Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 253 Comprehending the Unity of Man and Sword
Evening, in the meditation room.

Zhou Ling examined his meridians internally and immediately began to circulate the Five Elements Sword Technique.

With the blessing of the "The More You Frustrate, the Stronger You Become" talent, he has now comprehended the third level of the Five Elements Sword Technique.

He has opened up the circulation of the Five Elements Sword Formation's meridians and has cultivated it to the point of mastery.

The Five Elements Sword Formation can be condensed into three forms.

The Five Elements Sword River, primarily employing attacks based on the metal and fire attributes, and the Five Elements Sunset.

There is also the Five Elements Light and Shadow Sword Formation, which is mainly for defense.

Once the sword intent is integrated into these three sword formations, their power will be multiplied.

"Then let's see how much Dean Gong's sword intent and sword stone, which embodies the unity of man and sword, can help me?"

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

Although he has mastered the third-order sword seal, he is still unable to achieve perfect harmony between man and sword in his own swordsmanship.

If one can achieve perfect harmony between man and sword, then one can unleash the Five Elements Sword Formation.

That power is definitely beyond what a Foundation Establishment cultivator can withstand.

Zhou Lingxuan immediately took out the sword stone that Dean Gong had given him, and the sword-comprehension techniques that Dean Gong had told him today also appeared in his mind.

Zhou Ling's consciousness then entered the sword stone.

Dean Gong was able to present me with such a precious sword stone on our first meeting.

Zhou Ling could sense that she genuinely wanted to mentor him.

Zhou Ling was also quite grateful.

As a sword cultivator, he naturally knew how precious this sword stone containing the sword intent of the three realms was.

Even for the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, or even the Tian Gong Si, obtaining it wouldn't be so easy.

If one were to become an instructor at the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, the treatment would be even better than that of an instructor at the Profound Origin Dao Academy.

Furthermore, Dean Gong agreed to discuss the collaboration on forging the sword with him after the competition.

After all, the Nine Heavens Sword Academy needs a considerable number of swords every month.

Zhou Ling quickly calculated that the workshop would be overwhelmed with orders from the few Taoist academies and aristocratic families.

However, at this moment, he didn't think too much about it and focused his energy on comprehending the sword intent within the sword stone.

Having witnessed Wan Kun's strength today, he knew that tomorrow would be a tough battle.

If you can achieve the unity of man and sword, you can basically guarantee victory.

As Zhou Ling's divine sense entered the cyan sword stone, he suddenly felt a buzzing sound all around him.

Then, before his eyes, faint wisps of blue sword light surged from the surface of the sword stone.

According to Dean Gong, this cyan sword stone contains a sword intent of the three realms of man and sword unity that she comprehended.

Her main skill was the Wood-attribute Falling Wood Sword Technique.

The sword intent here is what she left behind after she achieved the unity of man and sword.

Generally, this kind of sword intent, which is personally comprehended, cannot be passed on to anyone other than someone with a very close relationship.

Such as family members or master-disciple relationships.

Dean Gong gave it to him in this way, which was clearly sincere; she wanted to do her best to cultivate Zhou Ling, just as she had said.

The next second, the scene before Zhou Ling's eyes suddenly changed, with streaks of cyan sword energy surging and roaring.

It made him feel as if he were in a lush, green forest.

Each of the green wood streaks is composed of sword energy of varying sizes.

The atmosphere was completely different; some were like the continuous, gentle spring rain.

Some are like blue lotuses blooming in summer, in full bloom.

Some are like the boundless ears of grain in autumn, so rich and boundless.

Finally, they all converge in one place, the whole scene resembling a vast, desolate winter, with endless fallen leaves rustling down.

Tragic, yet brimming with immense vitality.

Everything seemed orderly, and Zhou Ling felt as if he were in a mysterious sword formation filled with some kind of strange laws.

For Zhou Ling, who has already comprehended the sword soul and has one foot in the third realm of swordsmanship.

Naturally, it was clear that this was the process by which Dean Gong comprehended the essence of the Fallen Wood Sword and achieved unity between man and sword.

Each sword aura represents a different understanding.

And within this falling wood sword intent, there is also the meaning of the cycle of the four seasons.

It can be seen that the Falling Wood Sword Intent that Dean Gong comprehended may also have a time attribute.

With dual sword intent attributes, its power is definitely far superior to that of a single sword intent attribute.

It's not hard to see that Dean Gong's talent in swordsmanship is also extremely amazing.

"Most sword cultivators can comprehend the sword intent of the five elements. Sword intents of time, space, and lightning are much more difficult to comprehend."

"And I don't have any outstanding talent in swordsmanship; I'm just cheating with the system!"

"It is also through observation and analysis of talent that proficiency is gradually improved."

Feeling the different forms of sword light around him, Zhou Ling thought to himself.

The Falling Leaves Sword Intent is already quite difficult, and now it contains an even more challenging Time Sword Intent.

Its difficulty has increased even more.

At this moment, Zhou Ling wondered if Dean Gong was giving him this sword stone to test his swordsmanship talent.

After all, such sword intent is something that ordinary sword cultivators cannot comprehend.

Most talented sword cultivators, even if they obtain this sword stone, will generally not make much progress in their cultivation.

Dean Gong's so-called Three Realms Sword Dao, due to his astonishing talent, already possessed the attribute of time when he comprehended it.

It seemed as if she had already developed a unique, nascent form of swordsmanship.

It won't be so easy for others to grasp.

Of course, Zhou Ling wouldn't waste his time trying to comprehend it. Cultivating with his talent was the key to getting to where he is today.

[You are observing the Falling Leaves Sword Intent. Intermediate Observation +1, Falling Leaves Sword Intent +3]

[You are analyzing the Falling Leaves Sword Intent. Intermediate Analysis +1, Falling Leaves Sword Intent +3]

[You are currently cultivating the Falling Wood Sword Intent, Sixth Transformation +1, Falling Wood Sword Intent Decomposition +2]

As his talent emerged, Zhou Ling felt the whistling sword energy around him slow down, each wisp of sword energy appearing as if in slow motion, making it crystal clear to him.

The sword shadows condensed in front of him.

This is just like the figure of Dean Gong when he was practicing swordsmanship.

Zhou Ling could clearly sense some kind of inspiration from this figure.

Can the changing seasons be integrated with the changes of the Five Elements?

"The falling leaves can be directly integrated into the wood-attribute sword technique!"

A series of insights began to grow in Zhou Ling's heart.

"Endless falling leaves rustle down!"

After meditating for a while, Zhou Ling suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing in them. The surrounding azure sword energy roared and spun, the dazzling azure sword energy transforming into rolling sword energy.

In an instant, it seemed as if a vast, desolate sword domain of fallen leaves had spread out, enveloping the surrounding area.

The sword energy within seemed boundless, emanating a vast and profound aura.

"fall."

Zhou Ling gave a soft shout, and the surrounding sword energy seemed to be under his control, condensing into a river of swords that roared down.

Meanwhile, the sword shadow that had been unleashing its sword intent also slashed out, fiercely colliding with the sword river that Zhou Ling had condensed.

"boom!"

Two sword energies, different in nature but equally powerful, clashed together, unleashing earth-shattering sword energy as they roared and annihilated each other.

In a short while, the wood-attribute sword energy around Zhou Ling dissipated, and the sword stone flashed with light, returning to its original state.

Zhou Ling looked at the sword stone in his hand and shook his head. "Although he has gained some understanding with the help of his talent, Dean Gong's sword talent is truly amazing. The sword intent he unleashes even has a time-sealing effect."

"If I could integrate this time-sealing technique into the Five Elements Sword Dao, its power would be absolutely terrifying!"

Zhou Ling was making plans in his mind.

However, he knew in his heart that it was unrealistic to comprehend this sword intent of time through his own thinking. He still needed the support of talent.

After all, not to mention the profound nature of the time attribute, even the Falling Leaves Sword Intent is incredibly complex.

It could even be described as profound and unfathomable, but with his talent, everything becomes incredibly simple, making it extremely easy for him to comprehend.

No matter how profound the Fallen Wood Sword Intent is, it will be transformed into the sword path that Zhou Ling comprehends through the decomposition of several talents.

This paves the way for Zhou Ling to reach a higher level of swordsmanship.

However, time was limited, so Zhou Ling immediately activated the [Illusionary Realm Simulation] and entered it to cultivate.

【Illusory Realm Simulation】not only improves cultivation efficiency, but also simulates more potential effects.

With his current talent of [Illusionary Realm Simulation] reaching the fourth level, he can even perform the Five Elements Sword Intent that Zhou Ling desires.

As the [Illusionary Realm Simulation] began, streaks of green wood sword energy rose up once more...

The next morning, a cyan longsword flew through the air, spinning and whistling like a cyan magnolia in bloom.

Accompanied by the condensation of numerous blue lotus sword imprints.

A few breaths later, the light of the Wooden Lotus Sword surged, and Zhou Ling's figure suddenly appeared.

In an instant, the scene before my eyes vanished.

Zhou Ling reappeared in the cultivation room.

"I have finally truly entered the realm of oneness with the sword!"

Zhou Ling opened his eyes, a look of joy on his face.

After a night of contemplation, he finally truly entered the realm of swordsmanship, where man and sword become one.

However, this will only last for a dozen or so breaths.

After all, even if one enters the three realms of swordsmanship, each realm is further divided into four steps.

He is only at the very beginning, and it's just the initial stage.

However, a dozen or so breaths would be enough to deal with other Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Although last night may seem like just one night, his spiritual power is now comparable to that of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, so the [Illusionary Realm Simulation] can continue for a period of time.

That's comparable to what he gained from a month of arduous practice.

Of course, the price is a huge depletion of one's spiritual energy.

Fortunately, he had the soul-restoring pills that Dean Zhong had prepared for him.

So recovery shouldn't be a big problem.

Furthermore, through the cultivation of [Illusory Realm Simulation].

Zhou Ling not only grasped the essence of the unity of man and sword, but also simulated various combat scenarios through performance.

When man and sword become one, his body and the sword are completely integrated, and the methods of Foundation Establishment cultivators pose no threat to him at all.

The Five Elements Sword was originally his natal sword.

Once the sword and the man become one, the power will be even greater.

Of course, Zhou Ling has only just mastered the unity of man and sword, so he can only fuse with one sword and cannot fuse with other swords yet.

However, with the help of the Five Elements Heart Fire and the [Six Transformations] talent, it is worth a try.

Of course, even if he can only fuse one third-tier sword now, it is enough for Zhou Ling in this competition.

As for the rest, there will be plenty of time later to cultivate them gradually.

With a thought, the Wooden Lotus Sword appeared in his hand.

At this moment, the connection between the wooden lotus sword and him felt even closer and more intimate.

This is a personal treasure, combined with the effect of telepathic communication.

Furthermore, this wooden lotus sword was forged by his own hands, and it carries his sword intent, so there is a sense of blood connection between them.

"Fortunately, I have talents such as [Illusionary Realm Simulation], otherwise it would have taken forever to master them through hard work alone."

"And I have mastered this sword intent in less than a day. If Dean Gong sees this today..."

"How will she feel?"

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

He didn't want to be too high-profile, because even with exceptional talent, it would take some time to comprehend such sword intent.

"Never mind all that, the reward this time is really important!"

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

Even if Dean Gong asks about it, I can explain that I already had this foundation, and she shouldn't doubt me.

Although he said he grasped the unity of man and sword in just one night.

However, he was doing this with the help of the [Illusionary Realm Simulation], which meant he would have to spend a month in arduous training.

Furthermore, it also features talents such as [Intermediate Observation] and [Intermediate Analysis] to assist in the process.

That's why it has this effect.

Although he is currently at the third level of Foundation Establishment, he is a Five Elements Heavenly Grade Foundation Establishment cultivator, and his magical power is no less than that of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Furthermore, with the assistance of talents such as "meticulous attention to detail," the energy consumption of each attack is much less than it actually is.

In addition, the Five Elements Sword Technique has reached the third level, which is enough to condense the Great Five Elements Sword Formation.

Combined with the Five Elements Sword, it is actually more than enough to deal with ordinary Foundation Establishment Peak cultivators.

Of course, Wan Kun and the other two are not ordinary Foundation Establishment Peak cultivators. They are all specially made spiritual bodies, and their strength is no less than that of ordinary Golden Core early stage cultivators.

Therefore, he dared not be careless in the slightest.

Now that I've grasped the concept of man and sword as one, I have a much better chance of success.

"call!"

After storing the Wooden Lotus Sword inside his body, Zhou Ling exhaled and took out a Soul Essence Pill to swallow.

Absorb quickly to restore consciousness and spirit.

[You are absorbing the Soul Essence Pill. Herbal Stress +1, Soul Essence Pill Power +2]

As a vast surge of soul power flowed into Zhou Ling's sea of ​​consciousness, it rapidly restored his nearly dried-up consciousness.

"We need to plan carefully before facing Wan Kun today!"

While recovering his spirit, Zhou Ling pondered.

Although I watched Wan Kun's two matches, I did not see him use the Thunder Ape Battle Body.

Therefore, Zhou Ling was also unable to analyze the specific situation.

However, the power of the lightning spells he unleashed was already quite considerable.

"Without seeing the Thunder Ape Battle Body, it's really impossible to formulate an effective strategy against the enemy!"

Zhou Ling shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

He was confident that with his current cultivation level, dealing with Wan Kun shouldn't be too much of a problem.

He then calmly absorbed the medicinal power and restored his spiritual cultivation.

"Brother Ling, breakfast is ready!"

Soon after, Wang Xin came to call him for dinner.

Feeling that his spirit had recovered most of its strength, Zhou Ling immediately got up and left the cultivation room.

"Brother Ling, you said Dean Gong wants to hire you as an instructor at the Nine Heavens Sword Academy?"

During dinner, Zhou Ling told Wang Xin about it, and Wang Xin said with some surprise.

"Ok!"

Zhou Ling nodded.

"Won't this be too strenuous?"

Wang Xin asked with a hint of heartache.

"No, having two offerings in the future is not bad!"

Zhou Ling smiled and said.

Wang Xin served Zhou Ling a bowl of spiritual porridge, without saying much for a moment.

(End of this chapter)