"Humans, you really are a peculiar race. The weak among you cannot even cultivate, yet those with exceptional aptitude possess the power to defy the heavens. Heh, if every human could cultivate, wouldn't there be no place left for the other races?" The Yaksha King watched Dantais Bingyun’s cultivation advance significantly, feeling a profound sense of emotion. From ancient times, through the Upper Ancient era, right up to the present, humans—once considered incredibly weak compared to other races—had gradually taken control of the Nine Provinces and become one of the truly powerful races.

"The laws of the universe are fair. Take the four dominant races, for instance; most achieve the Golden Core stage upon reaching adulthood, but their numbers are scarce. Even more formidable are those monstrous beasts possessing potent ancient divine beast bloodlines; barring unforeseen accidents, advancing to the Nascent Soul stage is practically guaranteed for them." Dantais Bingyun let out a light, unconcerned laugh. "But such beasts are exceedingly rare."

"Indeed. Our Yaksha clan is situated comfortably in the middle—not the best, but certainly not the worst." The Yaksha King, a supreme expert standing at the pinnacle of power as a Soul Transformation stage cultivator, certainly understood these elementary truths. His earlier musings were mere casual reflections. His initial allowance for Dantais Bingyun to enter the Azure Wave Secret Realm was merely to repay a tremendous favor. At the time, he had gravely anticipated that she would likely never emerge, mourning her potential loss.

Now, not only had Dantais Bingyun returned, but she had successfully advanced to the mid-Nascent Soul stage. How could he not value a young talent with such potential? The Azure Wave Secret Realm, while infinitely perilous, always offered commensurate rewards for the risks taken. The pervasive spatial rifts and turbulence within were deadly weapons, yet they also accelerated a cultivator's comprehension of Spatial Laws.

In truth, as long as one survived long enough inside, even one with the comprehension of a pig would absorb some measure of Spatial Law power. This was especially true for a powerhouse like Dantais Bingyun, blessed with rare natural talent and extraordinary comprehension.

Others might not know, but the Yaksha King, who had successfully navigated the Azure Wave Secret Realm himself, understood that those years spent there were the most instrumental period of his entire life. It was precisely through grasping so much Spatial Law that he bypassed numerous detours on his path to the Soul Transformation stage.

Because of this, the Yaksha King was certain that if Dantais Bingyun avoided an untimely demise, her chances of reaching the Soul Transformation stage in the future were quite high. He was more than happy to cultivate good relations with a future Soul Transformation cultivator who already held a favorable connection to him, thus granting Dantais Bingyun the utmost hospitality.

However, one year in the outside world equated to at least ten years within the Azure Wave Secret Realm. Dantais Bingyun had spent an inordinate amount of time inside, leaving her completely unaware of any happenings in the outside world. She casually inquired, assuming only a mere decade or so had passed, expecting little of significance.

But as the Yaksha King recounted the major events of those years one by one, Dantais Bingyun was left utterly dumbfounded. So much had transpired in Kang Province during her seclusion. Most notably, the Yin Sha Sect had not only clashed with the Supreme Sect, but the entire Kang Province and the Yaksha Clan had been dragged into the conflict.

"Senior, are you saying that Li Yao of the Supreme Sect once aggressively pursued Ding Wanyan of the Yin Sha Sect?" After listening intently to the year's major events, Dantais Bingyun frowned and inquired.

"Indeed. What are you implying? Could it be... that Li Yao died because of this?" The Yaksha King was slightly surprised and perplexed. "That seems highly unlikely. Ding Wanyan is merely a disciple at the Golden Core stage. The Yin Sha Sect would never risk offending the Supreme Sect to that extent over one woman. Did the Supreme Sect suspect the Yin Sha Sect and fabricate an excuse?"

"Whether it was an excuse or not, this junior does not know. However, Senior might not be aware, but I have crossed paths with that Ding Wanyan. In terms of literary talent, aptitude, and comprehension, she is in no way inferior to myself." Even for someone of Dantais Bingyun's temperament, mentioning Ding Wanyan stirred a peculiar, profound feeling within her heart. She sighed and continued, "But none of that is important now. What matters is that this woman is Lei Dong's wife."

"Eh? There’s such a matter?" The Yaksha King was momentarily stunned. Given his status, he naturally paid no heed to such gossip. However, that young man Lei Dong had left a deeply impressive mark on the Yaksha King; he held a very good impression of him. In fact, his willingness to aid the Yin Sha Sect earlier was not solely due to his connection with his Heavenly Demon Master but partly to give face to young Lei Dong. Mentioning Lei Dong, the Yaksha King chuckled, "That boy is excellent. But since he’s returned alive, why hasn't he come to pay his respects? What an unruly brat. I can’t even repay his favor now. Has he forgotten? That is quite possible; otherwise, with the calamity that befell the Yin Sha Sect, he wouldn't have remained silent."

Hearing the Yaksha King speak this way, Dantais Bingyun found it somewhat amusing. Her understanding of Lei Dong was perhaps even deeper than Ding Wanyan’s. She knew clearly that Lei Dong would never forget that favor; he intended to use that debt at the most crucial moment. Repaying this debt, the Yaksha King might have to pay an astronomical price.

Based on her knowledge of Lei Dong, Dantais Bingyun certainly understood the depth of his feelings for Ding Wanyan. And Li Yao, hailing from a major sect like the Supreme Sect, would certainly not be easy to deal with. Given this, Dantais Bingyun was almost certain that Lei Dong was responsible for eliminating that unfortunate Li Yao.

"You suddenly mention little Lei. You don’t mean to suggest..." The Yaksha King's expression became somewhat complex, tinged with disbelief. "That's highly improbable, isn't it? Even if the boy had the gall, he wouldn't possess the ability, would he?"

"Senior greatly underestimates Lei Dong." Dantais Bingyun replied with a solemn expression. "While stranded in Zhao Province, he has already slain several Nascent Soul cultivators. With his methods and cunning, eliminating Li Yao would not be difficult."

"Hiss~" The Yaksha King sucked in a sharp breath. Dantais Bingyun’s disposition left no room for doubt in his mind. "Back then, that boy Lei was merely at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. Even if he's defying the heavens, he couldn't possibly be this exaggerated, could he? Killing a Nascent Soul... Uh..." If the Yaksha King knew that Lei Dong had once fallen to a Soul Transformation level adversary, even his strength might not prevent him from fainting.

"But speaking of which, when he was in Zhao Province, Lei Dong recognized a sworn brother. That brother was nothing special, just a Soul Transformation stage Flying Dragon." Dantais Bingyun began her surprising revelations again, speaking fluently. "I was incredibly envious watching them; that Soul Transformation Flying Dragon acted like they were bound by life and death, completely obeying his commands."

"Good heavens!" The Yaksha King stared blankly for a long moment, letting out an unfiltered curse. A Soul Transformation Flying Dragon that listened entirely to him. This wasn't a favor sought through pleasantries; this meant he could directly command such a being to perform tasks? In this world, any Soul Transformation cultivator was a peak overlord. If a mere hint was dropped, countless major organizations would strive ceaselessly, regardless of the cost, to curry favor and alliance. Yet this boy had managed to claim such a pinnacle expert as a sworn brother, a junior at that. This level of achievement stretched beyond the limits of the Yaksha King's imagination.

Dantais Bingyun revealing so much before the Yaksha King wasn't betraying Lei Dong; rather, she was helping him. She understood that the one named Lei Long was currently trapped in the Divine Temple and unable to assist. Analyzing the changes over the past decade, she could easily surmise that Lei Dong must have been instrumental in them. Especially that Heavenly Demon who had garnered so much attention, possessing two top-tier Ghost Kings—Lei Dong was clearly the mastermind behind the scenes. This was because she knew intimately that the imposing, wildly successful Heavenly Demon was, in fact, the lover of a certain scoundrel.

The thought itself made Dantais Bingyun feel a sense of absurdity and discomfort. However, if someone could manipulate a Soul Transformation Flying Dragon into becoming his subordinate, it was logically conceivable that he could persuade a Nascent Soul-level lover as well.

Although she verbally severed ties with Lei Dong and sought to forget him by entering the Azure Wave Secret Realm, spending such a long, perilous, and solitary time there did not make her forget him. Instead, due to moments of lingering longing, that cold and domineering image became more deeply rooted in her heart.

The moment she emerged, she heard he had stirred up immense trouble. Instinctively, Dantais Bingyun intended to help push things along from behind the scenes. By boasting of his capabilities, she hoped to increase his standing in the Yaksha King's mind, which would surely increase the success rate when she eventually cashed in that favor. After all, someone who commanded a Soul Transformation-level subordinate might one day have demands placed upon them by the Yaksha King. Furthermore, Dantais Bingyun was almost certain that Lei Dong would indeed seek to enlist the Yaksha King's aid for something soon.

Alas, what a troublemaker. To have stirred affairs into such a mess! Even if he is strong, he is still only at the Golden Core stage? Dantais Bingyun couldn't help but feel a subtle pang of worry.

"Senior, I have not returned to my sect in a long time and greatly miss my Master." Dantais Bingyun found it difficult to remain seated there any longer and spoke of her departure.

The Yaksha King remained unaware of the secretive nature of her relationship with Lei Dong, assuming they were still adversaries. He had no reason to doubt her and, unable to keep her, extended another invitation for her to visit the Yaksha Clan whenever she pleased.

After exchanging pleasantries, Dantais Bingyun took her leave, employing the Zhou Tian Concealing Sun Art to completely veil her aura as she exited the Yaksha Sea. Such caution was necessary to prevent discovery by members of the Luminous Winged God Clan.

Now at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, coupled with the subtle shifts in Kang Province's political landscape, she no longer felt the despair and powerlessness regarding her future with Lei Dong. While the mid-Nascent Soul stage did not equate to being invincible against heaven-defying odds, Dantais Bingyun was confident that, relying on her understanding of Spatial Laws and the fortuitous encounters in the Azure Wave Secret Realm, she might not be unbeatable among Nascent Soul cultivators, but few at that level could truly harm her.

As for facing a Soul Transformation expert, she would certainly be outmatched. However, she could at least offer some resistance. Lei Dong’s constant refrain—that strength is fundamental—seemed entirely true. With her current power, perhaps she could finally have some say in the evolving relationship between the two major sects. The thought brought a faint blush to Dantais Bingyun's icy cheeks.