The spectral soldiers suddenly broke free after about three or four breaths, the Nether Ghost Claws dissolving into nothingness. One must not underestimate the import of these mere few breaths; a battle between cultivators often concludes in extreme temporal constraints. To be able to trap an enemy for even a few breaths might just reverse an entire disadvantageous combat situation. Of course, this also has to do with one's own lack of proficiency, and the strength of the spectral soldier, among other factors.

If Lei Dong were to use the Ghost Claws on a person at the first layer of Qi Refining, he could at least ensure they wouldn't escape before the claws' own energy was depleted. However, if attempting to trap someone two or three layers higher in cultivation, they would likely burst free in only one or two breaths. Nevertheless, the Nether Ghost Claws remained a rather decent spell; the key was not in inflicting damage, but in controlling the field.

Unbeknownst to them, another cycle of the three-year minor competition had begun.

The undisputed favorite to win among the cohort was, as ever, Ding Wanyan. Rumors had circulated some time ago that Ding Wanyan had hit a bottleneck at the ninth layer of Qi Refining, but she chose to travel extensively within the confines of the Yin Sha Sect. Half a month before the minor competition, she returned, having already broken through to the tenth layer of Qi Refining. This greatly pleased the Ancestor; reportedly, among all disciples of her cohort residing on the various cave-mansion peaks, only one other had surpassed the tenth layer of Qi Refining, making Ding Wanyan the second. Due to Ding Wanyan’s astonishingly fast cultivation progress over the years, she enjoyed immense renown among all disciples of this generation. Most Ancestors were aware of such a person.

At the tenth layer of Qi Refining, and being greatly favored by the Ancestor, she was sure to possess powerful magical artifacts. Lei Dong surmised that even if he deployed all three of his specters simultaneously, going head-to-head with Senior Sister Ding would result in more losses than wins.

As for Zuo Chao, he also lived up to the Ancestor's expectations, progressing normally to the eighth layer of Qi Refining. Among the core disciples of the same cohort, this placed him slightly above average. Only Lei Dong, also a core disciple, stood at the level of the sixth layer of Qi Refining. Yet, Lei Dong could only sigh; his aptitude, while notable among ordinary disciples, was considered the bottom tier when placed among the core disciples of all the Ancestors.

It was only thanks to his status as a core disciple that he could access resources unavailable to ordinary disciples. This was the reason Lei Dong managed to advance to the sixth layer of Qi Refining in a mere six years. One must remember that cultivation becomes increasingly difficult the further one progresses in the Qi Refining stage, often encountering numerous inexplicable bottlenecks.

Furthermore, Chen Ge and Wei Hua were also cultivating diligently. Utilizing the contribution points earned in the previous cycle, they were not short of resources for a time. Although Lei Dong had surpassed them through later effort, they were now both at the peak of the fifth layer of Qi Refining. Their aptitudes were nearly identical to Lei Dong's; even starting from the fourth layer three years ago, they lagged behind Lei Dong. After all, the spiritual aperture chambers afforded to core disciples yielded exceptional results.

As for the other ordinary disciples, a few reached the fifth layer of Qi Refining, but the vast majority hovered around the third or fourth layer. Many were stuck at the peak of the fourth layer, unable to advance further. Consequently, some ordinary disciples who felt ascending to the Foundation Establishment stage was hopeless began to study alchemy, artifact refinement, talisman crafting, and other skills while cultivating. Achieving modest success in these fields could earn recognition from the Sect, leading to appointments as deacons in the Sect's various properties, serving as the most basic level of management.

It was almost always like this every cycle, starting after the first minor competition. Many would accept the harsh reality, tucking away the ethereal desire for ascension into immortality deep within their hearts, focusing instead on practical survival. Their goals would begin to diverge.

Currently, among the disciples of the Myriad Ghost Grotto cohort who still harbored thoughts of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, only nineteen remained. Most were situated slightly above the fourth layer of Qi Refining, or around the fifth layer. Of course, simply having the will and persistence to strive did not guarantee reaching Foundation Establishment. Even a genius on Zuo Chao’s level, despite being at the eighth layer of Qi Refining, dared not claim his success in reaching Foundation Establishment was assured.

Thus, this competition would proceed among these nineteen individuals. Disciples who had already allocated the majority of their effort to auxiliary skills were permitted to abstain from the minor competition.

Ordinarily, based on Lei Dong's current strength, though he admitted to being slightly inferior to Senior Sister Ding, he was quite confident in overpowering Zuo Chao. There was a high probability of him contending for second place. However, the problem was that he had recently killed the biological son of the Ghost Fiend Ancestor.

Not only that, but he had already heard news of this through recent rumors. The Ghost Fiend Ancestor, through some unknown secret art, somehow knew his precious son was dead and was reportedly furious, swearing to track down the murderer and subject them to every horrific and malicious punishment the Yin Sha Sect possessed.

Therefore, Lei Dong felt it was best to keep a low profile. If he overpowered Zuo Chao and became too famous, he might fall into the suspected targets of the Ghost Fiend Ancestor. Who knew if a father who lost his son might turn into a rabid dog, biting indiscriminately? But he couldn't be too low-key either; if he caused a scandal by finishing at the bottom of this competition, he would surely arouse suspicion from those with keen eyes.

Since he was a figure at the sixth layer of Qi Refining, he should display the normal strength expected of a sixth-layer Qi Refining cultivator.

The days passed at an unhurried pace. With no pressure to vie for a high ranking, Lei Dong could leisurely practice his spells in his residence after each match—spells like the Profound Yin Shield, Ghost Shadow Evasion, and the Nether Ghost Claws.

It was during the sixth round of the minor competition that Lei Dong was suddenly summoned by the grim-faced Ghost Slave to the Ancestor’s main hall.

When Lei Dong arrived, he found Ding Wanyan and Zuo Chao already present, and the Ancestor was seated in the main seat with a somber expression.

After paying respects to the Ancestor, Lei Dong stood quietly next to Zuo Chao. Zuo Chao, however, leaned over in a low voice: "Junior Brother Lei, the people from the Ghost Fiend Estate are here to investigate the murderer, be careful how you respond. Ancestor Ghost Fiend is currently..."

"Chao'er, silence." With the cultivation of the Myriad Ghost Ancestor, Zuo Chao's words were naturally heard. He immediately chastised him with a cold look. But his expression quickly softened: "None of you need to be nervous; this is merely routine questioning." He paused, then added, "Chao'er is correct; that short-tempered Ghost Fiend is in a foul mood right now. Handle it carefully, don't provoke him. Hmph, if he hadn't requested Elder Tu from within the Sect to intervene this time, how could this Ancestor allow him to casually interrogate my core disciples?" His tone suggested considerable apprehension regarding Elder Tu.

"Yes, Ancestor," the three replied solemnly in unison.

Not long after.

A deep, aged, yet gentle voice echoed from the sky: "Heh heh, is Myriad Ghost Brother present? This old fellow Tu Ling has come with Ghost Fiend to pay a visit."

The Myriad Ghost Ancestor’s face instantly brightened, and he laughed heartily: "Elder Brother Tu, what a rare visitor, what a rare visitor! Forgive Myriad Ghost for not welcoming you sooner. And Brother Ghost Fiend, please, come in quickly." With that, he led the three core disciples to the main hall entrance to greet them.

Two streams of ethereal light, their auras astonishing and wreathed in mist, abruptly descended. As the illusions dispersed, two elders—one tall and one short—came into view.

The taller one, clad in a grey robe, had a perpetually smiling and exceedingly amiable face. He seemed less like an elder of an evil sect and more like a kind neighbor. But the shorter one was covered in pockmarks, possessed an upturned nose, and wore a vicious, man-eating scowl. Before even coming to a halt, his gaze swept over Lei Dong and the other two, his immense, chilling aura pressing down like Mount Tai.

Lei Dong could not gauge the feelings of the other two, but he himself felt as if he were being stared down by a peerless ferocious beast; goosebumps erupted across his entire body, and icy dread spread from his tailbone straight to the crown of his head. He was completely numb and unable to move. Just as he felt he could no longer hold on, his legs growing weak and on the verge of collapsing,

He heard the Myriad Ghost Ancestor let out an angry snort. An equally overwhelming aura erupted from him, enveloping the three disciples protectively, while he fiercely roared with killing intent: "Ghost Fiend, don't push your luck."

In that instant, all the pressure, fear, and discomfort vanished without a trace. Looking back at the tall and imposing silhouette of the Myriad Ghost Ancestor standing before him, Lei Dong inexplicably felt a surge of dependence, gratitude, and even a degree of worship.