Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

The Zhou family's meeting room.

"Patriarch, this is Zhao Xiu, the seventh elder of the Zixiao Sect."

The refined-looking Wu Shihong pointed to a middle-aged woman with delicate and elegant features beside him and introduced her to Zhou Ling.

"Greetings, Chief Zhou!"

The middle-aged woman bowed to Zhou Ling.

"Senior Zhao, please have a seat!"

Zhou Ling politely bowed.

Wu Shihong's intentions were not immediately clear to them.

After all, his relationship with the Zixiao Sect is currently sensitive.

At this time, he came to visit, accompanied by an elder from the Zixiao Sect.

Could it be that you're trying to act as a lobbyist?
Zhou Ling wondered to himself.

However, Wu Shihong is a reliable person and wouldn't do anything outrageous.

Then he poured spiritual tea for the two of them.

"Elder Zhao was originally on good terms with me, but now she has left the Zixiao Sect and wants to join the Lingxiao Sect. I wonder if the patriarch can accept this?"

Wu Shihong got straight to the point.

"Elder Zhao wants to join my Lingxiao Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling looked at Zhao Xiu with surprise.

Zhao Xiu remained calm, his eyes clear and cold. He nodded slightly and said, "My Zixiao Sect is a glorious sect with a history of ten thousand years. Among the many sects in the Dao Alliance, it has always ranked among the top ten."

"Now, under the leadership of the Liu family, they are actually disregarding the safety of our human race for their own selfish interests, colluding with other races, and ambushing the meritorious deeds of our human race."

"This Zixiao Sect is no longer the original Zixiao Sect, but the Liu family's Zixiao Sect."

"If things continue like this, sooner or later we will be in a state of utter ruin."

"It is regrettable that my cultivation is limited and I cannot change anything. I can only leave the Zixiao Sect with a few disciples."

By the end, his tone had become quite indignant.

"Alas, it is all our fault for being incompetent that the Zixiao Sect has fallen to this state."

Wu Shihong also sighed, looking quite helpless.

When Liu Zhengjia was wanted, he tried his best to get the Zixiao Sect to distance itself from the matter.

They hoped to expel Liu Zhengjia directly from the Zixiao Sect and send Zixiao Sect cultivators to pursue Liu Zhengjia along with the Patrol Division.

However, due to the Liu family's pressure, no one responded to this matter.

Some people even secretly passed messages to Liu Zhengjia.

This made him disheartened with the sect.

They also guessed that Liu Zhengjia or the Liu family would secretly take action against Zhou Ling.

Only then did he resolutely lead his family away from the Zixiao Sect and seek refuge with Zhou Ling.

This can also be considered as protecting Zhou Ling.

Otherwise, if Zhou Ling is indeed killed, the Zixiao Sect will likely have little chance of recovery.

But it still happened.

Liu Zhengjia actually went to the Youyun Starfield to ambush Zhou Ling, who was participating in the Four Great Grotto Heavens.

Moreover, it was three disciples of the Zixiao Sect who acted as inside agents.

He knew that the Zixiao Sect was now completely under the control of the Liu family.

The situation is dangerous now.

Zhao Xiu, who had always ignored sect affairs and focused solely on cultivation, approached him yesterday, explaining that she had already left the Zixiao Sect.

I hope to join the Lingxiao Sect.

After all, the Lingxiao Sect and the Zixiao Sect originally shared the same roots.

As long as the Lingxiao Sect is preserved, even if the Zixiao Sect declines, the sect's legacy will still exist.

After all, the Zixiao Sect's inheritance jade seal is now in Zhou Ling's hands.

"It's rare to find Elder Zhao who understands the greater good!"

“Our Lingxiao Sect will naturally welcome you.”

Zhou Ling pondered for a moment, then nodded and said.

Currently, the Zixiao Sect still has nine Nascent Soul cultivators, four of whom are from the Liu family.

Of the remaining five, according to Wu Shihong, three had submitted to the Liu family.

The two were on good terms with him.

Zhao Xiu was one of them.

Originally, it was also advocated that the Zixiao Sect and the Lingxiao Sect should share the same origin and be merged into one family.

Therefore, he accepted the woman's arrival.

After all, this would greatly weaken the Liu family and the Zixiao Sect.

Of course, it's also possible that the other party is here as an undercover agent.

However, it shouldn't be the case for a high-level cultivator like Zhao Xiu.

After all, joining the Lingxiao Sect requires swearing an oath of loyalty to the sect.

One must not betray one's sect.

Moreover, the current strength of the Lingxiao Sect is still far behind that of the Zixiao Sect.

There is no need to use this undercover tactic yet.

Given Zhao Xiu's status as a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator and an elder, his departure from the Zixiao Sect would inevitably have a significant impact on the sect's reputation and the morale of its disciples.

This is also a huge loss for the Zixiao Sect.

"I wonder what requirements Senior Zhao has for the Lingxiao Sect?"

After a slight pause, Zhou Ling asked again.

"I have no other requests than that the lineage of our sect must not be broken."

"In addition, there is a safe place to cultivate in peace."

"Besides myself, several other disciples have also come with me and hope to stay in the Lingxiao Sect as well."

"I won't force you to do anything else."

Zhao Xiu glanced at Zhou Ling and said in a deep voice.

"it is good!"

Zhou Ling nodded.

If one has a clear idea in mind, one can basically rule out the possibility that this woman is a spy.

As he activated [Advanced Observation], he discovered that the woman's aura remained almost unchanged when she said those words.

If she were lying, even if she were a Nascent Soul cultivator, her emotions would still fluctuate to some extent.

They couldn't escape the "Advanced Observation".

"Come in!"

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's agreement, Zhao Xiu then called out to the disciples outside the hall.

To avoid causing Zhou Ling to misunderstand, she also had several disciples wait outside the hall.

Several figures then entered the hall.

Each of them exuded a powerful aura.

There are five people in total.

The woman at the head of the group was a woman in a blue dress with a cool expression and a serene appearance.

It was Zhang Yuhu, one of the three great prodigies of the Zixiao Sect.

The cultivation level is at the middle stage of Nascent Soul.

Behind her were four people, two men and two women, all of whom possessed considerable aura.

They consisted of two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators and two peak-stage Golden Core cultivators.

"Greetings, Chief Zhou!"

"Greetings, Chief Zhou!"

The five of them bowed to Zhou Ling in unison.

Looking at Zhou Zhishou, who is now at the height of his power in the Dao Alliance and has turned the Zixiao Sect upside down.

Each person had a different expression.

Zhang Yuhu, in particular, did not appear as calm as he seemed.

It should be noted that several years ago, Zhou Ling and others came to the Zixiao Sect for a competition.

When they were vying for the Thunder Dragon Seal, their strength was significantly inferior to theirs.

It could even be said that she and Liu Polei did not consider them as opponents at all.

Although Liu Polei was later unexpectedly defeated by Zhou Ling.

But Zhou Ling won by sheer luck.

But I never expected that in just a few years...

Zhou Ling's strength has far surpassed theirs.

Now it's terrifying that it can kill the Fifth Elder Liu Zhengjia, a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

It's truly unimaginable.

"Please, everyone, no need for formalities, please be seated!"

Zhou Ling nodded with a smile.

Three Nascent Soul cultivators and two Golden Core cultivators—that's quite a force to be reckoned with.

Moreover, he was merely a disciple of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

This shows just how profound the foundation of the Zixiao Sect is.

As his gaze swept over Zhang Yuhu, an idea suddenly popped into his mind.

"Senior Zhao, since you are willing to join my Lingxiao Sect, we are now family."

"Purple Cloud Peak is currently under expansion, so you'll have to make do with choosing a cave within the Lingxiao Sect for cultivation in the meantime."

"I'll give it to you after we've cleared out another mountain peak."

Zhou Ling then smiled and said to Zhao Xiu.

Generally speaking, mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators need their own independent mountain peak for cultivation. However, currently, only Purple Cloud Peak exists within the territory.

Fortunately, the territory awarded this time allows for the expansion of two or three more mountain peaks.

We'll make arrangements then.

"I will obey the sect leader's arrangements."

Zhao Xiu then changed his tune.

"it is good!"

Zhou Ling smiled and nodded.

Looking at Zhang Yuhu, he smiled and said, "It's been many years since we last met. Senior Sister Zhang's sword intent has become more and more profound."

When he competed against the Zixiao Sect, he used his two talents to observe and analyze Zhang Yuhu's sword intent.

Let the second senior sister use a magic array to deal with it.

The two ended in a draw.

"Sect Master, you flatter me. I am no match for you."

Zhang Yuhu said calmly.

Regarding Master leaving Zixiao Sect and joining Lingxiao Sect.

She also supports it.

Originally, these disciples were often ostracized by the Liu family and the aristocratic families who had submitted to the Liu family.

Life at the Zixiao Sect was not easy either.

You have to fight for all resources yourself.

It can be said that the Liu family is now the most powerful family in the Zixiao Sect.

This is definitely not a good thing for the Zixiao Sect.

She hadn't expected Zhou Ling to be so polite to her, even addressing her as "senior sister."

But Zhou Ling's next words shocked her even more.

"I wonder if Senior Sister has a Daoist partner?"

Zhou Ling asked.

"Taoist companion?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuhu was taken aback.

Not only her, but Wu Shihong, Zhao Xiu and others also looked at Zhou Ling with surprise.

They all knew that Zhou Ling had already married three wives.

Such a question feels rather abrupt.

Could it be that she's set her sights on Zhang Yuhu again?
However, given Zhou Ling's status and cultivation level, he is fully worthy of Zhang Yuhu.

Although Zhao Xiu was surprised, she remained silent.

"What does the sect leader mean?"

Zhang Yuhu's serene face flushed slightly, and she looked at Zhou Ling with her clear eyes, asking a question.

She was focused on cultivation and never considered the matter of finding a cultivation partner.

"To be honest, Senior Sister Zhang, I have a brother who, like you, specializes in lightning-attribute swordsmanship."

"It is perfectly suited to your swordsmanship."

"If you become Daoist partners, you may even reach the fifth realm in the future in the field of lightning-attribute swordsmanship."

Zhou Ling said seriously.

When he saw Zhang Yuhu earlier, he was thinking of making coal for He Zijian.

Try to bring them together.

Of course, he wasn't just making connections randomly.

Under the [Advanced Observation], he could see that the faint Thunder Sword Intent emanating from Zhang Yuhu was extremely compatible with He Zijian.

"The Five Realms of Swordsmanship?"

Everyone present was somewhat surprised to hear Zhou Ling's words.

After all, the Five Realms of Swordsmanship is already extremely difficult.

Moreover, it is a fifth-level sword path with lightning attribute.

Moreover, given Zhou Ling's cultivation level, it's unlikely he would speak carelessly.

"How did the sect leader come to see that my swordsmanship is so compatible with his?"

Zhang Yuhu asked with a puzzled expression.

After all, in her memory, she had only met Zhou Ling a few years ago during a competition.

However, over the years, her swordsmanship and cultivation have improved considerably.

If Zhou Ling were to make a judgment based on past experience, it would obviously be without any basis.

"Your Thunder Sound Sword Dao is known for breaking through all laws with a single sword strike, and its power is formidable. However, it has a significant drawback: it can only be cultivated up to the fourth realm."

"Unable to condense my own lightning-attribute swordsmanship."

"This has nothing to do with your own swordsmanship talent, but rather with the inherent factors of this Thunder Sword Technique."

Zhou Ling smiled.

With the current effectiveness of [Advanced Observation], even a fifth-level swordsman can get a general idea of ​​what's going on.

The Four Realms of Swordsmanship are naturally beyond my grasp.

In the last battle, Zhang Yuhu was already close to the fourth realm of lightning attribute swordsmanship.

However, as the years have passed, he still hasn't overcome this hurdle: he can no longer make any progress in cultivating the Thunder Sound Sword Technique.

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

This includes Wu Shihong and Zhao Xiu, both mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

They also understood Zhang Yuhu's swordsmanship.

But I can't quite put my finger on what the problem is.

How could Zhou Ling see the problem so easily?
No wonder he had already comprehended the Five Realms of Sword Dao with only the Golden Core cultivation level.

Such swordsmanship talent is truly terrifying.

Zhang Yuhu's pretty face showed a look of doubt.

Although the Thunder Sound Sword Technique is powerful, it is absolutely unacceptable for her to be unable to condense her own thunder attribute sword path.

“I’ll have He Zijian come over. You can have a match with him, but you must limit your cultivation to the Golden Core realm.”

"You will naturally gain some insight."

Zhou Ling looked at the dismissive expression on his face and spoke up.

With [Advanced Observation] and [Advanced Analysis], he was able to sense the complementary sword intent between the two.

That's why I tried to bring them together.

Whether they will succeed in the end depends on their own decisions.

After all, these things can't be forced.

"it is good!"

Zhang Yuhu nodded slightly.

She also wanted to see what exactly was going on.
Zhou Ling was able to so confidently state the flaws in his swordsmanship.

She wouldn't believe it if it were anyone else.

However, Zhou Ling had already comprehended the Five Realms of Sword Dao and mastered the late-stage Fifth-Order Sun Immortal Sword.

Given his status, it's unlikely he would speak carelessly.

Immediately, Zhou Ling sent a telepathic message to He Zijian, instructing him to come to the council hall.

A moment later, He Zijian strode into the hall.

He bowed to Zhou Ling, Wu Shihong, and others.

“Brother He, I just saw that Senior Sister Zhang’s sword intent matched yours quite well, so I thought I’d like to match you two up.”

"I hope that Senior Sister Zhang can become your Daoist partner."

Zhou Ling spoke directly to He Zijian.

Since Zhang Yuhu had not explicitly refused, he spoke frankly in front of everyone.

"this?"

Instead, He Zijian was taken aback.

He has no plans to get married right now.

Zhou Ling's actions seem a bit like matchmaking.

However, since it was Zhou Ling who said it, and it was in front of the girl, he couldn't very well refuse.

Zhang Yuhu glanced at He Zijian.

He Zijian was handsome and cultivated lightning-attribute swordsmanship, possessing an extraordinary aura.

His cultivation level at the peak of Foundation Establishment is rather low.

However, if one's swordsmanship level is high enough, it can make up for insufficient cultivation.

"Brother He, Senior Sister Zhang, you should head to the arena now and have some real combat experience. I believe you will understand what I mean."

After briefly explaining the situation to He Zijian, Zhou Ling said the same thing to the two of them.

"Fellow Daoist He, I'll have to trouble you again."

Zhang Yuhu cupped his hands in greeting to He Zijian and said calmly.

She believed Zhou Ling's words to some extent.

I also want to know how He Zijian's swordsmanship will help my own.

"Alright, Senior Zhang, please!"

He Zijian also cupped his hands in response.

Maintain a humble yet assertive attitude.

Regarding Zhou Lingyan's mention of his Daoist partner, he hadn't expected it to be Zhang Yuhu, who was in the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

However, he didn't take it too seriously.

The key point is that he hasn't had any real combat experience for years, and having such an opponent makes him somewhat excited. (End of Chapter)