Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 685 - 683: Sending Off Fellow Taoist Gui Cang

"Boom~~~"

Above the South Sea, a lightning arrow streaked across the surface of the ocean, instantly stirring up thousands of waves.

Ning Daoran did not increase his tunneling speed to the maximum. If he did, True Monarch Gui Cang might not have been able to keep up. So instead, he controlled his speed to about seventy percent, deliberately luring Gui Cang further away.

After sprinting for roughly an hour, when it was clear that no other cultivators had followed them, Ning Daoran slowed down, feigning exhaustion as if his mana was running dry and he could no longer continue.

"Keep running! Why did you stop?"

In mid-air, True Monarch Gui Cang walked as if stepping on solid ground, his eyes filled with scorn. "I am quite curious to see just how far you think you can escape."

"..."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brows, then turned and cupped his fists respectfully at Gui Cang. "I understand that Fellow Daoist Gui Cang is a long-renowned great cultivator in the North Sea Cultivation World. It’s just a pity that, upon our first meeting, we must decide life and death."

"Why bother with much talk?"

True Monarch Gui Cang coolly replied, "You are an Eastern Wilderness cultivator, and I was born in the North Sea. The conflict between the two regions has long been predestined. Beyond a fight to the death, what other choice do we have?"

"Fellow Daoist, you see things clearly."

Ning Daoran gently patted his storage bag. With a "swish, swish, swish," an array of array flags and plates flew forth. First, he activated the Ten Directions Forbidden Array, preventing his opponent from escaping. Following that, the Void Returning Array, the Falling Star Array, and the Water Cloud Golden Bamboo Sword Formation were set up successively—four arrays in total, a show of respect toward True Monarch Gui Cang.

There was no need for more arrays; Gui Cang could not possibly be so formidable as to require them.

"Array Path?"

True Monarch Gui Cang’s gaze grew colder. "Fellow Daoist, may I know your name? So that after I slay you, I can bring glory to your name in this world. Let the entire Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World know that you fell by my hand, without fleeing in the face of danger."

"Very well..."

Ning Daoran cupped his fists lightly. "I am Ning Daoran, also known as Independent Practitioner Jianjia. If you do kill me, Fellow Daoist Gui, might I inquire whether you would spare my nascent soul?"

"Absolutely impossible. Fellow Daoist, do not entertain such wishful thinking."

Gui Cang replied, "With your unparalleled talent, if your nascent soul were left alive, it would take but a few years for you to return to your peak. By then, would I not live in constant fear—worrying that you’d seek revenge upon my descendants and disciples?"

"Fellow Daoist Gui, you’re truly forthright."

Ning Daoran chuckled. "In that case, I too can rest easy. Whether either of us wins, may we show no mercy."

"It’s a deal!"

Gui Cang narrowed his eyes, flicking his sleeve. Instantly, numerous spiritual treasures soared into the air around him!

Ning Daoran observed and could not help but feel a chill in his heart.

While the grade of Gui Cang’s spiritual treasures wasn’t high—they were mostly low-grade treasures—every single one radiated a strong aura comparable to mid-grade treasures. Moreover, there were seven or eight of them in number!

Clearly, Gui Cang had nurtured these treasures for years. Even when obtaining higher-grade spiritual treasures later, he likely never sought replacements. Instead, he devoted himself to refining the treasures he already had, making them more powerful and versatile in their usage.

This mindset was quite admirable, and Ning Daoran fully agreed with it.

After all, treasures were not necessarily stronger simply because of their grade. Nurturing time and proficiency in their utilization were equally critical. In the cultivation world, the outcome of fights often depended on subtle factors; victories of the weak over the strong were not unheard of.

"Come, then!"

Ning Daoran smiled faintly, immediately activating the Water Cloud Golden Bamboo Sword Formation. Threads of golden silk swords drifted into the air, while the Sword Intent of the Returning to Nature level Liangyi Sword Technique coiled around his feet, appearing profound and divine.

At the same time, countless Chaos Immortal Vines surged from the sea, while Ning Daoran grasped the Big Green Dragon in his hands. On his shoulder, spiritual treasures like the Fire God Sword, Blood-drinking Sword, and Thunder Sword hovered.

"No wonder you were able to kill my disciple..."

Gui Cang’s eyes burned with murderous intent, and he launched an attack without hesitation. Instantly, numerous spiritual treasures unleashed their brilliance, converging on Ning Daoran from all directions with overwhelming ferocity!

Ning Daoran raised one hand and pointed forward. The Nine Dragon Treasure Mirror pierced through the air, transforming into a streak of light that enveloped Gui Cang’s body. Blood Qi erupted from Ning Daoran’s entire being as he unleashed the Dragon Demon Dojo, pulling Gui Cang into its midst!

For an instant, the echoing dragon roars filled the ocean as the Dragon Demon Realm pulsated relentlessly around them, a sight both horrifying and awe-inspiring!

Gui Cang’s expression remained icy, continually wielding spiritual treasures to attack. He was unmoved by the overwhelming display of Ning Daoran’s power. Regardless of the intensity of the moment, a decisive outcome was inevitable today.

This was the composure of a seasoned fighter.

...

The waters churned turbulently, mana raged like a storm.

A fierce battle between two Nascent Soul Stage cultivators erupted over the ocean, with Ning Daoran sparing no effort. He deployed every technique at his disposal, even attempting to ambush Gui Cang with a Soul Suppressing Technique. Yet unexpectedly, Gui Cang’s Divine Soul strength proved exceptional, allowing him to resist for merely a half-breath, preventing Ning Daoran from gaining a significant advantage.

Like this, fifty exchanges passed in an instant.

At this point, the advantage of Ning Daoran’s Eternal Green Technique became evident. His aura and mana flowed endlessly, his strength appearing inexhaustible.

In contrast, Gui Cang’s body bore numerous wounds, and his mana began to show signs of instability. Yet, with his wealth of combat experience and superior realm, he continued to hold his ground!

"Fellow Daoist Ning, I commend you!"

Gui Cang’s bloodshot eyes glimmered with a twisted smile. "If not for the opposing sides we stand upon, we might have been kindred spirits, even friends. What a pity!"

"Truly a pity."

Ning Daoran replied, "But if this is all the power you wield, Fellow Daoist Gui, then I must send you on your way!"

"Hmph, Fellow Daoist, you underestimate me!"

Gui Cang let out a sharp cry, patting his waist lightly. There, a green vine ball swayed, its prohibitions crumbling as two snow-white demon wolves of the Nascent Soul Middle Stage leaped forth, flanking Gui Cang on either side!

"A pocket world treasure?"

Ning Daoran raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Indeed. This treasure is known as the Sumeru Heavenly Cave. I have nurtured it for many long years!"

Gui Cang smiled faintly. "If you prevail, Fellow Daoist Ning, this treasure shall be yours. I trust you’ll make good use of it."

"Likewise."

Ning Daoran patted his Spirit Garden Cave Heaven. "Come forth and join the battle!" fгeewebnovёl.com

At once, Big Stupid Deer, Little Bai, Little Blackie, and Ning Xiaogui—four Nascent Soul-stage spiritual beasts—appeared, taking their positions protectively around Ning Daoran.

"Oh?"

Gui Cang was taken aback.

Ning Daoran’s Spirit Garden Cave Heaven had been so well-sealed that not even a slightest hint of its aura had leaked—not even to someone as skilled as Gui Cang.

"Kill!"

At Gui Cang’s command, the two snow wolves roared fiercely, charging to clash with Big Stupid Deer, Little Bai, and their companions.

Meanwhile, Ning Daoran continued to wield the Big Green Dragon as he resumed his battle against Gui Cang.

It must be said—Gui Cang was the strongest Nascent Soul opponent Ning Daoran had ever faced!

Gui Cang’s ferocity was almost monstrous. Even Shennong True Monarch or Purple Flame Demon Lord likely stood no chance against him!

...

The epic battle dragged on into more than two hundred exchanges.

By the time they reached two hundred exchanges, Gui Cang was riddled with wounds, and Ning Daoran was not unscathed either, his body marked with injuries from Gui Cang’s spiritual treasures. However, with the regenerative power of the Eternal Green Technique, Ning Daoran’s wounds healed rapidly. In such a prolonged battle, he held an undeniable advantage.

At this point, the outcome was clear.

"Enough."

Gui Cang let out a bitter laugh. "Fellow Daoist Ning, would you grant me a dignified end?"

"I shall."

Ning Daoran nodded. "However you wish to depart, speak freely."

"Very well."

Gui Cang sighed deeply, then forced a smile. "I, who once roamed unbeaten as a Nascent Soul cultivator in the North Sea Cultivation World, never imagined I’d meet my end in the Eastern Wilderness. To lose to you, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator... I have shamed the North Sea. Today, I finally understand the saying: ’Beyond every mountain is another.’ Fellow Daoist Ning, your strength has broadened my horizons..."

He chuckled bitterly, then called out, "Big White, Er Bai, stand down!"

"Woo~~ woo~~~"

The two bloodied snow wolves immediately wagged their tails and nestled by Gui Cang’s side.

Gui Cang gently pulled the two wolves into his arms, like an old hunter embracing his loyal hounds. The moment carried an oddly touching sense of warmth and harmony.

"Fellow Daoist Ning,"

Gui Cang said, "These two snow wolves have been with me since they were pups, inseparable companions. Kill me if you must, but could you spare their lives?"

"Awoooo~~~"

Beside Ning Daoran, Big Stupid Deer nudged his arm gently, a hint of shared sorrow in its gaze.

It made Ning Daoran reflect. Was his bond with Big Stupid Deer not just as deep?

"Fellow Daoist..."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brows. "I am not heartless. But as you said, our positions differ. If you die by my hand today, and your two spiritual beasts are set free in the wilderness, who can guarantee they won’t harbor grudges? Should they seek vengeance against my descendants in the future, would my sparing them today not sow the seeds of disaster?"

"Enough."

Gui Cang sighed. "I recognize the foolishness of my request. If that is the case... Fellow Daoist Ning, would you permit us to take our own lives here, and perhaps grant us a proper burial? If—in your kindness—you might build a grave for us..."

Ning Daoran nodded. "As you wish."

"Thank you!"

Gui Cang smiled, nodding in gratitude, before calling out to the two wolves. "Big White, Er Bai, would you... accompany me in ending our lives here?"

"Woo~~ woo~~"

The two wolves burrowed into his embrace, their tails wagging furiously.

"So be it..."

Kneeling in the air, Gui Cang cradled the heads of the two wolves. Tears streamed down his face as he murmured softly, "Let’s go home... let’s go home..."

The next moment, man and wolves alike severed their heart veins. Gui Cang’s nascent soul summoned a heart flame, incinerating their nascent souls in one fell sweep. There was no cry of agony; their lives ended in an instant, their auras disappearing completely!

"Ning Daoran pays respect to Fellow Daoist Gui Cang!"

Ning Daoran bowed deeply, tears welling in his eyes.

...

"Little Bai, do you think I was wrong to act as I did?"

Ning Daoran suddenly turned, gazing at Little Bai, whose eyes sparkled with tears.

"No, young master did nothing wrong."

Little Bai’s voice trembled. "I just... feel sad. If one day, Little Bai and young master face a similar fate... Little Bai would also be willing to die alongside young master."

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