Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 301 Setting up the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Array

"Zhou Zhizheng, are you really capable of forging a fourth-tier treasure?"

In the main hall, a dignified-looking middle-aged cultivator dressed in a blue Taoist robe looked at Zhou Ling and asked with curiosity.

The middle-aged man had a face as smooth as jade, and his expression was dignified and imposing as he sat there.

Chen Zhenglei is a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator sent by the Dao Alliance to assist in guarding Anyang Immortal City.

Currently, he has the highest cultivation level in the entire Anyang Immortal City, and naturally, his status is also the highest.

"Replying to Senior Chen, it was merely a stroke of luck!"

Zhou Ling, who had just sat down, cupped his hands in greeting.

He was also surprised. He had the talent of concealment, and with the Three Pure Ones Soul Body, even a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator would find it difficult to see his actual cultivation level.

But Chen Zhenglei, the man before him, seemed to see right through him.

However, it makes sense when you think about it, after all, he is a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

He was sitting next to Dean Gong, while Deacon Luo and the others stood behind him.

"Although he is only a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, his soul is extremely pure, no less than that of a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator. It is reasonable that he can refine a fourth-tier treasure!"

A hint of approval flashed in Chen Zhenglei's eyes, and he said with satisfaction, "With a young talent like you in the Dao Alliance, how can it not prosper?"

"Senior Chen is absolutely right. Zhou Ling is not only a fourth-level weapon refiner, but also an instructor at our Nine Heavens Sword Academy. His potential in swordsmanship is also quite high!"

Dean Gong also said with a slight smile.

"Truly, heroes emerge from among the young!"

An elderly man with gray hair stroked his white beard and smiled.

He was another Nascent Soul cultivator, Lin Tong.

The others also showed expressions of approval.

Everyone present was at least at the Nascent Soul stage and was a seasoned veteran.

I've also heard of Zhou Ling, the extraordinary talent of the Chief Craftsman of Qingyun Immortal City.

Although I had some doubts in my heart.

After all, it's truly unbelievable that someone with only Foundation Establishment cultivation could forge a fourth-tier treasure.

But Chen Zhenglei's words just now made everyone look enlightened.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Ling, at such a young age, possessed such astonishing spiritual cultivation.

To reach the Golden Core realm in one's teens is something even top-tier aristocratic scions would find difficult to achieve.

Everyone knows Zhou Ling's background and identity.

He was born into a rogue cultivator in the second-rank Lingxia Immortal City.

However, rumors later circulated that Zhou Ling had a mysterious master, which was the key to his unexpected rise to prominence.

The master who could teach a disciple like Zhou Ling must probably be a Nascent Soul cultivator.

This speculation, coupled with the fact that Zhou Ling is now the head of Qingyun Immortal City and a Heavenly Guard, suggests that his future is limitless.

Everyone was happy to befriend him.

"You flatter me, both of you."

Zhou Ling said modestly.

"Zhou Zhizheng, the array master you brought this time is very timely."

"During this period, the formation was constantly being depleted in defending against attacks from demonic beasts, and the formation masters also suffered huge losses."

"Several array masters have already perished!"

Lord Qi also spoke up.

"Lord, we have a total of eleven array masters here this time, two of them are at the third rank and nine are at the second rank."

"It also brought the fourth-order Heavenly Gate Sword Light Array."

"This Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation is quite powerful and is a great weapon against the beast tide, but it requires eight Golden Core sword cultivators to coordinate in setting up the formation."

"I wonder if the city lord can provide these sword cultivators now?"

Zhou Ling asked again.

"A fourth-order Heavenly Gate Sword Light Array, excellent!"

“What Anyang Immortal City lacks now is this kind of large formation. Every time we fight against demonic beasts, we suffer heavy casualties.”

"With this Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation, casualties will be greatly reduced."

Upon hearing this, City Lord Qi's face lit up with joy.

His gaze then turned to Dean Gong, and he asked, "Dean Gong, do you think the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation can be set up?"

The reason for asking is that most of the sword cultivators in Anyang Immortal City are now under the leadership of Dean Gong.

Most of these sword cultivators came to Anyang Immortal City to guard the city after leaving the Nine Heavens Sword Academy.

Upon hearing this, Dean Gong frowned and spoke up.

"There are currently thirteen Golden Core sword cultivators and two Nascent Soul sword cultivators in the Immortal City, but everyone has their own duties and is responsible for guarding their own area."

"If we were to mobilize them, we could only mobilize a maximum of five or six people!"

"Five or six people are definitely not enough!"

"Unable to unleash the true power of the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation!"

Zhou Ling shook his head.

"How powerful is the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation really?"

Dean Gong pondered for a moment, then asked Zhou Ling.

"Let me put it this way, if Deacon Luo sets up the formation and Dean Gong oversees it, I think there shouldn't be any problem trapping three fourth-tier demonic beasts at the same time!"

Zhou Ling said this.

Along the way, Deacon Luo had given him a detailed explanation of the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Array.

The magic array was successfully set up, which was more than enough to trap three, or even four, fourth-order demonic beasts.

"Being able to deal with three fourth-tier demonic beasts will undoubtedly relieve a great deal of pressure for us!"

Upon hearing this, City Lord Qi's face lit up with joy.

After all, this beast tide consisted of twenty-one fourth-tier demonic beasts, but these beasts possessed astonishing combat power.

The entire Anyang Immortal City originally had nineteen Nascent Soul cultivators, but two of them had already perished in the fight against these demonic beasts, and the city had not gained the upper hand.

This meant that one of the three Nascent Soul cultivators had to occasionally step aside to assist in dealing with these demonic beasts.

Therefore, the other two Nascent Soul cultivators were also powerless against the other two fifth-tier demon kings.

However, if the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation can trap three fourth-tier demonic beasts at once, the entire battle situation may be different.

With this level of Nascent Soul level combat power, one can be on par with fourth-tier demonic beasts.

The three Nascent Soul cultivators were able to concentrate their strength to deal with the two demon kings.

If one of them can be injured or killed, the monsters will naturally collapse on their own.

Everyone else also looked delighted.

The Nascent Soul cultivators present also suffered considerable losses and casualties.

If reinforcements don't arrive, dealing with these monsters will be an immense challenge for them.

Being able to take on three fourth-tier demonic beasts at once would be great news for them.

"Alright, then I'll mobilize six sword cultivators, plus myself, making a total of seven. This is the maximum number we can have!"

Dean Gong looked at City Lord Qi and spoke slowly.

These Golden Core sword cultivators are now the main force of the defense and cannot be easily mobilized.

If the forces are mobilized and a loophole appears, and the defense line is breached, it will directly affect the defense of the entire Anyang Immortal City.

City Lord Qi nodded. He knew the defenses of the entire Anyang Immortal City better than anyone else, and he also knew that this was the maximum combat force that Dean Gong could mobilize.

He then looked at Zhou Ling, a helpless expression on his face. There weren't many Golden Core sword cultivators to begin with, and it was quite difficult to gather eight of them at once.

At this moment, the entire room fell silent, clearly indicating that no one else had any ideas.

“Zhou Ling, you are also a third-realm sword cultivator. Why don’t you fill in for the missing one?”

Dean Gong looked at Zhou Ling and said seriously.

Although the requirement was to be a Golden Core sword cultivator, Zhou Ling was already in the late Foundation Establishment stage and was also a third-realm sword cultivator.

It shouldn't be much different.

Upon hearing this, everyone else looked at Zhou Ling with surprise.

I originally thought that Zhou Ling was already amazing enough as a fourth-level weapon refiner, but I didn't expect that he was also a third-level sword cultivator.

It should be noted that the value of a third-level sword cultivator is in no way inferior to that of a fourth-level weapon refiner.

The difficulty level is even higher.

This requires sufficient swordsmanship talent, and even some stroke of luck, to achieve.

Zhou Ling, at only seventeen years old, was already a fourth-level weapon refiner and a third-realm sword cultivator.

It's truly unbelievable how he did it! "Okay, I'll give it a try!"

Zhou Ling nodded.

Originally, Zhou Ling was only responsible for leading the team and had no intention of taking action.

After all, he is a fourth-tier weapon refiner. If he can refine a fourth-tier treasure weapon to kill enemies, the effect may be more effective than if he personally went into battle.

"I think it would be more appropriate for City Lord Qi to find another Golden Core sword cultivator!"

"After all, Zhou Zhizheng is a Heavenly Guardian. With his talent in weapon crafting, he may even reach the fifth or sixth rank in the future. If he gets injured in battle, it would be a loss for him!"

Lin Tong stroked his goatee and said seriously.

It's not easy for the Dao Alliance to train a fifth-grade weapon refiner.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, don't worry. With me here, I will ensure that nothing happens to Zhou Zhizheng!"

Chen Zhenglei said with a smile.

He admired Zhou Ling's courage to take on the challenge even more.

Hearing this, Lin Tong nodded and didn't say anything more.

Given Zhou Ling's current situation, he naturally wants to be on good terms with him.

After all, he has a large family behind him.

"Thank you two seniors."

"With Dean Gong's cooperation, nothing will happen!"

Zhou Ling cupped his hands in greeting.

He knew best about Dean Gong's combat strength.

In addition, with the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation, even a peak fourth-tier demonic beast might not be able to harm him.

"Alright, then it's settled then!"

Lord Qi nodded with approval.

"There are still five days before the next large-scale attack by the demonic beasts. Dean Gong, I would like to trouble you to set up the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Array properly in the next five days!"

"Rest assured, City Lord!"

Dean Gong nodded in reply.

Next, City Lord Qi introduced the current situation of Anyang Immortal City to Zhou Ling and the others.

Every ten days or so, the monsters would launch a massive attack.

If we rely solely on the magic array for defense, it won't be enough to stop them.

Therefore, once the monsters launch a large-scale attack...

The army of cultivators in the city will then come out to meet the enemy.

Normally, when monsters attack, they mainly retaliate using defensive formations, arrows, explosive fire, and lightning.

Therefore, each large-scale attack by demonic beasts would cause considerable casualties to the cultivator army.

After listening, Zhou Ling handed over all the treasures he had brought from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau to City Lord Qi.

After the meeting concluded, everyone left.

Lord Qi also arranged a small courtyard for Zhou Ling and the others to stay in.

After arriving at the courtyard, Dean Gong followed.

Zhou Ling did not rush to have Deacon Luo begin explaining the magic array to Dean Gong.

We'll have to wait for the other six Golden Core sword cultivators to arrive before we explain it together, to save ourselves the trouble.

Meanwhile, the other array masters, led by Shan Gong, began to work with the array masters of Anyang Immortal City to repair the array.

Zhou Ling also took the opportunity to report on Dean Gong's situation in Anyang Xiancheng these days.

Dean Gong smiled faintly and said, "I've been under a lot of pressure lately, dealing with monsters every day. It's very dangerous."

“But it’s not without gain.”

"In the last battle with the monsters, I killed two third-tier monsters."

"With your arrival, we can use the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation together to kill a fourth-order demon beast without difficulty."

Dean Gong's tone was nonchalant, but Zhou Ling could naturally sense the risks involved.

"A fourth-tier demonic beast!"

Zhou Ling poured Dean Gong a cup of spiritual tea without saying anything more.

It's hard to believe that Dean Gong, who used to appear so refined, is actually a complete warmonger.

He had absolutely no confidence in facing a fourth-tier demonic beast.

The risk is still too great.

With his limited abilities, it's best he doesn't make a scene.

Afterwards, Dean Gong discussed with Zhou Ling some of her new insights into the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation over the past few days.

The experience of dealing with monsters in actual combat is definitely more effective than the two of them cultivating in the Sword Shadow Jade.

After an incense stick had burned, the other six Golden Core sword cultivators also arrived one after another in the main hall of the courtyard.

Five men and one woman.

They were all sword cultivators who came from the original Nine Heavens Sword Academy.

Now Zhou Ling understood why Dean Gong, despite only being a Golden Core cultivator, was able to hold a place among the many Nascent Soul cultivators.

Her title as the Dean of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy alone is enough.

Dean Gong introduced the two sides one by one.

After exchanging pleasantries, all six of them took their seats.

The six people all looked to be middle-aged, the youngest being thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old and the oldest being over seventy.

"Everyone, this is the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation!"

After everyone was seated, Deacon Luo took out the jade array plate and waved it in his hand.

Sixteen shimmering array flags appeared out of thin air, emanating a faint aura of power.

"Fourth-order sword formation!"

"What powerful killing sword energy!"

Immediately, feeling the power of the sword formation, everyone began to whisper among themselves.

They knew that Dean Gong had summoned them to set up a sword formation, but they didn't expect it to be a mid-grade fourth-order sword formation.

Normally, everyone present is a Golden Core sword cultivator, and they only control a third-order sword formation.

This fourth-order Heavenly Gate Sword Formation is enough to pose a huge threat to fourth-order demonic beasts.

Afterwards, Deacon Luo began to explain the formation and incantation of the sword formation to everyone.

Given everyone's level of cultivation, it shouldn't be too difficult for them to comprehend it.

"This Heavenly Gate Sword Light Array is divided into four Heavenly Gates: the East, South, West, and North Gates."

"There are eight of us. Two of us will be responsible for each gate, and each of us will have two array flags!"

"Zhou Ling and I are in charge of the main array's east gate."

"Yu Die and Mu Lin are in charge of the south gate."

"Shi Nian'en and Ji Xiaoximen."

"The brothers Hu Jiao and Hu Ping are in charge of the North Gate."

Does anyone have any opinions?

Soon, Dean Gong made arrangements based on everyone's situation and the attributes of the Heavenly Gate Sword Light Formation.

"We will follow the dean's instructions!"

The oldest among them, Mutong, was the first to bow and greet them.

Others chimed in to agree.

They came to garrison Anyang Immortal City in order to gain more military merits and exchange them for more resources.

This Heavenly Gate Sword Light Array can kill fourth-tier demonic beasts.

They couldn't have asked for it more.

After all, the military merits of a fourth-tier demon beast are more than ten times that of a third-tier beast.

Moreover, there is less danger if you follow Dean Gong.

After all, they knew best how strong someone was to become the dean of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy.

"Alright, let's head over and set up the formation!"

Dean Gong nodded with satisfaction.

Afterwards, the group left the courtyard and flew towards the west gate.

Along the way, the roars and howls of monsters echoed continuously, shaking one's very soul.

(End of this chapter)