Mo Fan at his best – Versatile Mage

Mo Fan placed his hopes on the Condensed Evil Bead.

Old Bao had indeed managed to suppress the bead’s bewitching influence. The restless evil thoughts no longer leaked outward every moment, and the murky red-black energy inside had been sealed by a special containment layer. But fixing a dangerous object and creating a true cursed cultivation bead were two completely different matters.

Old Bao could purify, seal, suppress, and modify it enough for Mo Fan to carry safely.

But when Mo Fan asked whether it could be turned into a stable cursed bead that could strengthen the Demon Element without bringing disaster, Old Bao only shook his head.

“That kind of thing is not my specialty,” Old Bao said. “If you want someone to design a proper cursed bead system, you need a researcher. A real one. Feng Zhoulong from the Demon City Tower laboratory is your best option.”

Right now, Mo Fan had just received a notification from Feng Zhoulong: the cursed material had finally been successfully created.

Without delay, Mo Fan rushed to the Demon City Tower laboratory.

Inside a room enclosed by silver-white tempered glass, he saw three dark-red relic-like orbs suspended in midair. They were not large, only about the size of a fist, but each one gave off a strange pressure. The surface of the orbs looked like frozen blood, while the energy inside shifted slowly like a living abyss.

As Mo Fan approached, his Demon Element stirred faintly inside his spiritual world.

His blood warmed.

His muscles tightened.

Even his breathing became slightly heavier.

Feng Zhoulong stood beside the sealed cabinet, his eyes bright with excitement.

“The cursed material has been stabilized,” Feng Zhoulong said proudly. “I call it Blood Abyss. It perfectly retains the core properties of the demonized blood essence, the Condensed Evil Bead, and the purified dark soul residue.”

Mo Fan’s eyes lit up.

Feng Zhoulong continued, “Its main effect is Ascension. By burning the magical energy inside the Star River or Nebula, the user can temporarily enter an enhanced state. Multiple elements can resonate together, increasing combat power several times over.”

“At the same time, it grants a demonic physique. Physical strength, recovery, resistance, and bloodline activity will all be enhanced. However, the price is enormous magical energy consumption. Every breath in the Ascension state will drain a large amount of energy.”

Mo Fan nodded thoughtfully.

This was not true demonization.

True demonization burned soul power and life itself. Its strength was terrifying, but the cost was equally terrifying.

Blood Abyss was different. Mo Fan already had the real primal Demon Element, so Blood Abyss / cursed-bead ascension wasn't for him. His Demon Element was far stronger and could push him toward Supreme Ruler-level power, but only he can bear it because of his unique dual innate setup and multiple elements supporting the burden.

For Mu Bai and Zhang Xiaohou, Mo Fan could only prepare safer auxiliary resources: dark, undead, curse, or soul-support beads that help their future paths. They couldn't receive copies of the Demon Element, because they would die trying to endure it.

The beads used magical energy as fuel. The backlash was much smaller, and the state could be controlled more safely. Its combat boost was not as insane as true demonization, but it was far more practical.

For Mo Fan, this was already enough.

If Xiaohou activated it as a trump card, he could completely dominate the Commander level. Even if he met a powerful Ruler-level creature, he would at least have a chance to retreat instead of being crushed instantly.

“This is good,” Mo Fan said. “Very good.”

Feng Zhoulong smiled. “There’s more. I separated the material into two different types according to your request.”

He pointed at the first orb.

“This one is the main core. It is the strongest compatibility with your Demon Element and can be used as the foundation for your future cursed-bead system.”

Then he pointed at the second orb.

“This one leans toward dark corrosion and soul stability. It has less explosive power, but its compatibility with Darkness-type transformation should be excellent.”

Finally, Feng Zhoulong pointed at the third orb.

“This one leans toward death aura, undead command, and abyssal affinity. The energy inside is dormant now, but if the user awakens the right element in the future, it may become extremely useful.”

Mo Fan’s gaze moved across the three orbs.

The first one was naturally for himself.

The second was for Mu Bai.

The third was for Zhang Xiaohou.

Mu Bai’s future path would lead toward the Dark Plane. One day, he would become tied to the Dark King’s authority. A dark soul-stabilizing relic like this could become an important foundation for him.

As for Zhang Xiaohou, his future was even stranger.

He would awaken the Undead Element at Advanced level and eventually walk toward the path of the new Ancient King. His affinity with death, demons, the underworld, and the Calamity Undead would only grow deeper. This death-abyss relic might not show much use right now, but in the future, it could become a key resource.

Mo Fan did not explain all of this to Feng Zhoulong.

He only said, “Old Feng, you really are impressive. This is exactly what I wanted.”

Feng Zhoulong grinned. “This is nothing. The real discovery is that I confirmed a stable phenomenon where different types of magical energy can coexist under the same framework. This is the prerequisite for Fusion Magic!”

“Fusion Magic?” Mo Fan pretended to be surprised.

“Exactly!” Feng Zhoulong became even more excited. “No matter how many elements a mage possesses, they can normally only use one element at a time. At most, they create simple combinations, like Wind helping Fire or Water strengthening Ice. But true Fusion Magic is different. It would allow the fundamental merging of magical energies.”

He looked at the Blood Abyss orbs with shining eyes.

“Your cursed material is incredibly special. It provides a perfect experimental model. You’ll have to cooperate with me more in the future.”

Mo Fan suddenly felt a chill.

This guy was starting to sound like the kind of researcher who wanted to put him on an operating table.

“Cooperate is fine,” Mo Fan said cautiously. “But don’t get any strange ideas about my body.”

Feng Zhoulong laughed. “Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’m a proper researcher.”

Mo Fan did not believe a word of it.

Still, Feng Zhoulong had indeed done him a huge favor.

Mo Fan carefully stored the main Blood Abyss core, then took the other two sealed relics.

After leaving the laboratory, he immediately contacted Mu Bai and Zhang Xiaohou.

Mu Bai answered first.

“What is it?” Mu Bai’s voice sounded calm, but slightly suspicious. “You rarely call me for anything normal.”

Mo Fan clicked his tongue. “Why do all of you think I only call when there’s trouble?”

“Because that is usually the case.”

Mo Fan was speechless.

He took out the dark soul-stabilizing Blood Abyss relic and said, “I’m sending you something. Don’t open it casually. Keep it sealed and carry it with you when cultivating. It’ll be useful for your future path.”

“My future path?” Mu Bai asked.

“Darkness,” Mo Fan said simply.

Mu Bai fell silent.

Mo Fan continued, “You don’t need to understand everything now. Just remember this. If one day your path starts leaning toward the Dark Plane, don’t reject it blindly. Darkness isn’t only corruption. In the right hands, it can also become authority.”

Mu Bai’s tone became serious. “What exactly do you know?”

“A lot,” Mo Fan said. “But telling you too much now won’t help. Take the gift first. When the time comes, you’ll understand.”

Mu Bai was silent for a moment before saying, “Fine. I’ll accept it.”

After ending the call, Mo Fan contacted Zhang Xiaohou.

Zhang Xiaohou answered quickly. His voice carried its usual energy. “Brother Fan!”

Mo Fan smiled. “Xiaohou, I’m sending you something too.”

“For me?” Zhang Xiaohou sounded surprised.

“Yeah. It’s not something you can use right now, but keep it safe. One day, when you awaken a new element, it’ll become useful.”

“What element?” Zhang Xiaohou asked.

Mo Fan paused briefly.

“Undead.”

Zhang Xiaohou was stunned.

“Undead? Brother Fan, are you serious?”

“I’m serious,” Mo Fan said. “Your current Wind and Earth are only the beginning. In the future, you’ll walk a path tied to the underworld, death, and the ancient undead. Don’t be afraid of it. That power isn’t evil by itself. What matters is who controls it.”

Zhang Xiaohou trusted Mo Fan deeply. After hearing this, he did not question him too much.

“If Brother Fan says so, then I’ll remember it,” Zhang Xiaohou said firmly.

Mo Fan’s expression softened.

“Good. Also, don’t rush. Grow steadily. You’re not just going to be a soldier forever. Your future is much bigger than that.”

Zhang Xiaohou laughed. “No matter what I become, I’ll still follow Brother Fan.”

Mo Fan smiled.

That was Zhang Xiaohou.

Loyal, steady, and always moving forward.

After arranging for the two sealed relics to be delivered through reliable hunter channels, Mo Fan checked the time.

Then his expression changed slightly.

Damn.

He was late.

By the time Mo Fan arrived at the Oriental Pearl Mage Tower, the British National Team had already entered the National Pavilion arena. The atmosphere inside was tense, and Bai Dongwei’s expression looked like he had swallowed a stone.

Feng Li was sitting in the observation area, his thick brows furrowed deeply. The moment he saw Mo Fan walk in, his face darkened.

“Mo Fan!” Feng Li snapped. “Do you know what time it is?”

Mo Fan scratched his head. “Something came up.”

“Something came up?” Feng Li almost laughed from anger. “The British National Team came here specifically because of you, and you still dare to arrive late?”

Song He, sitting beside him, shook his head helplessly.

The vice president from the Pearl Mage Tower also looked at Mo Fan strangely. This brat really had no sense of pressure. Britain was not Egypt. They were a true magical powerhouse.

Mo Fan glanced at the arena below and saw the British team standing there calmly, each of them wearing polite smiles. Their posture looked relaxed, but their aura was completely different from ordinary challengers.

These people were wolves wearing noble coats.

Mo Fan grinned.

“Since I’m already late, scolding me won’t change anything,” he said. “You might as well watch me whoop some ass.”

Feng Li’s face twitched.

“You brat…”

Mo Fan had already turned and walked toward the arena.

Bai Dongwei saw him approach and finally felt a little more confident.

“How are you planning to fight?” Mo Fan asked.

“Four against four. Standard team battle format,” Bai Dongwei said.

Mo Fan nodded. “Alright. Who’s going with me?”

Seeing Mo Fan arrive, the Pavilion guardians finally regained some courage.

Dongfang Lie stepped forward first. “I’ll go.”

Yue Tangxin, the girl with black-rimmed glasses, also stepped out. Another Water-Light mage followed.

The four candidates were decided.

On Great Xia’s side: Mo Fan, Dongfang Lie, Yue Tangxin, and the Water-Light mage.

On Britain’s side: three men and one woman.

The woman stood out most. She wore antique-style clothing and elegant accessories, and her golden eyes carried a noble charm that made people instinctively take her seriously.

She stepped forward and performed an elegant greeting.

“My name is Eileen. This is my first time in Great Xia. Please take care of me.”

Yue Tangxin returned the courtesy, though the pressure on her face did not lessen.

Mo Fan looked Eileen over and muttered, “No wonder she’s a foreign beauty. Tall, elegant, and pretty well-developed.”

Dongfang Lie nodded in deep agreement.

Yue Tangxin shot both of them a cold look.

Bai Dongwei glanced back at the mentors, then finally announced the start.

None of the four British contestants moved first. They all wore calm smiles, as if this was a formal exchange rather than a battle.

Mo Fan looked at Dongfang Lie. “What are you waiting for? Give them a big one.”

“Got it.”

Dongfang Lie immediately began condensing flames.

A blazing Star Map appeared beneath his feet. Fire stars connected rapidly, and intense heat surged around him. Flames gathered like coiling dragons, roaring as they twisted together into one massive blazing form.

“Fiery Fist—Flaming Dragon!”

Dongfang Lie unleashed his strongest move from the start.

The flaming dragon charged forward, its body burning fiercely as it crossed the arena. The grass below withered, gravel cracked, and the air warped from the heat.

The British team finally showed slight surprise.

“Level Five Fiery Fist?” one of them murmured.

Mo Fan remained calm.

It was strong for a Pavilion guardian, but not enough to shake him.

Eileen opened her small mouth slightly, a faint blush appearing on her fair cheeks.

“What a country where dragons are hidden. Even the Pavilion guardians are so powerful,” she praised.

Despite her praise, her casting was extremely fast.

A purple-blue Star Map appeared beneath her feet.

Then the second one formed almost immediately.

The two patterns connected into a Water Constellation, wrapping her in a graceful radiance.

“Water Brilliance—Sky Curtain.”

With a light tap of her finger, a purple-blue waterfall barrier descended before the British team.

Dongfang Lie’s flaming dragon slammed into it.

The dragon roared and tried to tear through, but the flowing curtain swallowed its force layer by layer. Steam exploded outward, yet the water continued falling smoothly, dissolving the fire until the dragon’s body collapsed and vanished completely.

Dongfang Lie froze.

“This…”

Mo Fan’s gaze sharpened slightly.

Soul Seed-level Water.

No wonder Britain dared to come.

“I’ll take the attack. My William hasn’t stretched his muscles in ages,” said a British student beside Eileen.

His name was Shad.

He recited the contract incantation, and a golden gate opened behind him. A griffin covered in golden feathers rushed out with a sharp cry, spreading its wings beneath the dome light.

The Golden Griffin circled once in the air, then locked onto Dongfang Lie.

In the next instant, it dove.

Its body was like a golden greatsword falling from the sky, claws extended, wings cutting through the air.

Dongfang Lie’s face changed drastically.

“Help me! Help me!”

Mo Fan raised his hand.

“Dimensional Summoning.”

A silver-white gate opened behind him.

The temperature in the arena dropped sharply.

A deep frost spread from the gate, not just cold on the skin, but a biting chill that made the blood feel restless. Fine frost particles drifted out first, glittering like frozen dust.

Then a massive paw stepped through.

Wolfie emerged slowly from the summoning gate.

The Snow Frost Star Wolf’s silver-white fur rippled with cold light. His icy-blue eyes lifted toward the Golden Griffin, and the ice crown above his head glowed faintly. Frost particles drifted from the crown, scattering through the battlefield like silent snow.

The Golden Griffin’s dive slowed.

That aura was not merely frightening. To powerful creatures, it was a challenge.

The Griffin let out a sharp cry, pride instantly provoked. Instead of retreating, it changed direction and rushed straight toward Wolfie.

Mo Fan clicked his tongue.

“See? This is why I don’t summon you casually.”

Wolfie ignored him.

The ice crown on his head shone brighter.

The frost particles around the Golden Griffin gathered suddenly, clinging to its wings and claws. Thin ice marks formed along its feathers, slowing its descent.

Wolfie stepped forward.

Ice spread beneath his paws in a pale-blue path.

As the Golden Griffin entered his range, ice rings snapped up from the ground, locking toward its claws and wing joints. The Griffin shattered the first layer with brute force, but the next layer formed immediately, colder and tighter.

This was not simple ice spear shooting.

Wolfie was seizing control of the battlefield.

The Golden Griffin slashed down with its claws.

Wolfie lunged.

His Ice Fang clamped onto one of the Griffin’s front claws, and frost instantly spread from the bite. The Griffin’s movement stiffened, its wingbeat faltering as ice crawled along the joint.

Wolfie pulled sideways.

The massive Golden Griffin was dragged off balance and smashed into the arena floor, sending gravel and ice shards flying.

Shad’s expression changed.

“William!”

The Griffin burst with golden light and broke free from the frost, quickly rising again. But the arrogance in its eyes had faded.

It now understood.

This Snow Frost Star Wolf was not an ordinary summoned beast.

Eileen watched Wolfie closely, her golden eyes filled with surprise.

“What a powerful ice beast,” she murmured. “That aura… it feels almost royal.”

Mo Fan smiled faintly.

Of course.

Wolfie was his trump card for a reason.