Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 660 - 658: Spiritual Fire Technique

Ning Daoran let out a long sigh, displaying an expression of temptation mixed with internal struggle that ultimately resulted in refusal. He said, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for your kind offer. However, I am merely a loose cultivator, utterly unsuited to the constraints of sect regulations, let alone qualified to assume the position of a peak master. This matter... I deeply appreciate Fellow Daoist Zhang’s good intentions, but I fear I am not fortunate enough to accept."

"In that case..."

Zhang Qinghe’s enthusiastic demeanor diminished considerably, and he said, "I won’t force you then. Let’s set this matter aside for now. If there ever comes a time when you change your mind, my door is always open for a visit. There’s no rush, truly no rush."

"Thank you for your understanding."

Ning Daoran cupped his fists. "I feel deeply ashamed!"

"No need to be so polite, Fellow Daoist."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zhang Qinghe lost interest in prolonging the conversation and casually found an excuse to leave.

Ning Daoran watched Zhang Qinghe’s departing silhouette and furrowed his brows slightly. The Zhang family is deeply entrenched within the Divine Fire Sect. Having offended both Zhang Qinghe and Zhang Naiqian, master and disciple, trouble will surely follow.

But there’s no choice—he must endure until the Fierce Sun Sky Pool reopens, for the opportunities hidden within it.

...

Late at night, an extraordinarily beautiful figure appeared outside the cave mansion.

"Is Guest Elder Ning inside the cave mansion? Long Xian’er pays her respects."

Finally, this stunning sect master had arrived!

Ning Daoran flicked his sleeve, removing the cave mansion restriction, and cupped his fists respectfully. "I pay my respects to the Sect Master. Please, Sect Master, enter and have some tea."

"Thank you."

Long Xian’er gracefully lifted the hem of her immortal dress and stepped into the cave mansion.

Although she was the Sect Master of the Divine Fire Sect, Long Xian’er seemed to have consumed a Solid Color Pill, as her appearance remained that of a woman in her twenties—exceptionally lovely. It was puzzling how such a Nascent Soul Late Stage female fairy could possibly fancy someone like Zhang Qinghe, that old geezer.

Ning Daoran guided Long Xian’er to the pavilion, where Little Bai served tea.

"Sect Master’s late-night visit—may I ask what brings you here?" Ning Daoran took the initiative to ask.

"It’s nothing major."

Long Xian’er smiled. "I heard that you, Guest Elder Ning, once engaged in a fierce battle with Zhang Naiqian that resulted in him being injured. Hence, I’ve come personally to discuss resolving this matter."

"So that’s the reason."

"Guest Elder Ning, Zhang Naiqian has extraordinary talent and is a cultivation prodigy, leading among the younger generation of disciples in our Divine Fire Sect. As such, he is highly regarded by the sect. Additionally, he is the direct disciple of my husband, Zhang Qinghe, while you are someone I personally invited to be our Guest Elder. Thus, I hope no irreconcilable enmity exists between the two of you."

She blinked playfully and said, "I’m aware of Zhang Naiqian’s arrogant and unruly temperament—prone to looking down on others and picking fights. It was he who provoked the conflict, injuring your maid first, which led to the battle later on."

With a trace of melancholy in her tone, she continued, "This matter is no fault of yours, Guest Elder Ning. Yet, since Zhang Naiqian is my husband’s disciple, I cannot overly reprimand him. All I can do is attempt mediation and hope you won’t hold it against that brat. Please consider it as granting me a favor."

"Sect Master, you grace me with your words."

Ning Daoran said, "Although Zhang Naiqian injured Little Bai, the injury I dealt to him was far worse. This incident weighs heavily on my conscience. Since the Sect Master is personally mediating, how could I harbor resentment? Rest assured, Sect Master, this matter is already settled as far as I’m concerned. As long as Zhang Naiqian does not continue to be aggressive, I naturally won’t take further action."

"That is excellent news!"

Long Xian’er raised her hand, produced five jars of top-grade Fire God Wine from her storage bag, and placed them on the table. Smiling, she said, "These five jars of exquisite Fire God Wine represent my sincerity. I hope Guest Elder Ning will accept them!"

This was Long Xian’er’s way of apologizing on Zhang Naiqian’s behalf.

Without hesitation, Ning Daoran stored the jars into his storage ring, cupped his fists with a smile, and said, "Thank you, Sect Master, for the gift. I have nothing suitable to offer in return except a basket of Spirit Fruits as a gift for the Sect Master."

With that, he made a few gestures.

Within the Spirit Garden Cave Heaven, Big Stupid Deer, Little Blackie, Ning Xiaogui, and Little Qing turned into streaks of light. In a mere three seconds, they delivered a bamboo basket from the Spirit Garden Cave Heaven, brimming with various Spirit Fruits freshly picked, their surfaces still glistening with dewdrops and tiny barbs.

"Oh?"

Long Xian’er chuckled and immediately discerned the extraordinary nature of these fruits. Some were aged enough to have potent essence qi, making them invaluable supplements even to Nascent Soul cultivators.

"In that case, I graciously accept."

She took the basket, smiling, and said, "Thank you, Guest Elder Ning, for your kind gesture!"

"Sect Master is too kind. Compared to your five jars of top-grade Fire God Wine, my Spirit Fruits are utterly lacking. That you don’t disdain my gift already brings me great satisfaction."

"These Spirit Fruits are exceptional. How could I disdain them?"

Long Xian’er’s dimples deepened as she smiled radiantly.

Within his heart, Ning Daoran sighed silently. A bright and cheerful fairy like this Sect Master—marrying Zhang Qinghe truly felt like a pity.

"Sect Master."

After a moment, Ning Daoran seemed to recall another matter and said, "I have an impertinent request..."

"Oh?"

Long Xian’er looked over with a playful smile. "You’re one of us, Guest Elder Ning. There’s no need to be so formal. Speak freely—what is it?"

"During my last clash with Zhang Naiqian, I glimpsed a hint of the Divine Fire Technique’s profundities and found it deeply intriguing. Might I be so bold as to request access to its complete text? If it is inconvenient, I shall not press."

"Well..."

Long Xian’er pursed her red lips and said, "The Divine Fire Technique is traditionally reserved for disciples of the Divine Fire Sect. If Guest Elder Ning wishes to learn it... you would need to assume the role of an Elder within our sect."

"That was presumptuous of me."

Ning Daoran cupped his fists. "But no matter—it was merely a passing curiosity, nothing urgent."

"Hmm..."

Long Xian’er bit her lip thoughtfully.

"Sect Master, there’s another matter I’m unsure whether I should bring up or not."

"I’ve already said that you’re one of us, Guest Elder Ning. Speak your mind."

"Very well, then I shall say it directly."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brows and transmitted his voice privately. "As a Guest Elder residing in the Divine Fire Sect, I am merely an outsider. Yet, over the years, I have observed a certain issue within the sect."

"What issue?" Long Xian’er asked, astonished.

"Among the True Disciples of the Divine Fire Sect, one is surnamed Long, while five are surnamed Zhang. I have also reviewed the roster of Inner Sect Six Peaks disciples, and over fifty percent bear the surname Zhang, while fewer than twenty percent are surnamed Long. Interestingly, the Outer Sect disciples heavily comprise those with the Long surname, far surpassing the Zhang surname in numbers. Many of these Long family Outer Sect disciples are qualified for promotion to the Inner Sect but are consistently excluded. I suspect these matters have escaped the Sect Master’s attention."

"This..."

Long Xian’er was momentarily stunned. "I spend most of my time in secluded cultivation. Sect affairs are largely overseen by Qinghe, so..."

Ning Daoran smiled faintly. "As an outsider, there are things I am ill-suited to say. Yet, as the family head of the Long family, the Sect Master should shoulder some responsibilities. Fellow Daoist Zhang Qinghe shows immense favoritism to the Zhang family disciples; perhaps the Sect Master could extend a little more care to the Long family disciples as well. That would ensure fairness."

"Very well."

Long Xian’er pursed her lips. "I will bear this in mind. Thank you, Guest Elder Ning, for the reminder."

Shortly thereafter, Long Xian’er departed.

...

Ning Daoran, however, lost interest in retreating into cultivation, his heart faintly agitated.

For the opportunity within Fierce Sun Sky Pool, he was bound by constraints in various ways. Otherwise, his usual temperament would have found a chance long ago to remove Zhang Naiqian—a rampant and arrogant individual who deserved death, a threat to everyone left alive.

So, in the middle of the night, he decided to head out for a walk.

As he wandered, he unexpectedly arrived at the back mountain.

"Young friend!"

From the hazy woods, a familiar voice suddenly emerged in the dead of night.

Old Dragon Head!

"Senior Long."

Ning Daoran turned toward the sound, only to find that the mighty Divinity Transformation Great Cultivator Old Dragon Head didn’t even have a proper dwelling, merely resting atop a moss-covered boulder. He couldn’t help but smile. "I couldn’t sleep due to some unease. Why hasn’t Fellow Daoist Long sought rest yet?"

"I’m too hungry to sleep—my stomach’s sticking to my back!" Old Dragon Head clutched his belly with a pained expression.

"Sigh..."

Ning Daoran rolled his eyes. "How about a drink?"

"Perfect!"

Old Dragon Head sat up straight, his face gleaming with anticipation. "I’ll trouble you then!"

Ning Daoran quickly established a restriction to isolate their surroundings, then summoned Old Lu to prepare food on the spot. He set up a barbecue grill, roasting lamb skewers for the old senior while also frying up dishes from Spirit Garden Cave Heaven.

Among the offerings were stir-fried snail meat from Jade Spirit Spring, sautéed peppers and potatoes, and stir-fried green beans—all served alongside skewers and sweetened by the pairing of fine wine.

As the meal progressed, Old Dragon Head’s face flushed rosy red from the alcohol.

"Young friend, I’ve noticed you’ve been frequenting the outskirts of the Sky Pool. Are you sensing the rhythmic fluctuations of the fire attribute within Fierce Sun Sky Pool?"

"Indeed."

Ning Daoran replied, "You’re aware as well, Senior. I cultivate the Nine Yang Furnace Divine Technique and aim to align my supreme path with the fire attribute. That’s why I’ve come to Star Sea Divine Domain—to enter Fierce Sun Sky Pool for cultivation. It may serve as the key to my breakthrough."

"That’s likely the case."

Old Dragon Head nodded in agreement. "By the way, I’ve heard that you had an altercation with Zhang Naiqian at the foot of the mountain and even crippled one of his arms. Is that true?"

"It is true."

Ning Daoran furrowed his brow. "Zhang Naiqian was relentless, leaving me no choice but to retaliate."

"Hmph~~"

Old Dragon Head chuckled softly. "Though we’ve had limited interactions, I’m well aware of your temperament. If a fight occurred between you and Zhang Naiqian, then the fault undoubtedly lies with Zhang Naiqian."

"Senior’s words deserve a toast!"

Ning Daoran raised his cup.

Old Dragon Head lifted his cup with both hands and drained it in one gulp, laughing heartily. "Since you’ve crossed paths with Zhang Naiqian, I assume you’ve experienced the Divine Fire Technique firsthand. As someone cultivating the Nine Yang Furnace Divine Technique, what are your thoughts on the Divine Fire Technique?"

"The Divine Fire Technique is indeed extraordinary. Yet, whether it’s Zhang Naiqian or others, it seems no one has mastered this technique to its fullest potential. As such, its true capabilities have not been demonstrated."

"You’re perceptive!"

Old Dragon Head laughed loudly, pulling a crumpled handbook from his robes. "I have here a fire attribute technique called Spiritual Fire Technique. Although it’s merely trivial skills... I wonder if young friend might be interested in studying it and seeing if it complements your Nine Yang Furnace Divine Technique?"

"Oh?"

Ning Daoran accepted the handbook, skeptical at first, but upon scanning it with his system, a distinct "ding!" confirmed the reception of a new cultivation technique—

[Divine Fire Technique—Heavenly-order Mid-grade (Uninitialized)]

Follow current novels on freewe(b)novel.c(o)m