon Patriarch seeking him out in such haste? Usually, the Patriarch would not be this urgent unless something significant was afoot.

Could it be related to the matter of the Ancient Azure Ruins that he had promised to investigate? Mo Han mused, but immediately dismissed the thought. The Patriarch had been perfectly aware that Mo Han was stalling before, yet he had chosen not to expose it, allowing the delay.

Now that so much time had passed, there was no reason for urgency regarding that matter now; it must be something else entirely. Upon arriving at the valley just outside the city, Mo Han indeed spotted several Sacred Dragon Clan guards waiting anxiously for him. Seeing Mo Han approach, the guards offered him a polite greeting before quickly ushering him forward.

Seeing this, Mo Han felt a sense of strangeness but said nothing, simply following the guards quietly deeper into the valley. He reached the pavilion where they had met previously and found the Dragon Patriarch seated alone, deeply absorbed in thought over a Go board. This particular board game was somewhat common on the Dragon Ascent Continent, bearing a slight resemblance to Earth’s Go, though Mo Han held absolutely no interest in such matters.

Noticing Mo Han’s arrival, the Dragon Patriarch smiled and spoke, "Does Your Highness the Prince have any interest in playing a game with this old man?" Mo Han sat down opposite the Dragon Patriarch and shook his head in immediate refusal. "Heh heh, Lord Patriarch, you should spare me. I have absolutely no talent for these board games; just looking at them gives me a splitting headache.

I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep you company with a match." Leaping to