Chapter Three Hundred Twenty-One: Poison …… As soon as these words were spoken, Lei Dong didn't think much of it; it was only natural for Tantai Bingyun to refuse. However, Lei Dong's cold, absolute "No" caused Tantai Bingyun an inexplicable sense of suffocation. Having grown up under the glow of countless accolades, even with Tantai Bingyun’s composure, she had inevitably cultivated a deep-seated arrogance that she herself scarcely recognized. No matter how outwardly modest she appeared, an inexpressible pride remained at her core.

Since she joined the Tianyin Palace in her youth, setting aside older cultivators or preceding generations for the moment. Among the young cultivators of her own generation, those who could match her were merely a handful: Ding Wanyan, Lei Dong, Dongfang Fu, and the Saintess Lan Qisi. As for other youths, very few could even capture her notice. It was this very pride that made Tantai Bingyun somewhat overestimate herself.

She agreed to ally with Lei Dong only because his capabilities had, at the very least, earned her recognition. Yet, she never considered herself inferior to Lei Dong, nor did she feel she ought to be subservient. Now, though she herself disagreed with Lan Qisi’s proposal, Lei Dong’s decisive rejection had definitely stirred the pride within her. Lan Qisi also asked, somewhat perplexed, "Young Master, why not?

If we could bring Bingyun under your command, with her talent and potential, she could serve as your right-hand assistant." As Lan Qisi voiced her query, Tantai Bingyun ceased her actions. Her face remained placid, but inwardly, she gazed at Lei Dong with a measure of resentment. Her own refusal to be commanded by him was one matter; his cold rejection was quite another. If an unrelated person had asked, Lei Dong likely wouldn't have even bothered to reply.

But regarding Lan Qisi, the maid he had just acquired, Lei Dong had other plans. After all, although the heritage dictated she was destined to be his servant and the nature of the cultivation technique would prevent her from harboring rebellion, if he treated her too harshly and failed to truly win her genuine loyalty—not just indoctrinated obedience—Lei Dong worried that over time, she might become lethargic or negligent. After all, she now essentially controlled the entire Guardian Clan, making her critically important to him. After a brief pause, Lei Dong spoke coldly, "Firstly, my Divine Soul has already forcefully merged with one person; a second fusion carries extreme danger.

Secondly, Tantai Bingyun is indeed an exceptionally rare and outstanding woman I have ever seen. Though she is an enemy, I deeply admire her. I would not wish for such a divinely gifted woman to become a mere puppet obeying my every command in the future. If that were the case, it would be better for her to die.

Moreover, I know that with Tantai Bingyun's character, she would sooner die than truly submit to such methods." Both women froze, taken aback by Lei Dong’s response. The anger in Tantai Bingyun’s heart dissipated in an instant. As she looked into Lei Dong’s clear eyes, a complex expression surfaced. Indeed, Lei Dong was right; if he truly intended to use any means of control to bind her, having already suffered such an insult once, she would rather shatter into pieces.

When her gaze met Lei Dong’s, she rarely perceived a hint of appreciation mixed with apology in his eyes. Tantai Bingyun understood the source of his apology, sighing softly inwardly. In this world, those who understand you best are often your enemies. Similarly, she understood Lei Dong well.

This man possessed unyielding determination, often resorting to any means to achieve his goals, earning him the moniker 'Ghost Asura' in the East Sea. Could such a ruthless, cold-blooded man feel remorse? Tantai Bingyun did not know, but even with her pride and excellence, she was fundamentally human. Her emotions began to swirl confusingly.

Yet, given her disposition, it was impossible for her to beg Lei Dong for her life. She sighed softly, "Thank you, Brother Lei, for your recognition of Bingyun. If possible, I request a one-on-one battle with you. To die at the hands of the most outstanding talent among the Kangzhou youth, I would leave this world without regret.

As for our previous alliance, please consider it void. Let this be viewed as Bingyun violating the pact by issuing you a challenge. That way, Saintess Sister won't have to feel conflicted." Lei Dong stood suspended in the air, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at Tantai Bingyun with an equally complicated expression. It would be a lie to say he felt no stir of desire or covetousness for such an exceptional woman.

However, Lei Dong was also highly self-aware; given Tantai’s status and temperament, she would never submit to him. Since they were destined to be enemies, eliminating her was the most logical course of action. He would not emulate those arrogant young masters playing games of conquest or indulging in misplaced sentimentality, trying to claim what was not his. Lan Qisi tried to speak several times but held her tongue.

After a brief consideration, Lei Dong slowly nodded. "I can grant your request, but you have no chance of turning the tables in the end." Lei Dong formed a hand seal, and the Winged God Clan Soul Slave, forcibly merged within his Divine Soul, materialized before him. The Soul Slave, having absorbed the energy subtly emanating from Lei Dong's Divine Soul over the past few months, had recovered to the strength of a late-stage Golden Core expert, though not yet his peak. His appearance, especially the pair of dark, flamboyant wings raised high on his back, cast down a gaze that instantly imposed an overwhelming sense of pressure on Tantai Bingyun.

"Winged God Clan?" Tantai Bingyun's face turned ashen, muttering, "High-stage Golden Core aura." "Ah, that is the Soul Slave! Did the Young Master subdue a Soul Slave?" Lan Qisi exclaimed with a mixture of surprise and delight. Due to the conditioning from her inheritance, she naturally viewed things from Lei Dong's perspective. The stronger Lei Dong became, the happier she naturally felt.

That Winged God Clan Soul Slave's undisguised, powerful aura must equate to late-stage Golden Core combat power, right? Everyone present possessed keen perception. Tantai Bingyun instantly realized that Lei Dong, relying solely on this Winged God Clan Soul Slave, could effortlessly defeat all her strengths. She only couldn't comprehend—was this temple inheritance truly that formidable?

What sort of control mechanism was this so-called Soul Slave? A mere late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator commanding such a powerful entity? Tantai Bingyun, who had previously felt she had a chance or two, now knew she possessed none at all. Yet, rather than despair, a strange light appeared in her eyes.

She suspended her zither before her, her long jade fingers gently stroking the strings as her battle intent soared powerfully. "I was somewhat unconvinced before, but now it seems Brother Lei truly is the most outstanding among the younger generation in Kangzhou. Brother Lei, let Bingyun fully experience the might of the Ghost Asura's Netherworld Grand Law." Holding a resolve unto death, her mind became unexpectedly clear, and she felt an almost imperceptible sign of a breakthrough. "Then, prepare to die." Lei Dong was also a man of unyielding will.

Provoked by Tantai Bingyun's fighting spirit, his own blood surged. To personally slay such an outstanding young prodigy was, in itself, a validation of his existence. In this world, the victor takes all, and the strong prey on the weak is the iron law. If Lei Dong were the one at a disadvantage, Tantai Bingyun would not have spared his life either.

Ghostly energy swirled around him as he struck out with one palm, the practiced Black Dragon roaring as it charged forth. Simultaneously, Tantai Bingyun’s zither music arose like flowing water over high mountains. Waves of crisscrossing sword energies danced wildly across the sky. In her eyes was an unprecedented resolve—this was the final battle of her life, and she could not allow the reputation of Tantai Bingyun to diminish, especially not showing any weakness before Lei Dong.

It was a strange, utterly peculiar thought. As the two clashed fiercely, watching Lei Dong show no mercy and the Winged God Man pounce toward her, Tantai Bingyun sighed internally, wondering why the two of them couldn't be on the same side. Vaguely, Tantai Bingyun felt a touch of envy for Ding Wanyan, who was equally exceptional and remarkable. Suddenly, the Thunder Dragon roared.

It spat out a cloud of crimson mist, which, given its cultivation and power, instantly spread to cover an area spanning over ten miles. It enveloped both Tantai Bingyun and Lei Dong, leaving even Saintess Lan Qisi caught within. Lei Dong and Tantai Bingyun both jolted, thinking, Not good, their faces turning grim. They were not novice cultivators who knew nothing.

They clearly understood what this pervasive substance, sweet-smelling yet slightly fishy and odorous, actually was. The Dragon Bloodline, besides its renowned power, possessed another often overlooked innate talent: a natural poison sac within its body. Unleashing this poison, even enemies whose cultivation slightly surpassed theirs could be afflicted if they let down their guard for a moment. It was the Heavenly Demon in the past who succumbed to the poison of a Nascent Soul stage Dragon, leading to Lei Dong ultimately falling into its clutches.

Of course, if one's cultivation far exceeded the dragon's, or if the difference was minor and they were vigilant, the dragon's poison was difficult to employ effectively. Unfortunately, this Ancient Flying Dragon's strength was overwhelmingly immense, and the potency of its poison was extraordinary—far beyond what Lei Dong and the others could resist. The desire that Lei Dong had suppressed for so long seemed to erupt violently. His eyes, bloodshot, fixed on Tantai Bingyun and Lan Qisi.

However, his willpower was truly outstanding; even now, he retained enough strength to roar furiously at the Thunder Dragon, "What are you doing?" "Big Brother, of course I'm helping you," the Thunder Dragon cackled, transmitting its voice. "This was an order from the Saintess Highness. I weighed it, and this is indeed for your own good, Big Brother." Although Lei Dong heard this, the Thunder Dragon's poison was too potent. An intense force instantly devoured the remnants of his will, and he roared as he lunged toward Tantai Bingyun~ ……A