Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

"Swish——"

Ning Daoran's figure flickered, and in an instant, he was already above the Black Jiao's head. His Azure Dragon Spear, infused with the secret skill Silver Dragon Water Collection, hurled directly at the Black Jiao's head!

A loud boom resounded as the Protective Evil Qi on the Black Jiao's head shattered. With a piercing scream, it dove into the water.

"Water Escape!"

Ning Daoran quickly performed two spells on himself, transforming into a shadow as he plunged into the water.

His speed underwater was no less than that of the Black Jiao!

He lightly patted his Storage Bag, and twelve Array Flags and Array Plates flew out together.

Thereafter, under Ning Daoran's Mana reinforcement, they flew in all directions and swiftly formed an array!

"Buzz~~~"

Golden bamboo shoots gracefully rose from the riverbed, enveloping an entire expanse of water.

The Black Jiao, like a trapped fish, roamed frantically within the cage.

"Who are you really?"

The Black Jiao transmitted its voice, saying, "I have neither grievance nor enmity with you. Why are you troubling me?"

Ning Daoran had always refrained from wasting words in the midst of a battle.

He flicked his fingers, and one Silver Moon Flying Sword after another hovered in the water.

In an instant, the twelve Silver Moon Flying Swords filled the Array Eyes of the Water Cloud Golden Bamboo Sword Formation, resonating perfectly with the twelve Array Flags!

"Activate the swords!"

Ning Daoran unleashed the Transformation Realm-level Jianjia Sword Technique.

The swords followed his intent as the Silver Moon Flying Swords swam like fish in the water, morphing into silver bolts that shot outward!

"Thud thud thud…"

In a blink, the Black Jiao's abdominal area was pierced repeatedly, and gaping, bloody holes appeared, sending flesh and blood flying.

"You—"

The Black Jiao roared furiously, its massive body rolling as the riverwater turned crimson.

Ning Daoran raised his eyebrows slightly, controlling the Water Cloud Golden Bamboo Sword Formation with the Jianjia Sword Technique. Instantly, the flying swords appeared to hunt with precision, leaving even more lacerations across the Black Jiao's body.

This Black Jiao had cultivated for a thousand years, its cultivation nearing the Late-stage Foundation Establishment of the human race, yet it was only a step away from achieving a Demon Core and becoming a Third-tier Demon Beast.

By all accounts, with its Protective Evil Qi and the hardness of its scales and hide, it should have been invincible.

Previously, even some Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators of the human race had dared to challenge this Black Jiao, but their Magic Artifacts couldn't penetrate its robust scales and Jiao skin, ultimately retreating regretfully.

But now, the indestructible body of the Black Jiao seemed like mere tofu under the sharpness of the Silver Moon Flying Swords, easily pierced without resistance!

This was the unmatched power of the Thousand-Year-Old Silver Moon Bamboo. Naturally imbued with a Gold Attribute, its sharpness was unparalleled even when compared to Spiritual Artifacts of the same rank.

Furthermore, the set of twelve Silver Moon Flying Swords, used in concert with the sword formation, displayed truly staggering power!

"Fellow Daoist…"

The heavily injured Black Jiao howled in desperation, crying out, "If you're willing to spare this little demon's life, I'll offer all the treasures I've accumulated over a lifetime to you…"

"Foolish."

Ning Daoran spat out words that shattered the Black Jiao's Daoist Heart: "If I kill you, those treasures will be mine anyway."

"Ahhhhh~~~~"

The Black Jiao roared in despair, raising tumultuous waves as it charged at the array!

Soon, the commotion by the River God Temple drew attention.

"What's happening?"

A deacon of the River God Gang frowned and said, "That looks like… the River God. Who dares provoke the Lord River God?"

"Hmph!"

Another deacon sneered, "The River God has ruled over Mo River for hundreds of years. He is the true divine power here. Even if a cultivator arrives, they will surely die. What is there to worry about?"

By the river, the devotees offering incense turned their gazes toward the commotion.

"The River God protects us and brings favorable weather…"

An elderly woman seethed with venom, "Which meddlesome cultivator dares antagonize the River God now?"

"Exactly!"

Someone chimed in, "The Lord River God wields boundless Mana and will certainly vanquish the intruder. He will continue protecting us, the people along the Mo River banks." Sample from My Virtual Library Empire—read more on M&VLEMPY&R.

Soon, the turmoil in the water gradually subsided.

With a raised hand, Ning Daoran reclaimed the Silver Moon Flying Swords as silver glimmers back into his Storage Bag.

The battle was over. The Black Jiao was slain, its massive body now floating belly-up toward the surface.

"Shoo!"

Ning Daoran raised his hand, retrieving a Second-order High-Grade Water Attribute Demon Core from the Black Jiao. Then, with another hand motion, he severed the head from its body.

After storing the Jiao's body into his Storage Bag, Ning Daoran carried the head through the air, hurling it directly toward the River God Temple.

"This is your River God."

He let out a wild laugh, turned around without further ado, and transformed into streaking light, returning to the Chaotic Sect alongside Big Stupid Deer.

...

At Qiongbi Peak.

Ning Daoran began reflecting on today's events.

The Late-stage Foundation Establishment Black Jiao's battle prowess was commendable, yet it was completely overpowered.

The twelve Silver Moon Flying Swords, combined with the Water Cloud Golden Bamboo Sword Formation, truly seemed invincible.

But it had shortcomings.

*While using Jianjia Sword Technique to control the twelve flying swords within the formation to slay opponents, he felt somewhat strained and lacking.*

*Indeed, his mastery over the Jianjia Sword Technique was still insufficient!*

There was no debate. With over thirty thousand years of Refining Time left at his disposal, he decided to instantly and thoroughly refine the Jianjia Sword Technique to completion!

Thus, he immediately channeled the Refining Time into the Jianjia Sword Technique, further perfecting his Sword Dao.

In an instant, an aura of verdant green and wood-like energy surrounded him, as his presence grew sharper and more intimidating.

[In the 3,642nd year, wielding a sword alone across the realm, the Transformation Realm Jianjia Sword Technique imbued him with an unmatched sense of invincibility. Yet, he felt there was still more to improve upon.]

*His heart brimmed with anguish—a deepening torment growing with each passing day.*

*The pursuit of perfection in Absolute Skills was also a type of desire. When that desire remained unmet, agony ensued; when fulfilled, emptiness followed. Tortured by both anguish and emptiness, he found himself trapped in cycles of despair.*

[In the 8,340th year, while meditating in the mountains, he began observing the grass and trees of the world, attempting to uncover the true essence of the Jianjia Sword Technique.]

[In the 12,400th year, thousands of years of meditative stillness passed as his insights into the cycles of growth and decay in flora deepened. Finally, it was through individual blooms and blades of grass that he discovered the unattainable truths he had sought.]

[A revelation struck like lightning, leading to a fundamental breakthrough in his Sword Dao.]

[Insight achieved: Sword Heart Clarity]

[Jianjia Sword Technique. Dark Rank Middle Grade (Return to Nature Level)]

[Remaining Refining Time: 17,640 years]

...

"Boom~~~"

A radiant surge of sword intent erupted overhead, aiming to pierce the heavens!

"Come back to me!"

Ning Daoran shouted fiercely.

The soaring intent abruptly halted, transforming into a streak of green energy that remerged with Ning Daoran's Heavenly Spirit Root.

Sword Heart Clarity!

*If the other members of Chaotic Sect realized Ning Daoran had achieved Sword Heart Clarity, what upheaval would it bring?*

"Whew!"

He sighed with relief, sat back down, and began nurturing his Sword Heart Clarity while delving deeper into the Jianjia Sword Technique.

*Never would he have thought that refining the Jianjia Sword Technique to Return to Nature would lead to the realization of Sword Heart Clarity—a complete surprise and unforeseen gain!*

With Sword Heart Clarity now at his disposal, paired with the control of twelve flying swords and the sword formation, the potential of his power would undoubtedly leap to new heights!

Of course, this combination of the Water Cloud Golden Bamboo Sword Formation and twelve Silver Moon Flying Swords was presently Ning Daoran's ultimate trump card.

Whenever possible, it would be best to avoid using it, maintaining discretion.

*Such a devastating weapon was utterly terrifying; once exposed, who knew if it might attract the attention of Nascent Soul or even Divinity Transformation-level old monsters?*

*If that tier of old monsters started taking interest, what good could come of it?*

*The best outcome might be being forcibly taken as a disciple; the worst outcomes could be getting killed outright, soul-searched, or being superficially accepted as a student only to be subjected to body-seizing once the timing aligned.*

*In the cultivation world, prodigies were plentiful, but few prodigies managed to survive until the end.*

Ning Daoran had stepped into the cultivation world over twenty years ago and was no longer the naïve and reckless youth he had once been.

*Regarding the complexities of the cultivation world, he understood them far better than even certain loose cultivators. If he so wished, he could undeniably make waves in this world.*

...

"Hmm?"

At this moment, the ambient Spiritual Energy suddenly stirred.

"Something's off!"

Ning Daoran hurriedly surfaced, gazing afar to see Purple Cloud Peak enveloped by an immense Spirit Cloud that obscured the entirety of the Chaotic Sect.

Moreover, within the Spirit Cloud, unmistakable Golden Core energy surged mightily!

Someone was attempting Core Formation!

Ning Daoran narrowed his gaze, immediately discerning who it must be.

On Purple Cloud Peak, the only one capable of this feat would be the Third Elder, Ning Qing, as she had already achieved Perfect Foundation Establishment. None of the others possessed such qualifications.

He promptly sent a Sound Transmission Talisman to Han Bing: "Is Martial Uncle Ning attempting Core Formation?"

Not long after, Han Bing replied via Sound Transmission Talisman, "Yes, my master has been preparing for Core Formation for many years. Today, she has finally gathered all she needed and begun the process."

"May everything go smoothly!"

Ning Daoran expressed his blessings before resuming his secluded cultivation.

Six months later.

News of Ning Qing's successful Core Formation spread throughout the Chaotic Sect.

From that moment on, the Chaotic Sect gained its second Golden Core cultivator—a Sword Cultivator at that. Her prowess in attack techniques would grant the sect a considerable advantage.

It could be said that Ning Qing's successful Core Formation greatly boosted the morale of the entire sect!

However, where there was joy, there was gloom.

The Great Elder, Gongyang Yan, being considered the sect master's primary disciple, still had not achieved a breakthrough and remained at the Late-stage Foundation Establishment.

That evening, under the infinite beauty of the sunset.

At True Yang Peak's summit, Gongyang Yan sat atop a massive boulder, watching the sun sink below the horizon, his face filled with a helpless expression.

That setting sun was just like his own fate.

*As the Great Elder, his remaining lifespan was dwindling. If he couldn't achieve Core Formation soon, his pursuit of supreme paths would come to an absolute end.*

Moreover, his True Yang Furnace Technique was yet to reach perfection. Without achieving its peak, he wouldn't even qualify for Core Formation.

"Martial Uncle."

A voice called out softly behind him—Jiang Yu, the sect master: "To achieve Core Formation, I may point you toward a promising path, but I wonder, would Martial Uncle set aside your pride and stoop to seek assistance?"

"Oh?"

Gongyang Yan turned, "What do you mean, Sect Master? Speak plainly, please."

"I know of someone whose talent with cultivation techniques is extraordinary yet remains incredibly discreet and cautious, keeping it a secret from others. His mastery of the True Yang Furnace Technique would already be at its peak.

Martial Uncle, perhaps prepare a generous gift and humbly seek his guidance on perfecting the art of the True Yang Furnace Technique. Maybe from his insights, you could find inspiration—perhaps even catalyze your Core Formation."

"Ah?"

Gongyang Yan's eyes instantly lit up: "Tell me, esteemed niece, who is it?!"

...

Late at night, at Qiongbi Peak.

From outside the Small Cloud Mist Array, a deliberately subdued voice called out: "Nephew Ning, it's your Martial Uncle. May I come in for a moment?"