Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 460 - 458: Zhang Ningxin’s Parting Gift

Qianyuan Sect.

Patriarch Tu Yang has perished, his vital energy extinguished.

Zhang Ningxin and a group of disciples knelt in a circle around him, but the newlywed wife of Patriarch Tu Yang was nowhere to be seen.

Amidst the ruins, the Great Elder, Li Xiancheng, helped Sect Master Monarch Qian Yuan to his feet. The Sect Master had sustained extremely grave injuries. Although he did not regress in cultivation, this battle had drained his Primordial Qi. His already limited Life Span was now nearly exhausted.

"Greetings, Sect Master!"

Zhang Ningxin and the other disciples all turned and knelt to pay their respects to Monarch Qian Yuan.

"No need for formalities."

Monarch Qian Yuan waved his sleeve lightly and said, "This battle has caused significant loss to our Qianyuan Sect, as we defended against two Nascent Soul Demon Beasts. I order all Peaks to immediately organize personnel to rescue the wounded. Use the Spiritual Medicines from the medicine garden as needed, without concern for depletions. At this moment, the lives of Qianyuan Sect Disciples are more important than any treasure medicine."

"Yes, Sect Master..."

Several badly injured Peak Masters had red-rimmed eyes.

"After the matters are handled..."

Monarch Qian Yuan frowned and said, "All Peak Masters, please come to the Cave Mansion on Qianyuan Peak to discuss matters. Junior Brother Li, you come as well."

"Yes, Elder Brother!"

Li Xiancheng nodded solemnly.

"Ning Xin."

Monarch Qian Yuan’s gaze turned to Zhang Ningxin not far away and said, "Please go to Luoxia Peak and ask Young Friend Ning to come as well for the discussion in the Cave Mansion on Qianyuan Peak. Tell him directly, although he has been a guest cultivator in our Qianyuan Sect for many years, he is still considered one of us. There are some matters on which this old man would like to consult with him."

"Yes, Elder Uncle!"

Zhang Ningxin nodded, then turned to go towards the Purple and Green Three Peaks.

...

In the afternoon, powerful presences gathered on Qianyuan Peak. As the principal among the Nine Peaks, Qianyuan Peak suffered greatly in the battle; many Cave Mansions and buildings on the mountainside were completely destroyed by the Fire Dragon True Monarch’s arson, and a significant number of disciples from Qianyuan Peak perished in the beast tide.

From the north, two tunneling lights flickered and approached. It was Ning Daoran in a green robe and Zhang Ningxin in white, pure as driven snow.

"Fellow Daoist Ning."

Great Elder Li Xiancheng greeted with a casual fist and palm salute, presumably already aware from Monarch Qian Yuan that the retreat of the two Nascent Soul Demon Beasts had a direct connection with the man before him, Master Qiushui.

"Fellow Daoist Li!"

Ning Daoran returned the salute and then stepped into the Cave Mansion together.

Inside the Cave Mansion of the Sect Master, Monarch Qian Yuan sat cross-legged on a jade-like warm stone plate, using the Spiritual Energy from the plate to recover his Primordial Qi. However, he still looked extremely aged and appeared as if he could pass away at any time.

Ning Daoran glanced over and could already see that Monarch Qian Yuan’s Life Span was only a few years remaining. This Great Cultivator, who once commanded great respect in Qinzhou, would not live much longer.

"Elder Brother..."

A group of Peak Masters saluted Monarch Qian Yuan, then sat down in unison in front of him.

"Mhm."

Monarch Qian Yuan nodded, his eyes falling on Ning Daoran and Zhang Ningxin, "Young Friend Ning, Ning Xin, you sit down as well and listen to me."

"Yes!"

After the two sat down, the rest of the Peak Masters cast curious looks in their direction.

Zhang Ningxin was the leader of the younger generation and was also seen by many as the prime candidate for the next Sect Master. She indeed had the credentials to sit here. However, it was puzzling for many that the Peak Master of Luoxia Peak also took a seat here.

"Fellow Elders."

Monarch Qian Yuan spoke in a deep voice, "After this battle, our Qianyuan Sect has been greatly weakened. With the death of Patriarch Tu Yang and many disciples, our loss is severe. If we cannot recover our Primordial Qi promptly, calamity may descend upon us soon."

The Peak Masters remained silent, knowing the Sect Master spoke the truth.

The Cultivation World has always been a place where the strong prey upon the weak. Now that Patriarch Tu Yang has fallen and Monarch Qian Yuan is gravely injured, with little Life Span remaining, the Qianyuan Sect was at its most vulnerable. If a large Sect or power coveted the Sect’s high-order Spirit Veins, the consequences would be unimaginable!

"I am old and my time is limited."

Monarch Qian Yuan sighed, "Therefore, I have decided... to pass on the position of Sect Master to Junior Brother Li Xiancheng. Starting today, Junior Brother Li will be the Sect Master of Qianyuan Sect. As for myself, I will step back, close off from the world to cultivate, and take the role of the Sect’s Supreme Elder. I trust there are no objections?"

"We heed the decree of Elder Brother!"

All the Peak Masters nodded in unison.

Although Li Xiancheng was only in the Gold Core Late Stage, he had refined his stage for several hundred years and was only one step away from forming a Nascent Soul. He truly was the most qualified to assume the role of Sect Master.

"Junior Brother Li."

Monarch Qian Yuan said, "Qianyuan Sect is in dire peril. I hope you can shoulder this great responsibility. Within ten years, you must attempt a breakthrough to Nascent Soul. Once Junior Brother forms a Nascent Soul, our Qianyuan Sect will have a chance at salvation."

"Yes!"

Li Xiancheng responded solemnly, "Li Xiancheng will give his all. Please rest easy, Elder Brother!"

"Good."

Monarch Qian Yuan’s gaze shifted to Ning Daoran in the distance, "Young Friend Ning has resided in Qianyuan Sect for twenty-eight years and is considered one of our own. Your assistance to our Qianyuan Sect in this battle is something that every one of us should bear in mind. I take the liberty of inviting you: would you be willing to take the position of our Qianyuan Sect’s Chief Guest Elder?"

"Thank you for the kind offer, Senior Qian Yuan, but I have always been accustomed to a life of leisure."

Ning Daoran replied with a light fist and palm salute, "I hope Senior can forgive me."

"It’s no trouble."

Monarch Qian Yuan smiled faintly, "From now on, the Purple and Green Three Peaks are under Young Friend Ning’s control, and all rents for the peaks are waived. I hope that you will accept this small gesture of mine."

"In that case, I shall accept respectfully. Thank you, Senior!"

"Good."

Not long after, the council had concluded, and Monarch Qian Yuan prepared to enter closed-door cultivation, while Ning Daoran returned to Luoxia Peak.

News came from Tuyang Peak that after True Monarch Tu Yang’s death, his Daoist couple Liu Ruyan had vanished without a trace, with disciples claiming she had left the Sect to travel far away.

Upon this, Ning Daoran remained silent; his friendship with Liu Ruyan had been exhausted after this incident.

It was a pity, Liu Ruyan had steadfastly waited for years, deciding to gamble once and placing her bet on Monarch Qian Yuan, hoping to one day become the lofty Sect Master’s Wife, but she bet wrong and ended utterly defeated.

...

The Qianyuan Sect’s strength plummeted, while the Demon Dragon Mountain Range remained as tranquil as ever.

Ning Daoran decided to enter seclusion.

And so, two years passed in the blink of an eye.

Two years later, Ning Daoran emerged from seclusion, by then having completely mastered the array inheritance of the Supreme Path Burning Sky Array.

In the afternoon, amid the lush grass and the chirping of orioles,

Ning Daoran gracefully arrived at the Qianyuan Sect and met with Sect Master Li Xiancheng, presenting a list of materials required for array formation.

"Oh?"

Sect Master Li furrowed his brows: "Fellow Daoist Ning is planning to craft a Fourth-tier Array?"

"That’s right."

Ning Daoran replied indifferently: "I’ve been at the Third-tier for too long, so I wanted to attempt a breakthrough and see if I can reach the standards of the Fourth-tier. The materials listed here should all be available in your Sect’s Duo Bao Pavilion, Sect Master only needs to sell them to me at cost."

"That would be fine."

Said Li Xiancheng: "Please, come this way, Fellow Daoist Ning, I will personally accompany you to select the materials."

"Many thanks!"

Soon thereafter, Ning Daoran left Duo Bao Pavilion with a heavy Storage Bag in hand, having nearly gathered all the materials needed to refine the Supreme Path Burning Sky Array at the cost of six hundred thousand Spirit Stones.

This Fourth-tier Middle Grade Killing Array was actually about half more expensive than a Defensive Array!

The expenditure of several hundred thousand Spirit Stones, the sheer cost, no wonder only the Great Cultivators and major powers and Sects could afford Fourth-tier Arrays, smaller Sects and Cultivation Families simply lacked such foundations.

"Fellow Daoist Ning~~~"

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind, it was Zhang Ningxin.

"Immortal Ning Xin."

Ning Daoran turned and smiled, asking: "How has the Immortal been lately?"

"Very well."

Zhang Ningxin replied: "It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, Fellow Daoist. Since you are here at Qianyuan Sect, why not come and have tea at Ning Xin’s Cave Mansion?"

"That would be nice."

Graciously invited, Ning Daoran could not well refuse.

Thus, he followed Zhang Ningxin to her Cave Mansion at Tuyang Peak.

At this time, the position of Peak Master of Tuyang Peak was vacant, with Monarch Qian Yuan and Li Xiancheng’s intent that this second-ranking Peak Master of Qianyuan Sect position awaited her, Zhang Ningxin’s ascension to Gold Core Late Stage.

Holding the position of Peak Master of Tuyang Peak as a Golden Core Middle Stage would be somewhat difficult for others to accept.

After savoring the delicious Spiritual Tea, Ning Daoran felt thoroughly relaxed. Qianyuan Sect’s profound heritage was truly unmatched, such tea-making skills were beyond what Old Lu and Little Bai could compare with.

"How’s the Spiritual Tea from my Tuyang Peak?"

"Exceptionally good."

"Then I’m pleased."

Zhang Ningxin took a sip of tea, squinting her beautiful eyes, savoring the taste. At that moment, she was surrounded by a bright spirit light and her entire temperament had changed completely.

She had reached Gold Core Late Stage!

"Congratulations, Immortal, on your breakthrough."

Ning Daoran squinted his eyes and smiled, saying: "It seems that Immortal asked Ning to come and drink tea, but in fact, it was for Ning to protect your breakthrough."

Zhang Ningxin laughed softly: "Perhaps it’s because Fellow Daoist is here, Ning Xin’s mood is excellent, and I have successfully made the breakthrough in a moment of inspiration. It is I, Ning Xin, who should thank Fellow Daoist."

Speaking, she showed a hint of regret: "It’s a pity that Fellow Daoist is not willing to stay in the Qianyuan Sect as a Guest Elder, otherwise Ning Xin would be extremely keen to keep the company of Fellow Daoist for a long time to come, and indeed, my Tuyang Peak really does lack the powerful support of a Fellow Daoist like you."

"Immortal flatters me, Ning does not possess such ability."

Ning Daoran stood up, adding: "Since there is nothing else, I shall return to Luoxia Peak. Oh, and I am soon to terminate my lease and leave the Qianyuan Sect to continue my travels in the world."

"So soon?"

Zhang Ningxin surprised: "In that case, Ning Xin will visit Fellow Daoist in a few days."

...

A few days later.

News spread throughout the Qianyuan Sect that Zhang Ningxin had ascended to the Gold Core Late Stage, officially bestowed as the Holy Daughter, and concurrently appointed the Deputy Sect Master and Peak Master of Tuyang Peak, which elevated Zhang Ningxin’s status in the Sect just below that of Sect Master Li Xiancheng.

It seems everything was Monarch Qian Yuan’s arrangement.

Li Xiancheng serving as Sect Master was only an interim step, once Zhang Ningxin, the Holy Daughter, succeeded in condensing her Nascent Soul, with her talent and heritage, her combat power would far surpass Li Xiancheng. She was indeed the candidate Monarch Qian Yuan had in mind for the next Sect Master!

In the evening.

A figure dressed in pure white, surpassing snow, descended upon Luoxia Peak—it was Zhang Ningxin. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

"Fellow Daoist, this is a gift Ning Xin has prepared for you, please do not decline," Zhang Ningxin handed over a heavy Storage Bag.

Ning Daoran used his Divine Sense to scan it and was secretly astounded; they were all Fourth-tier array materials, with a total value of at least two hundred thousand Spirit Stones. Zhang Ningxin had indeed spent generously to curry favor with this soon-to-be-departing guest Cultivator in residence.