Beyond that, the assets of the Golden Core cultivator were quite tempting, a dazzling array of spirit stones of various colors. Materials for refining artifacts, materials for alchemy. Some cherished spiritual artifacts and magic treasures, snatched from unknown origins, along with a variety of miscellaneous items. The total value was considerable. It took a full day for Qian Luo to lead the squad and compile an estimated inventory of all the spoils from this encounter. The wealth taken from the Foundation Establishment cultivator, after deducting various losses, amounted to slightly over ten million spirit points. The captured Golden Core demon beasts had a total value reaching fifteen million spirit points. The possessions of the slain Golden Core cultivator were estimated to be worth sixteen million spirit points. And then there was that flying vessel, valued at around six million spirit points. The total profit from this battle had shockingly reached forty-seven million spirit points. When this figure was revealed, everyone gasped. Damn it, what kind of concept was this? Working their entire lives, they wouldn't accumulate this many spirit stones. Yet, a single successful raid could yield such a bounty? This was sheer, unadulterated profiteering. Even Lei Dong’s breathing grew ragged; robbing a team possessing a Golden Core expert was indeed the undeniable path to wealth.

After the initial stunned silence, cheers erupted from the crowd. This wasn't merely about tens of millions of spirit points; everyone seemed to see a broad, magnificent avenue stretching out before them—a path leading to affluence and power. As is widely known, while cultivation aptitude is supremely important, it is utterly impossible to proceed without spirit stones. Originally, even those who held some reservations about raiding had long since tossed their guilt to the winds when faced with such immense rewards. One by one, they seemed to have been thoroughly corrupted by Lei Dong’s influence.

With burning hearts, they began searching the vast, boundless sea for their next target. If a Golden Core demon beast appeared, they would certainly strike. But most importantly, they needed to find other hunters. Never mind Lei Dong and his group, who were busy raiding and getting rich.

In the distant Kangzhou, within the Yinsha Sect’s Myriad Ghost Cave, the disheveled but imposing Myriad Ghost Ancestor sat upon his hideous and ferocious throne. Beneath him, more than twenty disciples stood, not daring to even draw a full breath. This was because the Ancestor was in a terrible mood, and consequently, his temper had grown foul. His expression grim, he demanded, “Still no trace of Lei Dong? What are you all good for?” Truth be told, while Ding Wanyan appeared to be the Myriad Ghost Ancestor's most beloved disciple, only he knew that his most highly regarded pupil was that scoundrel Lei Dong. Decades of master-disciple relationship meant the Ancestor essentially viewed him as half a son. Now, he had vanished on the battlefield after bravely drawing away Tantai Bingyun of the Heavenly Sound Palace and their opposing experts to protect his companions, resulting in both of them disappearing without a trace to this day. This news had enraged the Myriad Ghost Ancestor, causing him to lash out indiscriminately within the sect. This outburst compelled the sect to escalate their investment in the war, leading to a rapid intensification of the conflict, substituting core disciples of the Yinsha Sect into battles previously manned only by cannon fodder cultivators.

The Myriad Ghost Ancestor had even dispatched every available member of his personal lineage, even accompanying them to the battlefield himself, searching for Lei Dong. Alas, no matter how hard they looked, there was absolutely no news. Thus, upon returning and convening this meeting, the discovery that his disciples had yielded not a single useful tidbit reignited his towering fury.

“Master, please calm your anger.” Ding Wanyan stepped forward, her expression somewhat somber but her eyes strangely calm, and spoke clearly, “This disciple has received word that the Heavenly Demon has personally mobilized and gone to the Yaksha Sea region to search for my husband. I trust that with the Heavenly Demon's capabilities… news will be brought back soon.”

… In truth, Ding Wanyan held back another piece of information. It was a message brought to her by Dongfang, conveyed from the Heavenly Demon: the Demon was sufficiently certain that Lei Dong was not dead, and that Ding Wanyan should simply wait quietly at home. Otherwise, given Ding Wanyan’s temperament, she would have already ventured out to sea to search, and there would be no possibility of her remaining here. Yet, even though she believed the Heavenly Demon, a deep-seated worry and anxiety persisted until she could see Lei Dong with her own eyes. As for the cultivators of the Heavenly Sound Palace, she harbored a bone-deep hatred.

“Wanyan.” The Myriad Ghost Ancestor’s demeanor softened considerably toward Ding Wanyan. He forced a strained smile, setting aside his displeased expression, “If the Heavenly Demon has taken action, that is for the best…” Although the Heavenly Demon’s involvement brought the Ancestor a measure of relief, he knew that Nascent Soul cultivators were not omnipotent. While he vaguely understood that the Heavenly Demon held some connection with the Yaksha Clan, his fear remained that Lei Dong might perish before the Heavenly Demon could even arrive.

“Master, your disciple has one more matter to report…” Ding Wanyan, currently at the peak of the tenth layer of Foundation Establishment and on the verge of breaking through to the eleventh, spoke with a grave face, a faint killing aura beginning to shimmer around her: “…Your disciple requests permission to join the War Hall and proceed to the front lines to engage the Heavenly Sound Palace.”

The Myriad Ghost Ancestor’s face flickered, revealing an expression of difficulty mingled with reluctance. “Wanyan, I encouraged Lei Dong to join the battle only because his aptitude was too ordinary; he needed the crucible of life and death to stimulate his potential for breakthroughs. Now that he is missing, I am already consumed by self-reproach. If you go now…”

“Master…” The semi-transparent, pale cyan Yinsha Qi began to swirl around Ding Wanyan: “This disciple only wishes to slay more Heavenly Sound Palace members. Whether my husband is alive or dead now, whether the outcome is auspicious or ill-fated, Wanyan must make the Heavenly Sound Palace pay the price. And that Tantai Bingyun—even if she returns alive, Wanyan will not let her off easily.”

Upon mentioning Tantai Bingyun, the Myriad Ghost Ancestor’s expression turned curious: “Tantai Bingyun’s reputation is soaring now, being crowned the foremost figure among the younger generation in Kangzhou. Wanyan, I heard you crossed swords with her several times. How strong is this woman, really? How does she compare to you and Dongfang Fu? Isn’t this title of ‘Number One’ perhaps an exaggeration?”

“Reporting to Master, it is not entirely an exaggeration. Tantai Bingyun is indeed formidable. When I fought her previously, we were evenly matched. However, my cultivation was lower then; I do not know her current strength.” Ding Wanyan stated seriously, “But I am confident that I will certainly not lose to her.”

“Just as I thought; the Heavenly Sound Palace loves to inflate its own reputation.” The Myriad Ghost Ancestor scoffed disdainfully: “If Tantai Bingyun is the number one, what then are the Yinsha Sect’s Twin Heroes? Some elders recently approached me, suggesting they wish to invite you and Dongfang Fu to step out and establish the renown of the Yinsha Sect, to show the world that Tantai Bingyun is nothing! However, at the time, my heart was heavy over Dong’er’s disappearance, and I was reluctant to let you go. Now that you wish to avenge him yourself, it serves two purposes perfectly. I approve. Be extremely cautious when you go out this time. Remember not to be overly eager for merit and repeat Dong’er’s fate. I also believe Dong’er is not a short-lived person; heaven watches over the virtuous.”

“Yes, Master.”

Ding Wanyan knelt on one knee in reverence, stating solemnly: “Your disciple will be cautious in all things. Your disciple will also let the world know that our Yinsha Sect, our Myriad Ghost Cave, is not to be trifled with…” A cold, sinister gleam flashed through her eyes.

The Myriad Ghost Ancestor saw the malevolent glint in her eyes and was pleased rather than worried. This signaled that Wanyan’s Great Yinsha Art had achieved significant progress. The Great Yinsha Art is the most fundamental cultivation technique of the Yinsha Sect among all their great arts. One need only consider that its name is identical to the sect’s to understand its significance. However, cultivators with both excellent aptitude and the Yinsha physique are exceedingly rare. Ordinary cultivators, even if they practice the Great Yinsha Art, cannot unleash its power to the utmost extent. But his precious disciple was an exception; in her hands, the Great Yinsha Art was likely to incite a wave of terrifying carnage.

“Good, good. Let the reputation of our Yinsha Sect and Myriad Ghost Cave ring out!” The Myriad Ghost Ancestor laughed with genuine relief, as the gloom brought by Lei Dong’s disappearance dissipated by more than half. Cunning flashed in his eyes again: “I heard that the one named Tantai Bingyun, in her rivalry with Dong’er to steal the spotlight, caused the Heavenly Sound Palace to pour massive resources into crafting a pair of wings from a Winged God King for her. Heh heh, our Yinsha Sect is rich and powerful; we certainly cannot be stingy. Wanyan, wait here for a few days. Let me go extort a bit for you. When the rare, once-in-a-century Yinsha Twin Heroes officially emerge, how can they appear poorly equipped? We must not let our prestige be diminished for no reason.”

Ding Wanyan was deeply moved. Her Master had always cared for and doted on her since childhood. She absolutely must repay his kindness. Also, Husband, you must not meet harm. Otherwise, sooner or later, Wanyan vows to flatten the Heavenly Sound Palace.

“Master, we disciples are willing to follow Junior Sister Wanyan into battle and make the name of our Myriad Ghost Cave known!” The Foundation Establishment cultivators under the Myriad Ghost Ancestor were growing in number, and their strength was expanding day by day. The Ancestor watched this with pleasure swelling in his heart. Attaining Nascent Soul stage and strengthening the Myriad Ghost Cave he founded were the two lifelong wishes of the Myriad Ghost Ancestor. Now, both goals were being realized step by step, so how could he not be delighted?

“Very well. Wanyan, take your martial brothers and sisters with you on this expedition.” The Myriad Ghost Ancestor agreed after a brief consideration. “All of you are far superior to those cannon fodder cultivators. Remember, unity among fellow disciples means strength that can sever metal. Wanyan, if any of them show insubordination—no, if they fail to follow your lead—feel free to discipline them. Is that clear?”

“Perfectly clear!” The bolstered assembly of the Myriad Ghost Cave responded in unison.