Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 228 Accepting a Disciple
In the days that followed, Zhou Ling focused on his cultivation and, with the help of the [Illusion Simulation], attempted to forge a third-tier Five Elements Sword.

Although it has now condensed the Five Elements Heart Fire as its natal spiritual flame.

However, Lingyan is not his main fighting force now.

In terms of combat power, we still need to rely on the Five Elements Sword Technique.

Therefore, the next step is to forge five Five Elements Swords, each containing a natal treasure.

When the time comes to undergo the Golden Core Tribulation, there will be an additional method to deal with the tribulation.

Moreover, once the tribulation is overcome, the Five Elements Sword will absorb the profound divine edicts within the tribulation, and its quality will be greatly improved.

Just like the Fire Cloud Sword in my hand now.

Moreover, with the assistance of the Golden Core Spirit Flame Technique, Zhou Ling was also attempting to break through to the Heavenly Rank Core Formation stage.

Therefore, the power of the lightning tribulation will definitely be extremely terrifying, so this Five Elements Sword must be forged in advance.

Although we are still a long way from forming the Core Formation stage.

However, once it becomes a natal treasure, the longer it is nurtured, the greater its power.

Therefore, we should strive to refine it as soon as possible, so that it can be nurtured for a longer period of time and thus become more powerful.

Now, he also has some understanding of the quality of the Golden Elixir.

Similar to the Foundation Establishment realm.

It is divided into three grades: Heaven, Earth, and Mystery.

Among them, the Xuanpin Golden Core is considered an ordinary Golden Core formation, with the quality of the Golden Core condensed within the body being generally average.

With a lifespan of five hundred years, achieving the Nascent Soul stage is extremely difficult, with a success rate generally less than 20%.

Earth-grade Golden Core cultivators with good Golden Core quality have a 50% chance of reaching the Nascent Soul stage, and their magical power is also more profound.

Of course, it is also more powerful when facing lightning tribulation.

The highest-grade Golden Core cultivators have a very high chance of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage.

Its magical power is greater, and its power in the face of lightning tribulation is several times that of the previous two types of Core Formation cultivators.

"So next, we still need to forge the Five Elements Natal Sword as soon as possible."

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

The Fire Cloud Sword can now be directly refined into a natal sword, but it is still missing four other types.

Moreover, third-tier materials are quite valuable, so it's even more important to ensure a high success rate.

Otherwise, a single failure would result in a loss of dozens of mid-grade spirit stones.

Regarding fire attributes, we already have the Fire Cloud Sword, so there's no need to try too many.

After careful consideration and comparison, he also confirmed the sword imprints of the other four swords.

In terms of water attributes, he found a wave-like sword seal that matches the Ripple Sword Technique in the Five Elements Sword Art.

In terms of metal properties, it is a golden sword-dragon seal.

The wood attribute is represented by the Wood Lotus Sword Seal.

The Earth attribute is the Third-Turn Earth Element Sword Seal.

He didn't choose these four sword imprints without a purpose.

Besides matching the five elements, it is suitable for forming a five-element sword formation.

In addition, the attributes of the five spiritual flames in his possession are compatible.

If it's refined this way, it will be twice as effective with half the effort.

If you refine them with the Five Elements Spirit Flames of their respective attributes in conjunction with the Qianyang True Fire, you can not only increase their power, but also improve their grade.

However, Zhou Ling is now facing a problem: of the Five Elements Sword Technique, he has only comprehended the Flame Sword Soul.

The other four attributes of the sword soul have not yet been fully comprehended.

If various elemental sword spirits could be incorporated during the forging of a sword, its power would undoubtedly be greatly enhanced.

Therefore, while forging a third-tier sword, he also needed to improve his swordsmanship.

Of course, he had been to the Sword Forest before, so with the help of [Illusion Simulation], he was able to re-enter the Sword Forest.

Observe the precious swords among them, search for the swords that contain the sword spirit, and comprehend their cultivation.

Of course, this was originally Zhou Ling's plan to cultivate the Five Elements Sword Soul Path.

Therefore, he has been using the [Illusion Simulation] to enter the Sword Forest these days.

And there were also many gains.

They found a second-tier top-grade spiritual sword containing the Azure Wood Sword Soul.

However, the Green Wood Sword Soul on it is slightly damaged, and it will take a lot of effort to comprehend it.

However, with the help of [Intermediate Observation] and [Intermediate Analysis], this Green Wood Sword Soul had a great effect on his condensation of the Wood Attribute Sword Soul.

Using the same method, he also found the Qinghe Sword Soul, which has the water attribute, and the Jinyuan Sword Soul, which has the metal attribute.

All that's missing is the earth-attribute sword spirit.

However, these three sword souls are enough for him to cultivate and comprehend for a period of time.

As for the remaining earth-attribute sword souls, we can search for them slowly later.

In this way, Zhou Ling tried to comprehend the sword spirit while simultaneously forging a third-tier wood-attribute sword.

Of course, the entire process takes place within the [Illusion Simulation].

After several attempts, he felt that the fastest way to forge a sword was with wood attributes.

This time, just as the Wooden Lotus Sword Seal was about to condense, the spiritual treasure seal on the Wooden Lotus Sword Seal flickered, almost shattering.

Zhou Ling immediately infused his Azure Lotus Spirit Flame into the Spirit Treasure Seal.

Because it was a spirit flame of the same attribute, it quickly stabilized the spirit treasure seal again.

After all, the Spirit Treasure Seal is the key to the Sword Seal.

After he infused the Azure Lotus Spirit Flame, he felt that the power of the Wooden Lotus Treasure Seal had also increased significantly.

Under the [Intermediate Analysis], Zhou Ling was able to understand that if the entire refining process used the Qianyang True Fire and the Azure Lotus Spirit Flame in combination...

Then the success rate of the wooden lotus sword seal will be higher, and its power will increase by 30% to 40%.

You should know that this is a third-tier sword. With each increase in grade, the power is completely different.

Moreover, with the help of two spiritual flames, the success rate is not only high, but the consumption is also greatly reduced.

Zhou Ling's eyes lit up as he looked at the stabilized wooden lotus sword imprint before him.

Following this line of thought, forging the other three swords will be much easier.

The Taoist temple will be closed for the holiday in three days.

Zhou Ling also made some preparations to go home and stay for a while to spend the New Year with her parents.

This year is also the first New Year that my parents have spent in Qingyun Immortal City.

Of course, now that my family is all in Qingyun Immortal City, there is no need to return to Lingxia Immortal City.

Just as Zhou Ling was about to leave, a vibration came from the sound transmission jade on his body.

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

"Ling'er, come here, I have something to discuss with you!"

Upon hearing his master's voice, Zhou Ling immediately replied, "Yes, Master, I'll be right there."

······.

Before long, he arrived at the small courtyard where his master lived.

Zi Ling remained reclining on the bamboo chair, sipping her spiritual wine while admiring the beautiful scenery of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

She had a lazy and relaxed demeanor, as if the sky falling wouldn't concern her at all.

"Master, what are your orders?"

After bowing respectfully, Zhou Ling asked a question.

These days, he's been busy, sending his master a bottle of spirit wine every two weeks.

If the master is in a good mood, he will ask him about his cultivation progress.

If I'm in a so-so mood, there's not much communication.

Zhou Ling was already used to it.

Ask if you have any questions about cultivation.

If not, then I won't waste my breath.

"According to the academy's regulations, I will recruit one more disciple this year."

"I don't know who to recruit either."

"You have now become an instructor at the Taoist academy."

"It's my student again. I discussed it with Dean Zhong."

"It's the same if he agrees to let you take on disciples."

"Therefore, from now on, I will entrust the task of recruiting disciples every year to you!"

Zi Ling took a sip of the spirit wine and said with a smile.

"Accepting disciples!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling was taken aback, not expecting it to be this.

Although he had no intention of taking on disciples.

But since his master had already spoken, he naturally had to complete the task. He immediately nodded and said, "Okay, Master, leave this to me!"

"Okay, go and get it done as soon as possible!"

"So that Dean Zhong won't send me another telepathic message."

Zi Ling spoke again. "Yes, Master!"

After responding, Zhou Ling took his leave.

Today was originally the day when the disciples of the academy would present their achievements.

Zhou Ling realized that she had only attended one class and didn't know much about them.

Results are not available yet.

Since they're accepting disciples, I'll leave a comment.

However, I need to consult with Instructor Hu first.

He then sent a telepathic message to Instructor Hu, inquiring about the students' situation and his ratings.

Instructor Hu quickly gave him a reply.

He then quickened his pace and headed toward the church building.

Of course, if a disciple achieves a top-tier score, they will also receive corresponding points rewards from the academy.

When he arrived at the teaching building, the disciples were all practicing their own cultivation.

Upon seeing Zhou Ling arrive, they all stood up and bowed.

Zhou Ling smiled and nodded, then took her seat on the stage.

His gaze swept over everyone, and he smiled, "You can all continue your cultivation."

"Also, this is Instructor Hu's evaluation of your cultivation this academic year. Please keep it safe!"

With a thought from Zhou Ling, thirty jade tablets fell in front of each disciple.

Looking at the jade tablet, the disciples excitedly began to discuss it.

Zhou Ling's gaze swept over everyone.

Weighing the options, which one is the right fit?
After all, taking on apprentices and teaching classes are two completely different things.

However, Zhou Ling's intention was the same as when his master accepted him and Xin'er as outer disciples.

Given his current situation, he definitely wouldn't be accepting disciples.

But since his master mentioned it, he naturally had to complete it.

Finally, his gaze swept over Bai Ji and Song Yue.

"Let's choose Baiji!"

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

After all, Song Yue was born into a prestigious family, and given her talent, she might not be willing to become his disciple.

However, Baiji was born into a rogue cultivator family and had limited resources.

This is much easier to talk about.

Moreover, his talent is also extremely good.

After a short while, the disciples finished their cultivation and left.

Zhou Ling then kept Bai Ji behind.

"Bai Ji, are you going back this year?"

Zhou Ling asked with a smile.

“Teacher, I’m not going back. The spirit boat ticket back to Muguang Immortal City costs more than a hundred spirit stones, and I can’t bear to spend that.”

"Moreover, the spiritual energy in the academy is so abundant that my cultivation level was originally inferior to that of others."

"We need to make the most of this holiday."

"Otherwise, I won't have any chance at all in next year's Foundation Establishment Seed Competition."

Bai Ji said in a low voice.

Zhou Ling nodded, realizing that Bai Ji was a very hardworking and organized person.

If he can pass next year's assessment and obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill, it will be a huge fortune for him.

However, with his current cultivation level of the seventh level of Qi Refining, it will be difficult for him to stand out in next year's Foundation Establishment Seed Assessment.

That's too difficult.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "I think you have quite a bit of talent, and you were born a rogue cultivator."

"Would you be willing to become my nominal disciple in the future?"

"Teacher, are you telling the truth?"

"Did I hear it wrong?"

Bai Ji scratched his head, still somewhat disbelieving, and asked.

It took him a tremendous amount of effort to get into the academy, and after six months of cultivation, he has been hampered by insufficient resources and his progress is far behind that of the other disciples.

Now they are at their wits' end.

Although the foundation-building rate of the Dao Academy has reached 70%, he feels that he will become one of the 30% in the future.

At this rate, the chances of him entering the Foundation Establishment stage and then the Inner Court are extremely slim.

Of the thirty disciples in the teaching building, he was now one of the last few remaining.

Although his comprehension is good in other aspects.

However, if your magical cultivation, which is the most resource-intensive aspect, doesn't keep up, then everything else is in vain.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Ling, the top genius of the academy, took the initiative to offer to take him as a disciple.

After realizing what was happening, his face lit up with excitement, and he bowed deeply, saying respectfully, "Disciple greets Master!"

"Get up."

"From now on, you will be my disciple, Zhou Ling's disciple."

Zhou Ling nodded.

Taking on this disciple was purely by chance.

However, the other party is also a good person in terms of temperament and other aspects.

Since he has been accepted as a disciple, he will naturally help him if he can.

"Teacher, why don't you take me as a disciple as well?"

Then, a weak voice came from outside the classroom.

Zhou Ling's gaze swept across the room, and he saw Song Yue, who had returned, walk in. He spoke with a look of anticipation on his face.

Song Yue had not expected Zhou Ling to take on a disciple.

She had only been out of the classroom for a short while when she remembered a question she wanted to ask Zhou Ling, but she had forgotten about it in her haste to leave.

That's why she returned, and just happened to see Bai Ji and Zhou Ling performing the apprenticeship ceremony, so she spoke up without hesitation.

"this?"

Zhou Ling frowned. He took Bai Ji as his disciple mainly to help his master complete the academy's mission.

He doesn't really want to take on disciples.

Seeing Song Yue's expression, he thought for a moment and said, "Alright, since you are willing to become my disciples, then the two of you will temporarily be my nominal disciples."

Since they're just nominal disciples, this gives them more flexibility.

"Meet the Master!"

Song Yue hurriedly bowed to Zhou Ling.

"Consider these two top-grade first-tier swords as a small gift."

Zhou Ling took out two top-grade first-tier swords and handed them to the two men respectively.

These are the swords I used to use, but I don't need them anymore.

"Thank you, Master!"

Both of them accepted it with delight.

Song Yue looked relaxed. She didn't care much about the top-grade first-tier sword, but since it was a gift from Zhou Ling, it had a completely different meaning.

Bai Ji, on the other hand, was genuinely overjoyed and excited.

A top-quality sword is extremely valuable, far beyond what he can afford to buy right now.

Of course, they were also considering what to offer when they became apprentices in the future.

"The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, but do you have any questions regarding the inscription?"

"You can send me a voice message anytime to ask me questions."

Zhou Ling then smiled and spoke to the two of them.

"Yes, Master!"

The two bowed in response.

Although Zhou Ling wasn't much older than them, he was now recognized as the number one genius in the academy.

Their future prospects are limitless.

To become his disciple is definitely to benefit from his fame.

Bai Ji, in particular, still felt as if she were in a dream and found it hard to believe.

"Master, I'm older than him, so I'll be the senior sister from now on!"

Song Yue said with a smile.

Zhou Ling nodded; he had no objection to any of this.

Song Yue then asked him some questions about the inscription.

Zhou Ling answered all of them one by one.

(End of this chapter)