Bai Ling still questioned, "Even so, after that Divine Beast killed the other, why didn't it take the Magic Crystal? For a Divine Beast, the Magic Crystal of another Divine Beast level magic beast is extremely precious and could significantly boost its own strength, even if the effect isn't as obvious as with ordinary magic beasts."

Hearing Bai Ling’s doubt, Dick continued, "It’s just that after killing the opponent, that Divine Beast was critically wounded by the other’s dying blow; it was nearly dead itself. But since the victor wasn't dead yet, it had to rush back to heal immediately, neglecting the Magic Crystal. By the time it got back, the heavily injured Divine Beast had already died, which is when I seized the chance to take the Magic Crystal."

Hearing Dick’s words, Bai Ling and Mo Han simultaneously nodded. Damn, this Dick’s luck is too good; this actually worked, Mo Han thought to himself privately, Damn it, I’ve never run into such good fortune.

Dick then went on, "Originally, although our Feathered Serpent clan are also Sacred Beasts, living in this Death Forest filled with powerhouses was always difficult. After devouring the Divine Beast’s Magic Crystal, my strength increased substantially, and I gradually gained my own territory—this White Mist Forest."

"However, I am not a true Divine Beast. Even after consuming the crystal, I only reached the level of a Half-Divine Beast. Afterwards, I feared being discovered by the Divine Beast in the Death Forest, so I’ve hidden here in the White Mist Forest until I met you both."

"You mean there is another Divine Beast here in the Death Forest?" Mo Han asked anxiously upon hearing this.

Dick nodded and replied, "Of course. Otherwise, where would I have gotten a Divine Beast Magic Crystal? Furthermore, there is more than one Divine Beast in this Death Forest; as far as I know, there are at least two others."

Hearing Dick’s words, Mo Han swallowed hard. Damn, two more Divine Beasts? What the hell am I even doing here? If they couldn't handle one, how could they possibly manage two? Mo Han glanced over at Bai Ling. He saw that Bai Ling’s expression was equally grim, clearly sharing similar feelings.

"Dick, do you know if there are any Ancient Ruins within this Death Forest?" Bai Ling suddenly asked, mostly speaking on impulse without much hope.

Mo Han felt the same way, but Dick, upon hearing Bai Ling's question, actually nodded and said, "Are you referring to the ruins left behind by the Gods? Yes, there is such a place within the Death Forest."

Hearing Dick’s reply, Mo Han's eyes immediately lit up. It’s truly a case of searching everywhere only to find it right where you least expect it—an ancient ruin. In this Death Forest. Other than the Ancient Blue Ruins, where else could there be an ancient ruin? He had searched for so long without success, and now this Dick actually knew about one.

If that were the case, Mo Han thought, he could just have Dick secretly lead him to the Ancient Blue Ruins, complete the mission assigned by the Dragon Clan, and then slip away. This way, he and Bai Ling wouldn't have to confront the Divine Beast head-on. Bai Ling clearly shared his sentiment; Divine Beasts were not easily provoked, and even she preferred avoiding them unless absolutely necessary.

So, Bai Ling stated Mo Han’s unspoken thought, but Dick shook his head with a look of distress. Seeing Mo Han’s unhappiness, Dick quickly explained, "It’s not that I don’t want to help you. Although I know the location of that ruin, one of the two Divine Beasts I mentioned resides inside it. With your current strength, you are nowhere near a match for it."

Hearing Dick’s explanation, Mo Han’s initial excitement felt like being doused head-to-toe with ice water, leaving him utterly disheartened. Damn, I just found out about the Ancient Blue Ruins and before I could even celebrate, I hear a Divine Beast lives there! The contrast is just immense.

Mo Han and Bai Ling were momentarily stunned. They exchanged a look, seeing the shared helplessness in each other’s eyes, and managed a wry smile. Forget it; with a Divine Beast present, sneaking in is absolutely out of the question. What strength does a Divine Beast possess? The moment Bai Ling and I enter its territory, we’ll be discovered instantly, and then there will be no chance to run, Mo Han thought helplessly.

Wait, Mo Han seemed to recall something and suddenly spoke up, "Dick, you said that Divine Beast lives in the ruins you mentioned, right? Has it ever left?"

Though Dick didn't fully grasp Mo Han’s intent, he still answered, "I'm not entirely sure about the past, but in the nearly one hundred years since I became a Half-Divine Beast, I have never seen that Divine Beast step half a pace outside the ruins."

"Are you certain?" Mo Han asked, still not entirely relieved.

Dick nodded affirmatively. "I can be. You know how I became a Half-Divine Beast. I’m also terrified of retaliation from those Divine Beasts. For Divine Beasts, their pride dictates that they absolutely cannot allow anyone to devour the Magic Crystal of their own kind; it’s an insult to all Divine Beasts. That’s why, since becoming a Half-Divine Beast, I’ve hidden here and dared not venture out."

Saying this, Dick put on a troubled expression and continued, "But I was also afraid of being discovered by those Divine Beasts. Coincidentally, this White Mist Forest can greatly conceal my aura, so I placed countless subordinates throughout the Death Forest."

"As soon as a Divine Beast moves, I can immediately burrow underground and hide. This way, with the aid of the White Mist Forest, those Divine Beasts cannot track my movements. Because of this, for the past century, I have been perfectly aware of the movements of all high-level magic beasts in the Death Forest."

Hearing Dick’s explanation, Mo Han and Bai Ling believed his assessment; after all, their lives were at stake, so Dick would be completely honest. Mo Han felt a bit of sympathy for Dick’s plight and casually remarked, "So, this means you have to hide in this sunless White Mist Forest forever?"

Dick nodded with some resignation, "Unless I have the chance to advance to become a Divine Beast. Then I wouldn't have to fear being hunted by the other Divine Beasts."

Mo Han sounded slightly surprised, "You can still advance to become a Divine Beast?"

Dick nodded, "All Half-Divine Beasts have a chance to advance to become Divine Beasts, but the odds are very slim and success is difficult. That’s why, despite hiding in the White Mist Forest for so long, I haven’t managed to advance."

"There is a chance, meaning it's possible to become a Divine Beast?" A smile crept onto Mo Han’s lips. If he had a Divine Beast as his bodyguard, who in the future could possibly harm him? Therefore, upon hearing Dick’s words, Mo Han immediately resolved to trick Dick into coming along, no matter what.

Setting aside other matters, just based on Dick’s current ability to ignore the effects of Dou Qi, if it became a Divine Beast, its delicate appearance would make it the perfect candidate for stealthy sabotage. Heh heh, won’t I be able to stride across the Dragon Ascent Continent then?

Mo Han also had another plan: the great invasion by the Underworld Clan was set for half a year later. If he had a Divine Beast by his side then, it would certainly bolster his strength. This is why Mo Han was set on subduing Dick. At worst, the loss would be Dick’s failure to advance, but Dick remained an Ancient Sacred Beast whose characteristic of ignoring Dou Qi was something ordinary Sacred Beasts lacked—a nightmare for every warrior. If Mo Han hadn't deliberately deceived Dick today, making him think Mo Han was only a warrior incapable of magic, and then attacked him with magic at the critical moment, Dick, with its fast speed, wouldn't have been captured so easily even if it couldn't win.

Dick, however, looked confusedly at the suddenly giggling Mo Han, wondering why he was acting so strangely. Fortunately, Mo Han soon regained his composure. Having made up his mind, Mo Han immediately adopted an expression of sympathy and looked at Dick, saying, "Alas, it sounds like you are truly pitiful. But you don't know how long it will take for you to become a Divine Beast. Staying in this sunless White Mist Forest forever, won't that mean you have no hope of ever seeing the light of day?"

Hearing Mo Han, Bai Ling’s lips curved into a subtle smile; she roughly understood Mo Han’s intent and gave Dick a sympathetic glance. Well, it looks like another Half-Divine Beast is about to be tricked, she thought.

When Dick heard Mo Han’s words, it was as if Mo Han had stirred up painful memories; he wore an expression of deep sorrow.

It's working, Mo Han thought happily, but he carefully kept his face neutral, continuing to subtly tempt Dick, "Moreover, staying in this White Mist Forest means you are still within the Death Forest. You could be discovered by other Divine Beasts at any moment, which would surely lead to your doom?"

Hearing Mo Han, Dick seemed to have found a kindred spirit, his gaze filled with sudden emotion. He began pouring out the tragic story of his life to Mo Han, an expression so mournful it would make listeners sigh and witnesses weep. Although Mo Han was bursting with suppressed laughter inside, he deliberately kept up the coaxing, making Dick realize what a foolish thing it was to remain here.

Sensing the moment was right, Mo Han seized the opportunity and said, "If that’s the case, why don’t you leave the White Mist Forest? Go out into the wider world, spar with other magic beasts—perhaps you’ll have a better chance of becoming a Divine Beast. It must be better than wasting away here for your entire life, right?"

Hearing Mo Han’s suggestion, a spark flashed in Dick’s small green eyes, but he immediately slumped, saying dejectedly, "Even if I wanted to, I can't. I fear that the moment I leave the White Mist Forest, my aura will be detected by the other Divine Beasts. I’m afraid I’d be killed by them before I even leave the Death Forest."

Mo Han had been waiting for exactly this sentence. Hearing it, Mo Han immediately spoke up, "Perhaps I have a way to take you out of the Death Forest?"

Upon hearing this, Dick’s eyes glowed, and he said excitedly, "Mr. Mo Han, you can really take me away from here…?"

Mo Han suppressed a laugh, maintaining a troubled expression. "I think it should be possible. I possess an Ancient Spatial Ring that can sustain magic beasts inside it. It should be able to hide you from the detection of the other Divine Beasts in the Death Forest. Ordinary Spatial Rings probably lack that kind of power, but..."

Mo Han paused deliberately here, showing a conflicted expression. Dick immediately urged, "But what, Mr. Mo Han? Just say it. As long as you can get me out of this place, I will agree to any condition."

Mo Han was delighted inside—it took the bait!—but he repeatedly waved his hands, saying, "You misunderstand. How could I be the sort of person to take advantage of someone's plight?"

Bai Ling simply filtered out Mo Han’s words. If Mo Han wasn't one to take advantage of a situation, then everyone on the Dragon Ascent Continent would be a good person. However, Bai Ling chose not to expose him, instead watching Mo Han with amusement, curious about what trick he was planning.

Dick also said with a moved expression, "Mr. Mo Han, you truly are a good person. I apologize for injuring you earlier."

"Forget it," Mo Han quickly waved his hand grandly. "I know it wasn't intentional. Given the circumstances, I can't blame you."

After saying this, Mo Han deliberately adopted a slightly troubled tone, "It’s not that I don’t want to help you, but you must understand, this Spatial Ring is an ancient relic; I can just put anything inside it."

Saying this, Mo Han paused again, watching Dick’s anxious eyes while chuckling inwardly. He continued, "But if it’s a magic beast, the different auras you possess will be rejected by the Spatial Ring. If that happens, I won’t be able to put you inside it."

Hearing this, Dick paused. Spatial rings reject magic beast auras? I’ve never heard of that. But since it was an ancient artifact, having some peculiarities seemed reasonable. Dick quickly rationalized it for himself and anxiously asked, "Then what should we do? Mr. Mo Han, is there no other way to hide me in the Spatial Ring?"

Just then, Bai Ling looked at Dick with an expression of pity. He really took the bait. This Mo Han is full of brilliant, deceptive ideas. It’s just an ordinary Ancient Spatial Ring, but Mo Han managed to sell it as some ancient artifact. That's some serious fabrication. Bai Ling couldn't help but smile, thinking such an excuse could only come from Mo Han.

Dick looked at the suddenly smiling Bai Ling with a puzzled expression. What is Miss Bai Ling laughing at? But he quickly dismissed her, focusing on Mo Han, who still looked hesitant to speak. "Mr. Mo Han, is there truly no way to hide me in the Spatial Ring?"

Mo Han waited until the timing felt perfect before slowly saying, "There is indeed one way, but I fear Mr. Dick might not agree to it."

"What way? Just tell me," Dick urged anxiously. "As long as there’s a way to get me out, I promise to agree to anything."

Mo Han fought back his laughter, adopting a troubled look. "That is, you must form a contract with me and become my contracted pet. This way, you will essentially share a bond with me, and the Spatial Ring won't reject your energy."

"Ah!" Dick visibly stalled, wearing a conflicted expression. He hadn't expected Mo Han's solution to be this. However, he was a Half-Divine Beast now; contracting with a human felt beneath his dignity as a magic beast, leaving him momentarily speechless.

But the most significant concern was Mo Han's lifespan. Dick, as a Half-Divine Beast, could easily live for several hundred years, while Mo Han was merely human. If he signed a contract, wouldn't he be doomed when Mo Han eventually died?

Mo Han immediately saw Dick's main concern and said with a smile, "Dick, are you worried that after we form a contract, my lifespan will be too short?"

Dick didn't reply, tacitly confirming Mo Han’s guess. Knowing he was correct, Mo Han smiled, already having a counter-strategy in mind. "But I am not asking you to sign a Life and Death Contract with me. It will be a Wind Spirit Contract. Don't all you Ancient Sacred Beasts know such contracts? This way, even if I die, it will absolutely not affect you."

Dick’s eyes brightened at this. "That’s right! Why didn't I think of that? Thank goodness Mr. Mo Han reminded me. That solves my biggest worry." Dick seriously considered it, realizing that rather than constantly living in fear here, it was better to follow Mo Han out into the world; perhaps he really could become a Divine Beast. With that thought, Dick urgently said to Mo Han, "Fine, I will sign the Wind Spirit Contract with you."

Having said that, Dick seemed afraid Mo Han would change his mind and immediately began chanting the necessary incantation. Sure enough, a moment later, a ball of red light appeared and slowly floated towards Mo Han.

This was the moment Mo Han had been waiting for; there was no chance of backing out. Seeing the red light moving too slowly, Mo Han swiftly stepped forward, approached the light, and allowed it to merge directly into the top of his head. He instantly felt a strange energy flash through his body. Having experience before, Mo Han knew the contract was successfully formed.

"Master," Dick’s form of address changed immediately after the contract was complete, and he anxiously asked, "Can I enter your Spatial Ring now?"

"You may, honored one," Mo Han said with a broad smile. "But before that, you must first tell me how to get to that Ancient Ruin?"

Dick looked utterly shocked. "Master, that Ancient Ruin is guarded by a Divine Beast! You still want to go there? Isn't that akin to suicide? We are no match for it right now."

Mo Han ignored Dick’s surprise and said with a smile, "Don’t worry. I think the Divine Beast inside that Ancient Ruin won't make things difficult for us?"

Not only Dick but even Bai Ling showed confusion at Mo Han's confident statement. How could Mo Han be so sure the Divine Beast wouldn't trouble them? Had Mo Han guessed something?

Mo Han had indeed deduced something. Based on the intelligence gathered from Dick and the prior information from the Dragon Clan, Mo Han vaguely guessed that the Divine Beast hiding in the Ancient Ruin was likely the Dragon Clan traitor they were searching for—Blaze, who stole the Dragon Clan’s ultimate treasure, the 'Seven-Star Dragon Pearl.'

Mo Han reasoned this because the Dragon Clan had already told him that since Blaze entered the Ancient Blue Ruins, he had never left a single step, solely to evade the Dragon Clan's pursuit, as only there could he weaken the Dragon Clan's strength. If the Divine Beast in the ruins wasn't Blaze, how could the other Divine Beasts allow another Divine Beast to remain in their territory? That left only one possibility: Blaze was that Divine Beast, which is why he never left the Ancient Blue Ruins, making the ruins naturally his territory.