The Corruption Dragon God: Lust System Chapter 676 - Ten lights (01)

Numerous anxious gazes were fixed upon the golden gate, which had now shifted to a dark hue, signifying the conclusion of the first trial stage within the Cosmic Void Sect's secret realm.

Following this stage's end, the sect would commence preparations for the subsequent one, a process that could span anywhere from a month to a decade.

The duration of this interval was notoriously unpredictable, as the secret realm operated under its own self-regulating system, making the preparation time entirely random.

Of the cultivators who managed to survive, approximately eighty percent had already made their return.

The only exceptions were Xue Hua and Rou'er.

Thankfully, the anticipation of the onlookers did not persist for an extended period.

With a resounding crack, the portal shuddered, and three individuals emerged.

Long Qingyi, as always, was clad in flowing black robes, elegantly embroidered with golden dragons, his expression serene and his eyes holding a gentle gaze.

Positioned to his left, Rou'er clung tightly to his hand, her face alight with excitement, practically vibrating with contained energy.

On his right stood Xue Hua, her arms entwined with his in a manner that hinted at a closeness beyond that of mere acquaintances, far exceeding the bounds appropriate for individuals not yet married or betrothed.

A blush tinged her cheeks, and upon perceiving the attention directed towards her, she subtly moved away from Qingyi, her gaze falling away.

Her fingers grazed his sleeve for a fleeting moment before dropping to her sides.

Had Qingyi not performed purification rites prior to exiting the mental realm, many present would have observed more than just the palpable intimacy between them, particularly the numerous traces of crimson lipstick and bite marks that Xue Hua had imprinted upon him mere hours earlier.

Naturally, the sect's Grand Elder, Xue Hua's own father, took note of his daughter's flushed countenance and the familiar way she had been connected to Qingyi before their separation.

His jaw tightened, and his eyes remained fixed on the young man for a deliberate

moment.

Indeed, the role of a father presented its unique set of challenges.

However, contemplating the circumstances, at least Guo Longwei had met his end at the hands of a disciple from the Myriad Beasts Sect's leadership.

This turn of events simplified matters considerably, alleviating the potential awkwardness of having to formally dissolve the marriage pact.

The formidable Bai Hu Lie, the sect's namesake 'tiger', had also departed the sect on that very same day. Even certain elders who owed their allegiance and funding to the Guo family were unable to impede his departure.

After all, the Myriad Beasts Sect was not an entity one would lightly provoke into conflict.

They were known to act decisively, dispensing death without hesitation and possessing no fear of widespread conflict; in fact, they seemed to relish such situations.

While they might not initiate hostilities without provocation, once a cause presented itself, they pounced with unrestrained eagerness.

Such was their inherent nature: fierce and unyielding.

The current leader, upon assuming his position, had unceremoniously dissolved the diplomatic corps established by his predecessor, deeming them utterly superfluous.

In times of war, diplomacy held no sway; only the annihilation of adversaries mattered.

This ruthless approach solidified the Myriad Beasts Sect's reputation, earning them both fear and a grudging respect.

Creatures such as dragons, tigers, lions, and colossal serpents...

The sect was home to every conceivable form of powerful beast, and their revered guardian was,

in truth, an immensely potent Bloodhorn Bear, rumored to have once dispatched ten Stellar Sovereigns with a single, devastating blow and even possessing the ability to count to infinity. Twice.

Obviously, that final detail was merely an embellishment, a jest circulated among the sect's ambitious young cultivators to amplify the legend of their ancestral guardian.

This ancient being, who had existed for over three million years, had personally forged what was now recognized as the most ancient and formidable sect within the northern celestial expanse.

Nevertheless, despite the humorous exaggeration, few would venture to doubt that celestial emperors endowed with exceptionally perceptive minds were capable of

at least conceptualizing the infinite.

Renowned observers of destiny and the enigmatic figure known as the Divine Calculator frequently engaged with these abstract notions.

Regrettably, given that the Dao represented the ultimate path for all ascendant experts, few dedicated themselves to the intricacies of pure mathematics or physics, even though the most rudimentary celestial emperor possessed a grasp of physical and mathematical principles that would render all of Earth's greatest intellects seemingly primitive by comparison.

Shortly after the trio's arrival, the sect's elders convened, their expressions a mixture of determination and eager anticipation.

At the heart of the gathering, a towering pillar had been erected to quantify the soul-based advancements of each cultivator. Intricate lines of energy crisscrossed its surface, emitting a subtle, rhythmic pulse akin to a living heartbeat.

The structure comprised nine distinct levels, yet reaching the sixth was conventionally considered the highest achievable standard; the ninth level remained purely in the realm of legend.

Many of the assembled Star Sovereigns could already discern the potent, suppressed soul force emanating from Xue Hua.

How many 'forbidden fortunes' had she managed to acquire?

Three? Four?

Could the legendary Ice Phoenix, the sect's most perilous forbidden fortune, be among those she had obtained?

Were they privy to the true extent of her achievements, they would undoubtedly be plunged into utter astonishment.

All seventy-three of the forbidden fortunes.

Within the span of a single month, Qingyi had secured every single one for Xue Hua.

Treasures that had materialized over millennia, now claimed within a mere month by a solitary individual.

"Now, four of you, the disciples with the greatest gains and the highest potential, will be chosen based on your results. The top four will advance to the second stage, a stage that has even given birth to Stellar Sovereigns!" an elder declared, his voice cutting through the murmuring crowd.

Since they already considered Rou'er to take one of the spots, this time they offered only four spots to the remaining disciples.

It was a pity, but this was a demand from the leader himself. An order

that could not be denied, not even if all the elders went against it.

Rou'er had to enter the second stage of the secret realm at any cost.

Shaking his head, the elder touched the pillar.

"This pillar will calculate your fortunes from the first stage of the

secret realm. Only those with fortunes above level four will be considered. If there are more than four people with level six fortunes, an exception will be made and the number of spots will be expanded."

"When you touch the pillar, the number of lights that turn on will indicate your results. Any questions?"

No one questioned, so the elder smiled and took a step back.

It was finally time for what he loved most about his job: putting the sect's young talents to the test.