Ning Daoran and Chen Ningfeng did not traverse through the air with tunneling light but landed instead, walking side by side along the streets within the city.
After all, it was Ning Daoran’s first visit to Heavenly Light Immortal City, and he did not want to leave a domineering impression. Those Nascent Soul Stage cultivators who flew back and forth in the sky might receive so envy and reverence, but more often, they simply elicited annoyance.
"Fellow Daoist Ning."
Chen Ningfeng’s lips moved slightly as he transmitted his voice, "May I ask if Fellow Daoist plans to rely explore Heavenly Light Immortal City briefly or intends to stay here long-term?"
"Long-term."
Ning Daoran replied, "I plan to rent a Fifth-order Cave Mansion in the city and reside here for a few years. To be frank with Fellow Daoist Chen, I am a loose cultivator, long accustod to wandering wherever fate takes . This ti, it’s rely by a stroke of serendipity that I’ve entered the Star Sea Divine Domain."
"So that’s how it is!"
Chen Ningfeng nodded with a smile. "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. There are still quite a few vacant Fifth-order Cave Mansions in Heavenly Light Immortal City, and their prices are quite reasonable."
"That’s good to hear, very good. As a re loose cultivator, I’m no man of wealth or great fortune."
"Indeed, indeed, we’re all the sa in that regard!"
Chen Ningfeng laughed and nodded.
At that mont, the streets were bustling with people, among them many young male and female cultivators dressed in light red uniforms. Almost without exception, upon seeing Chen Ningfeng and Ning Daoran, they would respectfully salute, "Greetings to the Second Elder, greetings to Senior..."
Ning Daoran smiled and nodded in response.
The city was filled with disciples in red uniforms, their presence almost pervasive.
"Fellow Daoist Chen."
Ning Daoran coughed softly and transmitted, "As soone new to Heavenly Light Immortal City, I am entirely unacquainted with its customs, let alone with your esteed sect. May I trouble Fellow Daoist to explain a few matters to avoid causing embarrassnt later?"
"Of course."
Chen Ningfeng let out a thoughtful hum before breaking into a smile, "The Star Sea Divine Domain is entirely different from the Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World. This domain was established by the Long family and consists of only one city—Heavenly Light Immortal City—and only one sect within it, led by the Long family: the Divine Fire Sect. The Divine Fire Sect has guarded this city for thousands of years and boasts a resplendent history. The current Sect Master of the Divine Fire Sect, Long Xian’er, is a Late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator."
"Oh..."
Ning Daoran nodded. "That na... sounds like a woman?"
"Indeed."
Chen Ningfeng chuckled. "Although Sect Master Long is a woman, she was born with a First Grade Fire Spirit Root and has inherited the true teachings of the previous sect master. She has already cultivated the Divine Fire Technique to the Transformation Realm."
"I see."
Ning Daoran nodded in understanding. In his heart, he began pondering: since the Divine Fire Sect oversees Heavenly Light Immortal City, the Fierce Sun Sky Pool must surely be an opportunity controlled by them. If he intended to form his Spirit Body within the Fierce Sun Sky Pool, he would undoubtedly have to interact with the Divine Fire Sect. In any case, offending the Divine Fire Sect was absolutely out of the question, or it would cause imnse trouble.
Soon after, the two reached the end of the street.
Chen Ningfeng pointed ahead and said, "Fellow Daoist Ning, look over there. That Treasure Mountain in the distance is where the Divine Fire Sect’s Spirit Vein lies. Atop the mountain are six peaks: Shenxiao Peak, Divine Deer Peak, Divine Cold Peak, Fire Cloud Peak, Fire Qilin Peak, and Fire Sun Peak. These constitute the Inner Sect Six Peaks of our sect. The cave mansions for rent around the Spirit Vein are located on its outlying branches. Are you certain about renting a Fifth-order Cave Mansion? If so, I will arrange it for you imdiately."
"Yes, thank you, Fellow Daoist!"
"Follow , then."
Chen Ningfeng soared into the air, with Ning Daoran following close behind.
Observing Chen Ningfeng ahead of him, Ning Daoran refrained from extending his Divine Sense but could still discern the depth of the man’s cultivation. Though Chen Ningfeng was at the Early Nascent Soul Stage, his overall strength left much to be desired.
...
By evening, Chen Ningfeng had helped complete the formalities for the cave mansion rental. After making paynt in spirit stones, Ning Daoran gained ten years’ usage rights to a Fifth Rank Middle Grade Cave Mansion.
As night fell, they arrived at the cave mansion, and Ning Daoran invited Chen Ningfeng inside for a cup of spiritual tea.
"Fellow Daoist Ning."
Chen Ningfeng squinted slightly and smiled, "Now that we’re in your cave mansion, could Fellow Daoist be honest with ? Surely you didn’t travel all this way to the Star Sea Divine Domain rely for a sightseeing trip. If I am not mistaken, you must have another purpose in mind! I am straightforward by nature; as long as you trust , I will surely trust you in return. Would you care to share a bit?"
"Mm."
Ning Daoran responded, "To be candid, I ca to the Star Sea Divine Domain for the Fierce Sun Sky Pool."
"The Fierce Sun Sky Pool?"
"Exactly."
Ning Daoran raised his palm, and with a "whoosh," a wisp of Nine Yang Extre Flas flared into existence. He smiled and said, "I am a fire-attribute cultivator who has encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation. Therefore, I hope to secure an opportunity to cultivate within the Fierce Sun Sky Pool."
"I see..."
Chen Ningfeng furrowed his brow and said, "I won’t hide it from you, Fellow Daoist. The Earth Fire Core within the Fierce Sun Sky Pool is the most revered opportunity of the Divine Fire Sect. Only the top true disciples are permitted to cultivate there. However, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, Fellow Daoist might still achieve so concessions—though the final decision isn’t mine. I’ll need to report this matter to Sect Master Long. Would that suffice?"
"If so, then I must trouble you, Fellow Daoist!"
"You’re too polite, Fellow Daoist Ning. Since I was the one who guided you into this city, fate has brought us together. Besides, this is no inconvenience at all."
With that, Chen Ningfeng stood and said, "I won’t overstay my welco. I’ll take my leave now."
"Farewell, Fellow Daoist Chen!"
...
After Chen Ningfeng left, Ning Daoran began busily settling in.
He released Big Stupid Deer, Little Bai, and Little Blackie, and everyone started setting up the new cave mansion—arranging necessities one by one and noting down items they lacked for future purchase.
They toiled late into the night.
It was then that two imposing Late-stage Nascent Soul auras appeared outside the cave mansion.
"Is Fellow Daoist Ning present? I, Long Xian’er, and my husband Zhang Qinghe, have co to pay a visit!"
To his surprise, the sect master of the Divine Fire Sect had personally arrived!
Hastily, Ning Daoran swept his sleeve to disperse the cave mansion’s restrictions, revealing the visitors.
Long Xian’er, dressed in a resplendent crimson gown, was breathtakingly beautiful. Though she cultivated fire-attribute techniques, her deanor carried a gentle and elegant air, far from the fiery temperant one might expect.
Zhang Qinghe, clad in deep red robes, exuded a refined and scholarly elegance. His mana felt vast and deep, no less robust than Long Xian’er’s.
Chen Ningfeng, that sly fellow...
Ning Daoran couldn’t help but grumble inwardly. While Chen Ningfeng had divulged a great deal about the Divine Fire Sect, he had conveniently omitted the fact that Long Xian’er had a Daoist partner. Could it be that he feared Zhang Qinghe?
"Sect Master Long, Fellow Daoist Zhang, please co in!"
Ning Daoran imdiately invited the two inside, serving tea in the pavilion.
Nearby, Little Bai, unmasked as a Nascent Soul Stage spiritual beast, gracefully dressed in a flowing white gown, assisted by brewing tea for the two Late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.
Ning Daoran carried himself with poise, his words well-asured and courteous.
This caught Long Xian’er by surprise. Most Early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators would cower before her and Zhang Qinghe, treating them as seniors. Yet Ning Daoran, unyielding in deanor, displayed the composure of a distinguished cultivator. Could it be that Nascent Soul cultivators from outside were always so confident?
"Sect Master Long’s personal visit leaves both humbled and honored!"
Ning Daoran offered a fist-palm salute, then plucked so fresh spirit fruits from his Spirit Garden Cave Heaven with a smile. "Though these fruits hold little benefit for those at the Late-stage Nascent Soul, their taste is delightful. Please, Sect Master Long, have a try."
"Oh?"
Long Xian’er’s interest was piqued, for the Star Sea Divine Domain, being an isolated region, lacked the richness of resources found elsewhere. Many of the spirit fruits Ning Daoran offered were unfamiliar to her.
"Ahem..."
Off to the side, Zhang Qinghe cupped his hands and said, "I’ve heard a bit about the Eastern Wasteland Cultivation World, but I wonder which great sect Fellow Daoist Ning hails from. With your profound foundation, I presu you belong to one of the Ten Great Immortal Sects?"
"Fellow Daoist Zhang overestimates ."
Ning Daoran responded with a faint smile, "To be honest, I co from a second-class sect."
"A second-class sect..."
Long Xian’er chuckled softly. "For a Nascent Soul cultivator to erge from a second-class sect speaks volus of Fellow Daoist Ning’s extraordinary talent and accomplishnts. At the very least, I am truly impressed."
"Thank you, Sect Master."
"Fellow Daoist Ning, I happen to have so acquaintance with the Purple Fla Demon Lord of Sangyu Country. Though it’s been centuries since we last t, are you, by chance, familiar with Fellow Taoist Purple Fla?"
"We’ve t a few tis."
Ning Daoran concealed his displeasure. Though he had been conversing with Long Xian’er, Zhang Qinghe repeatedly interrupted, as if vying for attention. Was he truly the sect master, or was this role still held by Long Xian’er?
Nonetheless, Ning Daoran suppressed his annoyance and responded with a smile, "The Purple Fla Demon Lord is my senior, though I wouldn’t say we are well acquainted. Should we et again soday, I’ll be sure to bring up the matter."
Of course, what he truly thought was that if he ever encountered the Purple Fla Demon Lord again, he’d do his utmost to claim that man’s head!
...
"Fellow Daoist Ning."
Long Xian’er spoke with a gentle smile. "I heard from Elder Chen that your visit to Heavenly Light Immortal City is motivated by the Fierce Sun Sky Pool?"
"Indeed."
Ning Daoran cupped his hands and honestly explained, "To be forthright, I am a fire cultivator who has currently encountered a bottleneck, unable to break through to the Mid-stage Nascent Soul. I ventured to the Star Sea Divine Domain with hopes that the Fierce Sun Sky Pool might aid in overcoming this hurdle."
"So that is the case."
Long Xian’er smiled warmly. "But there’s sothing you might not be aware of. The Fierce Sun Sky Pool is the pinnacle opportunity of our Divine Fire Sect. It will not open for another twenty years, and even then, only six individuals may enter. Additionally, non-Disciples of the Divine Fire Sect are generally excluded from accessing this place of cultivation, as the Earth Fire Core’s spiritual energy is limited."
"Oh?"
Ning Daoran frowned. "There are such restrictions?"
"That’s correct."
Long Xian’er explained further, "But there’s no need for concern. I do have a suggestion that can grant you access to the Fierce Sun Sky Pool."
"Oh?"
Ning Daoran’s eyes glinted with interest. "Please enlighten , Sect Master."
"If you are willing to serve as a guest elder for our Divine Fire Sect, you will gain the sa privileges as our sect disciples. Additionally, the qualifications for entering the Fierce Sun Sky Pool are determined by the Divine Fire Tower—twenty years from now, our disciples ranked in the top six floors of the Divine Fire Tower will receive access. This arrangent would provide you with an opportunity. What do you think? Would you be willing to serve as a guest elder for our sect?"
"This..."
Ning Daoran deliberated. He had always preferred to roam freely and avoid entangling himself in the karma of sects. Such associations rarely ended without trouble.
"There’s no need for concern, Fellow Daoist."
Long Xian’er clasped Zhang Qinghe’s hand with a soothing smile. "My husband, for instance, serves as a guest elder himself. Guest elders are free to co and go as they please. Our Divine Fire Sect imposes only minimal restrictions."
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