The chuckled triumphantly, not rushing to attack but instead staring at Mo Han and the others with an expression of one awaiting a good show.

Shui Ling'er gasped in shock upon hearing this and immediately turned her gaze to Mo Han's wound. Sure enough, she saw a faint layer of black mist swirling around the injury, tightly enveloping it. The advanced healing spells she had just cast were completely ineffective; Mo Han's blood continued to stream from the wound, impossible to staunch.

Seeing this made Shui Ling'er’s face flush with anxiety, yet she was utterly helpless. Beside her, the Thunder Beast Little Dragon seemed to understand Mo Han's predicament and whimpered with worry.

Just then, Guang Huo and the others approached Mo Han. One of the Ascetic Elders spoke up, "I never expected the weapon in his hand to be one of the Ten Great Fiends of the Underworld—Black Water. He's right; wounds inflicted by Black Water and the Power of Darkness cannot be healed by our magic. We must find a way to stop the bleeding for young brother Mo Han immediately. Otherwise, his life will be in danger."

Mo Han managed a wry smile upon seeing this: "***, even the weapons of the Ming Clan are this monstrous. Is there truly no other way to treat this?" Guang Huo interjected, "Ordinarily, wounds caused by Black Water are difficult to cure, but any Light Mage who has reached the rank of Saint Archmage can still manage it. The trouble lies with that Power of Darkness from the Ming Clan. It is said to be the very essence of the Ming Clan's most evil dark aura, something utterly beyond the reach of magic. Unless you attain the legendary God of Magic realm, there might be a solution. Otherwise, he can only wait until he bleeds dry and dies. And..."

Guang Huo paused here, causing both Mo Han and Shui Ling'er to anxiously press him for more. Guang Huo considered for a moment before continuing, "As far as I know, only the Holy Light Scepter and the Holy Chalice of our Church of Light possess the aura capable of suppressing the Ming Clan's Power of Darkness. If he bleeds out, anyone eroded by that Dark Power will ultimately become a puppet of the Ming Clan, subject to their command."

Hearing Guang Huo's explanation, Mo Han and Shui Ling'er both sucked in a sharp breath. The thought of becoming a Ming Clan puppet, recalling the ghastly, less-than-human appearance of those Dark Cult thralls they had encountered, made even Mo Han, with his steady temperament, unable to suppress his worry.

At that moment.

The , who had been standing opposite Mo Han and the others, also spoke out in surprise, "Old man, you know quite a bit. But do you really think you have a chance to leave now and return to the Church of Light for treatment? Even if I let you go, the distance to the Church of Light is not a matter of a day or two. Do you really believe you have any hope?" Hearing the 's words, the mood of Guang Huo and Mo Han slowly grew heavy.

Just then, Guang Huo spoke, "Leave this place to us. Ling'er, take Mo Han and return to the Church of Light immediately. You must not give up under any circumstances. Use your magic crystal stone to notify Elder Guang Dian to bring the Holy Light Scepter and meet you."

Shui Ling'er, hearing Guang Huo's arrangement, didn't say a word; she immediately helped Mo Han up and tried to leave. However, the instantly appeared blocking her path, saying coldly, "This brat ruined so many of our plans, even forcing me to unleash my Dark Power to temporarily boost my strength, which has ruined my chance to reach higher realms later. Do you think I would let him go? Stop dreaming."

As soon as the finished speaking, Guang Huo and the others lunged instantly toward him, and Guang Huo's voice reached Mo Han and Shui Ling'er's ears: "Hurry and get young brother Mo Han away! Don't worry about us here!"

Shui Ling'er started to comply, intending to take Mo Han and flee, but she found Mo Han reaching out to stop her. She looked at him anxiously, unable to understand his meaning.

Mo Han offered a bitter smile and said, "Forget it, Ling'er. You know this place is far from the Holy Capital. There simply isn't enough time—it's more than a mere day's difference. I fear my blood will run out before we even travel a full day. All our efforts will be in vain."

Shui Ling'er spoke immediately, her voice filled with emotion, "No matter what, you cannot give up! We must find a way. Have you forgotten that Daili is waiting for you? What will happen to Daili if you die? And me—you promised to marry me. Do you intend to go back on your word? You are forbidden to die without my permission, do you hear me?" As Shui Ling'er finished speaking, tears involuntarily streamed down her face.

Mo Han smiled bitterly again and replied, "This isn't a matter of whether I try hard or not. It's that we both know there isn't a shred of hope. Even if we left now, we wouldn't have a chance. Besides, Elder Guang Huo and the others are clearly no match for the . If we don't help, I fear they too will fall victim to the 's malice. Is it worth sacrificing several elders for the sake of someone like me, who already has no hope?" Hearing Mo Han's words, Shui Ling'er understood that he was speaking the truth; Guang Huo and the others were already on the defensive. If she and Mo Han truly left, they would have no hope left at all. Thinking of this, Shui Ling'er seemed to make up her mind and declared, "Fine. Then we will first help the Elders deal with the . But you absolutely cannot give up on yourself. If you die, I vow I will not live alone either. For my sake, you must persevere."

Shui Ling'er's tone carried an unmistakable firmness that left no room for doubt that she would carry out her threat.

Seeing her resolve, Mo Han knew that no amount of persuasion would change Shui Ling'er's mind now. The immediate priority was to help Guang Huo and the others defeat the . With this thought, Mo Han smiled and said, "Don't worry. With such a beautiful woman as my wife, I wouldn't dare die easily. You guard me, and I will help Elder Guang Huo and the others."

Shui Ling'er nodded upon hearing this. She tore a large strip of fabric from her sleeve and tightly bound it around Mo Han's wound. Although it couldn't stop the bleeding, it would at least slow the rate of blood loss. Mo Han silently watched Shui Ling'er bandage him, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Once preparations were complete, Mo Han first cast a Holy Light Barrier around himself and Shui Ling'er to protect them both. Then, he smiled at the Thunder Beast Little Dragon and said, "Little Dragon, help me hold off the . Let's show this guy what we're capable of together." The Thunder Beast seemed to understand Mo Han's intention, let out a few whines, and positioned itself in front of Mo Han and Shui Ling'er, shielding them with its massive frame.

Seeing this, Mo Han no longer hesitated. He took a deep breath, calming his spirit.

Then, Mo Han’s voice began to chant slowly: "Daughter of the Glorious God, who guides warriors toward the sacred hall, leap to..."