Cultivation Starting from Full Talent

Chapter 68: Chapter 66 Ghost Flame Secret Realm

The remaining individuals each presented items they wished to exchange, but Ning Daoran had already lost interest.

These people were all in the Late-stage Qi Refining, and the items they could offer at that stage… Ning Daoran indeed wouldn’t be too interested; the most urgent need for someone in Late-stage Qi Refining was the Foundation Establishment Pill, and he was not lacking in that regard.

“Fellow Daoist.”

At this moment, Shangguan Xing’s lips moved slightly as he transmitted a message to Ning Daoran, “I have yet to ask for your honorific title?”

“My surname is Zhang, known as Transcendent Zhang in the Jianghu.”

“…”

Shangguan Xing was momentarily at a loss for what to say next.

Clever boy, daring to call yourself Transcendent while only at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer and at such a young age?

“So, it’s Fellow Daoist Zhang.”

His expression remained unchanged as he said, “May I inquire, what use does Fellow Daoist have for the Yin Chen Wood, which is extremely rich in Yin Qi?”

“I have a friend who is a Ghost Cultivator.”

“I see!”

Shangguan Xing’s eyes lit up as he transmitted his voice, “If a Ghost Cultivator refines magic artifacts, then Spirit Wood containing Ying Qi is indeed the top choice. May I ask if Fellow Daoist is interested in the Seven Killings Wood, one of the Ten Great Yin Wood?”

“Seven Killings Wood?”

Ning Daoran’s heart stirred; naturally, he was interested, as the Yin Qi contained within the Seven Killings Wood was far superior to that of the Yin Chen Wood.

If he used Seven Killings Wood to make paper and refined paperfolk, infusing them with Divine Soul, the retained combat strength would undoubtedly be higher!

He thought very clearly in his mind that the role of the Paper Substitute was far more than just being a substitute.

In a duel, releasing a Paper Substitute to fight alongside oneself could also significantly enhance one’s combat strength!

For example, facing an opponent stronger than oneself, if there were two paperfolk with more than thirty percent of one’s combat strength to aid in the fight, the outcome might be different.

Such an item that could increase one’s own strength should not be missed easily!

“Do you by chance possess Seven Killings Wood?” he asked with a smile.

“I do not.”

Shangguan Xing said solemnly, “However, I am privy to a piece of news that the Ghost Flame Secret Realm is set to open secretly in a month, and several Fellow Daoists have decided to join forces to explore it. It is rumored that there grows a Seven Killings Wood within the Ghost Flame Secret Realm.

The prohibitions of this Secret Realm weaken once every thirty years, and in a month’s time, it will be at its weakest. If Fellow Daoist is interested, you can collaborate with me to explore the Secret Realm.”

Another Secret Realm!

Ning Daoran took a deep breath and transmitted, “May I know who will be accompanying us on this journey?”

“Lady Linglong, Transcendent Qingluan; both are in the Perfect Qi Refining stage. In addition, the Huang Family Ancestor, who is in the Early-stage Foundation Establishment, will also be exploring the Secret Realm with several family members.

This Huang Family Ancestor is amiable and widely respected in Shanyang County, so Fellow Daoist needs not worry.”

Shangguan Xing was sharp—he naturally knew what the other party was concerned about.

Three with Perfect Qi Refining plus one in Early-stage Foundation Establishment, and perhaps three more with Perfect Qi Refining from the Huang family.

Ning Daoran silently conducted his risk assessment.

Presently, he had Yin Chen Wood in his hands, and it was more than enough to make Talisman Paper and refine paperfolk within a month… Moreover, the heavy Yin Qi of the Yin Chen Wood meant that the Divine Soul paperfolk would possess at least twenty percent of his own strength.

The risk assessment for this trip wouldn’t be too high; after all, he possessed the strength to kill the entire group.

As for the adventurous parts in exploring the Secret Realm, the paperfolk would go first!

“Alright.”

Ning Daoran responded, “Then I’ll trust Fellow Daoist this once. I will participate in the exploration of the Ghost Flame Secret Realm. However, let’s make it clear, if we discover the Seven Killings Wood inside the Secret Realm, it belongs to me, and I do not want any other opportunities.”

“Agreed!”

Shangguan Xing replied joyfully, “Then, in a month, let’s meet up at Qingfu Square and set off together, shall we?”

“Agreed.”

…

Qiongbi Peak.

Ning Daoran turned the Yin Chen Wood into wood pulp, then air-dried it until it was fully dried. After a series of complicated processes, he turned it into paper.

Not much in quantity, but all essence, he ultimately refined a total of five top-quality Paperfolk, and after infusing them with Divine Soul, they indeed possessed about twenty percent of his own strength.

With Ning Daoran’s current combat capacity, twenty percent of his strength was already quite formidable!

It’s worth noting that when adding a small part of Divine Soul meant that the Paperfolk also mastered about twenty percent of Ning Daoran’s Absolute Skills. They had a rudimentary understanding of top-grade techniques like the Return to Nature level Wood Escape, the Evergreen Technique, and the Wind Riding Leisurely Technique, which were all quite remarkable.

He placed all five Paperfolk in key positions inside his Storage Bag; these were now his trump cards.

Furthermore, Ning Daoran used a large amount of high-quality Talisman Paper to refine dozens of common Paperfolk. These were not infused with Divine Soul and had no real combat strength, but they were more than enough to deceive Qi Refining Stage Practitioners.

He kept them all; they might be useful.

Having packed various Talismans and Magic Artifacts, he was about to embark on the journey to explore the Secret Realm.

“Ao ao~~~”

To the side, Big Stupid Deer nudged his arm, indicating that he could not be left behind this time.

“Alright, let’s go together.”

Ning Daoran said, “Old Lu, you should transform into a leopard, after all, I will be in disguise this time too.”

Big Stupid Deer was overjoyed and quickly changed its bones and breath, transformed into a clear-eyed snow leopard.

“Squeak squeak~~”

In the fish pond, Big black fish surfaced and blew bubbles in succession, wishing its master a triumphant journey.

Ning Daoran scanned its Divine Soul with Divine Sense.

After confirming that Big black fish did not harbor any disloyal thoughts, he turned and left.

In the water, Big black fish shivered with fear.

Lucky it had locked its mind and not revealed its true thoughts, or it might have been served up on the table.

Once Ning Daoran left, it waved its tail and acted as if it were the king of the six-acre fish pond.

If the master didn’t return, Little Blackie would rise as the overlord of this place!

The Spirit fish shivered silently, not daring to make a sound.

…

Qingfu Square, the backyard.

Ning Daoran, now in the guise of “Transcendent Zhang,” was accompanied by a snow leopard, dressed in a gray robe, exuding a bit of the aura of a Daoist disciple.

“Fellow Daoist Zhang!”

Shangguan Xing greeted him with a smile, “You’ve arrived… let me introduce a few individuals.”

“No need.”

A full-bodied, mature lady in a pink palace dress stepped forward, bowing slightly as she smiled and said, “I should introduce myself. I am Lady Linglong, and I have the pleasure of meeting Fellow Daoist Zhang.”

Ning Daoran returned the gesture.

An old man in a green robe glanced at Ning Daoran and the snow leopard, smiling, “It is indeed rare for Fellow Daoist Zhang to possess a First-tier Late Stage Spiritual Beast, truly a remarkable individual. I am Transcendent Qingluan.”

“Pleased to meet Fellow Daoist Qingluan.”

“Has everyone arrived then?”

At this moment, a figure arrived from the sky, and the aura of Foundation Establishment covered the surroundings.

“Not a bit of concealment, truly fitting of the Huang Family Ancestor.”

In the sky, an elder in a yellow robe had his hands clasped behind his back, exuding the aura of Foundation Establishment and said with a smile, “On this exploration of the Ghost Flame Secret Realm, I hope that all fellow daoists will cooperate sincerely and take what each needs.

As for me, I’m just taking a few family disciples to see the world. Fellow daoists, rest assured, they won’t take any opportunity from you.”

Behind him followed several young Huang Family disciples, most of whom were at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer or Qi Refining Eighth Layer cultivation level.

“Very well, very well.”

Shangguan Xing said, “Senior Huang, shall we set off right away?”

“Let’s go.”

The Huang Family Ancestor nodded his head and turned into a tunneling light and left.

Everyone conjured their Flying Artifacts and followed suit.

Ning Daoran stepped onto green bamboo leaves, with Big Stupid Deer coiled at his feet.

He looked ahead at the figure of the Huang Family Ancestor, truly befitting of Foundation Establishment. The Huang Family Ancestor exuded an aura of complete authority, from his entrance to his actions, as if everyone had to acknowledge his lead.

It seemed unclear how many dangers existed within the Ghost Flame Secret Realm, but it wouldn’t necessarily be easy to get past the gatekeeper that was the Huang Family Ancestor.

But that was not important. What mattered was that these people were taking him to the Ghost Flame Secret Realm. If worst came to worst, he could act on his own to find the Seven Killings Wood.

…

Three days later, in the dense forests on the border of Qingzhou.

A formless prohibition slowly revealed itself ahead, and suddenly the woods began to exude a sinister atmosphere. Although the prohibition hadn’t yet been broken, the oncoming wave of Yin Qi was already quite uncomfortable.

“Let us join hands to break the prohibition first.”

The Huang Family Ancestor’s gaze swept over everyone and said, “I hope that fellow daoists won’t think of preserving Mana. After the prohibition is opened, there will be time for everyone to meditate and restore their Mana.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Ning Daoran, however, patted the fluffy head of Big Stupid Deer.

“Meow~~~”

Big Stupid Deer let out a sound, then quickly shut its mouth, feeling ashamed for a roar completely unbecoming of a fierce beast.

Thus, each person conjured their Mana and began to work on breaking the prohibition.

Ning Daoran raised his hand, sending out a streak of Evergreen Technique Power. This incomplete Evergreen Technique was widely circulated in the Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World and not exclusive to the Chaotic Sect.

“Oh?”

Lady Linglong couldn’t help but express her surprise, “Fellow Daoist Zhang, you’re actually cultivating the Evergreen Technique?”

“Indeed.”

Ning Daoran said, “It’s embarrassing, having cultivated for so many years, I’ve only reached the Second Level of the Evergreen Technique as I near the age of forty.”

“No wonder fellow daoist looks so young, it must be thanks to the Evergreen Technique.”

Shangguan Xing gave a slight smile, a glint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

Cultivating the Evergreen Technique was destined to exclude one from the great Dao, making Foundation Establishment virtually impossible in this lifetime. Moreover, the Evergreen Technique was a health-preserving Cultivation Technique, resulting in rather pessimistic prospects in battle.

In other words, the only benefit of cultivating the Evergreen Technique was looking young.

But Fellow Daoist Ning didn’t care about that; he just continued to exert his Evergreen Technique Power, appearing extremely focused and not sparing any effort.

Of course, this bit of Mana was probably not even a drop in the bucket for him.

…

Two hours later.

The prohibition slowly dissipated, melting away like ice and snow.

Everyone entered the Secret Realm and immediately sat down to restore their Mana.

“Fellow Daoist Zhang.”

Lady Linglong’s voice suddenly reached his ears, “I’m not sure about Shangguan Xing, but Transcendent Qingluan and the Huang Family Ancestor are old friends. Since we’ve teamed up to enter the Secret Realm, we should naturally support each other.

“If there’s any situation later, fellow daoist can join forces with me, and we will advance or retreat together!”

“Alright.”

Ning Daoran promptly nodded, “Fellow Daoist Linglong, rest assured, if there’s any change, I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in battle.”

Immediately, Lady Linglong gave a chuckle and cast him a glance too bewitching to bear.

…

Soon after, everyone’s Mana was fully restored, and they started exploring the Secret Realm in earnest.

After passing through a wasteland, mist began to rise continuously on both sides, quickly making it impossible for everyone to support one another.

“Be careful, it’s Ghost Fog!”

The voice of the Huang Family Ancestor came through, “Guard against the ghost spirits hidden in the Ghost Fog.”

“Alright!”

Several Huang Family disciples responded in unison.

Ning Daoran immediately used the Concealing Breath Technique, the Invisibility Technique, and the Sound Absorption Technique. Casting a spell, he lunged into the vines on both sides and promptly disappeared into the Wood Escape, circumventing the Ghost Fog region and moving forward.

The crowd was dispersed, each fighting on their own.

Amid the dense fog, one could hear the sounds of battle and the whistling of magic artifacts.

“Whoosh—”@@novelbin@@

Suddenly, a crimson thread imbued with Yin Qi swept through the mist, and in Ning Daoran’s line of sight, a Qi Refining Seventh Layer disciple of the Huang Family fell stiffly, his head rolling several meters away.

“Be careful of the attacks from the ghost spirits!”

The voice of the Huang Family Ancestor came from afar.

Ning Daoran didn’t bother with these matters; he silently pushed forward with Wood Escape, avoiding all crises.

…

“Fellow Daoist Zhang, save me!”

Not long after, the voice of Lady Linglong suddenly came from ahead.

When Ning Daoran arrived through Wood Escape, he saw Lady Linglong besieged by a Yin Beast. Although she used a First-tier High-Grade Talisman to protect herself, the relentless assaults of the Yin Beast had already left the talisman with countless fissures.

Ning Daoran shot out with a sweep of his sword, frightening the Yin Beast into a hasty retreat.

“Thank you, fellow daoist.”

Lady Linglong looked pitiable and was about to bow in gratitude.

Just then, in the next second, her face, still full of charm, suddenly split open. With a “swish, swish,” several poison needles flew out, so fast that they directly penetrated Ning Daoran’s body!

Upon closer inspection, the figure in front was no Lady Linglong at all, but instead a Puppet.

Shangguan Xing had mentioned that Lady Linglong was a Puppet Master.

“Hmph… with your little ability, you still want to play the hero? You think I would fall for you?”

The real Lady Linglong emerged from the mist, her face brimming with mockery, “I’ve seen too many men like you, you disgust me!”

With that, she kicked over the corpse of Ning Daoran, only to have her face fill with shock.

This wasn’t Ning Daoran; it was merely a Paperfolk with poison needles stuck in its face!

…

“Hum!”

With the sound of cleaving air, Ning Daoran’s true form descended from the sky, and with a thrust of his spear, Lady Linglong’s head split open like a fragile watermelon.