Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 193 Apprenticeship and the Number One Genius
"Congratulations to Zhou Ling, a disciple of the Dao Academy, on successfully establishing a Heavenly Rank Foundation!"

"Zhou Ling has become the twelfth Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment disciple of the Qingyun Immortal City branch of my Xuanyuan Dao Academy in the two thousand years since its establishment!"

"I hope all disciples will take him as an example, cultivate diligently, and successfully establish their foundation as soon as possible!"

The next day, when Zhou Ling arrived at the Taoist temple, he heard sounds coming from inside.

Zhou Ling recognized the voice as that of Dean Zhong, which, combined with the activation of spiritual energy, sounded powerful and extremely inspiring.

"A Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment cultivator? How did they manage that?"

"Zhou Ling, isn't he the one who won the Golden Core Seed Assessment a while ago? He's already reached Foundation Establishment, and it's even a Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment!"

"Wasn't he said to have a low-grade spiritual root? How could he possibly be a Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

"Last year, during the Foundation Establishment test at the Dao Academy, I was in the same batch as him, and he was the only one who failed the Foundation Establishment test. How could he have reached the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment so quickly? It's unbelievable!"

"Always first in every assessment, truly a genius!"

"When you first entered the Dao Academy, you were only at the seventh level of Qi Refining. Now you've already reached the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment?"

······.

As the sound spread throughout the Taoist temple, the disciples discussed it with great surprise.

You should know that this is a Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Even for spiritual disciples, the chances of achieving this are not great.

It is already extremely rare for someone with a low-grade spiritual root to successfully establish a foundation, but Zhou Ling is different; he directly achieved a heaven-grade foundation.

This left all the disciples in disbelief.

The disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy are all elites among elites. With low-grade spiritual roots, it is estimated that only Zhou Ling is able to enter the four major Dao academies.

The disciples who were cultivating at the Jia Yi Abode were even more shocked.

Liu Yu was utterly shocked. "Zhou Ling is actually a Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment cultivator!"

His words carried a mixture of surprise and disappointment.

Ye Zhilan exclaimed in shock, "Impossible!"

Wang Duan clenched his fists, his face also filled with disbelief.

The three of them are the disciples with the highest cultivation and talent among this cohort, and are also the disciples most likely to achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment.

When they entered the academy, all three of them were already at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

After more than a year of cultivation, the spiritual energy within his body had become incredibly pure and abundant.

The suppression was only to achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment.

They never expected that Zhou Ling, whom they had always thought would be far behind them once he reached the Foundation Establishment stage, would be far ahead of them.

He's actually reached the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage!
This left them all in disbelief for a moment.

How could Zhou Ling, with his low-grade spiritual root, being a rogue cultivator, and lacking resources and background, possibly achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment?

Everyone found it hard to understand!
Of course, many disciples who were familiar with Zhou Ling, such as Sun Dajie, immediately sent congratulatory messages to Zhou Ling.

Sun Dajie, in particular, was overjoyed to learn that Zhou Lingtian was at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Everyone outside the Taoist temple knew that he and Zhou Ling were close.

The price of items sold in the future will undoubtedly increase further.

If someone just casually spreads some news and says it's related to Zhou Lingtian's Foundation Establishment experience, wouldn't a bunch of people rush to buy it?

······.

The inner courtyard of Xuanyuan Taoist Temple.

Halfway up Chunyang Peak, there is a small courtyard enclosed by a bamboo fence.

A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves.

Inside the courtyard, a graceful figure was reclining on a bamboo chair, leisurely sipping spiritual wine.

"I've met the master!"

Zhou Ling walked into the courtyard and bowed to Zi Ling.

Zi Ling put down the wine gourd in her hand and looked at the handsome young man in front of her, who was now as tall as an adult, with a satisfied expression.

"Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, not bad! You haven't disappointed me!"

In her view, it seemed that Zhou Lingtian's achievement of Foundation Establishment was a matter of course.

"My ability to reach the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage is all thanks to my master's guidance!"

Zhou Ling replied respectfully.

Then, he went into the main room, took out jars of spirit wine from his storage ring, and piled them up in the corner.

This is also a special spirit wine that his mother has brewed for his master these days.

"Master, I have now established my foundation. After completing the procedures for the inner court, I will be considered an inner court disciple!"

"However, all inner court disciples must formally become disciples; I will become a disciple of my master!"

After clapping his hands and walking out of the main room, Zhou Ling spoke to his master again.

After all, back in Maple Leaf Mountain, their master had said that they could only be considered her nominal disciples.

He wasn't a true disciple in name only.

Many disciples practice in the Taoist temple as usual, and they are not considered disciples of the instructors.

Only after entering the inner courtyard will one be accepted as a true disciple by the instructors.

The instructors in the inner courtyard of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy are all at least at the Golden Core cultivation level.

For someone like Instructor Hu, who is currently only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, entering the Inner Academy would be a bit of a stretch.

Zi Ling smiled and said, "It's appropriate to have a nominal title at Xuan Yuan Dao Academy and take on a disciple!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling immediately performed the apprenticeship ceremony.

In case the master changes his mind later!

After all, he owes his success to his master's help.

Even without the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique, he still possesses the Azure Lotus Spirit Flame and the Profound Ice Crystal Flame, so even with the Five Elements Thunder Body, he is still capable.

It is absolutely impossible to achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment.

"Greetings, Master!"

Zhou Ling bowed again.

"Ok!"

"Now you have mastered five Five Elements Spirit Flames and comprehended the Five Elements Sword Formation."

“I have a Five Elements Flame Array that you can practice.”

"This Five Elements Flame Array can condense a spirit flame array, greatly increasing the power of the spirit flame."

"If it's combined with the Five Elements Sword Formation, its power will definitely be considerable!"

Zi Ling took another sip of wine, and then a jade slip appeared in her hand.

"Thank you, Master!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling couldn't help but look delighted.

After entering the Foundation Establishment stage, the Five Elements Spiritual Flames within his body have all seen a significant improvement.

The power of the Five Elements Sword Formation also increased significantly.

However, in his hands, the five elemental flames each had their own characteristics and fought independently.

He also didn't have a good way to combine them.

After all, the attributes of the spirit flames are inconsistent, and even a slight mistake could be dangerous.

If Master's "Five Elements Flame Array" can arrange the five elements of spiritual flames into an array and attack simultaneously.

The power of that weapon was something he was afraid of even just thinking about it.

It should be noted that of the five spiritual flames, Earth Spirit Fire and Profound Ice Crystal Flame are now at the third rank, while the other three spiritual flames are at the second rank.

If they were to coalesce into an array, Zhou Ling felt that it would even be able to deal with a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator.

"However, controlling this Five Elements Flame Array is not easy; we must not rush it!"

Zi Ling reminded her again.

"Yes, Master!"

Zhou Ling said respectfully.

"Well, as for what procedures inner disciples need to complete, you can handle them yourself!"

"If you have any questions about cultivation techniques, just ask me!"

After Zi Lingxian finished speaking, she leaned back in the bamboo chair and continued drinking.

Zhou Ling then left the courtyard.

Now that I am an inner disciple, I need to reapply for my identity jade token, my study, and other documents.

Of course, he no longer needs to worry about these things.

The academy will make proper arrangements for him once he reaches the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage.

······.

"The treatment for a Heavenly Foundation Establishment cultivator is indeed different!"

Back at the hermitage, Zhou Ling sat on a wooden chair and took a sip of spiritual tea.

When he went to the Taoist temple's miscellaneous affairs office, everything was already taken care of. His identity jade token, the new study, and so on were all ready and waiting for him to come and complete the process.

After tidying up a bit, Zhou Ling went straight to the new residence.

This place also has four attributes and a mid-grade spiritual energy concentration at the third tier.

The entire retreat is much larger than the original one.

All kinds of daily necessities are available.

Zhou Ling was very satisfied with this.

······.

On a training plaza in the Flying Dragon Battle Academy.

The two black giant swords, like thunderclaps, clashed repeatedly under the control of the two teenagers, unleashing astonishing lightning and rumbling sounds.

After several consecutive strikes, one of the thick swords shattered with a deafening roar.

It fell from the sky.

"Brother He, your Thunder Sword technique is becoming increasingly superb. I am completely outmatched!"

A handsome young man bowed to a tall young man and said helplessly.

"Jiajie, your Thunder Sword has improved a lot. If you work hard for a few more months, you'll be able to catch up with me!"

The tall young man said with a smile.

He was none other than He Zijian from the Flying Dragon Academy.

At this moment, his aura was powerful and sharp, giving people a great deal of pressure.

"Brother He, are you about to comprehend the second realm of swordsmanship, the Sword Heart Like a Soul?"

After putting away his thick sword, the young man asked He Zijian another question.

He Zijian shook his head and laughed, "It's not that easy."

"Even for disciples of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, it is almost impossible to comprehend the Sword Heart of Soul in the outer sect."

Just as He Zijian was talking to the boy, a vibration came from the sound transmission jade on his body.

He immediately took it out and infused it with a trace of magic power.

"Brother, Zhou Ling has successfully established his foundation, and he's even achieved the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment."

"He is now the first disciple of the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment among the four major academies of Qingyun Immortal City, and is known as the number one genius of the outer academies of the four major academies."

He was taken aback when he heard that it was his sister's voice transmission.

"Zhou Ling, you've successfully established your foundation?"

"Still a Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

"This guy is even faster than me!"

"How did he become the number one person in the four major academies!"

He Zijian murmured in disbelief.

Since they met, Zhou Ling has consistently given him pleasant surprises, and he doesn't assume that Zhou Ling won't be able to establish his foundation just because Zhou Ling has a low-grade spiritual root.

He never expected to reach the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment.

Even for him, it would be difficult to reach the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage.

But Zhou Ling, who is usually low-key, actually did it!

Moreover, he is now known as the number one person in the outer courtyard of the four major academies.

That's quite a prestigious title!
You should know that Zhou Ling is from the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, which focuses on techniques.

"I've also heard about Zhou Ling from Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, but he's a technique master. How could he possibly become the number one genius among the four major Dao academies?"

"Only those who win the Four Great Academies Challenge are qualified to be called the number one person in the Four Great Academies!"

At this moment, the handsome young man seemed quite unconvinced and said...

He Zijian chuckled and said, "You know what, this kid really does have the skills!"

"Could a mere mage be stronger than a swordsman?"

Upon hearing this, the boy looked puzzled.

“He’s not just a magician, he’s also a swordsman with considerable skill,” He Zijian murmured.

Back in Lingxia Immortal City, Zhou Ling was already evenly matched with Jin Sheng, who had comprehended sword intent.

His swordsmanship has improved greatly, and he is probably no less skilled than him.

Upon hearing He Zijian's words, the young man was shocked.

You know, mastering a technique is already very difficult, yet he still has time to practice swordsmanship.

It's truly unbelievable.

"It seems I need to establish my foundation as soon as possible so I can participate in next year's competition for inner disciples of the four major academies. That would be much more interesting."

"Alright, you can go back now."

He Zijian sheathed his Thunder Sword and spoke to the boy.

The young man then bowed to He Zijian, bid farewell, and left.

He Zijian activated the communication jade again and sent a message to Zhou Ling, "Zhou Ling, congratulations on your Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment!"

A moment later, the communication jade vibrated slightly, and Zhou Ling's voice came through: "Thank you, Brother He. Come to my house with Lingyun tomorrow. I'll invite a few friends to celebrate and exchange some Foundation Establishment experiences with everyone."

"Alright, I'm also preparing to establish my foundation, so I'd really like to ask you for some guidance!"

He Zijian replied again.

Of course, there was nothing pretentious about it; he wasn't the kind of person to be petty.

Zhou Ling was his friend, and now that he had successfully achieved the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, he was genuinely happy for him.

After settling things off with Zhou Ling, he sent a message to the girl, "Little sister, Zhou Ling invited us to his house tomorrow."

"Okay, brother!"

······.

Inside the study of Xuan Yuan Taoist Academy.

Zhou Ling was sitting cross-legged on a futon, a wisp of blue flame dancing on his palm.

It was the Xuanbing Crystal Flame that had just been refined.

After obtaining the Five Elements Spirit Flame Array from my master, I completed the procedures for becoming an inner court disciple.

After settling down in the new retreat, he began to examine the Five Elements Spirit Flame Array.

The Spirit Flame is born of nature and possesses formidable power.

However, not every spiritual flame has powerful destructive force.

The Azure Lotus Spirit Flame is now more focused on healing, with amazing effects in repairing injuries and nourishing spiritual power.

The five spirit flames have different attributes, but the one with the strongest attack power right now is the beast flame that has activated the spirit flame divine power.

Of course, this is also determined by the unique properties of Beast Flame.

The other four spiritual flames have not yet condensed into supernatural powers.

After all, it is a spiritual flame of heaven and earth, which needs to grow to a certain grade before it can condense its own spiritual flame divine power.

Zhou Ling felt as if the Five Elements Spirit Flame Array was tailor-made for him.

This Five Elements Spirit Flame Array has only two different forms.

One main attack, the flames of the Five Elements.

An auxiliary method, based on the five elements cycle.

However, the Five Elements Flame, which is the main attack, not only has powerful attack power, but can also fuse the power of the five spiritual flames.

Moreover, like a celestial being capable of ever-changing transformations, it can evolve and combine with many other methods.

For example, when combined with the Five Elements Sword Formation, it can condense various attributes of the Five Elements Sword Formation, such as Five Elements Flame Sword Aura, Five Elements Flame Sword Shield, and so on.

Its attack power is extremely strong.

The Five Elements cycle can assist in cultivation and accelerate the recovery of spiritual energy within the body.

The higher the grade of the spirit flame, the stronger the effect when condensed.

It can condense the five elements of heart fire to temper the physical body's spiritual power.

Of course, in order to condense the Five Elements Flame Array, in addition to refining the five Five Elements Spirit Flames, one also needs to possess the Five Elements attributes.

Cultivating one's own body as if it were a formation plate is similar to having a personal sword formation.

Both of these are extremely difficult and cannot be accomplished by ordinary cultivators.

And now, Zhou Ling happens to possess all of these qualities.

Therefore, he felt that the Five Elements Spirit Flame Array was as if it had been tailor-made for him by his master.

Zhou Ling was also filled with anticipation for the Five Elements Spirit Flame Array.

Once mastered, it will undoubtedly become a powerful trump card against the enemy.

Its power is definitely no less than the current Five Elements Sword Formation.

Immediately, Zhou Ling immersed his consciousness into the jade slip and continued reading.

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(End of this chapter)