Hearing Liu Boran's words, Mo Han quickly offered a smile and replied, "Of course, it's helping us. Rest assured, we won't undertake anything we aren't confident about."

Upon hearing Mo Han's response, Liu Boran nodded and said, "That's good. I have a few B-rank mission dossiers here; take a look and choose one."

With that, he handed over several documents from his grasp. Mo Han quickly expressed his thanks and accepted them.

Not long after, Mo Han and his team selected a B-rank mission: to venture into the Magic Forest and retrieve the Demon Crystal of the Crimson Blood Centipede. The experience points and reward for this task were among the highest for a B-rank mission. This Crimson Blood Centipede was an eighth-level magical beast, possessing strength that most ordinary people would consider monstrous. However, in Mo Han's eyes, it posed absolutely no threat; just Xiao Mo alone could likely handle it with ease. Still, Mo Han and the others decided that unless absolutely necessary, Xiao Mo would not be deployed, as doing so would defeat the purpose of their original goal of training.

Furthermore, the Magic Forest was conveniently located within the Tianlong Empire's territory, relatively close to them. This meant they could complete the mission quickly and rapidly advance their team's level.

Once they had made their choice, Mo Han informed Liu Boran of their decision. Seeing that they had chosen the mission concerning the Crimson Blood Centipede, Liu Boran looked thoroughly astonished and exclaimed, "Have you truly thought this through? Among the B-rank missions, this one is the most difficult and carries the greatest danger. The Magic Forest is not an easy place to approach; some of the beasts within give even A-rank mercenary groups immense headaches. I know you wish to raise your team's rank sooner, but a mission this perilous is beyond your current capabilities. This is too reckless. Do you truly believe the reward is worth it?" Hearing Liu Boran's warning, Mo Han smiled and replied, "Hehe, Guild Master Liu, please do not worry. We have our own means for dealing with the Crimson Blood Centipede, but that is our secret, so please forgive us for not disclosing it. However, we possess absolute confidence; otherwise, we wouldn't have chosen this mission. So, please put your mind at ease."

Hearing Mo Han's reply, Liu Boran still kindly cautioned them further, "Actually, the difficulty of this Crimson Blood Centipede mission could honestly be considered A-rank. It was only downgraded to B-rank because the employer offered too low a reward, making no A-rank mercenary groups willing to take it. Accepting this mission is equivalent to taking on the challenge of an A-rank task! Are you absolutely certain?" Mo Han and the others, upon hearing Liu Boran's explanation, all nodded firmly, confirming their intentions. Seeing this, Liu Boran could only sigh helplessly, "Since that is the case, I will say no more. I only hope you all take utmost care. Follow me, I'll take you to handle the paperwork."

Hearing Liu Boran's words, Mo Han and the others quickly offered grateful smiles, while Liu Boran wore an expression of resignation. Clearly, he held little hope that Mo Han's group could successfully complete this mission. In his mind, simply having Mo Han and the others return safely would be a stroke of luck for them.

By the time all the formalities were finished, it was already noon. Mo Han and the others decided to return to the Murong Estate to prepare, intending to depart the very next day; after all, finishing sooner meant one less burden to carry.

Upon returning to the Murong Estate, Mo Han and his team briefly explained the mission details to Murong Tian and his wife.

Hearing that Mo Han and the others were heading to the Magic Forest, Nangong Yunfeng expressed concern, "The monster levels in the Magic Forest are not low, and many of the beasts carry potent venom. You must be well-prepared."

After speaking, she turned worriedly to Murong Feixue and said, "Xue'er, for your very first mission, you're going to the Magic Forest. You must be extra careful. You absolutely must heed everyone's advice; no temper tantrums, understood?" Hearing Nangong Yunfeng's instructions, Murong Feixue quickly nodded and replied, "I understand, Mother, don't worry. With Big Brother Mo Han and Sister Daili here, I will definitely be fine. Big Brother Mo Han and the others will certainly protect me. Don't believe me, ask Big Brother Mo Han."

Hearing Murong Feixue's assurance, Mo Han quickly interjected with a smile, "Madam Murong, please be at ease. We will absolutely protect Xue'er and ensure she comes to no harm, so please do not fret."

At this moment, Murong Tian, standing nearby, offered a knowing smile with layered meaning, "Hehe, I truly trust your abilities, Mo Han. I can confidently entrust Xue'er to you now; you must take good care of her, understand?" Mo Han naturally understood the subtle implication in Murong Tian's words. Even Murong Feixue blushed deeply and exclaimed, "Father, you're talking nonsense again! I'm ignoring you. I'm going to pack my things for tomorrow."

With that, she rushed away hastily.

Seeing this, Murong Tian burst into laughter, while Mo Han covertly glanced at Daili, noticing a gentle smile on her face, as if nothing untoward had been said. Only then did Mo Han relax slightly.

He mentally cursed Murong Tian for bringing up exactly what he wanted to avoid mentioning.

With that thought in mind, Mo Han quickly changed the subject, saying, "General Murong, Madam Murong, we need to go prepare the necessary supplies for our departure tomorrow. We will excuse ourselves now; please continue your conversation."

Murong Tian and his wife nodded in agreement with smiles.

Mo Han had been waiting for that very cue. Upon hearing it, he eagerly pulled Daili and the others away.

Murong Tian watched Mo Han's retreating back and smiled softly.

The next morning, Mo Han and his group departed from the Murong Estate, boarding two carriages arranged by Murong Tian, and set off directly towards the Magic Forest. The Magic Forest was situated near Liuyun City in the Tianlong Empire and fell under the sphere of influence managed by the Changsun family, one of the Four Great Families. Among the Four Great Families, Mo Han had never actually met anyone from the Changsun family, largely due to their consistently low-profile and neutral demeanor.

Consequently, members of the Changsun family rarely made appearances in Tianlong City.

After several days of bumpy travel, the carriages finally arrived at Baili City, near Liuyun City. The Magic Forest lay about thirty li to the west of Baili City. To enter the Magic Forest, final resupply stops had to be made here.

Jumping to