After a period of rest, Mo Han and Bai Ling resolved to venture into the White Mist Forest to investigate the matter thoroughly. They now stood at the very edge of the forest, yet Mo Han seemed preoccupied with some concern, hesitating to step across the threshold immediately.

“I wonder if this white mist is poisonous?” Mo Han asked, stopping a short distance from the White Mist Forest, gazing out at the endless expanse of white fog stretching before them with a worried tone.

It was understood that given Mo Han and Bai Ling’s cultivation levels, even if the white mist held potent toxins, they could likely rely on their innate strength to push through the forest briefly without needing to breathe, thus avoiding the immediate threat of the toxic fog.

However, Mo Han’s sole worry stemmed from the White Mist Forest’s appearance: it seemed boundless, with no discernible end. If they couldn't pass through it within a short span, no matter how powerful Mo Han and Bai Ling were, guaranteeing their safety would become impossible.

After all, the Death Forest was home to all manner of marvels. If it harbored ancient sacred beasts, the occasional appearance of highly poisonous flora and fauna would hardly be surprising—just like the Poison Dragon Grass Bai Ling had used previously, which even a behemoth like the Dragon Clan could not resist, let alone mere humans like Mo Han and Bai Ling.

Mo Han had originally intended to ask Da Hong and Xiao Hong about the conditions inside the White Mist Forest, but these two Fire Larks seemed never to have entered it either. Consequently, they knew nothing about what lay within, not even whether the mist itself was toxic, which was the source of Mo Han’s unease.

This, after all, was the Death Forest.

Hearing this, Bai Ling offered a faint smile: “Poisonous or not, won't testing it on something reveal the answer?” Mo Han nodded upon hearing this, smiling back at Bai Ling, "Heh heh. I can't believe you and I are so in tune; you said exactly what I was thinking. I’ll find some magical beasts to test it with right away.”

With that, Mo Han immediately used mental resonance to convey his thoughts to Da Hong beside him. In matters concerning the Death Forest, Da Hong should certainly be more familiar than Mo Han, and furthermore, they could fly rapidly through the woods. Their speed would naturally far surpass Mo Han and Bai Ling’s pace.

This was because Mo Han had previously noticed a distinct lack of any magical beast aura around the White Mist Forest. Whether this was due to the arrival of Da Hong and Xiao Hong, two top-tier ancient sacred beasts, causing the surrounding magical beasts to flee upon sensing their presence, or if the area around the White Mist Forest was inherently strange, preventing any creature from activity, Mo Han could not determine.

However, Mo Han had no time to dwell on it now. The only certainty was that within a radius of several dozen miles around the White Mist Forest, there was no sign of magical beast activity. Naturally, he had to rely on the swiftness and strength of Da Hong and Xiao Hong to aid him.

Upon receiving Mo Han’s command, the two Fire Larks chirped happily and instantly transformed into two streaks of crimson light, vanishing from Mo Han and Bai Ling’s sight.

“The speed of Da Hong and Xiao Hong is truly remarkable.”

Watching this display, Mo Han, who had remained stationary, couldn't help but marvel aloud. Although he knew they were fast, he was still somewhat astonished. He felt fortunate that he had secured their submission with Bai Ling's assistance previously; on his own, Mo Han was certain he would have been no match for them. But now that he had their help, it represented an immense advantage. With this thought, Mo Han turned to Bai Ling beside him with gratitude in his eyes.

Sensing Mo Han’s expression, Bai Ling naturally knew what he intended to say and spoke lightly: “You don’t need to look at me like that. If we hadn't subdued those two Fire Larks back then, it would have been dangerous for both of us. I was looking out for myself, not for you.”

Mo Han understood that Bai Ling was intentionally speaking that way, so he remained silent, merely giving her a mischievous smile and chuckling slyly, “Miss Bai, what was that spell you used to subdue those two Fire Larks? It was terrifying; it seemed to freeze time itself. It was incredible! Can you teach it to me?”

Bai Ling paused upon hearing Mo Han’s words, then sighed in resignation, rolling her eyes at him. “I say, Mo Han the Great Mage, you truly have thick skin. Haven’t I taught you enough already? I even taught you my mixed magic, and you’re still not satisfied, now setting your sights on these Divine Curses.”

Hearing Bai Ling’s words, Mo Han’s eyes lit up even brighter. Divine Curses. Damn it, it was just as he suspected. Such monstrous magical power could only belong to those Divine Curse spells. Today, whether you want to teach me or not, you must, hehe.

Previously, when Bai Ling cast a spell to entrap Mo Han while saving Andu, who was possessed by the King of Hell, she had used a similar technique. Unfortunately, Mo Han hadn't witnessed it firsthand back then, only hearing descriptions from Deli and the others, so he had merely grasped that Divine Curses were powerful without truly feeling it. But now, having witnessed the sheer might of Bai Ling’s Divine Curse casting, Mo Han’s heart was completely captivated by its formidable power, spurring his desire to learn them.

Thinking this, Mo Han immediately adopted a look of helplessness and spoke: “Look at my sorry state, Miss Bai. I’m a mid-tier Saint Magus, yet I only know a handful of magical incantations. I feel ashamed just saying it. If people find out later that you taught me magic, won't it bring shame upon you too? Since you’ve been so kind, why not see the good deed through to the end? Just teach me all the Divine Curses you know, hehe.”

Bai Ling smiled and shook her head, replying, “It’s not that I won’t teach you. You must understand, these Divine Curses possess astonishing power. Even I can only barely manage to cast some of them by relying on the Water Spirit Staff in my hand. For you, casting them would be completely impossible; you'd invite a backlash from the magical energy instead. So even if you knew them now, it would be useless.”

Mo Han wasn't surprised by this. He continued his soft persuasion: “Of course, I know I can't cast them yet, but just knowing the incantations would be comforting. Perhaps in a tight spot, I could even use them to scare someone. Don't keep all your secrets; hurry up and teach me.”

Seeing Mo Han’s relentless pestering, Bai Ling sighed in resignation. Since there was nothing else to do, and it would take a while for Da Hong and Xiao Hong to return after hunting magical beasts, she finally agreed to Mo Han’s request. She began instructing Mo Han in several Divine Level spells, including the sealing magic Bai Ling had previously used—The Most Glorious Radiance—teaching it to him as well.

These Divine Curses proved profoundly profound and difficult to grasp. Even with Mo Han’s mid-tier Saint Magus strength, learning them was excruciatingly hard. However, his effort was not entirely wasted; before Da Hong and Xiao Hong returned, Mo Han had managed to master two Divine Level spells.

Yet, upon seeing the magical beasts the two Fire Larks brought back, Mo Han was still startled. They had only been gone for a short time, yet they had returned with two enormous Striped Spiders. These spiders were notorious Level Ten magical beasts, possessing immense bodies. Compared to them, Mo Han's stature was like that of an infant next to an adult; and compared to Da Hong and Xiao Hong, the spiders resembled ants next to small birds.

Furthermore, the armor plating on these Striped Spiders was incredibly tough; ordinary swords and weapons could not harm them. The same went for most magic. Unless one employed powerful Level Ten magic or Forbidden Curses, lesser spells posed little real threat to them. It was no exaggeration to say that even a powerful expert at the level of Great Sword Master or Great Magus would flee in panic upon encountering them. Even Mo Han would likely need time to deal with them. He never imagined Da Hong and Xiao Hong could subdue two such creatures so quickly.

The two Striped Spiders appeared extremely fearful of Da Hong and Xiao Hong. Under the guidance of the two Fire Larks, they shuffled obediently toward Mo Han and Bai Ling. Seeing these two behemoths charging at them, Mo Han and Bai Ling both flinched, although they knew the spiders had already been subdued. Instinctively, they put some distance between themselves and the Striped Spiders.

Once the spiders reached Mo Han and Bai Ling, they lay down obediently, unmoving, like puppies, their eyes darting fearfully toward Da Hong and Xiao Hong hovering above. Mo Han glanced over and saw countless scorch marks riddled across the spiders’ bodies, emitting a faint stench of burnt flesh—undoubtedly the handiwork of Da Hong and Xiao Hong.

While the skin of the Striped Spiders possessed great resistance to magic, this only applied to mid- or low-tier spells. Against the magical offensives of ancient sacred beasts like Da Hong and Xiao Hong, they were probably as fragile as paper, utterly incapable of resisting. Mo Han had firsthand experience with the destructive power of the two Fire Larks.

It was no wonder the Striped Spiders were so terrified upon seeing Da Hong and Xiao Hong. The sight of these ferocious beasts reduced to the demeanor of small dogs struck both Mo Han and Bai Ling as slightly amusing, causing Mo Han to elevate his assessment of Da Hong and Xiao Hong’s strength another notch.

‘Master, what do you think of these two Striped Spiders? We searched for a long time to find them. The magical beasts nearby seem to have vanished; otherwise, we could have brought back even higher-level beasts to help you test the mist in the White Mist Forest,’ Da Hong and Xiao Hong eagerly communicated via mental resonance upon their return, competing to take credit.

Mo Han was caught between laughter and tears. If a Level Ten Striped Spider was considered low-level, then there were hardly any high-level beasts left. Nevertheless, Mo Han knew these two Fire Larks were top-tier ancient sacred beasts whose strength bordered on the Divine Beast level; even ordinary Sacred Beasts might be little different from common magical beasts to them.

But Mo Han still took the time to praise the two Fire Larks lavishly. It cost him nothing but a few words, and the two delighted Fire Larks began flying around Mo Han incessantly, darting back and forth like twin crimson threads, dizzying to watch.

“Alright, stop circling. I’m getting dizzy,” Mo Han interrupted, smiling wryly. If he didn’t stop them, he felt he might actually throw up.

After halting the Fire Larks’ enthusiastic display, Mo Han immediately commanded them to force the two Striped Spiders toward the white mist of the White Mist Forest. However, the spiders seemed deeply terrified of the mist. No matter how Da Hong and Xiao Hong pressured them—even when their bodies were already scorched and wounded by the Fire Larks—the two Striped Spiders stood trembling at the edge of the forest, refusing to take a single step further.

Seeing this, Mo Han’s brow furrowed. Could the mist truly be peculiar? Otherwise, why would these Striped Spiders be so afraid to enter the White Mist Forest? Mo Han and Bai Ling had both sensed carefully and detected no aura of powerful magical beasts within, so they didn't believe high-level monsters resided inside. That left only the possibility that the mist itself was strange.

When the two Striped Spiders remained rooted to the spot, it finally infuriated Da Hong and Xiao Hong. The two Fire Larks suddenly surged toward the spiders, who dared not evade. Two crimson lights slammed hard into the spiders’ backs with loud booms. Under the powerful impact of Da Hong and Xiao Hong, the massive bodies of the two unfortunate spiders were actually sent flying straight toward the white mist before them, plunging into it instantly.

Mo Han and Bai Ling observed intently as the spiders disappeared into the fog. The two Striped Spiders landed near the outer edge of the White Mist Forest, not venturing deep inside. Although they were enveloped in mist, Mo Han and Bai Ling could clearly see their forms. Upon contact with the white mist, the two Striped Spiders showed no immediate abnormality; they just seemed desperately eager to flee the perimeter of the White Mist Forest. Yet, Da Hong and Xiao Hong immediately drove them back. This routine continued for half a day.

Mo Han and Bai Ling still couldn't discern anything unusual. Apart from slowing down due to significant exhaustion, the two Striped Spiders exhibited no particular reactions. Given this, Mo Han and Bai Ling were certain the mist contained no potent toxins. They were merely puzzled by the spiders’ profound aversion to the White Mist Forest. Mo Han stopped Da Hong and Xiao Hong’s prodding and spoke to Bai Ling with confusion: “It seems this mist isn't poisonous, but why are these Striped Spiders so wary of the White Mist Forest? Is there some kind of higher-level monster inside? But I can’t sense any magical beast aura whatsoever.”

Bai Ling shook her head slowly, equally puzzled. “I’m not entirely sure either, but I think your guess is probably right. Striped Spiders are Level Ten magical beasts themselves. To frighten them, there must be creatures stronger than them—at least at the level of Sacred Beasts.”

Mo Han nodded in agreement, adding, “Normally, I’d suggest we bypass this place, but now we can’t detour; otherwise, we’ll never find the Ancient Blue Ruins. I suppose we can only take it one step at a time and be extra careful. Even if danger arises, with our strength, plus Da Hong and Xiao Hong, escaping shouldn’t be an issue.”

Bai Ling nodded in assent and followed Mo Han as they slowly approached the White Mist Forest, ignoring the two Striped Spiders, which had been tormented into near-death states by Da Hong and Xiao Hong. While the crystal cores of Level Ten magical beasts might be precious to ordinary people, to Mo Han and Bai Ling now, they were like mere stones; Mo Han's spatial ring was filled with high-grade magic crystals.

Inside the White Mist Forest, they walked for an indeterminate time. By Mo Han’s estimation, it had been at least half a day. Both Mo Han and Bai Ling were surprised to find that the surrounding trees had become significantly sparser, no longer featuring the towering giants common throughout the Death Forest. However, whether due to the mist or some other strange factor, they still couldn't perceive the sunlight overhead; despite the slightly thinner tree cover, the light conditions hadn't improved much. Mo Han and Bai Ling proceeded slowly, relying on their Light Casting spells for illumination, while Da Hong and Xiao Hong circled them constantly, acting as sentinels.

Mo Han and Bai Ling continued deeper into the White Mist Forest for an unquantifiable duration. Without the sun as a reference, they felt at least a full day had passed. The surroundings remained an expanse of white, but now, only the white mist persisted. Nothing else was visible; even the trees that had been present earlier had vanished at some unknown point.

“Bai Ling, are we lost?” Mo Han finally asked, unable to contain his impatience. “We’ve been traveling for so long and still haven't passed through the mist. We’ve been heading in a steady direction, but we haven’t discovered anything.”

Bai Ling shook her head. “Probably not. We’ve maintained a single direction, so we shouldn't have detoured much. We just don't know how wide this White Mist Forest is. We can only keep walking.”

Mo Han felt resigned but followed Bai Ling deeper into the boundless white fog. After a long while, just as Mo Han was beginning to grow impatient, he suddenly sensed an object rapidly approaching from his left. At the same instant, Da Hong and Xiao Hong, who had been maintaining vigilance, seemed to detect the danger and cried out a warning to Mo Han and Bai Ling. Simultaneously, a flash of blue light erupted, and a blue magic barrier immediately materialized around Mo Han and Bai Ling—it was Bai Ling sensing the danger and casting a barrier to protect them.

Mo Han strained his eyes toward the left, but the white mist obscured everything; he couldn't see what was approaching. He gripped his Light Holy Sword tightly, maintaining his guard. Just then, Mo Han’s eyes caught sight of a streak of green light hurtling rapidly toward him and Bai Ling. It struck Bai Ling’s blue magical screen with a muffled thud, causing the barrier to shake violently, which alarmed Mo Han greatly. Mo Han knew Bai Ling’s capabilities intimately; even though this was a casually cast barrier, it was certainly equivalent to a high-level defensive spell. Yet, a single impact from this green light made it look ready to shatter at any moment, indicating the terrifying kinetic force of the green streak.

As the green light collided with the barrier, Mo Han clearly saw that the fast-moving streak was a small snake, entirely emerald green, no thicker than an infant’s arm. Even their eyes radiated a sinister, ghastly green light that sent a chill down the spine. The green snake, failing to breach Bai Ling’s magic barrier in one strike, did not linger. It instantly retracted, transforming back into a green line. Mo Han watched, momentarily stunned. Damn it, it was a flying snake! Flying magical beasts were not uncommon, but a flying snake was a first for Mo Han. It was known that for a magical beast to fly freely without being constrained by gravity, it generally needed to reach the Divine Beast level.