Cultivation Starting from Full Talent-Chapter 668 - 666: If I Can’t Beat You, I’ll Change the Rules

Chapter 668: Chapter 666: If I Can’t Beat You, I’ll Change the Rules

Late at night, the back mountain.

Big Stupid Deer was howling as it cooked, having recently developed a new culinary technique.

It involved stacking rubble to form a makeshift stove on flat ground. Then, placing a mana-smoothed slab of stone atop the stove. The stone slab didn’t need to be too thick. After lighting a fire beneath the slab to heat it, oil was evenly spread across the surface before placing the chosen ingredients on it for cooking. The resulting food turned out to be exceptionally delicious.

For this, Big Stupid Deer howled proudly, asking his elder brother whether he was a little genius.

Ning Daoran couldn’t even muster a decent rebuttal, thinking silently to himself that if there were ever a chance, he’d bring Big Stupid Deer back to his previous world and show this inexperienced kid what real teppanyaki was all about.

After three rounds of drinks.

The Old Dragon Head’s face had turned slightly red.

Ning Daoran ordered Big Stupid Deer to clear away all the dining tools, after which he and the Old Dragon Head flew to a nearby cliff. Ning retrieved a jug of Spiritual Wine from his Storage Bag and tossed it over.

And so, the elderly and the young shared sips of wine by the cliff’s edge.

Who would’ve thought? Trying to drown sorrow in alcohol only brought more sorrow.

"Well, speak."

The Old Dragon Head said, "The wine’s finished. What is it you want to tell this old man?"

"Old Dragon Head, you’re waiting for an ascension opportunity, aren’t you?" Ning Daoran asked bluntly.

"Sigh, what doesn’t this brat know?"

The Old Dragon Head knew there was no hiding his Divinity Transformation Stage cultivation anymore, not to mention the fact that he was the former sect leader, the Divine Fire Star Lord, of Divine Fire Sect.

"Hmm, I guessed."

Ning Daoran said, "If you continue sitting here in the Star Sea Divine Domain waiting, the best outcome you can expect is waiting until you turn to dust on the spot. But I, Ning, could point you to a bright path—one that might just give you a chance to ascend to the Earth Immortal Realm."

"Oh?"

The Old Dragon Head was intrigued. "Young friend, pray tell, what is this bright path you speak of?"

"Decades from now, the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World will likely experience a Descent, temporarily merging with another cultivation world. Although the Ascension Platforms of the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World have long been drained of Spiritual Energy and are no longer functional, the Ascension Platforms of the other cultivation world might still be intact."

He glanced at the Old Dragon Head. "You understand what I’m saying, don’t you?"

"I understand..."

The Old Dragon Head’s heart sank. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Why didn’t I think of this Descent possibility?"

"You’ve trapped yourself in this isolated Star Sea Divine Domain and haven’t ventured out, so naturally, such thoughts wouldn’t occur to you."

Ning Daoran said, "However, if you wish to leverage the Descent to ascend, you must act early—coordinate with the other Divinity Transformation cultivators in the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World. When the Descent happens, you, as an Eastern Wilderness Divinity Transformation cultivator, will be expected to contribute."

"That much, I understand."

The Old Dragon Head said, "But as for the other Divinity Transformation cultivators in the Eastern Wilderness Cultivation World, I’m not familiar with them."

"That’s not a problem. I am."

Ning Daoran said, "When you approach Shen Luoyan, the Tower Master of the Slaying Immortal Tower, just tell her that it was I, Ning Daoran, who sent you. Tower Master Shen will naturally treat you as one of her own."

"That is excellent!"

The Old Dragon Head was visibly excited and took another long swig of his drink.

"Old Dragon Head, you can’t live just for yourself..."

Ning Daoran leaned lazily against a stone behind him, gaze fixed on the radiant mountains and rivers bathed in moonlight in the distance. He said, "And yet you now choose to turn a blind eye to the matters of Divine Fire Sect?"

"How should I intervene?"

The Old Dragon Head replied, "I’m over 1,600 years old... Life has been an unending series of burdens. First my son, then my grandson, and after that, supporting my favorite granddaughter to assume the position of sect leader. And the result? Still more burdens."

He displayed a weariness. "Children and grandchildren have their own destinies. I, this old man, am exhausted... Young Friend Ning, this feeling is something you, without any offspring, cannot understand. Speaking of which, do you have any descendants?"

"I..."

Ning Daoran froze for a moment before replying, "I’m still a Primordial Yang Body..."

A pained expression crossed the Old Dragon Head’s face. "You’re not bad-looking, and your cultivation is high. By rights... those Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, or Nascent Soul stage Fairies should be flocking to your bed. Then how is it that you’re still..."

"You wouldn’t understand."

Ning Daoran said, "Those relationships pursued solely for opportunity are utterly tasteless. I, Ning, don’t seek that."

"That’s true."

"Old Dragon Head."

Ning Daoran said, "Zhang Qinghe is cunning beyond compare, turning Long Xian’er, the sect leader, into nothing more than a puppet. Over the years, the Zhang Family’s influence in Divine Fire Sect has steadily grown. In a few years, the sect might very well bear their surname. Are you really going to sit idly by?"

"I can’t intervene. Both sides are of my own flesh and blood."

The Old Dragon Head replied, "The Zhang Family disciples... have also contributed their sweat, blood, and even lives for Divine Fire Sect over the years. Do you really think this old man could directly strike them all down? Besides, I’ve long become weary of the schemes and power struggles of this world."

"So..."

Ning Daoran said, "Second Elder Chen Ningfeng died at Xuzi Valley in Lingnan. The incident caused quite a stir some time ago. Aren’t you interested in addressing this? Furthermore, let me share a secret: back then, Chen Ningfeng and I went to Xuzi Valley together. Zhang Qinghe colluded with Loose Cultivators from the Star Sea Divine Domain, laying an ambush solely to kill me, Ning Daoran. Were you aware of this?"

"What?!"

The Old Dragon Head was stunned. "Zhang Qinghe actually ambushed you?"

"Precisely."

Ning Daoran narrowed his eyes and smirked. "I know you’re weary and unwilling to handle many matters. Just as you said: both sides are like the palm and back of your hand. You’ve already considered the Zhang Family disciples an extension of the Long Family. Therefore... if you won’t handle this matter, let me deal with it. How about that?"

"Oh?"

The Old Dragon Head started off astonished, then grew overjoyed. "If you’re willing to step in and restore the Long Family’s rightful position in Divine Fire Sect, this old man couldn’t ask for better!"

"Tsk, what a coward..."

Ning Daoran shot him a glance. The Old Dragon Head, after all, simply didn’t want to bear responsibility. As a revered figure, the sect’s revivalist, and the Divine Fire Star Lord, if he personally initiated a purge to eradicate the Zhang lineage, he feared leaving behind a reputation for being overly ruthless in the eyes of future generations.

"Let me make this clear first."

Ning Daoran said, "This is an internal conflict within Divine Fire Sect. If I’m to clean house, my methods will likely be exceptionally ruthless. First and foremost, Zhang Qinghe must die. Secondly, all Nascent Souls aligned with Zhang Qinghe must also die. I won’t allow even one enemy Nascent Soul to remain alive. This means several True Disciples who are Nascent Souls will also die."

"So... does this mean my Divine Fire Sect’s Nascent Soul disciples will be wiped out by you?"

"Exactly."

Ning Daoran said, "After that, Divine Fire Sect will enter a period lacking prodigies. However, the sect still has Long Xian’er, the Great Elder, and Huang Xianyu among the remaining Nascent Souls. They can stabilize the Star Sea Divine Domain. As for nurturing new talents, that’s something to be dealt with in the future."

"So be it."

The Old Dragon Head nodded. "Do as you see fit. If you can truly restore order to chaos, it will still be a boon for Divine Fire Sect."

As he spoke, the Old Dragon Head slapped his Storage Bag, and a golden radiance soared into the sky.

It was a Red Dragon Seal carved with an intricate flaming True Dragon motif.

"This is Divine Fire Sect’s Red Dragon Seal, overseen by each successive Supreme Ancestor. Whoever wields this seal holds absolute authority over life and death within the sect. I bestow it upon you now!"

The Old Dragon Head said, "Young Friend Ning, you are Divine Fire Sect’s Guest Elder. The sect has shown you grace, so I hope you’ll consider its future in all your actions and not betray this old man’s trust."

"Rest assured, Elder. I, Ning, know what must be done."

By dawn, the two parted ways.

Ning Daoran returned to his Cave Mansion and became low-profile once again, immediately entering seclusion.

...

Cultivation knows no time. In the blink of an eye, five years passed.

That year, Ning Daoran turned 480 years old, and it was also the year Fierce Sun Sky Pool was about to open. It was an exceedingly critical moment for Ning Daoran.

As for purging the Divine Fire Sect’s upheavals, he wasn’t in a hurry. First, he would train in Fierce Sun Sky Pool and temper his cultivation to the Nascent Soul Mid-stage. After breaking through, no one in Divine Fire Sect would stand in his way—neither Nascent Soul Late-stage Zhang Qinghe nor his Nascent Soul Late-stage Fire Wolf Spirit Beast. Both would be mere fleeting clouds!

"Young Master!"

Little Bai ran up with a letter in hand, saying, "Someone just delivered an invitation. Divine Fire Sect will hold a sect-wide assembly in three days. Since you’re a Nascent Soul cultivator, you qualify to attend. Will you be going?"

"I’ll go."

Ning Daoran nodded. "Since I’ve emerged from seclusion and have some leisure time, I might as well observe. You must also pay close attention to internal sect matters during this period. The upcoming training in Fierce Sun Sky Pool cannot afford any mistakes."

"Understood."

Little Bai beamed and nodded.

Three days later, Divine Fire Sect’s Main Peak was brightly adorned, and disciples gathered en masse.

Early in the morning, Ning Daoran, accompanied by Huang Xianyu, made their way to the sect assembly.

"Fellow Daoist Huang, I’ve never heard of such a sect assembly before. Could it be related to the qualifications needed for training in Fierce Sun Sky Pool?"

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Ning, it’s my first time attending a sect assembly as well."

Huang Xianyu said with a touch of sarcasm, "Previously, our sect has only ever had internal competitions, which are duels among Inner Sect disciples vying for True Disciple status. But this so-called sect assembly is new. I’ve heard it was initiated by Guest Elder Zhang Qinghe, with the sect leader’s consent, to foster unity and encourage True Disciples to exchange their cultivation insights while reorganizing the True Disciple hierarchy."

"I see."

Ning Daoran said, "As long as it doesn’t impact my entry into Fierce Sun Sky Pool."

"Guest Elder Ning, fear not. Since you’re someone who passed the Divine Fire Tower’s trials, even if people wish to target you, they wouldn’t dare tamper with the rules for Fierce Sun Sky Pool. That would undermine the sect’s very foundation."

"That would be best!"

...

The assembly commenced in the morning.

Sect leader Long Xian’er gave a speech, followed by martial demonstrations from some elite Inner Sect disciples, which lent an air of excitement to the event.

Then came the highlight: a six-True-Disciple tournament in a double-elimination format to determine the rankings.

The results were unsurprising—Zhang Naiqian retained his position as the top-ranked True Disciple, with Zhang Puyu maintaining second place. However, the sole surprise was Long Jiyu, who seemed to have undergone a transformation, striving courageously and diligently after being berated by Ning Daoran. He climbed to the third position among True Disciples.

"Fellow disciples!"

Zhang Qinghe took the stage and declared loudly, "This sect assembly has been a great success, showcasing the might of our Divine Fire Sect. I hereby announce: Zhang Naiqian, Zhang Puyu, Long Jiyu, Zhang He, Zhang Qinyu, and Zhang Yuan—these six True Disciples have each claimed the title of the top disciple on their respective peaks, Fire Cloud Peak, Shenxiao Peak, Divine Deer Peak, Divine Cold Peak, Fire Qilin Peak, and Fire Sun Peak. Consequently, they are also the chosen ones for the six trial slots in Fierce Sun Sky Pool! After discussions with the sect leader, we have decided to amend the rules. Henceforth, the trial slots for Fierce Sun Sky Pool will be awarded to the top disciple of each of the Six Peaks, replacing the previous Divine Fire Tower ranking system. This ensures every peak’s disciples have equal opportunities!"

Ning Daoran suddenly stood up, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Zhang Qinghe, fuck your mother!"

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