In the days that followed, Lei Dong and the others did not remain in the small town. Instead, they took their families and hid out in a desolate mountain range hundreds of miles away, finding temporary refuge in an abandoned thatched hut tucked away in a secluded valley. Chen Wei and another person continued on to gather detailed intelligence, aiming to confirm Lei Qing'er's safety. The reports that eventually trickled back were somewhat reassuring: Lei Qing'er was not being abused, merely confined to the back garden under the watch and persuasion of several women in rotation. It was clear that Li Chang'an still intended to have her willingly accept the role of a concubine. After all, she was still young; given a few years of subtle influence and constant persuasive nagging, the little girl would likely yield, having little will left to resist. For someone with Lei Qing'er's spiritual root aptitude was certainly not easily found. Even within a major sect like the Yin Sha Sect, she would be cherished like a treasure. As for the rogue cultivator who had been silenced, there was no real risk of exposure. After all, it was perfectly normal for any cultivator to remain out of sight for ten days or more.

Lei Dong’s father, following a period of careful recuperation, had nearly recovered his health within these short ten days. Only due to his leg injury would he be unable to walk unassisted for another two or three months. Lei Dong spent his brief reunion with his family while relentlessly continuing his own cultivation. He knew well that in this world where the strong preyed upon the weak, strength was the only fundamental necessity. Without it, even maintaining one’s dignity and standing upright as a person was an immense struggle. If you don't provoke others, do you truly believe they won't come looking for trouble?

Thirteen days after the Ten Thousand Ghost Edict was issued, the main forces from the Ten Thousand Ghost Cave had yet to arrive. However, Dongfang Fu reached them first—a speed that truly humbled Lei Dong. Nevertheless, he was deeply grateful that she had come to lend aid, even if he suspected her willingness was purely out of deference to his senior sister.

Fifteen days later, the two Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Ten Thousand Ghost Cave, along with Zuo Chao—who had insisted on accompanying them—arrived together. The eldest disciple, Zheng Yang, had to remain at the main stronghold to guard it in the Ancestor’s absence and had already sent word explaining this to Ding Wanyan. As for the other two disciples who were out on assignments, they were likely too far afield to return even if they received the summons.

With two Foundation Establishment cultivators and five Qi Refining disciples, they now possessed sufficient strength to raze the Wanxi Li Family.

Fundamentally speaking, the Ten Thousand Ghost Ancestor had only five true disciples. Unlike the ranking during the Qi Refining stage as ordinary sect members based on cultivation level, the five core disciples were ranked strictly by the order in which they formally pledged allegiance.

The five were, in order: the Eldest Disciple, Zheng Yang, a disciple from the Ancestor’s second generation of followers, now over seventy years old with a cultivation base at the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment. He remained behind partly to guard the cave, and partly because he felt that dealing with a mere single Foundation Establishment cultivator did not warrant mobilizing excessive forces.

The Second, Wang Kang, a third-generation disciple, was around sixty years old, at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment. Before Ding Wanyan appeared, he was considered the most gifted among all the Ancestor’s disciples, the only one holding any realistic hope of advancing to the Golden Core stage.

The Third, Luo Yun, a third-generation disciple, was over sixty, at the third layer of Foundation Establishment; advancement to Golden Core was beyond his reach in this lifetime.

The Fourth Disciple, Yang Yu, a fifth-generation disciple, was in her forties, at the second layer of Foundation Establishment. She was the only female disciple among the Ancestor’s five. Her talent was decent, second only to Wang Kang, but without a significant fortuitous encounter, advancement to Golden Core remained remote.

The Fifth Disciple, Wu Di, a fourth-generation disciple, was in his fifties, having just reached the second layer of Foundation Establishment.

Among the sixth-generation disciples, none had yet broken through to Foundation Establishment. Likewise, among the seventh-generation disciples like Lei Dong, none had yet advanced. However, Ding Wanyan of the seventh generation possessed peerless talent, making her advancement to Foundation Establishment a near certainty. Because of this, the existing Foundation Establishment disciples already regarded her as their junior sister and treated her with extreme deference, knowing that given her aptitude, surpassing Zheng Yang was only a matter of time.

The two Foundation Establishment cultivators who answered the summons this time were Second Martial Uncle Wang Kang and Fifth Martial Uncle Wu Di. Wang Kang, in particular, at the sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, was currently considered the foremost figure in the Ten Thousand Ghost Cave second only to the Ancestor himself. With such power, they were confident the Li man would fare poorly against him.

Lei Dong and the other Qi Refining disciples paid their respects to the two martial uncles who had been summoned, following Ten Thousand Ghost Cave protocol. These two martial uncles were not only courteous to Ding Wanyan but also smiled warmly at Lei Dong. After all, Lei Dong had fought his way into the top three during the recent competition, bringing significant honor to the Ten Thousand Ghost Cave—where previously, the best achievement had been a spot in the top ten. Now that they had cultivated several disciples with promising aptitude, the next competition would undoubtedly be much better. This success alone was enough to alleviate the awkward situation of having few Foundation Establishment cultivators, ushering the sect toward a virtuous cycle.

The five Foundation Establishment cultivators had spent a long time within the Ten Thousand Ghost Cave, experiencing its hardships and joys. Since the Ten Thousand Ghost Ancestor was a man of good character, they held deep affection for the sect and genuinely wished to see it prosper. However, neither of the two newcomers had anticipated the presence of Dongfang Fu from the Heavenly Demon Palace. They dared not put on airs before Dongfang Fu; this was not only due to her formidable personal strength but also because of the powerful figures backing her—people no one dared to offend.

After the customary pleasantries, Lei Dong dared not delay further. Chen Ge, familiar with the route, led the way. This fellow was now utilizing a mid-grade flying artifact, which afforded them respectable speed. Little did Lei Dong know that this mid-grade artifact had been extorted from Ding Wanyan by the two unscrupulous brothers because low-grade artifacts were simply too slow for long-distance travel.

Thus, their journey proceeded at a decent pace. Including Zuo Chao and Dongfang Fu, the contingent comprised six Qi Refining disciples and two Foundation Establishment cultivators. The eight members, flying on their distinct lights, formed a procession in the sky that felt imposing and overwhelming.

In less than an hour, the group arrived above the Wanxi Li Family compound. The area was indeed lush and scenic, and the Li Family's walled city was vast, spanning several miles with majestic ramparts, suggesting the master harbored considerable ambitions.

Without any attempt to conceal their presence—a display of domineering arrogance—Li Chang'an, who was certainly not dead, turned pale and flew into the air on his black cloud. Remaining cautious, he kept a distance and called out cheerfully and politely, "Which cavern's esteemed brothers might you be? I am Li Chang'an, originating from the Gui Sha Residence."

"Li Chang'an, you seek death!" Wei Hua, who had just reached the seventh layer of Qi Refining, immediately cursed him out loud.

"Why waste words with him? Exterminate the entire clan!" Seeing the arrogant fellow, Lei Dong could no longer suppress his surging rage. After enduring humiliation for ten days due to insufficient strength, now, with powerful reinforcements arriving and their morale boosted, he could not hold back any longer.

Li Chang'an's face changed dramatically again. He called out, "Wait a moment! I wish to know how I, Li, have offended you all?"

"Lei Dong, however you wish to fight, I will support you," Second Martial Uncle Wang Kang stated. He had come because of the Ten Thousand Ghost Edict, but since he was here, he might as well grant Lei Dong a favor twice over, ensuring Lei Dong remembered his kindness. He didn't spare Li Chang'an even a glance.

Lei Dong understood Wang Kang’s intention, but for a powerful cultivator of this level to offer a favor was already a mark of great respect. He showed a look of respect and gratitude, "Thank you, Second Martial Uncle. Dong'er wishes to personally meet Li Chang'an. I ask Martial Uncle to stand guard."

"You?" Wang Kang's expression showed slight surprise.

Without another word, Lei Dong summoned his Spectral Ghost Guards, making no attempt to conceal their forms through invisibility. After all, facing a Foundation Establishment third layer opponent, invisibility held little practical use. Seeing his terrifying-looking, solid, and explosively powerful Spectral Ghost Guard, Lei Dong's confidence soared. "I invite Senior Sister to stand alongside me in battle. Might I ask if you agree?"

Ding Wanyan’s eyes brightened slightly. She glanced at Li Chang'an and said dismissively, "I was thinking the same thing."

"Good! Everyone else, play as you wish, but don't let a single one escape!" Lei Dong roared, his figure transforming like a phantom as he swept toward Li Chang'an, his killing intent blazing as he shouted coldly, "Senior Sister, let us slaughter him together!"

"En," Ding Wanyan’s surrounding Yin Sha energy surged exponentially, and she transformed into a wisp of mist, moving even faster than Lei Dong. The Yin Sha Grand Art erupted in an instant. ...M