A Cunning Pervert in the Cultivation World Chapter 354: Aftermath.

A full day had elapsed since the conclusion of the secret realm's operations. And the expedition into this very secret realm had proven to be a truly disastrous undertaking, considering the immense number of casualties sustained by the righteous sects. It would not be an overstatement to claim that their complete annihilation would have been a certainty had Li Feng not managed to store the surviving disciples within the confines of the Divine Brick at the critical final moment. Upon uncovering the stark reality, the elders representing the four major sects were incandescent with rage, particularly upon the discovery that a significant contingent of demonic disciples had managed to infiltrate the secret realm. The Heavenly Sword Sect, in its indignation, stood out as the most incensed. Elder Shentian issued a solemn vow to escalate this grave matter directly to the attention of the Sword Saint, as his own disciple had narrowly escaped death during the tumultuous events; moreover, Jian Ruyi held the esteemed position of the Sword Saint's own child. Consequently, every elder present could distinctly perceive the imminent likelihood of a full-scale conflict erupting along the borderlands. After all, the Sword Saint himself had previously proclaimed unequivocally that no demonic cultivators were to be permitted beyond the boundaries of the Lawless Land, and he had pledged to execute any who dared to defy this decree. Yet, not only had they transgressed this established boundary, but they had also audacious enough to infiltrate the select secret realm itself... an event meticulously designated for the younger generation of the righteous sects. This transgression was, in essence, nothing short of a direct affront and a public humiliation to his authority. Exacerbating the situation further, his own daughter had become entangled in this perilous affair. These considerations alone were sufficient for many to anticipate the colossal bloodshed that would soon irrevocably stain the border regions. After exchanging their final farewells, the elders meticulously gathered their diminished numbers of disciples—those who had been thankfully released from the Divine Brick—and made haste back to their respective sects to lodge their official reports. Every single disciple had already undertaken a solemn oath, at Li Feng's earnest request, to maintain absolute secrecy regarding the existence of the cavernous interior within the sacred treasure. As for the duration for which this critical secret would remain shrouded in obscurity, Li Feng no longer harbored any particular concern. Should those harboring malicious intent choose to advance, then let them proceed. He would simply ensure that any individual who dared to trespass would learn a most dire lesson, to never again succumb to such avarice in their subsequent existence. And Li Feng, having offered his sincere promises to all the women with whom he had forged a close bond, assuring them of his intention to visit once his obligations were fulfilled, finally bid them adieu as well. Owing to the extreme exigency of the prevailing circumstances, he was regrettably incapable of affording them a dignified and proper parting. Furthermore, Li Feng himself was still grappling with a profound sense of disorientation following the abrupt and unexpected demise of Goldie... Onboard the magnificent flying vessel of the Azure Moon Sect, Yue Lan was observed gracefully emerging from the confines of her chamber with a delicate sigh. Her once ebony tresses had transformed into a resplendent shade of snow-white, catching the light and shimmering with an ethereal luminescence reminiscent of the moon. She paused momentarily at the threshold of the doorway, her elegantly sculpted form turning to cast a lingering glance back into the room. Her visage, now imbued with an even more captivating and breathtaking allure—a magnificence capable of toppling empires—was visibly clouded with a profound sense of worry. "If you find yourself in need of anything whatsoever, Li Feng, do not hesitate to apprise me of the matter." Within the quietude of the chamber, Li Feng remained seated in a state of utter stillness upon the bed, his gaze fixed in a dazed stupor upon the fractured, translucent core resting within his palm. The once vibrant golden radiance that had previously resided within its depths had utterly dissipated, leaving behind naught but an desolate, shattered husk. He had remained in this despondent state ever since their departure from the secret realm. Yue Lan had made numerous attempts to offer solace and comfort, yet Li Feng seemed utterly lost, ensnared in a deep labyrinth of confusion and weighed down by heavy ponderings. He even displayed a distinct lack of interest in the mundane mortal pleasures and indulgences that he had once so ardently pursued. His unwavering silence only served to heighten her mounting anxiety. Finding herself devoid of any further solutions, she resolved to seek counsel from the venerable Elder Yu. Upon receiving a subtle nod of acknowledgment from the Elder, Yue Lan exhaled softly and gently closed the chamber door, leaving him enveloped in solitary contemplation within the hushed room. Once the soft click of the door echoed, Li Feng resumed his somber contemplation of the ruined core. The brilliant effulgence that had once illuminated its interior was now extinguished for all eternity. "...Why?" He had posed this singular question an innumerable number of times, yet never had a satisfactory answer materialized. Goldie had been akin to a cherished member of his own family. And now, it was simply gone... abruptly, without the slightest premonition or warning. What most persistently tormented him was the indelible memory of Goldie's final, sorrowful yet undeniably loving gaze bestowed upon him before its ultimate disappearance. This particular juncture was meant to signify a moment of triumphant culmination following the vanquishing of the great calamity, but instead... He experienced a profound sensation of having lost something absolutely essential. The more his thoughts delved into the matter, the deeper he sank into a mire of bewilderment and an overwhelming sense of emptiness. "Damn it!" Li Feng uttered a curse under his breath, an expression of pure frustration, and subsequently collapsed back onto the surface of the bed. He concealed his face with his arm, a tempest of bewilderment and profound loss churning tempestuously within the confines of his chest. But at this precise juncture— [Ding!] [Congratulations, Host! The Reward has concluded its compilation process!] [Would you like to proceed with viewing it ?] Li Feng momentarily faltered in his despair, but even before he could formulate a verbal response— [Ding!] [Gold Source has initiated self-destruction...?] [Ding!] [Gold Source has been compromised...?] [Ding!] [Host’s Fortune is undergoing a rapid escalation!] [Ding!] [Host! Your puppet, designated as "Goldie," has met its demise!] "...You have arrived far too late," Li Feng articulated, his voice barely a whisper, tinged with an undeniable weariness. It appeared the system had indeed absented itself during that critical moment. And for reasons yet unknown, he found himself devoid of any elation at the mention of the impending reward. Rather, a single word resonated with him, capturing his sole attention. "Fortune...? What precisely is that?"

Abruptly, another system notification materialized before him.

[Ding!]

[Query: Does the Host wish to restore the Gold Source?]

"What in the world!?"

Li Feng jolted upright in his bed, his eyes widening in sheer astonishment.

"System! Are you genuinely suggesting I can bring Goldie back?"

[Ding!]

[Affirmative, Host!]

[Provided the stipulated prerequisites are satisfied, the System is capable of restoring the Gold Source!]

"Damn it all! Why couldn't you have appeared sooner!" Li Feng exclaimed, though his tone was underscored with palpable excitement.

The immense burden and confusion that had been weighing heavily on his spirit began to recede at last.

Once he managed to retrieve Goldie, he could directly interrogate it regarding its past actions.

"What are the requirements?" he inquired swiftly.

[Ding!]

[To facilitate the restoration of the Gold Source, the Host must fulfill the subsequent conditions:]

[1. Attain the benediction of Five Distinct Heavenly Daos!]

[2. Procure Liquid Gold!]

[3. Obtain the Sacred Seven-Colored Lotus!]

Upon reviewing the stipulated conditions, Li Feng’s countenance grew somber.

He possessed absolutely no comprehension of what any of these items or requirements entailed.

Gaining approval from the Heavenly Daos… that prospect seemed nigh on impossible.

While he might not hold the Heavenly Daos in high regard, he was acutely aware of their elusive and intangible nature.

Furthermore, considering they were beings beyond ordinary reach, how could he possibly secure their favor?

As he found himself lost in contemplation, the Divine Brick suddenly manifested and hovered nearby, seemingly sensing a presence.

"~?"

With a slight inclination of its form—

[Ding!]

[The Dao of ??? has bestowed upon the Host its approval for the reinstatement of Divine Power!]

[Approvals remaining: Four!]

Li Feng’s eyes widened, rendered momentarily speechless.

Gradually, he shifted his gaze towards the hovering Divine Brick.

A peculiar expression began to dawn on his face.

"…It couldn’t be…"

A faint recollection then resurfaced in his mind… something that the False Cultivator had uttered previously, hinting that the Divine Brick was perhaps a fragment of a Dao, or something similar.

Li Feng fixed his stare upon the brick, before emitting a dry, humorless chuckle.

"Little did I know I was connected to something akin to a final boss…"

The brick remained suspended in the air, exuding an almost smug aura.

He observed the brick, which appeared to be hovering with an air of self-satisfaction.

Then, a significant question surfaced in his thoughts.

"Hold on… what sort of Dao would choose to manifest as a brick??"

However, before he could delve deeper into this perplexing inquiry, another system notification appeared—

[Ding!]

[The Dao of ??? has bestowed upon the Host its approval for the reinstatement of Divine Power!]

[Approvals remaining: Three!]

"Eh?"