Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 322 The Chief of Foundation Establishment Cultivation

As soon as Zhou Ling stepped out of the teleportation array, he felt an incredibly rich spiritual energy rushing towards him.

The pure spiritual energy was several times more concentrated than the fourth-order spiritual vein of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

Looking around, there was a vast square in front of me.

There was a magical array of light swirling above the square, and he could clearly feel a faint sense of oppression in the air.

According to Dean Gong, this is the main campus of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy in the Qingyang Immortal Realm.

A sixth-order magic array was set up.

The magic array connects to the earth's veins, possessing the ability to form its own world.

Through [Intermediate Observation], Zhou Ling could see faint flashes of spiritual light in the air.

"Welcome, fellow Daoists from the Nine Heavens Sword Academy of Qingyun Immortal City!"

Just then, a clear voice rang out, and two figures dressed in the same blue robes of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy walked over.

The person in front of them was a middle-aged woman, and the person behind them was a young girl.

The middle-aged woman was of above-average appearance and had a smile on her face.

The girl had delicate features and a calm expression.

"I am Song Qian, and my disciple Wan Yi are here to receive you!"

The middle-aged woman bowed to Dean Gong.

She was at the peak of the Golden Core stage, while the girl was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

Among them, the Palace Master had the highest cultivation level, which she could tell.

"I am Gong Yi from the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, and this is Zhou Ling, the chief instructor of the academy!"

Dean Gong replied with a slight smile.

"Greetings, Instructor Song!"

Zhou Ling also bowed to the woman.

After defeating Lan Daobai, Lan Daobai relinquished his position as the chief of the academy to Zhou Ling.

Zhou Ling, intending to double the offerings, naturally did not postpone it.

Although he felt that his strength was still somewhat lacking, he needed to at least reach the Golden Core stage, or the mid-stage of the Golden Core.

If I were to become the chief again, that would be about right.

After all, the chief disciple of the academy is the face of the academy, and my own strength is still somewhat insufficient.

But the temptation of double offerings was simply irresistible, considering that it was a monthly allowance of twenty mid-grade spirit stones.

With other benefits added on, he was perfectly happy to accept this lack of firepower.

"Chief Instructor?"

Upon hearing Dean Gong's words, both Song Qian and Zhou Ling looked at him with surprise.

Both of them could tell that Zhou Ling was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

Foundation Establishment cultivators are not even qualified to become the chief instructor of the Dao Academy, let alone the chief instructor of the Dao Academy.

But Zhou Ling is actually the chief instructor of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy in Qingyun Immortal City?

When I first saw Zhou Ling, I thought he was a disciple participating in the competition.

After all, his cultivation level is what it is.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a teacher.

Could it be that the strength of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy in Qingyun Immortal City has deteriorated to such an extent?

Even with this level of cultivation, one can become the chief instructor.

It seems that after this competition, the fourth-grade academy's rating is unlikely to be maintained.

"Greetings, Instructor Zhou!"

Song Qian, with a curious look in her eyes, cupped her hands in greeting to Zhou Ling.

It was certain that he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, which made them marvel.

Then he led Zhou Ling and the others toward the reception area in the square.

By this time, many disciples from other Taoist academies had also arrived.

They were all dressed in the robes of their respective Taoist academies, making them easy to recognize.

Among them, Tianxia Taoist Academy has the most, while Xuanyuan Taoist Academy has the fewest.

Furthermore, there are the Butian Dao Academy with its black robes and the Kunyang Dao Academy with its light gold robes.

All six major academies of the Dao Alliance were present this time.

Because neither Butian Dao Academy nor Kunyang Dao Academy established academies in Qingyun Immortal City, Zhou Ling knew relatively little about these two academies.

"The strength of this batch of disciples from the Heaven-Mending Academy is such that the lowest cultivation level among the five is the late Foundation Establishment stage."

"The instructors leading the team are a mid-Nascent Soul cultivator and a peak Golden Core cultivator."

"Of course, this competition is related to the ranking of the academies, so everyone is sending their strongest lineup!"

"Not all instructors are this powerful. I just saw that one of the chief instructors from Qingyun Immortal City was only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage!"

"A Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator becoming the chief instructor of the Dao Academy? You didn't see that wrong, did you?"

"How can this be?"

The disciples from each team observed each other and whispered amongst themselves.

Dean Gong and others naturally heard these discussions as well.

After all, a chief cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment is truly astonishing.

If it were a typical Daoist academy in a second-grade immortal city, that would be understandable.

But this time, all the participants in the competition are from the six major academies of the fourth-grade immortal city or above.

Many of them were disciples at the peak of Foundation Establishment.

But the appearance of a chief instructor at the peak of Foundation Establishment makes one wonder if there's been a mistake.

"So what if you're at the peak of Foundation Establishment? Be careful, my master will beat you to a pulp!"

Hearing the discussions of many people, Weng Lanyue said with dissatisfaction and disdain.

"It seems the outside world doesn't know enough about you. You need to seize this opportunity to show your abilities to be worthy of your position as chief!"

Dean Gong glanced at Zhou Ling beside him and said with a slight smile.

"Yes, Dean, I will do my best."

Zhou Ling replied with a wry smile.

Although he had just defeated Lan Daobai, who was at the peak of the Golden Core stage, he was still able to fully activate his abilities with the help of [Illusionary Realm Simulation].

Even with the help of the Five Elements Sword Soul and the fourth-order Five Elements Treasure Sword, relying solely on his swordsmanship, he still found it difficult to defeat him.

Instead, it requires the combination of Five Elements Spirit Flame to condense a relatively complete Five Elements Sword Domain, which would then be the only way to defeat him.

At this moment, he looked at the instructors of other Taoist academies.

Most of the time, it's one Nascent Soul cultivator paired with one Golden Core cultivator at their peak.

Both of them were even Nascent Soul cultivators.

Of course, due to the limitations of the competition rules, some academies have Nascent Soul cultivators as their deans.

Therefore, it is impossible for them to participate in the battle.

"Dean Gong has registered us. Let's head to the courtyard for the rest area."

Song Qian quickly completed the registration procedures and said to Dean Gong with a smile.

"Thank you for your help, Instructor Song!"

Dean Gong replied politely.

"Dean Gong, it's been a long time!"

Just as they were about to leave, a powerful voice rang out.

At the same time, a group of people dressed in the same Nine Heavens Sword Academy uniforms walked towards them.

The leader was a tall, strong, and piercing middle-aged man.

"It's Dean Zhao!"

Dean Gong spoke calmly.

"Dean Gong has also entered the Nascent Soul realm! Congratulations!"

The man seemed oblivious to Dean Gong's indifference and continued to speak with a smile.

"Is this the chief instructor of your academy?"

Turning his gaze to Zhou Ling beside Dean Gong, the middle-aged man raised an eyebrow slightly and said with considerable surprise.

Zhou Ling was now dressed in the blue robes of a Taoist academy instructor, so he could be recognized at a glance.

According to the tradition of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, only the instructor with the strongest combat power within the academy is qualified to become the chief instructor.

The young man in front of me looks rather immature and is only at the Foundation Establishment stage. What makes him worthy of being the chief of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy in Qingyun Immortal City?
Could it be that Qingyun Immortal City has given up on this competition?

"Greetings, Dean Zhao!"

Seeing the man glance at him with a puzzled look, Zhou Ling also bowed respectfully.

The man glanced at Zhou Ling but ignored him, and continued speaking to Dean Gong, "Dean Gong, your Sword Academy is so shabby, do you really need a Foundation Establishment cultivator to save face?"

Upon hearing this, Dean Gong frowned, then smiled and said, "I hope we'll have the opportunity to spar with Dean Zhao this time!" Although his words were polite, the underlying tension was obvious.

Zhou Ling immediately realized that Dean Gong and this person did not get along well.

Upon hearing this, Song Xi and the other instructors couldn't help but show surprise, looking at Dean Gong with some astonishment.

It should be noted that Dean Zhao comes from the Nine Heavens Sword Academy of the Fifth Grade Jade River Immortal City, and his strength is significantly greater than that of Dean Gong and the others.

Moreover, Dean Gong now has a Foundation Establishment instructor on his side.

This lineup is no match for Dean Zhao and his team.

How dare Dean Gong provoke us?
"interesting!"

"It seems Dean Gong has some powerful weapon in his hands!"

Dean Zhao was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled.

"But with your current strength, don't even dream of facing us!"

"Let's think about how to beat the other fourth-grade academies first!"

Dean Zhao smiled as his gaze swept over Dean Gong.

There is also competition among the various levels of Daoist academies within the Daoist Alliance.

After all, the number of fifth and sixth-rank positions is limited; as some people rise, others naturally fall.

"That's none of your concern, Dean Zhao, but I believe that after this competition, you'll soon have to relinquish your fifth-rank position!"

Dean Gong's expression was calm, but his tone was very confident.

These words caused the other instructors around to widen their eyes in disbelief.

Dean Gong is really confident!
No matter how powerful a person is, they can't possibly take on two opponents at once.

At this point, most people would think that Zhou Ling was just there to make a cameo appearance.

Is it really like offline, just like in Little Red Heaven? Can you still use sword light to wreak havoc?
"Hehe, Dean Gong is as confident as ever!"

Dean Zhao chuckled again and led his team away.

"Dean, this team is quite strong!"

Watching the other party leave, Zhou Ling spoke to Dean Gong.

Of course, his main question was whether Dean Gong and this person had some kind of conflict.
"It's just a petty person who has gotten ahead; he won't amount to anything!"

Dean Gong said calmly.

"Dean Gong, this way please!"

At this moment, Victoria Song hurriedly spoke up.

Hearing Dean Gong's words, Song Qian was also surprised.

If Dean Zhao hears this and gets angry, and the two sides start arguing before the competition even begins, that would be troublesome.

She couldn't understand what gave Dean Gong the confidence to be so indifferent to Dean Zhao and his group.

Moreover, the Foundation Establishment Chief beside him did not seem to show the slightest fear.

You should know that a Nascent Soul cultivator could easily obliterate him with a flick of his finger.

"Thank you for your help, Instructor Song!"

Dean Gong nodded, then said nothing more, and led everyone away from the square with Song Qian.

As the two teams departed, the other disciples around them began to discuss the matter again.

"Dean Gong is the most beautiful dean I have ever seen!"

"Not only beautiful, but also wild!"

"It's a pity we chose a Foundation Establishment instructor!"

Because of Dean Gong's stunning beauty, coupled with the tense atmosphere between the two sides, many other teams around them were paying attention.

In particular, the cultivation level of Zhou Ling, the chief instructor, was truly astonishing.

Everyone was skeptical as to how there could be instructors with such cultivation levels here.

"It would be great if we could face Qingyun Immortal City in the first round!"

"This way, we'll not only have victory in our grasp, but we can also conserve enough energy for the second round!"

After learning about Zhou Ling's cultivation level, many people secretly made plans in their hearts.

After all, that's the rule of this competition.

The disciples' points account for half, and the two instructors' points account for the other half.

The differences among the disciples are not that significant.

However, when a Foundation Establishment instructor suddenly appears in the teaching staff, everyone wants to pick on the weakest link.

Before long, Zhou Ling's identity as the chief instructor of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy in Qingyun Immortal City, with his Foundation Establishment cultivation, became widely known.

······.

"Dean Gong, this is the courtyard where you will be staying!"

Song Qian led Dean Gong and his entourage to a small courtyard with a strong spiritual atmosphere.

A lush and verdant spring foliage tree grows in the small courtyard.

According to Victoria Song, it is a thousand-year-old sacred tree.

Its spiritual energy is not only incredibly pure, but its fragrance can also cleanse the soul.

As a gentle breeze blows and the leaves sway, a sweet fragrance fills the courtyard.

It smells so invigorating that it instantly lifts your spirits.

[Your Azure Lotus Spirit Flame absorbed Azure Wood Qi, Five Elements Thunder Qi +1, Azure Lotus Spirit Flame +3]

A system notification appears.

Zhou Ling immediately took another deep breath.

The foundation of this main academy is indeed astonishing; even a small courtyard where one can live contains fifth-order spirit wood.

If one could cultivate here year-round, their strength would definitely increase by leaps and bounds.

Now, as the grade of the Spirit Flame increases, it is necessary to absorb items of a higher grade in order to further improve it.

And this fifth-tier Springwood is perfect for the Azure Lotus Spirit Flame.

"Dean Gong, you will stay in this courtyard. The draw will begin this afternoon to determine your first opponent."

"The competition will take place tomorrow, in the square we just saw!"

Song Qian then spoke to Dean Gong.

"Thank you for your help, Instructor Song!"

Dean Gong nodded his thanks.

Song Qian then took her leave, telling Director Gong that she could contact her if she had any questions.

After Song Qian left, Dean Gong instructed Zhou Ling to arrange rooms for everyone.

The courtyard is a single-section building with three side rooms on each side.

There are six rooms in total.

Zhou Ling then arranged for him and Dean Gong to each have their own room.

Weng Lanyue shared a room with a female disciple, while the other four shared three rooms.

After making the arrangements, everyone was allowed to do their own thing.

You can cultivate whenever you want, or go for a stroll outside if you wish.

Apart from Weng Lanyue, who wanted to go out, the other five disciples chose to stay in their rooms to cultivate.

As for Weng Lanyue's request, Zhou Ling only agreed to let him stay within the main hospital and not go out.

Although there shouldn't be any security issues in Qingyang Immortal City.

But Zhou Ling didn't want anything to go wrong.

Weng Lanyue had no choice but to agree.

Of course, the main campus of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy is big enough.

Some places were visited.

After arranging everyone's situation, Zhou Ling also returned to his room to cultivate.

Although the time frame is only a few days, the improvement is limited.

However, the effect of Chunzhangmu on Qinglian Lingyan was immediate.

"Our opponent in the first round of the draw is the Tianxia Dao Academy from the Ancient Rock Immortal City, a fourth-grade immortal city."

In the afternoon, after drawing lots, Dean Gong returned to the courtyard and spoke to everyone.

"The Tianxia Dao Academy in Ancient Rock Immortal City is quite powerful!"

"Five disciples, three in the late Foundation Establishment stage, two in the mid-stage, and one of them is a formation master!"

Dean Gong continued speaking to everyone.

"In addition, their two instructors are one at the early stage of Nascent Soul and the other at the peak of Golden Core, so they are relatively easier to deal with!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a jade slip appeared in Dean Gong's hand, activating the projection within it.

He began to introduce the opponent's situation to everyone.

(End of this chapter)