Chapter 43: Ghostly Fierce, Don't Give Face and Refuse to Give Face

  ……

  In about three or four breaths' time, the ghost soldier suddenly broke free, and the dark ghost claws turned into nothingness. Don't underestimate this brief moment of a few breaths; in the battle between cultivators, sometimes it can end in an instant. Being able to trap the enemy for a few breaths might just turn the tide of an unfavorable battle situation. Of course, this also depends on one's own skill level and the strength of the ghost soldier.

  If you let Leidong use the Ghost Claw to capture a cultivator of the first layer, at least he can make him unable to escape before the energy of the Ghost Claw is exhausted. However, if you want to catch someone who is two or three layers higher than yourself, it's estimated that in one or two breaths, the opponent will be able to break out. Nevertheless, the Netherworld Ghost Claw is a very good technique, with the focus not on killing the enemy, but on controlling the field.

  Before I knew it, another three-year small comparison has begun.

  The same generation's biggest hot contender for the championship, without a doubt, is Ding Yuanyan. Some time ago, I heard rumors that Ding Yuanyan encountered a bottleneck at the 9th layer of the Refining Qi stage, but she chose to travel extensively within the range of the Yin Xie Sect. Just half a month before the small competition, she returned after breaking through to the 10th layer of the Refining Qi stage. This made Lao Zu very happy, and it is said that among all the same generation disciples on Dongfu Mountain, only one person had broken through to the 10th layer of the Refining Qi stage, and Ding Yuanyan was the second. In recent years, due to Ding Yuanyan's extremely rapid cultivation progress, she has become very famous among all the disciples of this generation. Almost all the Lao Zu know that there is such a person.

  Refining Qi period tenth layer, also quite favored by the old ancestor, not to mention having a powerful magic weapon. Lei Dong thought to himself, even if he were to use his three ghosts together, head-on against Ding Ling sister would still be mostly losses and few wins.

  As for Zuo Chao, he did not disappoint the old ancestors' expectations and made normal progress, reaching the eighth layer of the Qi Refining stage. Compared to other direct disciples in the same generation, his achievements were above average. Only Lei Dong, who was also a direct disciple, had only reached the sixth layer of the Qi Refining stage. However, Lei Dong was also helpless, as his talent would have been noticeable among ordinary disciples, but when compared to all the old ancestors' direct disciples, it was considered subpar.

  It's also thanks to being a direct disciple that he can enjoy many resources that ordinary disciples can't get. It's also because of this that Lei Dong was able to advance to the sixth layer of the Qi Refining stage in just six years. You should know, the further you go in the Qi Refining stage, the harder it gets, and you'll often encounter all sorts of inexplicable bottlenecks.

  In addition, Chen Gong and Wei Hua's cultivation can also be considered diligent. With the contribution points obtained in the previous session, they didn't lack resources for a short period of time. Although they were surpassed by Leidong, who came later and exceeded them in the past, they are now both peak figures at the fifth layer of the Refining Qi stage. The two of their qualifications are almost the same as Leidong's, starting from the fourth layer nearly three years ago, but even so, they still lag behind Leidong. After all, the Lingxue dwelling passed down by the master has an extraordinary effect.

  As for other ordinary disciples, a small number have cultivated to the fifth layer of Qi, but the vast majority are around three or four layers. Many people are stuck at the peak of the fourth layer and cannot make progress. As a result, some ordinary disciples who feel that they have no hope of advancing to the foundation-building period begin to study alchemy, artifact refinement, talisman creation, and other skills in their spare time. Once they achieve some success in these areas, they can be recognized by the sect and sent to various industries to serve as executives or low-level managers.

  It's almost always like this, from the first small comparison. Many people will accept the cruel fact and hide their fleeting wish to become a true immortal deep in their hearts, and start thinking about survival in earnest. Everyone's goals will begin to diverge.

  Now, among the disciples of the same generation as Wan Gui Ku, there are only 19 left who still have the heart to think about breaking through to the foundation-building period. Most of their cultivation levels are around the fourth or fifth layer of the Qi Refining Period. Of course, it's not like having a strong desire and persistence can guarantee breaking through to the foundation-building period. Even someone as talented as Zuo Chao, who is already at the eighth layer of the Qi Refining Period, doesn't dare say that he will definitely make it to the foundation-building period.

  This time, the competition will be held among 19 people. Disciples who have already put most of their energy into their secondary skills are allowed not to participate in the small competition.

  Originally, according to Lei Dong's current strength, although he admits that he is slightly inferior to Ding Shijie. But suppressing Zuo Chao still has great confidence. Wanting to compete for second place has a high possibility. However, the problem lies in the fact that he had just killed Gui Ya's biological son not long ago.

  Not only that, but the news has already been heard from recent rumors. The Ghostly Ancestor doesn't know what kind of secret technique was used, but he actually knows that his precious son is already dead, and is now raging furiously, vowing to pursue the murderer and use the most terrifying and cruel punishment of the Yin Evil Sect, one by one.

  So, it's better for Leidong to keep a low profile. If he suppresses Zuo Chao and becomes too famous, he will become the target of suspicion of Gui Ya's old ancestor. Who knows if he will become a mad dog after his son's death and bite people everywhere? But he can't be too low-key either, if he ends up with a ranking at the bottom in this small competition, he will also be suspected by those who have ulterior motives.

  Since I am a sixth-level Qi Refining cultivator, I might as well display the normal strength of a sixth-level Qi Refining cultivator.

  The days passed by at a moderate pace, and without the pressure of competing for high rankings, Lei Dong was also able to practice his magic spells leisurely in his residence after each battle, such as the Xuan Yin Shield, Gui Ying Dun, and You Ming Gui Zhao.

  Just as Xiao Bi was in his sixth round, Lei Dong was suddenly summoned by Gui Nu with a solemn expression to the old ancestral hall.

  After the thunder had passed, I saw Ding Yuanyan, and Zuo Chao was already standing in line. The old ancestor sat upright in his seat with a gloomy face.

  After paying respects to Old Ancestor, Lei Dong stood quietly beside Zuo Chao, standing solemnly and speechless. It was Zuo Chao who lowered his voice and said: "Lei Shidi, the people from Gui Sha Fu are going to investigate the murderer, be careful how you respond, Gui Sha Lao Zu is now..."

  "Shut up, Super." With Wan Gui Lao Zu's cultivation, he naturally heard Zuo Chao's words. He immediately turned cold and scolded him in a sentence. But soon his face relaxed again: "You three don't need to be nervous, this is just a routine interrogation." After a pause, he said: "Super said it right, now Gui Pi that dwarf has a bad temper, you guys be careful how you respond, don't provoke him. Hmph, if not for him inviting the sect's Butcher Elder to come out, would I have let him casually interrogate my personally taught disciple?" However, in his tone, he seemed to be somewhat wary of that Butcher Elder.

  "Yes, Ancestor." The three men replied in unison with solemn faces.

  Not for a moment.

  A hoarse yet gentle voice came from the sky: "Hehe, is Wan Gui Lao Di around? I am Tu Ling, bringing Ghost Kill to pay a visit."

  The old ancestor of Wan Gui's face suddenly became harmonious, and he laughed loudly: "Tú Lǎo Gē, it's really a rare guest, forgive me for not welcoming you from afar. And also Ghost Jiě brother, please come in quickly." After that, he took three personal disciples to the main hall door to welcome them.

  Two figures with astonishing momentum and surrounded by misty aura suddenly descended. After the illusion dissipated, two old men, one tall and one short, came into view.

  The tall one, wearing a grey robe, had a smiling face that was extremely gentle. He seemed more like an elderly neighbor than a senior member of the evil sect. The short one, with a pockmarked face and a nose pointing upwards, looked ferocious and terrifying, as if he wanted to devour people. Before they even stood still, his gaze swept towards Lei Dong and the others, bringing with it an aura that was as overwhelming as Mount Tai pressing down on them.

  Lei Dong didn't know how the other two felt, but he knew that he was being stared at by a fierce beast, his whole body covered in goosebumps, and a chill of fear spreading from the base of his spine to the top of his head. His entire body was numb and unable to move. Just as he was about to collapse, his legs softened and he fell to the ground.

  But then Wan Gui Lao Zu let out a furious roar, bursting forth with an overwhelming aura that enveloped the three of them tightly behind him. With a menacing tone, he berated, "Gui Xiao, don't be shameless if you want to keep your face."

  Lei Dong suddenly felt that all the pressure, fear and discomfort had vanished into thin air. When he looked at the tall and majestic back of Wan Gui Lao Zu in front of him again, his heart inexplicably added a few more points of dependence, gratitude, and even some admiration.

  ……