Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

"An edict from the Upper Realm?"

Ning Daoran's face was struck with shock. He hurriedly circulated his mana, refining the words collected in his palm one by one.

Not long after, only a golden sheen remained in his palm. As his thoughts moved, the golden shimmer transformed into characters, rising into the air before instantly vanishing. They were indeed a message from Lin Man—

"My dear husband, I have found a method for ascension for you in the Upper Realm. In the Xia Country's Cultivation World, Yizhou houses a Breaking Realm Mountain. This mountain is a forbidden land, within which lies an ancient Stone Formation. The formation is said to be a mid-grade fifth-rank Breaking Realm Array. Though it has been destroyed, if the remains of the formation can be located, it may be possible to deduce a complete Breaking Realm Array. If such an array could be crafted, it would allow you to traverse to other cultivation worlds and make use of their Ascension Platforms to ascend to the Earth Immortal Realm. Remember this, remember it well! I have successfully refined my corporeal body and become a true Divinity-Transformation-stage Ghost Cultivator. Husband, I am already waiting for you in the Upper Realm."

Ning Daoran's eyes widened, memorizing every word, particularly the final sentence, which stirred ripples in his heart.

"Young Friend Ning, have you deciphered the edict from the Upper Realm?" asked Ning Tianyi beside him.

This edict had been personally crafted by Lin Man for Ning Daoran, rendering it invisible to others.

"Yes."

Ning Daoran replied, "Lin Man instructed me to go to Yizhou to find Breaking Realm Mountain. But I'm not sure whether such a mountain exists in Yizhou."

"It does."

Ning Tianyi responded, "Indeed, Yizhou has a mountain known as Breaking Realm Mountain. Yet, for some unknown reasons, this mountain has long been designated a forbidden land within the cultivation world, and fewer and fewer people know about it."

He refrained from probing further into Ning Daoran's purpose for going to Breaking Realm Mountain, as it was Lin Man's bestowed opportunity for Ning Daoran, something he understood was improper to delve into.

"I see."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brows and sat back down.

"Young Friend Ning."

Ning Tianyi urged, "Since Talisman Master Lin instructed you to go to Breaking Realm Mountain, you must take this matter seriously. After all, sending a message from the Earth Immortal Realm to the Human World comes at an immense cost—beyond what we can fathom."

"Ah?"

The Jade Marrow Immortal exclaimed in astonishment, "City Lord Ning, how great a cost could it be?"

"Roughly equivalent to the entire foundation of a mid-stage Divinity Transformation cultivator." The genuine article resides on M|V|L&EMPYR.

Ning Tianyi explained, "This must be of utmost importance; otherwise, Talisman Master Lin wouldn't have expended such a hefty price to send the message."

"I will remember this."

Ning Daoran murmured, "If that's the case, let this wine serve as my farewell feast. After drinking this, I will depart for Yizhou."

"Well said."

Ning Tianyi raised his cup, "Then let this cup be a toast to your journey, Young Friend!"

"Brother."

Ning Mingyu offered her cup, "May your path be smooth!"

Late into the night, Ning Daoran departed.

...

A month later, he arrived in the Xia Country's Cultivation World.

Ning Daoran did not travel quickly—stopping at large workshops along the way to purchase an assortment of high-level array materials. Such resources were perpetually insufficient for him. Moreover, should the chance arise to craft the Breaking Realm Array, he would require a substantial amount of fifth-rank materials.

Before long, he arrived at Huangzhou's Immortal White Dragon City. Following his routine, he visited Qingfu Square, the largest workshop in the Immortal City, to make his selections.

He did not conceal his aura. The moment he landed at Qingfu Square, he drew the attention of many cultivators.

"Junior Chen Chong, manager of Qingfu Square, greets the senior!"

A sharp-looking middle-aged man stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Forgive my offense in asking—may I inquire Senior's esteemed name?"

"My name is Ning Daoran."

"What?!"

Chen Chong was visibly stunned, "So it is Senior Ning... This junior offers his utmost respects!"

Years ago, during the Battle of Descent, Ning Daoran had participated in slaying three Divinity Transformation cultivators. Later, upon advancing to the Nascent Soul Late Stage, he single-handedly vanquished the Divinity Transformation Great Cultivator, Law Breaker the Star Monarch. This feat had long since spread across the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World, solidifying his status as a formidable figure. However, Ning Daoran carried himself without airs, nor did he establish his own stronghold.

"Manager Chen."

Ning Daoran smiled, "I once cultivated in Immortal White Dragon City for decades, and even met my Daoist couple Lin Man here. Thus, I share a certain affinity with White Dragon City. Passing through today, I seek to purchase high-level array materials—fourth-rank, fifth-rank alike. May I trouble you to show me around?"

"Of course, Senior! Please follow me. I will personally guide you in making your selections!"

Though Immortal White Dragon City wasn't akin to Kunpeng Immortal City or Guiru City, being neither renowned nor prestigious, it offered modest resources. Consequently, its fifth-rank array materials were scant—only a few pieces available at prices roughly twenty percent higher. In contrast, there was a variety of fourth-rank materials.

Ning Daoran didn't mind the markup and purchased everything directly. With several Divinity Transformation cultivators' reserves stashed in his storage bag, he certainly wasn't lacking in Spirit Stones.

As such, Qingfu Square made a handsome profit, and Chen Chong became even more eager to treat Ning Daoran as a distinguished guest.

"Senior Ning, are you in a hurry to leave?"

Chen Chong inquired respectfully, "If you're not pressed for time, I humbly propose that Qingfu Square sponsor the city's finest restaurant and invite Senior to savor some of Immortal White Dragon City's specialty dishes. Would Senior grace us with your presence?"

"Manager Chen, no need for such courtesy."

Ning Daoran said with a smile, "I genuinely do not have the time; otherwise, I would surely accept your kindness."

"Ah, that's truly regrettable…"

Chen Chong rubbed his hands, showing visible disappointment.

At that moment, a commotion erupted on Qingfu Square's second floor. A Golden Core early-stage cultivator was flushed with anger, quarreling with one of Qingfu Square's beautiful managers.

"What's happening?"

Chen Chong frowned and asked.

"Reporting to the manager!"

The lady manager bowed deeply, then also paid her respects to Ning Daoran before replying, "This Fellow Daoist wishes to sell a top-grade spiritual artifact at Qingfu Square but feels our appraisal undervalued it, leaving him quite displeased."

"Fellow Daoist."

Chen Chong said, "Qingfu Square has always adhered to fair dealings. If Fellow Daoist trusts me, I can have our chief appraiser re-evaluate and re-appraise your treasure. Will that suffice?"

"Very well."

The Golden Core cultivator furrowed his brow, saying, "I refuse to believe the secret treasure I struggled to obtain is worth so little."

"Why are you standing around?"

Chen Chong glared at the lady manager, "Quickly fetch Elder Shangguan!"

"Understood!"

Before long, an elderly man donned in green robes with a stooped posture descended the stairs, emanating a Golden Core mid-stage aura. He wore a peculiar magnifying device resembling a monocle, his eyes sharp like those of a night owl—an appearance befitting a chief appraiser.

"This item…"

The old man examined the top-grade spiritual artifact and said, "Not bad indeed. Its previous appraisal value should be raised by another twenty percent. Fellow Daoist, does this price strike you as fair?"

"Twenty percent…"

The Golden Core cultivator took a deep breath, "Fine, I'll sell this treasure to your workshop at the adjusted price, then."

"Someone, show this Fellow Daoist to collect his Spirit Stones."

"Yes!"

Chen Chong then turned back with an apologetic smile, "Senior Ning, forgive me for letting the trivial affairs of the workshop interrupt you."

"No matter."

Ning Daoran replied warmly, "Since I've completed my transactions here, I shall take my leave now. Manager Chen, let us meet again if fate permits!"

Just then, the chief appraiser sharply fixed his owl-like eyes on Ning Daoran, saying, "This Senior looks rather familiar… Have I perhaps met you before?"

"Oh?"

Ning Daoran regarded the appraiser closely, frowning slightly—this man did indeed seem vaguely familiar.

"Zhang… Transcendent Zhang? Fellow Daoist Zhang?" asked the appraiser.

"Shangguan… Elder Shangguan?"

Ning Daoran exclaimed, finally recognizing him.

This man was Shangguan Xing, an old acquaintance he had partnered with during an exploration of the Ghost Flame Secret Realm at Yellow Dragon Square years ago!

Back then, both were merely at the Foundation Establishment Stage. Who could have anticipated that five hundred years would pass, and they would meet again here, at Qingfu Square in Immortal White Dragon City?

"You two are old acquaintances?"

Chen Chong beamed, "In that case, I'll arrange for a private room where you can both share some spiritual tea. What do you think?"

For Qingfu Square, forming even a fleeting bond with a figure like Ning Daoran represented an incredible opportunity. Chen Chong, shrewd as ever, wouldn't miss such a chance.

"Very well."

Ning Daoran said with a chuckle, "Then I shall trouble Manager Chen!"

...

In a private room overlooking Qingfu Square's bustling streets.

After arranging for two elegant maids to serve tea, Chen Chong tactfully took his leave, leaving Ning Daoran and Shangguan Xing alone along with the two Qi Refinement maids.

The maids, though attractive, appeared slightly nervous before the two Great Cultivators, particularly Ning Daoran. Upon learning of his identity as the Nascent Soul Late Stage Independent Practitioner Jianjia, they grew visibly tense.

"So, Transcendent Zhang was but an alias…"

Shangguan Xing remarked, "I never imagined Transcendent Zhang turned out to be the legendary Jianjia True Monarch, Senior Ning himself…"

"No need for such formalities, Daoist. Simply address me as Ning Daoist. We were acquainted in youth; there's no need to adhere to such etiquette."

"Very well!"

Shangguan Xing said joyfully, "Daoist Ning, during our expedition to the Ghost Flame Secret Realm back then… It was indeed my arrangement, but I never intended to harm Fellow Daoist. On the contrary, I nearly lost my life to the Huang Family Ancestor's pursuit within the secret realm. Thankfully, I learned an escape skill and managed to survive. At the time, I felt deeply guilty…"

He took a sip of tea and continued with a smile, "For centuries, I believed Daoist Ning had perished, slain by the Huang Family Ancestor within the secret realm. My heart carried perpetual remorse for you. Now seeing Fellow Daoist in your majestic form, my mind is eased, and my heart elated!"

"Hahaha~~~"

Ning Daoran laughed heartily, "Daoist Shangguan, you misunderstand. Though the Huang Family Ancestor's cultivation was higher and his methods brutal, when it came to hidden skills, he was no match for me. Ultimately, his schemes backfired; I killed him and seized his storage bag. Truth be told... I profited from it. Yet at the time, I also lamented, thinking Daoist Shangguan was surely doomed, only to later learn you had escaped."

"Hahaha, how fortunate, how fortunate indeed!"

Shangguan Xing took another sip of tea, exclaiming with emotion, "Life is strange, and encounters often unpredictable. Fate brought Daoist Ning and me to believe each other slain, only for us to reunite five centuries later in this very place. Such serendipity is surely the path of destiny!"

He gazed at Ning Daoran, smiling wistfully, his eyes brimming with nostalgia. "Ah, but lamentable… Five centuries have passed; this old man is now feeble and frail, while Daoist Ning remains as poised as ever…"