Water Spirit shook her head, saying, "I truly don't know what favor the Emperor of the Heavenly Dragon Empire granted you to make you strive so hard."

Mo Han quickly shook his head in denial, arguing, "You've wronged me there. Am I the kind of person who only looks at money?" Water Spirit offered no direct answer, merely smiling as she said, "What do you think?" Mo Han looked a bit awkward, mumbling, "Those are just superficial appearances, hehe," before his expression turned serious again. "Actually, the reason I'm here is twofold: first, to repay the trust the Heavenly Dragon Emperor placed in me; and second, and most importantly, I don't want the Beast Race to be manipulated by the Proud Moon Empire. If this war truly breaks out, the Proud Moon Empire will benefit the most, while the people of the Beast Race and the Heavenly Dragon Empire will suffer terribly. Who knows how many families will be displaced? Look now, before the fighting has even begun, citizens on the border of the Heavenly Dragon Empire are already fleeing. If the war truly erupts, the scene will be far grimmer." Water Spirit listened to Mo Han's reply, remaining silent, gazing at him with a placid expression, her thoughts entirely unreadable.

Mo Han continued with a wry smile, "You must think I'm overly righteous, a real soft-hearted fool, right? Truthfully, I don't know why I suddenly feel this way, but I understand the anguish of being separated from one's family, the pain of having no home to return to. It is an unbearably difficult feeling, one I understand profoundly."

As he spoke, Mo Han was instantly reminded of his parents and brothers, far away in another world. They had worked hard to raise him, yet he had left them without even fulfilling the basic filial duty of having children. He missed them terribly, and a wave of loneliness, unlike anything he had ever known, washed over him.

He had unknowingly been in this world for over two years now, and he had no idea if he could ever go back. Even if he could, he didn't know how long it might take. Thinking of this brought a deep sadness to Mo Han, and he felt his eyes grow red.

Seeing Mo Han suddenly overcome with melancholy, Water Spirit felt a surge of panic. She rushed to his side, her voice filled with concern. "What's wrong? Are you missing your family? Then go back and see them! If you feel lonely by yourself, I can go back with you—don't be sad. If you have any difficulties, you can tell me, and I will certainly do my best to help you."

Mo Han took a deep breath and replied, "Home... I don't even know how to get back there myself. Where is home? There is no home for me here. My home is in another distant place, and I don't know if I can ever return."

Water Spirit listened, though she didn't fully grasp what Mo Han meant—why couldn't he go back? And why wasn't here his home? Yet, seeing him so distressed, a sympathetic sadness welled up in her own heart. She desperately wished she could help him shoulder his worries and sorrow. She preferred the Mo Han who was cheerful, loved to take advantage, enjoyed teasing her, and spoke without reservation—anything but the man before her now. Seeing him this heartbroken truly made her miserable.

With a sudden, unbidden surge of courage, Water Spirit pulled Mo Han into a tight embrace. "Don't be sad," she urged. "You can tell me any sorrow you carry. Even if I can't solve it, I hope I can at least share some of your sadness so you might feel a little better. It makes me deeply sad to see you so down and feel powerless to help."

Mo Han was momentarily stunned by Water Spirit's bold action. Scenes of their past encounters flashed through his mind. Then he remembered how she had journeyed from the Holy Capital across countless miles to the Beast Race territory simply to warn him of danger. A warmth bloomed in his chest, and he was moved by her deeply affectionate words.

Mo Han then wrapped his own arms around Water Spirit, softly murmuring, "Thank you. Truly, thank you. You've already done so much. I feel much better now."

At that moment, Water Spirit, snapping back to awareness, realized she was held in Mo Han's embrace. Her heart hammered against her ribs, threatening to leap out of her chest. She could even feel the powerful beat of his heart against her own. Water Spirit flushed crimson, burying her head low against his chest, and whispered, "Can you promise not to go to the Beast Race territory?" Mo Han smiled gently. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Haven't you heard my nickname? I'm like that little cockroach—unbreakable! Just wait for me back in Mingyuan City with peace of mind."

Water Spirit insisted, "That's because you don't know how dangerous this situation is. Let me tell you the truth: the reason I came here was because of a warning from our Pope."

Hearing this, Mo Han frowned in confusion. "What does your Pope have to do with this now? The more I hear, the more confused I become!" Water Spirit smiled smoothly. "Why the rush? I will naturally explain everything to you."

Mo Han realized he had been too hasty. Since Water Spirit mentioned it, she intended to explain. Since he hadn't considered the connection, Mo Han could only scratch his head awkwardly and force a smile.

Water Spirit continued, "You must have heard about the war between humanity and the Underworld 500 years ago, haven't you?" Upon hearing this, Mo Han’s mind raced. Of course, he knew about that. He had just come from the last human-Underworld battlefield, and he knew the beginning and end of the great war clearly from Mo Xiuyi. But Mo Han kept his thoughts inward, merely nodding. "Of course, I know. How could I not know about such a monumental event? Do you think I just parachuted in from Mars?"

Hearing the word 'Mars,' Water Spirit looked puzzled. "Mars? What place is that? I've never heard of it." Mo Han realized he had spoken too casually. He didn't know how to explain it, and even if he did, Water Spirit wouldn't understand. Should he start lecturing her about the solar system or the eight galaxies? He sighed internally and said, "Hehe, if I told you now, you wouldn't know anything. I'll find another time to explain it slowly."

Accepting his explanation, Water Spirit nodded and didn't press further, continuing, "In that last war, nearly all of humanity's elite forces were wiped out. For some unknown reason, although the war defeated the Underworld, every single human participant vanished completely. It's truly bizarre."

Mo Han questioned, "You weren't at the scene, so how do you know humanity won? Do you have powers of foresight?"