Upper Grade Spirit Ghost

Although Lei Dong possessed the heaven-defying treasure, the Soul Devouring Pagoda, which could improve the quality of spirit ghosts, he knew that selling Middle Grade Spirit Ghosts at his current cultivation level would eventually arouse suspicion from those with ill intentions. For powerful cultivators, even a slight suspicion could lead to immediate action, and they would lose nothing even if they were mistaken.

Because of this, Lei Dong couldn't contain his excitement with his recent substantial gains. However, he didn't let his excitement cloud his judgment. The Ghost Fire Sword was manageable, being a signature artifact of the Yin Sha Sect. After removing its spiritual imprint and refining it himself, it would be fine to use. But the Evil Ghost Banner and the strangely shaped shield were too conspicuous for him to use currently.

Especially if he brought out all three items, wouldn't it be an open confession that he was the one who killed Ghost Fiend Ancestor's son? Furthermore, selling them was also not advisable. Given Ghost Fiend Ancestor's power, he had considerable influence within a radius of tens of thousands of miles. Once he learned of his son's death, he would surely have informants in every market. If items like the Evil Ghost Banner or the strangely shaped shield appeared, even if they weren't his son's belongings, he would investigate thoroughly.

After much deliberation, Lei Dong felt the necessity to learn artifact refining. He didn't aim to forge powerful artifacts, but at least he could alter the appearance of existing powerful ones. Treasures obtained through killing, like the ones he acquired this time, absolutely could not be entrusted to others. Not even to those closest to him; it was better to be safe than sorry.

Additionally, the Storage Belt was quite good. Its space was far larger than the rudimentary one Lei Dong currently possessed, nearly ten cubic meters. As for the robe, it was too damaged. Even if repaired, Lei Dong wouldn't wear it. For now, Lei Dong had no intention of taking these conspicuous items home. Instead, he dug a deep hole in a hidden spot near the seemingly abandoned cave and buried the items, spending considerable effort to conceal them. He only took some Low-grade Spirit Stones, one Middle Grade Spirit Stone, and two Return Origin Pills with him.

Lei Dong returned to the Myriad Ghost Cave under the cover of night. Everything was calm, indicating that the news of the ugly youth's demise had not yet spread. If such a major event had occurred within the sect, it would surely have caused a huge stir. After a brief chat with some people, the conversation mostly revolved around the upcoming second three-year Small Competition.

Upon returning home, he didn't do anything else first. He casually selected a spirit ghost he found pleasing and began to upgrade it. After using a full one hundred and twelve Soul Beads, the spirit ghost, which originally had only Inferior Grade aptitude, evolved continuously, eventually reaching Upper Grade. Under his appraisal skill, most of its body had turned golden yellow.

When he confirmed that he could indeed upgrade a spirit ghost's quality to Upper Grade, Lei Dong's heart couldn't help but pound. The value of an Upper Grade Spirit Ghost was far beyond that of a Middle Grade Spirit Ghost. It wasn't just about value; in terms of power and advancement speed, Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts far surpassed Middle Grade ones.

As he was about to refine it impatiently, Lei Dong suddenly stopped. Frowning, he pondered for a long time. Indeed, his primary cultivation technique was the Ghost Taming Art. Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts were typically what cultivators of the Ghost Taming Art dreamed of. He had three options. First, refine it himself. However, in the short term, it couldn't replace his three ghost soldiers. And his Spirit Forging Art wouldn't allow him to command four ghost soldiers simultaneously. This wouldn't significantly boost his strength in the short term.

Second, sell it. Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts didn't have a fixed market price. Each one had to go through an auction, and its ownership would be determined after fierce bidding. If he were to auction it himself, it would definitely cause a huge stir. Even if the auction house dealt with him honestly, once the news reached Myriad Ghost Ancestor's ears, Lei Dong would be in serious trouble. After all, Myriad Ghost Ancestor was extremely eager to possess more Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts.

For those in the Qi Refining Stage, Middle Grade and Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts were indeed excellent. However, even with Inferior Grade Spirit Ghosts, carefully nurturing two or three of them could yield considerable power. But for those in the Foundation Establishment Realm, Inferior Grade Spirit Ghosts were insufficient. After all, Inferior Grade Spirit Ghosts had limited potential. While they were manageable at the ghost soldier stage, with enough time and effort, they would eventually grow. But for Inferior Grade ghost soldiers to advance to the Ghost Guard level, equivalent to the Foundation Establishment Realm, was very difficult. Even if they were lucky enough to advance, the time, effort, and resources required would be disproportionate to the gains. Therefore, to practice the Ghost Taming Art in the Foundation Establishment Realm, the spirit ghost's aptitude must reach Middle Grade, otherwise, it wouldn't keep up with one's cultivation realm.

By the same logic, Myriad Ghost Ancestor was a Golden Core Stage cultivator and primarily practiced the Ghost Taming Art. Middle Grade Spirit Ghosts could be used in the Foundation Establishment Realm, but the further one progressed, the slower their advancement would become. As for allowing Middle Grade Spirit Ghosts to break through to the Ghost General level, it would require immense effort and sacrifice. Moreover, even if they reached the Ghost General level, further advancement would be extremely difficult.

Therefore, for Myriad Ghost Ancestor to practice the Ghost Taming Art, Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts were essential. Only Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts were worthy of his status. Just as Lei Dong wouldn't take Inferior Ghosts as his ghost slaves, Myriad Ghost Ancestor was no longer suited to using Middle Grade ones. And since he currently only had one Upper Grade Spirit Ghost and one Top Grade Spirit Ghost, it was evident that he desired at least one more Upper Grade one. Under such circumstances, if he heard that his personal disciple sold an Upper Grade Spirit Ghost to someone else, the consequences would truly be unimaginable...

Thus, a third option emerged: directly present this Upper Grade Spirit Ghost to Myriad Ghost Ancestor. While the benefits might not be as maximized as selling it directly, it would greatly elevate Lei Dong's status in the eyes of Myriad Ghost Ancestor, who already treated him well. Imagine, a personal disciple offering an Upper Grade Spirit Ghost – who could be more filial? Such a filial disciple, wouldn't it be a waste not to cultivate him wholeheartedly? Moreover, once the Ancestor accepted his Upper Grade Spirit Ghost, various rewards would surely follow. The indirect effect would be even better than selling it himself.

After much thought, Lei Dong decided to present the Upper Grade Spirit Ghost to his Ancestor. Firstly, with his Qi Refining Stage cultivation, Middle Grade was more than sufficient. Secondly, if he could create one Upper Grade Spirit Ghost, he could create a second one. For something he wouldn't lack in the future, exchanging it with his Ancestor for significant benefits and directly enhancing his survival strength – was there any better deal in the world?

With this decision made, Lei Dong immediately went to see his Ancestor. As his personal disciple, after reporting to the Ghost Slave, the Ancestor would personally meet him if he had something important to discuss. After all, every personal disciple had the potential to become the Ancestor's right-hand man in the future. If he wasn't treated well early on, how could they be completely obedient and loyal in the future?

As expected, when Lei Dong announced that he had a matter of utmost importance to request an audience, the Ancestor quickly met Lei Dong in the living room of his cave mansion. Regarding Lei Dong, his personal disciple, the Ancestor couldn't say he was satisfied or dissatisfied. His shortcomings were his poor aptitude, but his advantages were his intelligence, diligence, and ruthlessness. For someone in an evil sect, without ruthlessness, even reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm would make them prey to others.

According to the rules, after paying his respects to the Ancestor, Lei Dong said with feigned excitement, "Ancestor, this disciple has encountered a bottleneck in his cultivation. Firstly, I wanted to go out and relax, and secondly, I wanted to try my luck catching some valuable spirit ghosts, perhaps to exchange for an Earth Spirit Pill or something. Who knew that after more than a hundred days, having only obtained five Inferior Grade Spirit Ghosts, this disciple was blessed with an Upper Grade Spirit Ghost."

Myriad Ghost Ancestor's expression was initially indifferent, thinking the boy was being too verbose. But upon hearing "Upper Grade Spirit Ghost," his placid expression immediately changed, "Upper Grade Spirit Ghost? Lei Dong, are you sure?"

"This disciple has appraised it, and it is indeed an Upper Grade Spirit Ghost." Lei Dong took out an ordinary Soul Nurturing Pagoda and respectfully handed it to the Ancestor, "Please appraise it, Ancestor."

Myriad Ghost Ancestor was also somewhat impatient. He had cultivated to the Golden Core Stage. In his entire life, besides a stroke of luck at the fifth level of Qi Refining where he obtained a Top Grade Spirit Ghost, the only other time he acquired an Upper Grade Spirit Ghost was when he became an Ancestor and snatched one at an auction. However, that time nearly bankrupted him. Since then, he had no further luck with Upper Grade Spirit Ghosts. Hearing that Lei Dong had actually captured an Upper Grade Spirit Ghost, how could he not be excited?

Seeing Myriad Ghost Ancestor's eager expression, Lei Dong secretly chuckled while quickly lowering his head, careful not to let the Ancestor see through his facade.

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