Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 158 Foundation Building Test (Please Subscribe)
Xuan Yuan Taoist Academy, Cloud Plaza.

The entire square is paved with the finest glass and jade, making it extremely grand and luxurious.

Eight jade pillars stand tall in the center of the square.

From right to left, the jade pillar has an ancient alchemy furnace, an array plate, a jade sword, and runes suspended on it.

Each represents one of the four major techniques: alchemy, formation, weaponry, and talisman.

The other four jade pillars are inscribed with ancient, celestial characters in a flowing, elegant style.

"In the beginning of the universe, we sought the Dao and questioned the heavens."

This was the Daoist precept established by four top-notch technicians at the very beginning of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

It was used to encourage the disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

This implies that the disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy are the pillars of the Dao Alliance, and that they should have the heart to seek the Dao, while also taking on the responsibility of revitalizing the Dao Alliance.

Those sitting in the square of the Taoist Academy at this moment are all disciples from the outer academy who were admitted this year. They are all dressed in the black robes of the Taoist Academy and are full of energy.

Most of these people have already stepped into the upper echelons of the Dao Alliance.

Rows of prayer cushions were laid out, and the disciples sat in small groups on the cushions, chatting quietly.

Si hour.

An ancient bell rang out.

On the jade platform, a handsome middle-aged man stood.

He is Zhong Yuan, the dean of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy branch.

Behind him stood four powerful cultivators, their expressions solemn.

The third row consists of Instructor Hu and many other instructors.

"Congratulations on becoming outer disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy!"

Zhong Yuan smiled and spoke in a melodious tone, which made people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

Then, as is customary, he gave a speech to encourage his disciples.

The words were imbued with divine power, which invigorated the disciples present.

After that, the instructors and representatives of the Taoist academy spoke.

"My name is Liu Yu, and I am the representative of the newly recruited disciples of the Dao Academy!"

"Cultivation level nine of Qi Refining, currently a second-grade Inscription Master, a second-grade Rune Master, and a first-grade Alchemist!"

At this moment, a refined and handsome young man stood on the jade platform.

As soon as he finished speaking, the disciples sitting below gasped in surprise.

Everyone present specialized in a particular technique, but most specialized in only one.

After all, the transmission of any technique is extremely vast and profound, and it is already very difficult to master it.

It requires a lot of effort.

Of course, there are also some exceptionally talented individuals who can cultivate two techniques simultaneously, which is quite astonishing.

Moreover, it is often one of the four main techniques, with a minor technique as an accessory, such as beast taming or puppetry.

This person is so amazing. Not only does he specialize in inscription, but he also has skills in runes and alchemy. Moreover, he is already a second-rank expert in two areas and a first-rank expert in one area.

Such terrifying talent is truly astonishing.

Zhou Ling was also shocked. His inscription cultivation was already extremely outstanding in Lingxia Immortal City.

However, he only passed the first-rank assessment.

But the young man on the jade platform, who looked to be about the same age as him, was already someone many people looked up to.

"Liu Yu is a direct descendant of the Liu family, a Nascent Soul family in Qingyun City, and his ancestors also included a Nascent Soul cultivator."

"I have been cultivating at Xuan Yuan Dao Academy since I was a child."

"No wonder it's so terrifying; it has both resources and cultivation techniques."

"Moreover, it is said that this person has already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, but is pursuing the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, which is why he continues to cultivate in the outer courtyard!"

The students around them began to whisper among themselves.

Hearing these words, Zhou Ling finally understood.

Such a prestigious family background is something they can't possibly compete with.

Even He Zijian, Jin Sheng, and others pale in comparison to this young man.

"Hehe, Liu Yu isn't the most terrifying. I heard that Ye Zhilan is the most powerful in this year's class."

"It is said that she has a fire spirit body and was originally admitted to the Tianxia Dao Academy, but the Xuanyuan Dao Academy has a cultivation method that is more suitable for her physique."

"That's why she chose Xuan Yuan Dao Academy."

"I believe the most powerful disciple in this cohort is Gao Yuan from our Golden Cloud Immortal City. He is already a second-grade alchemist and has even condensed a second-grade spiritual flame."

"His alchemy skills are definitely no less than Liu Yu's."

"Stop arguing, all of you. Here is a list of the latest rankings of new disciples at the Dao Academy. You can buy it if you need it."

"Ten low-grade spirit stones for one share."

"Brother, which Daoist temple are you from? Ten low-grade spirit stones for a single serving? That's outrageous!"

"Buy it or don't, if you don't want to buy it, go cool off somewhere else!"

"Do you think I'm stupid? The academy will announce this ranking in a few days. Why would I buy it from you? Besides, I don't even know if it's reliable!"

"Go! Go!"

······.

"Hey buddy, how about one? I only have two left, so don't miss out!"

Listening to the discussions around him, Zhou Ling also felt immense pressure.

Becoming a foundation-building seed for the Dao Academy seems to be more difficult than I expected.

At this moment, a young man with thick eyebrows and big eyes came over and spoke enthusiastically to Zhou Ling.

"piece!"

Zhou Ling thought for a moment and then said.

The Foundation Establishment Seed Assessment is in about ten days, so it's good to know about the other disciples' situations.

Of course, the key to the assessment is still your own ability.

"Brother, you must be joking. This is inside information that I went through a lot of trouble and asked a big shot for help to get it."

The boy with thick eyebrows glared at Zhou Ling, his tone suggesting that Zhou Ling was completely ignorant of his worth.

"Two pieces!"

Zhou Ling glanced at him.

"no!"

The boy glared at Zhou Ling again and shook his head.

But seeing that Zhou Ling wouldn't say anything more, he thought for a moment and said, "Five yuan is the minimum!"

Zhou Ling took out a spirit stone pouch from his pocket and took out two low-grade spirit stones. "Two stones will do!"

"Hey, we're all new disciples, I, Sun Dajie, will treat this as making friends. Two low-grade spirit stones, it's a deal!"

The young man took out a jade slip and handed it to Zhou Ling, saying with a pained expression.

Zhou Ling then handed him the two spirit stones.

He accepted the jade slip.

"Brother, which academy are you from? I'm from the Puppet Academy. I'm familiar with things in Qingyun Immortal City and the Dao Academy. If you need any information or want to buy anything, you can come to me!"

The boy put the spirit stones into the spirit stone bag and said to Zhou Ling with a happy expression.

"Zhou Ling, Class 3 School!"

Zhou Ling nodded and said.

This young man is eloquent; it won't hurt to get to know him.

"Brother Zhou, if you don't understand anything in the future, just ask me!"

The young man gave a few words of advice and then went on to sell jade slips to the other people.

The opening ceremony for welcoming new disciples at the Taoist temple is also drawing to a close.

As the dean announced the end of the meeting, Zhou Ling and Wang Xin were about to leave the square.

Suddenly, the sound transmission jade on his body vibrated slightly.

Zhou Ling immediately took out the communication jade and injected a little spiritual power into it.

"Hello, Junior Brother Zhou. I am Senior Sister Qi. Since you are a Foundation Establishment seed disciple..."

"Before the academy opens, we will provide you with an examination to check your current probability of achieving Foundation Establishment in your cultivation method."

"If the probability is too low, you can choose a different cultivation method."

"The academy will provide you with a choice of this new cultivation method."

"We're at Chunyang Palace now!"

Upon hearing the telepathic message, Zhou Ling immediately replied telepathically, "Okay!"

Zhou Ling told Wang Xin to go back to her dormitory first, and then he inquired around and learned that Chunyang Hall was located in the center of the Taoist temple, about several miles away from the square. He then headed towards the hall. Soon, he arrived at Chunyang Hall, which was halfway up the mountain.

Although Chunyang Hall is called a hall, it looks like a seven-story tower.

With his Intermediate Observation skill, Zhou Ling quickly discovered that this was a high-level magical artifact.

When Zhou Ling arrived at the entrance of the main hall, an assistant came to greet him.

After Zhou Ling took out the Foundation Establishment Seed Jade Token, the assistant examined it and then led it into the main hall.

Zhou Ling soon followed the assistant to a pavilion, which was open and bright.

On the clean ground, rows of neat and simple prayer cushions were placed.

In the middle stands an ancient bronze incense burner, from which wisps of smoke rise.

Standing on the jade platform was a refined and elegant middle-aged man, dressed in a black robe, with a smile on his face.

"Disciple Zhou Ling greets Instructor!"

Zhou Ling bowed to the man.

The man nodded slightly, pointed to the prayer mat, and smiled, "Go sit over there, and announce it all together once everyone is here!"

"Yes!"

Zhou Ling replied respectfully.

At this moment, five disciples were already seated inside the hall.

Zhou Ling found a futon and sat down in a spot slightly against the wall.

Subsequently, the assistants led other disciples to arrive one after another.

Zhou Ling looked like he had his brows furrowed.

According to Senior Sister Qi.

These disciples who have arrived are undoubtedly the contestants vying for the Foundation Establishment seed this year.

Each of them possessed a powerful aura, and most of them were at the ninth level of Qi Refining. Only three or four people were at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

He was the only one at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

After the disciples entered, they bowed to the middle-aged instructor and then each chose a meditation cushion to sit down, looking very energetic.

Among them, Zhou Ling also saw Liu Yu, the young man who had been so splendid on the jade platform earlier.

As the last boy arrived, the middle-aged man's gaze swept over everyone, and he cupped his hands and smiled, "Disciples, my name is Zhang Yi, and I am the Dao Supervisor of the Dao Academy. I am in charge of your Foundation Establishment tests this time."

"Greetings, Supervisor!"

The boys stood up again and bowed with their hands clasped in greeting.

Zhang Yi waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down.

He then said with a smile, "I believe you all know why I called you here today."

"Now, I will repeat myself, the main purpose is to prepare you for foundation building."

"As you all know, to enter the six major academies, one must have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage by more than 70%."

"But if one can become a Foundation Establishment seed, then Foundation Establishment is basically a sure thing."

"It's just a matter of how fast or slow it will take."

"Moreover, according to the current regulations of the Dao Academy, as long as one can successfully reach the Foundation Establishment stage during the six years of outer disciple cultivation, one can become an inner disciple of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy."

"Being able to establish your foundation a year in advance will give you a great advantage in your future cultivation."

"Of course, there are different qualities of Foundation Establishment. The difference between ordinary Foundation Establishment and Heavenly Foundation Establishment is like heaven and earth."

"Therefore, this Foundation Establishment test is also extremely important for you."

"If you haven't reached the Earth-grade Foundation Establishment level, I suggest you change your cultivation method as soon as possible!"

"Since you entered the Dao Academy as Foundation Establishment Seeds, the Dao Academy will naturally provide you with maximum support."

After Zhang Yi slowly introduced the situation of this Foundation Establishment test, he took out an ancient jade mirror from his storage ring.

The jade mirror shone with a crystal-clear light, and its surface was engraved with ancient inscriptions.

"This is the Profound Origin Illusionary Realm! A fourth-grade superior treasure."

"It can detect the cultivation technique you are currently practicing, which auxiliary spiritual objects you choose, and the probability of achieving Foundation Establishment!"

"Sit still, I will control the ancient mirror and scan you. Soon, it will be able to condense different colored patterns!"

"There are four types in total: gold represents Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, purple represents Earthly Rank, red represents Profound Rank, and white represents those who cannot establish a foundation."

"As for the specific information that emerges, only you yourselves can sense it. You can make corresponding adjustments to your cultivation based on this information."

After Zhang Yi finished speaking, he signaled to everyone to get ready.

The disciples were all invigorated upon hearing this, and they all wanted to know what level of Foundation Establishment they would reach.

Of course, coming to Xuan Yuan Dao Academy is also a hope to cultivate higher-level techniques.

Then Zhang Yi recited the incantation, and a flash of light appeared on the ancient mirror. A beam of cyan jade light shot out and instantly enveloped the boy sitting in the front row.

The boy's eyes were closed, and he looked slightly nervous.

A moment later, a rich red light shone on the ancient mirror.

The boy opened his eyes and looked at the red light on the ancient mirror, a look of disappointment flashing across his face.

Zhang Yi continued to manipulate the ancient mirror to scan another boy.

red!

red!

Purple didn't appear until the fourth position, but this purple seemed rather thin.

But the boy still looked delighted.

With his current foundation, and with the cultivation of the next few Dao Academy members, he has a high probability of being able to achieve the Earth-grade Foundation Establishment.

If one can achieve the Earthly Foundation Establishment stage, there is a great chance that one will be able to advance to the Golden Core stage or even the Nascent Soul stage in the future.

The next four are three red and one purple.

Soon, it was Zhou Ling's turn.

Zhou Ling was somewhat worried. He currently possessed a low-grade spiritual root and was cultivating the "Five Elements Qianyang True Technique," but he had not yet condensed the Five Elements Thunder Body.

The success rate of this foundation building is definitely not high.

I wonder what the test results will be like?
As Zhang Yi chanted the incantation, a beam of azure light quickly enveloped him.

Zhou Ling found himself seemingly entering an extremely mysterious state.

His cultivation level seemed to surge instantly.

The spiritual energy of the five elements suddenly overflowed.

The next moment, he could clearly feel it.

The dantian within his body expanded rapidly, forming a vortex of spiritual energy.

Even within his own sea of ​​consciousness, a faint, illusory outline appeared.

Subsequently, Zhou Ling felt as if five flames were slowly emerging within the circulation of his five meridians.

It condenses into a five-element circular pattern, which then circulates rapidly within the body.

But the next moment, there was a "poof" sound.

The scene before Zhou Ling's eyes dissipated, and he opened his eyes to see a faint white light flashing on the ancient mirror.

"Unable to establish a foundation!"

Zhou Ling shook his head with a wry smile, feeling helpless.

The others were also somewhat surprised by this situation.

After all, being able to become a Foundation Establishment Seed means that one is almost certain to be able to establish a Foundation.

"A low-grade spiritual root of the Five Elements! Seventh level of Qi Refining!"

Seeing Zhou Ling's condition, Zhang Yi was also slightly surprised.

Then, glancing at Zhou Ling's information, he was taken aback again. How did he manage to obtain a Foundation Establishment Seed spot with such cultivation and aptitude?
He shook his head slightly. This was a complete waste of a Foundation Establishment seed spot!
In the adjacent hermitage, a dozen or so Taoist instructors were sitting.

A screen of light appeared before them, displaying the results of Zhou Ling and the others' tests.

Seeing this, Coach Hu looked helpless.

He was also surprised, wondering if he had misjudged the situation!

Based on Zhou Ling's performance in the assessment, he certainly wouldn't be unable to establish a foundation!

The others also glanced at Instructor Hu, many with a hint of schadenfreude in their eyes.

After all, there are performance evaluations in the teaching staff as well.

In particular, these foundational seed slots are closely related to performance evaluation.

Inside the pavilion, the testing continued.

The next dozen or so disciples were all able to successfully establish their foundations.

Three disciples emitted extremely rich purple light, clearly indicating that they were the most effective in the Earth-grade Foundation Establishment stage.

Of the twenty-four people, only Zhou Ling radiated white light.

(End of this chapter)