"Damn it! He can actually cast mid-level magic!" Yuang cursed under his breath and immediately stopped fighting Mo Fan.
He had thought he could easily kill Mo Fan by controlling a few Dark Beasts—
but he had underestimated him!
Mo Fan had used the Fire Star Map Book to unleash Fiery Fist: Explosive Pummel, instantly obliterating several Dark Beasts in one blow!
Realizing he was no match for him in this situation, Yuang gritted his teeth and retreated, fury flashing in his eyes.
If I can't kill you this time, I'll do it next time!
"Mo Fan, just wait for me! I'll make sure you die miserably next time!" he snarled before disappearing into the shadows.
Mo Fan didn't bother chasing him. His Star Map Books were limited, and if he got ambushed while unprepared, it could cost him his life.
So, for now, it was better to play it safe.
After dealing with Yuang, Mo Fan glanced in the direction Song Jie had gone.
"Brother Jie, you better come back safe…" Mo Fan murmured, anxiety flickering in his eyes.
He couldn't stay out in the open for long. Looking around, he quickly slipped into a nearby abandoned building for cover.
Moments later, several demons passed through, drawn by the sound of battle—but they didn't notice Mo Fan hiding inside.
He exhaled softly in relief. If Song Jie doesn't come back soon, I'll have to go find him myself.
Ten minutes passed. Still no sign of Song Jie.
Mo Fan's worry deepened. "Brother Jie, where the hell are you?"
Then suddenly—he caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance. His eyes widened.
"That's… Instructor Bai Yang!!"
Relief washed over him like a tide. Mo Fan hurried toward him as if he'd just found a lifeline.
At that moment, Bai Yang was riding atop a Phantom Wolf Beast, heading in Mo Fan's direction.
He had once served as one of their military instructors during training and was also a member of Bo City's defense team.
"Mo Fan?" Bai Yang called out, surprise flashing in his eyes.
He knew Mo Fan had been cultivating near the Holy Spring, and when he had gone to retrieve it earlier—he'd found the spring missing.
If Mo Fan wasn't carrying it, then the boy surely knew who was.
"Mo Fan, why are you still here?" Bai Yang asked as he approached.
"Song Jie and I just escaped from the Holy Spring and were heading toward the safety barrier," Mo Fan explained.
"Where's Song Jie now?"
"We ran into members of the Black Vatican on the way, and he stayed behind to fight them," Mo Fan said.
Bai Yang's eyes narrowed slightly. "You encountered the Black Vatican? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Mo Fan said, though concern flickered across his face. "But Brother Jie hasn't come back yet. I'm starting to worry."
Of course, in his heart, Mo Fan wasn't all that worried—Song Jie could take down a commander-level demon alone. He'd be fine.
"Well, I'll help you look for him," Bai Yang offered before changing the subject. "By the way, I just came from the Holy Spring. It seems to be missing."
"The Holy Spring? Brother Jie took it with him," Mo Fan answered.
"Song Jie took it?" Bai Yang frowned. "I've been ordered to retrieve the Holy Spring. Can you take me to him?"
"Sure," Mo Fan agreed readily. It was good to have an ally on his side.
Little did he know, Bai Yang was secretly a member of the Black Vatican.
Meanwhile, in the shadows, Song Jie and Tang Yue were watching from a nearby rooftop.
Tang Yue furrowed her brows. "Why aren't we going out?" she asked softly.
They were lying low, observing Mo Fan and Bai Yang from above.
Song Jie glanced at her—and his gaze accidentally drifted. Her tight black uniform clung to her curves, and as she leaned forward against the tiles, her chest pressed firmly against the surface.
The view was… breathtaking.
Tang Yue instantly noticed his wandering eyes and snapped, "Brat, where are you looking!?"
"Ahem!" Song Jie coughed twice and turned away awkwardly. "Instructor Tang Yue, earlier when I was tracking the Black Vatican, I overheard them mention Bai Yang's name."
Her eyes sharpened. "You mean Bai Yang… is part of the Black Vatican?"
Song Jie nodded.
Tang Yue's face darkened. "Then Mo Fan is in danger right now."
"I'm not completely sure yet," Song Jie said calmly. "That's why I want to test him first."
"How?"
Song Jie quickly outlined his plan. Tang Yue listened carefully, then nodded.
"All right. I'll keep an eye on him. If he dares to make a move, I'll kill him myself."
Song Jie stood, went downstairs, and filled an empty bottle with water from the sink—preparing to use it as bait.
If Tang Yue weren't here, he would've already dealt with Bai Yang personally.
He then returned to where Mo Fan and Bai Yang were talking.
"Brother Jie!" Mo Fan exclaimed with relief the moment he saw him.
"Mo Fan! There's a demon nearby—hurry, come over here!" Song Jie shouted.
Mo Fan's eyes widened. Without hesitation, he ran toward Song Jie!
Bai Yang frowned. His Phantom Wolf Beast would have sensed any demon nearby, yet it hadn't reacted.
"There's no demon here," he muttered.
Song Jie chuckled. "Relax, I was just teasing him."
"Brother Jie, you scared me to death just now," Mo Fan said, exhaling in relief.
Song Jie ignored him and turned his gaze toward Bai Yang.
"Mo Fan said you're here for the Holy Spring?"
"Yes," Bai Yang said seriously. "My superior ordered me to bring it back. You can hand it to me now."
"I see…" Song Jie said, pulling out the bottle he had just filled. "The Holy Spring is indeed with me."
The moment Bai Yang saw the bottle, excitement flickered in his eyes. He reached out eagerly to grab it.
Mo Fan noticed that this wasn't the same bottle Song Jie had used before—but he didn't say a word.
"Bring it here," Bai Yang said, forcing his voice to stay calm.
Song Jie smiled faintly, stepped closer, and tossed him the bottle.
Bai Yang caught it, his expression gleaming with triumph.
"Yes! This is the Holy Spring!"
Now that he had it, there was no need to keep these two alive.
A cruel smile spread across his face.
"Song Jie, thank you for bringing me the Holy Spring," Bai Yang said coldly. "But you can die now."
The next second—he raised his hand, summoning several Dark Beasts out of the ground!