The sheer might of the Earth Giants was formidable, but only among those of the same rank. If Lei Dong were truly still in the Golden Core stage, he likely wouldn't dare face these two Earth Giants head-on. However, he was now a cultivator in the early Nascent Soul stage, a difference as vast as the heavens and earth compared to the Golden Core stage. A qualitative transformation had occurred in both his physical constitution and the true essence/spiritual power within his body.

Without dodging or weaving, he calmly extended a single claw. Amidst billowing black miasma, it instantly transformed into a spectral claw several zhang in size, easily grasping the menacing wooden staff. With a mere squeeze in the void, a series of sharp cracks echoed—ga-ga-ga—as the staff was crushed to dust under the grip of the Netherworld Spectral Claw.

Due to his Netherworld Physique, Lei Dong’s series of Netherworld-based spells possessed exceptional power.

The two Earth Giants were momentarily stunned. Their wooden staves were no ordinary objects; they were crafted from Iron Fir that had grown for at least a thousand years, their hardness comparable to refined iron. It seemed only such material could withstand the immense power wielded by the Earth Giant lineage. Yet, this seemingly slight human before them, judging by his aura, appeared only to be in the mid-Golden Core stage. How could a single claw possess such devastating force?

Seizing their confusion, Lei Dong sneered, "It seems you two lack the ability to forcefully expel me with your martial strength? I thought you were mighty, but you’re just big empty shells whose strength is surprisingly frail. I’ve seen enough, truly seen enough." Since ancient times, the Giant race had been notorious for their irritable and violent tempers, a temperament that had brought the Ancient Wasteland Giants to the brink of extinction.

Though these descendants, the Earth Giants, were far weaker than their ancestors, their temperament and personality were perfectly inherited.

This sort of disposition could never tolerate provocation. Lei Dong’s words, spoken to any human cultivator who had lived long enough, would rarely incite any irrational action. But the Earth Giants would react.

Aooooo~

The elite among the two Earth Giants roared out in fury and agitation, lifting both hands toward the sky. Each condensed a massive stone, easily a zhang across, and hurled them toward Lei Dong like two colossal cannonballs. Swoosh!

Simultaneously, Lei Dong felt the surrounding air solidify as if freezing, a tremendous force pulling him downwards. Having thoroughly studied the Earth Giants, Lei Dong had anticipated this move. The innate Gravity Technique was the hallmark spell of the Earth Giants; it was only natural they would deploy it in anger. To the giants’ utter surprise, Lei Dong’s body remained as steadfast as a mountain, leisurely hovering in mid-air, not showing the slightest disturbance.

Hsss hsss~

With a soft, unhurried motion, he extended two fingers. Two streaks of pitch-black, translucent finger essence shot out, accompanied by sharp, whistling winds. Crack and crack—they precisely struck the two massive stones, easily piercing them. The residual Yin force suddenly erupted, causing the stones to shatter mid-air, sending fragments flying everywhere.

The finger essence Lei Dong used was a variation of the Profound Yin Finger spell he often employed, called the Netherworld Finger. The primal force used was not the original Profound Yin True Qi from within his body, but the converted Netherworld Ghost Qi. Although the characteristic of Netherworld Ghost Qi was less sharp and tenacious than Profound Yin True Qi, often making it less effective for shields or penetration, Lei Dong now possessed the Netherworld Physique. His command and understanding of Netherworld Ghost Qi far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators. Thus, when casting the Netherworld Finger, its power was in no way inferior to the Profound Yin Finger, yet it required less energy and the resulting explosion was far more astonishing.

Cultivators developed various spells precisely to handle different situations.

Finger essence-based spells were renowned for being sudden, possessing strong penetrative ability, high speed, and low consumption.

The vast majority of cultivators would know one or two such finger spell techniques. But Lei Dong casting them offhand, effortlessly dismantling the Earth Giants' stone projectiles, was due to two factors: first, the suppression derived from his superior cultivation realm; second, his own inherent formidable strength.

The two Earth Giants were truly dumbfounded. Both the innate Gravity Technique and the rock throwing had been nullified with ease by this newcomer. Even the dimmest of giants realized this person was absolutely not as weak as he appeared; he must be a Nascent Soul expert among humans. The two of them were capable of bullying human cultivators in the Golden Core stage, but facing an ancient Nascent Soul powerhouse, they stood no chance. Driven by instinct, the two Earth Giants began to flee, disappearing cleanly and swiftly without even uttering a final word of bravado.

Activating their innate Earth Evasion Technique, every step they took seemed to cover ten zhang or more, as if contracting the ground beneath them. Despite their bulky appearance, Earth Giants were never slow when traversing the ground.

Alas, the difference in ranks was undeniable. Compared to the Nascent Soul stage Lei Dong, their speed was utterly insufficient. Lei Dong chuckled softly, a field of black spectral mist suddenly blooming around him, exploding outward. He streaked after them in an arc, like a falling meteor: "It is impolite not to return a courtesy call. Hold on a moment, you two big fellows, and taste my hospitality."

In mere breaths, Lei Dong caught up, his fingers flickering rapidly, unleashing a downpour of black finger essences like countless raindrops.

Pa-pa-pa~ Every single finger essence targeted the ground near their feet, easily piercing the compacted earth and stone, kicking up debris. The two hapless Earth Giants could only halt their forward momentum and desperately retreat, forced into an awkward dance by Lei Dong’s Netherworld Finger strikes. Dealing with two mere high-stage Golden Core Earth Giants was child’s play for Lei Dong. Since he didn't intend to kill them, he found the game quite amusing.

"Hmph~~ Human Nascent Soul cultivator, how audacious of you to bully the sons of Kui Tu!"

A deep, muffled snort exploded around Lei Dong, the sound wave visibly making the very air ripple. Almost simultaneously, an Earth Giant who was not particularly tall by giant standards but exceptionally broad strode forward with surprising quickness. He utilized the innate Earth Evasion Technique with masterful ease; each stride covered dozens of zhang.

In a few breaths, he covered several dozen zhang and thrust one hand forward. Earth-yellow mist condensed into a colossal rock spear, which he whipped forward like lightning toward Lei Dong.

At the same time, the Gravity Technique silently activated beneath Lei Dong. Even with his formidable power, he was dragged downward seven or eight zhang before he could finally stabilize his body.

A slight seriousness crossed his brow. Spreading his back wings, his figure shot dozens of zhang away, barely evading the sharp stone spear. From this single exchange, Lei Dong gauged the Earth Giant’s strength: he radiated the immense aura of a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, whose actual power seemed several steps ahead of Lei Dong’s.

A mid-stage Nascent Soul Earth Giant—this was truly a rare and exceptional specimen. However, having recently slain a peak Nascent Soul level Thunder Strike Divine Beast, Lei Dong viewed this giant’s power as nothing extraordinary. He let out a cold huff and was about to counterattack when another deep and hearty voice boomed: "Brother Kui Tu, hold your hand! That human is my best brother, Yan Shi (Rock)!"

Lei Dong recognized the tall, imposing figure of Yan Shi, his approach announced by the rumbling of the earth beneath his steps.

However, though his aura was strong, it seemed a notch or two weaker than Kui Tu’s previous display. As soon as he appeared, both Lei Dong and Kui Tu ceased their actions. Unlike Lei Dong’s calm demeanor, Kui Tu seemed openly disdainful of Lei Dong, his massive eyes blatantly showing deep contempt and hostility.

Seven or eight breaths later, Yan Shi, now a nascent Soul cultivator, arrived at the scene. Compared to when Lei Dong had first met him, he had grown several zhang taller and significantly broader, his mass likely doubled.

"Thank you, Brother Kui Tu, for showing mercy," Yan Shi immediately expressed his gratitude to Kui Tu upon seeing the unharmed Lei Dong. He and Lei Dong had only recently parted ways, and Yan Shi had received no news of Lei Dong’s advancement in their correspondence.

Lei Dong’s advancement to the Nascent Soul stage was a very recent event. Especially since, when they first met, Lei Dong, despite being hearty and capable, was only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage. Yan Shi could not believe a person’s advancement speed could be so rapid as to reach Nascent Soul in such a short time.

In his estimation, Lei Dong’s strength should be far inferior to Kui Tu’s, which made him inwardly fearful to the point that his heart nearly leaped out of his chest just moments before.

"Hmph, Yan Shi, you have truly devolved. To consider a mere human your best brother," Kui Tu, who was at least seven or eight zhang shorter than Yan Shi but significantly heavier, sneered repeatedly, glancing sideways at Lei Dong with disdain.

Yan Shi didn't respond to Kui Tu but waved cheerfully at Lei Dong, though his brow furrowed immediately after. "My brother, why didn’t you send word before you arrived? I could have arranged for some tribesmen to meet you at the mountain pass. It’s not safe along the road."

Lei Dong smiled. Despite the massive surge in his personal power and the strength of his subordinates, Yan Shi still treated Lei Dong as his best brother. This warmed Lei Dong’s heart.

Although he had initially approached Yan Shi with utilitarian intentions, through their interactions, he couldn't help but be moved by Yan Shi’s straightforward honesty and loyalty, gradually coming to regard him as a true brother. He descended, leveling himself with Yan Shi’s height, and cupped his fists with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Elder Brother. However, your little brother’s strength has recently improved. I’m unlikely to encounter any major dangers in the Great Wasteland."

"Presumptuous!" Kui Tu could not bear to listen any longer and interjected with a snort. "The Great Wasteland is full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons; powerful demonic beasts are countless. You human, judging by the methods you used against my tribesmen, you are likely only a mere early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, right? What right do you have to speak so boldly about encountering no danger? Ignorant!"

"What? Brother, you are already a Nascent Soul cultivator?" Yan Shi ignored Kui Tu’s other comments, fixating only on the words 'early-stage Nascent Soul.' He stared at Lei Dong with mixed shock and delight, "How is that possible? The last time I saw you, you were only at the peak of Foundation Establishment. How long has it been?"