The two returned to the Murong Residence in deep thought.

The moment Mo Han stepped inside, Dai Li and the others rushed forward anxiously. Dai Li asked with concern, "How did it go? Is everything alright?" Mo Han gave a wry smile and said, "Things have escalated. We should go inside to talk."

No one lingered, following Mo Han directly back into the courtyard.

Once inside, Mo Han explained everything that had happened at the Imperial Palace and his impending mission to the Beast Clan. Hearing Mo Han's words, everyone became worried. The Beast Clan was no joke; the Beastmen had always harbored deep enmity toward humans. To be sent on a diplomatic mission to the Beast Clan right before they were about to invade—it sounded like a journey offering a mere sliver of a chance at survival.

Realizing this, Dai Li anxiously urged, "What should we do then? I have to go with you; I can't let you face such danger alone."

Hearing Dai Li, Anna also spoke up, "Brother Mo Han, I want to go with you too."

Everyone began to voice their desire to accompany Mo Han to the Beast Clan.

Seeing this, Mo Han quickly raised a hand to stop them. "Absolutely not. This time is different from before; it’s extremely dangerous. I cannot let you risk it. You are all my dearest friends; I would never wish to see any harm befall you."

Hearing Mo Han's words, Dai Li and Anna were about to argue further, but Mo Han continued, "Think about it: in the entourage, my cultivation is the highest. Even if we truly run into danger, it would be easier for me to escape alone. Bringing you along would actually impede my movements. Besides, I still have Xiao Mo and Xiao Han—surely you trust their strength? Even if I can’t win the fight, leaving safely will not be an issue."

Hearing their names called, Xiao Mo and Xiao Han affectionately trotted over to Mo Han, whining softly.

Mo Han smiled, stroked their heads, and continued, "Moreover, you’ve been with me for so long—when have you ever seen me suffer a loss? So, stay here, wait for my return with peace of mind. Cultivate well while I'm gone, and I hope everyone can give me a pleasant surprise when I get back."

Hearing Mo Han's explanation, Dai Li and the others understood that he was speaking the truth. Given their current strength, even accompanying Mo Han to the Beast Clan, they would only be a burden. They stopped insisting.

Seeing that no one was pressing the issue anymore, Mo Han let out a sigh of relief and said, "Dai Li, come with me for a moment. I have something important to discuss with you."

With that, he turned and entered the room.

Dai Li followed him into the room, looking utterly perplexed, wondering what Mo Han intended to tell her.

Seeing Dai Li inside, Mo Han turned and said, "I know you are very worried about me, but you must believe me. I will return safely. When have you ever known me to break my word?"

Dai Li obediently nodded, saying, "Then you must be careful. I will definitely be here waiting for your triumphant return, no matter how long it takes."

Hearing Dai Li's tender words, Mo Han felt a surge of emotion. He gently pulled her into his embrace and said, "I promise you, I will return as soon as possible."

Held in Mo Han's arms, Dai Li's face flushed crimson. She merely gave a soft 'hmm' in acknowledgment.

Next, Mo Han explained Murong Tian’s request—that he use the third method to cure Murong Feixue’s illness, detailing the method itself, and asked Dai Li for her advice. Hearing this, Dai Li responded calmly, "This is your own affair; why are you asking me?" Mo Han quickly replied with a smile, "How is it not your affair? You are my wife now. Such matters naturally require consultation with the esteemed wife first."

Upon hearing this, Dai Li’s face lit up with joy, though she managed to retort, "Who agreed to be your wife? Shameless!"

Mo Han quickly corrected, "Ah, that’s right. It’s not you marrying me, but me marrying you, is that right? Haha."

This caused Dai Li to let out a peal of silvery laughter.

After the jesting subsided, Dai Li spoke earnestly, "I think you should agree to Uncle Murong’s request. Not only has he taken excellent care of us during this time, but Xue'er is also a kind person. Even if she were an ordinary person, we couldn't stand by and watch her suffer. Of course, I hope Xue'er recovers quickly, so I think you should agree to Uncle Murong's request and save her."

Hearing Dai Li’s answer, Mo Han said, "But that might damage Miss Murong’s reputation."

Dai Li chided him, "Why are you so pedantic? Compared to a life, what is reputation? Furthermore, if Miss Murong, a young lady, isn't afraid, what are you afraid of? Nothing untoward actually happened; you are just treating an illness. Besides, only a few people know about this. If we all keep quiet, who else will know?"

After Dai Li finished speaking, Mo Han gave a wry smile and remarked, "Good heavens, you all think more openly than I do."

Dai Li spoke with a slight edge of jealousy, "The worst-case scenario is that you marry Xue'er then, which would just be taking advantage, wouldn't it? You have so many confidantes already; Xue'er won't be the extra one. Didn't you already have the Saintess of Light? Now you have a Saintess of Darkness entangled with you—it seems to suit your desires perfectly."

Mo Han inwardly groaned when he caught the tone in Dai Li’s voice. Why did she have to bring this up now? How could a discussion about medical treatment spiral into this? It was truly circuitous. Moreover, how did Dai Li know about the Saintess of Darkness? He didn't recall telling anyone else, except perhaps Shui Ling'er, but it couldn't have been her.

Thinking this, Mo Han quickly declared, "Haha, there’s absolutely no truth to that rumor. Someone is clearly trying to frame me, and I must find out who to clear my name. Regardless of anything else, Dai Li, you remain the wife I love the most; I swear it upon the heavens."

Dai Li quickly interrupted him, speaking gently, "Don't speak carelessly; oaths should not be sworn lightly. Actually, I don't know why I feel a little pang of sadness. I have long understood that with your abilities, it’s impossible for me to be your only close female companion. I just hope that when the time comes, you will still remember me in your heart; that would satisfy me completely."

Hearing Dai Li’s words, Mo Han felt both moved and heartbroken. "Silly girl, no matter what, you must remember: in my heart, you will always be my wife."

Upon hearing this, Dai Li shyly rested her head on Mo Han’s chest and whispered softly, "Hearing you say that reassures me. No matter what you become, I will always be your wife."

For a moment, the room was filled with warmth.