The address of the Ancient Blue Ruins, it was rumored, lay beyond the Hengduan Mountains, deep within the Land of Death—a place said to be forbidden to all living things, rarely trodden by anyone.

Whispers claimed that no one who entered that domain had ever returned alive.

Yet, the reward for the mission was so staggeringly enticing that countless mercenary groups crossed the Hengduan Mountains in search of the ruins.

However, none ever emerged.

Even an S-rank group, the Dragon Soul Mercenaries, had participated in the search and subsequently vanished.

The leader of the Dragon Soul Mercenaries at that time possessed the strength of a Sword Saint, and his core members were all high-ranking Sword Masters and Great Sword Masters.

Since even they failed, no one dared to accept the mission afterward.

This task remained unfulfilled. "But Elder, why bring this up now?" Mo Han asked, a hint of confusion in his tone.

He immediately followed up, his expression tightening, "Surely you aren't thinking of asking me to take on this mission, are you?" Upon hearing this, Guang Huo nodded. "That's right.

What I need your help with is precisely this." Hearing this, Mo Han pulled a long face and asked, "Elder, do you have a blade I could borrow?" Guang Huo looked puzzled. "Why would you need a blade? Why the sudden request?" Mo Han grimaced. "To commit suicide, of course.

If you’re asking me to take on that mission, you might as well just kill me quickly.

Even a Sword Saint died there; what hope do I have? Isn't that just sending me to my death?" Guang Huo chuckled. "When did I say you have to go immediately? I’m just telling you about it now, so you can prepare yourself and it won't be such a shock later on." Mo Han sighed weakly. "It’s the same either way.

Die sooner or die later." Guang Huo smiled. "When did you become so unconfident in yourself? You’ve always been quite sure of your abilities." Mo Han managed a wry smile. "Confidence is one thing, but it depends on the task.

If it's this one, anyone who claims to be confident about finishing it is either a fool or a lunatic." Guang Huo laughed and chided him, "Nonsense! I actually have a basis for approaching you.

Ling’er told me you're that peculiar fellow who cultivates both Demonic and Martial arts simultaneously.

You think I didn't know?" Mo Han immediately protested, "Peculiar fellow? I'm a prodigy! Elder, please choose your words carefully.

Ling’er told you about that? It’s over; all my secrets are out! How am I supposed to maintain any mystery now? That girl—I’m settling scores with her the next time I see her." Guang Huo laughed, "Alright, don't blame Ling’er.

She’s thinking ahead for the Holy War two years from now.

Very few people know about this matter; besides the several of us Elders, only the Pope knows.

Everyone else is in the dark." Mo Han frowned, intrigued. "How does this relate to the Holy War in two years? The more I listen, the more confused I get?" Guang Huo began to explain, "Listen to me.

Someone has entered the Land of Death before, and they actually escaped." Mo Han’s eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Who was it?" Guang Huo nodded. "That person was the Pope who preceded us, Pope Douglas.

He discovered the secret of the Ancient Blue Ruins being in the Land of Death by chance in an ancient book.

He ventured into the interior of the Land of Death one hundred and fifty years ago.

According to his description, the core area of the Land of Death is perpetually shrouded in a dense fog, making visibility impossible.

Moreover, that fog is highly toxic.

Even the air surrounding the fog is tainted, carrying subtle poisons that are difficult to notice until it’s too late.

Most adventurers likely perished beneath that fog.

On the periphery of the core area, there are also numerous high-level magical beasts guarding the place; reaching the center is no easy feat.

Furthermore, we have no idea how extensive that fog is or what dangers lie within.

Back then, Pope Douglas, guided by the sensitivity of the Holy Chalice of Light he carried, detected an intense aura of darkness emanating from within the fog.

This sensation only appeared as he drew near.

It seems the fog managed to block that dark aura, preventing the Holy Chalice of Light from sensing it clearly.

There must be some form of magical barrier within that fog—an incredibly powerful one—to hold the dark aura tightly contained and prevent its leakage.

That’s why the Chalice could only sense it upon close approach; others wouldn't notice it at all.

I suspect the disappearance of those masters who fortunately entered the fog is also linked to this dark aura." Mo Han asked, "So, did the Pope enter the fog then?" Guang Huo nodded. "Pope Douglas intended to use the protection of the Church's sacred artifacts to push into the fog and see what was inside.

He successfully penetrated deep into the mist.

After some time inside, he was attacked by several high-level magical beasts.

Nevertheless, Pope Douglas pressed on, relying on the artifacts and his own strength.

After traveling an unknown distance within, he finally reached the center of the fog." Hearing this, Mo Han was captivated by Guang Huo’s account and couldn't help but ask, "Did the Pope see anything there?" Guang Huo replied, "When the Pope reached the heart of the fog, the mist completely dissipated.

He found only a small lake, with no sign of the Ancient Blue Ruins’ location.

There were merely some rare medicinal herbs and plants near the lake shore.

Disappointed, he planned to collect some herbs and plants and then return.

But he inadvertently discovered something beneath the lakebed, and the dark aura was emanating from there.

So, he intended to descend to the bottom of the lake to investigate thoroughly." At this point, Mo Han interrupted, "Did he discover anything?"