Chapter Three Hundred Twenty-Three: Power and Might …… The colossal auras of two Nascent Soul cultivators manifested in the trial space almost simultaneously. Their unrestrained power immediately alerted the Old Demon of White Bones. Concurrently, his divine sense swept rapidly across the entire area. Aside from these two Nascent Soul-level strengths, there was also a considerable contingent of Golden Core combatants appearing in succession.

Indeed, the Golden Core power under Lei Dong's command was now extraordinary. Qian Luo, Captain Qian. He was the first Golden Core cultivator to follow Lei Dong, holding him in immense reverence and unwavering loyalty. When Lei Dong first gained control of the Divine Temple, he secretly brought this group of followers into the sanctuary to cultivate together.

Now, five years later, Qian Luo's strength had certainly improved, though he was still quite a distance from the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm. With amassed wealth, a set of fine magical artifacts, and two high-grade Ghost Generals at the early Golden Core level, Qian Luo firmly held the first position among Lei Dong's Golden Core subordinates. His current power could almost suppress over ninety percent of cultivators at the same level. Naturally, his ability to simultaneously command two early-stage Ghost Generals was due to years of ceaseless tempering of his soul and strengthening of his spirit.

Furthermore, the Black Iron Pagoda and Han Chao, both Golden Core cultivators, were also considerable fighting forces, having also seen slight advancements over the years. However, because Lei Dong had not bestowed high-grade Spirit Ghosts upon them, their combined strength was only a match for Qian Luo. It was highly noteworthy that the Saintess Lan Qisi and Tantai Bingyun both broke through to the Golden Core stage the year before last. These two women, already possessing considerable innate strength, had now seen their power soar, and coupled with their auxiliary spirit beasts, they were truly not to be underestimated.

Their exceptional aptitude caused Lei Dong a sense of inexplicable emotion. They achieved the Golden Core stage without even using a Heaven-Ascending Pill, relying merely on some ordinary auxiliary methods. Truly, comparing oneself to others could drive one mad. Fortunately, both women were now considered allies.

During the incident five years prior, Lei Long had used poison to instigate a threesome. After several days and nights of frantic passion, Tantai Bingyun, upon regaining consciousness, immediately recalled the debauchery of the preceding days and erupted, furiously and desperately chasing Lei Dong. Fortunately, although this situation was not intentionally provoked by Lei Dong, he felt a rare pang of guilt after sobering up, thus only defending and never counter-attacking. After Tantai Bingyun spent several days venting her fury, Lan Qisi stepped in to conduct the ideological work, first dispelling her suicidal intent.

Following that, she began using subtle, gradual methods to brainwash her. Had it not been for the intimate connection they already shared, even if Lan Qisi had talked until her tongue bled, Tantai Bingyun would never have paid her any mind. But between a man and a woman, once that thin veil is pierced, the entire dynamic shifts completely. Over the years, Tantai Bingyun gradually accepted the reality and grew accustomed to it all.

Under Lan Qisi's persistent efforts, Tantai Bingyun also began to discover numerous merits in Lei Dong. At the very least, Lei Dong’s excellence was undeniable. Setting aside their respective positions, being matched with him was hardly a disgrace to her. At least, reviewing all the younger generation in Kang Province, there were almost none who could equal Lei Dong.

This realization provided Tantai Bingyun with considerable psychological solace. One should never underestimate the power of mere psychological comfort; at the very least, this helped Tantai Bingyun overcome a major psychological hurdle. After silently accepting the reality, Tantai Bingyun discovered many of Lei Dong's positive qualities during her process of self-consolation. For instance, his loyalty and his principles.

In a certain sense, if she absolutely had to marry a man, Lei Dong was indeed an excellent choice, Tantai Bingyun mused. And Lei Dong, egged on by Lan Qisi, invested some effort into Tantai Bingyun. His background as a transmigrator proved useful; at least he could borrow jokes, poems, and lyrical compositions from the internet, which served a positive role in alleviating much of the awkwardness. After several years of patient wearing down, while it couldn't be said that Tantai Bingyun had completely let go of her reservations, the three of them managed to coexist quite harmoniously.

The power of habit is immense; once everything becomes part of the routine, Tantai Bingyun suddenly realized she had completely accepted Lei Dong. Even mentally, she had gradually developed reliance and affection for him, especially in this secluded realm devoid of any hostile external positions. The participation of these two exceptionally strong women in the encirclement and annihilation of the Old Demon added considerably to their fighting strength. Their combined combat power was enough to challenge terrorist forces at the late Golden Core level.

As for teammates like Qing Niangzi, Lei Dong did not let them participate. Their current strength was merely at the high-stage of Foundation Establishment, and even if they diligently cultivated their divine sense, they could not learn to control Ghost Generals while still at the Foundation Establishment stage as Lei Dong had. However, their overall aptitude, though not as formidable as Tantai Bingyun or the Saintess, was still commendable among ordinary people. Given the vast resources at hand, it would take them anywhere from three to four years, up to ten, to reach the Golden Core realm.

Once they entered the Golden Core stage and could command Ghost Generals, they would be incomparable to ordinary Golden Core cultivators. Finally, Lei Dong's half-disciple, the Mute Girl, saw her strength escalate incredibly fast, exhibiting astonishing talent. With the accumulation of numerous resources and her own hard work, she had now reached the early Foundation Establishment stage, her future looking exceedingly bright. It was believed that given sufficient time, the power under Lei Dong’s command would surge, possessing a substantial contingent of reliable subordinates.

More than a dozen Golden Core-level combatants had formed their battle array, with the Ghost General puppets positioned at the forefront—an impressive force not to be trifled with. While Nascent Soul cultivators possessed an overwhelming advantage over a single Golden Core cultivator, this disparity could be neutralized when facing a sufficient number. As long as they were not broken up one by one, over a dozen Golden Core fighting forces held considerable deterrent power, especially within a space equipped with an anti-flight formation and with two Nascent Soul cultivators lurking watchfully. The Old Demon of White Bones seemed to have anticipated this day, rising to his feet, his hands clasped behind his back, awaiting his final fate.

He had considered escaping, but a previous battle outside had nearly exhausted all his supplies, including spatial talismans. Now, facing an enemy three times his strength, even if he wished to flee, he lacked the will and means, especially since Lei Dong had already blocked off all his retreat paths, utilizing home-field advantage to trap him in advance. Naturally, none of the participants in the encirclement dared to show the slightest complacency, even with such an advantage. After all, they were facing a Nascent Soul cultivator who had lived for eight or nine hundred years.

A cornered beast will still fight; even a dog will leap over a wall in desperation. Who knew what mad act the Old Demon of White Bones might commit before his death? “Senior White Bones, long time no see.” Lei Dong stood behind the mass of Golden Core cultivators, his expression still extremely respectful as he cupped his hands towards the Old Demon of White Bones. “Lei Dong, I had already thought highly of you before.

Who knew that in the end, I still underestimated you,” the Demon Lord of White Bones said calmly, his hands behind his back. Despite his fearsome appearance, he possessed a certain masterly bearing. At this moment, he offered no harsh words to Lei Dong, instead offering praise: “Among the younger generation, those who can match you are few and far between.” “Senior, my offense today was unavoidable,” Lei Dong also said with some emotion. “If not for a twist of fate, this junior would never have intended to become your enemy.” Internally, however, he sighed over the pity of the situation.

“Lei Dong, enough with the formalities,” the Demon Lord of White Bones chuckled dismissively. “This old life of mine was picked up anyway. I am old, so death is just death. However, you must prepare yourself mentally; even in death, I will drag a few companions down with me.” As he spoke, his eyes swept over the assembled Golden Core cultivators, seemingly selecting whom to take as company.

“Senior, this junior has a proposal,” Lei Dong stared at the Demon Lord of White Bones with a calm gaze. “If the Senior is willing to hand over the treasured artifact used for refining the Ghost Gu to this junior, this junior is willing to grant the Senior a chance for rebirth via soul possession once this junior ascends to the Nascent Soul stage.” Lei Dong was making a final effort, hoping to achieve his objective through negotiation rather than force. Otherwise, there was the risk of several Golden Core cultivators dying in a desperate battle, and more critically, he feared the Old Demon might go mad and choose to self-detonate his Nascent Soul rather than let anyone else profit. It had to be admitted that given the Old Demon’s character, such a possibility existed.

Hearing this, the Demon Lord of White Bones felt a sudden shift in his heart. He had expected certain death but never imagined Lei Dong would leave him a sliver of life. This prospect was undeniably tempting. Although he claimed to be old, with careful maintenance, living another two to three hundred years was not impossible.

And within those two to three centuries, even exhausting his considerable White Bones fortune to acquire elixirs to extend his lifespan might yield hope. Being alive was certainly preferable. If there were absolutely no other way, no one would willingly choose death, would they? The chance of advancing further might be slim, but as long as one lived, there was always a sliver of hope.

His previous refusal to join foreign races was specifically directed at them. As for Lei Dong, he was a genuine native of Kang Province, not a foreigner. As for the treasured artifact, it was indeed a fine item, but nothing was comparable to life itself. However, despite his inner stirrings, he had to guard against Lei Dong attempting some kind of crossing the river and demolishing the bridge tactic.

The Old Demon of White Bones coldly snorted without showing his feelings: “Lei Dong, you truly underestimate me, White Bones.” “This junior can guarantee that besides that treasured artifact, nothing else of the Senior will be touched,” Lei Dong knew there was hope as soon as he heard the Old Demon’s tone. If it weren't absolutely necessary, Lei Dong genuinely wished to avoid a direct clash with the Old Demon of White Bones and incurring too great a risk. Thus, he tossed out more bait: “Moreover, after the Senior possesses a new body, this junior is willing to seek an elixir for the Senior that extends life by a hundred years…”