Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

"This..."

Ning Daoran fell into silence.

In truth, during the Battle of Descent, he had already discerned that the life span of the Liangyi True Monarch was left with merely a few decades. Calculating carefully, the time should be just about now.

"Has Uncle Liangyi taken the fourth-order Lifespan Extension Pill?"

"I took it long ago."

Lin Xuyan let out a sigh. "During the Battle of Descent, and the chaotic struggle against the Nascent Soul Late Stage demon beasts in Yizhou, Master sustained grievous injuries. The resulting damage to his Primordial Qi affected his life span, which led to..."

At that moment, a streak of tunneling light shot rapidly from afar. With a sudden halt, the wind roared wildly, and the elderly man standing amidst the gusts was none other than True Monarch Qi Xing.

He cast a glance at Ning Daoran and Lin Xuyan, saying, "Senior brother has convened a meeting at the Immortal Viewing Platform on the rear mountain... Nephew Ning, since you've ascended the mountain… how about joining Xuyan to go there together?"

"But, Master Qi Xing..."

Ning Daoran hesitated slightly and said, "Would it truly be appropriate for me to participate in Liangyi Sect's internal matters?"

"You address me as master uncle; does that not make you one of Liangyi Sect's people?"

True Monarch Qi Xing's expression showed weariness. "Come, this may well be your last chance to see senior brother..."

"Understood!"

Thus, three beams of Nascent Soul tunneling light headed straight for the rear mountain.

...

At the rear mountain, threads of faint luminescence lingered among the woods, making the ambiance exceptionally tranquil. On one of its peaks sat the Immortal Viewing Platform, enveloped in misty celestial aura—its presence truly extraordinary.

When Ning Daoran landed at the platform, he noticed the Liangyi True Monarch seated at its distant edge, his figure withered. Before him, several silhouettes had already gathered on the open ground, a small group of elders and true disciples—less than twenty individuals in total.

"Nephew Ning, you've come at last..." Liangyi True Monarch opened his eyes, a faint smile of relief crossing his face.

"Ning Daoran greets Master Uncle Liangyi!"

"Good, sit down."

"Yes!"

The group once again resumed their seats, and several elders and true disciples nodded toward Ning Daoran in acknowledgment.

Members of Liangyi Sect treated Ning Daoran with warmth and respect. This was hardly surprising, as Ning Daoran had fought alongside them several times, and from very early on, he'd been regarded as "one of their own." With such a formidable ally counted among them, the sect had every reason to cherish him.

"Everyone..."

Liangyi True Monarch spoke, "I have led Liangyi Sect for many years... perhaps without notable achievements, but also without grave errors. At least, I can hold my head high when meeting the ancestors of Liangyi Sect... Today, as my life span nears its end, I summon you all once more. The future of Liangyi Sect and the choice of the next Sect Master—these matters... must be decided by us together."

"Sect Master!"

An elder spoke, "For the new Sect Master, just name the successor. We will follow your will without question!"

"Indeed!"

An elderly female cultivator wiped tears from her eyes. "Senior Brother… you have worked tirelessly for Liangyi Sect over the years; we have all seen it. We trust your judgment—whoever you name as the next Sect Master, we will wholeheartedly support!"

"So be it..."

Liangyi True Monarch stood, his gaze settling briefly on Lin Xuyan, who knelt on one knee.

Soon, his eyes shifted to Ning Daoran.

For a moment, the gathered crowd's thoughts surged with shock—could he intend for Ning Daoran to take the mantle?

Yet... had he not only just arrived at Liangyi Sect today? Was this appropriate?

At that instant, Liangyi True Monarch seemed torn inwardly. Always, his first choice as the sect's next leader had been Lin Xuyan. But today, by sheer coincidence, Ning Daoran had come to the mountain!

Were Ning Daoran to be Sect Master... who could dare dissent?

Furthermore, Ning Daoran had already cultivated the Liangyi Sword Technique to the Return to Nature stage—enough to command respect. Moreover, his meticulous mind and cautious demeanor made him far more reliable than that careless rascal Lin Xuyan!

Even more crucial was Lin Xuyan's outright reverence for Ning Daoran as an older brother. If Ning Daoran were named as the next Sect Master and Lin Xuyan the Deputy Sect Master, he would undoubtedly dedicate himself wholeheartedly to assisting, with no internal conflicts arising.

Ning Daoran was a young genius, and Lin Xuyan was no less so. With these two leading, Liangyi Sect could remain unmatched for centuries, even standing above the other Ten Great Immortal Sects!

"Master..."

Lin Xuyan raised his head, declaring firmly, "Even if I am not chosen as the next Sect Master, I harbor no resentment. I will devote myself completely to assisting the new Sect Master—please trust me!"

Liangyi True Monarch's eyes glimmered with approval.

This lad, reckless though he was, possessed profound filial affection and unwavering loyalty to the sect. Aside from occasionally acting impulsively and unpredictably, he was indeed a near-perfect chief disciple.

"Given that..."

Liangyi True Monarch was about to announce his choice when, suddenly, streaks of golden light shimmered into existence around the skies encircling the Immortal Viewing Platform. Sacred, indistinct glyphs began to materialize, and a mighty presence of Immortal Path energy swept across the mountain!

"What's happening?!"

The crowd was startled.

A Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator gasped in shock, "From beyond the heavens..."

"No, wait!"

Liangyi True Monarch exclaimed, "It's an edict from the Upper Realm! A Great Cultivator from the Earth Immortal Realm is sending information to someone here!"

Ning Daoran rose gradually. His Divine Soul had received the call, and he realized the edict was directed at him.

"Nephew Ning."

True Monarch Qi Xing asked, "Does this Upper Realm edict pertain to you?"

"Indeed."

Ning Daoran replied, "Master Uncle Liangyi, Master Uncle Qi Xing, may I be given leave to review this edict?"

"Certainly!"

Liangyi True Monarch's face lit with joy as he nodded slightly.

Now, Ning Daoran was unmistakably part of Liangyi Sect. With this Upper Realm edict directed at him, it was practically an announcement to the entire Eastern Wasteland Cultivation world that Liangyi Sect "had connections above." This was a matter of great significance!

"Come!"

With a flourish of his arm, Ning Daoran drew the hovering golden script toward his palm. In moments, it consolidated into golden radiance, from which lines of sacred text unfolded—visible only to him. The message came from Shen Luoyan, bearing news of urgent import—

"Ning Daoran, I've already met Lin Man. She spoke to me about Breaking Realm Mountain. I've since traveled to various places and confirmed a secret: Breaking Realm Mountain is no ordinary site. It's a hidden passage connecting the Upper Realm to the Lower Realm, shaped like a vast funnel. It pierces through the Heavenly Dao laws of the Earth Immortal Realm, channeling its impurities down below. These impurities are known as Demon Nightmare Qi, and when they gather and sediment in the Lower Realm, they manifest as the 'Black Tide.' This funnel is a refining treasure, perfectly integrated above and below. But without opening the upper entrance, you would never be able to enter Breaking Realm Mountain. So, I've already removed the Upper Realm seal. The Breaking Realm Mountain in the Lower Realm will surely react—proceed with caution. Also, Lin Man mentioned that she misses you terribly, though she's too shy to say it aloud. I thought I'd relay the message on her behalf..."

Reading this, Ning Daoran felt his skin prickle with unease.

To think that the Black Tide was connected to the Upper Realm was something he'd never have imagined. Yet, as he mulled over it, it began to make sense—the Red Demon from the Black Tide, immune to Five Elements attacks, was clearly no phenomenon of the Lower Realm.

As for Shen Luoyan's final remark, it stirred ripples of emotion within him. He missed Lin Man just as she missed him.

"Swish!"

Closing his hand, he crushed the edict to fragments.

"Nephew Ning."

Liangyi True Monarch asked, "Who sent the edict?"

"Shen Tower Master Shen Luoyan."

Ning Daoran replied, "Tower Master Shen mentioned Breaking Realm Mountain—it's connected to the Black Tide and the Earth Immortal Realm. Soon, Breaking Realm Mountain will be an inevitable challenge for cultivators of the Lower Realm."

"Very well."

Liangyi True Monarch smiled faintly. "I am near life's end—such matters must now rest upon your shoulders."

"Senior Brother..."

True Monarch Qi Xing's expression reflected sorrow.

But just then, another streak of tunneling light approached—a Nascent Soul Early Stage elder appeared, cupping his hands and speaking earnestly, "Sect Master, Deputy Sect Master, Breaking Realm Mountain sends urgent news. The seal has shattered, and numerous stone spirits have emerged. Fellow Daoists from Yunhe Sect are presently holding them off and have dispatched messengers urging Liangyi Sect to send reinforcements. If Breaking Realm Mountain fully opens, the entire Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World may face disaster!"

"Understood."

True Monarch Qi Xing replied, "Take a seat, Junior Brother Wang. Listen to Senior Brother speak."

"Yes, Senior Brother!"

...

"Fellow junior brothers and sisters, esteemed disciples of Liangyi Sect."

Liangyi True Monarch's eyes shone with reluctant farewell. "I am about to depart this life... The last matter involves naming the next Sect Master." This content is presented by M4VLEMPYR.

Saying this, his gaze fell upon Ning Daoran. "Nephew Ning... would you be willing to succeed as Sect Master of Liangyi Sect and shoulder its heavy mantle?"

"Ah?!"

Ning Daoran was startled; he had not anticipated this at all.

"Master Uncle Liangyi..."

Hurriedly, he cupped his hands and knelt on one knee, exclaiming, "I have only just arrived at the mountain—not yet established within the sect, lacking prestige as well. I beg Master Uncle to retract this decision! I am aware that the hearts of Liangyi Sect are set upon Lin Xuyan as their next leader. Please, honor their wishes and appoint Lin Xuyan; I will support him wholeheartedly!"

"So be it."

Liangyi True Monarch spoke, "If I entrust this rascal Lin Xuyan with the title of Sect Master... Nephew Ning, would you be willing to serve as Deputy Sect Master, occasionally temper his actions and prevent any reckless mistakes? If you agree, this old man would depart peacefully even in death."

"I would!"

Ning Daoran declared firmly, "I promise you, Master Uncle!"

"Excellent!"

Liangyi True Monarch beamed with satisfaction, his wish finally fulfilled.

With a subtle flick of his horsetail whisk, he stood at the platform's edge, his tone detached but resolute: "Fellow junior brothers, sisters, hear me. This old man hereby appoints Lin Xuyan as the next Sect Master of Liangyi Sect, to lead the sect onward, and Ning Daoran as Deputy Sect Master, to jointly command the sect. In minor matters, heed the Sect Master; in critical matters, heed the Deputy Sect Master. May you continue to elevate the glory of Liangyi Sect. This old man... bids you all farewell."

With that, radiant light erupted around Liangyi True Monarch.

He did not enter seated meditation but departed with serene composure, choosing self-dissolution as his end.

"Master!"

Tears streamed from Lin Xuyan's eyes uncontrollably.

"Sect Master!"

The gathered disciples also broke into sobs.

Ning Daoran knelt slowly, redness brimming around his eyes as he bowed deeply, proclaiming, "Rest assured, Master Uncle—this one will honor his responsibilities unwaveringly!"