Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 227 Divine Soul Dharma Form and the First Lesson
Inside the study of Xuan Yuan Taoist Academy.

Zhou Ling sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his expression solemn.

Within the sea of ​​consciousness, the fiery maple tree shone with brilliant light, and its red leaves unfurled one by one.

Within the sea of ​​consciousness, the originally colorless soul power gradually began to emanate a red light.

Furthermore, his soul became increasingly pure and profound, with a phantom of a soul sword faintly appearing in his sea of ​​consciousness.

"Phew! I've reached the third level of the Qinghui Nourishing Spirit Technique!"

Zhou Ling opened his eyes, emanating an astonishing aura. An invisible and intangible spiritual pressure permeated the entire cultivation room.

The divine sense passed through the cultivation room, swept across the air above the academy, and stopped only when it was nearly a thousand feet away at Chunyang Peak.

His divine sense swept across the entire Taoist temple, revealing everything.

This time, having won the title of the Heavenly Guard of the Heavenly Craftsmanship Division in Qingyun Immortal City, the Heavenly Craftsmanship Division's reward includes three second-tier high-grade Soul Essence Pills.

According to Qin Zhizheng's instructions.

The next priority is to improve one's spiritual awareness, so that one can further advance one's inscription level within these three months.

In the past few days, Zhou Ling has consumed and refined all three Soul Essence Pills.

After absorbing the Soul Essence Pill, his divine sense also rapidly increased, reaching a thousand feet!
What concept is this?
It should be noted that the soul of an ordinary early Foundation Establishment cultivator is about one or two hundred feet long, and in the middle stage it will not exceed four hundred feet.

It won't exceed 800 later on.

This means that his current spiritual cultivation has reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

At the same time, the "Qinghui Nourishing Spirit Technique" also reached the third level.

After comprehending the third level, with the help of the "The More You Frustrate, the Stronger You Become" talent, he comprehended a secret technique of the "Qinghui Nourishing Spirit Technique," the Fire Maple Tree Dharma Image.

This technique was developed through years of observing the fiery maple tree and combining it with the secret methods of the "Qinghui Nourishing Spirit Technique".

As for what grade it was, Zhou Ling didn't know either.

It feels like its power would be considerable when combined with his [Divine Soul Like a Blade] talent.

Immediately, a thought arose, and his consciousness quickly returned to his sea of ​​consciousness.

The illusory shadow of the fiery maple tree then appeared!
Now, this fiery maple tree has grown to over ten zhang tall, shimmering with flames and exuding an extremely mysterious aura.

The lush, fiery maple leaves exude a vibrant vitality, creating an extremely magnificent sight.

"Just how powerful is this divine soul dharma form?"

"How much will it help me refine my own inscriptions?"

A glint flashed in Zhou Ling's eyes as he muttered to himself.

Generally speaking, only those with the spiritual cultivation level of the Golden Core realm can condense a spiritual dharma form.

The reason why Zhou Ling was able to condense a divine soul dharma form ahead of others, despite his high level of spiritual cultivation, is that...

The main support comes from talents like "The more setbacks you face, the stronger you become".

"With my current spiritual cultivation, I'm afraid I can only unleash one attack with this Fire Maple Tree Dharma Image."

Sensing the aura of the illusory imprint of the Fire Maple Tree, Zhou Ling thought to himself.

He had just tried to activate the Fire Maple Tree Dharma Image and immediately felt his divine soul in his sea of ​​consciousness being rapidly depleted.

At this rate, it's likely that only one attack can be launched.

However, having a way to save your life is enough.

After all, besides his divine sense, he also had the Five Elements Sword Formation, the Five Elements Spiritual Flame, and other techniques.

"After condensing the divine soul dharma form, the divine soul is now twice as pure as before, and it is also significantly more fierce and domineering."

"In this way, it will be more effective in refining spirit treasure seals, and it will be easier to inscribe the seals."

Zhou Ling looked at the phantom of the fiery maple tree and couldn't help but exclaim excitedly.

However, the "Qinghui Nourishing Spirit Technique" that his master gave him only had three levels.

"Next, I need to cultivate a higher level of soul cultivation technique!"

"Should we exchange it at the Taoist temple, or ask our master?"

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

With his current status, he could exchange with the Dao Academy for high-level divine soul cultivation techniques.

However, to surpass a mid-grade Xuan-level soul cultivation technique, a large amount of contribution points are required.

Clearly, he has not yet reached that level.

Moreover, the cultivation methods of the soul emphasize lineage and inheritance even more than the cultivation methods of magic power.

Two different spiritual cultivation techniques are generally incompatible.

Then I might have to start all over again.

When his master gave him the "Qinghui Nourishing Spirit Technique," he did not mention the subsequent techniques.

However, given Zhou Ling's understanding of his master, he would definitely have made some preparations.

Therefore, I still need to consult my master.

If not, then you can only accumulate contribution points and look for them in the Taoist Temple's Scripture Pavilion later.

"However, there's no rush. Having condensed a divine soul dharma form, it might already be able to deal with Golden Core cultivators."

"Of course, I'm mostly at the Taoist Academy and the Heavenly Crafts Bureau now, so I generally don't encounter any enemies."

"You will only encounter enemies when the Demon Slayers have a mission or when you enter another world."

"Therefore, spiritual cultivation is mostly used to improve the crafting of inscriptions."

Zhou Ling thought to himself, then shook his head.

I feel like I've been feeling a bit anxious lately.

After thinking it over, the main reason is that I went to the Wang family last time.

The head of the Wang family mentioned the matter of him marrying into the family.

This caused him to feel pressure from time to time.

Originally, the situation in all aspects was already quite good.

Whether it's a Taoist temple or the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, as long as it develops step by step.

Their future achievements will be considerable.

But compared to a behemoth like the Wang family, his progress in cultivation was nothing.

Of course, he also knew in his heart that such a foundation was not something that could be achieved overnight.

It is not the result of the painstaking efforts of the family for generations that has led to this achievement.

There's no need to think about it too much now.

Just keep practicing diligently at this pace.

As one's cultivation level improves and progresses in various aspects, one will inevitably face more problems in the future.

All you need to do is try your best.

After all, the path of cultivation is about competing with people and with the heavens.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

"I have to give a Dharma talk to the disciples of the Taoist academy tomorrow, so I'm not going to think about it anymore. I'm going to sleep now!"

The phantom of the fiery maple tree in the air dissipated, and Zhou Ling also got up and left the cultivation room.

Tomorrow will be his first sermon since becoming an instructor at the Taoist academy.

So we still need to make some preparations.

······.

The next day, the sky, which had been overcast for several days, finally cleared up and the sun shone brightly.

After finishing breakfast, Zhou Ling went to the Taoist temple's hermitage.

This is also the study room where he studied last year.

Zhou Ling didn't know if it was a coincidence or if Dean Zhong had arranged it intentionally.

"Greetings, Instructor!"

"Greetings, Instructor!"

Upon entering the hermitage, the disciples all stood up and bowed.

"No need to be polite!"

Zhou Ling nodded and strode towards the podium.

To Zhou Ling's surprise, he actually saw several familiar faces among these disciples.

Ye Zhilan, Liu Yu, and Wang Qian were sitting quietly on the futons behind the study.

Taoist temples categorize their study rooms according to alchemy, weapon crafting, formations, and talismans.

Disciples can usually go to other monasteries to listen to lectures.

Zhou Ling was also surprised that the three genius disciples of the same level were still unwilling to establish their foundation.

I'm still looking forward to next year's grand competition to win the Heavenly Grade Foundation Establishment Pill.

Of course, if one can obtain the Heavenly Grade Foundation Establishment Pill, then the year-long wait will be entirely worthwhile.

At this moment, the three of them looked at Zhou Ling, their emotions also fluctuating.

Originally, the three of them were the most outstanding disciples of this year. But Zhou Ling suddenly rose to prominence, shining with dazzling brilliance and completely annihilating them.

Let them pale in comparison.

With their current status and strength, they no longer have any desire to compare themselves with Zhou Ling.

Knowing that Zhou Ling was giving a lecture, the three of them came to listen in, wanting to see what kind of cultivation method Zhou Ling used.

They now have many feelings about Zhou Ling's situation.

Starting from the same point, they are now only second-year disciples of the Dao Academy, while Zhou Ling is already an instructor at the Dao Academy.

Zhou Ling nodded slightly to the three of them, then stood on the podium.

At this moment, after the thirty-odd disciples in the study sat down, they all stared at Zhou Ling.

Some were filled with admiration, some with doubt, and most with envy.

Most of those present had witnessed Zhou Ling's amazing performance in the Heavenly Craftsmanship Department's Heavenly Guard assessment.

It is astonishing that a cultivator in the early stage of Foundation Establishment could forge a third-tier treasure.

It should be noted that currently, instructors in the outer academy can generally only refine second-tier treasures.

For example, Instructor Hu was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, but he was still unable to refine a third-tier treasure.

Therefore, Zhou Ling is now able to refine third-tier magical artifacts and is even qualified to directly enter the inner academy as an instructor.

However, he has little experience in teaching.

So it definitely needs further refinement.

Zhou Ling saw that in his original spot, a slender, pretty girl was sitting, her expression solemn.

He looked at Zhou Ling with curiosity in his eyes.

Now, Zhou Ling's fame extends far beyond the Dao Academy; it has spread throughout the entire Qingyun Immortal City.

It is said that he is the number one genius of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy in recent years.

It took only a year and a half for him to come to Qingyun Immortal City from a second-grade immortal city with scarce spiritual energy.

He not only successfully achieved the Heavenly Foundation Establishment, but also became an instructor at the Dao Academy and a third-rank steward of the Heavenly Crafts Department.

Some cultivators may never achieve these titles, even in their entire lives.

Zhou Ling sat down in his teacher's seat.

He glanced down and saw that there were thirty-three disciples below, all of whom had impressive auras and were mostly at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refining.

There are only two people at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

It's clear that these disciples are all quite talented.

The disciples looked at Zhou Ling with curiosity in their eyes, all wanting to see how this number one person in Xuan Yuan Dao Academy would preach.
Although Zhou Ling was not much older than them, he exuded an extraordinary aura as he sat in his master's seat, and his gaze was so intense that no one dared to look directly at him.

Zhou Ling looked down at the students and said calmly, "My name is Zhou Ling, and I will be your instructor from now on."

"If you have any questions about weapon crafting, feel free to ask me!"

Then he looked at the roster on the podium and said, "Everyone, please sign up!"

The square-faced boy sitting in front stood up, bowed, and said, "Xie Hui greets the instructor."

Then the girl behind him straightened up, bowed, and said, "Zhang Yun greets Instructor."

······.

After everyone introduced themselves, Zhou Ling nodded.

Then the formal lecture began.

The disciples present all had a basic understanding of the techniques and had to pass the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy's assessment.

At the very least, one must refine a first-grade superior inscription.

Therefore, Zhou Ling began by discussing the method of refining first-grade high-quality inscriptions.

We directly use the inscriptions for empirical analysis.

Of course, some theory is also involved.

His weapon-refining skills were accumulated step by step through his innate proficiency.

It is also exceptionally solid; a simple sentence can enlighten people.

The incredibly profound first-tier superior inscription was explained to him in a very simple and easy-to-understand way, in a smooth and natural manner.

As the spiritual energy in his hand continuously condensed into an inscription.

The disciples present listened with utmost concentration.

Liu Yu and the other two were also very surprised.

Zhou Ling's lecturing skills are effortless yet perfectly natural.

This level is clearly not on the same level as theirs at all.

Only now do they realize that in just over a year, the gap between them and Zhou Ling has become so enormous.

Wang Qian and Liu Yu listened with rapt attention.

Clearly, they also gained a lot of insights from Zhou Ling's lecture.

Ye Zhilan, however, was not so attracted because she was a major cultivator of alchemy.

But you can also tell how amazing Zhou Ling's skill is.

"Alright, that's all for today's lesson."

After speaking for most of the hour, Zhou Ling stood up and said.

The concept of inscription, if explained to someone, doesn't seem too difficult to grasp.

But actually drawing it is a completely different matter.

Comprehension is only the initial foundation.

The subsequent drawing process requires a lot of effort.

The key to crafting inscriptions lies in the precise control of spiritual power and the soul.

There are no shortcuts to this.

Only through practical experience, taking one step at a time, can one master it.

Then some disciples began to ask questions.

Zhou Ling answered all his questions one by one.

Soon after, the first lesson was completed.

Zhou Ling didn't feel uncomfortable at all.

However, several students left a deep impression on him during class.

The slender, beautiful girl among them was named Song Yue, and she had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

With astonishing talent, he is now able to refine second-tier low-grade inscriptions.

She asked the most questions in this class.

Moreover, it's quite difficult.

If Zhou Ling hadn't been quite skilled in weapon crafting, he would have been stumped by her question.

Moreover, this girl was born into a prestigious family in Qingyun Immortal City.

With an excellent foundation, it will be a strong contender for the Heavenly Rank Foundation Building Pill next year.

Another boy was named Bai Ji. Although he was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, he had amazing comprehension.

They also possessed a considerable number of second-tier inscriptions, but were unable to draw them due to their limited cultivation level.

This child, like Zhou Ling, was born as a rogue cultivator.

However, thanks to his exceptional talent, he passed the academy's assessment and was admitted to the academy.

After leaving the retreat, Zhou Ling also learned about Bai Ji's birth from the information.

He really does resemble him somewhat.

He also came from the second-grade immortal city of Muguang, and his father supported the family by mining.

The mother did odd jobs to earn spirit stones to supplement the family income.

Zhou Ling also had high praise for this boy.

Although they seemed to be born at roughly the same age, he knew in his heart that he had a special advantage.

Bai Ji, however, relied on his outstanding comprehension and worked hard step by step to enter the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

It is evident that his talent and perseverance are both extremely remarkable.

In addition, there are several other disciples who are also quite talented.

After this lesson, Zhou Ling felt that the quality of this year's batch of disciples was in no way inferior to theirs.

It won't be so easy for Liu Yu and his two companions to obtain the Heavenly Grade Foundation Establishment Pill.

After this class, we'll be on vacation.

The next class won't be until February.

Zhou Ling originally planned to wait until next year to start the course, but Dean Zhong urged him to give a class to these students.

He could only accept it.

(End of this chapter)