Murmurs spread like wildfire across the Grand Chamber as King Magnar's words settled over the gathered guests.

For some—there was excitement.

The Mourning Depths held immense value for those who could survive it.

For others—there was hesitation.

Despite the tempting rewards, the Mourning Depths wasn't a place for the weak or the reckless.

The mortality rate?

Above 80%.

For every ten who entered, only two ever returned.

'Death is constant there.'

That was the reason behind its name—Mourning Depths.

A place where ambition and greed led to inevitable loss.

The Grand Chamber slowly emptied as guests began leaving. Discussions of alliances and preparations filled the air as the banquet officially ended.

Max remained still, deep in thought—until Aelric suddenly spoke.

"Max, you will join the exploration group, right?"

Max nodded.

"I will."

Then he turned to Aelric and the others.

"Are you guys joining too?"

Crown Prince Aelric nodded.

"We are."

His voice was firm. Unwavering.

"We have to."

Max frowned.

"Have to?"

There was something off about the way Aelric said that.

"Why is that?"

Aelric's sharp gaze locked onto Max as he spoke, his voice calm yet firm.

"You have no idea what is inside the Mourning Depths."

His words carried a weight that Max couldn't ignore.

"There are dangers—grave dangers—enough to kill even peak Expert Rank cultivators. Yet, the allure of that place is greater than its risks."

Max raised a brow.

'It seems they know the benefits of the Mourning Depths.'

He had assumed that the place was a death trap, but Aelric's tone suggested something far more valuable lay within.

That meant one thing—every major power was after it.

Just then, Revenna's icy voice cut through the air.

"Did you think I just came here for Uncle Magnar's birthday?"

Max turned his attention to her, seeing the seriousness in her deep, chilling eyes.

She wasn't here for simple celebrations.

He understood immediately.

"So you came here for the Mourning Depths too."

Revenna nodded, crossing her arms.

"The eruption of the Mourning Depths happens at the same time as Uncle's birthday every three years. That's why I arrived early—so I could celebrate his birthday and prepare for the expedition."

Her words confirmed it.

The Mourning Depths wasn't just a random forbidden zone—it was a place of tremendous importance.

A place that even the royal family and the top geniuses of Valora Continent couldn't ignore.

Max narrowed his eyes, his thoughts spinning.

'What exactly is inside the Mourning Depths?'

Amelia crossed her arms and spoke firmly, her expression unreadable.

"Out of all the power ranks, the Mourning Depths is most important to the Seeker Rank. Max, you better prepare yourself. No one can predict what might happen inside."

Her words carried a weight that made Max pause.

'So the Mourning Depths holds something crucial for Seekers?'

That was interesting.

Most forbidden places benefited higher-ranked cultivators, but this one… was different.

'Could it be a trial? A gateway? Or something even more mysterious?'

Max pondered for a moment before turning to Aelric.

"Your father and Envoy Lucas are leading the exploration, right?"

Aelric chuckled, scratching his cheek.

"Man, you really know nothing about the Mourning Depths, do you?"

Max felt a tinge of embarrassment creep up his face.

He had spent four months straight training in the Hidden City of the Black Lotus Guild. Instead of gathering intelligence, he had locked himself away, focusing solely on increasing his power.

'Damn, I should've studied more about this place.'

Aelric, noticing his expression, grinned but continued.

"Yes, my father and Envoy Lucas are leading the expedition… but they aren't the only ones."

Max's brows furrowed slightly.

"What do you mean?"

Aelric's smile faded, replaced by a serious look.

"The situation in the Mourning Depths is far more complicated than you or I can imagine. Every major force in the Lower Domain has its eyes on it."

He looked around as if checking their surroundings before adding in a low voice.

"The truth is, even my father and Envoy Lucas don't have complete control over what happens in the Mourning Depths."

Max's eyes narrowed at that revelation.

'So, there are other forces involved. But who?'

'What's really inside that place?'

Aelric sighed, shaking his head.

"All we can do is prepare ourselves for what we may encounter there. The rest… lies in the hands of the senior experts."

Max nodded in understanding, his mind already shifting gears. There was too much he didn't know—too many unknowns surrounding the Mourning Depths.

It was more than just a forbidden land filled with treasures. If it was merely about rare resources, it wouldn't attract this much attention from all the major powers of the continent, nor would someone like Envoy Lucas personally oversee the expedition.

He thought for a moment before exhaling softly. There was no point overthinking it now. He needed facts, not assumptions.

With that in mind, he turned his attention back to the group in front of him. "Alright, let's meet again in two days. I have some research to do."

Crown Prince Aelric nodded, a faint smirk on his lips. "We'll be waiting. Try not to dig yourself too deep into trouble before then."

Amelia gave a small wave, her sharp eyes still studying him, as if she was memorizing his every movement.

Revenna, ever the cold presence, simply locked gazes with him, saying nothing, but the intensity in her eyes was enough of a response.

"Hehe, prepare yourself Max, we might fight side by side in the Mourning Depths." Jack said smiling.

Max chuckled inwardly. That was just how she was.

With a final nod, he turned on his heel and walked away, blending into the waves of guests slowly making their way out of the Grand Chamber.

---

The night air was crisp as he stepped outside, carrying a refreshing coolness that contrasted against the lingering warmth of the banquet hall.

The palace grounds were alive with soft, golden lights, illuminating the wide pathways and majestic architecture.

The towering pavilions and archways, adorned with intricate carvings, cast long shadows under the moonlight.

Max moved with purpose, his gaze distant as his thoughts swirled.

The Mourning Depths had always been labeled a forbidden zone, a place where even the strongest of warriors tread with caution. The fact that its periodic eruption aligned with King Magnar's birthday couldn't be a coincidence.\

There was a pattern to this—something hidden beneath the surface.

'What else is buried there?'

The treasures? The ruins? The dangers? What was it that made all of Valora Continent's top forces gather for this single event?

Max frowned. 'The Extranet never had the full story. They always filter the important details.'

Information in the Lower Domain was never truly free. There were always secrets—knowledge hoarded by the powerful, leaving only half-truths and speculations for everyone else.

The Black Lotus Guild had its own intelligence network, but he was simply ignorant to look for it previously.

Still, if even people like King Magnar, Envoy Lucas, and the leaders of the Four Super Families were personally involved, it meant that whatever lay in the Mourning Depths was far more important than just resources or ancient artifacts.

There had to be something deeper—something 'critical'.

He clicked his tongue, irritation flickering through him. He hated being kept in the dark.

Max's mind was still running through everything he had learned about the Mourning Depths when he stepped into the mansion.

He recalled what Crown Prince Aelric had told him—how the Mourning Depths, despite being just one of many forbidden zones in the Lower Domain, was 'the' most important among them.

But before he could process it further, his gaze landed on Klaus, Callie, Carl, and Nick—all standing near the entrance, their faces unreadable.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay