"Daoist Lei, as a distinguished expert at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, why resort to such base actions? Holding a junior, a weak young woman, hostage to achieve your aims?" The golden puppet spoke with a gentle tone. It was no mere automaton; the core consciousness remained Elder Li. An ancient monster who had lived so long must surely be well-traveled and cunning. Otherwise, he would have long been culled during such an extended lifespan. Faced with this sudden crisis, even amidst extreme shock and anger, he strove to stabilize the situation.

Nascent Soul Middle Stage? Just as Li Chuchu's eyes were welling up with aggrieved tears, she was utterly stunned.

This young man, who had spent the last six months with her—so gentle, courteous, and possessing an elegant aura—was actually an ancient monster at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage? Her lovely eyes widened, staring intently at Lei Dong, as if trying to discern a trace of age in his appearance.

Lei Dong was no novice fresh out of the gate; he remained completely unfazed by Elder Li's words. He simply stated coolly, "In this life, who hasn't done one or two things they regret? Never mind, Daoist Li, I have no desire to debate my actions. I only wish to remind Daoist Li that with Miss Chuchu in my hands, there is no need for you to play any tricks or claim that Miss Chuchu is unimportant to you. I did not cultivate to the Nascent Soul Middle Stage by simply chanting sutras all day long."

Elder Li sighed deeply, but the golden light remained fixed firmly on Lei Dong: "Daoist Lei speaks frankly. I know that you don't truly wish to harm Chuchu, and you likely have an inescapable predicament. Let's be straightforward. Daoist Lei, quickly state your conditions. As long as they are within my capabilities, I shall not refuse."

"Daoist Li is indeed an intelligent and straightforward person." Lei Dong offered a casual compliment before speaking directly: "My coercion of Daoist Li this time is not truly for extortion, but merely to seek an environment for a fair transaction. Daoist Li, please examine the conditions I offer." Lei Dong knew that demanding the Soul Transformation Puppet Art directly by holding Li Chuchu hostage was an extremely risky endeavor that might cause the other party to turn hostile. Proposing a fair trade, however, greatly increased the chances of obtaining the Soul Transformation Puppet Art.

With that, Lei Dong activated his storage ring, tossing out a large pile of top-grade spirit stones, along with some valuable rare materials, the total value easily exceeding five hundred million spirit stones. In addition, there were two Soul Sealing Orbs.

Elder Li was, after all, a Supreme Elder of a highly influential sect in the Great Qian Continent. Facing wealth that was priceless to ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, he merely cast a cursory glance without showing much reaction. But the two Soul Sealing Orbs immediately captured his attention. He drew them closer and, after a brief inspection, was profoundly astonished: "Are these two Supreme Grade Spirit Ghosts?"

Supreme Grade Spirit Ghosts were exceptional treasures, extremely rare and seldom seen, not common even in the Great Qian Continent. Each one was worth a fortune. The mass of materials and top-grade spirit stones Lei Dong threw out looked dazzling, as if an entire treasury had been moved. But in reality, that pile of wealth couldn't even purchase a single Supreme Grade Spirit Ghost. This was because any cultivator at the Nascent Soul level, upon possessing one, could switch to a Ghost Taming Art and, with a little effort and time, cultivate a Ghost King level servant, significantly boosting their own power.

Because of this, when Supreme Grade Spirit Ghosts appeared on the market, their price was usually driven extremely high, and they sold quickly. More often, the vast majority of cultivators who accidentally obtained one through sheer luck would use it quietly themselves, never letting it see the light of day. Even those who wished to trade a Supreme Grade Spirit Ghost for a large haul of resources feared attracting covetousness and deadly harm. It was far better to use it secretly. Just like Lei Dong's master, Old Ancestor Myriad Ghosts, who obtained one at the fifth layer of Qi Refining and immediately used it without a word, eventually securing his current status.

The Great Qian Continent was vast and rich in resources. But equally, it was teeming with cultivators. In terms of per capita rarity, Supreme Grade Spirit Ghosts were even scarcer than in smaller regions like Kangzhou. Given all these factors, even with Elder Li’s elevated status and strength, obtaining a Supreme Grade Spirit Ghost was not an easy feat; it required both wealth and luck.

Facing Elder Li's shock, Lei Dong showed no surprise, merely stating in a calm tone, "I happen to have some acquaintance with the Netherworld Ghost Emperor of the Netherworld Ghost Domain. Through the Ghost Emperor's favor, I obtained several Supreme Grade Spirit Ghosts. I have already used two myself; the remaining two are offered to Daoist Li for this trade. Do you find my sincerity sufficient?" By mentioning the Netherworld Ghost Emperor at this juncture, Lei Dong was bolstering his background, lest Elder Li perceive him as a lone, destitute rogue cultivator. Furthermore, since his identity was already exposed, Lei Dong feared nothing should Elder Li decide to cause trouble later. If he dared to track Lei Dong down in Kangzhou, it would essentially be courting death.

"The Netherworld Ghost Emperor?" Elder Li's golden gaze grew serious. Although he had no personal friendship with the Netherworld Ghost Emperor and no dealings with the Ghost Clan, he had certainly heard of an absolute expert like a Soul Transformation Middle Stage powerhouse. No one would slight a true powerhouse. At worst, the Netherworld Ghost Emperor could fight three Elder Lis without being at a disadvantage. His eyes churned, and his tone softened considerably: "It seems Daoist Lei has quite the background, no wonder your strength is so profound and unpredictable, your Netherworld- spells so consummate, and you possess a peak-level Ghost King servant. I assume the mysterious technique that could command space to freeze is the renowned Divine Curse of the Underworld?"

"Daoist Li is knowledgeable; I am impressed." Lei Dong offered a faint smile. "However, I do not belong to the Ghost Emperor's lineage; it is merely a unique association. In fact, my original intention in visiting your sect was to request assistance with a matter. Alas, your sect’s standards were too high; they thought little of my cultivation, and even less of the intermediary who introduced me, Senior Empress Feng." Saying this, Lei Dong produced another jade slip containing a letter of introduction.

Elder Li took the jade slip and scanned it, absorbing the message. Instantly, the golden light in his eyes flashed repeatedly, and his voice held a note of astonishment: "Daoist Lei has earned such high regard from Empress Feng? She is willing to owe my Myriad Puppet Sect a favor just to ensure Daoist Lei's wish is fulfilled?" Although Elder Li now possessed Soul Transformation level might, his true innate realm was only at the peak of Nascent Soul. Consequently, he naturally held a degree of reverence for true Soul Transformation experts. This was why, ever since discovering Lei Dong's strength, they had maintained the respectful address of "Daoist."

Li Chuchu's delicate eyes were wide open, unable to believe the man who had threatened her life. She had previously assumed he was merely a young man with a tragic and sorrowful background, stirring her deepest compassion. Yet, it was all a façade, all feigned. He was so powerful, so strong that even her own ancestor felt the need to be wary of him. Such a massive and abrupt shift left her momentarily unable to process it psychologically.

"High regard is an overstatement; it's just that Senior Empress Feng and I shared an adventure together, leading to some rapport," Lei Dong described the events with a detached air. Of course, stating this was fundamentally a move to enhance his own standing and increase his bargaining chips. If he didn't raise his perceived status as much as possible, he would be at a disadvantage in this transaction.

Elder Li, in his puppet body, let out a sharp intake of breath. A shared adventure, rapport? For a Nascent Soul cultivator to forge a friendship with a renowned Soul Transformation expert—how extraordinary, how powerful must he be to achieve that? This world, in every corner, valued strength above all else. If the disparity in strength was too great, merely being glanced at by the superior party should be considered an honor to be grateful for. Among the Four Emperors of the Underworld, he was connected to two, and the rapport seemed far from superficial. The Supreme Grade Spirit Ghosts and the Divine Curse of the Underworld could not be faked, and Empress Feng's personal letter of introduction, bearing her unmistakable mark, was even harder to forge. This confirmed the young man's exceptional nature. Looking at Lei Dong again, his gaze shifted: "Since it is Empress Feng's request, please, Daoist Lei, state your demands straightforwardly. As long as it is within my power, I will certainly assist. My sect has extensive dealings and a very deep relationship with the Nether Phoenix Clan."

To this, Lei Dong shook his head with a calm smile, seemingly unconcerned: "I mention Empress Feng not to imply that your sect owes her a favor. In truth, if your sect had treated me with courtesy during my first visit and helped me on Empress Feng's behalf, I wouldn't have minded your sect owing her a favor, as I would also owe her a massive one. But now, we are in a state of fair trade. Once the transaction is concluded, no one will owe anyone a favor. I always believe in being clear-cut in my dealings. This matter must be made explicit."

"That is only natural. While I don't know who received Daoist Lei previously to cause such trouble, I, on behalf of the Myriad Puppet Sect, apologize to Daoist Lei and will personally send a formal letter to Empress Feng offering my apologies later." At this moment, Elder Li was almost truly meeting Lei Dong as an equal.

"Then I shall not be polite. What I desire is your sect's Soul Transformation level Puppet Art," Lei Dong stated his requirement with detached ease, his tone as casual as asking a neighbor for some soy sauce while cooking at home.

"What?" Elder Li suddenly erupted: "That is impossible!"