At the same time, Da Hong and Xiao Hong also swiftly flew back from the white mist, remaining close to Mo Han’s side, though they hadn't suffered much damage, which offered Mo Han a small measure of relief.
“What in the world is this monster?” Mo Han turned to Bai Ling beside him and asked, “It seems completely immune to Dou Qi; even the Bright Holy Sword can’t defeat it. It’s simply monstrously powerful.”
Hearing Mo Han’s question, Bai Ling shook her head with a grave expression. “I have never encountered such a magical beast either. While some beasts possess a certain immunity to Dou Qi or magic, that’s usually limited to lower to mid-level spells or energy attacks. I’ve never heard of any magical beast being completely immune to the Dou Qi of a Sword Saint. This is entirely beyond my comprehension.”
“However, this monster seems only immune to Dou Qi.”
Bai Ling continued, “It appears quite fearful of magic. When I cast Ice Lance earlier, its power was definitely not higher than your Dou Qi energy, yet the monster dared not meet it head-on and dodged instead. So, I surmise this monster has no resistance to magic. If it were immune to both magic and Dou Qi, I truly wouldn't know how to deal with it.”
Hearing Bai Ling’s explanation, Mo Han felt extreme shock. What exactly was this creature? Mo Han hadn't used his full strength earlier, but he had certainly exerted eighty percent of it, yet couldn't harm the thing. By this logic, this golden halo surrounding it was the nightmare of every warrior on the continent.
On the Dragon Soaring Continent, the number of Sword Saints could likely be counted on one hand. If even a Sword Saint couldn't harm this golden monster, then lesser warriors were out of the question.
Thinking this, Mo Han quickly turned his gaze back to the golden monster. He could see only a golden ring, less than half a meter in diameter, tightly enveloping the creature’s body, completely obscuring its appearance, making it impossible to ascertain its identity.
Yet, this golden ring only appeared after the green flying snakes were driven back. Could this golden ring be related to those snakes? Mo Han speculated boldly. Those snakes were only about half a meter long.
It was almost the same size as this golden ring before him.
Just then, to prove her theory, Bai Ling casually launched a large Fireball toward the golden monster opposite them. This Fireball was merely a second-tier spell in fire magic.
It was just an improved version of the basic Fireball spell, usable by any beginner mage. However, judging by the size of the projectile, this Fireball, modified by Bai Ling, was clearly much more potent than a standard second-tier spell; it possessed the might of at least a fourth-tier magic.
But the golden ring, which had feared nothing from Mo Han’s Sword Saint Dou Qi, reacted as if confronted by something terrifying upon seeing this Fireball.
It immediately darted away from Bai Ling’s magical attack, bringing a flash of joy to Mo Han’s heart. Thankfully, the monster feared something—magic.
Otherwise, Mo Han and Bai Ling truly wouldn’t know how to handle this invulnerable creature.
Observing the monster’s swift movement, Bai Ling’s brow furrowed immediately.
Although it feared magical attacks, the creature’s sheer speed was undeniable. Even a Sword Saint might only match its pace. With this in mind, Bai Ling slowly shared her thoughts with Mo Han.
Hearing Bai Ling’s thoughts, Mo Han felt no worry; a slight smile crept across his lips. Since it feared magic, the solution became simpler. A strange idea immediately took root in Mo Han’s mind. Thinking this, he spoke to Bai Ling at his side. “Bai Ling, let me handle this monster. Don't interfere. Damn it, I haven't suffered such a loss in my entire life. Wait until I’m done, I’ll beat this thing so badly even its parents won't recognize it.”
Hearing Mo Han, Bai Ling let out a soft chuckle. “You can’t even see what the thing looks like, so how do you know who its parents are?” “Who cares who they are, it won’t be recognizable soon enough.”
Mo Han rubbed his still faintly aching chest, speaking with clear irritation. “Just watch how I fix it.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Ling could only agree to Mo Han’s request. Mo Han was, after all, a dual cultivator of both Martial and Magic arts. Since the monster feared magic, perhaps with Mo Han’s cunning and idea-filled mind, he might actually have a way to deal with it.
At this moment, Mo Han slowly raised the Bright Holy Sword in his hand. Threads of white Dou Qi began to faintly shimmer on the sword’s blade under Mo Han’s control. Bai Ling felt a touch of confusion watching this. The monster was clearly immune to Mo Han’s Dou Qi; was he still planning to use it against the creature? But knowing Mo Han’s sharpness, she assumed he wouldn't make such a basic mistake, so despite her doubt, she did not ask.
Then, Mo Han let out a short cry, and his body shot forward like a cannonball toward the golden monster floating in mid-air. Simultaneously, the Bright Holy Sword unleashed dozens of dense streams of Dou Qi that surged toward the monster, instantly filling the space around it.
For an ordinary monster, such an attack from Mo Han would guarantee death; even a Sacred Beast would have to retreat respectfully. But the golden monster showed no fear upon seeing Mo Han’s attack; instead, it charged rapidly toward him.
Those potent streams of Dou Qi, upon meeting the golden monster, passed right through, exactly as before, completely failing to impede its advance. The golden creature moved through Mo Han’s Dou Qi as if it were air, unimpeded, rushing straight for Mo Han.
A faint smile touched Mo Han’s lips. He was hoping it would come closer. If you come, don’t think about leaving. With a sudden, deep shout, Mo Han, his right hand gripping the Bright Holy Sword, brought forth an even more intense surge of Dou Qi, shining with white light, as he swung down at the golden monster that had closed the distance.
Seeing Mo Han still attacking with Dou Qi, the golden monster let out a strange cry.
Its speed remained undiminished as it rushed toward Mo Han, intending, as before, to phase through the barrier of the Bright Holy Sword and directly strike Mo Han. In the blink of an eye, the golden monster contacted Mo Han’s Bright Holy Sword and, just as Mo Han had predicted, sailed straight through the sword’s defense and rushed toward him.
Seeing this, even Bai Ling, watching from below, couldn’t help but cry out in alarm. What was Mo Han planning? Didn't he know the monster feared Dou Qi? Just as the monster’s attack was about to touch Mo Han’s chest, a cold smile appeared on Mo Han’s lips: “Freeze Spell.”
Then, a wave of blue light erupted from his left hand, which had remained still until now.
He thrust it sharply toward the monster, which had already reached him. The creature seemed to realize something was wrong, but the speed of both parties was too great, and the distance was too close.
No matter how fast the golden monster was, it couldn't dodge now. Mo Han needed precisely this moment.
In a flash of lightning and flint, Mo Han’s high-level Freezing Spell from his left hand made perfect, intimate contact with the golden monster.
There was an immediate bang, and the aggressively attacking golden monster, upon meeting Mo Han’s Advanced Freezing Spell, let out a piercing shriek as it was sent flying backward.
The golden radiance surrounding the creature also dimmed considerably.
Seeing this, Mo Han immediately felt a surge of triumph. Damn it. Now you get a taste of being ambushed. Without pausing, Mo Han flew toward the direction the golden monster had been thrown. He instantly unleashed a torrent of multi-colored magical light that enveloped the golden monster entirely.
After all, Mo Han’s strength as a mid-rank Saint Magus was not just for show. While he couldn't cast high-level spells quickly, low-level spells like Fireball, Wind Blade, Ice Cone, and Slow were appearing before him as if free of cost, then rocketing toward the golden monster.
The golden monster seemed to realize the gravity of the situation and attempted to flee. However, after being damaged by Mo Han’s Advanced Freezing Spell, its body appeared to have sustained a significant injury, encased in a thin layer of frost, preventing it from instantly escaping Mo Han’s magical bind.
Just then, those multi-colored magical lights struck the golden monster precisely, like targets in a shooting gallery. The entire White Mist Forest echoed with monstrous howls that were chilling to the bone, startling Mo Han, who hadn't expected it. Although the golden monster’s body looked small, its sound likely surpassed that of any other magical beast.
Then, what Mo Han anticipated occurred. Despite its previous toughness, the golden monster, battered by so many magical attacks it feared—even if they were low-level spells—couldn't withstand the barrage. Dozens of low-level spells of different attributes striking it instantly would knock out even a Saint Magus for a good while, let alone a golden monster with zero magical resistance.
After a round of magical bombardment, the golden monster predictably plummeted straight toward the ground. The yellow halo that had surrounded it vanished completely, revealing the creature’s true form previously concealed. Mo Han and Bai Ling exchanged a look, both registering surprise in the other's eyes.
Because the golden monster, previously hidden within the golden ring, turned out to be a fluffy, plump, utterly unremarkable caterpillar—just a gigantic version of one Mo Han had ever seen, complete with distinct facial features.
However, the traces of magical damage on its body confirmed to Mo Han and Bai Ling that this worm was indeed the monster from moments ago; otherwise, they would have doubted their own sight.
“Damn it, what kind of freak is this? It’s just a caterpillar!” Mo Han exclaimed with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
“What is a caterpillar?” Bai Ling repeated Mo Han’s words with a frown. But knowing Mo Han sometimes uttered incomprehensible phrases, she didn't press the issue. She continued where Mo Han left off: “Indeed, it’s a bug. To think that the magical beast which managed to injure the great Prince Mo Han, a Sword Saint and Saint Magus, is actually a bug… hehe…”
As Bai Ling spoke, she couldn't help but laugh herself.
Mo Han found it unbelievable as well. Blast it, this is an utter humiliation. He had been injured by a mere caterpillar. If this got out, how would he show his face in the future? Luckily, no one else was around besides Bai Ling. If Bai Ling kept quiet, hehe, who would ever know? Just as Mo Han considered this, something even more astonishing occurred.
“Please do not call me a caterpillar. My name is Dick, and I am a noble White Mist Beast.”
The caterpillar lying on the ground suddenly retorted upon hearing Mo Han call it a caterpillar.
“Damn it. If I say you’re a caterpillar, you’re a caterpillar! Who the hell is interrupting me? Ah… is that you…” Mo Han was already irritated when he heard the interruption.
He naturally wouldn't offer pleasantries, but upon realizing the speaker was the insignificant caterpillar on the ground, Mo Han’s jaw dropped, and even Bai Ling showed an expression of astonishment.
“You can talk.”
Mo Han finally reacted, looking at the caterpillar—or rather, the White Mist Beast.
The caterpillar raised its head proudly upon hearing Mo Han’s question. “Of course, I can. I am a genuine Divine Beast. How could you lowly humans possibly understand me… Ouch… I’m freezing.”
Mid-sentence, the caterpillar shrieked, having been subjected to another Ice Spell from Mo Han. Mo Han glared dismissively at the White Mist Beast. “Hmph, Divine Beast? Who are you trying to fool? If I say you’re a caterpillar, you’re a caterpillar! Also, remember this: you are my defeated foe right now, beaten by a human. If you dare to act arrogant in front of me again, you will regret it profoundly later.”
After saying this, Mo Han put on a fierce expression and threatened the White Mist Beast.
Faced with Mo Han’s menacing look, the White Mist Beast was clearly frightened. A flash of terror crossed its pea-sized eyes, and it nodded frantically, as if afraid Mo Han would hit it with another spell.
Mo Han actually had a basis for his disbelief regarding the Divine Beast claim. He had heard from Bai Ling about the power of true Divine Beasts. Both the patriarchs of the Holy Dragon and Demonic Dragon clans were Divine Beasts, and Mo Han had seen them himself. The imposing aura emanating from a Divine Beast was something even an idiot could sense—certainly not something this oversized caterpillar possessed.
Furthermore, although Mo Han hadn’t witnessed the full capabilities of a Divine Beast, he knew for a fact that he wasn't a match for the Holy Dragon Patriarch or the Demonic Dragon Patriarch. How could a Divine Beast be defeated so easily? Thus, Mo Han’s first reaction to the caterpillar claiming to be a Divine Beast was absolute disbelief.
Seeing the White Mist Beast’s fearful expression, Mo Han nodded in satisfaction. But Bai Ling remained with tightly knitted brows, seemingly deep in thought. At this moment, Bai Ling looked grave and spoke to the White Mist Beast. “Dick, are you truly a Divine Beast?” “Of course… uh, no, I…”
Dick had started to speak proudly again, but upon seeing Mo Han’s fierce expression, the poor creature immediately lowered its voice, unsure of what to say, staring fearfully at Mo Han. It seemed Mo Han’s earlier actions had thoroughly terrified Dick.
Seeing this, Bai Ling gave Mo Han an exasperated look and said, “Mo Han, I have a serious question for Dick. Stop scaring him.”
“Scaring him? I’m not at all! I’m very friendly to him, hehe. Isn’t that right, Dick?” Mo Han said, smiling at Dick, but Dick clearly saw naked threat in Mo Han’s eyes. He dared not deny it and quickly nodded in agreement with Mo Han’s words.
Mo Han nodded contentedly upon seeing this, smiling toward Bai Ling. “Bai Ling, ask whatever you need to ask. I guarantee this fellow will confess everything honestly.”
Saying this, Mo Han deliberately held out his right hand, occasionally conjuring a small fireball or water orb, which kept Dick trembling with fear. Dick quickly urged Bai Ling, “Miss Bai Ling, please ask anything you wish; I promise to answer truthfully.”
Hearing this, Bai Ling looked at Mo Han with mixed feelings of exasperation and amusement, then asked, “As far as I know, only Divine Beast-level magical beasts can speak. Since you can speak, I can tentatively believe you. However, you should also understand the strength of a Divine Beast, right? And there’s another skill that beasts reaching the Divine Beast level possess—do you have it?” Dick immediately answered Bai Ling’s question: “Miss Bai Ling, are you referring to the skill of transformation?” Bai Ling nodded, tacitly confirming Dick’s guess.
Dick replied with a crestfallen face, “But I can’t transform. Although my power is a bit lacking, I really am a Divine Beast… I’m just a Demigod Beast.”
Seeing Mo Han seemingly about to move again, Dick quickly added the latter part of his statement.
“Demigod Beast?” Bai Ling and Mo Han repeated the term simultaneously. Mo Han shook his head blankly, but Bai Ling looked enlightened, saying, “I see. No wonder your strength, though formidable, is significantly less than a true Divine Beast.”
“What is a Demigod Beast?” Mo Han couldn't contain his curiosity and asked.
Bai Ling smiled and explained, “A Demigod Beast, as the name implies, is not a true Divine Beast but is stronger than a Sacred Beast—a magical beast situated between the two. Rumor has it that Demigod Beasts are mutated creatures born when certain Sacred Beasts, which normally could never ascend to Divine status, encounter peculiar circumstances. Dick probably falls into this category, right?” Dick, hearing Bai Ling’s explanation, exclaimed in surprise, “Miss Bai Ling, I didn't expect you to know so much about this! The term Demigod Beast was known only a few thousand years ago; almost no human remembers it now. I never thought you’d be so knowledgeable.”
Mo Han secretly smiled to himself. Of course she knew; Bai Ling was thousands of years old. But Mo Han certainly wouldn't reveal that.
Dick then said with excitement, “Haha, I’ve met many humans in the Forest of Death, but Miss Bai Ling, you are the first human who understands the Demigod Beast so clearly! That’s right, I was originally a Flying Serpent King, and after experiencing certain events, I transformed into what I am now.”
“Flying Serpent King,” Mo Han interjected. “Are those the flying snakes we encountered earlier?” Dick nodded and continued, “Those snakes were my subordinates; I was their King. By the standards of our Flying Serpent lineage, we absolutely could never become Divine Beasts. But on one chance occasion, I devoured the magic core of a Death Divine Beast, which caused a mutation, turning me into a Demigod Beast.”
Hearing Dick’s words, both Mo Han and Bai Ling’s expressions shifted. Bai Ling spoke first: “The magic core of a Death Divine Beast? Do Divine Beasts die? They are said to possess endless lifespans and unparalleled power. I doubt even a Magic God would have the ability to kill one?”