Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

Ning Daoran extended his Divine Sense, silently probing Shangguan Xing's remaining lifespan.

Just as he mentioned, he was now over five hundred years old, with little life remaining. It was evident he had already consumed First-tier and Second-tier Life Extension Pills, but the Third-tier Life Extension Pill was a rare treasure that ordinary Golden Core cultivators might struggle to acquire.

"You two young ladies."

Shangguan Xing glanced at the two beautiful maids attending on the side and laughed, "Don't be nervous. When Fellow Daoist Ning and I first met, we were both young, not far from your age."

"Mm."

Ning Daoran nodded, smiling as he looked at the two maids. "I've been happily reunited with Shangguan Daoist after years of separation. No need for you two to be so reserved. You seem to have quite a lot to say pent up, go ahead and speak your mind."

"Yes, Senior!"

One of the women, whose eyes gave off a charming aura, smiled and asked, "Senior Ning, are you truly the legendary Jianjia Senior who presided over Jade Bottle Continent for decades and restored its mountains and rivers?"

"Could it be false?"

Ning Daoran chuckled. "Would my Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivation be fake? Have you seen any Nascent Soul cultivators idly entertaining someone in the Qi Refinement Realm?"

"That's true!"

The woman hid a laugh behind pursed lips. "Senior Ning, you look so young..."

"I've cultivated the Evergreen Technique of the Wood Attribute, so I appear somewhat younger than Shangguan Daoist. If not, we'd both be sitting here looking like two grumpy old men~"

"Hahaha~~~"

Shangguan Xing burst out laughing heartily.

If it were two grumpy old men, the maids certainly wouldn't dare say a single extra word.

"Fellow Daoist Ning."

Shangguan Xing spoke, "What brings you to Immortal White Dragon City?"

"Just passing through."

Ning Daoran replied, "I'm heading to Yizhou on an urgent matter. But as an Array Master, I have a habit of collecting high-level array materials whenever passing through a city, so I came to Qingfu Square, which led to this chance encounter with Shangguan Daoist."

"I see."

Shangguan Xing said, "If your matter in Yizhou isn't too urgent, why not stay in Immortal White Dragon City for a few days? Allow me to properly host you. Together, we could enjoy the sights of the world—it would be magnificent."

Saying this, he used a Sound Transmission Talisman to relay, "In the building across from Qingfu Square live numerous Foundation Establishment Stage fairies, stunning and radiant, with countless charms. They can play the zither and blow the flute, truly skillful and talented. Why don't we stay there for a few days and indulge in some youthful merriment?"

'So this is the real Shangguan Daoist…'

Ning Daoran secretly mocked him while feeling a touch of temptation. After years of cultivation, such carefree days were indeed rare. But thinking of Lin Man in the Upper Realm, who might be observing him at any moment, he let go of the thought.

"This matter is indeed urgent."

Ning Daoran said, "I regret having to refuse Shangguan Daoist's kind invitation. Though hearing your description has already enthralled me, I shall treat it as if I've experienced it in spirit."

The two maids giggled softly.

"Shangguan Daoist."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brow, adopting a serious tone. "I can tell your lifespan is nearing its end. May I ask if you've used a Third-tier Life Extension Pill before?"

"Third-tier Life Extension Pill..."

Shangguan Xing looked somewhat downcast. "Life Extension Pills are inherently rare. Over the years, I've spent all the Spirit Stones I painstakingly earned to acquire three First-tier and Second-tier Life Extension Pills. As for Third-tier, it's simply unattainable—even with Spirit Stones, there's no place to buy it. Perhaps this is destiny."

"Destiny is not necessarily as Daoist sees it."

Ning Daoran smiled lightly. "Today's reunion between Daoist and I at Qingfu Square seems more like an act of destiny."

As he spoke, he patted his Storage Bag and retrieved a Jade Bottle, handing it to Shangguan Xing.

"Shangguan Daoist, this bottle contains three Third-tier Life Extension Pills. Please accept them with a smile."

"Ah?"

Shangguan Xing was shocked. "The Third-tier Life Extension Pill... is a priceless treasure! Fellow Daoist Ning, this is absolutely impossible!"

"Shangguan Daoist."

Ning Daoran spoke seriously, "I said that our reunion is destiny—a chance encounter and your great fortune. You're predestined to live for several more decades. Please accept these pills; they are a token of my sentiment toward an old friend."

"In that case, I thank you!"

Shangguan Xing received the pills, expressing gratitude multiple times.

Ning Daoran didn't gift him anything else. After all, at Shangguan Xing's age and cultivation—only mid-stage Golden Core—there was no possibility of forming a Nascent Soul. Extra treasures would be useless to him. However, three pills granting decades of additional life could allow him to fully enjoy the joys of life. With his income as a top appraiser, indulging in music and song across the street every day wouldn't be an issue.

At this thought, Ning Daoran couldn't help but feel a bit envious. If mortal life included a few close friends and enough Spirit Stones to visit fairies who played zither and flute daily…then what need was there to envy lovebirds or immortals?

Afterward, Ning Daoran turned toward the two attractive maids.

"Two young ladies, you both share a destiny with me."

"Senior…"

The two maids were so excited that their rosy cheeks were flushed, almost unable to respond.

Ning Daoran tapped his Storage Bag, searching for a while…finally selecting two First-tier Top-Grade Magical Artifacts.

Truthfully, most treasures in his Storage Bag were far superior. These magical artifacts were something he wouldn't even glance at normally.

"This jade hairpin…"

He spoke calmly, "is a Wood Attribute Top-Grade Magical Artifact, perfectly suitable for the girl dressed in green. Please accept it. As for this short sword, it is a Gold Attribute Top-Grade Magical Artifact, fitting for the young lady in the golden dress. Please take it as well. These are simply tokens of my sentiment—don't think too much of it."

"Thank you, Senior Ning… Thank you, Senior Ning…"

Both Qi Refinement Realm novices expressed their gratitude profusely.

Such a modest Top-Grade Magical Artifact could very well be their future foundation for becoming a "Foundation Establishment Ancestor."

"Oh, well."

Ning Daoran swept his sleeve and produced two elixir pills. "These are Solid Color Pills, capable of preserving your youthful looks forever. You both are as beautiful as flowers, and if these pills can ensure eternal youth, it would be my honor."

"…"

Shangguan Xing silently raised a thumbs-up toward Ning Daoran, privately admiring his prowess. 'I've learned a valuable lesson today!'

Ning Daoran replied with a subtle look that said, "Basic stuff, don't overreact."

"Thank you, Senior Ning…"

The two maids were deeply moved and promptly consumed the Solid Color Pills on the spot.

"Senior Ning…"

The maid in the golden dress shyly spoke up, "Your kindness is overwhelming; I feel undeserving. If perhaps…you find me agreeable, I'm willing to serve by your side, whether as a maid or a slave. I would have no complaints!"

"No need."

Ning Daoran replied nonchalantly, "Young lady, although you're in the Qi Refinement Realm, you should understand that the Heavenly Dao always governs. I'm nearly six hundred years old and could easily be your great-grandfather or ancestor. How could I take you under my care? The fortunes I've given you should be accepted with ease, but I dare not gift too much for fear you cannot safeguard them."

Shangguan Xing nodded in agreement. "Fellow Daoist Ning's words are truly insightful!"

Ning Daoran said happily, "It's almost evening. How about this—I'll set a table at a nearby restaurant. Shangguan Daoist and young ladies, let's have a meal together. After that, I'll depart for the Liangyi Sect."

"Liangyi Sect…"

Shangguan Xing's eyes lit up. That was one of the esteemed Ten Great Immortal Sects. But this seemed natural—someone like Ning Daoran, a powerful figure, would have connections to top-tier cultivation forces like the Liangyi Sect.

Thus, the group quickly reached agreement.

Chen Chong dared not stop them. He even considered offering the maids' contracts outright to Ning Daoran but feared offending this Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivator. So, he refrained from unnecessary moves.

That night, the two maids returned.

Still in perfect condition.

Chen Chong felt a deep admiration. Truly, Ning Daoran was unmatched, utterly different from other great cultivators.

"You two, come here."

Chen Chong furrowed his brow and withdrew two contracts from his sleeve. "These are your indenture contracts. I'm returning them to you now. You're free individuals from today onward. Remember, since you've shared fate with Senior Ning, you no longer need to serve anyone else. If you wish to leave and cultivate, you may go. If you want to stay, you can assume the role of a guest assistant. I'll arrange everything step by step. Once your performance is strong enough, you can become a manager directly. Rest assured, the Spirit Stones due to you will be provided in full."

...

Several days later.

Yizhou, Liangyi Sect.

As night fell, a figure and a deer arrived at the gates of the Liangyi Sect. To support our work, please read on M|V|LE_MPYR.

Two Golden Core Early Stage Daoist disciples, holding swords, saluted respectfully. "May I ask the names of you two seniors?"

"Ning Daoran."

"Moo~~~"

At once, the two disciples were struck with shock. One stammered, "Is…it truly Senior Ning?"

"Could it be false?"

Ning Daoran no longer concealed his aura, releasing his Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivation base. Instantly, the disciples were even more taken aback.

The cultivation of this person was far beyond—reportedly even surpassing their Sect Master!

"I shall lead Senior up the mountain at once!"

One quickly used a Sound Transmission Talisman, evidently to send advance notice.

Ning Daoran remained indifferent, ascending the sect's main avenue with Big Stupid Deer. On the way, they passed disciples both ascending and descending the mountain—many were indeed beautiful female disciples.

The Liangyi Sect's uniform was an elegant combination of blue and white, adding a refined touch that enhanced the charm of the female cultivators. In the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World, it was considered an honor for a cultivator to marry a female disciple from the Liangyi Sect.

What luck Lin Xuyan, that scoundrel, had to pick from such a plethora of stunning junior sisters!

"Brother~~~"

On the wind came a tunneling light, revealing Lin Xuyan in Liangyi Sect attire. Yet his expression was unusually grave, a rarity for him.

"What's wrong?"

Ning Daoran frowned and said, "You look defeated, like you've lost a fight. What happened?"

"Brother…"

Lin Xuyan's eyes suddenly glistened with tears. "Master's lifespan has run out. He's on the brink of passing…"