Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

Jiang Yu nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood.

The joint extermination action led by the immortal sects of Qingzhou had ended with such a disastrous outcome—something she had never imagined.

Without hesitation, she brought out another magical rope treasure. With a "swoosh," she threw it out, filling it with surging Golden Core power. The rope danced through the air like a spiritual snake, coiling tightly around the third-tier ape demon in an instant.

"The mission has failed, retreat!"

Jiang Yu raised the Thunder Fire Treasure Mirror, unleashing a scorching beam of light from midair, enveloping the third-tier ape demon completely.

For a moment, the ape demon roared furiously, its entire body erupting with blood Qi and mana. Amid the sizzling noises, Jiang Yu's third-tier magical treasure rope began to crack, unable to withstand the strain any longer.

"Retreat?"

As soon as someone being carried in Foundation Establishment Elder Huang Chengyan's arms heard the word, they wriggled free like an eel, dropped to the ground, and with a surge of mana, transformed into a beam of tunneling light, shooting straight into the sky at incredible speed!

"Senior Brother Huang, Junior Sister, go, retreat now!"

His escape velocity rivaled that of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator!

"Huh?"

Both Han Bing and Huang Chengyan stood there, dumbfounded.

"Retreat!"

The Great Elder Gongyang Yan roared, "The Sect Master is covering the rear—everyone retreat at full speed, now!"

In the woods, numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators transformed into streaks of tunneling light, darting upwards like sharp arrows, racing toward the Chaotic Sect.

Crackling sounds echoed as Jiang Yu's third-tier magical treasure, the Dragon Binding Rope, could no longer hold. Under the tremendous force of the Vajra Giant Ape, it shattered into pieces.

"Little girl."

The ape demon sneered, its lips curling up. "You're not leaving? Do you really wish to die here in Nanlu Valley?"

"Wait and see!"

*Jiang Yu's temper flared; her youthful hot-headedness took over.* She stomped her foot lightly and transformed into a beam of tunneling light, chasing after the others.

…

A few days later.

Within the Chaotic Sect's Elder Hall, the cultivators returned one after another.

Ning Daoran stood quietly in a corner with Big Stupid Deer, listening to the growing buzz of conversation. He had already learned the final outcome of the operation.

The Chaotic Sect had suffered heavy losses—not only did they lose a Second Order High Grade All Heavens Thunder Suppression Array, but six Foundation Establishment Elders had also fallen during the battle.

Among them was Xu Ning, who had previously clashed with Ning Daoran.

When Xu Ning's body was brought back, reduced to a pile of broken limbs bundled in a leather cloth, Ning Daoran couldn't help but feel a tinge of inner conflict.

From this moment on, their grudges and grievances were truly settled.

Jiang Yu personally set up the Mountain Protection Formation to guard against retaliation from the Nanlu Valley monsters.

Following this, she allocated significant resources to compensate for the fallen six Foundation Establishment cultivators. Among these compensations, any descendants with spirit roots were granted direct entry into the Chaotic Sect's Inner Sect for cultivation.

Additionally, cultivators who had performed meritorious deeds in the battle were also rewarded.

"Junior Brother Ning."

She looked at Ning Daoran, who appeared dust-covered and clad in tattered robes, and offered a faint, bitter smile. "You saved Elder Huang, and on top of that, lost a top-grade spiritual artifact. It's only right that the sect compensates you in some way..."

As she spoke, she gently patted her storage bag, taking out a silver round shield brimming with concentrated spiritual energy. "This is a Second Order Top-Grade Silver Light Shield. Consider it a token of compensation. Take it."

"Many thanks, Senior Sister!"

Ning Daoran accepted it without hesitation.

Jiang Yu nodded with a small smile before turning to tend to other affairs.

By nightfall, as everyone dispersed, Ning Daoran returned to Qiongbi Peak with Big Stupid Deer.

…

The battle at Nanlu Valley had left Ning Daoran's cultivation journey profoundly shaken, yet it wasn't long before he resumed his quiet, leisurely days atop Qiongbi Peak.

A few days later, at dusk.

"Junior Brother Ning."

Lin Sheng's voice called out from beyond the Small Cloud Mist Array.

"Senior Brother Lin?"

Ning Daoran deactivated the array and welcomed Lin Sheng inside.

After over a year of recuperation, Lin Sheng had regained much of his vitality. His gaze swept through the small courtyard before he gave a thumbs-up and gestured toward the figure behind him. "Junior Brother Lu, into the kitchen!"

"Hooowwww~~~"

Big Stupid Deer bellowed and—with an imposingly heroic air—grabbed a spatula and marched into the kitchen.

"Well?"

Sitting cross-legged, Ning Daoran squinted his eyes in amusement. "Senior Brother, are you ready?"

"I'm ready!"

Lin Sheng stretched lazily, flashing a relaxed smile. "I'll turn fifty-seven this year. If I don't achieve Foundation Establishment now, I'll miss the golden window of opportunity. First thing tomorrow morning, I'll apply for a Foundation Establishment Cave Mansion within the Inner Sect!"

"Alright!"

Ning Daoran nodded, grinning. "Big Stupid Deer and I will be here, waiting for you to emerge!"

"Good!"

*This time, Lin Sheng seemed more confident than ever before.*

…

The next morning, Lin Sheng tried to reach Foundation Establishment for the third time.

Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer set up a pavilion outside the cave mansion, closely monitoring the progress.

On the first day, a wisp of spirit fog rose into the air—not huge but notably stable.

Half a month later, the spirit fog sank into the cave mansion, completely absorbed.

Next, Lin Sheng began attempting condensation into liquid form.

This step was painstakingly slow, yet steady and deliberate. After over a month of effort, Lin Sheng's aura grew increasingly profound and prolonged.

"Old Lu."

Sitting cross-legged under the thatched pavilion, Ning Daoran chuckled. "This time, Senior Brother Lin Sheng has got it in the bag."

"Hooow?"

Big Stupid Deer widened its eyes in pure awe. *Senior Brother Lin Sheng was truly incredible—to succeed after only three attempts at Foundation Establishment!*

*In truth, Big Stupid Deer had no understanding of the Foundation Establishment process at all.*

A hundred days after starting Foundation Establishment, Lin Sheng exited seclusion!

"Buzz—"

The figure emerging from the cave mansion radiated boundless energy. Entering the Foundation Establishment Stage, Lin Sheng's aura brimmed with vitality, his True Yang Furnace Technique running rampant on its own. The once-determined Inner Sect disciple had returned!

"Congratulations to Senior Brother Lin Sheng for successfully achieving Foundation Establishment!"

Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer unfurled a long-prepared celebratory banner on cue.

"Hahahaha~~~"

Lin Sheng laughed heartily. Looking at the man and deer before him, he felt a surreal sense of déjà vu.

*Were it not for Ning Daoran's repeated encouragement and unwavering support, he, Lin Sheng, might never have achieved Foundation Establishment in his lifetime.*

"Congratulations to Senior Brother Lin!"

From afar, dozens of disciples flew down from True Yang Peak, their faces alight with joy.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Lin Sheng!"

"Oops, wait! Now that you've reached Foundation Establishment, we should call you Martial Uncle Lin Sheng!"

"Yes, yes! Congratulations, Martial Uncle Lin Sheng!"

Everyone chimed in enthusiastically, their faces full of smiles.

*Yet, Lin Sheng knew the truth clearly in his heart. Ever since his second failed Foundation Establishment attempt, none of these same peers had visited him even once. Some of them even pretended not to see him when passing on True Yang Peak.*

*Reaching Foundation Establishment had revealed the true nature of people's hearts.*

Smiling, Lin Sheng nodded at the crowd before bypassing them entirely. With firm resolve, he embraced the man and the deer holding the celebratory banner.

…

The news of Lin Sheng's successful Foundation Establishment quickly spread throughout the sect.

For the Chaotic Sect, still reeling from the recent battle at Nanlu Valley and the loss of six Foundation Establishment Elders, this was undoubtedly a monumental piece of good news.

To be frank, Foundation Establishment cultivators were considered consumable resources within the sect.

The previous generation of Foundation Establishment cultivators had perished for the sect, while a new generation sprouted like bamboo shoots after a rain. This cycle formed the core of sect development.

As a result, following Lin Sheng's success, he was immediately granted a cave mansion near the peak of True Yang Peak. The site boasted genuinely potent spiritual energy, equivalent to that of a third-tier lower grade Spirit Vein!

Furthermore, Lin Sheng's celebratory Foundation Establishment banquet was held directly at the Main Peak of True Yang Peak, and it attracted a large number of attendees.

Many of these guests were individuals Lin Sheng had never met before—or, in some cases, had even harbored disputes with previously. Yet, they all arrived carrying hefty gifts and expressions brimming with sincerity, making it hard for him to refuse.

*Having endured and risen from true low points in life, Lin Sheng had become thoroughly familiar with the fickle warmth of human relationships. Yet, he harbored no awkwardness about his newfound acceptance.*

He graciously accepted every gift, leaving future relationships to be decided by his mood alone.

"Senior Brother Lin!"

Ning Daoran's celebratory gift was the most extravagant—he presented a Mid Grade Spiritual Artifact, the Green Traveling Flying Leaf, as his congratulatory offering.

The significance of this gift rivaled even that of Lin Sheng's benefactor, the Great Elder Gongyang Yan!

"Thank you, Junior Brother!" M|V|LEM*PYR is the home of this chapter

Lin Sheng accepted the gift with a wide grin, leading Ning Daoran to the head table, where he sat alongside the Great Elder and the Second Elder. Ning Daoran felt deeply awkward.

How could he possibly feel at ease, feasting at the head table while Big Stupid Deer remained outside nibbling on grass?

The Foundation Establishment banquet lasted three full days. The mood was jubilant, and the attendees left satisfied.

From that moment on, Lin Sheng became a key figure on True Yang Peak. Not only did he assume the responsibilities of Outer Elder, but he also gained the qualification to accept disciples and teach.

With Lin Sheng's future secure, Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer returned to their quiet, secluded lives on Qiongbi Peak, tending to their Spirit Rice and keeping a low profile within the sect.

…

A few months later, another piece of good news arrived.

Zhao Lichen, an Inner Sect disciple, had achieved Foundation Establishment!

Zhao Lichen was a disciple of the Second Elder Lin Xingyuan. Upon hearing the news, Lin Xingyuan's smile extended from ear to ear. He immediately decided to hold a Foundation Establishment banquet on Danxia Peak, lasting three full days!

Zhao Lichen had been the one to escort Ning Daoran up the mountain, so Ning Daoran felt obligated to show his appreciation.

"Senior Brother Zhao!"

Ning Daoran offered a Second Order High Grade Spiritual Artifact, the Blood-Drinking Flying Sword, as a gift. This flying sword had been a relic of Ouyang Kun, the Young Master of the Heavenly Slaughter Sect.

To ensure discretion, Ning Daoran had meticulously reforged and re-refined the sword, altering its appearance and aura entirely—even transforming it from a short sword into a long sword. However, its grade remained unchanged, rendering it exceptionally valuable to Zhao Lichen, a Sword Cultivator.

"Junior Brother Ning, this..."

Zhao Lichen looked flustered, overwhelmed by the heft of the gift.

"Master Ning..." Lin Xingyuan frowned slightly, seeing the valuable spiritual artifact. "This top-grade offering...?"

"Please don't worry, Second Elder."

Ning Daoran replied, "This flying sword was an incidental acquisition of mine. Since I am not a Sword Cultivator, it is of no use to me. Senior Brother Zhao was the one who guided me up the mountain in the first place. I have never forgotten that kindness. Consider this sword a token of my gratitude."

"If that's the case..."

The Second Elder smiled, choosing to turn a blind eye. "Lichen, go ahead and accept it. It is only proper to honor your junior brother's kind thought."

"Yes, Master!"

Zhao Lichen accepted the sword with repeated thanks.

Ning Daoran, feeling overwhelmed by the endless displays of gratitude, chuckled, "Senior Brother, if you keep this up, I might just take the sword back!" Zhao Lichen laughed heartily, leading Ning Daoran to his seat of honor.

Lin Sheng and Han Bing were also in attendance, each presenting their own congratulatory gifts. While not as extravagant as Ning Daoran's, they still symbolized their heartfelt wishes.

…

Several days later.

Ning Daoran dispatched dozens of Paperfolk to the prefectures of Ningzhou and Kuizhou to offload the spoils of the Yinsha Lands. Keeping only what he needed for himself, he converted the rest into Spirit Stones.

In the end, he amassed a total of more than thirty-seven thousand Spirit Stones, effectively making up for his past losses!

At this time, a piece of news spread from Yellow Dragon Square—Qingfu Square had recently acquired a Tiger-shaped Root Map, which would be publicly auctioned in a few days.