"Seeing the silver automaton's dazed expression, Leidong remained silent with a somber look that mirrored his companion's despondency. Soon the metallic figure seemed to regain composure and addressed him: 'Thank you for your honesty, young one. Though I still believe Lord King of Hell remains alive rather than perished - merely detained by affairs beyond our comprehension. Even should Heaven and Demon realms' Sovereigns unite forces, they could only subdue His Majesty but never truly destroy him.'

Leidong nodded solemnly as if deep in contemplation. "Precisely my thought," he said with genuine sincerity. "I've been repeatedly saved by Lord King's blessings despite my humble cultivation level. If there be any task concerning His Majesty, I shall face whatever trials ahead without hesitation."

The automaton studied Leidong intently before his expression softened: "A rare soul who knows gratitude indeed, no wonder the Celestial Spirit Fiend of your kin favors you."

"My...kin?" Startled realization dawned on Leidong. He feigned astonishment: "Does this mean our connection to the Ghost Clan..."

"You've deduced correctly," the automaton chuckled faintly. "My original form was a ghost, specifically one of the Celestial Spirit Fiends. After Emperor King of Hell created my kind we vanished suddenly. It wasn't until Lord King of Hell - His Majesty's successor - that our people received dedicated protection and enhancements through three innovations: the Hell King Body Forging Method, automaton technology, and the Hell King Banner. The most ambitious endeavor? Elevating our entire race's quality through a primordial chaos core."

Leidong stiffened as his Chaos Devouring Tower suddenly trembled violently - far more than before. Hadn't he felt similar resonance when discovering additional components? Yet this was different from how the Dark Emperor had crafted it...

The tower's urgent vibrations suggested proximity to another component, perhaps even proof of Lord King's handiwork. And if not that, then what about connections between the Hell King and Dark Emperor lineages? Both claimed primordial chaos cores yet diverged in execution...

Suddenly, Leidong noticed Xiaofeng stirring in his arms despite claiming weakness. Her peculiar dependency on him stirred unease - she seemed to have sensed his hesitation before revealing secrets.

The silver automaton's next words would need careful handling around her presence. But as Xiaofeng abruptly broke free with pale cheeks and defiant eyes, Leidong felt the weight of multiple entanglements: his mysterious artifact, Xiaofeng's growing attachment, and impending threats from higher powers that might soon discover these connections...

"Forgive my mistrust," he finally said to her retreating figure. "Some secrets endanger not just myself but those I hold dear." His gaze flicked toward the newly reformed Xuan She approaching their master - a clear warning against underestimating even minor threats in such perilous times.