Naturally, if Lei Dong could avoid a confrontation with the Old Demon White Bone, he certainly would have preferred it. After all, a cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage was far beyond anything he could currently handle. However, holding the Old Demon White Bone’s vital leverage—his great-grandson—in his hand gave Lei Dong a measure of confidence, especially since the demon seemed so fond of the boy that he hadn't struck Lei Dong down immediately. Lei Dong managed a calm, faint smile, his expression radiating respect. "Senior White Bone must be laboring under a misunderstanding. Your junior has no intention of offending you in the slightest. Quite the opposite; your bearing as a peerless master earns my utmost reverence."

Lei Dong’s balanced demeanor, neither servile nor aggressive, managed to slightly quell the rising anger within the Demon Lord White Bone. He flicked his sleeve and coldly stated, "If that is the case, then quickly release my great-grandson. Then, take your own life swiftly, and I shall ensure you are left with an intact corpse."

Lei Dong merely shrugged and chuckled lightly. "Though my aptitude is dull and my cultivation low, in your eyes, I am doubtless nothing more than an ant. Yet, even an ant clings to life. Facing imminent death, I am reluctantly forced to offend you, Senior. Allow me to add that I am a core disciple of the Battle Hall within the Yinsha Sect of Kangzhou, highly valued by several Ancestors within the sect."

The expression of the Demon Lord White Bone shifted momentarily, but then hardened again. He chuckled sinisterly, pressing his vast aura down upon Lei Dong. "The Yinsha Sect is indeed formidable, but this is Zhao State. Do you imagine the Yinsha Sect would march an army across the border for a minor disciple like yourself? Be sensible and release him immediately. If you cripple your own cultivation, this Venerable One will spare your life."

Lei Dong’s expression grew cold in turn. Though the pressure emanating from the Demon Lord White Bone was terrifying, his soft words had achieved nothing, and now the demand was to destroy his own cultivation. He couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "Senior White Bone, while I am lacking, I value my life and cultivation highly. If you insist on bullying the weak, I may have no choice but to drag you down with me in a mutual destruction." As he spoke, he channeled intense energy through his five fingers—five streams of true qi transforming into sharp, piercing currents aimed at the head of Young Lord White Bone. Instantly, the Young Lord's face turned ashen with pain, his complexion draining away as he let out a piercing, heart-wrenching shriek.

The face of the Demon Lord White Bone changed drastically; he was sputtering with rage, his beard bristling. Yet, under the intense vigilance of Lei Dong—who looked ready to crush the Young Lord White Bone should the old demon dare advance a single step—the majestic Nascent Soul cultivator dared not move forward even an inch. This alone spoke volumes about how much the Young Lord White Bone truly meant to him. Still, the Demon Lord White Bone had reigned supreme for ages, holding immense status throughout Zhao State. Even the Sect Masters of the great sects treated him with deference. To be threatened like this by a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator! He drew a deep breath, his voice seemingly trembling slightly. "Fine. Fine. I shall spare your life today. Now, release him quickly." The Old Demon had established his name long ago, and being advanced in years, further progress in his cultivation was unlikely. Among his descendants, this young man was the rare prospect capable of surpassing his predecessors, whom he cherished utterly, viewing him as his true heir.

The Old Demon White Bone's attitude offered Lei Dong a sliver of relief. What he feared most was the demon ignoring the Young Lord's safety and simply destroying him. Under the influence of the restrictive flight formation, he might still have a chance to escape using his Asura Wings. But among the subordinates he had managed to gather, few would likely survive. Looking around, he noticed something very strange: the Swarm of Shadow Swift Insects, which had been poised to scale the city walls, had miraculously retreated after the Old Demon White Bone appeared. They seemed genuinely terrified of a Nascent Soul cultivator and, in a short time, had completely vanished, leaving behind only severed limbs and broken carapaces on the ground.

"If Senior can set aside past grievances, this junior will certainly comply," Lei Dong said, unconcerned with the anomalous behavior of the Shadow Swift Insects. His expression was calm and open, as if facing an ordinary cultivator rather than a terrifying Nascent Soul master. He spoke frankly: "Senior, please do not take offense; I seek only self-preservation. I request that Senior swear an oath, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, never to actively attack this group of mine."

"...Hmph. The words this Venerable One speaks are water that has been spilled; why would I not honor them?" the Demon Lord White Bone sneered. "Do you imagine I would destroy my own reputation?"

Lei Dong remained unmoved, shaking his head resolutely. "This junior must hear Senior swear a deadly oath in front of everyone gathered at North Pass before I can offer my trust."

The Demon Lord White Bone's face flickered between dark and light. If he refused to swear the oath, his thick skin might allow him to find an opportunity to slay this brat later. But if he swore a deadly oath in public, he would effectively forfeit any future justification to deal with Lei Dong. Especially now, having developed a deep-seated hatred for this boy who dared to challenge his authority, he was loath to let Lei Dong go easily. He could only maintain a grim expression and snarl, "Brat, do not push your luck too far. I have more descendants than just this one. At worst, I can cultivate another devoted successor, which is certainly better than being threatened and humiliated by a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, tarnishing my name."

Hearing this, City Lord Li finally began to grasp the situation. While he couldn't fathom why the insect army retreated so abruptly when the Old Demon appeared, Lei Dong and his group had certainly proven invaluable allies just moments before. Considering his connection to Shangguan Hong, City Lord Li nervously interjected, "Senior White Bone, though I am an outsider and my cultivation is low, I wish to act as an intermediary here."

City Lord Li was a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, and while he was insignificant to the Demon Lord White Bone, he represented the Beilan Mountain faction. This compelled the Old Demon to give him some consideration. Moreover, continuing the standoff with Lei Dong promised no favorable outcome. Accepting a face-saving exit was prudent. The Demon Lord White Bone’s expression softened slightly. "For the sake of Beilan Mountain, I will momentarily listen to what you have to say."

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Senior," City Lord Li breathed a small sigh of relief, then turned serious. "Lei Dong and his group did indeed offend Senior, which was improper. However, I believe they did not intend to cause trouble deliberately. Why don't I mediate? Let Lei Dong release the hostage, and you, Senior, with your great broadness of spirit, can grant them amnesty."

The Demon Lord White Bone’s gaze swept coldly over Lei Dong, then across the Black Iron Tower, Han Chao, and Tantai Bingyun. Finally, his eyes settled on Maiden Qing. His pupils contracted, and he let out a cold snort. "I wondered why those few dared to betray this Venerable One. Hong Ji, so it was you stirring up trouble." He sneered. "Hmph, brat surnamed Lei, I might agree to swear an oath to let you off the hook. But these traitors, you must leave them to me."

Under normal circumstances, one might have succumbed to the Demon Lord White Bone’s threats. However, Lei Dong had other schemes in mind. He knew that if he handed over his newly pledged subordinates now, the foundation he had so painstakingly built would vanish, and his reputation for this lifetime would be ruined. His expression hardened menacingly. "Senior White Bone, if you insist on this course of action, do not blame Lei for showing no mercy."

Just as the Old Demon White Bone was about to erupt in fury, City Lord Li shook his head at Lei Dong. "Nephew Lei, although the Yinsha Sect is far away in Kangzhou, this Li has certainly heard their name echoing loudly. And I greatly admire your methods, Nephew Lei. However, if we fail to provide the Demon Lord with some form of satisfactory resolution, I fear..."

"Very well, this Lei shall provide the Demon Lord with a resolution," Lei Dong mused briefly, then presented his original plan, stating gravely, "I can return the person to the Demon Lord. This entire incident originated with me; if you wish to exact vengeance, please direct it solely at me. I propose a wager with you, Senior: If I can escape with my life from your hands, I ask that you drop all pursuit of any person or object related to this affair."

"Hahahaha!" The Demon Lord White Bone paused, then burst into uncontrollable laughter, looking upon Lei Dong with undisguised disdain. "Brat, do you truly believe your mere Foundation Establishment cultivation can allow you to escape from this Venerable One?"

"Why don't you try and see, Senior?" Lei Dong’s face was utterly calm, as if he possessed hidden certainty.

"Good, good. Arrogant brat, if you seek death, this Venerable One shall grant your wish," the Demon Lord White Bone dropped his smile and spoke coldly. "I swear that if you can evade my pursuit for ten days, I will nullify everything your group has done." With that, the Demon Lord White Bone solemnly swore a deadly oath using his Nascent Soul essence. Of course, the reason he conceded so much was for that boy, Young Lord White Bone. Otherwise, he would have simply crushed Lei Dong with one palm long ago, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Lei Dong, I am willing to face the challenge with you," Tantai Bingyun, after all, was a proud and spirited individual. Seeing Lei Dong embrace such heroic resolve to risk his life against a Nascent Soul cultivator for everyone else’s safety, her gaze toward him held a distinct, unusual glimmer.

Lei Dong waved her off immediately, transmitting his thoughts solemnly. "Tantai, this is not about me showing off. But if we don't do this, Old Demon White Bone will never spare any of us. If two of us challenge him, our target becomes harder to conceal. If anything untoward happens to this Lei, I implore you to return to Kangzhou and deliver my final words to Wan Yan." Mentioning Ding Wan Yan, a trace of softness briefly appeared in Lei Dong’s sharp eyes, a faint warmth and longing.

Tantai Bingyun paused, her expression desolate as she looked at Lei Dong, nodding heavily and transmitting back, "Tantai swears to the heavens: if misfortune befalls you, should I achieve Nascent Soul in the future, I will certainly avenge you."

Lei Dong offered a wry smile, releasing the five fingers resting on Young Lord White Bone’s head. He channeled his energy, pushing the young man toward the Demon Lord White Bone, his face serious and deeply focused. "If you are ready, Senior, please let me know. This junior is preparing to flee now." With that, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, emanating an aura of unparalleled pride. In that instant, his entire being resembled a gleaming, sharpened sword drawn from its sheath.