Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

Three days later.

"Clang~~~"

With a single strike from Wen Zichen's hammer, the nearly-completed Big Green Dragon seemed to awaken halfway, letting out a deep hum.

"It's done!"

Wen Zichen, though visibly exhausted, couldn't conceal his inner joy.

*Three days of exhausting labor was no joke, but this deal promised nearly a hundred spirit stones in profit. If he could get this kind of business every day, he wouldn't dream of asking for anything more.*

"Fellow Daoist, it's ready."

Wen Zichen carefully lifted the Big Green Dragon and said, "The final result surpasses even my expectations. It's a Second-Order Middle-Grade magical artifact, weighing 280 pounds naturally, with four embedded mini weight-enhancing arrays. Once infused with mana, its weight increases to 2,000 pounds!"

"Really?"

Accepting the Big Green Dragon, Ning Daoran immediately felt a slight heaviness in his hands. When he infused it with mana, its weight surged, making it exceptionally comfortable to wield. Swinging the 2,000-pound weapon felt exhilarating—truly a deadly tool for ambushes and assassinations!

"Fellow Daoist Ning, are you satisfied?"

Wen Zichen, hands on his hips, smiled. Not to mention Ning Daoran—he himself was exceedingly pleased with this creation.

*In those moments when his hammer fell, he felt a sort of spiritual resonance. His hammering technique, stagnated for years, seemed to have advanced slightly due to this project. For an artifact refiner, these opportunities were rare treasures.*

"Very satisfied."

Ning Daoran casually swung the Big Green Dragon, producing a low humming sound in response.

"Dad!"

At that moment, a young woman descended from upstairs, saying, "No matter what, you *have* to join us for dinner tonight."

As she spoke, her eyes caught sight of Ning Daoran, and her cheeks flushed red in an instant.

Ning Daoran glanced over. Though this woman was far from stunningly beautiful, nowhere near the likes of his Sect Master's senior disciple Jiang Yu or his younger junior sister Han Bing, she had a gentle, soothing charm that made her naturally likable.

*A woman like her—gentle as water—would undoubtedly win the favor of most men.*

"Ahem, my daughter, Wen Ru."

Wen Zichen smiled and said, "Ru'er, come down to greet our esteemed guest. This is Fellow Daoist Ning from the Chaotic Sect."

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist."

Wen Ru descended the stairs, offering a formal bow with a sweet smile on her lips.

Ning Daoran quickly sensed her cultivation level—Qi Refining Seventh Layer. Surprisingly, her cultivation was higher than her father's.

*Moreover, Wen Ru was young. At the rate she progressed in cultivation, there was a good chance she could achieve Foundation Establishment in the future.*

"Fellow Daoist Ning,"

Wen Zichen said with a laugh, "My daughter has followed me since she was little to study the Path of Artifact Refining. She cultivates both artifact refinement and arrays, and she's exceptionally talented. If nothing unexpected happens, she's sure to inherit the refining workshop from me someday."

*His casual introduction of Wen Ru to Ning Daoran wasn't without purpose—he had observed Ning Daoran's promising future and generous manners.*

*Building connections with such a customer early on could only benefit Wen Ru when she took over the workshop later.*

With a light pat on his storage bag, Ning Daoran stored the Big Green Dragon within, before clasping his hands in farewell. "Having been away from the mountains for several days, it's time I returned to tend to my spirit field. Master Wen, Miss Wen, I must take my leave now!"

"Master Wen, your daughter is correct. After crafting the Azure Dragon Spear for several days straight, you really ought to eat and rest properly."

Wen Ru chuckled, "Dad, you see? Fellow Daoist Ning is far more reasonable than you are."

Wen Zichen could only offer a wry smile as he watched Ning Daoran depart.

...

At Courtyard No. 77 by the spirit field.

Ning Daoran gripped the Big Green Dragon, practicing the Perfect Level Silver Dragon Spear Technique. The spear's tip danced like blooming pear blossoms, the movements smooth and fluid, as natural as flowing water.

Big Stupid Deer let out a delighted howl, seemingly giving his approval.

Ning Daoran smiled, clearly pleased as well. The dark spear used by the Big Master could now be tossed aside—the Big Green Dragon had far surpassed it!

"Uncle!"

At that moment, a shadow darted into the Small Cloud Mist Array—it was Chen Weimo.

"What's the matter?"

Ning Daoran straightened up, laughing, "Your cultivation hasn't been progressing well lately, Chen Weimo. Are you still struggling to grasp the Evergreen Technique?"

"I…"

Chen Weimo looked like a mischievous little girl admitting her faults. "Uncle, I've been trying my best, but it's truly so hard!"

"Hard?"

Ning Daoran eyed the string of spirit fish on the willow branch in her hand, sighing, "Why is fishing the one thing you never find difficult?"

Chen Weimo stammered, wordlessly seeking help from Big Stupid Deer with her gaze.

Big Stupid Deer stood up with a howl, snatched the spirit fish from Chen Weimo's hand, and took them to the kitchen to prepare braised fish.

"Hmph…"

Ning Daoran said flatly, "Grandmother entrusted me with supervising you before she departed. How can you shirk your cultivation responsibilities so carelessly? Now that I've passed the Evergreen Technique to you, you must practice it diligently and cherish this opportunity.

Run through two Grand Circulations of the Evergreen Technique before eating."

"Yes, Uncle…"

The young girl pursed her lips and obediently sat cross-legged on a bamboo mat in the courtyard, beginning to channel the Evergreen Technique.

Moments later.

She opened one eye. "Uncle, what layer of the Evergreen Technique have you cultivated to?"

Ning Daoran raised his hand lightly, emitting strands of vibrant vitality. "Third Layer. Remember, keep it secret."

"Amazing!"

Chen Weimo's eyes grew wide. "Uncle, how long did it take you to reach the First Layer back then?"

"Less than half a year."

Ning Daoran replied without hesitation, his expression unwavering.

*Chen Weimo was astonished and became all the more focused on her efforts.*

...

Days later.

Ning Daoran resolved to upgrade the Small Cloud Mist Array to Middle Grade and enhance it with illusion and confusion effects.

*Otherwise, even ordinary people without cultivation could barge in—it had next to no defensive power and was utterly impractical.*

The handbook of Array Dao Inheritance left by Grandmother recorded that upgrading the Low Grade Small Cloud Mist Array to Middle Grade required two rare materials: purple copper and Liuhe stone.

*Purple copper sounded like a material used for artifact refinement, which might be worth asking about at the Wen Family's Refining Workshop.*

With Big Stupid Deer in tow, he descended the mountain once more!

He first visited Qingfu Square but found no purple copper or Liuhe stone available for sale.

Next, he headed to the Wen Family Refining Workshop.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, we meet again!"

Wen Zichen emerged from the back hall, smiling broadly. "What brings you here this time? Are you looking to refine something?"

"Not refining anything," Ning Daoran replied. "I'm here to inquire whether Master Wen has purple copper or Liuhe stone in his workshop?"

"We do have purple copper,"

Wen Zichen said. "Years ago, I collected over a pound of it, and there's still more than half a pound left. As for Liuhe stone, I've never heard of it."

"Oh…"

"Liuhe stone—I do know where to find it."

A voice came from the back hall.

An elderly man, his beard and hair white, stepped out, his aura exuding the robust energy of Qi Refining Ninth Level. He smiled and said, "If Fellow Daoist is looking for Liuhe stone, you might consider collaborating with me."

Ning Daoran was slightly startled. This copy comes from content on M|V|L0EMPYR.

Wen Zichen quickly added with a laugh, "Allow me to introduce—this is Purple Light Master, a dear friend of mine for twenty years, also at Qi Refining Ninth Level. Though he's a loose cultivator, his connections in the Shanyang County area run deep, and he's highly cordial."

"Greetings, Daoist Zi Guang."

Ning Daoran greeted with a smile and a nod.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Ning."

Daoist Zi Guang offered a polite salute.

"Daoist Zi Guang, regarding the whereabouts of the Liuhe stone, could you elaborate?"

"Please take a look at this."

Daoist Zi Guang patted his storage bag, summoning forth a peculiar stone the size of a fingertip—it was Liuhe stone.

Unfortunately, it was far too small to reforge an array plate.

"As it happens,"

Daoist Zi Guang explained, "Several months ago, I discovered an ancient cultivator's cave mansion. The cave's owner seemed to be at Late-stage Foundation Establishment, and the entrance was enveloped by multiple prohibitions. With my strength alone, I couldn't breach them.

So, I've spent these past days searching for companions, hoping we might work together to open the cave mansion and share its treasures.

To be transparent, there are several Liuhe stones just outside the mansion's prohibitions—you can see them through the restriction. This small piece was one I managed to dig out from the outer layer."

Ning Daoran nodded. "So… can I be of assistance?"

"Fate must have brought us together,"

Daoist Zi Guang smiled. "If I'm not mistaken, Fellow Daoist Ning practices the Evergreen Technique of the Chaotic Sect, correct?"

"I do."

"Then it's perfect. The prohibition blocking that ancient cultivator's cave mansion is a Five Elements Restriction, requiring power from all five elemental attributes to penetrate.

I've already recruited a few other loose cultivators, and we've assembled gold, water, fire, and earth attribute magic power. If you're willing, your wood attribute magic power from the Evergreen Technique would complete the puzzle, giving us the hope to break open the mansion's prohibition."

*Ning Daoran paused momentarily to consider.*

*He had always avoided exploring secret realms or ancient cave mansions—the risks were too high, and his steady life tending spirit fields and cultivating for longevity didn't necessitate such adventures.*

*However, this group consisted of cultivators in the Qi Refinement Realm, and even though Ning Daoran was only at the Eighth Layer himself, his mastery of the Return to Nature absolute skill, paired with his arsenal of top-grade magical tools, would easily put him at an advantage.*

*Besides, he truly needed the Liuhe stone to upgrade the Small Cloud Mist Array, which would secure his title as a First-tier Middle-grade Array Master.*

*He was also intrigued by whether Daoist Zi Guang had ulterior motives.*

*Spending all his time cultivating on Qiongbi Peak wouldn't yield personal growth—perhaps this venture could be treated as a trial.*

*Most importantly, with his mastery of the Perfect Level Wind Riding Leisurely Technique and various escape skills, he felt confident he could flee, even if he couldn't fight.*

...

As Ning Daoran deliberated, Wen Zichen smiled faintly and spoke.

"I understand Fellow Daoist Ning's concerns, but I've known Daoist Zi Guang for over twenty years. If Fellow Daoist trusts me, I can vouch for him. I believe in Daoist Zi Guang's character—this journey is sure to be free of accidents."

"If that's the case,"

Ning Daoran said solemnly, "I'll join. However, I hope Daoist Zi Guang remembers his promise: once the prohibition is broken, I only want the Liuhe stones—I have no interest in other treasures. I'll simply provide a trace of Evergreen Technique wood attribute spiritual power, and once the Liuhe stones are retrieved, I'll depart."

"Fellow Daoist is truly cautious…"

Daoist Zi Guang chuckled helplessly before replying, "Then we'll do as you suggest. Once the prohibition is breached, all Liuhe stones will belong to you, while the remaining four of us will handle the exploration. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

"If so, let's meet back here tomorrow at noon to set off for the ancient cultivator's cave mansion. Sound good?"

"Sounds good."

...

The next day, near noon.

Ning Daoran meticulously arranged his talismans in order within his storage bag, packed the Azure Dragon Spear, and strapped the Qiushui Sword to his back. Looking at Big Stupid Deer, he grinned.

"Let's go, Old Lu. Today, I'll show you the world!"

"Hoo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer bellowed excitedly.

Ning Daoran promptly stored him within the Spirit Beast Bag—Big Stupid Deer's abilities weren't suited for public display yet. He'd reveal them at the right time.

At the Wen Family Refining Workshop.

Daoist Zi Guang was already waiting, alongside three other loose cultivators.

A voluptuous woman in a flowing dress with an alluring figure, at Qi Refining Ninth Level, named Ning Jiaojiao.

A burly, sharp-browed man named Zhu Ya, at Qi Refining Eighth Level.

An elderly Daoist with a wine gourd hanging from his waist, at Qi Refining Ninth Level, named Wang Chongyan.

...

With everyone gathered, they set off immediately!

Each person summoned their flying artifact. Standing atop green bamboo leaves, Ning Daoran flew steadily, the youngest-looking of the group.

"Fellow Daoist Ning."

Suddenly, a whisper was delivered to his ear—it was the voluptuous woman, Ning Jiaojiao:

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist, Zhu Ya and I are allies, and we joined this expedition by chance. If anything happens later, or if need be, perhaps you'd consider teaming up with the two of us!"