Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 621 - 619 Qingxuzi

Guiru City.

Clouds layered like a thousand radiant hues; in the air, streaks of tunneling light swirled gracefully, imbued with ethereal immortal charm.

The Sea Dragon Immortal Boat slowly approached the shore. Ning Daoran stood at the bow, one hand clasped behind his back. From the watchtower at the port, a figure descended lightly—a woman dressed in white robes, her immortal charm unparalleled. Who else could it be if not Ning Mingyu?

"Brother!"

Ning Mingyu landed directly on the deck of the Sea Dragon Immortal Boat, her face lit with joy. She spoke, "As soon as I received word of your arrival in the harbor, I rushed over. Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been about your safety during your time away?"

"And yet here I am, safe and sound, am I not?"

Ning Daoran chuckled and said, "Mingyu, come meet Fellow Daoists Du’e and Liu Yun."

"Yes!"

Ning Mingyu replied with utmost grace, bowing respectfully to the two Nascent Soul Great Cultivators. "Ning Mingyu greets True Monarch Du’e and True Monarch Liu Yun!"

"Fairy Ning, there’s no need for such formality!"

The two Great Cultivators, aware that she was the treasured daughter of City Lord Ning Tianyi, responded in kind with polite courtesy.

"Brother Ning."

True Monarch Du’e said, "Now that we’ve returned to the Ruins Immortal Land, I shall refrain from imposing further. I’ll be staying in Guiru City for cultivation and will rent a Cave Mansion here. Should you have any free time, feel free to come by for a chat."

"Naturally, as it should be."

True Monarch Liu Yun also took her leave, saying, "This sea trial has been immensely rewarding. Like Fellow Daoist Du’e, I’ll also rent a Cave Mansion in the city for an extended stay. Fellow Daoist Ning, we’ll meet again another day."

"Alright, until we meet again!"

After bidding farewell to the two Nascent Soul masters, Ning Daoran swiped his palm, transforming the Sea Dragon Immortal Boat into a treasure artifact. Using his mana, he presented it to Ning Mingyu.

"Mingyu, this Immortal Boat was borrowed by me and the City Lord. It has remained in good condition throughout our journey. I’ll leave it to you to return it to the City Lord."

"Consider it done, it’s a small matter."

Ning Mingyu stored the Sea Dragon Immortal Boat into her Storage Bag and said, "Brother, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you..."

"I understand. Let’s return to the Cave Mansion together. I’ll have Old Lu stir-fry some dishes you like. This sea trial has indeed been fruitful and is worth celebrating."

"Alright!"

...

That night.

After a hearty meal, rather than leaving, Ning Mingyu roamed around the pavilion inside Ning Daoran’s Cave Mansion. She didn’t seem inclined to depart anytime soon.

"Brother, do you know what major events happened while you were away at sea with True Monarchs Du’e and Liu Yun?"

"Oh, what happened?"

"The rankings on the Demon Slayer List have undergone an enormous upheaval. The top spot, held for millennia, has been claimed by someone with the moniker ’Huaguo Mountain Great Monkey.’ Truly astonishing!"

"I’ve noticed this as well."

Ning Daoran frowned and said, "This individual’s cultivation and achievements are truly remarkable."

"Indeed."

Ning Mingyu nodded. "The city has been abuzz with rumors in recent years, claiming that someone is approaching the ascension stage. It’s said that a Divinity Transformation Stage senior, unable to tolerate the Demon Clan’s rampant wickedness, finally intervened and slew a Divinity Transformation Stage Great Demon to claim the top position on the list."

"Mingyu, does that seem plausible to you?"

Ning Daoran set down the Jade Scroll in his hand, smiling as he said, "In the Human World, Divinity Transformation cultivators rarely make a move. Even when they do, they suppress their cultivation to the Nascent Soul Late Stage. Otherwise, expending too much Primordial Qi leads to dwindling immortal power, ultimately resulting in a decline. I doubt it was a Divinity Transformation Stage cultivator who acted."

"True..."

Ning Mingyu pursed her red lips. "I recall Father mentioning that Divinity Transformation cultivators in the Mortal World are like old turtles—unless absolutely necessary, they refuse to take action."

Ning Daoran couldn’t help but silently think, "Then according to that logic, your father is an old turtle as well."

After Ning Mingyu lingered in his Cave Mansion for three days, Ning Daoran could no longer endure. Using the topic of when she would condense her Nascent Soul as an excuse, he ultimately brought the reunion to an end. Ning Mingyu left, puffing with indignation, vowing that the next time they met, she would definitely have successfully condensed her Nascent Soul.

...

Finally free from disturbance, Ning Daoran busied himself within his Cave Mansion.

His first priority was disassembling the various demon beast materials obtained during his journey to the Endless Demon Sea, especially those from a few Nascent Soul Late Stage beasts. These materials were truly treasures among treasures, requiring an extensive amount of time to process and refine.

In addition, treasures like the Fire God Sword and the Earth Gold Cauldron needed further nurturing to enhance their Essence Qi, a task that demanded a substantial investment of time.

Moreover, having obtained the inheritances of the White Dragon Sea Splitting Formation and the Void Returning Array, Ning Daoran needed to spend significant time delving into these formations. After all, advancing from a Fourth-level Mid Grade Array Master to a Fourth-level High Grade Array Master was an entirely different realm, separated by a vast chasm!

A Fourth-level Mid Grade Array Master, though rare and regarded as a grandmaster by major sects, was at least not unheard of. However, should Ning Daoran announce his advancement to the level of a Fourth-level High Grade Master, his status and standing would ascend incomparably.

Thus, he entered closed-door cultivation for several months straight.

One afternoon, feeling a sense of stifling boredom, he walked out of his Cave Mansion and, setting up a makeshift stove outside, began brewing tea for himself.

"Fellow Daoist Ning."

Before long, a ripple of energy appeared at the restriction of the neighboring Cave Mansion. From it emerged a stunningly beautiful lady—the Jade Marrow Immortal.

"Yusui, long time no see. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist."

The Jade Marrow Immortal smiled faintly. "I heard that you recently returned from sea trials in the Endless Demon Sea alongside True Monarchs Du’e and Liu Yun. Yet as soon as you came back, you went into closed-door cultivation. I dared not disturb you. It wasn’t until you yourself emerged today that I finally found an opportunity to meet you."

"Indeed."

Ning Daoran smiled. "I should have visited you myself, but there’s been far too much occupying my time and cultivation."

"I understand, Fellow Daoist, and there’s no need to explain."

Stepping forward, a fragrant scent wafted from the Jade Marrow Immortal as she spoke. "Let me handle this tea brewing for you instead. You can just sit and relax."

"Very well then, thank you."

Ning Daoran sat upright, watching the Jade Marrow Immortal from behind.

This iconic woman of the talismanic arts was indeed exceptional. Ning Daoran held a favorable impression of her, yet she could never be like Lin Man, someone who could effortlessly make her way into his heart.

Suddenly, a thought struck him.

Within his Storage Bag was a damaged Fourth-level Mid Grade Fire Hou Puppet. Ning Daoran had no knowledge of the Puppet Path, making it virtually impossible for him to repair it on his own.

Thus, finding a Fourth-level Mid Grade Puppet Master to assist him became a pressing necessity.

The reason for his persistence regarding this Nascent Soul Mid Stage Fire Hou Puppet was simple. He had recently heard that the Chaotic Sect came under the scrutiny of Mo Yu Monarch’s descendants. If not for the intervention of a benefactor, they would’ve faced disaster. The matter stuck in his throat like a thorn.

The mountains were far, and Ning Daoran couldn’t always be present at Chaotic Sect. However, if Chen Yuzhu had a Fourth-level Mid Grade Puppet in her hands, it would be a completely different story. Once repaired, the Fire Hou Puppet’s power was equivalent to a Nascent Soul Mid Stage cultivator. With such a guardian at Chaotic Sect, there wouldn’t be any Great Cultivator in Xia Country daring enough to act recklessly.

A single puppet could ensure centuries of peace for Chaotic Sect!

"Yusui."

He accepted the steaming cup of tea handed over by the Jade Marrow Immortal and asked, "During this sea expedition, I obtained a rather decent puppet. Unfortunately, it’s heavily damaged. Do you know of any skilled Puppet Masters in the city?"

"Of course."

The Jade Marrow Immortal replied, "The Xiangnan Commerce Guild in the city has a Fourth-level Lower Grade Puppet Master on duty, someone called Master Luo, if I recall correctly... Additionally, a nearby Fifth-order Cave Mansion is home to a Fourth-level Lower Grade Puppet Master. I’ve met him a few times. If Fellow Daoist Ning needs help repairing a puppet, I could introduce you."

"Ahem..." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

Ning Daoran rubbed his nose and said, "I mean, is there anyone at the Fourth-level Mid Grade level?"

"Fourth-level Mid Grade?"

The Jade Marrow Immortal’s expression grew slightly stern. This implied Ning Daoran had acquired a Fourth-level Mid Grade Puppet—a truly remarkable find.

"There is one."

Her lips curved slightly. "I’ve heard that in the City Lord Mansion here in Guiru City resides a Nascent Soul Early Stage Guest Elder, whose title is Qingxuzi. He’s said to be highly accomplished in the Puppet Path, reaching the level of a Fourth-level Mid Grade Puppet Master. Over the centuries he’s lived in the City Lord Mansion, it’s rumored he has crafted twenty to thirty Fourth-level Puppets for Guiru City."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brow. Guiru City’s solid foundations were evident. Just the sheer number of Fourth-level Puppets made it apparent that even if the demons of the deep sea launched an offensive, they’d have no chance at victory—let alone with Ning Tianyi, a Divinity Transformation Stage Great Cultivator, overseeing the city. This was undoubtedly the source of Guiru City’s ability to stand firm within the depths of the Endless Demon Sea.

"Qingxuzi..."

Ning Daoran murmured, "If so, I should pay him a visit."

"Fellow Daoist Ning..."

The Jade Marrow Immortal hesitated.

"What is it, Yusui? Speak freely."

"Ahem..."

The Jade Marrow Immortal wore an awkward expression as she replied, "This Qingxuzi has an extremely eccentric personality. Though he’s resided in the City Lord Mansion for many years, he avoids any interaction with the outside world. It’s said many Loose Cultivators have tried to visit him, only to be turned away at the door. Even those bearing lavish gifts fail to gain an audience with him, let alone convince him to craft for them."

"Oh?"

Ning Daoran arched an eyebrow. "Could it be that City Lord Ning has explicitly forbidden him from taking private commissions?"

"That doesn’t seem to be the case. It’s simply Qingxuzi’s reclusive temperament, disliking the conspiracies and underhanded dealings of the outside world. Many of the city’s cultivators know of him, but few have ever actually seen him."

"I see..."

Ning Daoran frowned. "No matter—I’ll give it a try. Perhaps this Fellow Daoist Qingxuzi is willing to see me."

The Jade Marrow Immortal shot him an amused glance. "Do you really believe yourself to be the one and only Chosen of the heavens? Fine, go on. When you come back with a bruised ego, you can complain to me all you like."

"Hahaha!"

Ning Daoran laughed heartily.

...

That night.

Under the pretense of visiting Qingxuzi, Ning Daoran stepped into the City Lord Mansion.

In the bamboo forest behind the mansion, birds fluttered, streams trickled, and the atmosphere exuded tranquility. Amidst the bamboo and flowing water stood a towering Cave Mansion—Qingxuzi’s dwelling.

"Ning Daoran, a cultivator from Xia Country, humbly requests an audience with Fellow Daoist Qingxuzi!" He clasped his hands in respect, his demeanor composed and courteous.

Shortly after, the Cave Mansion’s restriction parted, and a young boy stepped out. "Master is currently in closed-door cultivation and has instructed not to be disturbed. Please return, Senior Ning!"

Ning Daoran was momentarily taken aback—this Fourth-level Mid Grade Puppet Master indeed lived up to his reputation!

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