A Cunning Pervert in the Cultivation World Chapter 382: Li Feng’s Inner Thought

Li Feng regarded them with a puzzled expression, curious about their novel card-playing skills.

"."

The puppets appeared completely absorbed in their game, oblivious to the shifting surroundings.

However, upon hearing Li Feng’s polite cough and spotting him, all ten puppets abruptly rose, their white cloaks swirling.

Wei Meilin observed them with intrigue.

"These are all my Rank 2 puppets," Li Feng explained.

"You may utilize them. You can command them to perform any action, but understand that while they are intelligent, their current comprehension is akin to that of infants. Therefore, keep their tasks straightforward and avoid complexity."

Wei Meilin was taken aback by his statement.

This essentially meant having ten Foundation Establishment experts at her beck and call!

Even if complex maneuvers were beyond them, they would serve as impeccable guardians.

With them by her side, her endeavors to increase Li Feng’s wealth would proceed with far greater ease.

Li Feng then issued a spiritual decree, directing all the puppets to submit to Wei Meilin’s command.

The puppets readily assented.

They had grown weary of remaining near their creator, who incessantly posed questions.

Now presented with an opportunity to explore the world beyond, the puppets seemed filled with eagerness and anticipation.

At that moment, one of the puppets, a victim of significant damage within the secret realm and subsequently rescued by Goldie, conveyed a query to Li Feng via their spiritual link.

The question was a simple inquiry: where was Goldie?

Li Feng paused briefly, then offered a smile.

"Do not fret. Goldie is currently engaged in a crucial mission... and will return shortly."

"~"

The puppets instantly reacted with delight upon hearing this news.

Li Feng gave a gentle smile at their exuberance before leaning down to bestow upon Wei Meilin a swift yet tender kiss on her lips.

"For the time being, remain obedient and heed Lan’er’s guidance. She will assist you in stabilizing your recent breakthrough and will mentor you through the Foundation Establishment Realm."

"Yes, Master," Wei Meilin replied sweetly, though the hint of reluctance in her eyes was unmistakable.

Casting a final glance at the two beautiful women, Li Feng turned and exited the chamber.

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Li Feng ambled leisurely through the vibrant night streets, hands comfortably tucked in his pockets, his mind seemingly adrift in contemplation.

Truth be told, a persistent disquiet had settled in his heart ever since witnessing Yue Lan's apparent demise and the abrupt vanishing of Goldie.

Even though Yue Lan had ultimately been restored to well-being... the memory of the system’s stark pronouncement of her death, coupled with the sight of her lifeless form upon the Divine Brick, continued to haunt him.

It had been an agonizingly close call.

While immersing himself in comfort and physical affection offered temporary solace, the moment he found himself alone again, those somber reflections invariably resurfaced.

Li Feng surveyed his surroundings as he continued his forward progression.

"..."

The gentle radiance of lanterns bathed the lively thoroughfares, where mortals engaged in their nocturnal activities.

Merchants loudly proclaimed their merchandise, revelers guffawed boisterously in establishments along the roadside, and exhausted laborers hastened homeward after arduous shifts.

Children weaved through the throng, their carefree laughter echoing as they chased one another.

Li Feng couldn't help but let out a soft sigh at the serene yet animated tableau before him.

"Despite this world's capacity for cruelty... pockets of tranquility like this still exist," he murmured to himself.

The cacophony, the savory scents of street cuisine, the drunken exclamations, and the simple pleasures of everyday existence painted a vivid tapestry of ephemeral life.

He reduced his pace, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, when an unexpected notion occurred to him.

Rebelling against the heavens...

Defying destiny...

Navigating an unending sea of peril and bloodshed merely to prolong one's existence by a few centuries, or perhaps a millennium... only to endlessly repeat the same cycle.

It sounded truly exhausting.

An unceasing quest for power, where each advancement only revealed a greater challenge looming ahead.

And enhanced strength invariably brought forth more adversaries, augmented burdens... and profound solitude.

Li Feng had already begun to comprehend these harsh realities, despite his sole desire being to savor life to its utmost.

Yet, it seemed that every soul treading the path of seeking immortality was fated to endure a similar outcome.

However, a mortal existence offered little reprieve.

Mortals were feeble and delicate, their lives dictated by ailments, starvation, and the capricious dictates of those superior in power.

A single failed harvest, a corrupt official, or a passing monstrous beast could annihilate all they held dear in an instant.

"In the final analysis, both paths present but different facets of suffering," Li Feng whispered, a subtle, self-deprecating smile gracing his lips.

He paused near a humble food stall, the inviting aroma of grilled skewers permeating the air.

Amidst the bustling street, a young pair, their faces alight with simple joy, savored a shared bowl of noodles at a modest table.

Further along, bathed in the warm glow of a lantern, an elderly woman meticulously tallied her meager earnings, a look of contentment gracing her time-worn features despite her evident hardship.

Observing these scenes, Li Feng's expression softened.

"Perhaps the true meaning isn't in choosing one path exclusively," he mused internally, "but in discovering equilibrium. Cultivating enough longevity to safeguard what is precious, while still cherishing these transient, everyday moments."

His mind drifted to Yue Lan's serene elegance and Wei Meilin's innocent, trusting smile, recalling the warmth of their skin, the softness of their laughter, and the tranquil nights filled with both fervent passion and profound peace.

"Perhaps ultimate strength isn't solely for dominating the heavens," he whispered, almost to himself.

"It's so that I may return to nights such as these... and ensure that no one can ever seize them from me."

Following his utterance,

A quiet stillness descended, broken only by the gentle caress of a breeze carrying the mingled aromas of fine wine and roasted meats.

Li Feng inhaled deeply, then closed his eyes, allowing the vibrant essence of the mortal realm to envelop him.

Upon opening them once more, the shadows of uncertainty had completely receded.

With a newfound lucidity in his eyes, he continued his journey toward the City Lord's Manor, his steps taking on a remarkably lighter cadence.

"A long life devoid of joy carries no meaning," he softly recited.

"And power unmoored from purpose is utterly hollow."

"Ultimately... I shall forge my own unique path. A path that allows me to stand at the pinnacle, yet descend to relish simple skewers and lively streets alongside those I hold dear."

A gentle smile graced Li Feng's lips as quiet determination solidified within his heart.

In the distance, the opulent lights of the City Lord Manor twinkled invitingly.

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After Li Feng had departed,

The old grandmother, who had been diligently counting the day's proceeds from her vegetable sales, suddenly blinked in bewilderment.

For nestled among the heap of copper coins resting within her aged, wrinkled palm...

...lay a single, resplendent gold coin.