It was agonizingly close, yet Mo Han simply could not bridge that final gap. Even with the aid of the Creation God Sword, it was useless; the distance separating them at this level was more than just a small margin.

At this moment, Mo Han was like a figure standing atop a colossal peak, blocked only by a single boulder obscuring his view. Just one more step to the side, and a vast, boundless new world would unfold before him, but Mo Han was currently powerless to surmount this obstacle.

Seeing Mo Han’s composed demeanor, Hades, the King of the Underworld, gave a slight nod before speaking calmly, “Not bad. Although your strength doesn't match that of the Holy Angel at their peak, you are barely qualified to challenge me. But rest assured, I won't kill you so quickly. Since the God-Demon War of twenty thousand years ago, I haven't found an opponent worthy of my attention. For that reason, I will grant you three chances to strike. Do not disappoint me, Holy Angel.”

Untroubled by the King of the Underworld’s boastful confidence, Mo Han merely let out a cold snort and then swiftly lunged, flying towards the distance. The ensuing great battle was destined to be earth-shatteringly brutal. Even with the protective magic shields beneath them, the allied forces could not guarantee they could withstand the residual power of two god-level powerhouses clashing. This was why Mo Han intended to draw the King of the Underworld away, ensuring no worries for those below.

Hades, of course, perceived Mo Han's intention but showed no inclination to stop him.

Watching Mo Han depart, Hades chuckled lightly and swiftly followed his figure. Given the strength of the two, their speed was naturally astonishing, and within moments, their silhouettes vanished from the sight of everyone in Weihai City.

Following the King of the Underworld's departure, the armies of the Underworld seemed to receive a silent command from Hades; they stood still where they were, showing no intention of attacking.

Although the Underworld forces were staggeringly numerous and comprised of their core troops, the Ten Underworld Generals had all perished at the hands of Mo Han and Blaze. Among the remaining Underworld legions, there was simply no one who could contend with a god-level powerhouse like Blaze.

Without Hades himself taking action, these Underworld troops could not easily break through the allied defense lines opposite them; instead, they risked catastrophic losses.

After Mo Han and the King departed, two streams of seven-colored magical light shot out almost simultaneously, one slightly ahead of the other, pursuing the direction where Mo Han had vanished. One was naturally Blaze, and the other was Bai Ling, who had only recently ascended to the god-level realm.

Both felt reassured leaving Mo Han to face Hades alone, and thus they followed.

As for the Dragon Race Patriarch, the Demon Dragon Patriarch, and a few other key powerhouses, they remained to manage the opposing Underworld army. After all, the enemy still fielded hundreds of Bone Dragons and swarms of Gargoyles—these terrifying Underworld aerial units required the aid of the Dragon races to handle.

Otherwise, the allied armies alone would likely struggle to withstand the assault of these Underworld forces.

Meanwhile, dozens of miles west of Weihai City, above a secluded valley, the distinctly contrasting figures of Mo Han and Hades stood silently.

“I said I would grant you three chances. Make your move,” the King of the Underworld, now towering as a giant, declared. As he spoke, a colossal scythe materialized in Hades's hand—the infamous Death Scythe of the Underworld. In the God-Demon War of twenty thousand years ago, countless deities fell to this renowned demonic weapon. Now, facing the Creation God Sword left by the Creator God himself, even Hades dared not meet it bare-handed.

“The Death Scythe,” Mo Han stated, his expression remaining placid as he stared at the massive weapon in the King’s hand.

“Correct. Chen Mo Han, not everyone is worthy of dying by the Death Scythe. Apart from those I deem worthy opponents, others do not warrant its attention—and you barely qualify as my peer.” Hades slowly raised his weapon.

The instant Hades finished speaking, the Creation God Sword in Mo Han's hand flared with immense light. Mo Han then swiftly charged towards Hades. Simultaneously, the Death Scythe seemed to sense the power radiating from the Creation God Sword, and the immense weapon instantly emitted a deep black light that sharply contrasted with the white glow.

A white light and a black light rapidly crisscrossed, moving at dizzying speeds. Every time the Creation God Sword clashed with the Death Scythe, a dull thud resonated. The black light emanating from the Death Scythe consistently managed to neutralize the powerful energy attached to the Creation God Sword, showing no sign of being at a disadvantage. Mo Han’s white light, conjured by the Creation God Sword, was utterly unable to pierce the Scythe’s defense.

Mo Han’s original plan relied on exploiting the King of the Underworld’s massive physique, assuming his reactions would be slower, intending to use his superior speed to find an opening. However, he had not anticipated that even in this gigantic form, Hades’s movements were not slow at all. His full-force attacks could not breach the King’s defense, much less threaten him.

Just then, the Death Scythe in Hades’s hand suddenly blazed with a powerful black light and swept down toward the Creation God Sword. After a muffled, resonant crash, Mo Han felt an intensely potent dark energy surge through the Creation God Sword and rush towards his hands. Although this dark energy was quickly repelled by the pure, radiant light inherent to the Creation God Sword itself, Mo Han still suffered a significant blow, his body uncontrollably thrown backward.

However, Hades did not press his advantage; instead, he retracted the Death Scythe.

“Your strength is significantly greater than I imagined,” Hades observed with a smile, looking at Mo Han. “What you just witnessed was the weakest technique among my Ten Death Forms. But since I promised you three chances, I will not go back on my word. You still have two opportunities remaining.” Hades then looked calmly at Mo Han.

Mo Han, meanwhile, was suffering internally. The contact with the dark energy had assaulted his hands. Hades’s dark power was not easily dismissed. Even with the Creation God Sword neutralizing the majority of the darkness, Mo Han felt as if countless ants were biting his hands. His handsome face was slick with sweat as he desperately tried to expel the invading darkness. The hands gripping the Creation God Sword trembled incessantly. Had Hades attacked during that moment, Mo Han was certain he couldn't have defended himself. He was fortunate that Hades kept his promise and didn't follow up, granting him the necessary time to purge the dark energy. Thankfully, aided by the Creation God Sword, Mo Han rapidly cleared the darkness from his system. For an ordinary god-level expert, being invaded by such dark energy, even if not fatal, would have instantly stripped them of combat capability.

Realizing his speed advantage was useless, Mo Han abandoned that impractical thought. “Hades, take this move!”

With those words, Mo Han suddenly raised both hands high above his head. The Creation God Sword in his grasp immediately radiated intensely. Countless strands of golden battle aura surged madly from Mo Han’s body into the sword, causing the blade, which previously emitted only white light, to now faintly shimmer with a golden luminescence. As the golden light intensified, the white light above the sword began to transform. A massive sword aura erupted from the Creation God Sword, shaping itself into an enormous blade of light.

Hades, whose expression had remained impassive, grew serious upon seeing Mo Han’s action. “I didn’t expect that even with only half the true strength of the Holy Angel, this move, the Holy Angel's Sword, still carries considerable weight. It’s nearly comparable to the Holy Angel at their peak.”

As Hades spoke, the Death Scythe in his hands began to weave continuously, generating streaks of black, scythe-shaped light that instantly filled the space before him.

“Break!” Mo Han roared, bringing the Creation God Sword down towards Hades. The white giant sword, glowing golden, cleaved rapidly towards the King of the Underworld under Mo Han’s control.

The black scythe-shaped lights Hades had arrayed around him shattered the instant they met the white giant sword, but they successfully slowed its descent and sapped significant energy. However, the quantity of black lights Hades positioned before himself was substantial. As the black lights were continuously destroyed, the white giant sword visibly shrank. Finally, with only two threads of black light remaining, the energy within the white sword completely dissipated. It could no longer break through the final defenses, and the entire white giant sword quickly dissolved into the air like smoke.

“Not bad. To unleash eighty percent of the Holy Angel’s Sword’s power with only half the Holy Angel’s strength is genuinely surprising. But even the peak Holy Angel might not have been my match, let alone you, a human possessing only half that power.” Hades casually swept away the remaining black light before him, staring at Mo Han with an expression of mild shock.

Seeing his attack so easily neutralized, Mo Han’s spirits plummeted. The Holy Angel’s Sword was the most powerful technique he knew after inheriting the Holy Angel’s memories and energy. Yet, it failed to pierce the energy barrier Hades had constructed. Mo Han truly could not imagine any other way to defeat the King of the Underworld. Moreover, that last move had drained nearly half of his battle aura, leaving him with even less hope of victory now.

“That was two. You have one chance left,” Hades stated, his expression unchanged.

Hearing Hades, Mo Han knew a third attack would yield the same result, but he was unwilling to surrender. He gritted his teeth, preparing his final strike—his last opportunity. If Mo Han could not wound Hades this time, he would surely lose even if Hades didn't strike first, as his remaining battle aura was only enough for one more casting of the Holy Angel’s Sword, which would exhaust him completely. After his three attempts, Hades’s relentless onslaught would begin, rendering any further resistance futile.

Just then, two streams of seven-colored magical light swiftly appeared on the distant horizon, rapidly approaching his location. Seeing this, a faint smile touched Mo Han’s otherwise pale face, as he correctly guessed their identities. With the power of two Arch-Mages added to his own Holy Angel’s Sword, his chances against Hades increased significantly. Mo Han’s only immediate plan was to figure out how to stall Hades’s assault until Blaze and the other arrived.

What surprised Mo Han greatly, however, was that Hades seemed completely oblivious to the two streaks of seven-colored light. He stood calmly, staring at Mo Han, showing no urgency to attack. In fact, a slight smile touched the corner of the King of the Underworld’s lips.

Observing Hades’s demeanor, a vague sense of unease crept into Mo Han’s mind. The King’s behavior was clearly beyond expectation; he didn't seem concerned about the arrival of Blaze and the others. This could only mean one thing: Hades didn't consider them a threat. Even with Blaze and Bai Ling, they might not be enough to defeat him. However, things had progressed this far; Mo Han could no longer control the situation. Since the King wasn't rushing to attack, Mo Han naturally settled down as well.

Before long, Blaze and Bai Ling arrived at Mo Han’s location and quickly landed by his side.

“Three god-level humans. Interesting,” Hades remarked, a flicker of dark light dancing in his massive eyes as he coldly swept his gaze over Mo Han and Blaze. But when his eyes fell upon Bai Ling, Blaze’s own eyes showed a momentary confusion. Then, Hades focused sharply on Bai Ling and spoke with surprise, “Who exactly are you? I cannot perceive your true nature.”

Hearing this, both Mo Han and Blaze looked puzzled. Mo Han was particularly astonished. He had only used the power of the Holy Angel to help Bai Ling reach the god-level realm recently. Bai Ling was merely at the threshold of godhood, much like Mo Han had been when he first ascended. Even with Bai Ling’s high talent, it shouldn't have reached a level where Hades couldn't discern his true strength. Yet, Hades had suddenly said this, causing Mo Han and Blaze to look at Bai Ling again. They observed that Bai Ling’s strength still appeared to be at the peak of an initial Arch-Mage. Why Hades could see through the capabilities of the stronger Mo Han and Blaze but not Bai Ling was inexplicable.

At that moment, Hades seemed to recall something and exclaimed in astonishment, “Are you not human? Are you a descendant of the Titans?”

Hearing this, Bai Ling frowned slightly. “I don’t know what this Titan race you speak of is, but I will certainly stop your conspiracy to invade the Dragon Rising Continent today.”

Hades appeared bewildered by the answer. “If you were human, there is no way I couldn't discern your essence. On this Dragon Rising Continent, there are only two kinds of individuals whose power I cannot read: those whose strength surpasses mine—and I doubt you possess that level—or, the only other possibility, the Titan race. Although, it seems the Titan blood flowing within you has not yet awakened.” Hades revealed a rare hint of excitement. “Legend says the Titan tribe, created directly by the Creator God, possessed strength rivaling the gods themselves. It’s a shame they were exterminated by the God race tens of thousands of years ago. To think a descendant of the Titans still lingers in the mortal world—this is truly astonishing.”

Now, even Mo Han and the others were confused. Neither Mo Han nor Blaze had ever heard of a Titan race. But Hades clearly had no reason to lie; this must have happened long, long ago. They began to scrutinize Bai Ling again with renewed seriousness.

Bai Ling, however, maintained a calm expression and spoke with a touch of impatience, “I don’t know what you are talking about. But even if I were a Titan, what business is it of yours?”

“Heh heh, it has nothing to do with me, yet you’ve already reached god-level strength,” Hades interjected cryptically. “When you face a life-or-death crisis, the Titan blood within you will naturally awaken.” With that, Hades slowly raised the Death Scythe in his hand, saying with excitement, “To encounter both the inheritor of the Holy Angel and a descendant of the Titans on the Dragon Rising Continent—it makes me feel as if I’m back in the ancient era of the God Wars. Attack together; let me witness the extent of your powers.”

Hades’s proposal played right into Mo Han’s hands. This was precisely what Mo Han had intended. Since the King of the Underworld had made the offer, Mo Han certainly wouldn't refuse. “Since His Majesty the King of the Underworld is so confident, we shall not be polite.”

“Blaze, find a way to launch powerful magical attacks. Bai Ling, execute your Divine Incantation now, and coordinate with me for a full-force assault when the opportunity arises.” After instructing Blaze and Bai Ling, Mo Han once again launched himself toward Hades.

As Mo Han charged, several thick bolts of lightning instantly appeared above Hades’s head—Blaze’s instant-cast magic. Yet, these lightning strikes, capable of being fatal to anyone else, posed no threat to Hades. The Death Scythe flashed above his head, sending out arcs of black light that precisely intercepted the lightning spells. The powerful magic vanished instantly upon contact with the black light. However, these spells were merely a distraction to draw Hades’s attention.

The moment Hades dispersed the lightning, the Creation God Sword in Mo Han’s hand flashed brilliantly white and swept toward Hades’s colossal body. Hades’s Death Scythe was just beginning to lower from its defensive position above his head. Mo Han had seized this rare instant to attack; the coordination between them was virtually flawless—even any other god-level expert would have been thrown into disarray by such precise teamwork.

But Hades was the King of the Underworld. Noticing the intricate cooperation between Mo Han and Blaze, he let out a light snort. “Good teamwork.” Yet, Hades completely ignored the Creation God Sword aimed at him. His Death Scythe, trailing dark, ghostly light, swept swiftly towards Mo Han’s head—a move threatening mutual destruction. Even if Mo Han’s Creation God Sword managed to strike Hades’s massive frame, Mo Han’s head would certainly be cleaved in two by the Death Scythe. Against such a demonic artifact, the protective battle aura Mo Han had erected would offer no defense whatsoever.

Leaping...