The formation of the Crimson Fiend Mists shared a certain kinship with the endless, pitch-black Quagmire of the Netherworld below, which had also taken ages to materialize. The deepest parts of the Nine Nether Abyss were saturated with Nether Ghost Qi, but through the long scouring, rerouting, and sedimentation of the Styx River, combined with vast quantities of this Qi, a foul, utterly filthy mire—a black swamp—had been created.

The swamp was shrouded in black vapor, with plumes of poisonous miasma erupting from time to time. For low-ranking cultivators, even inhaling a minuscule amount could lead to death in a short while.

Similar environments existed throughout the Nether Ghost Domain, but one this rankly filthy and toxic was exceedingly rare. The Crimson Fiend Mists hovering above were particularly poisonous and bizarre, capable of dissolving souls and eroding bones with ease. It was rumored that certain unorthodox cultivators specifically traveled here to gather the essence within these Mists, using it to cultivate toxic attacks or forge wicked magical artifacts.

Of course, the Styx River was too far from the entrance of the Nine Nether Abyss for ordinary rogue cultivators to approach. Meanwhile, high-level Nascent Soul or Spirit Transformation stage experts often disdained such common materials.

Yet, Lei Dong appeared intensely interested in these Crimson Fiend Mists. With a gesture in the void, he manipulated the Nether Ghost Qi, shaping it into a claw to seize some of the Mists. He casually retrieved an iron essence nugget, the size of a fist, from his storage bracelet and tossed it in. Instantly, it hissed fiercely. The iron essence reacted as if facing its nemesis, dissolving and emitting billows of green smoke. Moments later, the fist-sized nugget had melted into a pool of turbid, foul-smelling wastewater.

“Tsk,” Lei Dong exclaimed in mild astonishment. “These Crimson Fiend Mists certainly live up to their reputation. Though iron essence isn't a rare material, it's a primary component for refining spiritual tools and certain magical treasures. Yet, it can barely withstand the corrosion of these Mists.”

“Young Master, the Crimson Fiend Mists are also known as the Crimson Fiend Blood Mists. Both souls and flesh, as well as all manner of materials, are rapidly corroded into mere blood water,” a seasoned, high-ranking Ghost King guard explained respectfully. “Only life forms or materials that have existed within the Crimson Fiend Blood Mists for extended periods can withstand the erosion; otherwise, even top-grade materials will corrode over years. Therefore, some powerful individuals intentionally venture to the banks of the Styx to collect some Crimson Fiend Blood Mist essence, using it to forge artifacts that excel at contaminating others’ treasures, achieving a surprise victory with formidable power. Once we enter, we implore the Young Master to grant us permission to collect some of the Crimson Fiend Blood Mist essence if we encounter it. Even if we don't use it ourselves, we could sell it for a high price upon our return.” The Ghost King guard’s eyes held a flicker of anticipation. Though Lei Dong’s party seemed to be proceeding with unusual ease, this was primarily due to the escort of Thunder Dragon and the powerful functions of the Harem vessel. Even so, this journey had taken nearly five months. For ordinary cultivators, even high-ranking Ghost Kings, such a trek—even if smooth—would take two to three years, fraught with peril. One misstep could mean annihilation. The greatest danger lay in collecting the Crimson Fiend Essence, which often required delving deep into the Mists, a venture where bad luck could mean immediate death. Thus, although the essence was precious, few dared to collect it; the risk-to-reward ratio seemed unfavorable. But for these Ghost King guards, this journey presented a rare opportunity—not only were they on an assigned mission, but they had a Spirit Transformation expert accompanying them, drastically increasing their safety margin. The other Ghost King guards’ eyes also shone brightly, gazing at Lei Dong with palpable eagerness.

Lei Dong certainly had no intention of blocking others' fortunes, especially since these Ghost King guards had served him diligently throughout the journey, always speaking with utmost respect and never daring to assume airs. He decided to grant them a favor: “If you see any along the way, collect it. But let’s make one thing clear beforehand: whatever anyone collects, everyone present must split it equally, including what I, Lei, gather.”

The Ghost King guards were overjoyed. They had mentally prepared to give Lei Dong fifty percent, never expecting him to be so magnanimous as to share his spoils. The leading Ghost King guard immediately shook his head. “Young Master, that won't do. If we collect it, we will offer thirty percent to the Young Master. If the Young Master collects it personally, there’s no need to share.” The others nodded in agreement; indeed, without Lei Dong, they wouldn't have reached this place, or if they did, they would have been powerless. Furthermore, they had a Spirit Transformation level brother providing protection.

“What I said was an equal split, and an equal split it shall be. You all worked hard navigating and guarding us here,” Lei Dong stated calmly.

The Ghost King guards felt indebted and were about to protest further when Little You interjected, “What the Young Master says goes; there’s no need to argue. Just remember the Young Master’s kindness in your hearts.” The guards dared not argue further, but their goodwill toward Lei Dong increased significantly. In truth, everything Lei Dong had demonstrated on this journey had begun to earn the genuine respect of these elite guards. These personal attendants to the Ghost Emperors were the most trusted and loyal echelon of the Ghost Clan elites. They were privy to certain secrets of the Emperors and naturally understood that their Princess, Little You, seemed to have some entanglement with this human cultivator named Lei. The Ghost Emperor even held some inclination toward making this human his son-in-law. In reality, most of the elite guards, while silent, harbored unspoken displeasure regarding this matter. Heavenly Spirit Ghosts were the noblest beings among the Ghost Clan, appearing only once in a millennium. The last known female Heavenly Spirit Ghost appeared tens of thousands of years ago. Most high-ranking Ghost Clan members revered Little You almost like a princess, even doting on her, which naturally bred some dissatisfaction toward Lei Dong. However, this journey had significantly alleviated the discontent of these most elite members. They were slowly beginning to accept the reality of Lei Dong becoming the future 'Young Master-in-Law.'

After a brief confirmation that the coordinates left by the Nether Ghost Emperor were indeed located nearby, the group formed a formation and proceeded cautiously toward their objective. The route ahead was not long, perhaps only a few hundred thousand li, but this short distance was exceedingly difficult to traverse, fraught with unpredictable dangers at every moment.

The escort team split into four groups, positioning themselves to guard the front, rear, left, and right, encircling Lei Dong, Little You, and Thunder Dragon. Should any danger arise, they would face it head-on. After traveling barely a few thousand li, Lei Dong abruptly called a halt, looking up at the sky and commanding, “Little Dragon, search the space above with your divine sense. What is that thing?”

Thunder Dragon lazily swept his consciousness upward, then sneered disdainfully. “Big Brother, it’s just a Nascent Soul level Filth Bird. Tsk tsk, quite a strange creature to build a nest and live so contentedly in such a filthy environment.”

As the two were conversing, the flying creature seemed to spot Lei Dong’s party. It let out a sharp screech and dove like an arrow from the Crimson Fiend Blood Mists, moving with incredible speed. In just a few breaths, it pierced the cloud layer, its target fixed squarely on Lei Dong’s group. At several li distance, beneath its colossal body, seven or eight zhang wide, it covered the distance in mere moments, bringing with it a foul, nauseating stench, its claws reaching directly for Lei Dong, who was surrounded by the others. It seemed Lei Dong’s flesh and blood were more appetizing. It didn't fear the others either; after one strike, it would immediately retreat into the Blood Mist clouds—anyone who dared pursue would be sealing their own doom. This Nascent Soul-level flying beast had encountered outsiders before in its long life; such encounters usually signaled a good meal, as outsiders tasted far more delicious than the indigenous species within the Crimson Fiend Blood Mists.

“Young Master, watch out! It’s a Crimson Fiend Blood Vulture!” the Ghost King guards shouted in unison.

“Heh heh, seems it thinks I’m easy prey.” Lei Dong swept his gaze over the bird, instantly seeing through it. Its body was huge, but most of the mass was taken up by its wings. Perhaps due to surviving in the Blood Mists, its entire body was a blood-red color, and its appearance was hideously ugly, resembling a vulture. Lei Dong gave a self-mocking laugh, then unleashed a Nether Ghost Claw. It seemed to tear through space, ignoring part of the distance, appearing bizarrely before the Crimson Fiend Blood Vulture and snatching it mid-dive.

Screeeech!

A series of grating, piercing cries erupted. This Blood Vulture was, after all, only a Nascent Soul level demonic beast, and it struggled fiercely. After two or three breaths, it burst free of the Nether Ghost Claw, fleeing skyward in abject terror. But it was too late. Thunder Dragon hadn't even bothered to attack. Instead, the Ghost King guards shouted in unison, unleashing various spells, striking the beast while it was restrained and severely wounding it. Following that, Little You shot a finger-beam that pierced its head, causing it to tumble down with a flap.

Lei Dong considered picking up the spoils to feed Ah Chou and Ghost Thorn, but Little You grabbed his arm. “Young Master, things from these Crimson Fiend Blood Mists cannot be consumed. Not only is their flesh saturated with immense amounts of blood-fiend poison, but even their Nascent Souls are utterly contaminated. We Ghost Clan do not devour such filth; it is useless to us.”

“What a foolish bird,” Thunder Dragon shrugged. “Charging down headfirst without thinking…”

“Stop your idle chatter. That Blood Vulture’s nest seems to be built within a patch of Blood Mist Essence. Go collect some for me.” Lei Dong glared. He held a certain authority over Thunder Dragon, mainly because Thunder Dragon willingly acted as his younger brother; a younger brother naturally obeyed the elder.

Thunder Dragon helplessly rubbed his nose, erected a protective shield around himself, flew upward, and with a casual sweep of his sleeve, gathered a large clump of Blood Mist Essence. The guards’ eyes immediately lit up. They scrambled to pull out their specially prepared containers: “Young Master, put it in mine—no, put it in mine instead!” (To be continued)