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Engaging with Nascent Soul cultivators wasn't a new experience for Lei Dong; the separation of the Nascent Soul was something he had calculated long in advance. No matter how fast the escaping entity moved, in a short span, it couldn't match the speed of the Asura Wings tearing through space for instantaneous movement. Having been prepared, Lei Dong wouldn't allow him to succeed so easily. He executed two consecutive instant shifts, cutting off the escape route and successfully capturing the Nascent Soul of Venerable Fumo, sealing it within the Soul Sealing Orb.

Having accomplished this, Lei Dong felt an exhilarating rush. He had annihilated a living Nascent Soul cultivator! Unlike the previous two times, where he had leveraged the power of the Soul Transformation-level Thunder Dragon and achieved victory effortlessly, this time it was the result of careful planning, setting traps, and several struggles before the goal was attained. Yet, the various methods displayed by Venerable Fumo, along with the heavily injured Earth Giants, caused Lei Dong a trace of apprehension. As expected of a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, their power was not something to be underestimated.

Over there, the Core Formation cultivator Han Chao was already gathering the spoils that had burst forth when Venerable Fumo’s physical body perished. When Lei Dong returned, Han Chao respectfully presented everything to him. Earlier, Han Chao had been coerced by a threat from Lei Dong into joining his service, agreeing to a twenty-year term of obligation. But now, only six or seven years had passed, and his life had become more thrilling than the entirety of his previous existence. Setting aside the Core Formation items, he had even helped eliminate four Nascent Soul cultivators, one of whom, the White Bone Old Devil, had committed suicide submissively. Han Chao’s array of magical artifacts and elixirs had also ascended steadily.

Lei Dong’s mystery, might, and generosity had deeply subdued Han Chao, convincing him that once the twenty-year term ended, he absolutely must continue to follow Lei Dong. This was an unprecedented opportunity in his life. Even if it meant enduring the Ghost Gu affliction once more, he wouldn't hesitate. He might even request the Ghost Gu willingly, as this was entirely different from being controlled by the Ghost Gu under the command of the White Bone Demon Lord. Once afflicted by Lei Dong’s Ghost Gu, he would earn deeper trust and be utilized in more significant ways.

With this mindset, Han Chao treated Lei Dong with a deference and obedience almost bordering on that shown to a true master.

He carried out his duties wholeheartedly, without daring to slacken in the slightest. In fact, it wasn't just Han—even the Black Iron Tower situated deep within the Great Barren Desert held a similar sentiment, having developed a genuine heart of submission and allegiance toward Lei Dong.

As for Lei Dong's original subordinates, Qian Luo, a Core Formation cultivator, went without saying; he was loyal and fiercely righteous toward Lei Dong. The others, Shangguan Hong, Qing Niangzi, and the rest of the Foundation Establishment cultivators, devoted the majority of their time to cultivation, striving to break through to the Core Formation stage soon to become Lei Dong's right and left hands. They believed that given their unique connection with Lei Dong, once they reached Core Formation, they could very likely lead groups of people. They further believed that when Lei Dong achieved great success, he would not treat these old comrades poorly. Having known Lei Dong for so long, they understood his character perfectly—those good to him would be repaid manifold.

"Meimei, take Venerable Fumo's Nascent Soul first. Force out the spiritual treasure hidden within it; if it suits you, keep it." Lei Dong felt refreshed all over. He had long existed under the oppression of this perilous world, especially the pressure emanating from Nascent Soul cultivators, who always seemed impossibly high and overwhelmingly powerful. Now, however, it wasn't that this curse was entirely broken. But as his own strength grew, sooner or later, Nascent Soul cultivators would cease to be a threat to him. Accepting a Nascent Soul of comparable strength to himself, even with the Heavenly Demon's cultivation level, she couldn't help but feel a slight tremor in her heart. The way she looked at Lei Dong was distinctly different from before. She, who had thought certain death awaited, had not anticipated Lei Dong engineering such an astonishing reversal to slay Venerable Fumo. The reverent expressions of the Core Formation cultivator calling him 'Master' were utterly genuine. The looks of friendliness, respect, and even fanaticism directed toward Lei Dong from those unruly Earth Giants were undisguised. Even those Foundation Establishment cultivators possessed strength far beyond the ordinary, showing extraordinary promise.

All of this made the Heavenly Demon feel that her beloved had changed; he no longer needed the shelter of her wings. In this cruel world, he now possessed the strength not only to protect himself but also to shield Mu Yanmei. She even had a faint premonition that her beloved would eventually carve out a path of earth-shattering significance.

Seeing Lei Dong succeed in his endeavors brought her more joy than her own cultivation breakthroughs. Her voice softened, slightly hoarse, "Lei Dong, the spiritual treasure from Vajra Temple isn't very suitable for me. Moreover, I already possess the Heavenly Demon Sword. I will extract them, erase the spiritual imprints, sell them, and buy two better artifacts for you. Looking at you, you must be at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Another dual cultivation session with Qi Feifei should give you at least a ninety percent chance of breaking through to Core Formation."

The Heavenly Demon had underestimated Lei Dong's aptitude slightly, assuming that while inferior to the Yin Sha Twin Heroes, his talent was still remarkably excellent. She failed to realize that Lei Dong's cultivation aptitude, among all cultivators possessing spirit roots, ranked only slightly above average. For a cultivator of this caliber, reaching the Foundation Establishment stage in this life would be considered extremely fortunate.

Lei Dong’s only advantage lay in his decent comprehension, which somewhat compensated for the defect in his spirit root aptitude.

Lei Dong could only offer a bitter smile inwardly. Only he knew the hardships endured to maintain his relatively fast cultivation pace. Others merely needed to meditate daily, but he had to continuously swallow top-grade elixirs, and more dramatically, use the Heavenly Demon Transformation to wring out every last drop of power from his body. The pain, even for someone with Lei Dong's iron will, was chilling to recall. As for breaking through to Core Formation, even with all his advantages, plus Qi Feifei, and the detailed advancement insights from the White Bone Old Devil, Lei Dong estimated his chances at only seventy percent. Of course, if paired with the Ascension Pill—an elixir so expensive it would drive most Foundation Establishment cultivators to suicide—then the certainty would approach one hundred percent.

However, he chose not to elaborate on this for the moment. Hearing that Meimei seemed to possess only one suitable spiritual treasure caused his brow to furrow slightly. He found it strange; given Meimei’s status and power in the Yin Sha Sect, acquiring enough materials to refine an excellent spiritual treasure shouldn't have been difficult. Why only one? Could it be that someone in the sect was bullying or suppressing Meimei?

Lei Dong had misunderstood this point. The Yin Sha Sect had a well-established contribution system. The acquisition of materials based on merit was recorded clearly, and even Nascent Soul cultivators were no exception. The torn Asura King Wing that the Heavenly Demon had brought back for Lei Dong was estimated at too low a price; the remainder had to be covered by the Heavenly Demon herself, unless she was willing to let the sect reclaim Lei Dong's Asura Wings.

The Asura King Wing, a material for the world's supreme fighting artifacts, was an object of immense value. Even for someone of the Heavenly Demon's strength, without ten or twenty years of desperate effort, she couldn't fill that financial gap. Consequently, she still possessed only one spiritual treasure inherited from the Heavenly Demon Palace: the Heavenly Demon Sword.

Lei Dong decided to discreetly inquire upon returning to the sect, suppressing the doubt in his heart. He smiled and shook his head: "Meimei, didn't I tell you I struck it rich in Zhao State and came home? Moreover, you were the absolute main force in eliminating Venerable Fumo this time. How about this: his Nascent Soul and physical body are mine; I have a great use for them. As for the rest, Meimei, take them to sell and exchange for some suitable spiritual treasures."

"This?" The Heavenly Demon certainly sensed the warmth and goodwill in her beloved's offer. While her heart swelled with sweetness, she glanced at the Giants and cultivators accompanying Lei Dong, worrying that this might affect their perception of Lei Dong. After all, everyone had contributed effort during the kill; according to the rules of this world, everyone had the right to divide the spoils.

"My Lord~"

Shangguan Hong and the others, who had been with Lei Dong for over a decade and shared a relationship like brothers, flew forward. Shangguan Hong bowed respectfully: "Shangguan Hong greets the Mistress. We are all the Lord's subordinates and are not entitled to any share of the spoils, so Elder Sister-in-law need not worry." As he spoke, he winked at Lei Dong, his expression one of complete admiration. In truth, Shangguan Hong was utterly astonished; he had never imagined that the legendary wife of his sworn brother, Boss Lei, was actually a Nascent Soul realm senior—it was unimaginable. Seeing Lei Dong in the act of pleasing someone, he, as a subordinate junior brother, naturally had to step forward and support him.

"Indeed, indeed. We are all loyal subordinates of Boss Lei—ah, no, of the Lord." Zhao Ge, who specialized in formations and usually remained quiet, also stepped forward to pay respects: "Subordinate Formation Master Zhao Ge greets the Mistress."

The most dejected was likely Qing Niangzi. This alluring woman, appearing as a mature wife, was actually still a virgin. Especially since she had secretly admired Lei Dong for a long time, hinting at her feelings several times, yet Lei Dong remained unmoved, even vaguely mentioning that he already had a wife. For a long time, Qing Niangzi had speculated wildly about which celestial fairy Lei Dong’s wife might be, only to find out she was a Nascent Soul cultivator... This outcome nearly plunged Qing Niangzi into despair. However, as Lei Dong’s subordinate, she could only step forward to pay respects, mumbling her unwillingness reluctantly.

"Han Chao greets the Mistress, but Han Chao is not a subordinate, but the Master's slave," Han Chao said, executing a deep, respectful bow.

"Yiyi ya ya."

The Mute Girl also crowded forward to join the fun. She used true energy to write the characters "Greeting Master's Wife" in the air, which caused the Heavenly Demon to pause in slight surprise: "Lei Dong, is this your disciple?" Subordinate and disciple were concepts entirely different from one another.

"That's right. Not only is she my life-saver, but she is also my only disciple," Lei Dong confirmed with a nod.

So many people mistaking her for Lei Dong's true wife gave the Heavenly Demon a small surge of pride. However, her expression soon dimmed, and she shook her head with a bitter smile: "Everyone, I am not Lei Dong's wife. I am merely the wild woman he keeps outside."

Thud! A group of people fell down instantly.

... (End of Chapter)