Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 251 The Final Four
"You can actually wield three third-tier swords simultaneously?"

Looking at the three floating swords in the air, Li Jun was filled with disbelief.

This was completely beyond her expectations.

It should be understood that even if a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stage can wield a third-tier sword, he can only unleash up to 60% of its power.

However, Zhou Ling not only wielded three weapons simultaneously, but he was also able to shatter his own second-tier top-grade rune with a single blow.

This requires at least 70% of its power.

"How did this kid do it?"

At this moment, Li Jun also realized why her younger brother had been suppressed all along.

Zhou Ling is truly unfathomable.

Regardless, she was determined to defeat Zhou Ling and prove her brother right.

They immediately stopped holding back.

With a shout, several cyan talismans emitted spiritual light and landed in front of her.

Then, six talisman swords condensed and formed a sword array in a short time.

[You are observing a Tier 3 Low-Grade Flying Dragon Sword Rune Array. Intermediate Observation +1]

[You are analyzing a Tier 3 Low-Grade Flying Dragon Sword Rune Array. Intermediate Analysis +1]

"Flying Dragon Sword Talisman Array!"

As the two talents emerged, information about the Flying Dragon Sword Rune Array appeared in Zhou Ling's mind.

This Flying Dragon Sword Array has three sword arrays: Flying Dragon Sword Light, Azure Dragon Sword Shield, and Flying Dragon Light Sword.

The Flying Dragon Sword Aura can condense into a flying dragon sword energy attack that is about ten feet long, while the Flying Dragon Sword Shield, once condensed, is as powerful as a third-tier defensive artifact.

The Flying Dragon Light Sword is also the most powerful move, with six sword runes condensing into a sword dragon to unleash an incomparably powerful attack.

"Flying Dragon Sword Formation Condensed!"

As Li Jun's voice fell, sharp rays of light emanated from the sword runes, condensing into streaks of white dragon sword light.

Its sharpness is unparalleled, and its power is astonishing!
"Fortunately, Li Jun's current cultivation level only allows him to control six sword talismans. If he had a few more..."

"With this Flying Dragon Sword Talisman Formation, I'm afraid none of the disciples participating in this competition will be able to withstand it!"

Through [Intermediate Analysis], Zhou Ling was able to understand the power of this Flying Dragon Sword Rune Array.

Similarly, he is able to know its weaknesses.

Although Li Jun is a second-tier top-grade rune master, his rune skills are beyond question, but to refine this Flying Dragon Sword Rune, he needs to integrate a rune treasure.

The talisman treasure into which Li Jun integrated his six sword talismans was a third-tier Azure Spirit Wood.

Although the Azure Spirit Wood was a third-tier material, Li Jun hadn't had enough time to cultivate it, so its power was limited.

The overall power of the sword formation will also be affected.

"You have every reason to be proud that I can use this Flying Dragon Sword Rune Array!"

Li Jun said with a serious expression.

She hadn't really taken Zhou Ling seriously before, but now she completely regarded him as a rival of equal strength.

After all, Zhou Ling was able to control three third-tier swords, which was enough for her to acknowledge his strength.

It was worth fighting with all her might, even if it would consume too much energy and affect the afternoon's competition, but she couldn't worry about that anymore.

And this Flying Dragon Sword Talisman Array is her biggest trump card.

She believed she was capable of defeating Zhou Ling.

She chanted the incantation, and with a flick of her jade finger toward Zhou Ling, six white dragon sword beams instantly condensed into a triangular shape, slashing down at Zhou Ling with unstoppable force.

Upon seeing this, Zhou Ling also chanted incantations, and the swords of the Fire Cloud Sword, Golden Dragon Sword, and Wooden Lotus Sword shone brightly.

At the same time, three spiritual flames of the same attribute surged out from within the Qi Sea, encircling the swords of their respective attributes.

In an instant, three swords, like rising flames, slashed down from the sky.

What the other party has is actually a sword talisman, not a real sword formation.

Moreover, it is a sword talisman condensed from a wood-attribute talisman.

They have no advantage against fire attacks.

At the same time, the six flying dragon sword beams condensed into a sword array, releasing an incomparably powerful sword energy.

Like a sea of ​​swords, it distorted the air wherever it swept across.

next second.

The three swords and the "品" (pin) sword formation clashed fiercely in the air.

A series of explosions rang out.

The three third-tier swords appeared before the incredulous eyes of the crowd.

It condensed into sword clouds, sword dragons, and sword lotuses, forcefully cleaving through the sea of ​​swords formed by Li Yun's sword talisman array.

Then, the three sword energies, undiminished in power, slashed towards Li Jun.

Rumble!
Several runes exploded in front of Li Jun, transforming into a golden battle shield.

Block the sword energy as it strikes down.

The competition platform trembled violently.

Sword energy emanated from all directions.

Li Jun's entire body was violently forced back by the bombardment of sword energy.

The golden shield in front of him had dimmed.

Seeing that the situation was about to collapse completely, her expression changed drastically. She never expected that Zhou Ling's combat power would be so terrifying.

He hurriedly unleashed all his inner power, hoping to stabilize the golden battle shield.

Fiery red light, golden light, and cyan light alternated and changed on her pretty face.

As she unleashed her full magical power, the golden shield shone brightly and gradually stabilized.

It looked like he was about to block the attack of three sword energies.

Just then, Zhou Ling roared, "Merge!"

The three sword energies instantly merged into one.

The dazzling sword energy instantly intertwined into a three-colored light sword, which swept down from the sky.

It struck the golden shield with tremendous force.

boom!
The golden shield quickly dimmed.

The immense impact of the sword energy was too much for Li Jun to bear, and he was blasted away.

Seeing this, Zhou Ling quickly put away his sword.

This is just a competition; there's no need to injure anyone.

As the sword energy dissipated.

"this!"

Li Jun stood up from the ground, her face pale, and looked at the composed Zhou Ling with disbelief. "How is this possible?"

How could someone in the early stages of Foundation Establishment be so strong?
Even her sword talisman array, which was powerful enough to deal with Golden Core cultivators, combined with her second-grade top-quality golden armor and shield, couldn't withstand his sword energy attack.

At that moment, she truly realized what kind of monster her brother was facing.

How on earth did he do it?
"Fellow Daoist Li, you flatter me."

Zhou Ling cupped his hands towards Li Jun, and with a thought, three swords transformed into three-colored sword beams, falling from his palm into his body.

His competition with Li Yu was fair; it wasn't a personal grudge.

Moreover, with Song Yue participating in this Daoist academy competition, it won't be easy for Li Yu to win the championship.

"Junior Brother Zhou, you are indeed stronger than Li Yu!"

Li Jun shook his head and said in a rather helpless tone.

Then he walked off the competition stage.

"Second competition platform, Zhou Lingsheng!"

As the judges' voices rang out.

People in the audience gasped in surprise.

"Li Jun actually lost!"

"You should know that she is the second-ranked disciple in the inner court of Tianxia Dao Academy!"

“That Flying Dragon Sword Formation just now, none of the other disciples might have been able to break through it.”

"Is Zhou Ling really only at the early Foundation Establishment stage?"

"It seems that this child has an exceptionally strong soul, which is why he can control three swords at the same time."

"Moreover, the attack just now was accompanied by three spiritual flames, which was truly terrifying."

"With such combat power, there are really few who can match him."

"After this battle, the mana of someone in the early Foundation Establishment stage is probably almost completely depleted!"

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The audience members were discussing it amongst themselves.

I originally thought that Zhou Ling, being a Heavenly Guard at such a young age, must spend a lot of time cultivating techniques.

But no one expected that he would be just as terrifying and powerful in actual combat.

To be able to defeat a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator at the early stage of Foundation Establishment is a rare feat, as it demonstrates a strength that transcends two minor stages.

On the judging panel, the four deans also had different expressions.

Dean Zhong remained calm and composed, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief. He had indeed made the right bet this time; Zhou Ling's combat strength truly gave him a chance to become the champion.

Based on Zhou Ling's combat strength, he felt he was almost certain to make it into the top four. His bet with the other two deans was purely on a whim, based on his understanding of Zhou Ling.

I know he doesn't usually make baseless accusations.

I never expected his combat strength to be so formidable.

Dean Gong's beautiful eyes sparkled; Zhou Ling had truly given her a pleasant surprise this time.

Especially that sword strike that infused the spiritual flame into the sword—as a sword cultivator, she could naturally see how terrifying its power was.

If Zhou Ling attacks with full force, Li Jun will have a hard time blocking him.

It seems that Zhou Ling's swordsmanship is much stronger than I expected.

In this way, his chances of successfully repairing the sword will increase.

The other two deans, however, looked quite surprised.

Zhou Ling's performance can only be described as stunning.

Such strength is indeed not to be underestimated.

"His strength has indeed far exceeded my expectations."

Dean Qi first praised him, then changed the subject, "However, he is indeed at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, and this battle must have taken a toll on him."

"After this afternoon's battle, I'll only recover to about 50% of my strength. Defeating my opponent won't be so easy!"

Dean Huang nodded in agreement.

"Then we'll wait and see."

Dean Zhong laughed heartily.

He seemed to have a lot of confidence in Zhou Ling.

"Dean Zhong, we've already placed a bet, you can't give Zhou Ling the pills now!"

Dean Huang reminded him.

Dean Zhong is, after all, a fourth-grade alchemist, and the pills he refines are definitely more effective than those of Zhou Ling and the others.

"how come!"

Dean Zhong said with a serious expression.

In fact, on the way to Tianxia Taoist Academy, Dean Zhong had already given each of them a bottle of Enhancing Vitality Pills.

Zhou Ling, as a recipient of special care, was given two bottles.

Moreover, they were all second-level Qi-enhancing pills, enough for him to recover from.

However, even if Zhou Ling were to refine a Qi-Boosting Pill during the midday period, he estimated that he would not recover more than 70% of his original strength.

If we encounter another Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator next, then things will really be a bit risky.

Zhou Ling then went to the rest area.

"Brother Ling is amazing!"

Wang Xin said with a smile.

Sun Dajie stared wide-eyed at Zhou Ling, looking incredulous.

The other disciples of the Taoist academy were equally shocked.

Zhou Ling actually defeated Li Yun, who was ranked second in Tianxia Dao Academy, in such a way.

Moreover, he defeated Li Jun so badly that Li Jun was almost powerless to resist, a feat that truly exceeded everyone's expectations.

This performance looks no less impressive than his technique.

After greeting everyone, Zhou Ling sat cross-legged on the futon and took out a Yuan-enhancing pill.

He circulated his cultivation technique to quickly refine and absorb the medicinal power.

Although they won this battle, they were also greatly exhausted, especially considering they possessed the [meticulous] talent.

It wasn't as taxing as it seemed to outsiders.

It's about 50%.

With the help of the Enhancing Vitality Pill, plus the [Spiritual Medicine Stress Response] talent, a full recovery is possible.

[You are absorbing the Vitality Enhancement Pill. Herbal Stress +1, Vitality Enhancement Pill Power +3]

Soon, with the emergence of the [Spiritual Medicine Stress] talent, Zhou Ling felt a vast surge of spiritual energy flowing into his Qi Sea.

To quickly restore the spiritual energy that has been mostly depleted.

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"Junior Brother Zhou!"

On the competition stage, Qianhuo and Zhou Ling bowed to each other.

"Senior Brother Qian!"

Zhou Ling returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

Unexpectedly, in this quarterfinals, he encountered Qianhuo, while Cangzhi, who was stronger, was eliminated.

The fact that the two met in the quarterfinals confirms that Xuan Yuan Academy will definitely have a place in the top four of this year's competition.

For the disciples who participated in the competition, this can be considered as having completed their mission.

"Junior Brother Zhou, please forgive my impertinence in asking a question."

Qianhu asked Zhou Ling with a serious expression.

"Brother Qian, please speak your mind."

Zhou Ling smiled and said.

It would be absolutely impossible for Qianhuo to ask him to give up the competition.

He was determined to obtain the golden elixir awarded by the leader.

After thinking for a moment, Qianhuo decisively asked, "I wonder how much of your recovery Junior Brother Zhou has made?"

Why does Senior Brother Qian ask such a question?

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling frowned.

This isn't an attempt to probe my true strength, is it?

With Qianhuo's current strength, Zhou Ling was confident that defeating him would not be a problem.

But you can't tell him that you've recovered 100%.

That would be quite shocking.

After all, the absorption of refined pills also requires a process.

"It's nothing. If you recover to 70% of your previous level, I'll automatically admit defeat!"

Qianhuo said in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling understood Qian Huo's meaning and immediately smiled, "About 80%!"

"Eighty percent, that fast!"

Upon hearing this, Qianhuo looked surprised. Even with the help of the Enhancing Essence Pill, he had only recovered 60% of his strength.

I didn't expect Zhou Ling to recover so quickly.

If he knew that Zhou Ling had fully recovered, he would probably be even more shocked.

He was never Zhou Ling's match to begin with.

If Zhou Ling recovers to 70% of his original strength, he can still put up a fight.

If it's 80%, then there's no need.

Let Zhou Ling conserve his strength to deal with the next opponent.

It can also be used to do favors!
He immediately looked helpless, said a few polite words, and then admitted defeat.

Zhou Ling hadn't expected Qian Huo to be so straightforward, and laughed, "Senior Brother Qian, let's find a chance to have a few drinks when we get back!"

Qianhu smiled and nodded, then stepped down from the competition platform.

"Testing platform number three, Zhou Lingsheng!"

The judges' voices then rang out.

"Dean Zhong, what does this mean?"

Seeing Zhou Ling win without a fight, Dean Huang couldn't help but ask.

"How do I know this?"

Dean Zhong shook his head; he really wanted Qianhuo to admit defeat.

But in the end, I still felt it wasn't necessary.

Zhou Ling will go as far as he can based on his own abilities.

As for losing the bet, well, that's it.

But I didn't expect Qianhuo to be so savvy.

I admit defeat!

have a future!
"Qianhuo is no match for Zhou Ling, so it's a wise move for him to concede!"

Dean Gong said with a smile.

"Dean Huang, don't worry. Even if he manages to make it into the top four, the three behind him are all at the peak of Foundation Establishment. It's impossible for Zhou Ling to advance any further."

Dean Qi stroked his beard and said with a smile.

Dean Huang then nodded.

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(End of this chapter)