"But it wasn't purely for appearance; a standoff between two equally matched individuals often hinges on sheer presence. The Black Dragon's Roar possesses formidable power and an extraordinary aura. In terms of intimidation, it far surpasses that unsightly black column," Old Ancestor Wan Gui mused further. "Manifesting the black dragon requires extensive practice and an exceptionally strong control over the Black Dragon's Roar. During this very practice, the power of the Black Dragon's Roar is enhanced. Lei Dong, you must remember this: any spell, even one that seems seemingly weak, will become infinitely potent and endlessly versatile as your cultivation deepens, provided you master its execution."

Lei Dong bowed low. "This disciple shall firmly remember Master's teachings."

"Additionally, there is one more matter I need to entrust to you." Old Ancestor Wan Gui was quite pleased with Lei Dong's demeanor, but at this moment, he stared intently into Lei Dong's eyes.

Hearing this, Lei Dong didn't even lift his head; he immediately dropped to one knee, declaring with force and resonance, "This disciple has awaited this day for a very long time. As long as Master gives the order, this disciple will spare no effort, even if it means traversing mountains of blades and seas of fire."

"You won't need to face mountains of blades and seas of fire." Old Ancestor Wan Gui felt a degree of satisfaction that his disciple had not been trained in vain. After careful consideration, he said in a deep voice, "You are familiar with the concept of indirectly controlled territories, are you not?"

"Disciple knows," Lei Dong replied, his tone serious as he laid out the facts as he understood them. "The core areas and directly controlled territories of the eight great supreme sects combined do not account for even one-tenth of the world’s geography. Yet, they are all evenly matched. If they were to expand outwards directly, it would often cause the entire structure to shift, leading to mutual destruction and allowing newer emerging powers to take their place. Thus, the eight great sects have an agreement: no sect shall unilaterally expand its direct territory or annex another sect, or they will face a joint assault. However, they all desire to control more territory to reap greater benefits and strengthen themselves. Consequently, the eight great sects, along with some stronger alliances or other powerful entities, will overtly or covertly support local powers—be they families or smaller sects—using them to plunder resources from the local regions."

Old Ancestor Wan Gui stood with his hands clasped behind his back and nodded. "You speak correctly. To maintain their standing and maximize their growth, the major sects must foster puppets externally. Lei Dong, there is one thing you may not be aware of: for our Yin Sha Sect alone, the quantity of non-native resources absorbed through these methods already far exceeds what our sect's native lands produce. Therefore, all major sects place extreme importance on this strategy. Matters of profit are invariably steeped in bloodshed. The conflicts and dangers involved are imaginable. Direct military action is unavoidable. Hence, within the Yin Sha Sect, there is a division known as the Battle Hall [Text provided by Xiao Mei, the Great Demon Head]. The members of the Battle Hall are the elite disciples of the Yin Sha Sect who excel most in combat." At this point, Old Ancestor Wan Gui paused.

Lei Dong contemplated for a moment. "Disciple also believes that an institution dedicated solely to combat is essential. Master, are you suggesting that this disciple should join the Battle Hall?"

"Precisely. Lei Dong, you are exceptionally skilled in combat; it would be a waste for you not to join the Battle Hall. Not only you, but Wan Yan and Wang Kang also received invitations to the Battle Hall. However, I do not endorse both husband and wife joining the same division. Therefore, this Master declined the Battle Hall invitation on behalf of Wan Yan." Old Ancestor Wan Gui's expression seemed somewhat wistful. "In the past, this Master was also a member of the Battle Hall. Moreover, many Old Ancestors here originated from the Battle Hall. I am still listed under the Battle Hall roster; if the sect requires it, I must still fight. Of course, I am only considered a reservist now; I will not be called upon unless it becomes absolutely necessary."

"As long as Master commands it, this disciple is willing to join," Lei Dong stated earnestly.

"Joining the Battle Hall, though perilous, is not without its benefits." Seeing Lei Dong's willingness, Old Ancestor Wan Gui felt a measure of relief. "Firstly, once you and Wang Kang join the Battle Hall and achieve merits, based on the quantity, the entire Wan Gui Cave can share more extensively in the sect's revenue. This will allow Wan Gui Cave to develop better. Secondly, the sect treats Battle Hall members with the utmost favoritism, regarding them as the true core of the sect. Thus, in the future, when you exchange contribution points for sect resources, you will receive a forty percent discount. Thirdly, in terms of earning contribution points, Battle Hall members have far greater opportunities to acquire massive amounts. Lei Dong, do not underestimate those contribution points; some major achievements can yield hundreds, even millions, of contribution points. Fourthly, within the Battle Hall, you will discover spells, spiritual artifacts, and elixirs that you would normally never see or hear about outside. Lei Dong, you have purchased top-grade spiritual artifacts externally before, but you know how difficult it is to acquire them outside, and you cannot simply obtain whatever you desire whenever you want. However, within the Battle Hall, as long as you possess contribution points, you can exchange them for the top-grade spiritual artifacts you covet at any time. Huangfu Ce was also a member of the Battle Hall; his Blood God Blade was acquired after accumulating a great many contribution points."

Lei Dong was deeply moved. Contribution points in the Battle Hall could actually be exchanged for top-grade spiritual artifacts? This was something he had never imagined. He had seen spiritual artifacts exchanged for contribution points outside before, but they were mostly mid-grade artifacts, and even high-grade ones were rare. This led him to believe the sect simply wouldn't give opportunities to exchange for top-grade spiritual artifacts...

But he was wrong. The sect reserved items like top-grade spiritual artifacts exclusively for the Battle Hall. Thinking about it, it made sense; the utility of such divine weapons was best realized when wielded by members of the Battle Hall. Otherwise, why would an alchemist who spends all their time refining pills in the sect need to carry several top-grade spiritual artifacts?

Lei Dong was thoroughly tempted by Old Ancestor Wan Gui's words. His current combat strength was already formidable among those in the Foundation Establishment stage. What purpose was there in staying cloistered at home all day? Moreover, he had already used the Heart Washing Fruit, and the period of rapid breakthrough was over. From now on, Lei Dong had no idea how he would manage to surpass the coming bottlenecks. The Battle Hall was undoubtedly his best option.

Without Old Ancestor Wan Gui needing to say more, Lei Dong gave his firm and resounding acceptance.

"Excellent. Take this token and proceed to the Battle Hall at the sect headquarters. Someone there will handle all the necessary procedures for you. Wang Kang has already gone ahead; he is likely already out on a mission." Old Ancestor Wan Gui solemnly presented a token, dark as ink, upon which only three characters were inscribed in a heavy, ancient style: ~

After taking his leave from Old Ancestor Wan Gui, Lei Dong departed Wan Gui Cave and headed directly toward the Yin Sha Sect headquarters.

Upon reaching the headquarters, Lei Dong inquired about the location of the Battle Hall from the guards at the entrance and proceeded there. It was a grand hall with an imposing atmosphere, yet its style was somber and dark. Above the main entrance hung a massive horizontal plaque inscribed with two dynamic, flowing characters: "" (Battle Hall). As Lei Dong approached, two Foundation Establishment disciples, one male and one female, materialized and sharply challenged him: "Who goes there? This is a restricted area of the Battle Hall. All idle personnel must retreat."

Lei Dong glanced at them. Their cultivation levels were similar to his own, around the sixth or seventh layer of Foundation Establishment. However, they were not wearing the standard red-and-black training uniforms of ordinary Foundation Establishment disciples, but rather a set of jet-black armor, reminiscent of field soldiers. The design of the armor was elaborate. The male's set made him look robust and powerful, while the female's highlighted her tall and slender figure. Their shared characteristic was an aura of cold, killing intent, making one subtly sense a dangerous presence.

Lei Dong found the Battle Hall somewhat inscrutable and preferred not to cause trouble. He took out the token and stated calmly, "Senior Brother, Senior Sister, I am Lei Dong of Wan Gui Cave, here to report to the Battle Hall."

"Lei Dong?" The expressions of the man and woman shifted simultaneously, and they exchanged a look, clearly reading astonishment in each other's eyes. Lei Dong's name now resonated throughout the entire Yin Sha Sect domain. Even within the Battle Hall, his accomplishments were deemed shocking, especially the fact that he had so easily slain Huangfu Ce, a member of the Battle Hall.

The man's previous arrogance and coldness immediately lessened considerably, and he became more courteous. "So you are Lei Dong of Wan Gui Cave. We have received notification and knew you would be coming to report."

"However, even if you are Lei Dong, you cannot disregard the rules," the woman said, her eyes sweeping over Lei Dong, seemingly quite interested in him. "New entrants to the Battle Hall must undergo a test to see how far you can advance. Your status within the Battle Hall will be determined by your performance. Please follow me; I will lead you to Commander Ouyang." Her words brooked no argument. Lei Dong frowned slightly but offered no further protest.

Seeing the woman flash away swiftly inside, Lei Dong employed the Ghost Shadow Evasion technique, following her like a fleeting phantom. Upon entering the main hall, he saw that it was vast, with countless towering pillars standing tall. But they soon arrived at a side chamber, where the woman bowed respectfully, "Warrior Thirty-Seven requests an audience with Commander Ouyang. Lei Dong of Wan Gui Cave has arrived to report."

"Enter," a deep, resonant male voice sounded from within.

Thirty-Seven? Warrior? Lei Dong found this form of address strange but asked no questions, closely following her into the side chamber. As soon as he entered, Lei Dong sensed a dense scholarly atmosphere. Everywhere were various ancient-looking bookshelves laden with scrolls and paintings. A man stood before a desk, clad in a black scholar's robe. He stood with his hands behind his back, his back facing Lei Dong, entirely absorbed in studying a map hanging on the wall.

Even without displaying any aura, Lei Dong sensed that beneath this person's strong scholarly facade lay something extremely dangerous and fierce, imposing a powerful sense of pressure upon him.

"Greetings, Commander Ouyang." Thirty-Seven knelt on one knee and subtly signaled to Lei Dong with her eyes. Lei Dong understood and also paid respects: "Lei Dong of Wan Gui Cave pays respects to the Commander."

……(To be continued. For the rest of the story, please log in to Qidian for more chapters, support the author, and enjoy genuine reading!)