Lei Dong gazed around in astonishment, simultaneously launching a powerful divine sense to sweep across the surroundings. Yet, as far as the eye could see, the vision extended only a dozen zhang before meeting a swirling expanse of mist beyond the Hundred Blossom Valley. His divine sense, probing the same distance, struck something yielding, like cotton batting, vanishing without a trace, unable to advance another half an inch—it was utterly bizarre.

However, Lei Dong was a seasoned veteran. Faced with this sudden change, he quickly calmed himself. He erected a Dark Yin Shield around himself, thin as an eggshell, and summoned his Twin Ghost Generals and the Soul-Devouring Shadow Tiger to guard him closely. Lei Dong couldn't probe what lay beyond the mist. But within the Hundred Blossom Valley, there seemed to be no sign of life, save for the abnormally vibrant and exotic flora.

The spiritual energy was also abundant—certainly far richer than any Spirit Lair he had previously experienced.

After a moment of clearing his thoughts, Lei Dong realized: could he be inside some kind of sub-space? Could that storage chest truly contain an entire sub-space? Lei Dong was no novice; he knew the world was full of spatial dimensions, and sub-spaces were countless. But spaces capable of sustaining life were far fewer. Sub-spaces with such extraordinarily rich spiritual energy were exceedingly rare. Throughout history, many fortunate individuals had discovered such domains, usually only recording the coordinates to use them as private retreats. To refine such an astonishing sub-space and carry it with oneself required skill beyond the heavens; it was akin to refining a minor world. A Nascent Soul cultivator couldn't manage it, and even a Soul Transformation expert likely couldn't achieve it.

He had stumbled upon a treasure. Even with Lei Dong's current experience, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This item was certainly not modern; it must be the creation of some ancient powerhouse.

Once settled, Lei Dong began contemplating the true utility of this domain. A world unto himself—a domain truly his own. What benefits could it truly offer? Judging by how lushly the flowers grew, it seemed perfectly suited for cultivating spiritual herbs and elixirs. However, with a diameter of only thirty zhang, it seemed rather small. He wondered what lay beyond the mist?

Aside from cultivation, the sheer abundance of spiritual energy was exceptional. Using this place as a retreat for closed-door cultivation would significantly benefit his advancement. He wondered if he could bring others in. If he brought in the children of the Hidden Dragon Army to cultivate, the results would surely be excellent. With all these thoughts swirling, each needed to be tested.

But the very first step was to refine this storage chest, integrating it into his divine soul. Otherwise, everything remained mere speculation, vulnerable to being snatched away at any moment. Lei Dong began the process of withdrawal; with a thought, a swirling spatial gate appeared before him.

Stepping through the gate, following a brief spatial distortion, Lei Dong reappeared in the basement.

"Lei Dong! My Lord." The Blood Demon and Heavenly Demon flashed before him, both wearing expressions of shock. They had only seen Lei Dong vanish in a flash, leaving not a single trace of aura behind. Just as they were about to examine the storage chest, Lei Dong reappeared in the blink of an eye.

"Relax, I'm fine." Lei Dong let out a breath of relief; it seemed entering and exiting the sub-space was remarkably convenient. Glancing at the tense pair, he mused, "This storage chest contains a sustainable sub-space. I wonder which great power crafted such a treasure?" This item didn't concern his life and death like the Soul-Devouring Tower, so there was no harm in telling the Blood Demon. Spatial treasures, while rare, were not entirely unheard of.

Of course, that didn't mean this item was common or worthless. Quite the opposite: this thing was incredibly valuable, especially a sub-space one could carry personally. He couldn't buy an equivalent treasure even by selling the Blood Demon and the others.

"A sustainable sub-space?" The Blood Demon started, then erupted in ecstatic joy. "Congratulations, My Lord, hearty congratulations! A portable, survival-grade sub-space—even in the ancient era, it was a treasure only accessible to a select few. This is known as a Minor World, or sometimes a Private Abode, suitable for cultivation as a secret garden. I wonder, is the spiritual energy here truly abundant?"

The Blood Demon asked with professional insight. Survivable sub-spaces, while scarce, could sometimes be found with luck. But a Minor World that was both habitable and spiritually dense was a genuine rarity. Moreover, the fact that it was portable elevated it far beyond the likes of mere storage bracelets.

"Blood Demon, that question was perhaps too forward," the Heavenly Demon interjected, her delicate brow furrowed, her voice cool.

The Blood Demon flinched slightly under the Heavenly Demon's faint pressure, immediately suppressing his excitement and replying deferentially, "My Lord, this subordinate overstepped." In the past, the Blood Demon might not have feared the younger Heavenly Demon. But as she advanced to the mid-stage of Nascent Soul, he unconsciously felt a subtle lowering of his own stature. Such was the way of this world: strength was the ultimate authority. "It's nothing. Senior Blood Demon is one of us; there are no secrets too great to share." Lei Dong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, smiling lightly. "It is a sub-space saturated with spiritual energy. You two shall accompany me inside for a look."

Though aware that Lei Dong’s words were intended to win loyalty, the Blood Demon still felt a warm surge of respect. Hearing it was a place rich in spiritual energy, the Blood Demon couldn't suppress his curiosity and nodded, entering the Minor World alongside Lei Dong.

Even for two well-traveled Nascent Soul cultivators, this Minor World elicited gasps of awe. Especially the spiritual energy—'abundant' was an understatement; it was almost viscous. Such an incredibly dense environment was something only seen in the distant past. It was precisely this saturation of energy that made the various ancient races so terrifyingly powerful, capable of world-shattering feats.

"Ten years—no, five years. If I could cultivate here for five years, I am highly confident I could break through to the mid-stage of Nascent Soul," the Blood Demon expressed with feverish intensity, looking eagerly at Lei Dong. "My Lord, I humbly request your permission." It was no wonder the Blood Demon struggled to contain himself. He had been trapped at the early Nascent Soul stage for countless years, achieving nothing but repeated disappointment through successive secluded cultivation.

"Breakthrough in five years?" Lei Dong was slightly surprised. Five years was a long time for a mortal, but for a cultivator, it was fleeting. Gaining a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator in just five years—who could refuse that? Even among Nascent Soul experts, the difference between early and mid-stage was significant. At the very least, a mid-stage cultivator could contend against three early-stage experts without being disadvantaged. The difference brought by rank was substantial. Without some heaven-defying means, attempting to challenge a higher rank was extremely arduous. Of course, this only referred to differences within the same realm. The gaps between realms—Foundation Establishment and Golden Core, Golden Core and Nascent Soul, Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation—were far greater. Differences within a realm were quantitative; differences between realms were qualitative.

"As you wish, however," Lei Dong mused briefly, then stated, "we must wait a while longer. The current situation outside is precarious, and Senior Blood Demon's combat strength is still very important."

Though slightly disappointed, the Blood Demon understood the larger context must be considered and solemnly replied, "Your subordinate obeys. Once this matter is resolved, this subordinate will enter secluded cultivation."

"Wait, haven't you noticed a discrepancy?" While the Heavenly Demon was also awestruck by this blessed realm, she keenly sensed something unusual. "Lei Dong, how long were you inside the last time?"

Lei Dong was slightly confused, calculating briefly. "Barely the time it takes half an incense stick to burn."

"What? Half an incense stick?" As the Heavenly Demon’s face drastically changed, the Blood Demon bellowed, "How is that possible? My Lord, you clearly disappeared for only a few dozen breaths!"

"Breaths? No…" Lei Dong stopped himself mid-sentence, his own expression shifting to one of magnificent astonishment. "Time. The rate of time flow is different." No wonder the Heavenly Demon noticed something amiss. Anyone entering this Minor World would naturally pause for a moment—perhaps scouting with their divine sense, then expressing shock. It was impossible to achieve even a preliminary understanding and leave in just a few dozen breaths.

The rate of flow was a concept the Heavenly and Blood Demons didn't fully grasp. However, this world was ancient, having developed along a path entirely different from Earth’s. They were not unfamiliar with time; they had even conducted some research into it.

"The Law of Time."

The two Demon Heads sucked in a sharp breath almost simultaneously, voicing the astonishing term word by word. As they looked around again, their faces held deeper gravity, though what outweighed it was reverence. The ancient powerhouse who had refined this Minor World was clearly a terrifying being who had mastered the Law of Time.

They were figures of the Nascent Soul stage, having merely scratched the surface of the Law of Space, and only the barest edges at that. Mastering anything related to the Law of Space placed them in a position to look up in awe. The even more profound Law of Time was something they couldn't even dream of. Even in the ancient era, those who grasped even specks of the Law of Time were unparalleled figures who dominated the cosmos for an epoch.

"Test it, test it." Even the steadfast Lei Dong couldn't contain his wild joy. "Senior Blood Demon, you two go out first. I will remain here for twelve shichen before departing." He raised his hand and summoned a spatial vortex. Even without complete refinement, Lei Dong was practically the master here.

After sending the Blood Demon and the Heavenly Demon out, Lei Dong settled down to meditate, circulating his Qi. Twelve shichen passed in a flash. The spiritual energy here truly lived up to its description—dense to the point of viscosity. In that short span, Lei Dong could already feel a slight increase in his cultivation level. He secretly rejoiced: even with his mediocre aptitude, if he cultivated here for ten years without relying on elixirs, he could advance to the peak of the Golden Core stage.