Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 324 The Spirit Flame Unleashes its Power
Nine Heavens Sword Academy Main Campus.

With the main competition officially underway, the entire Taoist academy was bustling with activity.

Many cultivators from Qingyang Immortal City came to watch.

After all, this competition involves not only the disciples of the Taoist Academy, but also the instructors.

A cultivator at the Nascent Soul level.

This is extremely rare.

After all, apart from expanding its territory, Qingyang Immortal City is basically a safe area.

Even if there are beast tides or evil cultivators, they generally won't affect Qingyang Immortal City.

It is almost impossible to see Nascent Soul cultivators fighting.

Early in the morning, Dean Gong led Zhou Ling and the others to the competition square.

They were then directed to their rest area to await the start of the competition.

They were assigned to the first round of the competition.

The disciples' competition and the instructors' competition will be held simultaneously, but arranged on different platforms.

As more and more disciples from other Taoist academies arrived, Zhou Ling also got to see the instructors and disciples from those academies.

They are all talented individuals from the Qingyang Immortal Realm.

After all, in the entire Qingyang Immortal Realm cultivation world, Qingyang Immortal City is only a fourth-grade immortal city.

They can only be considered a medium-sized force.

However, the existence of Zhou Ling, a Foundation Establishment instructor, has attracted the attention of other Daoist academies.

After all, the number of instructors and disciples participating in the Taoist academy's competition is usually registered.

Besides being a Foundation Establishment disciple, they also learned that Zhou Ling was the Chief Administrator of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Of course, "Zhizheng" only means that he is quite skilled in weapon crafting.

But this is a real-world competition, so the situation is completely different.

Before long, on the huge square made of white jade.

The room was filled with cultivators and disciples of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy who came to watch.

clang!
铛

clang!
Just then, a bell rang.

On the judges' platform in the square, several jade platforms descended, and on each platform sat a cultivator with a powerful aura.

There were nine of them in total, including both men and women.

Each one exudes an aura of immense power and unfathomable depth.

Zhou Ling also met the long-lost Wang family head, Ye Zhishou of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, and Dean Shen of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

"The annual competition for the main hospital has officially begun!"

In the center of the platform, the Dean of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, dressed in a blue robe and with a dignified expression, spoke.

His voice was booming and invigorating.

"On the first arena, the Golden River Immortal City's Heaven-Mending Dao Academy versus the Seven Stars Immortal City's Profound Origin Dao Academy."

"On the second arena, the Flying Dragon Academy of Lingguang Immortal City versus the Tianxia Academy of Feiyu Immortal City."

······
"Sixth arena, Qingyun Immortal City's Nine Heavens Sword Academy versus Ancient Rock Immortal City's Tianxia Dao Academy."

······.

As the monk presiding over the competition finished speaking.

Teams of cultivators began to walk towards the arena.

"Everyone, just go into battle as we agreed yesterday!"

Dean Gong walked ahead and spoke calmly to everyone.

"Yes, Dean!"

The disciples all bowed and replied.

Since it was a team competition, no one seemed particularly nervous.

However, when he looked at Zhou Ling, he still had some doubts.

After all, his opponent was a Golden Core Peak cultivator.

There is a significant difference between the two.

Moreover, the Golden Core cultivator's condensation of the Core Domain exerts absolute suppression on Foundation Establishment cultivators.

However, Zhou Ling remained calm and composed throughout, and no one knew where his confidence came from.

Soon, the seven people stepped onto the competition platform.

The competition area is divided into two sections.

They were all very spacious and enveloped in the light of magic arrays.

The disciples competed in a third-order magic array, while the instructors competed in a fourth-order magic array.

Zhou Ling followed Dean Gong to the teaching and competition area.

Two burly men were already standing opposite them.

One of them, who had a somewhat refined appearance, was Lin Changqing, the abbot of the Tianxia Taoist Academy in Guyan Immortal City.

The one with a somewhat rugged appearance is the chief instructor, He Jing.

"Greetings, Dean Gong and Instructor Zhou!"

"Greetings, Dean Lin and Instructor He!"

The two sides greeted each other with clasped hands.

"Instructor Zhou, I never expected someone of your age to have such cultivation. Truly, the younger generation surpasses the older!"

Lin Changqing asked with a smile.

He was somewhat surprised when he first heard that Zhou Ling was only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

After all, in a fourth-grade Dao Academy, the inner courtyard instructors must be at least at the Golden Core cultivation level; this is a common understanding.

However, after checking Zhou Ling's situation, they were greatly surprised.

As a high-ranking member of the Taoist academy, he naturally had access to information that ordinary people did not know.

Zhou Ling is not only the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, but also made outstanding contributions in the recent battle of Anyang Immortal City.

It is said that one person killed two fourth-tier demonic beasts.

Upon learning this news, they immediately ceased to underestimate the situation.

"Dean Lin, Instructor He, please give me your guidance!"

Zhou Ling cupped his hands in greeting.

Having gained experience from killing two fourth-tier demonic beasts, he no longer felt much pressure even when facing a Nascent Soul cultivator head-on.

"Last year, my cousin told me that he lost in weapon forging, but I didn't quite believe it. Now that I've met Instructor Zhou, I realize that my cousin's loss was not unjust."

He Jing chuckled, his voice slightly hoarse.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling was taken aback for a moment, then looked at the head of the He family on the judges' panel.

Only then did he realize that He Jing in front of him was also a member of the He family.

During the Tianwei assessment, he defeated He Yunshan, who was considered the favorite to win, and thus became the champion.

I never expected to run into the He family at the very first stop of this assessment.

What a coincidence!

He could sense a faint hostility in the other person's words.

Could it be that after defeating He Yunshan, the He family still had their eyes on him?

The He family is a prestigious family, surely they wouldn't be so petty?

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

Of course, now that he is the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, he has nothing to worry about.

Within the Dao Alliance, this identity is the best protection.

"The competition officially begins!"

A powerful voice rang out.

"Since I've run into Instructor Zhou this time, let me see if Instructor Zhou's swordsmanship is as amazing as his talent for weapon crafting!"

He Jing looked at Zhou Ling and said in a slightly arrogant tone.

He simply couldn't understand what kind of trump card a Foundation Establishment cultivator could have that would allow him to face a Golden Core Peak cultivator like this.

Don't say this is a major step.

Eighty percent of Foundation Establishment cultivators will find it very difficult to reach the Golden Core realm in their lifetime.

As soon as he finished speaking, He Jing raised his hand, and a burst of flames instantly condensed in it.

It burst forth with a blazing and violent flame, which coalesced into a net of fire that swirled and enveloped Zhou Ling.

"Why is Zhou Ling participating in this kind of Golden Core and Nascent Soul level competition?"

"Isn't he an instructor at my Xuan Yuan Dao Academy? How come he's representing the Nine Heavens Sword Academy?"

On the judges' panel, Dean Shen looked puzzled.

"A Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator dares to confront He Jing, a Golden Core Peak cultivator?" "What trump cards does this kid have up his sleeve? It's something to look forward to!"

"At such a young age, he has become the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau and the chief instructor of the Taoist Academy. How could such a person be reckless!"

"Patriarch Wang, isn't he your Wang family's son-in-law? What's going on?"

Everyone's attention was quickly drawn to Zhou Ling, who stood out from the crowd.

After all, his age and cultivation level were simply too conspicuous.

Among the instructors, the lowest level is basically the peak of the Golden Core stage.

His being at the peak of Foundation Establishment seemed extremely out of place.

It's hard not to attract attention.

Although everyone felt that Zhou Ling was extraordinary, it was simply impossible for someone with a Foundation Establishment peak cultivation level to defeat a Golden Core peak cultivation level.

If one is in the early stages of the Golden Core realm, or with the help of certain methods, there might be a chance.

But at the peak of the Golden Core stage, the gap is simply too large.

The lowest cultivation level among those present was late-stage Nascent Soul, and there were even Nascent Soul cultivators.

In their cultivation careers, they have almost never seen a Foundation Establishment Peak cultivator defeat a Golden Core Peak cultivator.

"Hehe! It's said he's a sword cultivator at the third realm."

The head of the Wang family smiled with amusement.

In truth, he was utterly horrified.

Every time I see Zhou Ling, the kid's progress is truly unbelievable.

You should know that the last time I saw him, he was only at the second level of Foundation Establishment, but now, in less than two years, he has reached the peak of Foundation Establishment.

For him, wouldn't achieving the Golden Core in ten years be an easy task?

The promise I made to him to cultivate the Golden Elixir for ten years now seems like a complete joke.

Fortunately, he later adjusted his relationship with Zhou Ling.

Let your daughter spend more time with him, so that he won't harbor any resentment towards the Wang family.

After all, if things continue like this...

Zhou Ling also has the potential to become a Nascent Soul cultivator in the future.

"Even a swordsman at the third realm would find it difficult to defeat He Jing!"

"Yes, does the Nine Heavens Sword Academy have no one else? They need a Foundation Establishment cultivator to fight?"

The other judges shook their heads and said so.

In their view, Zhou Ling had absolutely no chance of defeating He Jing.

"This is the Golden Core's offensive technique?!"

At this moment, Zhou Ling on the competition stage glanced over, pointed his hand, and beast flames shot out from his hand, transforming into a dazzling Haoyang bird, which fiercely blasted towards the net of flames!
"Fourth-grade Spirit Flame!"

What happened next caused He Jing's face to darken instantly.

The beast flames that shot out were completely unaffected by his giant net of flames.

Like a dazzling golden sun, it spun violently, shattering the giant net of flames into pieces.

After piercing through the giant net of flames, the power of the beastly flames did not seem to be greatly diminished.

Admittedly, this giant net of flames was merely a casual strike by him to test Zhou Ling, but the power it contained was something that an ordinary early-stage Golden Core cultivator could not withstand!
However, it was easily blocked by the fourth-grade spirit flame in Zhou Ling's hand.

"interesting!"

He Jing chuckled.

"Fire Dragon!"

He Jing clasped his hands together and solemnly presented himself.

Suddenly, a giant fiery dragon materialized out of thin air, stretching for tens of feet, and as the flames rose, it formed a fiery domain.

This is the power of a Golden Core cultivator; they can instantly condense their power when casting spells.

This is absolutely not something a Foundation Establishment cultivator could do.

Facing the terrifying power emanating from the fire domain, Zhou Ling was not afraid at all, and the beast flames swirled in the sky.

At the same time, the earth elemental fire within his body roared out.

A reddish-brown cloud of fire condensed in the air, then transformed into a tortoise-shell-like protective shield, enveloping him within it.

Earth Spirit Fire is now a top-tier third-order item, not far from fourth-order.

Putting aside other aspects, its defensive capabilities are extremely strong, enough to withstand attacks from a peak Golden Core cultivator.

The next moment, the ferocious fire dragon crashed violently into the earth spirit fire.

Rumble!
A thunderous roar resounded, but the earth spirit and the earth fire remained unmoved.

But the entire void seemed to be reflected in a deep crimson.

"No way!"

Seeing that Zhou Ling actually abandoned the beast flame and let his fire dragon bombard the earth turtle's flame shield, He Jing's face was filled with disbelief and shock.

One reason is the two powerful spiritual flames in Zhou Ling's hands.

Moreover, he simply couldn't believe that a Foundation Establishment cultivator could simultaneously control two almost fourth-grade spiritual flames.

However, as he scanned the area with his divine sense, he was 100% certain that Zhou Ling was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.

He was somewhat surprised at this moment. These two attacks had reached eighty percent of his strength, yet Zhou Ling had blocked them so easily.

This completely overturned his understanding of things that had lasted for decades.

Logically speaking, even the most powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator should not be able to withstand his attack with its accompanying Core Domain.

However, Zhou Ling took a different approach and actually used spiritual flames in battle.

The key question is how he managed to control both of these spiritual flames simultaneously.

"No wonder Instructor Zhou was able to become the Chief Craftsman of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau at such a young age; it turns out he possesses such an astonishingly powerful spiritual flame!"

Dean Lin looked at the two spiritual flames surrounding Zhou Ling and said in surprise.

The power of those two spiritual flames alone was enough to ensure that Zhou Ling would not be at a disadvantage when facing most Golden Core cultivators.

Neither he nor Dean Gong were in a hurry to take action.

After all, Zhou Ling's strength was too low.

If they decide the winner quickly.

Then he and Dean Gong no longer need to fight.

After all, in a two-on-one situation, Dean Gong has absolutely no chance of winning.

It seems that Zhou Ling intends to use these two spiritual flames to wear down He Jing.

Therefore, he and Dean Gong also had to take action.

"Dean Gong, please enlighten me!"

Dean Lin cupped his hands in greeting to Dean Gong.

"Dean Lin, please!"

Dean Gong smiled and said.

As soon as he finished speaking, his aura soared into the sky, and a cyan sword light roared out from his body. The Azure Wood Sword Domain transformed into a river of swords, rushing towards his opponent.

She entered the fourth realm of swordsmanship, becoming one sword between heaven and earth, and also cultivated a clear sword heart. She could clearly sense that Dean Lin's strength posed no threat to her.

Even with He Jing included, she could win on her own.

However, this is a good opportunity to train Zhou Ling.

Moreover, the strength of the opponents will increase over time.

Therefore, we must retain sufficient strength in order to go further.

"Four Realms Sword Domain?"

Feeling the Azure River Sword Domain, Dean Lin's relaxed expression immediately turned serious.

Unexpectedly, Dean Gong not only entered the Nascent Soul realm, but also reached the fourth realm in swordsmanship.

It should be noted that, due to Zhou Ling's cultivation level, the Nine Heavens Sword Academy of Qingyun Immortal City was considered the weakest in terms of strength.

He was overjoyed when he learned yesterday that he would be playing against them.

But now my heart feels so heavy.

He Jing, who had initially thought he was certain of victory, was now facing an undeniable advantage under the combined attack of the two flames.

He had absolutely no chance of winning against a fourth-realm sword cultivator.

For now, we can only hold on and wait for He Jing to suffer a huge loss and Zhou Ling to come to our aid.

Dean Lin's expression was solemn. With a flick of his hand, a giant black ruler condensed into a hundred-foot-long beam of light, which blasted towards the Sword River.

But the next moment, it clashed fiercely with the blue sword river.

The black ruler collapsed with a crash, instantly losing its light.

"What? Her sword domain attack is this powerful?"

The attack condensed by the fourth-order black ruler was broken in an instant, and Dean Lin immediately showed an incredulous expression.

(End of this chapter)