Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 154 Heading to Xuan Yuan Dao Academy and the Foundation Establishment Seed Assessment (Please Subscribe)

"Master, do you also practice the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique?"

Zhou Ling asked again.

From the time I began practicing the "Five Elements Qianyang True Secret" until now, my master has provided me with extremely detailed guidance.

She was fully aware of all the problems she might encounter during her cultivation.

They will guide and help you make adjustments to your practice based on your own situation.

Now that the breakup is imminent, Zhou Ling couldn't help but ask.

After all, according to the grade of the "Five Elements Qianyang True Technique", it can be cultivated to the middle and late stages of the Golden Core stage.

If the master cultivates the "Five Elements Qianyang True Technique", then his cultivation level should be roughly at the late Golden Core stage.

Of course, this was just Zhou Ling's curiosity.

That's why this question came about.

“I did practice the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique before, and in less than half a year, I basically reached the first level of perfection.”

"At the age of eighteen, he achieved the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment with the help of high-level Five Elements spiritual objects. Later, by chance, he condensed the Five Elements Golden Core."

"However, it is quite a pity that I did not find suitable high-level cultivation techniques for water and earth attributes, and only cultivated cultivation techniques for the other three attributes."

"The progress has been faster, but it is not yet perfect."

Zi Ling smiled and said to Zhou Ling.

Her tone was casual and natural, as if the Heavenly Foundation Establishment and the Five Elements Golden Core were things that happened naturally and effortlessly in her eyes.

Hearing his master's words, Zhou Ling's guess was confirmed: his master was at least a Golden Core cultivator, or even a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Are you looking for information about the subsequent cultivation methods of the 'Five Elements Qianyang True Technique'?"

"You don't need to worry about that. If you can reach the Golden Core stage, the choice of subsequent cultivation methods will be much easier. You can continue to follow the Five Elements path, or you can choose to cultivate any attribute among the Five Elements."

"However, you only have a low-grade spiritual root. Don't think about anything else for now. First, cultivate the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique to the first level of Great Perfection."

"Let's try to find the other three types of spirit flames."

"If you have the opportunity to find the other three types of spiritual flames, you can try the Five Elements Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment."

"As long as you achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, even if you have a low-grade spiritual root, you will have a great chance to enter the Golden Core stage in the future."

"If you're lucky, you might even achieve the Nascent Soul stage. That's the benefit of cultivating the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique and using spiritual flames to condense a Heavenly-grade Foundation Establishment."

Zi Ling took a sip of wine and said calmly.

"Master, if I cannot achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, will I be able to advance to the Golden Core stage later?"

Zhou Ling couldn't help but ask.

Now that he possesses the talent of "Marrow Cleansing and Root Refinement," he knows that his spiritual root can be gradually improved in the future.

Although it requires the help of spiritual objects from heaven and earth, the probability of finding such spiritual objects is always higher than finding spiritual flames from heaven and earth.

Moreover, at the current level of Qi Refining, he should be able to reach level nine within two years, based on his current cultivation progress.

You can then prepare for Foundation Establishment, but you need to find the other three types of spiritual flames within two years.

That's simply impossible.

Of course, given my current age, even if I reach the Foundation Establishment stage a few years later, it won't have any impact.

But the key is to find the Spirit Flame for it to make sense.

"If you cannot achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, then with your low-grade spiritual root aptitude, your chances of entering the Golden Core stage are very low!"

Then, Zi Ling smiled and shook her head.

"Don't think too much right now. First, cultivate the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique to the Great Perfection of the first level before preparing for Foundation Establishment. Your progress is not ideal."

"Moreover, the Five Elements Qianyang True Secret requires the five elements to interact and generate each other in a gradual manner in order to achieve the most perfect effect."

"Your fire and wood attributes are not bad right now, but your other three attributes are at most at the third level of Qi Refining."

"This situation absolutely cannot exist before the foundation is established."

"We need to make sure the other attributes keep up too!"

"Yes, Master."

Hearing these words, Zhou Ling was secretly alarmed.

Because he originally cultivated the Spirit Flame Technique, after switching to the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique, the fire attribute spiritual power was converted the fastest.

It's also the easiest to cultivate.

In addition, due to the surrounding spiritual energy, he did not focus too much on cultivating other attribute techniques.

Instead, he was greedy for progress and kept focusing on fire-attribute spells.

If this imbalance continues, he will obviously lose the meaning of cultivating the "Five Elements Qianyang True Technique".

It also fails to bring out the advantages of the "Five Elements Qianyang True Secret".

However, it is unrealistic to find a spiritual vein that possesses all five elements at the same time these days.

Zhou Ling pondered to himself that once he arrived at the Dao Academy, he would need to carefully plan his next cultivation journey.

The reason he didn't fall behind much in wood-attribute spiritual energy was mainly because he absorbed the spiritual power contained in spiritual herbs.

There's also a magic array in the house that can gather wood-attribute spiritual energy.

But how do we solve the other three problems?

Zhou Ling was at a loss for what to do.

"You don't need to rush. Laying a solid foundation is the most important thing."

"Once we arrive at Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, the spiritual energy there is abundant, and the cultivation effect will be far superior to that of Lingxia Immortal City!"

After Zi Ling finished speaking, she drank her spirit wine and looked at the lush maple trees on the mountainside.

Seeing that his master didn't intend to speak again, Zhou Ling thought for a moment, then said again with a hopeful expression, "Master, why don't you come with us to Qingyun Immortal City?"

He hoped that his master could go to Xuanyuan Academy with him.

Anyway, I have enough spirit stones now to rent a small courtyard with abundant spiritual energy for my master in Qingyun Immortal City, which is better than staying in Maple Leaf Mountain.

Although Zi Ling said that he and Wang Xin were only nominal disciples, no matter what the situation, Zhou Ling would always regard her as his true master.

Zi Ling picked up the wine gourd and continued drinking. "Master has his own place to go, you don't need to worry!"

Hearing his master's words, Zhou Ling said no more.

For nearly a year, although they spent most of their time meditating and cultivating under the Fire Essence Maple Tree.

But whenever they encounter any problems in their cultivation, Master always explains them clearly.

They even gave him the Azure Lotus Flame Seed and the "Five Elements Qianyang True Technique," spiritual objects and cultivation methods sufficient to establish his foundation in cultivation.

If possible, Zhou Ling hopes that his master can stay by his side for the rest of his life and guide his cultivation.

Unfortunately, her master had her own choices and would not follow her to the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

Three days later, it will be September.

The day after tomorrow, Wang Xin and I will be heading to Qingyun Immortal City.

At that time, I might not even return to Lingxia Immortal City for the New Year, and my master might not continue to stay in Maple Leaf Mountain.

"Master, where will we find you in the future?"

At this moment, Wang Xin also spoke softly.

His face was full of reluctance.

"You two little ones, don't worry about your master. If your master wants to find you, he will find you!"

Zi Ling shook her head and said.

Wang Xin didn't ask any more questions, and ran over to massage Zi Ling's shoulders.

······.

The next day.

The Zhou family was bustling with activity again; this time it was a celebration for students graduating from high school.

The distillery will be closed for one day.

Yuanhu and the two winemakers from the distillery came over early in the morning to help.

Today, Li Ru bought two spirit sheep.

Early in the morning, Zhou Shan was busy chopping mutton in the courtyard.

Yuan Hu came with his fiancée, Zhao Yu, whom he was already engaged to.

She was quite pretty, and a little shy when she first arrived.

After a while, we gradually became familiar with each other.

I was busy moving things with Yuanhu.

Li Rudu couldn't help but smile and praise, "Tiger's really lucky with women this time!"

Zhou Ling found it strange; this kid was clearly a son-in-law, so this treatment didn't seem like it!

However, he had also heard that Zhao Yu only had mixed spiritual roots.

Although the Zhao family has good resources, Zhao Yu is only at the third level of Qi Refining.

Even worse than Yuan Hu, who had few resources, his cultivation aptitude was clearly quite ordinary.

Now, after almost a year of hard work and training.

Yuan Hu is also steady and mature in his dealings with people and affairs.

Everyone in the neighborhood knows each other.

"Tiger, your wife is really pretty."

"When are you going to invite Uncle Jiu to your wedding?"

"Uncle Jiu, don't worry, I'll definitely invite you then!"

"Uncle Liu, drink more! There's plenty of spirit wine tonight!"

Yuan Hu poured wine for everyone while speaking with a smile.

Zhou Ling greeted the guests at the door.

Instructor Fang, Master Lu, Wang Yu and Wang Xin, the He siblings, and most of Zhou Ling's acquaintances came over.

At noon, eight tables were set up from the main room to the courtyard, and all of them were full of people.

They were all neighbors, and the whole family came over.

Zhou Ling, holding a wine bowl, toasted and thanked Wang Yu, Instructor Fang, and others one by one.

He then drank a few more cups with Chu Xing, Xu Jiu, and others.

Then they came to the table where the others were sitting.

This room was occupied by the He siblings, Wang Xin, Zhao Yu, Yuan Hu, and himself—a total of six people.

While eating, Yuanhu got up and toasted the others.

They were also busy adding soup and meat to other tables, making them the busiest people.

He Zijian and the others, however, ate with great relish.

The quality of the sheep and fish this time was excellent, with tender and delicious meat. Combined with Li Ru's secret seasoning, the taste was absolutely delicious.

"Tomorrow, we'll meet at Lingxia Sect Square at 9:00 AM!"

"At that time, warships will come to pick us up and take us to Qingyun Immortal City!"

"It may take a day to fly to reach Qingyun Immortal City."

After finishing several bowls with Zhou Ling, He Zijian said with a smile.

"Brother He, have you ever been to Qingyun Immortal City?"

Zhou Ling inquired.

He Zijian nodded, took a sip of wine, and slowly said, "I went there once with the ancestor before."

"Qingyun Immortal City is more than a hundred times larger than Lingxia Immortal City, and its spiritual energy is abundant."

"Moreover, it is the transportation hub of many immortal cities in the northwest of Qingyang Immortal Realm. This place is rich in natural resources and has extremely developed commerce."

"Besides the four major academies, there are many other academies and several sects."

"Although the four major academies are branch academies, the instructors of each academy are at least at the late Foundation Establishment stage."

Hearing this, Zhou Ling was also quite looking forward to it.

Yuan Hu and Zhao Yu listened with envy on their faces, but they also knew that they couldn't even get into Lingxia Academy.

There's no need to think about anything else.

For the rest of my life, I can only stay obediently in Lingxia Immortal City. If I'm lucky, I might be able to reach the late stage of Qi Refining.

As for Foundation Establishment, that's basically impossible.

"Zhou Ling, you were recruited through the special examination of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, so you may need to go through some other procedures!"

He Zijian continued talking to Zhou Ling while drinking his wine. Zhou Ling nodded. Instructor Hu had only given him a jade token for the special recruitment examination, instructing him to use the token to register at the Dao Academy and apply for a Foundation Establishment seed position.

As for He Zijian and his sister, they both got what they wanted, with He Zijian entering the Flying Dragon Battle Academy.

He Lingyun is from Tianxia Taoist Academy.

"Brother He, people with your level of cultivation are only outer disciples of the Dao Academy. What level of cultivation is needed to become an inner disciple?"

Yuan Hu, who had just sat down, also asked curiously.

"Outer disciples of the Daoist academy can generally cultivate for six years. If you can successfully establish your foundation within six years, you can become an inner disciple."

"Otherwise, you'll have to leave the Taoist academy."

"A disciple like me, at the ninth level of Qi Refining, can become an inner disciple as long as he successfully establishes his foundation after entering the academy."

"The treatment of inner disciples and outer disciples is completely different."

"Therefore, the identity of a Foundation Establishment seed is very important!"

"Once acquired, it will provide access to numerous foundation-building resources."

He Zijian continued his introduction.

Of all those present, he was the most knowledgeable.

Hearing this, Zhou Ling's face lit up with joy. However, he had only obtained a Foundation Establishment seed spot.

To become a true foundation-building seed, one still needs to pass the Taoist academy's assessment.

The fact that he was able to secure this spot already gives him a significant advantage over the other disciples.

After all, the main purpose of entering the outer academy for cultivation is to successfully establish a foundation and enter the inner academy.

Only those who enter the inner courtyard can be considered true disciples of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

There will be opportunities to access various high-level cultivation techniques from Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

Afterwards, He Zijian introduced them to the situation of the four major academies in Qingyun Immortal City.

Everyone left only after the banquet ended.

"Brother Ling, please take care of yourself as you leave Lingxia Immortal City alone this time!"

After everyone left, Yuan Hu cleaned up the tables, chairs, and tableware, and then spoke to Zhou Ling with a reluctant tone.

The two entered the Taoist academy when they were around three years old and have remained there ever since.

Although we've had much less time to meet this year because of Zhou Ling's cultivation.

But in Yuanhu's eyes, the relationship between the two was more than that of brothers.

"I'm just going to Qingyun Immortal City to cultivate. I'll come back later, and we can still contact each other through spiritual communication."

Zhou Ling said with a smile.

He also felt a great deal of reluctance to part with his parents.

Therefore, only by striving to establish a foundation as soon as possible and gaining a foothold in Qingyun Immortal City can one bring their parents to Qingyun Immortal City.

After all, the spiritual energy concentration in Qingyun Immortal City far surpasses that in Lingxia Immortal City, which is also beneficial for parents' cultivation.

Of course, this was just his plan.

Only after we arrive at the Taoist temple and gradually settle down can we start to plan step by step.

Yuan Hu smiled and nodded. Although he felt sad about parting, he thought that with Zhou Ling's talent, he would definitely be able to establish his foundation in the future, so he felt relieved and said with a helpless smile, "Brother Ling, you will definitely be able to establish your foundation in the future."

"My parents are already urging me to marry into their family, so I have no hope of ever reaching the Foundation Establishment stage in this lifetime."

"I can only hope that I will have a son in the future, someone with good talent, so that my wish can be fulfilled!"

Zhou Ling patted Yuan Hu on the shoulder and comforted him, "Tiger, you're only eleven years old and you've already reached the fourth level of Qi Refining. You'll have plenty of opportunities in the future!"

"Brother Ling, I really still have a chance to reach the Foundation Establishment stage!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Hu's spirits lifted, and his eyes immediately brightened.

He always believed Zhou Ling without question.

Zhou Ling nodded, knowing that Foundation Establishment was not so easy.

Yuan Hu has good talent and comprehension, but he just doesn't have any good opportunities.

Perhaps marrying into the Zhao family would be his opportunity.

Of course, if possible, he would lend him a hand.

"I'll listen to Brother Ling and continue to cultivate diligently from now on!"

Yuan Hu said with a smile.

After the guests left, Li Ru began preparing items for Zhou Ling to take with him, such as clothes and dried meat.

Although I knew my son was going to a Taoist academy to study, I was still filled with reluctance.

"Ling'er has grown up and will have his own world to live in from now on. We have done our best for him!"

Zhou Shan, standing to the side, said with a smile on his face.

In his view, his son's current move to the Taoist academy to cultivate is the real way out.

In the future, he will achieve Foundation Establishment, establish a prestigious family, and fulfill his wish. After that, the Zhou family disciples will no longer be born as independent cultivators.

Every day, there's no need to take risks or be busy making a living.

"Ling'er's trip to Xuan Yuan Dao Academy will take a long time!" Li Ru said, her voice filled with reluctance.

Zhou Shan comforted his wife, "Don't worry about going to the Taoist temple to cultivate."

Li Ru nodded. "I'm not worried. I'm just afraid that Ling'er won't be used to the food from the outer sect."

"You have to do everything yourself!"

Zhou Shan couldn't help but shake his head with a smile, "Tiger is going to get married and have children, no need to think so much!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ru couldn't help but smile, feeling relieved.

She also knew that the path of cultivation was long and that she couldn't take care of her son for the rest of her life.

The next day, early in the morning, Li Ru had prepared a table full of spiritual food.

They also filled Zhou Ling's storage bag with various items.

Zhou Ling didn't say much, but gave his mother two bottles of Qi-Harmony Pills, which were made by Wang Xin.

There are also several hundred spirit stones.

He also told his parents not to worry about him and not to think about saving money.

Of course, Zhou Ling knew that even if he said it that way, his parents might not take it to heart.

I'll only feel at ease once things have settled down and I bring them to live with me.

Afterwards, they hired a horse-drawn carriage and the family arrived at Lingxia Sect Square.

When we arrived at the square, there were already quite a few people there.

These were all other disciples who had entered the four major academies this time, along with their families.

Zhou Ling soon met Wang Yu and the others.

Wang Yu came over, greeted Li Ru and his wife, and then instructed Zhou Ling to take good care of Wang Xin once they arrived at Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

In addition, she will go to Qingyun Immortal City after she finishes dealing with matters in Lingxia Immortal City in a few months.

Zhou Ling nodded confidently, assuring Wang Yu that she could rest assured.

Soon after, a small spirit boat landed on the Lingxia Sect's plaza.

Instructor Hu and Instructor Gu stepped off the spirit boat, and then the ten newly admitted disciples began to say goodbye to their families and board the spirit boat one after another.

Zhou Ling and Wang Xin also boarded the spirit boat with the others.

“Disciples, each pair will be assigned to a cabin. The spiritual energy inside is abundant, and you may enter to cultivate.”

"We should be able to reach Qingyun Immortal City by this time tomorrow."

Instructor Gu swept his warm gaze over the ten spirited young men and spoke calmly.

Seeing that everyone still seemed somewhat excited, she smiled and said, "You all need to improve your cultivation as soon as possible. The competition among the four major academies has already begun before you even entered the academies!"

"Alright, everyone go into your cabins. In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the spirit boat will leave Lingxia Immortal City. No matter what happens on the way, do not pay any attention to it."

The ten disciples then calmed down and, led by their assistants, went to their respective cabins.

Zhou Ling naturally chose to share a cabin with Wang Xin, while He Zijian and his sister were in the cabin next to them.

As soon as Zhou Ling entered the cabin, he felt an abundant spiritual energy rushing towards him.

Upon closer inspection, he realized that this was a spiritual energy concentration comparable to that of a second-tier spiritual vein, and to his surprise, it possessed all five elements.

The room was extremely spacious and fully equipped with all kinds of living facilities.

The young female assistant said with a smile, "You can come to me if you need anything."

"Thank you."

Zhou Ling bowed and thanked him.

After the female assistant left, Zhou Ling and Wang Xin tidied up a bit.

Wang Xin took out a cup and brewed two cups of spiritual tea.

Zhou Ling took the spirit tea, sipped it contentedly, and then, through the cabin window, could see that her parents were still reluctant to leave the square.

I felt terrible!
Before long, the spirit boat gradually rose.

Zhou Ling watched his parents' figures grow smaller and smaller in his sight until they disappeared from sight before returning to his wooden bed.

I sat cross-legged and began to cultivate. Such abundant spiritual energy should not be wasted.

Wang Xin then took out some spiritual fruits and cakes, and picked up a book to examine it carefully.

She did not show any signs of being lost or disoriented because she was separated from her mother.

In the afternoon, the female assistant brought them spiritual food, and Zhou Ling finally woke up from his meditation.

Then he picked up the food box, took out a jar of spirit wine brewed by his mother, poured a large bowl of it, and drank it with relish.

"Mmm, what a rich aroma of wine!"

Just then, footsteps were heard outside the cabin, and then Instructor Hu walked in.

"Greetings, Instructor!"

"Greetings, Instructor!"

The two who were eating stood up at the same time and bowed to Instructor Hu.

Instructor Hu smiled and nodded.

Without any hesitation, he sat down at the small wooden table and said, "Pour me a bowl too!"

Zhou Ling immediately took out a ceramic bowl and poured it full of spirit wine, the aroma of which filled the air.

Instructor Hu picked up the wine bowl and drank the spirit wine in one gulp, looking like he still wanted more.

Zhou Ling poured another bowl full.

After downing three bowls in a row, Instructor Hu wiped his mouth and said with a smile, "This is truly fine wine!"

"However, I won't drink your spirit wine for nothing. I have some news to tell you."

At this point, Instructor Hu took another large gulp of the spiritual wine.

Zhou Ling listened with anticipation.

Wang Xin also looked at Instructor Hu with curiosity.

"On September 12th, you, the foundation-building seed disciples of the Dao Academy, will undergo a selection and assessment."

"As long as you pass the assessment, you can become a Foundation Establishment disciple of the Dao Academy and obtain a certain amount of cultivation resources from the Dao Academy every month."

"Furthermore, the academy will select suitable dormitories for you based on your circumstances."

"If you can rank in the top three in the assessment, you will not only be able to choose a dormitory with a third-tier spiritual vein, but you will also receive Foundation Establishment Pills and Foundation Establishment spiritual items as rewards!"

Instructor Hu spoke slowly.

He had high hopes for Zhou Ling, so he was happy to tell him about the competition in advance.

"September 12th, so fast!"

Hearing this, Zhou Ling was also stunned for a moment.

After all, it hadn't been half a month, and he hadn't made any preparations yet.

"Yes, your opponent this time is a Foundation Establishment seed player who has stood out from hundreds of immortal cities in the northwest region of Qingyang Immortal Domain. Their strength is not low."

"If you can get into the top three, you will become a key disciple of the academy."

Instructor Hu explained.

"Instructor, I will do my utmost!"

Zhou Ling replied respectfully.

Instructor Hu nodded in satisfaction.

(End of this chapter)