Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

"Boom!"

A series of booming sounds rang out in the Zhou family's competition arena.

The two lightning sword lights intertwined and annihilated each other.

Zhang Yuhu, who suppressed his cultivation to the Golden Core realm, did not have any obvious advantage in his fight against He Zijian.

Below the competition arena, Zhou Ling, Wu Shihong, Zhao Xiu, and others watched.

With their keen eyesight, they could naturally discern the difference in sword intent between the two sides.

Leaving aside the matter of Daoist partners mentioned by Zhou Ling.

The two men's thunderous sword intents complement each other in many ways.

Although it is the same fierce and ruthless sword intent.

However, He Zijian's strength lies in its gentleness, which is extremely rare among lightning-attribute sword intents.

Zhang Yuhu's Thunder Sound Sword Technique, however, is too forceful and lacks room for maneuver.

However, due to certain limitations, he could not reach the ultimate level of fierceness, making it difficult for Zhang Yuhu to develop his own unique swordsmanship.

As Zhou Ling had previously mentioned, He Zijian's swordsmanship would compensate for his own swordsmanship.

Therefore, Zhang Yuhu also paid attention to He Zijian's sword intent.

He discovered that it did indeed have some similarity to his own sword intent.

This allowed her to observe while fighting.

He Zijian was even more surprised and thought he should seize this opportunity to practice and improve his skills.

They held nothing back and went all out.

After all, the other party was a Nascent Soul cultivator, whose strength was much higher than his.

Several swords came crashing down.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yuhu was actually observing his sword intent.

"All right!"

"Let's end the competition here!"

Seeing that He Zijian had already exhausted himself, and that the intertwining of their sword intents had achieved its purpose, Zhou Ling decisively called a halt.

Such an exchange of sword intent naturally requires a long period of practice to yield results.

Moreover, it has to be a relationship where both parties trust each other very much.

After all, no one can share the sword intent they have painstakingly comprehended with others.

This is why Zhou Ling acted as matchmaker for Zhang Yuhu.

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, the two on the dueling field slowly sheathed their swords.

"Senior Zhang's Thunder Sound Sword Domain is truly powerful; this junior is completely unable to break through it."

He Zijian bowed respectfully to Zhang Yuhu.

His tone conveyed admiration.

Although both were swordsmen of the lightning attribute, he could sense that Zhang Yuhu's sword domain was much stronger than his.

He had to use all his strength to barely block it.

"Fellow Daoist He is too modest. Your Thunder Sword Intent does indeed have unique attributes."

"It's only a matter of time before I comprehend the four realms of swordsmanship."

Zhang Yuhu said in a clear and melodious voice.

Although it was only a few exchanges, she was able to clearly grasp a certain energy within He Zijian's sword intent.

It is extremely mysterious and has great potential for growth.

And just as Zhou Ling said, it really did help his swordsmanship.

He was also shocked. How could Zhou Ling be so insightful?

Having only witnessed me unleash the Thunder Sound Sword Domain once, he was able to predict my swordsmanship with such precision.

This number one genius of the Dao Alliance is indeed terrifying.

"Alright, you should all be able to sense the difference in sword intent between each other."

"Is it as I said, that they complement each other to a certain extent?"

Zhou Ling looked at Zhang Yuhu and smiled, "Senior Sister Zhang, what do you think of my suggestion that you two become Daoist partners?"

Although the exchange was brief, both of them gained unique insights into the Thunder Sword Intent.

Therefore, we can also determine some situations.

However, Zhang Yuhu, like his master Zhao Xiu, was also a well-known ascetic cultivator.

He usually chooses to retreat into seclusion for spiritual practice.

They don't pay much attention to other matters.

Zhou Ling could tell at a glance that He Zijian didn't care much about this matter.

I still need to use my words to get this matter settled as soon as possible.

To avoid it falling through later.

"this?"

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, Zhang Yuhu looked at Zhao Xiu and asked, "Master, do you think I agree?"

Given Zhou Ling's current status and position, she should be given face for arranging a marriage for her.

However, she had no experience in matters of the heart.

So I asked my master directly.

"You don't need to ask me about this; just follow your heart."

Zhao Xiu said calmly.

He was quite surprised that Zhou Ling was able to see through the flaws in Zhang Yuhu's sword intent.

She, as a Nascent Soul master, could not tell at all.

I originally thought it was because my disciple lacked practical experience.

I never imagined that the problem lay with the sword technique itself.

Upon careful consideration, it's clear that no one in the Zixiao Sect has actually cultivated the Thunder Sound Sword Technique to reach the fourth realm of swordsmanship.

As for her disciples' choice of Daoist partners, she also adhered to the principle of letting fate take its course.

If she and He Zijian are destined to be together, then everything will fall into place naturally.

Whether one cultivates oneself or not, there is cause and effect.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuhu hesitated for a moment, then a blush appeared on her pretty face, and she nodded, saying, "I promise the sect leader this."

She didn't have much affection for He Zijian, but she didn't dislike him either.

Can accept it.

Moreover, she has not considered the matter of a Daoist partner over the years.

My departure from Zixiao Sect to Lingxiao Sect with my master was purely accidental.

Zhou Ling acted as matchmaker in this way.

Furthermore, his own sword intent and He Zijian's sword intent were quite compatible.

She felt that all of this was due to fate.

Therefore, I am willing to accept it.

"Homeowner!"

He Zijian was surprised that Zhang Yuhu actually agreed, and was about to speak.

"Alright, that's settled then."

"You can start by cultivating through the Sword Shadow Jade and exchanging sword intent."

"As for the engagement, we'll hold it later."

Seeing that He Zijian seemed to be reluctant, Zhou Ling made a decisive decision to settle the matter first.

After all, one of them was his own brother, and Zhang Yuhu was now considered a cultivator of the Lingxiao Sect.

Naturally, they can make the decisions.

Hearing Zhou Ling's words, He Zijian said nothing more.

"Senior Zhao, I will take you to see my master right away."

Zhou Ling then cupped his hands to Zhao Xiu.

"it is good!"

Zhao Xiu nodded.

She has always had a good relationship with Fairy Ziling.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling led everyone to the Lingxiao Sect.

We arrived at the main hall of the Lingxiao Sect.

Zi Ling Fairy and her two disciples received Zhou Ling's message and came to greet them.

"Junior Sister Zhao, I'm so sorry for not greeting you sooner!"

Zi Ling Fairy cupped her hands to Zhao Xiu, her expression upright, no longer displaying her previous languid demeanor.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Ziling."

Zhao Xiu returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

After a few brief pleasantries, we took our seats.

Weng Lanyue served everyone spiritual tea.

Zhao Xiu then reiterated his intention to seek refuge with Fairy Ziling.

“My Lingxiao Sect was originally a place where a hundred flowers bloomed, but after the Liu family took power, it became their sect.”

"I would be most pleased if Junior Sister Zhao could join my Lingxiao Sect."

"It was a serious expression on my face," said Fairy Ziling.

The two then discussed the future affairs of the Lingxiao Sect with Wu Shihong.

Wu Shihong originally had no intention of joining the Lingxiao Sect. He came to the Zhou family only to prevent Liu Zhengjia from harming Zhou Ling.

Unexpectedly, Liu Zhengjia ambushed Zhou Ling in Yunhai Immortal City.

This made him even more disappointed with the Zixiao Sect, which is why he joined the Lingxiao Sect.

What were the three discussing?

Zhou Ling didn't notice either.

With three mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators in charge, the Lingxiao Sect can be considered a first-class sect in the Dao Alliance.

I felt much more relaxed.

Thinking that if Ji Siqing could also be recruited into the Lingxiao Sect, their strength would be sufficient.

However, considering Ji Siqing's personality, I feel that the chances are slim.

······.

The day arrived for the trial in the Mountain and Sea Realm.

Zhou Ling left home early in the morning and arrived at a main hall at the headquarters of the Dao Alliance.

Several figures were already seated inside the main hall.

Five grand master chairs were arranged on the main dais.

Five people with astonishing cultivation levels were seated there.

All five were high-ranking members of the Dao Alliance.

In the middle is Meng Si Shou.

On the left and right sides are the heads of the four departments: the Inspection Department, the Law Department, the Xuan Army Department, and the Xuan Court Department.

The fact that five high-ranking members of the Dao Alliance were dispatched at once shows how important this competition is.

The head of the Xuanjun Division is named Lu Xian'an.

He was a middle-aged cultivator who was six feet tall and had an upright posture.

His expression was indifferent, his aura exuded power and authority.

He was a chubby man with a ruddy complexion and a somewhat overweight body.

This person is Huang Yan, the head of the Xuan Ting Division.

As soon as Zhou Ling entered the main hall, he bowed to everyone.

Meng Sishou gestured for him to sit on his left.

On the right, a middle-aged man with a handsome appearance and deep, piercing eyes was already seated.

This person was Liu Zhengshang from the Liu family. He glanced at Zhou Ling, seemingly unconcerned, and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Zhou Ling remained calm, as he already had some information about Liu Zhengshang.

Even with several high-ranking officials present, he did not show any emotion and remained calm.

However, I was still wary.

Under the [Advanced Observation], he could see that Liu Zhengshang's spiritual cultivation was extremely astonishing.

A short while later, two more middle-aged men entered the main hall.

One of them was a man with a refined appearance and a clear and aloof demeanor. He was He Yongnian, the former head of the Xuanjun Division.

The other was a dark-skinned, square-faced man named Chu Zhengqi.

Both of them were at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

"The four cultivators who participated in this competition for the leadership of the Xuanjun Division have all arrived."

"Now, I will reiterate it once again."

"This time we are entering the Void Realm of Mountains and Seas."

"It is an ancient immortal dynasty's territory, with various strange restrictions."

"Moreover, you entered as souls, so you must be extremely careful."

"This competition will not only test your cultivation level, but also your ability to lead troops in battle."

"Therefore, the assessment points are based on two factors: the number of evil spirits killed in the Void Realm and your ability to lead troops."

"As for the situation during the trial, it will be transmitted to the main hall through the Soul Domain, and we will be able to see the changes in the points."

"If you encounter a crisis, you can also shatter the Soul Jade and leave the Mountain and Sea Void Realm."

Meng Sishou's gaze swept over the four people, and he spoke seriously.

"I'll understand later!"

The four men bowed and replied.

"In addition, the time in the Void Realm is not the same as ours. This trial will last for a month, but it may take longer in the Void Realm. As for the exact length, I don't know."

"When the time comes, the Soul Jade will naturally teleport you back to the main hall."

"Furthermore, for safety reasons, during your trial period, the five of us will patrol the main hall to ensure your physical safety."

"Furthermore, the situation inside the main hall and the competition scores will be publicly disclosed."

Meng Sishou continued.

After everyone has finished consuming their energy, wait a while.

"It's almost time. I will now open the passage to the Mountain and Sea Void Realm. You shall prepare to enter."

Meng Si's first words fell.

He immediately produced a jade tablet.

A powerful spiritual energy suddenly condensed inside the main hall and poured into the jade tablet.

The jade plaque shone with a lustrous, jade-like luster.

hum!
In the void, a phantom image resembling the Bagua diagram condensed, exuding an ancient aura of heaven and earth, extremely mysterious.

Immediately afterwards, the Bagua pattern rotated, forming a blue vortex below it.

A cyan void passage materialized.

It felt as if a primordial energy was surging within the passage.

Each time the cyan vortex flashed, the passage trembled, as if it were not very stable.

"Everyone, gather your souls and enter!"

Meng Si first spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling began to gather his divine soul, and in an instant, a phantom of his divine soul materialized.

It was roughly the same as him, except it was a soul.

Meanwhile, the other three also simultaneously formed their souls.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
As their souls coalesced, the jade tablet emitted azure light that enveloped them before shooting into the void.

"The competition in the Mountain and Sea Realm will last for one month."

"I'll leave the rest to you all!"

Meng Sishou pointed his hand, and four golden rays shot out.

Then it transformed into four golden rays, enveloping the four physical bodies of Zhou Ling and the others.

The other four nodded.

The position of head of the Xuanjun Division is of paramount importance.

Of course, there can be no carelessness.

Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that there is at least one person in the main hall to guard this place for the next month.

However, given their cultivation level, this is not a problem.

Even a wisp of a fragment of a soul is enough to ensure safety.

"Chief Meng, this Mountain and Sea Void Realm is no ordinary realm. It's understandable for a Nascent Soul cultivator to enter it, but Zhou Ling himself was able to kill a fifth-tier alien race only by relying on the Sun Immortal Sword and the Spirit Flame."

"Wouldn't it be too dangerous to send him to the Mountain and Sea Void Realm like this?"

At this moment, Lin Zhenggong spoke up and asked.

Judging from the divine souls that the four of them had just condensed, Zhou Ling's divine soul was significantly smaller than the other three.

This also proves that Zhou Ling's spiritual cultivation is lower than that of the other three.

Everyone knows that Zhou Ling killed the fifth-tier alien race only by using the Sunlit Immortal Sword and the spiritual flame in his hand.

Using his soul form for trials in this way is undoubtedly extremely disadvantageous for him.

"With his current spiritual cultivation, he should be fine."

Meng Sishou said with a smile.

He was aware of this.

But there's nothing we can do about it.

The decision to enter the Mountain and Sea Void Realm for the competition was made later.

The position of chief of the Xuanjun Division requires sufficient military merit to be awarded.

There is no one else suitable at the moment.

Zhou Ling's military achievements and his own position were both just right.

Therefore, he recommended Zhou Ling.

The key is to prevent this position from falling back into the Liu family's hands.

Otherwise, all the previous efforts of the weakened Liu family would have been in vain.

Upon hearing this, Lin Zegong said nothing more.

Although the risks are considerable, one must possess sufficient ability to become the head of the Xuanjun Division.

After all, this position is related to the safety of the Dao Alliance, and cannot be taken lightly in the slightest.

"I will lead the defense today; you may return first."

Meng Sishou then spoke to the other four.

The four then bid farewell and departed. (End of Chapter)