Forging Immortality through the Dao Seed

"Senior Brother Liu, do you recognize the disciple on the third demonstration stage?"

At this moment, a purple-robed inner academy member asked from atop a massive stone column. His voice, restrained by mana, was only audible to those in the inner academy.

"Of course, this is Junior Brother Zhang Jing."

Senior Brother Liu replied without hesitation.

"Brothers, have you noticed the spell cast by Junior Brother Zhang Jing just now? It seemed quite strange. The extremely ordinary Ice Condensation Technique, in his hands, has surpassed his current cultivation level. Also, there seems to be an issue with the Glacial Light Curse he used."

"In addition, Junior Brother Zhang Jing's casting speed is astoundingly fast. The various techniques he has shown are not ones he should possess at his current stage."

Another Inner Academy member supplemented.

"What you brothers have mentioned is true. It seems that Junior Brother Zhang Jing, like Junior Brother Chen and Junior Sister Shen, has special talents."

Senior Brother Liu said slowly, his face thoughtful.

"Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Junior Brother Chen and Junior Sister Shen's talents mainly lie in cultivation and comprehension, whereas Junior Brother Zhang's talent, obviously lies in spell casting."

"Ah, if so, Junior Brother Zhang is at a disadvantage in the Outer Academy. He is currently practicing a middle-grade dharma door, while Junior Brother Chen and Junior Sister Shen are practicing superior-grade dharma doors. The gap between them is considerable."

"By the way, Senior Brother, has Junior Brother Zhang Jing achieved extreme compatibility in his cultivation method?"

Senior Brother Liu shook his head.

"In that case, it's hard to say when Junior Brother Zhang Jing will be able to join our Inner Academy. It could take ten, or even twenty years."

The purple-robed man who was asking questions earlier first nodded, then shook his head. The words he spoke were tinged with a hint of regret.

"Haha, if that's the case, then maybe we should let Junior Brother Zhang Jing join our Thousand Law Pavilion in the future. Since he has such a unique talent in spells, I assume he would excel in other dharma doors such as formations, talismans, beast control, puppet mastery, etc. He would be perfect for our Inner Academy in the Thousand Law Pavilion."

A purple-robed man on the outermost side suddenly opened his eyes and spoke with strong interest.

"Junior Brother Qiu, don't be in a rush. Let's wait for Junior Brother Zhang Jing to decide in the future."

Senior Brother Liu said with a smile.

...

...

"Tsk, this man really knows how to fight, it hurts just looking at him."

Zhang Jing, sitting cross-legged in the center of the third demonstration stage, was closely watching the fierce combat taking place on the other stages.

In his line of sight.

A man with a gentle and refined temperament was directing two flying swords, madly stabbing towards the woman opposite him.

And the selected attack position was ...

After a slight sigh, Zhang Jing's gaze shifted to the other demonstration stages.

After careful observation.

Zhang Jing found that none of those who dared to participate in the top ten contest were weak.

All were at the second stage of Qi Refinement.

But this was just the basic requirement.

Those who were dueling above were either powerful in spells or had terrifying magic artifacts. Their abilities were very close, and almost none could easily defeat their opponent in a duel.

In front of Zhang Jing, on the fourth demonstration stage, the arena champion had changed twice in just half a quarter of an hour.

As time went on.

The movements on the remaining seven stages became more and more intense, with powerful mana fluctuations occurring unceasingly. Some people even fought to the point of mutual injury, their eyes almost crazed, all in a bid to be victorious.

In the end:

"The third phase is over, congratulations everyone!"

Senior Brother Liu's voice rang out.

The people who had remained on the platform all wore expressions of wild joy. Some even sat directly on the ground, excitedly wiping away their tears.

It hadn't been easy!

The difficulty of competing for the top ten positions this time had completely exceeded their expectations to the point it was almost incomprehensible.

The cruel rules without a way out, the iron-hearted top three contestants, and the nearly life-and-death struggle of their opponents...

All of these elements were pushing their limits.

Fortunately...they had won!

Beneath the demonstration stage.

The other eight people, exhausted from the fight and barely able to stand, had blank expressions and dull eyes, seemingly unable to accept the cruel outcome.

In the sky.

Ten rays of light flashed by, transforming into jade pendants that silently floated in front of the ten people on the demonstration stage.

Seven of the pendants were deep green, while the other three emitted a faint purple glow.

The voice of Liu, Senior Brother, came again.

"These are your jade pendants, representing your identities as Dao Institute's disciples. The pendant binds to your spiritual sense, and also records important information such as your Tao Merits. Of course, this jade pendant is also a nice spirit artifact. The first time you use it, you need to brand your spiritual sense onto it."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Zhang Jing and the others picked up the jade pendants in front of them and called out to Senior Brother Liu in the sky.

After that, he did as Liu, Senior Brother, instructed, injecting his spiritual sense into the jade pendant.

Instantly, Zhang Jing detected a new brand in the jade pendant that was connected tightly to his own spiritual sense, almost as if they were connected by blood.

At the same time:

The spiritual light on the surface of the jade pendant flickered, and several rows of small characters slowly appeared.

Name: Zhang Jing

Identity: Outer Academy Disciple

Tao Merits: Fifty

And...

A look of surprise flashed across Zhang Jing's eyes.

The jade pendant actually contained a storage space, large enough to carry a small mountain.

This made Zhang Jing think about his storage bag.

Comparing the two, his bag seemed almost insignificant.

In addition, there was also a defensive spell engraved in the pendant. Zhang Jing, who was familiar with spell patterns, could tell at a glance that this spell was at least middle-grade.