Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

Although Qingfu Square was the largest shop in Yellow Dragon Square, it still couldn't gather all the materials needed for the Five Elements Wander Array in one go.

All twenty-plus auxiliary materials were available, but of the five main materials, only the Thousand-year-old Xuanling Wood, Golden Essence, and Earth Melting Soil could be purchased at Qingfu Square.

As for Gui Water Stone and Second-stage Fire Attribute Demon Core, these were relatively scarce items and unavailable on the market for now.

Ning Daoran furrowed his brow. Even just these materials had already cost over three thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

The true production cost of the Five Elements Wander Array would likely reach around five thousand Spirit Stones.

It was easy to understand, controlling the Five Elements Wander Array properly could kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Its value corresponded to the worth of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, which was quite reasonable.

After touring the entire Yellow Dragon Square, even making a trip to the black market, he still couldn't find the Gui Water Stone or the Second-stage Fire Attribute Demon Core.

...

Chaotic Sect.

A man and a deer arrived at the Contribution Hall.

Ning Daoran had thought it through. First, he would deal with the Second-stage Fire Attribute Demon Core; it was said that the Contribution Hall had issued many advanced missions for hunting demon beasts, which late-stage Qi Refining disciples would form teams to complete. It was worth trying.

"Junior Brother Ning?"

From behind the counter, Zhao Lichen smiled, "It's been a long time since I last saw you. How have you been lately?"

"Very well, very well."

Ning Daoran nodded with a smile, "Greetings, Senior Brother Zhao!"

"No need to be so formal!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the conversation turned to the Second-stage Fire Attribute Demon Core. Zhao Lichen was briefly startled, "Junior Brother intends to seek a Second-stage Demon Core? This...

This is no laughing matter. You're not skilled in fight techniques, and demon beasts with Foundation Establishment cultivation are far more ferocious than ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators…"

"Don't worry, Senior Brother, I have it under control," Ning Daoran replied confidently.

"If that's the case,"

Zhao Lichen added, "I can introduce someone to you. Junior Brother, please wait a moment."

"Alright!"

Zhao Lichen activated a Sound Transmission Talisman, and shortly thereafter, a figure descended from the Inner Sect mountain. Clad in white robes, the Inner Sect disciple exuded heroic spirit between his brows.

This person's name was Lin Zhuojun. He had taken on a sect-issued mission to hunt a Second-stage Early-stage Fire Qilin Beast and was recruiting team members. Once enough manpower and strength were assembled, they would set out.

"Junior Brother Ning..."

Lin Zhuojun raised an eyebrow slightly, "Our target is a Second-stage Early-stage demon beast, slightly more powerful than an Early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Since Junior Brother Ning wishes to cooperate with me to slay the Fire Qilin Beast, I must first understand what specialties your Qi Refining Seventh Layer cultivation offers."

The implication was clear: if they were to collaborate in hunting the demon beast, tagging along to scavenge materials without contributing wouldn't be tolerated.

"Senior Brother, I'm skilled in setting up First-tier Middle-grade Illusion Arrays and Confusion Arrays. Perhaps I can be of assistance."

"Oh?"

Lin Zhuojun's eyes lit up, "Really?"

"Of course I wouldn't deceive Senior Brother."

Ning Daoran patted his Storage Bag. Three array flags and an array plate flew out, forming a complete arrangement for a First-tier Middle-grade Small Green Bamboo Array.

"Junior Brother Ning!"

At that moment, another voice called out—it was Lin Sheng, who just happened to be at the Contribution Hall too.

"Lin Zhuojun?" Lin Sheng was mildly surprised.

Lin Zhuojun looked surprised as well, "Senior Brother Lin Sheng, you know Junior Brother Ning?"

"Naturally!"

Lin Sheng stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Ning Daoran's shoulder and the head of Big Stupid Deer on either side with a grin, "Ning Daoran, Junior Brother Lu, and I have been close brothers for many years." Thе аuthеntiс vеrsiоn is оn М|V|LЕМРY_R.

He raised his sword-like brows: "What's this? Junior Brother Ning wants to join Lin Zhuojun's hunting mission?"

"Yes."

Ning Daoran explained, "I need a Second-stage Fire Attribute Demon Core to craft an array, so I'm looking to cooperate with Senior Brother Lin Zhuojun."

"Lin Zhuojun."

Lin Sheng asked, "In this hunt for the Fire Qilin Beast, aside from sect contributions, what part of the beast are you after?"

"Its beast bones."

Lin Zhuojun replied, "I need the Fire Qilin Beast's fire-attributed beast bones to attempt crafting a Top-grade magic artifact compatible with my Spirit Root."

"If that's the case..."

Lin Sheng said, "I and Junior Sister Ruyan will also join this hunting mission. The Fire Qilin Beast's pelt will go to Ruyan, who will use it to craft Second-order Talisman Paper. I'll take some of its meat to strengthen my Blood Qi. How does that sound?"

Lin Zhuojun was delighted, "If Senior Brother Lin Sheng and Senior Sister Liu Ruyan are willing to join, this mission will be much more secure. With Senior Brother Lin Sheng's True Yang Furnace Technique and Senior Sister Liu's Talismans, our success will be significantly increased!"

"Junior Brother Ning, do you have any issues with this arrangement?"

Liu Ruyan asked with a smile.

"Of course not." Ning Daoran nodded and smiled. Lin Sheng was clearly concerned about Ning's safety deeper in the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range. This act of "protection" was undeniable brotherly kindness.

As always, Liu Ruyan exhibited immortal charm and graced her smile with dimples. "If that's settled, let's make preparations and set out early tomorrow morning to complete this hunting mission."

Everyone agreed and dispersed to make their preparations.

...

By evening, Lin Sheng and Liu Ruyan arrived at Courtyard No. 77 in the spiritual field area.

After a hearty meal, they meticulously prepared for the journey.

"Junior Brother."

Lin Sheng wore a solemn expression, "This outing is no ordinary training session. We'll be facing a Second-stage Early-stage demon beast, the Fire Qilin Beast. This beast is slightly stronger than Early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, so complete preparation is imperative."

"Rest assured, Senior Brother."

Ning Daoran nodded lightly, "The Talismans that Senior Sister Liu traded with me previously are all still unused. I've been saving them for this exact moment."

"That's good to hear." Lin Sheng breathed a sigh of relief.

"Junior Brother."

Liu Ruyan's captivating eyes rested on him as her red lips parted, "According to Lin Zhuojun, our primary plan for slaying the Fire Qilin Beast involves agitating the demon and luring it into your Killing Array…"

She appeared skeptical, "You really can set up a First-tier Middle-grade Green Bamboo Array?"

"Of course."

Ning Daoran gestured outward, "This Small Cloud Mist Array outside my courtyard is also First-tier Middle-grade. If I hadn't relaxed its formation earlier, you might not even have been able to step inside. Would Senior Sister care to test it out?"

Liu Ruyan chuckled softly, "I've yet to craft the legendary Forbidden Breaking Talisman, so I wouldn't dare attempt to breach such a formation."

"Senior Brother Lin, Senior Sister Liu."

Ning Daoran lowered his voice, "To err on the side of caution, are you familiar with Lin Zhuojun?"

"Fairly well. Does Junior Brother distrust him?"

Lin Sheng furrowed his brows for a moment, then relaxed into a smile, "Don't worry. This person is from the Qingyuan Lin Family. It's said that the Lin Family was once a Golden Core family.

They had two False Core Ancestors in the past. However, after exhausting their False Core lifespans, they passed away one after another, leading to the family's gradual decline. Currently, they are merely a Foundation Establishment family.

Still, even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Lin Zhuojun takes his Qingyuan Lin Family reputation very seriously and wouldn't dare harm his fellow sect members."

"In that case, I'm reassured."

Ning Daoran nodded, "But once we're deep in the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range tomorrow, Senior Brother, Senior Sister, please remain cautious. I've heard some demon beasts are skilled in ambushes, so we mustn't let our guard down."

"Understood."

Lin Sheng nodded firmly.

When facing danger, even this typically carefree Senior Brother became more prudent.

...

At dawn next day,

Lin Zhuojun, Ning Daoran, Lin Sheng, and Liu Ruyan received their mission Jade Talismans at the Contribution Hall.

"Awoo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer wanted one too, but Ning Daoran firmly pressed its head down.

He needed to keep a low profile and avoid revealing his mastery of the Shape-shifting Technique. Otherwise, he feared attracting unwanted attention.

He had already decided that once they entered the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range, he would store Big Stupid Deer in his Spirit Beast Bag, preventing it from causing unnecessary trouble.

However, the Spirit Beast Bag was marked with a dual imprint, allowing Old Lu to exit at will if it wanted to. Everything would be up to it.

"Let's go."

Lin Zhuojun smiled, "Everyone, stay alert."

Ning Daoran summoned green bamboo leaves, gracefully leapt onto them, and floated midair with remarkable agility.

Lin Sheng and Liu Ruyan paused, slightly taken aback. Sometimes, this Junior Brother Ning proved he wasn't someone to be underestimated.

At the moment, Ning Daoran's outward cultivation remained at Qi Refining Seventh Layer—lowest among the four.

The other three were all at Qi Refining Ninth Layer, with Lin Sheng and Lin Zhuojun on the verge of Perfect Qi Refining.

In truth, all four were considered Foundation Establishment seedlings in the eyes of the Chaotic Sect.

Thus, when the Outer Elder issued the mission Jade Talismans, he repeatedly emphasized the importance of safety. "If you can't defeat it, retreat; never fight to the death."

...

Early morning in the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range, everything was lush and verdant.

Morning sunlight sprinkled across the woods. Dewdrops sparkled, birds chirped, and the scenery was breathtaking.

Amidst the mist-laden forest, Lin Sheng soared at the forefront, gripping a magic sword. Ning Daoran maintained his position in the middle, while Lin Zhuojun and Liu Ruyan flanked him from both sides.

Instinctively, everyone protected the cultivator with the weakest cultivation level.

Ning Daoran blushed slightly. In truth, if they were to compare combat prowess, he was undoubtedly the strongest. Even if all three worked together, they likely wouldn't be able to match his strength.

"Watch the right side."

Lin Zhuojun's brows furrowed tightly.

"Howl…"

A giant wolf unleashed a piercing howl. Judging by its aura, it was a Late First-order Stage demon beast.

Lin Zhuojun and Lin Sheng, seasoned disciples who had ventured into the Yellow Dragon Mountain Range multiple times for training, showed no intention of engaging it.

A few breaths later, additional presences materialized in that section of the forest.

At least three more Qi Refining Late-stage wolf demons appeared—it seemed they were pack creatures.

Ning Daoran furrowed his brows, feeling slightly unnerved. *Clearly, his experience was still lacking. He needed more training, as his understanding of this world remained relatively shallow.*

By afternoon,

the group's mission Jade Talismans emitted faint ripples of light, indicating their proximity to the Fire Qilin Beast.

"We'll land on the ground."

Lin Zhuojun suggested, "The Fire Qilin Beast excels at spewing Second-order Demon Flame. If we stay airborne, we'll become sitting targets. Combat on the ground will be safer."

He turned to Ning Daoran, "Junior Brother Ning, you can start setting up the array now. We'll lure the Fire Qilin Beast over to it shortly."

"Alright."

Ning Daoran descended gracefully, lightly patting his Storage Bag. Three array flags and three array plates flew out. Dense power from the Evergreen Technique infused them, causing the flags and plates to rotate before burrowing into the ground.

"Senior Brothers, Senior Sister, I'll need to extract traces of your aura to imprint them on the array plates; this will avoid accidental harm."

"Go ahead, Junior Brother, as you see fit."

Ning Daoran activated his spell, capturing the three's auras and imprinting them onto the plates. Then, he nodded, "It's ready."

Lin Zhuojun suddenly turned toward the distant mountain peak, a smirk tugging at his lips. "The damn beast has locked onto us. Everyone, stay sharp. Scatter yourselves and lead it into the array. Junior Brother Ning, hold the array formation."

"Senior Brothers, Senior Sister, be cautious."

"Got it!"

Three figures swiftly burst through the mist and scattered.

Ning Daoran concealed his aura, hiding behind an ancient tree near the array's rear.

...

Mere breaths later, an enraged beast roar echoed through the woods.

Trees trembled, and even the mist in the woods dispersed under the pressure!

A colossal figure pursued someone relentlessly—it was Lin Sheng, who had activated a Divine Speed Talisman. He gripped his magic sword, spinning to slash fiery sword light at the Fire Qilin Beast.

*Ning Daoran felt speechless. Senior Brother Lin Sheng lived up to his reputation. His methods were as bold as ever!*