Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

"You old dog, I knew not a word from your mouth could be trusted!"

As the Soul-devouring Demon infused mana and ignited the talisman, Ning Daoran struck immediately!

"Peng! Peng! Peng~~~"

Waves of earth and gold attribute mana exploded outward. The Soul-devouring Demon quickly ignited three True Rock Talismans along with three Forbidden Breaking Talismans, attempting to use the powerful impact to break through the Dragon Demon Dojo's array and seek an opportunity to flee.

But alas, just as the True Rock Talismans rose into the air, Ning Daoran gave a wave of his sleeve.

"Whoosh~~"

A gentle breeze swept through, piercing not only the True Rock Talismans but also the Spiritual Treasure Golden Shield protecting the Soul-devouring Demon's chest. In the next moment, the demon's physical body began disintegrating in the wind.

"How can this be?"

He was utterly stunned. What divine skill could bypass so many layers of defense and strike directly at his true body?

In that instant, the Soul-devouring Demon finally understood—this junior, Ning Daoran, had long surpassed heights he could never hope to reach. Some of the methods Ning Daoran wielded were utterly beyond comprehension.

In the winds of Kunwu, the Soul-devouring Demon slowly dissolved into nothingness.

"Sigh…"

Ning Daoran let out a sigh—not for the passing of an "old friend"—but because using Kunwu's Wind to kill the Soul-devouring Demon was like slaughtering a chicken with an ox blade. For a measly Nascent Soul Mid-stage cultivator, the Kunwu's Wind was far too overkill!

Still, dead was dead. There was no use dwelling on it.

"Ning Daoran, your sins are beyond redemption, truly wicked to the core!"

The Soul-devouring Demon's Nascent Soul suddenly leaped out, cursing venomously. He knew escape was impossible; his opponent would show no mercy.

"Snap!"

Ning Daoran extended his hand, gripping the Nascent Soul in his palm. He spoke plainly, "Soul-devouring Taoist, may your journey onward be a peaceful one. In your next life, if you have the chance for cultivation again—remember to be a decent man."

With those words, he crushed the Nascent Soul, sending a burst of blood qi sweeping into the Spirit Garden Cave Heaven to feed Little Qing!

...

"Ancestor…"

Before him, the disciples of the Soul-devouring Sect were utterly dumbfounded.

Most of them had followed the Soul-devouring Demon for simple reasons: to seek immortality, to enjoy life's pleasures. They had never imagined that the demon who rampaged unchecked across Xuzhou for years, the figure revered even across Xia Country's Cultivation World, would perish so lightly—so miserably—that even his Nascent Soul was obliterated!

"Heed my words."

Clad in fluttering green robes, with immortal charm radiating from him, Ning Daoran addressed the crowd. "If you continue to commit evils under the guise of the Demon Path, not one of you will escape. A single breath from me is enough to annihilate you all. Now scatter at once and seek your own paths elsewhere!"

"Yes!"

The crowd fell to their knees. "Thank you, Senior Ning, for sparing us!"

Then, they scattered as ordered without a moment's hesitation.

Of course, a few bold ones might return to the Soul-devouring Sect to plunder the treasure vault. Ning Daoran wouldn't stop them—if they dared, then fortune was theirs to claim.

As for himself, he couldn't be bothered to ransack the sect; it was far too tedious.

Thus, the siege of Yunxi Martial Sect was resolved.

The grand array dispersed, and Su Mei led her disciples out, clasping her hands in gratitude. "Yunxi Martial Sect bows in thanks for Senior Ning's assistance!"

Ning Daoran immediately supported Su Mei to her feet. He didn't mind the other disciples kneeling, but he saw Su Mei as an equal—there was no need for her to kneel as well.

"Miss Su."

He raised his hand, drawing the storage ring and a spiritual treasure left by the Soul-devouring Demon into his grasp. Handing them over to her, he said, "The Soul-devouring Demon's assault must have caused great damage to Yunxi Martial Sect. Take these as compensation for your mountain gate. Please do not refuse; this is but a small token of my regard."

"Certainly, thank you very much!"

Su Mei's face lit up with delight. The most up‑to‑date version is on M4VLEMP4YR.

...

Night fell, and the bright moon hung high.

As Yunxi Martial Sect prepared for reconstruction and buried the many disciples who had fallen in battle, they held only a simple banquet to celebrate. Afterward, the disciples dispersed to resume rebuilding the sect.

"Divine Doctor Ning…"

Su Mei, now clad in a long gown, approached Ning Daoran under the starlight. "Do you know? Over so many years, you've often appeared in my dreams."

"..."

Ning Daoran gazed at the heavens and said, "Miss Su, I understand… In many people's lives, there will be certain individuals who leave an indelible impression, who stun them with their brilliance and remain unforgettable. But such figures should not become the pursuit of a lifetime. I am honored to have appeared in your dreams, Miss Su, and that brings me great joy."

His words, though polite, were undoubtedly a gentle rejection.

Su Mei, perceptive as ever, smiled faintly. "I understand. You stand high above, able to see far more splendid views. To you, someone like Su Mei is perhaps insignificant…"

Her face showed a trace of melancholy.

"Miss Su, please don't say such things."

Ning Daoran turned to face her, his gaze steady. "Miss Su is equally a remarkable figure in my life. Otherwise, why would I, after hundreds of years of cultivation and meeting countless people, specifically come to Xuzhou to find you?"

He smiled lightly. "But some things must stop where fate allows. This connection is already more than enough; why hope for more? To me, Miss Su and Old Su are cherished friends from the past, unforgettable in their own right. Don't you agree?"

"Yes!"

Su Mei smiled brightly and nodded firmly. "What Divine Doctor Ning says is right. In that case… I can also let go. At least you came back to see me and helped Yunxi Martial Sect through a great crisis."

"It was nothing~~~"

Ning Daoran stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an air of effortless grace. The evening breeze brushed past, causing his long robes to sway gently.

Su Mei silently watched him, saying nothing, only hoping to steal one last glance.

...

The next day, Ning Daoran departed Yunxi Martial Sect and continued eastward on his journey.

Months later.

The Endless Demon Sea, Guiru City.

"Boom!"

A flash of light appeared outside the Returning Ruins Immortal Land. It was Ning Daoran, hands clasped behind his back, radiating an aura of immortal charm.

"Ah?"

The patrolling cultivators on the island were stunned. The leader, a Nascent Soul Early Stage elder who had seen Ning Daoran during the Battle of Descent, hurried over, clasping his hands in respect. "Fellow Daoist Ning, your presence graces Guiru City and greatly honors the Returning Ruins Immortal Land. Please, come in, come in…"

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist."

Ning Daoran nodded with a smile and stepped into the great array of the Immortal Land.

"Fellow Daoist Ning,"

The Nascent Soul elder asked, "Shall we inform the City Lord and Young Mistress of your arrival?"

At this time, Ning Tianyi had already returned to Guiru City from the Divine Deer Continent.

"No need."

Ning Daoran shook his head. "I am merely revisiting old friends. There's no need to disturb City Lord Ning. As for Mingyu… Even if I don't say anything, she'll undoubtedly hear the news and come."

"You're absolutely right!"

The elder tugged at his beard and chuckled.

In Guiru City, everyone knew that Independent Practitioner Jianjia was Ning Mingyu's sworn brother. Moreover, it was an open secret that Ning Mingyu had long held affections for him—though the man already had a Daoist couple.

The elder excused himself tactfully, leaving Ning Daoran to his own devices.

With a flash of tunneling light, Ning Daoran swept past the towering Demon Slayer List jade pillar and arrived at the cave mansion Ning Tianyi had left for him. True to prediction, his aura allowed him easy access. Clearly, Ning Tianyi and Ning Mingyu had intended this as a permanent place for him to stay.

"Old Lu."

Standing within the pavilion of the cave mansion, Ning Daoran remarked, "Shall we stay here a few days?"

"Awoo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer wagged its tail, indicating everything was up to Big Brother's decision.

"Young Master."

Beside him, Little Bai suggested, "Mid-Autumn Festival is only a few days away. Why not stay here and host a banquet in the mansion? Invite City Lord Ning, Fairy Ming Yu, and Fairy Jade Marrow to join us. They've all helped you significantly over the years."

"Excellent!"

Ning Daoran nodded with a smile. "In that case, Old Lu and I will prepare the ingredients. Little Bai, write invitations to City Lord Ning, Mingyu, and Fairy Jade Marrow. On the night of the festival, we shall gather at the mansion for a moon-viewing banquet!"

"Yes, Young Master. I'll begin drafting the invitations at once!"

...

Sitting within the pavilion, Ning Daoran gazed at the rippling lake ahead. "Where to next, Old Lu? Do you have any particular destinations in mind?"

"Awoo~~"

Big Stupid Deer shook its head, indicating no strong preferences.

"Very well."

Folding his arms, Ning Daoran leaned against Big Stupid Deer. "After this Mid-Autumn Festival, shall we head to Yizhou's Liangyi Sect? Uncle Two Forms, Master Qi Xing, Lin Xuyan, and Junior Sister Wushuang have all extended invitations. I've also been curious to visit—besides, I hear the junior sisters of Liangyi Sect are said to be as beautiful as flowers. Perhaps Lin Xuyan wasn't exaggerating?"

"Awoo awoo awoo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer wagged its tail excitedly, clearly thrilled by the idea, especially the prospect of Big Brother finding him another sister-in-law.

"Very well!"

Clapping his hands, Ning Daoran declared with a laugh, "Our next stop is Liangyi Sect!"

...

Several days later, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived.

Outside the cave mansion, Ning Daoran set up a table filled with dishes, all prepared personally by him and Old Lu. There was roasted spiritual sheep leg, ten-thousand-year-old turtle soup, spiritual bird egg flower soup, spirit fish boiling fish slices from the Jade Spirit Spring, scallion fried kidney, and more. The spread ranged from exquisite delicacies to hearty home-style fare.

Ning Tianyi and Ning Mingyu arrived together, bringing gifts with them.

"It's just a meal—why bring gifts?"

Ning Daoran feigned criticism yet handed the gifts over to Little Bai.

Fairy Jade Marrow also arrived punctually. The four Great Cultivators sat together, while Big Stupid Deer, Little Bai, and Little Blackie enjoyed their own table nearby, joining in the moon-viewing festivities.

Ning Daoran, known for treating his spiritual beasts as equals, found no issue with this arrangement, nor did Ning Tianyi question it. Instead, they pushed cups and exchanged toasts, pleasantly enjoying the evening.

After a few rounds of wine—

"Boom~~~"

Golden lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, followed by swirling celestial visions!

"Hmm?"

Ning Tianyi's expression shifted as he stood abruptly, his gaze fixed on the heavens. "A celestial phenomenon?!"

Ning Daoran rose slowly, watching as indistinct characters descended from the swirling clouds. They exuded a righteous and awe-inspiring aura, seemingly summoning him directly.

"This is…"

Raising his arm, he infused his mana, guiding the celestial vision.

The indistinct characters flew down toward him, gathering gradually in his palm.

"This is…"

"What is this?"

Ning Mingyu and Fairy Jade Marrow were equally astonished.

"This is a decree from the Upper Realm!"

Ning Tianyi, more experienced, explained, "Young Friend Ning, if I'm not mistaken, this must be a message from Lin Man in the Earth Immortal Realm. Refine it, and its contents will be revealed!"