Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 295 Dean Gong's Sudden Enlightenment

"Zhou Ling, I'm sorry!"

Looking at the dissipating sword energy around him, Dean Gong said with some surprise.

At this moment, the space was filled with drifting Five Elements Sword Qi.

They seemed to be surrounded by a vast ocean of five-colored sword energy.

The five-colored sword energy around them seemed to be differentiating and condensing according to some kind of rule.

This was her first time practicing the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation with Zhou Ling, and their coordination was inevitably somewhat lacking.

This resulted in the failure to successfully condense the Sun and Moon Sword Domain, and the main error lay with her.

Although Zhou Ling's cultivation level was low, he had only just come into contact with the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

However, the process of condensing the sword yang did not go wrong.

This surprised her greatly.

What's going on?
Zhou Ling's talent is indeed amazing, but it's impossible for him to master a fourth-order sword formation in less than two days!

Even he himself wasn't very confident about the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

He only grasped the general principles of formation and sword control.

"fine!"

Zhou Ling had not expected things to turn out this way.

During the formation process, it was actually Dean Gong who encountered problems, while he himself handled it with ease.

The sword formation was executed with remarkable fluidity and grace.

"Then let's continue our cultivation."

Dean Gong smiled and said.

It's perfectly normal for the first formation to fail.

She just didn't realize that the fault lay with her.

Zhou Ling nodded.

The two then resumed their cultivation.

As the five elemental swords in their hands flashed, the sword light around them began to intertwine and condense in the air, following some mysterious pattern.

Five-colored light shone brightly and bloomed.

It's as if a new realm is being forged.

As their sword beams clashed.

They can sense the different sword intent within each other's sword energy.

This also made Zhou Ling more adept at using the sword formation and gave him a more thorough understanding of the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

He already had a better understanding of sword formations thanks to the [Illusionary Realm Simulation].

Now, by comparing my understanding of Dean Gong's sword intent with his own, my comprehension of the Five Elements Sword Intent has also improved.

This made Zhou Ling very happy.

I never expected to master the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation so quickly.

It's unclear whether this is due to talent or his own Five Elements Thunder Body.

Moreover, during the cultivation process, Dean Gong is more prone to making mistakes due to different insights.

This results in incomplete integration between the two, causing frequent interruptions in cultivation.

Zhou Ling then shared his understanding of the Five Elements Sword Formation with the Dean.

After all, the dean's major was not the Five Elements Sword Dao.

With Dean Gong's talent, he naturally grasped it immediately.

The sword energies of both sides worked together and gradually resonated.

This delighted Dean Gong, whose beautiful eyes sparkled with admiration.

He had always believed that Zhou Ling could reach the fifth level of swordsmanship.

But it was just a gut feeling in my heart after watching Zhou Ling's competition.

After all, sword cultivators who can reach the fifth level of swordsmanship are extremely rare.

Even with exceptional talent, it's difficult to guarantee reaching that level.

But Zhou Ling's current level of understanding is truly eye-opening.

My judgment was absolutely correct.

Zhou Ling was completely focused on using the Five Elements Sword and did not notice the change in Dean Gong's expression.

After all, it's not an easy thing to condense the five elements into a sword yang and manifest the Sun and Moon Sword Domain.

Naturally, he dared not be distracted in the slightest.

However, as time went by...

The two are getting along better and better.

The five elements of sword intent intertwine to create a mysterious state.

The five-colored sword intent surrounding each of them was condensing into a sword sun and a sword moon, respectively.

The convergence of the swords creates a domain capable of altering the very landscape.

This is the first step of the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation: condensing the Sun Sword and the Moon Sword.

The next step is to transform the Sword Yang and Sword Yue into a sword domain.

However, this step requires the use of the power of the five elements.

Dean Gong himself does not possess any of the five elements.

Therefore, they can only rely on Zhou Ling's power of the Five Elements.

The two had already discussed it beforehand.

Zhou Ling then grasped Dean Gong's hand.

The five elements' magical power was naturally infused into his body, helping him to open the Sword Domain.

"Um!"

When her delicate hand was held for the first time, Dean Gong blushed deeply.

However, he quickly regained his composure and channeled the power of the five elements into the sword moon.

As the power of the five elements converges, the sword intent of the five elements resonates even more.

Then the sword lights combined and intertwined to form a huge sword net, gathering layer upon layer.

This allowed their sword intents to completely merge.

As their sword intents merged, the two seemed to enter a state of oneness with their sword, transforming into the sword itself.

They cultivated as if they were inseparable, and together they condensed the Sun and Moon Sword Wheel, which shone with a dazzling sword domain.

The Five-Colored Sword Domain displayed the ultimate sword light of the sun and moon.

The swords of the sun and moon intertwined, unleashing an indescribably powerful aura.

The two began to truly condense the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

Zhou Ling looked up at the Sun and Moon Sword Domain, a hint of relaxation appearing on his face.

Then, he took a deep breath, and five-colored spiritual light flashed in his hand.

Instantly, the sword yang condensed on the Five Elements Sword body revealed a dense array of sword lights, crisscrossing and shining like the golden sun illuminating the earth.

As the sword formation coalesced, Zhou Ling felt an extreme sense of naturalness and proficiency in controlling it.

The collaboration with Dean Gong actually became one where he took the lead.

The two were like partners who had worked together for many years.

At this moment, the illusory image of the sword moon rotated rapidly, accompanied by countless shimmering white sword lights.

All the sword light transformed into endless moonlight, crisscrossing and intertwining.

It intertwined with the golden sun sword light to form a sword domain.

Even though she was at the late stage of the Golden Core realm, this sword domain made her heart tremble.

I never imagined that the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation would be so powerful under Zhou Ling's control.

However, at this moment, the two were in a state of perfect harmony between man and sword.

But she could clearly feel their bodies intertwining.

It gave her a strange feeling; she had never been so close to a man before.

Although Zhou Ling is more than ten years younger than her, he is also an adult male.

This was a situation she hadn't anticipated.

After all, Zhou Ling already had a Daoist partner, so she didn't think about it in that direction.

But now, for no apparent reason, my heart is pounding.

Moreover, under such circumstances, one must maintain a tranquil mind and condense the Five Elements Sword Formation.

That's definitely a bit of a stretch.

Fortunately, everything resonated with Zhou Ling's sword intent.

But under the guidance of Zhou Ling's Five Elements Sword Intent, everything went smoothly.

The two eventually achieved the fusion of the sun and moon, forming a sword domain.

Dean Gong, however, seemed to have entered a state of sudden enlightenment.

The surrounding sword domain shone with the golden light of the sun and moon, mysterious and indescribable.

I don’t know how long it took.

The sword energy slowly dissipated.

The two completed their first training of the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

"Buzz!"

In that instant, Zhou Ling and Dean Gong were surrounded by flashes of sword light.

A golden sword light seemed to envelop the two, creating an indescribable state, as if they had entered a state of perfect harmony between man and sword, utterly mysterious. At this moment, Zhou Ling and Dean Gong looked at each other.

They seemed to be able to sense each other's sword intent.

Soon, a faint blush appeared on Dean Gong's face, and she quickly avoided Zhou Ling's gaze.

Zhou Ling didn't think much of it and said with a look of surprise, "Dean, this Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation is truly profound and unpredictable."

"When condensing the sword formation, I was actually able to enter a state of enlightenment!"

He and Dean Gong had just reached the point where the five elements merged and the Sun and Moon Sword Domain emerged.

He has now completely mastered the sword formation.

However, to completely master the sword formation, one needs to be able to quickly evolve the Sun and Moon Sword Domain.

This training also allowed him to experience the powerful force of the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

Not to mention dealing with Golden Core cultivators, it feels like even Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't be a problem.

"This may be because your Five Elements Sword Intent is relatively pure, allowing me to take another step closer to the threshold of the Heaven and Earth Sword!"

Dean Gong quickly recovered and said with a slight smile.

During her cultivation just now, following Zhou Ling's sword intent, she actually reached a long-lost state of enlightenment.

This state is rare and unpredictable; as sword cultivators, none of us know when it will appear.

Some cultivators may never appear in their entire lives.

This sudden enlightenment not only improved her understanding of swordsmanship, but also gave her a new sense of sword intent.

This realization has given me a greater sense of confidence in my journey to the fourth realm of swordsmanship.

"Pure Five Elements Sword Intent!"

Zhou Ling hadn't expected this situation.

Dean Gong smiled, her beautiful eyes sparkling. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to enter a state of enlightenment. It might still be some time before I can condense my sword heart."

Condensing the sword heart is the symbol of the fifth step in the three realms of swordsmanship.

This accidental epiphany allowed Dean Gong to advance his swordsmanship by a small level and condense his sword heart.

We are one step closer to achieving the ultimate sword technique.

This made her even more impressed with Zhou Ling's talent in swordsmanship.

"Alright, this training session was very effective. I'll probably need to go into seclusion for a while to properly solidify my Sword Heart Realm!"

Dean Gong then said the same thing to Zhou Ling.

"it is good."

Zhou Ling nodded.

The training was surprisingly effective, and the two were now able to perfectly coordinate and control the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

The next issue is improving proficiency and power.

The two then left Sword Shadow Jade.

······.

"Master, I also want to join the Heavenly Crafts Bureau. Do you think it would be suitable for me?"

The following day, Song Yue came to wish Zhou Ling a Happy New Year and brought him an invitation.

This year, the expansion of the Song family's territories went very smoothly, and the families plan to celebrate at the end of the year to reward the disciples and clansmen who participated in the expansion.

Zhou Ling naturally intended to attend the celebratory banquet.

This was also a meeting to distribute the spoils of war.

Although the Zhou family had already obtained a third-tier spiritual vein, there were other spoils of war to be distributed.

"Now that you are able to reliably refine mid-grade second-tier magical artifacts, I can recommend you to become a second-grade steward."

Zhou Ling said with a smile.

Given his current status, he can naturally recommend Song Yue.

However, Song Yue also needs to pass the assessment of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

With Song Yue's strength, there was naturally no problem.

“Master, why don’t we ask Sister Yunxi to recommend me, so that people won’t think I got into the Heavenly Crafts Bureau because of your connections?”

After thinking for a moment, Song Yue spoke to Zhou Ling again.

"It won't have any impact. Your master has the connections, but you still need to have the ability!"

Zhou Ling smiled and waved his hand, not caring what others said.

Besides, given Song Yue's skill level, no one else would have any objections.

"Thank you, Master!"

Song Yue poured Zhou Ling some spiritual tea and thanked her with a smile.

"This disciple wishes to strive for the chance to participate in the Heavenly Guardian Assessment next year!"

Song Yue smiled and revealed her reason for being so eager to join the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

After all, the age limit for the Heavenly Guardian assessment is under twenty.

Therefore, the earlier you participate, the more advantageous it will be.

"If you want to participate, then give it a try!"

Zhou Ling nodded. With Song Yue's current level of weapon crafting, her chances of becoming a Heavenly Guard are slim.

However, she is only fifteen years old, and will be sixteen next year, so she still has a few years of opportunities.

"Disciple will certainly not let Master down!"

Song Yue said with absolute certainty.

"Ok!"

Zhou Ling took a sip of tea and smiled.

Song Yue is lively and has a real talent for weapon crafting.

"Master, there is one more thing."

"My father asked me to inquire with you whether the workshop can forge third-tier warships."

"During this expansion of the Immortal Realm, two of the family's warships were damaged and are probably beyond repair. We will need to rebuild two new ones."

Song Yue then asked Zhou Ling.

"A Tier 3 warship!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling raised an eyebrow.

It should be noted that there is currently no workshop in Qingyun Immortal City capable of forging third-tier warships.

If aristocratic families need a Tier 3 warship, they purchase it from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

After all, warships involve many materials and their inscriptions are very complex. Generally, it takes five or six large inscriptions to assemble a complete inscription for a warship.

With the current strength of the Zhou family workshop, building a Tier 3 warship would still be somewhat of a stretch.

But warships are essential for expanding territory.

This is also the main source of profit for the workshop.

Moreover, there are currently no other workshops in Qingyun Immortal City that can build such workshops.

The Heavenly Crafts Bureau is tasked with crafting many other magical artifacts, and therefore lacks the manpower to properly craft warships.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Ling said, "If your father intends to refine it, our workshop can take on the task."

"However, it might not be that quick!"

It takes at least two or three months to design and construct a warship.

And crucially, he currently has no warship insignia.

Of course, with the backing of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy and Tian Gong Si, matters related to inscriptions were naturally no challenge for him.

"Master, these are the original design drawings for our Song family's two warships, the Golden Sword and the Purple Thunder. Please take a look!"

"I believe that our workshop will have no problem refining it according to these blueprints!"

At this moment, Song Yue took out another jade slip and handed it to Zhou Ling.

"Warship design blueprints!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling's face lit up with joy, and he accepted the jade slip.

Soon, his divine sense entered it.

After a short while, he withdrew his divine sense, a smile on his face, and said, "There shouldn't be any problems with the Golden Sword and the Purple Thunder Boat."

It contains complete blueprints for warships, including materials and inscriptions.

Although there are many inscriptions, a warship's primary function is combat power, so its inscriptions are the most crucial element.

The quality of the inscription directly determines the power of the warship.

The main battle inscriptions on the two warships are the Greatsword Seal and the Purple Thunder Seal, respectively.

They are all top-grade level three items.

For him, the difficulty was still within an acceptable range.

Therefore, he is confident that he can create it.

"Okay, I'll go tell Father right away!"

Upon hearing this, Song Yue's face lit up with joy.

He then took his leave.

After Song Yue left, Zhou Ling headed towards the workshop.

The matter of forging warships with the Song family will be settled soon.

So we still need to go to the workshop and mobilize them.

This requires quite a few materials.

(End of this chapter)