Though the magic shield successfully blocked the initial barrage of fireballs, the sheer volume released by the Fire Phoenix, coupled with their power far exceeding that of ordinary fire spells, was immense.

The concept of 'many ants can kill an elephant' held true here; the concentration of so many Fireball spells created terrifying destructive power, rivaling even a Fire-elemental Forbidden Curse.

The effect was immediate and profound; the magic shield conjured by Mo Han visibly shuddered under the assault.

As the first wave ended, the second wave of fireballs arrived before the barrier. Half the sky in front of Bai Ling and the others seemed utterly choked with the dense, swarming projectiles, instilling a sense of utter powerlessness deep in their hearts.

Seeing this, Bai Ling finally understood the terrifying capabilities of the Fire Phoenix before them. A single wave of its magical offense possessed power no less than a Forbidden Curse—how truly terrifying that was. Given the speed at which the Fire Phoenix could unleash magic, casting a Forbidden Curse was as effortless as a human casting low-level spells, requiring virtually no time at all.

It was only fortunate that these magic shields had been personally established by Mo Han; otherwise, they could never have withstood such a dense hail of fireballs. Bai Ling knew that had she attempted to raise the shields herself, even if she miraculously managed to stop the first wave, she certainly wouldn't survive the second.

Yet, there was a sliver of luck: while the power of the fireballs was enormous, they were not released simultaneously but exploded in a continuous, successive manner, like heavy rain falling upon the shield.

This staggered impact subtly mitigated the strain on the magic shield.

As a result, although each wave of fireballs carried power equivalent to a Forbidden Curse, the actual damage dealt to the magic shield was less devastating than a genuine, singular Forbidden Curse impact.

Consequently, Mo Han's magic shield, even after enduring two full waves of these Forbidden Curse-level attacks, still held firm.

Although its energy expenditure was massive, Mo Han had previously taught Bai Ling how to configure the shield to automatically absorb ambient magical energy from the surrounding space to replenish its own depleted power—much like the shield Bai Ling had once established in the Temple of Illusions.

This auto-replenishment naturally elevated the shield's defensive capability by a significant margin.

However, due to the sheer, overwhelming number of fireballs the Fire Phoenix launched, even with its ability to draw supplementary energy, the rate of replenishment fell far short of the rate of energy drain.

Thus, while there was no major fluctuation or collapse, the shield continued to shake incessantly.

Nevertheless, it firmly protected Bai Ling and the others within.

After the second wave concluded, the Fire Phoenix immediately launched its third assault without pause, demonstrating the monstrous capacity only a Divine Beast could possess, casually deploying Forbidden Curses as if taking a drink. Even a Magus God would likely need a respite after expending that much magical energy to recover.

Yet, even after this third wave, Mo Han's magic shield stood resolutely, showing no immediate signs of cracking. Its radiance, however, had dimmed considerably, indicating the colossal energy loss from these repeated blows had outstripped the shield’s ability to draw replacement energy from the surroundings.

Witnessing his continuous magical assaults being successfully parried, and the enemy shield showing no hint of structural failure, the Fire Phoenix revealed a look of surprise. It couldn't fathom why this shield was so incredibly sturdy; even a shield cast by a Magus God should have shown fissures after three successive waves of its attack.

But the Fire Phoenix was ignorant of the secret shared between Mo Han and Bai Ling, meaning that no amount of thinking would lead it to conceive of a shield that automatically siphoned energy from the environment to sustain itself.

Mo Han, deep in his own spellcasting, was fully aware of the situation. Seeing the shield still managing to hold, he let out a silent sigh of relief. Profound, arcane incantations continued to pour from his lips, causing the surrounding magical energy to churn and coalesce intensely.

“Oh, Gods of Light, please heed my prayer. With your sacred and mighty power, grant endless strength to the sorrowful and weeping...”

These high-tier magical invocations continued to emerge from Mo Han’s mouth, slow and unwavering.

The magical conduits sustaining Mo Han’s energy needs vibrated violently under the immense demand of the Divine Incantation. Inside them, magic energy was being absorbed from the outside world at a frenzied pace, flooding toward Mo Han and causing the entire Divine Domain to emit waves of peculiar, dazzling light.

The Fire Phoenix observed this display and understood that Mo Han’s spellcasting process was nearing its midpoint, explaining the intense phenomena. What it couldn't grasp was why Mo Han’s face remained pale, yet he showed none of the expected magical depletion or the catastrophic backlash that should have followed.

A sense of unease surfaced in the Fire Phoenix for the first time. Casting aside any further hesitation, it let out a piercing cry that echoed throughout the entire Death Forest, causing the very ground to tremble helplessly under the Divine Beast's roar.

Then, an enormous sphere of light materialized before the Fire Phoenix. Under its control, the sphere shrank continuously, yet its inherent power grew more terrifying. When it finally reached the size of a washbasin, this incandescent orb, radiating searing light and colossal energy, shot rapidly toward the distant magic shield shimmering with multicolored light.

A moment later, a blinding flash of white light erupted, followed by a thunderous explosion that shook the entirety of the Death Forest. When the white light subsided, the previously vibrant, multicolored magic shield had its hues drained, leaving only a faint layer of dim light weakly clinging to its edges.

Clearly, this strike, while not matching the raw power of the Divine Incantation, far exceeded that of a Forbidden Curse. Even Mo Han's formidable shield had lost more than half its energy capacity in that single blow and surely could not endure another magical assault of that magnitude.

Observing this sudden shift, Bai Ling’s expression inside the shield grew solemn. However, the Fire Phoenix seemed utterly exhausted after unleashing that blow, making no immediate move to launch a second attack; the white flames enveloping its body had also noticeably dimmed. Clearly, that terrifying strike had cost it considerable energy.

Though it couldn't repeat the ultimate attack, launching the preceding fireballs remained feasible. Thus, another wave of fireballs, directed by the Fire Phoenix, surged toward the now-faint magic shield. A series of impacts followed, and finally, the shield could not withstand the onslaught. With a soft puff, the entire barrier shattered.

Fortunately, the shield had absorbed the majority of the fireballs before it failed. The remaining few projectiles were successfully intercepted by Bai Ling, keeping them away from the group.

Ever since the initial coordinated assault, Bai Ling had sensed danger. Thus, without hesitation, she had erected a secondary magic shield within the confines of Mo Han’s failing barrier.

Though vastly inferior in strength to Mo Han’s creation, it was more than sufficient to absorb the residual fireballs.

Yet, Bai Ling knew deep down that her own shield could never withstand the next major magical offensive. But in the present circumstances, she had no choice but to persist; if she let go, she feared both she and Mo Han would perish.

The Fire Phoenix in the sky clearly perceived the new situation and spoke with evident triumph: "Well, little girl, it's still not too late to change your mind and join me. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your safety next."

Hearing this, Bai Ling's eyes flickered, and she replied calmly, "Even if I join you, how can you guarantee my safety? Your power vastly exceeds mine; if you break your word, I'd have no defense whatsoever."

The Fire Phoenix scoffed. "Girl, don't think I don't see through your scheme. You're merely trying to stall for time, hoping that brat gets a chance to finish his spell. Never mind whether he has the ability or not—answer my question now. Stop trying to delay."

Seeing her tactic exposed, Bai Ling couldn't help but admire the Fire Phoenix. It appeared volatile, yet it possessed a keen subtlety, instantly grasping her intention.

With that realization, Bai Ling dropped the pretense and settled her mind, stating plainly, "I think you already have the answer in your own heart. Why ask me?"

Hearing this reply, the Fire Phoenix turned icy cold. "Since you wish to die, I shall grant your wish today. I’ll send you and your little lover to hell together!"

It seemed the Fire Phoenix had assumed Bai Ling and Mo Han were lovers, leading to that declaration. Bai Ling paused at the implication, then, for reasons she couldn't quite fathom, offered no denial. Instead, she secretly tensed, readying herself for an immediate attack.

Just then, the Fire Phoenix in the air let out a sharp, ringing cry, and instantly, an overwhelming torrent of fireballs, originating from its massive body, streamed toward the position where Bai Ling and Mo Han stood. The pale white magic shield Bai Ling had erected seemed pitifully fragile against this sheer power.

In a blink, these fireballs collided head-on with Bai Ling's shield in a brute-force confrontation. Because it lacked the fortitude of Mo Han's barrier, the white shield began to wobble precariously before half the bombardment had even passed, appearing ready to shatter at any second.

Inside the barrier, Bai Ling’s face was ashen. The energy of these fireballs was far stronger than she had predicted, exceeding her expectations. She had initially believed her own power could hold them off for at least one full wave. At this rate, however, her shield would break before the wave even finished. With no retreat available, failure meant death not just for herself, but for Mo Han standing behind her as well.

Seeing the dire situation, Bai Ling suddenly bit hard on her index finger. A stream of vivid blood surged from the wound and quickly poured into the white magic shield. The teetering barrier, suddenly reinforced by Bai Ling’s lifeblood, began to furiously absorb ambient magic energy, gradually stabilizing its form.

A strange, vibrant red hue briefly bloomed on Bai Ling’s previously pale cheeks before vanishing just as quickly.

"You are using your very life force to forcibly draw upon the magical elements in the air, temporarily boosting your magical strength."

Watching Bai Ling’s transformation, the Fire Phoenix hovering in the air spoke with surprise. "This secret art has been lost for ages. I never thought you would know how to use these ancient methods. Very few people utilized such old magic, even back in the Ancient Era."

The Fire Phoenix shook its head as it spoke. "Girl, your identity grows increasingly mysterious to me. But surely you understand that even staking your life won't be enough to withstand my attack? The gap between the Divine and Saint tiers is far greater than you imagine."

"Is it worth losing your life for that boy? Is he worth it, girl?"

The Fire Phoenix stared at Bai Ling, an unreadable emotion flickering in its eyes. "You remind me of an old friend. But sadly, that boy must die today. If you stop resisting now, I guarantee the previous agreement still stands. I swear on the honor of the Phoenix Clan never to trouble you again, and I will let you leave."

Hearing this, Bai Ling hesitated. She wondered why the Fire Phoenix was suddenly offering such generosity. The Phoenix Clan valued its reputation above its life; if they swore on their clan honor, Bai Ling believed the creature would not renege.

But could she truly abandon Mo Han and leave alone? Bai Ling knew the answer without needing to consider it. With renewed resolve, she stated firmly, "Thank you for your kindness, but I will absolutely not abandon my friend and leave by myself."

At that moment, the Fire Phoenix in the sky clearly sensed that Mo Han’s spell was more than half complete. Wasting no more time, it shed its momentary softness and returned to its cold demeanor, speaking slowly, "Since you refuse, do not blame me. Because you know these ancient arts, I will treat you as a true equal opponent today."

Saying this, the fire magic elements surrounding the Fire Phoenix began to condense rapidly, instantaneously dyeing half the sky a brilliant crimson. Then, a massive, pure white sphere of light appeared before it. This sphere shrank under the Phoenix’s control, but its destructive power intensified as its size decreased.

Seeing this, a bitter expression crossed Bai Ling’s face. She realized the Fire Phoenix was preparing to use that overwhelmingly powerful attack it had intended for Mo Han. Bai Ling knew precisely what the consequences would be when trying to defend against that power with only her Saint Magus Master rank, compared to Mo Han's Magus God level protection—which had still nearly failed.

Yet, even knowing the defense was likely futile, she had no way out. With determination hardening her features, Bai Ling began to chant softly.

"In endless silent solitude, the lingering Creator remains; in the void of eternal sorrow, the traversing Spirit of Doom, heed my plea: at the cost of my life, grant me strength to withstand all evil forces... Reappear, Prayer of Life."

As Bai Ling's chant ended, a faint golden light enveloped her. Then, streams of peculiar radiance began to flow from her body, pouring into the white magic barrier. Under the infusion of this strange light, the barrier began to glow intensely. Within the white radiance, there were now faint, almost imperceptible traces of seven colors—the hallmark of a Seven-Colored Magic Barrier, a technique only a Magus God could typically wield.