Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 256 Winning the First Prize
"Brother Ling, the match between Qin Hao and Zhao Jie is about to begin!"

Sun Dajie spoke to Zhou Ling, his tone seemingly even more excited than Zhou Ling's.

"Ah."

Zhou Ling nodded. He had been busy with the workshop lately and hadn't asked Sun Dajie whether the competition would be open for betting on the outside.
Although the four major Taoist temples have explicitly prohibited it, the black market cannot possibly stop such things.

Seeing Sun Dajie's excited expression, he couldn't help but ask with a smile, "Dajie, who did you bet on to win?"

"Brother Ling, I didn't bet on theirs, I'm betting on you to win, 100 low-grade spirit stones, 1 to 15 odds."

Sun Dajie chuckled and said in a low voice.

He wasn't optimistic about Zhou Ling either, after all, the opponent Zhou Ling was facing this time was really powerful.

Zhou Ling is primarily a technique master, so he was just trying to support Zhou Ling.

After all, he is still a guest retainer of the Zhou family and receives monthly stipends from them.

"Only one hundred yuan? That's too little!"

Looking up at the competition platform, Zhou Ling shook his head.

On the competition platform, two young men stood, exuding an air of extraordinary presence.

The man on the left is slightly taller with sharp features, and his aura is like a sharp sword, giving people a strong sense of oppression.

The man on the right also possessed an extraordinary aura, his entire body radiating a fiery energy that seemed capable of incinerating everything.

"Brother Ling, who do you think will win?"

Sun Dajie asked.

"Hard to say!"

"Overall, Zhao Jie has a slight advantage, after all, he has been at the peak of Foundation Establishment for some time, while Qin Hao has not been there for long. However, Qin Hao is a sword cultivator, and although he has not comprehended the three realms, his strength is not low."

"Everyone has a chance."

Chen Ling said calmly that he had observed the contest between the two through the recording jade.

Overall, they are evenly matched.

"I actually hope Qin Hao can win!"

Sun Dajie laughed.

Zhou Ling refined and absorbed the medicinal power without saying anything more.

Who wins and who loses?

It's all the same to him.

He was determined to win this time.

The judges announced the start of the competition.

Qin Hao swung his sword, and the sword in his hand immediately trembled, unleashing sword energy, and a huge sword rainbow slashed down towards Zhao Jie.

Not to be outdone, Zhao Jie made hand seals, and a dazzling flame shining with purple-blue light shot out from between his fingers, condensing into a flaming spear, which bombarded the sword energy.

Rumble!
The two attacks clashed fiercely in the air, causing the ground to tremble as if they were evenly matched.

At the point where the two spells clashed, a series of intense ripples of energy spread outwards.

Seeing that the stalemate was not over, Zhao Jie flicked his finger, and another fierce flaming spear was launched.

Rumble!
With a sudden, loud explosion, the sword energy shield in front of Qin Hao was blasted open, causing it to flash with light.

He was forced back several steps by the force of the impact.

Where the fire spear swept, a huge trench was burned into the second-grade top-quality glazed jade on the ground.

boom!
Zhao Jie made a series of hand seals, and the fire spear blasted out again.

The defensive sword energy shield that Qin Hao had condensed was constantly shrinking under the bombardment.

The fierce flames seemed to cling to the sword energy, burning continuously and extinguishing it.

Qin Hao's expression was extremely solemn; the opponent's flames were truly bizarre.

Even sword energy can attach itself to it; if Qin Man spreads it onto his arm, the bones in that arm will probably be melted.

Subsequently, a large amount of spiritual energy from his body was poured into the sword.

The sword immediately unleashed a blazing sword light, transforming into a sword dragon that fiercely slashed at the flaming spear.

Seeing this, Zhao Jie changed his hand seals, and his flaming spear also transformed into a flaming dragon, fiercely attacking the sword energy.

A series of deafening roars followed, and finally both sides were annihilated.

[You are observing the Dragon Transformation Sword Technique, Intermediate Observation +1]

[You are currently observing the Nine Heavens Technique, Intermediate Observation +1]

Watching the fierce attacks between the two on the dueling platform, and with the information about their talents emerging, Zhou Ling's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression showing a hint of surprise.

Zhao Jie's Nine罡 Technique, condensed with the help of his own Fire罡 Spirit Body, possesses considerable power.

However, if the two are only of this strength, then whoever wins will pose less of a threat to him than Wan Kun.

Although Qin Hao is at the peak of Foundation Establishment, his swordsmanship is only at the peak of the second realm.

Under Zhou Ling's [Intermediate Observation], the loopholes were obvious.

Zhao Jie's Nine Gang Technique, though powerful, was no match for his five flames; they were simply easy prey!

Rumble!
After a fierce exchange of blows, the entire arena was engulfed in flames on one side and filled with the crisscrossing energy of swords on the other.

The flames and sword energy in the middle clashed violently.

A terrifying burst of energy shot into the sky.

At all times, the surrounding spectators could clearly feel that a great battle was taking place inside.

Two Foundation Establishment Peak cultivators are fighting with all their might to kill them.

For them, the reward of the Jade Rejuvenating Elixir was extremely important, as it was related to their future path in cultivation.

No one can give up.

"Qin Hao's sword light seems to have weakened somewhat!"

Looking at the sword energy in the air, Sun Dajie couldn't help but say nervously.

Zhou Ling felt that he had most likely bet on Qin Hao to win.

Zhou Ling could see that Qin Hao was now at a great disadvantage, and if he didn't have any other means, the competition would end there.

Boom!
Just as Zhou Ling was pondering, a thunderous roar suddenly came from the competition platform.

Suddenly, a violent spatial fluctuation appeared, and a fierce sword aura tens of feet long condensed above Qin Hao's head.

The sword energy was incredibly intense, its killing intent soaring to the heavens, and it slashed down with unstoppable force.

After Qin Hao unleashed this sword strike, his face turned pale, and his internal energy was greatly depleted.

This was already the strongest sword strike he had ever unleashed, and he was only one step away from achieving perfect harmony between man and sword.

As the sword energy swept across, the surging flames continuously dissipated, instantly shrinking to less than half their original size.

"Fire罡 Dharma Form Condensed!"

Zhao Jie roared, and in an instant, a huge fire dragon condensed from the flames.

The fire dragon, tens of feet long, instantly slammed into the giant sword.

Under the fierce bombardment of the fire dragon, Qin Hao's giant sword attack instantly shifted from offense to defense.

A magnificent fire dragon hovered in the air, baring its fangs and brandishing its claws.

Zhao Jie stood in the center of the arena, his entire body engulfed in flames, like a fire god.

"Fire罡 Dharma Form!"

Zhou Ling said in disbelief.

It should be noted that only Golden Core cultivators can condense the Dharma Aspect Divine Power.

Zhao Jie actually used the Fire Spirit Body to condense a Fire Dharma Image.

This level of combat power is no less than that of a cultivator in the early stage of the Golden Core realm.

Rumble!
At this moment, on the competition stage, after condensing the Fire Dragon Dharma Form, Zhao Jie's flame attack power almost doubled, completely overwhelming Qin Hao.

Qin Hao was unwilling to be defeated so easily, so he condensed a sword formation and fought fiercely, hoping to hold out until his opponent's magic form dissipated.

But the sword formation kept shrinking.

A wisp of flame pierced through the sword energy defense, burning his precious robes a fiery red.

Qin Hao's body had retreated to the edge of the arena, with nowhere left to go.

"ended."

Zhao Jie snorted coldly, not expecting Qin Hao to be so stubborn.

Roar!
As his voice fell, the fire dragon dharma image behind him let out a deafening roar, and its huge body slammed down from the sky.

This completely enveloped Qin Hao.

boom!
With a loud bang, the sword formation that Qin Hao had condensed completely shattered, turning into countless sword lights that dissipated into nothingness.

Then, the fire dragon dissipated and disappeared.

The flames on the dueling platform gradually faded away.

Zhao Jie stood on the dueling platform, his face slightly pale. Qin Hao, on the other hand, lay on the ground, his breath weak, his precious robes and sword dull and lifeless.

"Zhao Jie wins!"

A moment later, the judges announced from their seats.

"The final match will be between Zhou Ling from Xuan Yuan Dao Academy and Zhao Jie from Tian Xia Dao Academy, and will take place at the end of this afternoon!"

"Brother Ling, is Zhao Jie's Dharma form really that powerful?"

Sun Dajie asked Zhou Ling nervously.

"It's impressive, but it also consumes a lot of energy!"

Zhou Ling smiled.

The tone was relaxed.

At this moment, although Zhao Jie had won, his internal magical power was less than 20%.

Even with the help of elixirs, being able to recover to 60% within an hour is already extremely astonishing.

I have now recovered 80% and have enough time to fully recover.

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, Sun Dajie's eyes lit up.

It seemed that Zhou Ling was confident of defeating his opponent.

The battle just now has already cost 100 spirit stones.

Whether we can win or not depends on the final battle.

Seeing Zhou Ling recovering with his eyes closed, he didn't dare to disturb him.

······.

The grand competition among the four major academies has finally reached the final, which everyone has been eagerly anticipating.

Zhou Ling and Zhao Jie stood on the competition platform.

Zhou Ling remained calm; he could tell that Zhao Jie had recovered less than 60%.

In this situation, even if he could unleash the Fire罡 Dharma Form, it wouldn't pose much of a threat to him.

At this moment, Dean Qi announced from the judges' panel, "The final competition begins!"

"Zhou Ling from Xuan Yuan Dao Academy!"

"Zhao Jie from Tianxia Daoist Academy!"

The two bowed to each other.

"We need to take it down as soon as possible!"

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

With a thought, the Wooden Lotus Sword flew out of his hand.

"It seems his internal cultivation hasn't recovered much, and he intends to fight me! That's exactly what I wanted!"

Seeing the gleaming light of the Wooden Lotus Sword, Zhao Jie's face lit up with joy, while he pondered the same thought.

He was quite wary of Zhou Ling's mastery of the sword and man.

If Zhou Ling could still use the unity of man and sword at this moment, even if he condensed the Fire Qi Dharma Form, he wouldn't have much of a chance of winning.

However, Zhou Ling did not immediately use the "Man and Sword as One" technique, which undoubtedly gave him a good opportunity.

It can directly condense a fiery aura and defeat Zhou Ling in one move.

This way, they can not only win the championship, but also vent their anger for Li Jun.

This is what he hoped for.

This would allow Li Jun to have a better impression of him.

Perhaps the two of them will have the opportunity to become a couple in the future.

Seeing that Zhou Ling hadn't actually used the "Man and Sword as One" technique.

Everyone couldn't help but start talking.

"It seems the battle this morning took a toll, and he can't use the 'Man and Sword as One' technique now!"

"Definitely. It's already amazing that someone in the early Foundation Establishment stage can perform the Man-Sword Unity technique even once!"

"If someone could perform the Man and Sword as One technique twice a day, that would be terrifying."

"It seems that the outcome of this battle is no longer in doubt!"

······.

The azure sword light condensed into a dazzling sword lotus, whistling as it slashed down towards Zhao Jie.

Zhao Jie's body erupted with flames, and the Fire Dragon Dharma Form materialized.

Within a radius of seven or eight zhang, an incomparably powerful flame erupted.

The fire dragon's giant claws slammed out, blocking the wooden lotus sword energy.

Rumble!
In everyone's eyes, if Zhou Ling cannot achieve the unity of man and sword, this battle is already a foregone conclusion.

"Zhou Ling still suffered from his low cultivation level!"

Seeing this, Dean Zhong's tone was slightly helpless.

At this moment, Zhao Jie was still able to use his spiritual body to condense a fiery dharma form.

It seems that Zhou Ling was too exhausted from the battle that morning and is no longer able to condense the sword formation and achieve the unity of man and sword.

Otherwise, Zhou Ling in his prime would definitely have been able to fight Zhao Jie.

"To have reached this stage in the early stages of Foundation Establishment is already quite impressive!"

"Next year, I doubt anyone will be his match!"

Dean Qi, who was on the right, also spoke up.

If Zhou Ling cannot unleash the unity of man and sword, he will definitely not be able to withstand Zhao Jie's Dharma body attack.

After all, no matter how talented Zhou Ling is, he is only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. The fact that he can perform the "Man and Sword as One" technique once is already extremely amazing.

It would be incredible if it could be used again.

Therefore, in this competition, if Zhou Ling has no other means, he definitely cannot stop the Fire罡 Dharma Form.

Of course, if he can block it, Zhao Jie is very likely to capsize due to excessive depletion of spiritual energy.

In that case, Zhou Ling would have a chance to win.

"Zhou Ling probably has some backup plan!"

Dean Gong said with a smile.

Although he had little contact with Zhou Ling, he was able to comprehend the Falling Wood Sword Intent overnight.

It's impossible that there was no preparation.

Dean Gong's words startled the other three deans, but they all shook their heads, including Dean Zhong, who clearly did not agree with his words.

While everyone was discussing this, on the competition stage, Zhou Ling watched as the wooden lotus sword energy continuously dissipated under the attack of the fire dragon.

He then calmly sheathed the wooden lotus sword.

Zhao Jie was about to launch an attack when he saw Zhou Ling's calm and collected demeanor, and his brows furrowed.

The next moment, his eyes widened instantly, and he exclaimed in disbelief, "Five Spirit Flames?"

With a flick of his finger, Zhou Ling conjured five five-colored spiritual flames in his palm.

Then, like five fiery sword energies, they swept down towards him, like five ferocious fiery dragons attacking him.

Although he was a fire spirit, he still felt an incredibly terrifying flame at this moment.

But it's not just flames, it's flame sword energy.

This is the fiery sword energy that Zhou Ling condensed after integrating the five spiritual flames into the Great Five Elements Sword Formation.

Rumble!
The fiery dragon's form and five streams of flames fiercely bombarded each other.

But the results can be imagined.

The Fire Dragon Dharma Form, which was not at its peak to begin with, was quickly destroyed.

Without the protection of the Fire Dragon Dharma Body, Zhao Jie was completely unable to resist the surging fiery sword energy. He was blasted away, spitting out a mouthful of blood and fainting.

Zhou Ling did not hold back his internal magic power and the five spiritual flames erupted simultaneously, and also condensed the Great Five Elements Sword Formation.

This power is no less than the unity of man and sword.

If the Five Spirit Flames were not his natal spirit flames, he would not be able to control them so quickly.

If this bombardment continues, Zhao Jie's life will likely be in danger.

"this?"

"Is this the end?"

"No wonder he's so powerful, he can actually control the Five Elements Spirit Flames!"

In the audience, no one seemed to have figured out what was going on.

But then they all exclaimed in surprise.

After all, the power of Zhou Ling's attack, which condensed spiritual flames, was truly astonishing!
(End of this chapter)