(Ugh, I counted the chapters. In December, there should theoretically have been 46 updates, but so far there have only been 35, leaving 11 chapters unwritten with only four days remaining. The pressure seems immense, ^_^, but I will work hard~ aiming for a solid start before the end of the year arrives.) …… The Hidden Dragon Pendant—Lei Dong had already learned of its nature from the exchange between the two Ghost Emperors.

Before this, due to the overwhelming strength of his opponents, Lei Dong hadn't given it much thought; after all, no matter how fine a Primordial Spirit Treasure was, one needed the fortune to wield it. Now that he had obtained it so casually, how could Lei Dong not feel an exhilarating surge of joy? However, the only thing that slightly disappointed him was that the greatest function of this Primordial Spirit Treasure lay in concealing one's aura, which somewhat conflicted with the Zhou Tian Zang Ri Jue technique he practiced.

Of course, the Hidden Dragon Pendant was a Primordial Spirit Treasure passed down from ancient times, its efficacy vastly superior to Lei Dong’s half-mastered Zhou Tian Zang Ri Jue. Each of them swallowed their pills, floating in the void, meditating to mend their wounds. After a considerable time, they managed to recover some vitality.

Lei Dong slowly opened his eyes, gazing from afar at the tall, somewhat desolate figure floating in the air, hands clasped behind his back, the formation flags already put away. He then rose smoothly, cupped his hands toward the figure, and bowed deeply: “This junior, Lei Dong of the Yinsha Sect, formally pays respects to the Netherworld Ghost Emperor senior.” The Netherworld Ghost Emperor allowed his silver hair to billow in the currents rising from the abyss. He glanced at Lei Dong from a distance.

That single glance seemed to penetrate Lei Dong’s internal organs and reveal his very essence. With a detached tone, he waved a hand: “Rise.” After a brief silence, he spoke coldly, “This fellow surnamed Lei, do you have any idea how disagreeable you are to me? If I could, I would crush you with a single palm strike.” Lei Dong naturally understood the reason, offered no explanation, and maintained an exceptionally respectful expression: “This junior must also thank the senior for the considerable protection offered to Wan Yan and the others.” “Hmph, I only did so for Xiao You’s sake.

Lei boy, I ask you, are you willing to relinquish control over Xiao You and abandon the Blood Sacrifice?” While the Netherworld Ghost Emperor spoke these words, in truth, he held considerable admiration and fondness for Ding Wan Yan and Dong Fang Fu as well. “Netherworld Senior.” Xiao You, having rested slightly, had regained some of her ghostly energy. She opened her eyes.

Without waiting for Lei Dong’s reply, she flashed over and landed next to the Netherworld Ghost Emperor, linking her arm with his as if a father or elder reuniting after a long absence, and coaxed him affectionately: “You are the Great Emperor who governs the Ghost Clan of the Nether Domain. Please be magnanimous and do not hold a grudge against my young master.” “Alas~ you foolish girl.” The Netherworld Ghost Emperor was a figure of immense stature; he instantly perceived that Xiao You had lost her pristine Yin Essence and much of her vital ghost energy. He couldn't help but stroke her long hair with concern, frowning slightly as he chided her, “How could you be so careless with yourself?

This impudent brat dared to turn you, a dignified Heavenly Spirit Ghost, into a mere ghost servant through Blood Sacrifice. He has even seized your ghost energy and taken your pristine Yin. It is utterly outrageous.” The more he thought about it, the angrier he became; if Xiao You hadn't intervened, he would have struck Lei Dong dead immediately.

This posture perfectly resembled a bitter father whose beloved daughter has been taken advantage of by a reckless youth, yet the daughter still speaks on his behalf. Xiao You was naturally afraid of the Netherworld Ghost Emperor causing trouble for Lei Dong, so she clung to him coquettishly, constantly detailing how good Lei Dong was to her, claiming the refinement into a ghost servant was purely an accident. She simply didn't want to put Lei Dong in a difficult position.

Seeing the Ghost Emperor’s demeanor, it seemed he intended to force Lei Dong to dissolve the Blood Sacrifice effect and restore her freedom. “Netherworld Senior.” With Lei Dong’s intelligence, he could not fail to grasp the underlying currents. It wasn't precisely the fear of the Netherworld Ghost Emperor causing trouble.

Rather, after experiencing this series of events, Lei Dong had long ceased to view Xiao You as merely a ghost servant. He genuinely saw her as an independent entity, a complete life form. He immediately stated solemnly: “If the senior possesses a method, this junior is willing to dissolve the Blood Sacrifice vow binding me to Xiao You.” This forthrightness startled the Netherworld Ghost Emperor.

One must remember that due to his own injuries, the Netherworld Ghost Emperor had little real recourse against Lei Dong. Furthermore, out of concern for Xiao You’s life and reputation, he could not truly kill Lei Dong. Lei Dong could easily exploit this hesitation to maintain control over Xiao You.

Xiao You was a Heavenly Spirit Ghost; in the human world, even a mere peak-grade Spirit Ghost was enough to incite intense, bloody conflict among Nascent Soul cultivators. Moreover, she was a Heavenly Spirit Ghost. Countless cultivators spend their entire lives striving—they might never even catch a glimpse of one.

Just as the Netherworld Ghost Emperor himself was not someone ordinary cultivators had the chance to meet. “Lei Dong, do you truly mean that?” The Netherworld Ghost Emperor’s expression clearly softened towards Lei Dong, repeating “Good” several times. As a being born of the Heavenly Spirit Ghost lineage, the Netherworld Ghost Emperor harbored a particularly unique kinship for Xiao You.

Moreover, he had been searching for a successor for over a thousand years and had finally found Xiao You, such a rare and outstanding candidate. Naturally, he did not wish to let her go. However, the entire Ghost Clan would absolutely never tolerate a human’s ghost servant leading the entire clan, even if she originated from the incomparably noble Heavenly Spirit Ghost lineage.

“Master, do you no longer want Xiao You?” Xiao You, whose relationship with Lei Dong had just undergone a qualitative shift, showed no joy upon hearing she could gain freedom. Instead, her face crumpled with the distress of abandonment. Her eyes, indistinguishable from those of a human maiden, were so watery that tears seemed ready to fall.

Even Dong Fang Fu and Ding Wan Yan were slightly moved. After all, she was an exceedingly rare Heavenly Spirit Ghost. If Lei Dong were slightly luckier, she could become a Ghost Emperor-level servant in the future.

Such an enticement was not something ordinary people could refuse. Lei Dong swiftly moved, flashing before Xiao You and the Netherworld Ghost Emperor, gazing at her with a complex expression. He sighed, “Xiao You, it’s not that I don’t want you.

It’s just that controlling someone as ethereal as you with the evil technique of Blood Sacrifice truly makes my heart ache. In truth, even if the Netherworld Senior hadn't brought it up, this Lei would have found a way to lift the Blood Sacrifice and grant you freedom.” “I don’t want it, I don’t want to leave you, Master.” Xiao You put on a pitiful, heart-wrenching expression: “Master, please don’t let Xiao You go.” The Netherworld Ghost Emperor was momentarily dumbfounded. This foolish girl truly was foolish; she had been controlled by the Blood Sacrifice technique, and now that she finally had a chance to escape the clutches of that fiend, she was begging not to go.

However, being a figure accustomed to supreme authority, killing was simple for him; coaxing women was something he had never done. He could only wait, eyes fixed on Lei Dong. Lei Dong was equally helpless; he excelled at killing, not at comforting.

Unexpectedly, at this critical juncture, Ding Wan Yan pulled Dong Fang Fu and the other woman as they floated over like celestial maidens, landing lightly beside the weeping Xiao You. Gently taking Xiao You’s small, sobbing hand, she soothed her with gentle words: “Xiao You, listen to Wan Yan sister say a few words. Lei Dong dissolving the Blood Sacrifice contract with you does not mean he is abandoning you.

Think about it: if he only viewed you as a tool or a slave, would he be willing to dissolve the Blood Sacrifice contract? I believe he already views you as a true friend. Moreover, you are such a beautiful and outstanding young woman—even I feel a touch of inadequacy looking at you.

How could you possibly continue to serve as someone’s vassal?” Immediately afterward, Ding Wan Yan erected a Xuan Yin Shield and leaned close to Xiao You’s ear, whispering secrets in a confidential murmur. This manner of speaking was impossible to eavesdrop on, even for a peak Ghost Emperor. Furthermore, how could someone of the Ghost Emperor’s stature lower himself to eavesdrop on the private talk of two young women?

He could only stand awkwardly opposite Lei Dong, waiting patiently, hoping Ding Wan Yan could persuade Xiao You. After a long while, the pitiable Xiao You finally managed to stop crying and broke into a shy smile. She glanced at Lei Dong furtively before lowering her head, blushing deeply, and saying: “Xiao You was actually saved by sister in the desolate wilderness, so Xiao You will listen to everything sister says.” She adopted an air of following Ding Wan Yan’s lead.

Everyone knew this was just an excuse, but no one dared to expose it. Especially the Netherworld Ghost Emperor, who was overjoyed by this turn of events: “Good, good! I, the Netherworld Ghost Emperor, have waited for a thousand years, and finally, I have a successor!

I am called Netherworld, and you are called Xiao You. Judging by our names, fate has brought us together. Does this old ghost, Netherworld, have the honor of taking you as a daughter?” When he reached the height of his excitement, the Netherworld Ghost Emperor stopped referring to himself as ‘Zhen’ (Imperial ‘I’).

Xiao You looked at Ding Wan Yan with exceptional docility, and upon receiving her nod, she joyfully rushed forward and bowed respectfully: “Your daughter, Xiao You, greets Father.” Between Heavenly Spirit Ghosts, there existed a special connection and sentiment, so Xiao You was entirely willing to accept such a father. “Good, good! I, Netherworld, have lived for over five thousand years, and today is the happiest day—a double blessing!” The Netherworld Ghost Emperor burst into joyous laughter.

After a long moment, he composed himself, quickly helped Xiao You up, looking extremely doting: “Xiao You, tell me, what gift do you desire? Even the stars in the void, Father will pluck them down for you.” Xiao You’s eyes darted, and she coquettishly pleaded: “Father, your daughter wants nothing. However, could Father help Master find a strand of Nine Nether Ghost Flame?” “Nine Nether Ghost Flame?” The Netherworld Ghost Emperor was slightly taken aback, and he glanced at Lei Dong with a touch of suppressed annoyance, murmuring to himself: “That is one of the renowned exotic flames among the Three Realms, Six Domains, and Nine Continents—quite rare.

Though the Nether Domain Ghost Flame, Father can certainly procure.” His own daughter constantly favoring that brat Lei, naturally made the Netherworld Ghost Emperor feel rather stifled as a father. What kind of cunning spirit was Xiao You? If others couldn't find it, she might believe them.

This Netherworld Ghost Emperor was the most powerful sovereign in the entire Nether Domain; if he couldn't find it, no one in the world could. She continued to whine repeatedly: “No, no, Father just said he’d pluck the stars, can he really not find a mere Nine Nether Ghost Flame?” ……RO