Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 650 - 648: Hui Pu Parents

"Xian’er..."

Zhang Qinghe looked at Long Xian’er, his gaze filled with affection.

Ning Daoran almost vomited.

"Sect Master, the matter of serving as a Guest Elder is no trivial matter."

Ning Daoran mused for a moment and said, "Would the Sect Master permit me a few days to consider? If I come to a decision, I shall take the initiative to inform you."

"Of course!"

Long Xian’er nodded with a smile. "In that case, I shall await your visit, Fellow Daoist Ning."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two parted ways.

...

Inside the Cave Mansion.

Ning Daoran sat silently, lost in thought.

"Young Master, are you hesitating?"

Little Bai dragged over a small stool, seated himself nearby, and began massaging Ning Daoran’s legs.

"Not exactly."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brow and said, "It’s just that becoming a Guest Elder of the Divine Fire Sect is bound to bring trouble. If the Divine Fire Sect encounters any problems, should I intervene or not?"

"You needn’t worry about such things,"

Little Bai said. "In the Star Sea Divine Domain, the Divine Fire Sect reigns supreme. Other powers either submit to the Divine Fire Sect or are crushed underfoot. In such circumstances, what trouble could possibly befall the Divine Fire Sect? Young Master, you may as well accept the position. After all, twenty years from now, when you enter the Fierce Sun Sky Pool for cultivation and ascend to the Nascent Soul stage, you’ll leave without any lingering ties."

"You have a point."

Ning Daoran nodded. "Alright then, I’ll pay a visit to Long Xian’er in a few days to accept the role of Guest Elder."

"Young Master is wise!"

...

Several days later.

Chen Ningfeng arrived with gifts, likely intending to build a rapport with Ning Daoran. Hence, Ning Daoran asked Chen Ningfeng to escort him to meet Long Xian’er. Chen Ningfeng gladly agreed.

Shenxiao Peak, the Divine Fire Sect’s Main Peak, where the Sect Master’s Cave Dwelling was located.

"Sect Master, Fellow Daoist Ning Daoran seeks an audience!"

Outside the Cave Mansion, Chen Ningfeng bowed respectfully.

Before long, the restrictions over the Cave Mansion shimmered faintly, and a figure stepped out—not Long Xian’er, but her Daoist couple, Zhang Qinghe, who also served as a Guest Elder of the Divine Fire Sect.

In a major sect like the Divine Fire Sect, the position of Guest Elder was quite unique, almost akin to a chief advisor. But as the saying goes, "An advisor without authority is but an empty title." Similarly, without the "Elder" designation, a Guest’s status was negligible, even ranking below that of True Disciples—practically the same as an ordinary tributary member.

"Xian’er is in seclusion."

Zhang Qinghe clasped his hands in salute. "Fellow Daoist Ning, I presume you’ve come to discuss the matter of taking up the Guest Elder position?"

"Precisely."

Ning Daoran replied solemnly, "After much deliberation, I have decided to heed Sect Master Long’s advice, assume the role of Guest Elder, and challenge the Divine Fire Tower to secure an opportunity to enter the Fierce Sun Sky Pool."

"Excellent!"

Zhang Qinghe beamed. "Xian’er has just entered seclusion and won’t emerge anytime soon. But since I’m also in a position to make decisions, I can oversee the matter of your appointment as Guest Elder. How does that sound?"

"Very well."

Ning Daoran smiled faintly and nodded.

Yet internally, he felt a trace of displeasure. A few days ago, when he informed Long Xian’er of his need to consider, she had assured him she would await his decision. Now, however, she suddenly went into seclusion. Did this imply she didn’t care about this matter at all? Surely postponing her seclusion by a few days couldn’t have been such a big deal?

This at least demonstrated a certain laxity in Long Xian’er’s handling of sect affairs...

Furthermore, delegating something as important as conferring a Guest Elder’s identity to Guest Elder Zhang Qinghe seemed even more inappropriate.

In the Sect Hall.

The matter of appointing Ning Daoran as Guest Elder proceeded smoothly. After a quick consultation with a few Elders, coupled with Zhang Qinghe’s approval, the title was confirmed. An official Token of Guest Elder was handed to Ning Daoran, along with instructions to claim his monthly tribute, marking the completion of the process.

On the mountain path.

Ning Daoran walked side by side with Chen Ningfeng.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, where are you headed next?"

"To the Divine Fire Tower. Fellow Daoist Chen, please lead the way."

"You’re planning to challenge the Divine Fire Tower already?" Chen Ningfeng was startled.

"Indeed."

"Very well."

Chen Ningfeng smiled slightly. "I’ll take you there. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Divine Fire Tower early on. After all, if you intend to enter the Fierce Sun Sky Pool, you must rank within the top six in the Divine Fire Tower."

"Understood."

Ning Daoran nodded.

"Fellow Daoist..."

Chen Ningfeng transmitted his voice. "Please don’t take our Sect Master’s seclusion to heart. While it does seem a bit inappropriate and shows a lack of attentiveness to your promotion to Guest Elder, there might have been a sudden breakthrough in her cultivation. Hence, she had no choice but to go into seclusion."

"You’re overthinking it, Fellow Daoist Chen."

Ning Daoran said calmly, "As cultivators, we are above petty formalities. Such trivial concerns won’t linger in my mind."

"That’s good to hear."

Chen Ningfeng nodded with a smile.

...

Soon, they arrived at the Inner Sect Hall.

A towering scarlet building stood tall amidst the mountains, reaching into the clouds. This was the Divine Fire Tower.

"Fellow Daoist."

Chen Ningfeng gazed at the towering structure above and smiled. "This is the Divine Fire Tower, the very foundation of our Divine Fire Sect. It is said that each level of the Divine Fire Tower houses a Guardian Spirit. These spirits are remnants of the heroic spirits of our sect’s most exceptional talents and sages, forged into spiritual fire seeds. Furthermore, the tower itself is a crafted artifact. To climb it, challengers must defeat the Guardian Spirit of their current level before advancing to the next. The higher you climb, the stronger the Guardian Spirits become. Fellow Daoist, I suggest you prepare yourself mentally."

"Understood."

Ning Daoran looked up into the clouds. "How many levels does this Divine Fire Tower have in total?"

"Ninety-nine levels,"

Chen Ningfeng replied with a smile. "Currently, the sixth-ranked individual has reached the seventy-first floor. This means you must ascend to the seventy-second floor to secure a top-six ranking. Maintain this rank for twenty years, and you’ll earn the qualification to enter the Fierce Sun Sky Pool."

"I see."

Ning Daoran smiled and was about to begin his challenge at the Divine Fire Tower.

"Hey!"

Just then, a young disciple dressed in dark red robes sat on a nearby hill, his entire being exuding the aura of the Nascent Soul Early Stage. His fire attribute cultivation was clearly formidable.

"You’re the new Guest Elder appointed at the Inner Sect Hall, right?"

The young man curled his lips into a sneer. "What a joke. The Divine Fire Tower is the sacred ground guarded by generations of sages from our sect. How could someone like you, a mere Guest Elder, dare to covet it? Let me be frank—you’d better know your place and leave at once, lest you embarrass yourself."

"Dragon Jiyu, watch your tongue and show respect to Guest Elder Ning!"

Chen Ningfeng frowned and reprimanded him.

"Second Elder, did I say anything wrong?"

Dragon Jiyu’s gaze flickered like rising flames. "Aren’t there already too many outsiders in our Divine Fire Tower? And now we have another so-called Guest Elder. Hmph, are these people in such a rush to leech off our Divine Fire Sect’s resources?" ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

"Outrageous!"

Chen Ningfeng scowled. "Hold your tongue!"

"My words are my own. If you’re upset, Second Elder, go complain to the Sect Master. Hmph... as an outside Elder, you have no authority over a True Disciple."

"You..."

Chen Ningfeng fumed with anger.

Ning Daoran narrowed his eyes. It became evident that Chen Ningfeng, while bearing the Elder title, held relatively low standing within the Divine Fire Sect.

Then again, it was to be expected. As a Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivator, he shared the same cultivation realm as the defiant True Disciple, Dragon Jiyu. Such parity in strength left little room for commanding respect.

"What’s your name?"

Ning Daoran asked suddenly.

"Dragon Jiyu,"

The young man smirked with disdain. "What of it?"

"Dragon Jiyu..."

Ning Daoran unfurled his Nascent Soul Divine Sense, scanning the Divine Fire Tower. He chuckled. "Ah... ranked at the seventy-first floor, the sixth place belongs to you. I was just curious—at merely sixth place, you’re not even first. Why are you so arrogant?"

"What did you say?"

Dragon Jiyu’s face contorted with rage.

"With such a temperament, you call yourself a True Disciple? Has the sect run out of promising talent?" Ning Daoran continued to provoke him.

Dragon Jiyu let out a furious yelp, ready to strike.

"Enough!"

At this moment, a figure emerged from the third floor of the Divine Fire Tower—a Nascent Soul Middle Stage elder.

"Greetings, Great Elder,"

Dragon Jiyu bowed respectfully.

"Are you Ning Daoran, the new Guest Elder?"

The Great Elder ignored Dragon Jiyu, focusing his gaze on Ning Daoran.

"Correct,"

Ning Daoran responded with a bow. "I wish to challenge the Divine Fire Tower, but I am unfamiliar with the process. How should it be done?"

"It’s simple,"

The Great Elder explained. "Wear your Identity Jade, draw a drop of blood, and infuse it into the tower to confirm your identity. However, note that you may only challenge the Divine Fire Tower once every ten days. Are you ready, Fellow Daoist Ning?"

"Yes."

Ning Daoran nodded resolutely. "I am ready."

"Then begin."

The Great Elder ascended into the air and activated the Divine Fire Tower, causing it to emit a series of low hums as though awakening from slumber.

...

Ning Daoran pricked his finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto the Divine Fire Tower. Moments later, he leapt into the tower’s first level, passing through the iron gates as they swung open.

"Hmph, let’s see how you embarrass yourself!"

Dragon Jiyu sat cross-legged on the hill, his eyes cold and sharp.

"Mouthy fool,"

came Ning Daoran’s disdainful transmission.

"You..."

Dragon Jiyu nearly exploded with anger, his fists clenched in frustration.

Having encountered many so-called "geniuses" over the years, Ning Daoran had seen plenty of arrogance and dismissive behavior. As long as Dragon Jiyu didn’t provoke him further—or worse, harbor murderous intent—he would let the matter slide. If not, eliminating him would pose no problem.

After all, a true genius is one who survives. Those who perish early are nothing but forgotten waste.

...

"Buzz~~~"

Inside the first layer of the Divine Fire Tower, a golden beam of light descended from above, enveloping an aged monk.

The monk sat cross-legged, eyes shut, his neck adorned with thick prayer beads.

As his eyelids slowly lifted, he said, "I am Hui Pu, a Guest Elder of the Divine Fire Tower. Who dares challenge this place?"

"I am Ning Daoran, like you, a Guest Elder of the Divine Fire Tower,"

Ning Daoran replied calmly.

"Oh?"

Hui Pu spoke indifferently, "The Guardian Spirits within the Divine Fire Tower are immensely powerful. This is not a place mere Guest Elders should tread. Leave now to avoid becoming a laughingstock."

"Buzz!"

Even as Hui Pu spoke, Ning Daoran suddenly transformed into a streak of blood-red light, hurtling forward at lightning speed. His right fist, encased in a roaring aura of Fist Mastery, struck out with deafening force, aimed directly at Hui Pu’s face.

"Boom~~~"

A resounding boom reverberated throughout the vast chamber. Hui Pu didn’t even have the chance to stand upright before he was shattered into a heap of fragments.

"Pathetically weak."

Ning Daoran clutched the railings as he calmly ascended to the second floor.

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m