Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 558 - 556: Slaying Demons at Sea

It took a full four years of preparation.

That year, Ning Daoran was 424 years old.

"Hoo~~~"

Inside the Spirit Garden Cave Heaven, as he slowly opened his eyes from meditation, wisps of fiery red flames flickered within his gaze. The moment Ning Daoran stood up, several fiery red Evergreen Seeds were already dancing around him.

"Go!"

At his command, the seeds burst open one after another, transforming with a "Peng Peng Peng" into blazing Immortal Vines entwined with fire. These vines were incredibly hot, seamlessly merging with the Nine Yang Furnace Divine Technique, exuding an extraordinary aura.

At last, after years of nurturing, the Eternal Immortal Vine mutated once more, giving rise to the Fire Vine before him.

"Not bad..."

Ning Daoran smiled faintly, quite satisfied within himself.

By now, he possessed the Eternal Immortal Vine, the Dragon Vine, the Thunder Vine, and the Fire Vine. Among them, the Dragon Vine and Thunder Vine had mutated attributes. The Eternal Immortal Vine, derived from the Eternal Green Technique, naturally carried the Wood Attribute. The Fire Vine, on the other hand, belonged to Fire, each unique in its own way.

Ning Daoran’s ultimate goal was to gather Immortal Vines of the five elements: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. If he could truly develop all five elemental attributes and then merge them into one, could there be unexpected gains?

That was worth looking forward to.

The next step was to attempt to fuse the Eternal Immortal Vine with the Returning to Nature Level Water Moon Divine Technique!

Walking out of the cave mansion, Ning Daoran activated a Sound Transmission Talisman and sent it into the Jade Marrow Immortal’s cave mansion. Before long, a figure in an elegant deep-blue Immortal Dress radiating indescribable beauty appeared within the mansion, smiling as she spoke, "Fellow Daoist Ning, the talismans you ordered six months ago have been completed. Please accept them."

As she spoke, she waved her hand, and talismans floated into the air. Most were Fourth-tier Middle Grade, with a smaller portion being Fourth-tier Lower Grade, totaling over thirty talismans.

The Jade Marrow Immortal, after all, was a Nascent Soul Cultivator, and her mastery of the Talismanic Way was highly refined—truly remarkable.

"Thank you, Fairy."

Ning Daoran’s eyes brightened, as the talismans exceeded his expectations. He calculated the craftsmanship fee, then took out Spirit Stones and handed them over to the Jade Marrow Immortal.

"Are you planning to venture out to sea and slay demons?" the Jade Marrow Immortal inquired.

"Indeed."

Ning Daoran nodded. "I have stayed in the Returning Ruins Immortal Land for many years and should venture out for once. After all, my initial purpose in coming here was to temper my cultivation. Staying in the cave mansion all the time is ultimately unwise." freēwēbnovel.com

"What Fellow Daoist says is reasonable."

The Jade Marrow Immortal responded, "However, the Endless Demon Sea is treacherously deep. I hope Fellow Daoist does not underestimate it. Not only are Golden Core Stage Demon Beasts abundant there, but Nascent Soul Stage Demon Beasts are not uncommon. There are even legends of Late Nascent Soul or even Divinity Transformation Stage Demon Beasts. Should you encounter a Divinity Transformation Stage Demon Beast, it would undoubtedly be quite perilous. Fellow Daoist should prepare more high-level Divine Frost Talismans and Divine Speed Talismans to ensure your safety."

"Hmm."

Ning Daoran nodded in agreement. "This time, I do not plan to venture too deep into the Demon Sea. The Fourth-order Talismans and treasures I have prepared should suffice. Thank you for the reminder, Fairy."

"In that case..."

The Jade Marrow Immortal inclined her head gracefully and smiled. "May I wish Fellow Daoist Ning a smooth journey in the Endless Demon Sea."

"Thank you!"

Ning Daoran placed two sacks of Third-tier Purple Jade Spirit Rice down and said, "These are two bags of Third-tier Purple Jade Spirit Rice. Although they may not be rare for someone of the Nascent Soul Stage like you, Fairy, they were personally cultivated by me, and I wish to offer a small portion for you to taste. I must bid my farewell now as I head out to sea."

"Thank you!"

The Jade Marrow Immortal accepted the Spirit Rice and watched as Ning Daoran vanished in a flash, leaving the cave mansion.

"He..."

For a moment, the Jade Marrow Immortal’s beautiful eyes were filled with doubt. Watching Ning Daoran’s departing figure, she fell into deep thought.

What kind of person is this fellow, who not only possesses profound cultivation and exceptional mastery of the Array Path but is also skilled in the way of Spirit Plants?

To cultivate Third-tier Spirit Rice requires a highly advanced Rain Transformation Technique. Could it be that this Nascent Soul Great Cultivator also spent a significant amount of time mastering the Rain Transformation Technique?

...

Everything was ready. It was time to set sail.

At Ning Daoran’s command, the Ning Family Army fully mobilized!

The ship for the voyage remained the Demon Spirit Treasure Boat Ning Daoran had purchased for ten thousand Spirit Stones from Yu State City. Although this treasure boat was relatively modest compared to many massive vessels docked at the port, it was far superior to the small boats typically used by cultivators to slay demons at sea.

For four years, this Demon Spirit Treasure Boat had remained in the port, accruing significant docking and maintenance fees. Now was the time for it to shine!

"Fellow Daoist Ning~~~ Big Brother~~~"

Just as Ning Daoran was about to release the mooring ropes, a pretty face emerged from behind a cargo crate not far away—it was none other than the young lady of Guiru City, Ning Mingyu!

"??"

Ning Daoran was dumbfounded. "Fairy Mingyu?"

Ning Mingyu blushed, walking over with delicate steps. She smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist Ning, are you planning to venture out to sea and slay demons?"

"Indeed."

Ning Daoran raised an eyebrow. "What brings you here, Fairy?"

"Could you... take me along?"

Ning Mingyu said earnestly, "To be honest, I’ve had people monitoring your cave mansion. I finally learned that you’re about to set sail, so I slipped away from home. If you’re willing to take me along for the experience, I’m willing to pay twenty thousand Spirit Stones. Of course, if danger arises, you can prioritize your safety over mine—that won’t be an issue."

Ning Daoran felt his scalp tingle. "This doesn’t seem appropriate. Does the City Lord know about this?"

"Shh, of course, he doesn’t!"

Ning Mingyu acted cautiously.

"Mingyu!"

At that moment, a stern voice suddenly rang out from behind. A Great Cultivator clad in a gray robe embroidered with golden threads, emanating the fearsome aura of Late Nascent Soul Stage, appeared without warning.

"Ah?"

Ning Mingyu immediately froze on the spot like a frightened cat.

Ning Daoran nearly burst out laughing.

"Do you still intend to act recklessly?"

Ning Tianyi’s face was solemn. With two Nascent Soul Middle Stage house servants behind him, he said coldly, "Venturing into the Endless Demon Sea to slay demons is an exceedingly dangerous matter, not something to be trifled with! Moreover, instead of staying home to cultivate and prepare for your Nascent Soul formation, you want to enter the Demon Sea and become a burden to Fellow Daoist Ning? Are you trying to harm him?"

"I..."

Ning Mingyu bit her lip, looking utterly chastised.

"City Lord Ning."

Ning Daoran cupped his fists with a smile and said, "The young lady is merely playful. I ask the City Lord to be lenient. My preparations this time are not sufficient, so I cannot bring the young lady along. If we encounter dangers, it would be difficult for me to ensure her safety."

"Did you hear that?"

Ning Tianyi said sternly, "Fellow Daoist Ning is much more sensible than you."

"Father..."

Ning Mingyu stomped her foot. "Fine, I won’t go, stop being so fierce~"

With that, Ning Mingyu soared into the sky, transforming into a streak of tunneling light as she returned to the City Lord Mansion.

"Fellow Daoist Ning."

Ning Tianyi cupped his fists with an apologetic smile. "Apologies, my daughter is too mischievous and has caused you trouble."

"Think nothing of it."

Ning Daoran smiled as he cupped his fists in return. "Fairy Mingyu is my friend and a fellow member of the Ning Family. Should we truly encounter danger, I would naturally render assistance—it is my duty."

"Thank you, then."

Ning Tianyi, accompanied by his two Nascent Soul Middle Stage house servants, watched as Ning Daoran set sail for the Endless Demon Sea.

"What is your assessment of him?" he suddenly asked via voice transmission.

"Hmph, the legendary Independent Practitioner Jianjia..."

One of the elder house servants mused aloud. "It is said that this man possesses remarkable tenacity and extraordinary talent in cultivation techniques, having brought many of them to Returning to Nature Level. However, his natural aptitude in cultivation is average—it is said he has a Ninth Grade Mixed Spirit Root. That is why it took him more than four centuries to complete his Nascent Soul formation and ascend to the Nascent Soul Early Stage."

"Do not underestimate this man."

The other elder house servant stated calmly, "Ning Daoran, even at the late Golden Core Stage, was capable of threatening Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivators. He slew the Nascent Soul Early Stage demon Huo Canzi during five border skirmishes and appeared at the capital twenty years ago. There, he forced back several Nascent Soul Stage cultivators from Sangyu Country with ease and even subdued the Martial God Lin Guo of the Martial Temple, a true Heavenly Pride Girl. A man of this caliber should not be underestimated."

"Exactly."

Ning Tianyi smiled faintly. "Ning Daoran shares a family connection with me and is on excellent terms with Mingyu. This person is certainly not our enemy. If we can foster a relationship, it would be beneficial. Take note: in the Returning Ruins Immortal Land, you must not make things difficult for Ning Daoran. Consider him a semi-allied friend."

"Understood, City Lord!"

Ning Tianyi looked toward the lone boat on the sea once more, stroking his beard as a smile curved his lips. He had already started to treat Ning Daoran as half a member of their own faction.

...

On the sea, the Demon Spirit Treasure Boat cleaved through the waves.

"Go!"

Ning Daoran flung out a heap of Class A and Class B Paperfolk, all of whom served as sailors and fighters aboard the Demon Spirit Treasure Boat. In critical moments, they could prove to be of use.

With arms crossed, he gazed at the horizon where sea and sky met, a surge of lofty aspiration welling up within him. "On this voyage, I, Ning Daoran, shall serve as captain. My orders must be obeyed by all of you."

"Yes, Brother Ran!"

Little Blackie and Ning Xiaogui stood at attention, their expressions solemn.

"Old Lu!"

Ning Daoran declared, "I hereby promote you to First Mate!"

"Awoo awoo awoo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer straightened all four legs, puffed up his chest, and wagged his tail so fast it became a blur.

Although he had no idea what "First Mate" meant, it sounded incredibly impressive. Big Brother obviously trusted him deeply—this was great news!

"Little Blackie, you are now promoted to Second Mate!" Ning Daoran announced again.

"Yes, Brother Ran!"

In the form of a black-clad youth, Little Blackie stood ramrod straight, stomping his foot and saluting. "Alive, I am a man of the Ning Family. Dead, I am a ghost of the Ning Family Army. Such is my unshakable vow!"

Ning Daoran nodded. "Xiaogui, you are now promoted to Third Mate!"

"Yes, Brother Ran!"

The young man in green stomped his foot even harder than Little Blackie, his eyes brimming with loyalty.

Not far away, Little Bai, clad in a long dress and as radiant as a young matron, squinted her eyes at the commotion.

"Little Bai! You are promoted to Vice-Captain!"

For a moment, Little Bai trembled, her beautiful eyes glimmering with a profound sense of duty as she inadvertently immersed herself fully into the role.