The commander Ouyang slowly turned, revealing a youthful face. With his hands clasped behind his back, his deep, inscrutable eyes assessed Lei Dong. A crushing pressure washed over him, giving Lei Dong the illusion of being paralyzed by a terrifying palpitation. However, the current Lei Dong was no longer the green novice he had been upon entering the sect. A circulation of his Profound Yin True Qi, coupled with the projection of his far stronger divine soul, unleashed a protective spiritual sense that firmly shielded him. Consequently, the oppressive weight significantly receded.

A flicker of surprise crossed Commander Ouyang’s face. He furrowed his brow and inquired, "Lei Dong, have you consumed any rare heavenly treasures? Why is your divine soul’s strength already comparable to that of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

"Reporting to Commander, since entering the sect, this disciple has practiced the God Forging Art without interruption. Furthermore, I consumed a single Heart Cleansing Fruit and frequently drink Bodhi Clarity Tea," Lei Dong listed the reasons for his potent divine soul, carefully concealing the true effects of the Emperor Demon Seed.

"Heart Cleansing Fruit? Has the Heart Demon Hall opened again?" Commander Ouyang seemed to grasp the reason for Lei Dong’s powerful spiritual sense. Just then, a profound sorrow dawned in his eyes. "Time truly flies; a hundred years have passed in a blink. Tell me, within the Heart Demon Hall, did you happen upon the remains of our Yin Sha Sect disciples?"

Lei Dong paused. Although he had long suspected the commander was a Golden Core cultivator, it was only when the commander mentioned events from a century ago that Lei Dong felt an inexplicable stirring. Immortality—it was truly worthy of the name. A century was an entire lifetime, or perhaps two, for many mortals. Yet, for a Golden Core cultivator, it was merely a segment of life. Despite this realization, Lei Dong dared not be careless when addressed by a Golden Core master, thinking that there was indeed a remnant corpse whose robes he vaguely recognized as belonging to the Yin Sha Sect—likely someone significant to Commander Ouyang.

He too adopted a look of sadness. "Disciple did see them. Not only were there remains of Yin Sha Sect disciples, but also those from many other sects. Some looked very ancient."

"Senior Brother~" Commander Ouyang's voice trembled slightly, his previously deep eyes growing distant and clouded with emotion. "You were once a proud talent of the sect, yet you died before achieving your aspirations, perishing in the Heart Demon Hall. How hateful, how regrettable. A century has vanished, and how many still remember your formidable reputation?"

At this moment, both Lei Dong and Number Thirty-Seven felt a pang of sympathy, daring not utter a single word. Given the commander's melancholic state, who knew if a misplaced sentence might incite violence? Still, the man’s fate was indeed pitiable and lamentable. Those dispatched by the sect to enter the Heart Demon Hall were always the most elite talents.

Fortunately, Commander Ouyang appeared to possess formidable self-control [Text provided by Da Motou]. After indulging his grief, he composed himself and spoke with great courtesy, "My apologies to both of you, Junior Martial Nephews. I was merely recalling events from a hundred years past, making you witness my lapse." Looking at Lei Dong again, his gaze held a newfound respect. "Lei Dong, the fact that you could enter the Heart Demon Hall and emerge alive proves you are worthy of being one of our sect’s new generation of elites."

"Commander overpraises me; this disciple was merely fortunate," Lei Dong replied humbly.

"However, rules must be upheld. Every new disciple joining the War Hall must undergo a test to secure their standing. Of course, if you feel you have made a breakthrough during normal times, you may apply for a War Hall test at any moment to update your rank," Commander Ouyang reverted to his usual quiet, scholarly demeanor. "Even my own rank was obtained this way."

"This disciple understands. Please command me as you wish, Commander," Lei Dong stated respectfully.

"Thirty-Seven, summon all the disciples under my command who are currently in the hall and have no deployment tasks. Those who do not engage in the challenge should still observe Lei Dong’s strength and combat methods, so they can be prepared and cooperate effectively during operations." After giving the order, Commander Ouyang gestured for Lei Dong to follow him.

Passing through the main hall, Lei Dong was soon led to a vast training ground behind it. Its sheer size was indiscernible; it stretched endlessly, sectioned into numerous distinct areas. He could see people practicing various spells or sparring in many zones. However, upon seeing Commander Ouyang, everyone immediately ceased their actions and bowed in greeting.

Lei Dong was escorted to one of the combat rings to wait. Soon, over twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered around. Some wore standard disciple robes, while others were clad in what appeared to be the black battle armor exclusive to the War Hall. All bowed to Commander Ouyang. Lei Dong quickly assessed that the lowest cultivation among them was at the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment, but the majority were at the seventh, eighth, or ninth layers. For the remaining four or five, Lei Dong currently could not discern their cultivation ranks—he surmised they must be cultivators at the tenth layer of Foundation Establishment or higher.

"Thirty-Seven, explain the testing procedures to Lei Dong," Commander Ouyang said, hands still clasped behind his back.

"Yes, Commander." Number Thirty-Seven, his expression serious, turned to Lei Dong. "Under Commander Ouyang, there are two Deputy Commanders and five Captains, with the remainder being forty-three Soldiers, ranked from Number One to Number Forty-Three based on strength. The two Deputy Commanders and three Captains are currently out on assignments. Since this is your first time joining the War Hall, you are assigned under Commander Ouyang. Because you currently lack a rank, you must earn one through a ranking challenge. You only have one opportunity to fail; if you fail the first challenge, you automatically take the forty-fourth position. However, as a first-timer, you may engage in consecutive challenges, with a one-hour rest period between each. Please assess your strength carefully when choosing who to challenge. Those present are Number One, Number Three, Number Six... up to Number Forty-Two. I am Number Thirty-Seven; you may also challenge me. If successful, you become Number Thirty-Seven, and I become Number Forty-Four. The positions between us remain unchanged unless I successfully challenge them. Lei Dong, do you understand?"

Lei Dong quickly processed the rules and asked, "May I use external aids such as puppets or elixirs?"

"You may, but a rank achieved solely through external items might not be stable, especially if you use a certain pill to vault your position—you might not be able to hold it later," Thirty-Seven explained.

"Then I understand," Lei Dong bowed slightly.

"Very well, you may choose the number you wish to challenge. Since this is your first time, I advise you to choose a position further down the line," Number Thirty-Seven kindly reminded him.

"Ah, thank you for the advice. Lei Dong will challenge Number One first." As Number Thirty-Seven recited each number, the corresponding person had stepped forward. That Number One was a man who appeared middle-aged, possessing a steady and reserved aura.

Lei Dong’s declaration caused a stir; everyone stared at him. To challenge Number One first? Did he, at a mere sixth layer of Foundation Establishment, truly aspire to the Captain’s rank? That seemed far too presumptuous. On the other hand, Lei Dong did have a formidable reputation, having once defeated Huangfu Ce. Challenging Number One might not be entirely hopeless.

The originally composed face of Number One showed a trace of anger. It seemed a long time had passed since anyone dared challenge his standing. Nonetheless, Lei Dong held the legitimate right to issue the challenge. He clasped his hands behind his back, pressed down lightly with his foot, and floated smoothly and naturally onto the arena platform, his gaze somewhat cold as he looked at Lei Dong.

Lei Dong utilized the Ghost Shadow Evasion, floating forward until he was about ten zhang away from Number One.

Commander Ouyang, possessing the highest cultivation and being the only Golden Core cultivator present, naturally acted as the referee. Seeing both men on the stage, he waved his hand. "You may begin."

Lei Dong immediately began using the Ghost Shadow Evasion to float backward while simultaneously forming hand seals to summon his ghost guards. The first to emerge was an eighth-level Critical Hit Ghost Guard. As its ferocious form materialized, it did not immediately charge forward but instead positioned itself as a shield in front of Lei Dong. However, Lei Dong soon realized retreating further was unnecessary. The opponent’s actions mirrored his own; he too was using the Ghost Control Art to summon ghost servants.

Lei Dong chuckled inwardly—he had encountered a fellow practitioner. But the first ghost guard manifested by his opponent was a ninth-level guard, equally impressive with its spectral armor and soul blade. It let out a sharp cry and charged straight toward Lei Dong. Lei Dong remained unhurried, not yet activating his own guard, and continued summoning. The second was an eighth-level Frost Ghost Guard. Simultaneously, Number One’s second guard also appeared—also an eighth-level guard.

Just then, the ninth-level guard reached Lei Dong’s vicinity. The Critical Hit Ghost Guard let out a fierce cry, activated its Blood Thirst technique, and simultaneously unleashed a Phantom Strike. As the two spells erupted, its soul blade sliced fiercely toward the ninth-level guard.

With a flash of dark light, the ninth-level guard, which should have held the advantage, suffered a heavy blow. The colliding soul blades shattered and dispersed. At the same time, the Frost Ghost Guard’s Ice Curse activated, blasting an area with intense cold, instantly dropping the local temperature to its absolute minimum. The reeling ninth-level guard was instantly frozen and momentarily unable to retreat. Both of Lei Dong’s guards pressed the advantage, unleashing a barrage of attacks upon it.

Just as Number One’s expression drastically changed, Lei Dong let out a cold laugh. The top-grade Flying Sword Spirit Artifact, the ‘Crimson’ (Chì Liàn), materialized instantly in his hand. Fueled by True Qi and directed by divine sense, the Crimson erupted with intense, eye-searing flames, carving a swift arc through the air toward the ninth-level guard several zhang away.

However, a ninth-level guard was not to be underestimated. Even after sustaining heavy damage, it managed to raise its Soul Shield just in time to block this seemingly fatal strike. But the power of the Crimson was no trivial matter! How could its damaged Soul Shield withstand it? With a thunderous crash, the Soul Shield shattered, and the ninth-level guard was blasted backward, condensing into a dense, dark sphere—even if not killed, it would require a long time to recover.