Suddenly, several black beasts crawled out from around Bai Yang.
At that moment, Mo Fan finally understood why Song Jie had tricked him into coming here!
This guy... was actually a lackey of the Black Church!
Mo Fan clenched his fists, anger boiling, yet there was no fear in his eyes—because he knew Bai Yang was nowhere near Song Jie's level.
"Bai Yang, do you really think you've got me cornered?" Song Jie said with a calm smile.
Bai Yang didn't bother replying. His goal was simple—to deliver the Holy Spring to the upper ranks of the Black Church as soon as possible.
"You're still talking big when you're about to die," he said coldly.
But before his words could settle, a ball of fire tore through the air and exploded among the beasts—engulfing them in a blazing inferno!
"What—?!"
Bai Yang's pupils contracted. This power... that's definitely mid-level magic!
He turned in shock—and his gaze locked onto Tang Yue, standing not far away, her expression icy.
"Tang Yue!!" Bai Yang's face twisted. He hadn't expected her to appear here of all places!
"Withdraw!"
Without hesitation, Bai Yang turned to flee.
But before he could even take a step, Song Jie's star track flared to life. In an instant, several radiant arrows shot out from his palm.
Whizz! Whizz! Whizz!
Bai Yang didn't even have time to react before the light arrows pierced through him, sending him crashing to the ground.
Tang Yue hurried over, her face a mix of fury and disbelief.
"Bai Yang... are you even worthy of Commander Zhan Kong's trust?" she said bitterly.
She never would've thought that Bai Yang—one of Bo City's defenders—had become a lackey of the Black Church.
"This... is the path I chose," Bai Yang gasped, still unrepentant.
Song Jie stood silently. To him, such people weren't even worth pitying. They'd already chosen their fate.
Moments later, several Inquisition members arrived from afar.
Tang Yue turned to them. "Take him back and interrogate him thoroughly."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
The judge nodded and approached Bai Yang.
"If I can't have it, no one can!!" Bai Yang shouted hoarsely, smashing the glass bottle in his hand.
But neither Tang Yue nor Song Jie flinched. Their faces remained calm—too calm.
Bai Yang's eyes widened. "This... this is fake?! It's fake?!"
Before he could shout again, the judge silenced him to prevent any nearby demons from being drawn to the noise.
Tang Yue finished off the wounded ghost wolf beast and turned to Song Jie. "Are you two heading to the safety barrier?"
Song Jie nodded. "Yes."
"Hmm... you've already broken through to the intermediate level, haven't you?" she asked with a faint smile.
Song Jie nodded again. Not only had he broken through—he was already approaching the second stage of the intermediate level.
"And you, Mo Fan?" Tang Yue turned to him.
Mo Fan nodded as well.
Tang Yue smiled. "You're both exceptional. Stay with me for now—help me handle the aftermath. I'll make sure the Tribunal rewards you."
They were desperately short on people, and both Song Jie and Mo Fan were powerful, proven in battle.
Mo Fan didn't answer immediately. He glanced at Song Jie.
Wherever this thigh went, he was holding on tight!
"Alright," Song Jie agreed readily.
Mo Fan grinned. "Then count me in too."
Tang Yue nodded approvingly. "Good. If there's danger, I'll protect you."
Mo Fan nearly laughed. If only you knew who really needs protection here, Teacher Tang Yue...
Tang Yue led the way, her figure moving swiftly yet gracefully. Song Jie and Mo Fan followed behind, cleverly avoiding several groups of demons under her guidance.
Along the way, they captured multiple Black Church members hiding in the ruins.
Seeing it firsthand shocked them both—no one could've imagined there were so many infiltrators hidden in Bo City!
The corruption ran deep—far deeper than anyone had guessed.
Tang Yue reassured Mo Fan that his family was safe, finally allowing him to breathe a little easier.
Then Mo Fan suddenly noticed a car approaching. "Someone's coming over there!"
Song Jie and Tang Yue turned their heads and saw a vehicle full of armed men speeding toward them.
"Captain Xu!" Mo Fan exclaimed. He recognized Xu Dahuang immediately—the man who'd led him in the city's demon hunting team.
Tang Yue narrowed her eyes. "They're from the Bo City garrison."
"What are they doing? There are tons of demons in that direction!" Mo Fan asked, frowning.
Tang Yue hesitated, then her expression hardened. "That's the entrance where the demons keep pouring out... they're going to destroy it."
She realized what they were planning—and why there were so few of them.
"Teacher Tang Yue, there are too few of them! Shouldn't we help?" Mo Fan asked urgently. He couldn't just stand by while his old teammates risked their lives.
Tang Yue shook her head. "I still have a mission to complete. But if you want to help, go."
The Tribunal had its duties—and so did Xu Dahuang's squad. Everyone had their own role to play in this war.
Mo Fan watched Xu Dahuang and the others charge toward the demon nest, his fists tightening. "Brother Jie... will you come with me?"
He couldn't force him—but with Song Jie, their chances of survival would skyrocket.
Song Jie nodded. "Let's go."
They were willing to risk everything for Bo City.
These people—were the true heroes of Bo City.
"Alright!" Mo Fan grinned, his fighting spirit ignited once more.
Tang Yue called after them, "The reinforcements from the outer city will arrive soon! Don't be reckless—if things go south, retreat immediately!"
Both nodded firmly.
As Tang Yue's figure vanished around the corner, Mo Fan turned to Song Jie. "Brother Jie, what now?"
"Follow me," Song Jie said, striding ahead.
For him, these demons were nothing more than stepping stones—mere sparks to fuel his flame.
But for Xu Dahuang and the others... this was a battle they might not return from.
And yet, they charged forward without hesitation.
For Bo City.
For its people.
For the light that must never be extinguished.