The searing nether-flames instantly enveloped her originally small frame. The agony of the Soul-Burning Nether-Flame was always considered one of the most unbearable tortures in the cultivation world. Although this artifact spirit girl had existed for an extremely long time, in terms of mindset, she remained in the state of a young girl.

Though her refusal to cooperate was exceptionally resolute, when faced with the true arrival of doom, she became utterly disoriented. She simply could not fathom why this bastard surnamed Lei dared to actually kill her, considering how vital she was to the Chaos Pagoda. The situation left her no time for further thought; the intensely violent pain drilling into the depths of her soul was simply beyond her capacity to endure.

Furthermore, any creature possessing intelligence inherently harbors a strong aversion and fear toward death. Amidst her screams, she saw the hint of disdain and cold sneer playing on Lei Dong’s lips, and the intelligent spirit finally understood: this Lei Dong truly intended to kill her.

Even if she were important, the other party would simply not care. All her psychological defenses collapsed instantly when faced with certain death. Since being forged and gaining sentience, she had barely truly understood or encountered this world, and now she was to die just like that? Unwilling, truly unwilling.

"P-please."

The artifact spirit girl’s weak, yet clear, plea reached Lei Dong’s ears.

"What?" Lei Dong frowned. "I can't hear you."

"Please, don't kill me."

"Not kill you?" Lei Dong let out a cold sneer. "First, you refuse to cooperate, making you useless to me. Second, you constantly plot to control the Chaos Pagoda to oppose me. For an existence like you, if I don't kill you, who will I kill?" Saying this, Lei Dong urged the nether-flames to intensify.

"Ah~ It hurts, it's so painful." The artifact spirit girl shrieked miserably. "I won't dare anymore, I won't dare oppose you again. Please stop burning me with the green fire, I, I can't hold on much longer."

Although this artifact spirit girl possessed considerable intelligence, the rank of her physical body was not high; how could it withstand such burning by the nether-flames? If Lei Dong refused to stop, at most, in the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, this strand of inexperienced spirit-soul would vanish into smoke. If that truly happened, the Nether King, who spent untold effort forging such an artifact spirit, would likely be so enraged he'd be resurrected just to choke on his fury again.

However, Lei Dong, even knowing how precious this thing was, would deal a ruthless blow without a shred of pity or soft-heartedness if it proved useless and hostile.

Although he heard her pleas, Lei Dong remained completely unmoved, replying coldly, "It's too late. Over the years, when I repeatedly communicated with you politely, you didn't speak. Now that I have decided to truly kill you, you beg for mercy? Ridiculous! Did you think I was joking with you? You plot when you feel like it, and start begging when the situation turns sour? Is anything in this world that simple?"

"I don't dare, I truly don't dare this time." The artifact spirit girl was in a state of extreme chaos, solely focused on preserving her life. "From now on, whatever you say, I will do. I absolutely dare not defy you again."

Lei Dong paused slightly, allowing the little girl to suffer in pain and trepidation for a while longer, before withdrawing the nether-flames. He spoke coldly to the nearly breathless and on the verge of soul dispersion spirit, "Since that's the case, I'll give you one last chance. Remember, this is the final opportunity. If you dare to show the slightest defiance or attempt treason in the future, I will show you no mercy and erase you completely from this world. Do you remember?"

"R-remembered." The little girl’s soul was threadbare, but facing Lei Dong's words, a chill of fear rose from the depths of her soul, and she quickly and obediently assented. Subdued and meek, she resembled a child bride.

Lei Dong's expression softened slightly, and he continued to consolidate his victory. "Very good. Now, completely open your mind; I need to perform a Soul Sacrifice and Spirit Tempering on you."

"Soul Sacrifice and Spirit Tempering?" A wave of intense resistance surged through the little girl's heart. As an artifact spirit with sentience, she naturally knew that once subjected to Soul Sacrifice and Spirit Tempering, the result would be becoming the absolute servant of the caster. The moment the caster moved a single thought, she would turn to ash, completely controlled by him.

"What, you are unwilling?" Lei Dong's expression darkened slightly, a murderous glint appearing in his eyes.

"I, I am willing." The little girl trembled, starting to resign herself. Being subjected to Soul Sacrifice and Spirit Tempering was certainly better than being utterly annihilated right now. At the same time, she began to understand the true way life forms