Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 686 - 684: The Best Ancestor

"Rest assured, there will never come such a day."

Ning Daoran said, with a calm and breezy demeanor, "Should such a day truly arrive, you need not accompany me into death. If my fate is sealed, I would rather you live well—either retreating into the mountains to enjoy the rest of your lives or dominating a corner of the Cultivation World. There’s no need for you to die with me."

"Hoo-hoo~~~"

Big Stupid Deer let out a cry but said nothing.

Ning Daoran began doing things step by step.

He removed the Sumeru Heavenly Cave and Storage Ring, Storage Bag, and other items from the waist of True Monarch Gui Cang, then turned his gaze toward the corpses of the two snow wolves, contemplating for a long time whether or not to extract the Demon Cores.

Ultimately, he decided to let it go—he did not lack them.

The next moment, he wielded a surge of mana to wrap True Monarch Gui Cang and the two wolves’ bodies, then instructed everyone to return to Spirit Garden Cave Heaven. Afterward, he returned to the Divine Leaf Sect.

...

An hour later.

At the Divine Leaf Sect, the fierce battle had ceased.

Earlier, the North Sea cultivators launched an offensive due to True Monarch Gui Cang’s arrival. Now that True Monarch Gui Cang was gone, everyone chose to keep their distance—they had no wish to provoke the ill fortune of the Void Returning Array.

"Boom~~~"

An immensely powerful shockwave exploded above the crowd’s heads.

Ning Daoran appeared gracefully outside the array, standing above a group of North Sea cultivators.

"He..."

Someone exclaimed in astonishment, "Wasn’t Senior Gui Cang pursuing this man? How is it that he has returned alive?"

"We..."

The crowd hesitated, unsure whether or not to act.

Ning Daoran merely gazed at the group with indifference. Finally, he said aloud, "Among you... are there any disciples or descendants of True Monarch Gui Cang? Who boasts the highest cultivation among you?"

A small subgroup showed slight reactions, and a Nascent Soul Early Stage woman emerged in tunneling light. She resembled a middle-aged beauty and said, "You... what have you done to my father?"

It turned out she was True Monarch Gui Cang’s daughter.

"Humph!"

Ning Daoran replied with a cold snort, "True Monarch Gui Cang and I fought a great battle on the open sea. As for the outcome... the fact that I stand here should make it apparent."

"Impossible..."

Several young disciples looked grief-stricken and spoke, "Ancestor... Ancestor was the strongest Nascent Soul in the North Sea Cultivation World... How could he have been defeated by you?"

"Humph!"

Ning Daoran sneered and said, "I am not here to debate this with you. I have come to deliver True Monarch Gui Cang’s final wish."

"You..."

The middle-aged beauty ground her teeth. "Fellow Daoist, what did my father say before he passed?"

"True Monarch Gui Cang wished for you to return to the North Sea Cultivation World with his remains and bury him within the sect. Beyond this, he had no other requests. Oh, and his two snow wolf spiritual beasts must also be buried beside him."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and swept True Monarch Gui Cang’s and the two snow wolves’ corpses out of Spirit Garden Cave Heaven.

Only upon seeing the bodies did the North Sea cultivators accept the reality.

"Ancestor!"

"Even the two Wolf Ancestors..."

Many disciples fell to their knees.

"Father..."

The middle-aged beauty used mana to gather True Monarch Gui Cang’s corpse into her embrace, crying endlessly.

"True Monarch Gui Cang’s last wish has been delivered. What course you take is entirely up to you."

Ning Daoran ascended into the air, ready to depart.

In truth, he had fabricated True Monarch Gui Cang’s wish out of goodwill and careful deliberation. On the one hand, the departure of True Monarch Gui Cang’s faction would reduce the defensive pressure on the Divine Leaf Sect. On the other hand, it would preserve True Monarch Gui Cang’s descendants—benefitting both sides at once.

"You killed my father! We will never let this rest!"

The middle-aged beauty’s expression suddenly turned fierce as she declared.

"Oh?"

Ning Daoran turned back to her, a hint of disdain in his eyes, then pivoted to leave but secretly transmitted a message to her:

"True Monarch Gui Cang and I made a mutual agreement that regardless of the victor, the loser would receive a dignified end. True Monarch Gui Cang lost, so I honored the accord and ensured a complete corpse for him and the two snow wolves. In fact, True Monarch Gui Cang and the snow wolves self-terminated their lifeforce and incinerated their Nascent Souls—I did not lay a finger upon them. I urge you to let go of your vengeance, return to the North Sea with your clan and disciples.

With True Monarch Gui Cang’s remains, I think the powers presiding over the North Sea Cultivation World will not trouble you deeply. This way, you can also preserve the strength of your lineage. Do not entertain fantasies—the Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World is not as weak as you imagine, and the North Sea will not prevail. To depart now is your best outcome.

I have said all I can. I felt an affinity with True Monarch Gui Cang and thus have spoken this much; the choice is yours, and I hope you do not err."

With that, Ning Daoran raised his hand and swept aside a corner of the Void Returning Array, entering the array.

...

"Grandfather!"

Inside the array, a strikingly beautiful figure floated over—it was Chen Xiyao.

Her concerned gaze surveyed Ning Daoran’s condition. Seeing that his injuries were not life-threatening, she finally relaxed.

"I’m fine."

Ning Daoran patted Chen Xiyao’s head, just as he had done years ago for Little Hehua.

"Greetings, Ancestor Ning!"

At this moment, Huang Gang, Han Wanying, and Zhou Tieshu led a group of Chaotic Sect disciples to pay their respects.

Though Ning Daoran had been at the Divine Leaf Sect for the past few days, he had been too preoccupied setting up arrays and discussing the sect’s defenses with True Monarch Golden Leaf and True Monarch Wanhua to meet with the Chaotic Sect disciples. Only now did they finally have the chance to approach.

"Hmm!"

Ning Daoran smiled and said, "All of you traveled ten thousand miles from Qingzhou Cultivation World to aid the Divine Leaf Sect, ensuring its survival. You’ve worked hard!"

The group of Chaotic Sect disciples broke into smiles.

Over these past days, they had endured countless trials—from confronting ambushes by North Sea cultivators on the open sea to battling enemies fiercely at the Divine Leaf Sect’s mountain gate—and witnessed their fellow martial siblings dying before their eyes.

Yet at this moment, an elder’s simple statement of "You’ve worked hard" outweighed a thousand words.

"Fellow Daoist Ning!"

True Monarch Golden Leaf stepped forward and cupped his hands in salute, saying, "Fellow Daoist Ning’s battle prowess is unparalleled; I must truly commend and admire you! True Monarch Gui Cang was reputed to be the foremost Nascent Soul cultivator of the North Sea Cultivation World, yet he was ultimately slain by Fellow Daoist Ning. Remarkable indeed!"

"A mere stroke of luck."

Ning Daoran said, "True Monarch Gui Cang was far advanced in age, his strength waning. Otherwise, I surely would not have prevailed."

True Monarch Golden Leaf and True Monarch Wanhua nodded with smiles, though deep down, each held their own judgment on the matter.

...

Before long, it seemed True Monarch Gui Cang’s descendants had reached a consensus.

The middle-aged beauty, accompanied by a group of followers, paid respects to a Late-Stage Nascent Soul cultivator before departing.

Ning Daoran felt a faint sense of relief—it appeared his transmitted message had borne fruit. With True Monarch Gui Cang’s faction retreating, those besieging the Divine Leaf Sect were reduced by about twenty percent—a promising outcome.

Outside the Void Returning Array, the North Sea cultivators’ offensive gradually ebbed, eventually dwindling to isolated attacks that were largely inconsequential.

"Fellow Daoist Ning."

True Monarch Wanhua offered a courteous bow, his smile exuding joy. "It seems the Divine Leaf Sect will face no further battles in the immediate future. Since Fellow Daoist Ning is injured, my brother and I have arranged a cave mansion for you to recuperate and cultivate."

"Oh?"

Ning Daoran smiled and said, "That is fortuitous. I shall ask Fellow Daoist Wanhua to lead the way."

"Certainly. Fellow Daoist, please follow me."

...

Atop the main peak.

In front of a Fifth-Grade Top-Grade Dwelling Cave, Ning Daoran looked slightly astonished. "This kind of Fifth-Grade Top-Grade Dwelling Cave—there can’t be many in the entire Divine Leaf Sect, right?"

"Indeed, only three."

True Monarch Wanhua chuckled. "My brother and I occupy one each; the remaining one is generally reserved for distinguished guests or granted during special occasions, such as when a sect disciple attempts to form a Nascent Soul. This particular dwelling cave is tranquil and elegant, often left unoccupied. Fellow Daoist Ning, rest assured and settle comfortably. For as long as Fellow Daoist Ning resides in the Divine Leaf Sect, this dwelling cave shall belong to you."

Such treatment clearly signified the Divine Leaf Sect regarded him as a supremely honored guest.

Ning Daoran nodded. "I indeed require rest and healing. Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Wanhua. I also ask that my gratitude be conveyed to Fellow Daoist Golden Leaf."

"Fellow Daoist Ning is far too gracious."

True Monarch Wanhua smiled lightly. "Do settle down without concern."

"Very well!"

That night, Ning Daoran’s dwelling cave was brightly lit, and outside the cave, he had set up dozens of long tables and benches, along with releasing several Class A Paperfolk to help him and Big Stupid Deer prepare the food.

Thus, in the expansive bamboo grove outside the cave, the smoke of cooking fires curled upward, and the aroma of dishes wafted across the peaks.

Later, Chen Xiyao, Huang Gang, Han Wanying, and other Chaotic Sect disciples arrived. At this moment, these disciples numbered only seven to eight hundred, and they all dined together.

Ning Daoran presided over the banquet, thoroughly treating everyone.

After the feast ended, bonfires were lit on the open ground, and everyone began roasting meat and drinking.

"Xiyao."

Big Stupid Deer was feasting on roasted meat when Ning Daoran turned to Chen Xiyao. He released his Nascent Soul Divine Sense to examine her body thoroughly...

"Grandfather..."

Chen Xiyao’s cheeks flushed.

"It seems..."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brows slightly and said, "It seems you have a chance to condense a Nascent Soul."

"Grandfather, really?" Chen Xiyao exclaimed joyfully.

"Hmm."

Ning Daoran retrieved a vial of Nascent Condensing Pills and handed it to her, saying, "This vial contains four pills—one each for you, Huang Gang, Han Wanying, and Zhou Tieshu. Additionally, I have a Low-Grade Spirit Treasure: a thunder attribute treasure sword that perfectly complements your third-grade thunder spiritual root. If you refine this as your life-bound item and nurture it, it may increase your chances of forming a Nascent Soul by one or two percent."

"Thank you, Grandfather!"

Chen Xiyao nodded repeatedly.

"As for the rest of you."

Ning Daoran turned to the remaining group of Chaotic Sect Golden Cores. Items flew out of his Storage Ring, and he said, "Golden Core Middle Stage cultivators and above will each receive a Low-Grade Spirit Treasure as a reward."

The group was stunned.

Then Ning Daoran continued distributing treasures.

Over the years, he had accumulated far too many treasures—almost more than he could use.

As a result, by the bonfire, this elder began extracting item after item.

"A Third-Order Middle-Grade Treasure Flying Sword—does anyone want it?"

"Here’s a Low-Grade Magical Treasure-level treasure tripod, wood attribute. Does anyone need it?"

"I also have a Low-Grade Magical Treasure brocade handkerchief. Does anyone want it? Hey, you, sit down. What would a man need with a brocade handkerchief? Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of Magical Treasures—I’ll give you one as long as your realm qualifies."

Then, Ning Daoran began allocating batches of spiritual artifacts and magic artifacts, perfectly resolving his hoarded collection while equipping the younger generation of Chaotic Sect disciples.

...

For a time, in the bamboo grove outside, disciples from Steel Gate Sect and Star Moon Pavilion watched, dumbstruck.

"Ugh!"

A female disciple from the Star Moon Pavilion slapped her thigh until it turned red, lamenting aloud, "Why isn’t this elder ours!?"

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