As Thunder Moving had predicted, even the peak Nascent Soul-stage Lei Ji Shen Zhan proved utterly fragile, barely posing any real threat to him, which inexplicably filled him with a surge of heroic pride. Reflecting on his journey—from an unknown, trodden-upon junior cultivator to achieving his current level of strength—gave even Thunder Moving himself a touch of wistful emotion. Furthermore, Thunder Moving was acutely aware of his own aptitude; among the general sect disciples, he was merely above average. Theoretically, his greatest hope should have been reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. Achieving the Golden Core stage would have already been a blessing from his ancestral graves.

Yet now, not only had he successfully ascended to the Nascent Soul realm, but he possessed combat power nearly unparalleled within it. Aside from a handful of ancient, powerful Divine Transformation stage experts, few things in this world posed a threat to him.

However, a thick sense of impending danger still permeated Thunder Moving’s heart. Within the powerful Grand Supreme Sect, there seemed to be another formidable existence, one who was no less imposing than the Netherworld Ghost Emperor. Thunder Moving knew the Ghost Emperor’s strength all too well; if that entity wished to kill him, even escaping would be tremendously difficult. The world was vast; within the Six Regions and Nine Continents, experts were countless. Moreover, the Three Realms, now severed from contact with the Lower Realm, harbored even more masters and supreme powers.

After recalling the Raging Ghost Army back into the Nether Flame Ghost Banner, Thunder Moving temporarily stored the demon infant of the Lei Ji Shen Zhan. The massive, vital, and blood-rich flesh and blood were bestowed upon the two Ghost Kings, hoping this bounty would enable them to break through to the intermediate Ghost King level in one go. Ghost Thorn Ah-Chou, after feasting to its heart’s content, joyfully returned to Thunder Moving’s new Soul Nurturing Tower to absorb and digest, striving for advancement.

Thunder Moving’s new Soul Nurturing Tower possessed quite a history; it was considered a foundational treasure of the Yin Fiend Sect. This was only granted because Thunder Moving had achieved a monumental merit this time, even though his exploits were not publicly announced.

However, the Nascent Soul stage elders within the Yin Fiend Sect were fully aware of the magnitude of Thunder Moving’s contribution.

After extensive deliberation over what gift would suffice—as Thunder Moving himself was quite wealthy in terms of resources, and even giving him a top-tier Spirit Ghost seemed beneath their dignity—they finally settled.

The Blood Demon proposed, and the Grand Supreme Elder made the final decision: the tower, graded as a High-Grade Spirit Treasure, was bestowed upon Thunder Moving. It was only an item of this caliber that could truly catch Thunder Moving’s eye. Nascent Soul cultivators and Golden Core cultivators differed vastly; using artifacts seemed somewhat cheapening for the former. What suited a Nascent Soul cultivator was naturally the so-called Spirit Treasure.

Spirit Treasures were largely fashioned after famous, named Innate Spirit Treasures of antiquity, crafted from exceedingly costly materials. Even a Low-Grade Spirit Treasure was immensely valuable. A Middle-Grade Spirit Treasure could often serve as the signature item for a Nascent Soul cultivator. As for High-Grade Spirit Treasures, they were virtually impossible to find on the market; if they surfaced, they commanded an astronomical price or required an exchange for another Spirit Treasure of equal standing. High-Grade Spirit Treasures typically served as foundational treasures for sects like the Yin Fiend Sect. Of course, a sect with the background of the Yin Fiend Sect possessed more than just one, but they remained exceedingly rare.

Had Thunder Moving’s contribution not been so immense—leaving nothing else worthy of reward—the Supreme Elders of the Yin Fiend Sect would never have parted with it for him.

This tower truly lived up to its High-Grade Spirit Treasure designation. Even for a Ghost King level existence like Ghost Thorn Ah-Chou, being inside offered highly beneficial soul nourishment, causing the cultivation of both to advance by leaps and bounds.

Now, even if Thunder Moving wished to bring them outside, neither was willing to stay away for long. How comfortable life was within the Soul Nurturing Tower!

As for Supreme-Grade Spirit Treasures, while perhaps less renowned than Innate Spirit Treasures, their power and utility were likely not far behind. Supreme-Grade Spirit Treasures were even rarer; forging one presented difficulties nearly comparable to forging an Innate Spirit Treasure.

However, this demonstrated just how priceless Innate Spirit Treasures were. Thunder Moving had nearly risked life and limb for his Nether Flame Ghost Banner, and it had been worthwhile, considering the terrifying boost in strength it had granted him. Otherwise, how could he have contended with peak Nascent Soul powerhouses relying solely on his own strength?

Furthermore, Thunder Moving’s Master, Ancestor Ten Thousand Ghosts, possessed the Styx Chart, an Innate Spirit Treasure. His master had inadvertently acquired that treasure during his Golden Core period. Now that his master had smoothly advanced to the Nascent Soul realm, with his lifespan greatly increased, he could finally begin to unleash the true might of the Styx Chart. This elevated his master’s strength to fully match that of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. During this recent great war, Ancestor Ten Thousand Ghosts shone brightly; the twin Ghost Kings, coupled with the Styx Chart, unleashed endless power, mowing down foes until rivers of blood flowed.

His standing within the Yin Fiend Sect soared dramatically, nearly equating him to the Grand Supreme Elder.

Ancestor Ten Thousand Ghosts could certainly be considered a man of extraordinary fortune. At the fifth layer of the Qi Refining stage, he obtained a top-grade Spirit Ghost capable of stirring up massacres. Just after advancing to the Golden Core stage, he unexpectedly acquired the Styx Chart, and most fortunately, he gained Thunder Moving as an excellent disciple. Most terrifyingly, from the very beginning, his master treated Thunder Moving as his most trusted disciple, unafraid to offend others, wholeheartedly sheltering the trouble-making Thunder Moving. This also ensured that, in the future, he would receive immense rewards from Thunder Moving.

Compared to other cultivators of his generation, Ancestor Ten Thousand Ghosts himself seemed like the protagonist of a novel.

As Thunder Moving bid farewell to his master before setting off this time, he was startled to find that his master was about to elevate the Seductive Fiend into the position of Martial Mother. This secretly amused Thunder Moving; it seemed the two had been entwined for quite some time, and now, with his master’s strength greatly increased, all inhibitions were gone, and he aggressively pursued the Seductive Fiend, showering her with heaps of top-grade elixirs until she was dizzy. This was truly a happy development; his master’s happiness was something Thunder Moving genuinely celebrated.

Setting aside surrounding matters, Thunder Moving continued piloting his flying boat toward the tribe of the Rock Earth Giants. Another swift two months flashed by. Along the way, he slew quite a few Golden Core level demonic beasts; though their value was low, it was better than nothing.

As the flying boat settled near the Earth Giant tribe, several tall, stout Earth Giants rushed over, their massive wooden clubs thudding heavily against the ground, appearing somewhat aggressive: “Who dares trespass upon the Earth Giant territory?” Thunder Moving glanced from a distance and noticed that these two Earth Giants looked somewhat unfamiliar, unlike the elders of the Rock Tribe. But this was normal; with Thunder Moving’s resource support, Rock had successfully advanced to the Nascent Soul level. A Nascent Soul Earth Giant carried significant influence, especially since the Great Desolate Desert was fraught with danger, where even naturally gifted Earth Giants were frequently hunted by various demonic beasts. Having a powerful leader increased the tribe’s survivability, allowing more Earth Giants to live. Through a carrot-and-stick approach, he had subdued several smaller Earth Giant tribes. Clearly, these two unfamiliar giants were members of annexed groups.

Thunder Moving floated calmly in mid-air, cupping his hands in a respectful salute: “Brother Earth Giant, I am Thunder Moving of Kang Prefecture, a brother to your tribe leader, Rock.” A faint scan of his divine sense revealed a slight surprise: these two Earth Giants seemed quite strong, likely around the peak of the Golden Core stage, their physiques sturdy and imposing. It seemed Rock was developing well, even managing to incorporate such potential experts.

Thunder Moving had expected immediate welcome upon revealing his identity, given his excellent relationship with the Rock Earth Giant tribe. Surely Rock would have informed any newcomers about his connection with Thunder Moving.

Unexpectedly, when Thunder Moving announced himself, the two Earth Giants did halt their charge, but their expressions carried a hint of scorn and disdain: “You, a mere Golden Core human, dare call yourselves brothers to us Earth Giants? Rock is truly regressing in his old age, consorting with low-grade humans.” Upon hearing this, Thunder Moving’s brow furrowed slightly. Under the Zhou Tian Zang Ri Jue, he maintained his aura to mimic the mid-stage Golden Core realm. At his current cultivation level, even peak Nascent Soul experts couldn't gauge his true depth, let alone two Golden Core Earth Giants? Their inability to see his true strength was expected, but those words were certainly surprising.

From their tone, these two did not seem to belong to the Rock Tribe. But even as guests, one shouldn't be so arrogant and critical on the host's ground, right? They seemed ill-intentioned, and Thunder Moving’s lips curved into a wry smile. This seemed like yet another opportunity to deepen his bond with the Earth Giant tribe.

Uncertain of the situation, and being naturally cautious, Thunder Moving was not provoked by the crude sarcasm of mere Earth Giants. He simply smiled faintly, without altering his expression: “Are you two perhaps guests of Chief Rock? I am Thunder Moving, here to pay my respects to Chief Rock. If you find it inconvenient, perhaps you could fetch another brother from the Rock Tribe?”

“Human, leave our Earth Giant territory at once, or don’t blame us brothers for forcefully driving you out. Chief Rock is discussing important matters with our own chief and has no time to see a small fry human like you,” the foreign Earth Giant spoke rudely.

So that was the situation. The information spat out by the foreign giants was enough for him to form a judgment. Not bothering to get angry, he clasped his hands and regarded them both with keen interest: “Oh? I would very much like to see how you two big fellows intend to drive me out?” Having advanced to the Nascent Soul stage, Rock probably didn't know yet, making this a heaven-sent chance for Thunder Moving to display his might.

“Human, you seek death!” The Earth Giant, losing patience, roared in fury and swung his massive wooden club toward Thunder Moving floating in the air.