Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 676 - 674: Meeting Lin Guo

"Fellow Daoist Ning, many thanks..."

Long Xian’er received the Red Dragon Seal and respectfully bowed.

"Hmm."

Ning Daoran said, "Xian’er, you should now understand who in the sect is truly trustworthy. Remember to depend heavily on the Great Elder and Fellow Daoist Huang Xianyu. Additionally, from today forward, establish a rule: the Peak Masters of the Inner Sect Six Peaks must be cultivators of the Long family. While external families may be delegated some authority, they must not be allowed to expand unchecked and grow too powerful."

"Understood. Xian’er will keep this in mind!"

"Once I finish tidying up, I’ll be leaving."

"Fellow Daoist Ning..."

Long Xian’er bit her lip and said, "Actually, Fellow Daoist Ning, you’re far more suited for the position of Sect Master than I am. Why... why didn’t Grandfather entrust the position to you? Moreover, if you are willing, Xian’er is prepared to relinquish the title of Sect Master and serve as Deputy Sect Master to assist you."

"What kind of nonsense is that?"

Ning Daoran frowned, saying, "If I accepted, wouldn’t that make me no different from Zhang Qinghe, someone who usurps another’s nest?"

Long Xian’er looked remorseful and said nothing.

"Honored Guest Ning,"

Huang Xianyu cupped his fists and frowned. "Are you truly determined to leave?"

"Yes."

Ning Daoran nodded. "I originally came to Heavenly Light Immortal City to explore the opportunities in the Fierce Sun Sky Pool. Now that I’ve successfully achieved a breakthrough there, my goal has been fulfilled. It’s only proper that I return to the Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World."

"If that’s the case, who knows when or if we will meet Honored Guest Ning again..." Huang Xianyu said regretfully.

"That’s fine."

Ning Daoran smiled. "I am only leaving the Star Sea Divine Domain, not severing ties with the Divine Fire Sect. The sect can continue listing my name as a guest elder—it’s no bother."

"Truly?"

Long Xian’er was delighted. "That’s excellent news..."

...

Nighttime, Ning Daoran’s cave mansion.

After a thorough cleaning, all the items in the mansion were emptied out and stored in the Spirit Garden Cave Heaven.

"Fellow Daoist Ning..."

Outside the cave mansion, Long Xian’er, the Great Elder, Huang Xianyu, and a group of Inner Sect disciples were already gathered, ready to see Ning Daoran off.

"Xian’er, there’s no need to try to stop me."

Ning Daoran smiled and said, "I am a loose cultivator, and any place I stay is only temporary. I’m destined to venture further and see the wider world."

"Hmm."

Long Xian’er flicked her sleeve, and suddenly rows of fine wine appeared before him. She said, "This is one hundred jars of top-grade Fire God Wine, a treasured collection the Divine Fire Sect has accrued over many years. Please accept them, Fellow Daoist."

"Honored Guest Ning,"

Huang Xianyu reminded, "The Sect Master has practically emptied the sect’s wine reserves for this."

"Ah?"

Ning Daoran couldn’t help but laugh. "Xian’er, thank you. I can forgo everything else, but the flavor of this Fire God Wine is truly something I am fond of."

Containing the essence of fire energy, Fire God Wine was well-suited for fire-attribute cultivators. Naturally, such top-grade Fire God Wine was a perfect match for a Great Cultivator like Ning Daoran, whose True Yang Chi Xiao Body made it an ideal pairing!

"As long as Fellow Daoist enjoys it."

Long Xian’er smiled. "Fire God Wine is brewed every year. If you run out, remember to return, as we will all miss you greatly."

...

Ning Daoran was left speechless. The cutting power of a woman’s words was so ridiculously potent at times.

Raising a hand, he waved, stowing all one hundred jars of Fire God Wine into his storage ring. He said, "Alright, everyone, until we meet again. I shall take my leave. No need to follow me further."

"We’ll see you off, regardless..." Huang Xianyu said.

"Fine."

Thus, the group escorted Ning Daoran out of the Immortal City, eventually reaching the West Coast.

The Star Sea gleamed with dazzling golden light.

Ning Daoran patted his storage bag, producing a refined treasure boat. Infusing it with mana, he threw it into the sea.

"Boom~~~"

The treasure boat rapidly expanded in an explosion of light, transforming into a massive hundred-zhang-long immortal vessel, none other than the Sea Dragon Immortal Boat gifted by Ning Tianyi.

"Set sail, heading home!"

Lightly tossing out paperfolk as crew, Ning Daoran released Big Stupid Deer, Little Bai, and the others. Even the Seven-colored Falcon, now nurtured by Little Bai to the Golden Core Early Stage in the Spirit Garden Cave Heaven, unfurled its wings and spiraled above the deck.

"Everyone!"

Standing at the stern, Ning Daoran cupped his fists at the crowd and said with a smile, "During my journey through the Star Sea Divine Domain, though I’ve made quite a few enemies, I am content with a clear conscience. Farewell for now! I hope we meet again!"

"Fellow Daoist Ning, farewell!"

"Honored Guest Ning, farewell!"

Everyone cupped their fists in return, each feeling deeply moved.

This dazzling figure, who had practically torn through the Divine Fire Tower, was truly leaving the Divine Fire Sect. For a moment, a strange emptiness washed over Long Xian’er’s heart.

And the aftermath of Ning Daoran’s departure carried significant consequences for the sect.

The late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator Zhang Qinghe had perished, as had the mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators Zhang Naiqian and Elder Xu, along with early-stage Nascent Soul disciples Zhang Puyu, Zhang He, and Zhang Qinyu. On top of that, many other disciples had fallen.

The Divine Fire Sect suffered a severe blow to its strength but would undoubtedly recover in time.

After all, Long Xian’er remained at the helm, and the sect continued to dominate the Star Sea Divine Domain. Moreover, the opportunity-rich Fierce Sun Sky Pool remained under their control. Given the right resources, in decades or even centuries, talented Golden Core and Nascent Soul disciples would sprout up like mushrooms after a rain!

What Ning Daoran achieved, however, was the elimination of a significant internal threat to the sect.

At least in the eyes of the Great Elder and Huang Xianyu, this Honored Guest Ning was the sect’s savior—the one who had turned the tide before chaos fully erupted. Without his intervention, even if the Zhang family branch were eventually eradicated, their conflict with the Long family branch would have led to crippling losses, with Sect Master Long Xian’er possibly perishing as well!

"Sect Master."

As the sea winds blew, Huang Xianyu remarked, "Don’t linger. Honored Guest Ning has already sailed far."

"Hmm..."

Turning her gaze, Long Xian’er said, "Should we... perhaps draft a new set of rules for the Divine Fire Sect? Regarding next year’s Inner Sect disciple selection, I’ll need the two of you to help me plan!"

"It will be our utmost honor!"

The Great Elder and Huang Xianyu cupped their fists in unison.

Both of them were secretly overjoyed. In the past, decisions on matters of high importance to the sect were monopolized by Zhang Qinghe. Now, such opportunities finally came to them.

"Let’s go."

Long Xian’er took one last look at the dwindling silhouette of the Sea Dragon Immortal Boat before leading the group back toward the Divine Fire Sect.

...

Several months later.

In the third lunar month, spring enveloped everything in vitality.

In the capital of Sangyu Country.

A man and a deer appeared in the bustling city. The man, dressed in a flowing green robe, exuded a carefree and refined air, while the deer, with its snow-white fur and radiant antlers, was an eye-catching sight.

This man and deer were naturally none other than Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer.

Upon entering the city, both suppressed their cultivation to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. This was Ning Daoran’s suggestion: mid-stage Foundation Establishment was neither too conspicuous nor too humble, deterring petty thieves while avoiding unnecessary attention.

Years ago, Shen Luoyan had traversed the world at this cultivation stage, finding great enjoyment in the process.

Now at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, Ning Daoran was planning a visit to Chaotic Sect. He had heard of an attempted attack by the descendants of Mo Yu Monarch and felt a lingering concern. Moreover, the mid-stage Nascent Soul Fire Hou in his possession had yet to be delivered to Chen Yuzhu, leaving him unsettled.

Thus, passing through Sangyu Country’s capital city, he decided to stop and revisit familiar territory—there was no rush to return home.

"Moo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer nudged Ning Daoran’s arm, signaling toward some excitement on the left.

"Oh?"

Ning Daoran quickly merged into a gathering crowd with Big Stupid Deer, where they saw an elderly man performing tricks. He planted a seed in a flowerpot, watered it, and soon a tender sprout pushed through the soil, quickly growing and even bearing pods.

"Wow, impressive, impressive..."

Ning Daoran’s eyes sparkled with interest.

"Moo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer added its own call of approval, truly intrigued.

In truth, both could tell it was a mere sleight of hand. The elderly man was likely a Third Level of Qi Refinement cultivator using these tricks to make a living in the city.

Still, his technique was so skillful and convincing that he certainly deserved his livelihood!

"Entertaining, truly entertaining!"

At that moment, a woman clapped and cheered joyfully.

Ning Daoran turned to look at her.

She, too, noticed him, meeting his gaze with a bright smile.

"Lin Wuxian?!"

Ning Daoran was startled. It turned out to be Lin Guo, the former Martial Immortal of Sangyu Country’s Martial Temple!

Now, however, Lin Guo had reached the Mixed Element Middle Stage as a Martial Artist while also becoming a Golden Core Stage cultivator. Despite the passing years, she remained radiant and youthful.

In the Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World, high-level Martial Artists often pursued dual cultivation of magic and body to halt aging, or they wouldn’t survive long.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, long time no see!"

Lin Guo approached with a laugh. "What a coincidence to meet here on my first day in the capital. Given this fate, shouldn’t Fellow Daoist treat this lady to a drink?"

"Sure!"

Ning Daoran replied decisively, "Where and how we drink is entirely up to you!"

"In that case, let’s head to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion."

...

Within the most lavish establishment in the city—the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

This tavern catered exclusively to Martial Artists and cultivators, serving only spiritual wines. The price of a meal could easily soar past a thousand Spirit Stones.

Ning Daoran hardly minded.

During his journey through the Star Sea Divine Domain, his supply of Spirit Stones had increased significantly.

"Revisiting familiar places and reuniting with old friends truly brings joy."

Ning Daoran raised his cup with a smile. "I’ll drink this cup in one go!"

"Cheers!"

Lin Guo, clad in a simple yet elegant outfit, emanated charm. As a Martial Artist, she carried herself with a refreshing confidence and downed her wine in one gulp. "Fellow Daoist Ning, what brings you to the capital city?"

"I’ve returned from the Endless Demon Sea and plan to visit my hometown, passing through this place on the way."

"What perfect timing."

Lin Guo smiled. "If I had arrived a day earlier or later, I might have missed you altogether."

"How true."

Ning Daoran looked at her. "Might I ask what brings Martial Immortal Lin to the capital?"

"The Nascent Soul Conference,"

Lin Guo replied. "Tomorrow, at Wujue Mountain outside the city, there will be a Nascent Soul Conference featuring battles between my nation’s strongest late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. The event will crown Sangyu Country’s number one Nascent Soul cultivator. I received an invitation and came to observe, considering it a good opportunity to hone my skills."

"Oh?"

Ning Daoran asked, "Who are the participants?"

"They are the four strongest late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators in Sangyu Country: True Monarch Shennong, Purple Flame Demon Lord, True Duanhai Monarch, and Moon Worship Demon Lord."

"So even the Purple Flame Demon Lord is participating..."

Ning Daoran looked excited, rubbing his hands. "Could you bring me along to spectate?"

"This..."

Lin Guo glanced at him warily. "You’re not planning to cause any trouble, are you?"

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