Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 254 Thunder Ape Battle Body

"Zhou Ling from Xuan Yuan Dao Academy!"

On the competition stage, Zhou Ling cupped his hands in greeting to a burly, imposing young man opposite him.

"Wan Kun from the Flying Dragon Battle Academy!"

The young man looked at Zhou Ling and bowed in return.

"I don't know how you managed to defeat Li Yun in the early stages of Foundation Establishment, but you're destined to lose to me!"

"Let's just admit defeat to avoid physical pain!"

Looking at Zhou Ling, Wan Kun narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly.

"No need to worry about that, I have a plan!"

Zhou Ling smiled and replied without being polite.

"Good! Good! Don't think that just because you defeated Li Jun you don't know your own limitations?"

Wan Kun chuckled, then said arrogantly, "Since that's the case, let's see who's the real deal. I want you to realize that the gap in cultivation level cannot be bridged by combat talent alone!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wan Kun moved his hand, and a huge ball of lightning condensed in his palm, exuding a violent aura, and blasted towards Zhou Ling.

Sensing the immense power contained within the lightning orb, Zhou Ling remained calm, and a flame rose from his hand.

Earth spirit fire burst forth.

A flame in the shape of a tortoise shell took shape in the air, eventually transforming into a huge flame shield that protected Zhou Ling.

Earth Spirit Fire possesses powerful defensive capabilities.

Zhou Ling didn't usually use it much, but this time, in order to test Wan Kun's strength, Zhou Ling summoned the Earth Spirit Fire.

The next second, the violent ball of lightning slammed into the tortoise shell.

Rumble!
A series of deafening roars echoed across the competition platform, turning the entire platform a dazzling purplish-red.

Its power and influence are astonishing!

"Such terrifying combat power! Both of them are fighting like their lives depend on it from the start. Who will come out on top?"

Seeing the intense light emanating from the competition stage, the packed audience began to murmur among themselves.

"That goes without saying. Wan Kun is the number one disciple in the inner court of the Flying Dragon Battle Academy. Not only is his cultivation high, but he also frequently participates in the expansion of the realm. His practical experience is extremely rich, which is far beyond what a technique master like Zhou Ling can compare to."

"That's right, especially since Zhou Ling is only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, which is far too different from Wan Kun's level."

"I don't think so. Look, Zhou Ling has just cast another defensive spirit flame."

"At his age, to have risen to the rank of Heavenly Guard, he must have a lot of tricks up his sleeve!"

"I don't think so. No matter how many methods you use, you still have to rely on magic power to maintain them. Under Wan Kun's powerful attacks, magic power will be exhausted very quickly."

"No matter how many treasures we have, we won't be able to use them by then!"

"I agree!"

······
The audience was making comments and discussions, with most believing that Zhou Ling would be no match for Wan Kun.

After all, Zhou Ling was far inferior to Wan Kun in terms of cultivation and experience.

Of course, judging from Zhou Ling's previous performance, some people think he might pull off an upset.

After all, a mage has many tricks up their sleeve.

While people were discussing it, the battle on the field became increasingly fierce.

"Boom!"

Seeing the lightning ball blocked, Wan Kun unleashed a series of lightning attacks.

As he uttered the incantation, a thundercloud, about ten feet in diameter, suddenly condensed and engulfed Zhou Ling.

[You are observing the Lightning Slash Technique, Intermediate Observation +1]

[You are analyzing the Lightning Slash Technique, Intermediate Analysis +1]

Thunderclouds roared and flashed in the sky, and streaks of purple lightning crashed down like a torrential downpour.

"Lightning Slash Technique!"

With his talent, Zhou Ling quickly understood the situation of the Lightning Splitting Technique.

This is a mid-grade Xuan-level technique, and Wan Kun has already cultivated it to near mastery.

It has to be said, this talent is truly amazing!

However, Zhou Ling remained calm. He raised his finger and pointed, causing the Earth Spirit Fire to change again. Within the flames, it was as if a giant mouth of a fire turtle had opened, instantly absorbing all the lightning bolts that were bombarding down.

The incredibly violent purple lightning, like a spiritual snack, made a hissing sound in the earth spirit fire, and was completely devoured in a moment.

Only the dark clouds in the sky still flickered with faint flashes of lightning.

[You are absorbing the power of thunder, Five Elements Thunder Qi +1]

A prompt appeared on Zhou Ling's panel.

"What? What kind of spiritual flame is this that can devour my lightning attack?"

With the Thunder Splitting Technique broken in this way, Wan Kun couldn't help but show an expression of disbelief.

The power of thunder he wields is an extremely powerful and yang force of destruction, even surpassing the power of fire.

But it was swallowed up just like that.

It is clear that this flame is of a high quality.

This also shocked him greatly. How could Zhou Ling, a mere early Foundation Establishment cultivator, control such a powerful flame?
You should know that he was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, and his cultivation was two minor realms higher than Zhou Ling's.

Although Zhou Ling was a Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment cultivator, my spiritual power was at least twice as much as his, and possibly even twice as much.

Furthermore, his own lightning magic was even more powerful than the other's.

But they were easily absorbed by this group.

His heart couldn't help but feel heavy.

Zhou Ling's ability to control such a spiritual flame indicates that his cultivation level is definitely not as low as it appears on the surface.

We cannot be careless in the slightest, lest we capsize unexpectedly.

Moreover, the Jade Rejuvenating Elixir reward from the leader is of paramount importance to him.

He is now at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, and he has also prepared the other materials.

With this Jade Rejuvenating Elixir, one year later, one can prepare to undergo the Golden Elixir Tribulation.

Therefore, no matter what, Zhou Ling must be defeated.

After the Earth Spirit Fire absorbed the purple lightning, its spiritual flames surged, followed by a series of muffled sounds like a giant tortoise. It then condensed into a tortoise shell shape and hovered in front of Zhou Ling.

Flames blazed on the tortoise shell, and the intense heat made the entire arena feel like a furnace.

Earth Spirit Fire is not only used for defense, but can also launch powerful attacks at any time.

With the support of five spiritual flames, even if the earth spirit fire is completely consumed, it will not have a significant impact on Zhou Ling.

Next, his plan was to use earth elemental fire for defense and beast fire for attack.

This way, you can maximize your opponent's mana consumption while minimizing your own.

When the opponent condensed the Thunder Ape Battle Body, he responded by using the Great Five Elements Sword Formation and the newly comprehended unity of man and sword.

Of course, if the five spiritual flames are integrated into the sword formation, the power of the Five Elements Sword Formation can be doubled.

However, given the opponent's strength, it's unlikely that I would need to resort to such tactics.

"This kid actually has four spirit flames in his hands? This opportunity is truly heaven-defying!"

On the judges' panel, Dean Huang frowned as he looked at the competition stage.

Wan Kun is a strong favorite to win the championship in this competition.

However, in their first encounter with Zhou Ling, he clearly did not gain any advantage.

Zhou Ling was able to block Wan Kun's powerful magical attacks simply by manipulating the spiritual flames for defense.

Moreover, he seemed to be handling it with ease.

It gave him the illusion that Zhou Ling was at the peak of Foundation Establishment, while Wan Kun was at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

"No wonder he was able to become a Heavenly Guard despite his low cultivation level! It turns out he has so many spiritual flames at his disposal."

Dean Gong's beautiful eyes sparkled with admiration as she smiled and praised him.

Zhou Ling had already agreed to come to the academy as an instructor yesterday, so she was now speaking highly of him.

"It seems that Dean Zhong, your academy has put in a lot of effort for him!"

Dean Qi spoke up.

In his view, even if Zhou Ling had a great opportunity, it would be impossible for him to collect four spirit flames on his own. Moreover, these spirit flames were of a high grade.

Dean Zhong chuckled. Among the many disciples of the Dao Academy, spirit flames are highly sought after. No matter how much he favored Zhou Ling, he would still be in demand.

That wouldn't be enough to give Zhou Ling so much spiritual flame.

Moreover, the Taoist temple actually doesn't have a single one.

Zhou Ling fought for it all herself.

"However, it would be a grave mistake to think that you can stop Wan Kun with your spiritual flames."

Dean Huang spoke up again.

Although Zhou Ling's control over the quantity of spirit flames shocked him, Wan Kun was the strongest disciple in the inner court of the Flying Dragon Battle Academy.

It's not something that can be defeated with just a few bursts of spiritual flames.

He still had a lot of confidence in Wan Kun.

After all, he possesses the Thunder Ape Battle Body, and once activated, his combat power will at least double.

What will Zhou Ling use to stop them then?

"Dean Huang, I don't think so. Zhou Ling's greatest strength isn't fire, but swordsmanship!"

Dean Zhong remained silent; instead, Dean Gong spoke with a smile.

"Whether it's flames or sword techniques, once Wan Kun transforms into a thunder ape, Zhou Ling will have absolutely no chance of winning!"

Dean Huang said with considerable confidence.

"Oh!"

Dean Gong was clearly somewhat dismissive, but he didn't say anything more.

As a sword cultivator, she didn't just decide on a whim that Zhou Ling was worth nurturing.

If Zhou Ling's sword strike hadn't been so impactful, she wouldn't have given him the sword stone she had comprehended.

Of course, this sword stone also serves as a test, to see how Zhou Ling's talent is.

After all, the second and third realms of swordsmanship are worlds apart.

Once Zhou Ling begins to examine the sword stone, he will surely have many questions.

When the time comes, ask her, and she will be able to know Zhou Ling's true potential.

"Boom!"

On the competition stage, the battle intensified.

As another flame rose from Zhou Ling's hand, the beast flame condensed into the shape of the Haoyang Bird.

With a flap of its fiery wings, it transformed into a streak of flame, instantly appearing above Wan Kun's head. The Haoyang Bird's massive beak snapped down at him.

As he felt the fierce flames rushing towards him, Wan Kun's expression grew increasingly solemn.

A burst of purple light shone from his body.

At this moment, he dared not hold back any longer.

They originally thought that dealing with Zhou Ling would be a piece of cake.

They seem to be saving some tricks up their sleeves to deal with their real adversaries later.

But now, facing Zhou Ling's two powerful flame attacks, one offensive and one defensive, he had no way to deal with them.

As the purple light flashed, mysterious lightning patterns gradually condensed on his body.

Rumble!
Purple lightning flashed wildly, his figure blurred for a moment, and his size suddenly increased dramatically.

In the blink of an eye, he transformed into a giant ape nearly three zhang tall, surrounded by lightning.

"Roar!"

Wan Kun suddenly swung his giant arm into the air, and two bolts of lightning struck out like giant thunder serpents.

Rumble!
The giant purple lightning serpent clashed with the Haoyang Bird.

The beast's powerful attack was blocked instantly.

"This is the Thunder Ape Battle Body!"

Zhou Ling's gaze sharpened, and his expression turned slightly serious.

At this moment, he could sense that Wan Kun's violent combat power had completely exceeded the range of the peak of Foundation Establishment.

He's practically at the level of a Golden Core cultivator.

"This is the Thunder Ape Battle Body! It's terrifying!"

“Zhou Ling is only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, yet he was able to force Senior Brother Wan to this point, which shows how powerful he is.”

"The champion of this competition will definitely be Senior Brother Wan."

"I feel that even against a typical early-stage Golden Core cultivator, this Thunder Ape Battle Body wouldn't be at a disadvantage!"

"Let's see what Zhou Ling will do now."

Seeing Wan Kun's Thunder Ape Battle Body standing like a thunder god on the competition stage, all the spectators were shocked.

In their view, with Zhou Ling's cultivation level, he definitely couldn't withstand this terrifying battle body attack.

"With the Thunder Ape Battle Body's powerful defense, the Beast Flame probably won't be able to cause it much damage!"

Zhou Ling thought to himself, through the [Intermediate Analysis], he knew that the Thunder Ape Battle Body had powerful defensive capabilities.

The purple lightning surrounding Wan Kun possessed a defensive power comparable to a low-grade third-tier treasure robe.

Even if the Beast Flame were to break it, it would come at a great cost.

Zhou Ling would not allow the Beast Flame to suffer significant damage and cause its cultivation level to drop in order to win this battle.

That would be a huge loss, since the Beast Flame is his natal spirit flame, and damaging even one of them would have a significant impact on him.

With a thought, one sword after another flew from his hand and circled around him.

Having condensed the Thunder Ape Battle Body, Wan Kun's combat power was now comparable to that of a Golden Core cultivator, making it difficult for other methods to pose a threat to him.

Similar to his plan, now the only option is to use the Great Five Elements Sword Formation to deal with it.

After defeating the beast flames, Wan Kun roared fiercely, his hands forming giant fists that slammed towards Zhou Ling like giant purple lightning hammers.

Condensing the Thunder Ape Battle Body consumes a great deal of his mana, so he needs to finish the battle quickly.

Seeing this, Zhou Ling conjured various spells in his hands, and five swords encircling him instantly burst forth with five-colored light, with five sword beams slashing out simultaneously.

They intertwined and coalesced into a sword lotus!
This is an offensive move from the Great Five Elements Sword Formation: the Five Elements Sword Lotus.

Rumble!
Two enormous beams of light clashed in mid-air.

In an instant, a blazing light surged into the sky.

The two sides seemed evenly matched, and trembled violently incessantly.

With a flick of his finger, Zhou Ling unleashed a burst of fiery sword light from the Fire Cloud Sword, and the surging flames poured into the sword lotus.

The sword lotus bloomed instantly.

"boom!"

As the dazzling Five Elements Sword Lotus roared and slashed down, the Thunder Hammer continuously collapsed, and the surging, fierce lightning around it gradually dissipated.

Sword Lotus shattered the Thunder Hammer, its momentum still intact, and struck down with lightning speed, piercing through the purple lightning defenses surrounding Thunder Ape, and heavily hitting Thunder Ape's shoulder.

"boom!"

The Thunder Ape was violently knocked back by the impact.

A cold glint flashed in Wan Kun's eyes, and he let out a deafening roar. Completely disregarding his shoulder injury, he took a step forward and was about to get close to Zhou Ling.

However, at that moment, a sharp, tearing pain shot through the wound.

"What kind of sword energy is this? It actually managed to pierce through my lightning defense and even injure me!"

At this moment, Wan Kun was both shocked and furious. He hurriedly gathered lightning to protect his wound.

He was able to condense this Thunder Ape Battle Body mainly by consuming the essence and blood within his body.

Once his essence and blood are lost, it will have a huge impact on him.

"I didn't expect you to have such a powerful attack; it's truly beyond my expectations."

Protecting his wound, Wan Kun spoke with utmost seriousness.

There was no trace of arrogance on his face.

(End of this chapter)