Seeing Mo Han about to speak, Blaze seemed to anticipate his words and cut in, "It's useless for you to stay. This isn't a matter of numbers; you have no idea what methods are required, and even with you here, without the help of divine power, it would mean nothing."

"If you truly wish to make amends for something, your priority now is to rush and notify the Church of Light, the various Empires, and all the other major clans on the continent, including the Dragon Clan. That is the most crucial task. Rest assured, I will rendezvous with you all later."

Blaze fixed Mo Han with a smiling gaze as he explained.

Hearing Blaze’s explanation, Mo Han knew he was speaking the truth. At this, Mo Han could only nod his thanks to Blaze and say, "Since that is the case, take care of yourself. I will see you again in a month."

Blaze nodded with a smile upon hearing this, then turned and began walking toward the Forest of Death. Mo Han and Bai Ling followed the path they had taken, slowly departing the Forest of Death. The departure was in stark contrast to their boisterous arrival; now, only the two of them remained, lending the scene a desolate chill.

The intense contrast of the journey began to unsettle Mo Han, and he couldn't help but think of Yan Shi and the others, a wave of sorrow washing over him. Thus, he simply pushed forward in silence. Bai Ling, sensing Mo Han's grief, said no more, merely following silently behind him as they quickly left the Hengduan Mountain Range.

As soon as they cleared the Hengduan Mountains, they rapidly entered the territory of the Heavenly Dragon Empire.

With the geographical constraints removed, and the urgency of the situation, Mo Han and Bai Ling paid no mind to shocking the populace, instead employing their flight magic all the way toward Heavenly Dragon City.

Along their path, they passed more than a dozen cities. Above every city floated magical barriers specifically targeting mages, designed to prevent enemy mages from infiltrating the Heavenly Dragon Empire, lest they face the attacks of the city's defending mages.

However, these barriers posed no real challenge to Mo Han, who had already attained the strength of a God of Magic. Yet, given that he was still a Prince of the Heavenly Dragon Empire, Mo Han was compelled to slow down at every city they passed.

He had to submit to questioning from the mages responsible for city security. But upon seeing Mo Han’s Prince Token, those mages immediately waived him through without a second word. After all, who in the Heavenly Dragon Empire now did not know of Mo Han’s formidable reputation? Mo Han was arguably the second most powerful figure in the Empire, second only to the Heavenly Dragon Emperor; no one dared cause him trouble.

Although Imperial law forbade all mages from flying while traversing the realm, for a figure like Mo Han, the mages, despite knowing it contravened regulations, dared not voice any objection. This, however, naturally hampered their speed somewhat.

Though the delay was not substantial, in the face of such an urgent situation, every second was precious. Mo Han and Bai Ling could only push themselves harder to make up for the lost time. A journey that should have taken at least four days was completed by Mo Han and Bai Ling in less than three.

Gazing at the majestic outline of Heavenly Dragon City ahead, Mo Han finally breathed a sigh of relief. After days of relentless travel, even he, a God of Magic, felt a touch of exhaustion—a testament to the astonishing drain on his magical power.

Thinking of this, Mo Han couldn't help but glance towards Bai Ling beside him, his expression shifting with concern. If the hurried pace had exhausted him, what of Bai Ling? Her usually vibrant face was now utterly drained of color, starkly pale.

Bai Ling’s vitality had already been severely depleted from overdrawing her innate life force in the Forest of Death. Mo Han had initially wanted her to travel at a slower pace while he rushed ahead to report the news, but Bai Ling had insisted on accompanying him. Helplessly, Mo Han had brought her along.

Throughout the journey, Mo Han had frequently used his power to assist Bai Ling. Otherwise, in her current state, she would never have managed to reach Heavenly Dragon City within three days. Even with his aid, Bai Ling was severely strained, which accounted for her ashen complexion.

Noticing Mo Han’s gaze, Bai Ling felt an inexplicable warmth and smiled faintly. "I'm fine. Let’s hurry into the city. I'll go to the Prince's Residence first to tell Daly and the others about Jack. You should head straight to the Grand Cathedral of Light to inform the Church about the Nether Race."

Mo Han nodded at Bai Ling's suggestion, understanding that she was trying to spare him the agony of breaking the news about Jack and the others to Daly. She was proactively taking on the difficult task. Moreover, Mo Han genuinely didn't know how to face Daly. Jack and the others had followed Daly for a long time; they were practically friends who grew up together. In truth, Daly's feelings for Jack and the others were deeper than Mo Han's. Now that they had accompanied him to the Forest of Death and fallen prey to Krotino, Mo Han felt unbearable guilt. Even if the fault wasn't directly his, how could he face Daly to explain? Hearing Bai Ling’s proposal, Mo Han was secretly relieved. After entering the city with Bai Ling, they parted ways toward their respective destinations.

Returning to the unassuming Grand Cathedral of Light, Mo Han couldn't help but recall the first time he met Shui Ling’er, falling into a momentary daze. Since the Church Pope had effectively driven him out of the Holy Capital, Mo Han had not seen Shui Ling’er again.

After that incident, Mo Han had inwardly resolved that no matter what, he had to visit Shui Ling’er in the Holy Capital again. Later, after hearing the truth of Shui Ling’er saving him from Rou Xue, this desire had only solidified.

But several months had passed, and Mo Han had been constantly mired in trivial matters, leaving him no spare time. Furthermore, Mo Han held a subtle resentment toward Shui Ling’er for not telling him the truth herself, forcing him to learn the whole story from Rou Xue; he felt a spark of anger at her lack of trust.

Consequently, the visit to Shui Ling’er had been postponed until now. Mo Han’s plan had been to go to the Holy Capital immediately after returning from the Hengduan Mountains, but the emergence of the Nether Race complicated matters.

If the Nether Race truly advanced from the Hengduan Mountains towards the Dragon Teng Continent, the Heavenly Dragon Empire, due to its geography, would inevitably be the first nation to confront them head-on. Mo Han had spent a considerable amount of time in the Heavenly Dragon Empire, and the old Emperor had treated him very well—granting nobility to an outsider was an unprecedented decision on the Dragon Teng Continent, likely to remain unique. Mo Han felt a touch of genuine warmth toward the old Emperor.

Mo Han had gradually integrated into this nation and did not wish to see the Heavenly Dragon Empire suffer disaster. Yet, relying solely on the strength of the Heavenly Dragon Empire to resist the Nether Race invasion was simply impossible. The only recourse was to mobilize the Church of Light and persuade the other major Empires on the continent to face this existential crisis together. Mo Han would naturally have to remain to coordinate this effort, making it impossible for him to leave the Heavenly Dragon Empire.

While Mo Han was lost in thought, he heard an astonished voice from the doorway: "Prince Kang! What brings Your Highness here?" Mo Han quickly looked up to see a middle-aged priest in white robes gazing at him with surprise. Mo Han vaguely remembered this man being an aide to High Priest Mora.

Realizing this, Mo Han quickly offered a polite bow and said with a smile, "Please inform High Priest Mora that Mo Han has urgent business requiring an audience."

"This..."

Hearing Mo Han's request, the middle-aged priest hesitated slightly. As a confidant to Mo Han’s retinue, the priest was aware of the Church's secret decree: Mo Han had been placed on an unwelcome blacklist by the Church of Light. Now, Mo Han suddenly requesting an audience with High Priest Mora put the priest in a difficult spot; he didn't want to directly refuse Mo Han. Not only was Mo Han a Prince of a nation whose high-ranking Church officials dared not slight him, but Mo Han had always seemed approachable to the priest, making the refusal even harder.

Seeing the priest’s conflicted expression, Mo Han instantly understood his reservations. He spoke earnestly, "I genuinely have an urgent matter for High Priest Mora. I do not wish to put Your Reverence in a difficult position. I know about the Church's secret decree, but this concerns the survival of all major clans on the entire Dragon Teng Continent. Otherwise, Mo Han would never dare to trouble High Priest Mora. I beg you to relay my message."

Mo Han's words were exceedingly courteous, devoid of any princely arrogance, which greatly increased the white-robed priest's favorable impression of him. Hearing Mo Han describe the matter as so severe, the priest hastily nodded. "Very well, Your Highness. Please come in and wait briefly. I will notify High Priest Mora immediately."

Mo Han accepted without ceremony, following the middle-aged priest into the vast cathedral. Along the way, because Mo Han had gotten to know many people in the cathedral previously, numerous priests and pastors remembered him and greeted him warmly in their capacity as subordinates of the Church. These ordinary clerics were unaware of the Church of Light's secret decree and paid their respects to Mo Han as one of the Church's superiors. Mo Han, unable to elaborate, merely smiled and exchanged greetings with everyone before being led by the middle-aged priest to a seat in the central hall, while the priest hurried off to inform High Priest Mora of Mo Han's arrival.

Not long after, Mora appeared, accompanied by the white-robed priest, his face set in a polite smile. Upon seeing Mo Han, he said, "I ask for Your Highness's forgiveness; this meeting was truly unavoidable."

Mo Han understood perfectly what Mora meant by "unavoidable," and smiled, waving his hand. "High Priest Mora, do I look like such a petty person? I have wanted to see you for a long time, but I feared putting you in a difficult position, so I dared not disturb you. However, an extremely critical event has occurred that forces my hand today."

Mora had already heard the gist of the matter from Priest Kerry and showed no surprise. He spoke in his familiar tone, "Priest Kerry informed me of Your Highness's purpose; he mentioned it concerns the Nether Race? I wonder what information Your Highness possesses?"

Without further preamble, Mo Han recounted everything Blaze had told him in the Forest of Death, though he subtly altered one detail: the loosening of the barrier due to his own presence. He changed it to say that Krotino had attempted to destroy the barrier but was stopped by Blaze, though the struggle still weakened the barrier's integrity. He warned that the Nether Race army would likely arrive on the Dragon Teng Continent in less than a month.

Mo Han conveyed this version based on Bai Ling’s advice. Since no one knew the true intentions of the Church of Light, revealing that Mo Han was involved in weakening the barrier could have unforeseen consequences. As long as only Bai Ling, Blaze, and himself knew the truth, the Church of Light could puzzle over it endlessly without ever suspecting Mo Han’s connection.

Upon hearing Mo Han’s account, High Priest Mora’s expression grew grave. Finally, Mora spoke solemnly to Mo Han, "Your Highness, what I say next may not please you, but you know the gravity of this matter, so Mora must be cautious. I hope for your understanding."

Hearing Mora’s preamble, Mo Han had already guessed the nature of the questions. Rather than feeling offended, he admired Mora’s cautious approach. With this thought, Mo Han smiled and said, "High Priest Mora need not be so formal; please ask whatever you must."

Mora smiled gratefully and continued, "What I need to know is: how well acquainted are Your Highness and your friend? And how credible is the information provided by Your Highness's friend?"

Mo Han replied gravely, "Regarding this matter, Mo Han can guarantee the information is absolutely one hundred percent accurate. I hope High Priest Mora will notify the Church of Light quickly to avoid being caught unprepared."

Mora, reassured by Mo Han’s guarantee, naturally accepted the validity of the news. Yet, hearing Mo Han’s urgency, Mora couldn't help but offer a wry smile. "Caught unprepared? Even knowing now, with less than a month remaining, I fear we will still be caught off guard."

Mo Han understood Mora’s point; gathering the majority of the continent's strength in the Heavenly Dragon Empire in under a month was undeniably difficult. Even the Church of Light, with its profound influence, would struggle to achieve such a feat. Thinking this, Mo Han said with a faint smile, "But acting now is certainly better than facing the Nether Race army with no warning at all, isn't it?"

Mora smiled too at Mo Han’s reasoning. "Your Highness speaks wisely. Given the urgency, I must report this to the Church immediately and cannot accompany Your Highness further. Thank you for bringing such vital news; Mora thanks you on behalf of the Church."

With that, Mora hastily stood up, intending to bow to Mo Han in apology. Mo Han quickly stopped him. "High Priest, there is no need for such courtesy. I do this as much for myself and the Heavenly Dragon Empire."

"But Your Highness's actions might save countless innocent lives across the Dragon Teng Continent, wouldn't they?" Mora smiled, nodded to Mo Han, and then turned and left the hall, presumably to report the situation to the Pope of Light. Mo Han, accompanied by Priest Kerry, then departed the Grand Cathedral of Light, heading toward his own Prince's Residence.

Upon reaching the gates of the Residence, Mo Han saw Daly, Murong Feixue, and Bai Ling already standing at the entrance, their faces etched with sorrow. The thought of Yan Shi and the others brought a fresh wave of grief to Mo Han’s heart. Though he dreaded facing Daly, Mo Han steeled himself and walked toward them.

"Brother Mo Han, is what Sister Bai Ling said true? Are Jack and Latin truly..."

Daly looked at Mo Han, her expression heartbroken. Although she knew Bai Ling wouldn't lie to her, she couldn't help but ask, hoping some miracle might still exist. Seeing the sliver of desperate hope mixed with sorrow in Daly’s eyes, Mo Han felt a sharp pang in his heart. He reached out and pulled Daly into an embrace, speaking with deep remorse, "I am sorry, Daly. I promised I would look after them, but I failed. If you must blame someone, blame me."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, Daly felt the world spin, her body weak. She leaned against him trembling, unable to speak a word, only letting two streams of tears trace paths down her cheeks, soaking the front of Mo Han’s robes, which only intensified his own pain. He held her tightly, seeking to offer some comfort. Murong Feixue and Bai Ling, witnessing this, also found their eyes reddening, standing silently with expressions of profound grief.

After a long while, Daly gradually calmed under Mo Han’s soothing presence. She lifted her head, looked into his apologetic eyes, and gently caressed his cheek. "Brother Mo Han, you mustn't feel guilty. I know you did your best. You and Bai Ling nearly lost your lives avenging Jack and the others. Moreover, this was not your fault in the slightest, so do not burden yourself with guilt. I believe if Jack and the others knew your thoughts, they would, like me, never wish to see you so heartbroken."

Hearing Daly's comfort, Mo Han could only nod thankfully. "Thank you, Daly. To have a wife like you is my greatest fortune." He paused before continuing, "I want to find a quiet place to give Jack and the others a proper burial. What do you think?"

Daly nodded in agreement. "Bury them on your princely lands, on the back mountain behind the castle. It is very quiet there, and that way, I can visit them often."

Mo Han readily agreed. He immediately ordered preparations and, accompanied by Daly, Bai Ling, Murong Feixue, and the others, headed toward his princely territory. It took two full days to complete the burial rites for Jack and the others. During the journey, though grieving, Daly insisted on attending their funeral.

Mo Han had initially tried to dissuade her. Jack's body had been gruesomely torn into pieces by Krotino. Mo Han had expended significant mental energy trying to restore them to wholeness, which was why he was delayed for so long in the first place. Although he had managed to restore most of their forms, some traces of the damage remained indelible, and he feared Daly could not bear the sight. Yet, Daly insisted, and Mo Han could not refuse. To his relief, Daly proved far stronger than he anticipated. From beginning to end, she merely stood there with red-rimmed eyes, avoiding the devastating collapse he had envisioned. This allowed Mo Han to finally relax slightly.

Upon just reaching the gates of his residence, he was informed that the Emperor required Mo Han to present himself at the palace immediately upon his return. Mo Han knew well that the Emperor was likely frantic over the Nether Race invasion. Before leaving, he had already instructed his steward, Mark, to inform the Emperor’s younger brother, Long Gufan, about the incursion.

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