Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 133 The Unexpected Special Recruitment Assessment (Please Subscribe)

Zhou Ling was concentrating on drawing the golden inscription. Now, all the patterns on the two inscriptions were drawn, and only the last two inscription nodes were missing.

Success or failure hinges on this crucial moment.

Time slowly passed, and the rising phantom of five-colored spiritual flames was reflected in Zhou Ling's eyes.

[You are drawing a Golden Light Inscription. Detail +1, Golden Light Inscription Proficiency +1]

Enveloped by flames, wisps of spiritual energy merged into the spiritual ink, slowly condensing into nodes stroke by stroke.

After a short while, the node finally became bright.

The entire inscription shimmered with a faint golden light.

As Zhou Ling watched the golden light shimmer on the surface of the jade sword, a look of joy appeared on his face, and he slowly withdrew his spiritual flames and spiritual power.

"The first-grade superior gold and jade sword is complete!"

Looking at the jade sword radiating a cold, golden glow on the jade platform, Zhou Ling spoke with a joyful expression.

There is only one piece of equipment provided this time, so you only have one chance.

Failure means losing this opportunity.

Therefore, it is also very difficult.

However, Zhou Ling finally succeeded in drawing it.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling activated [Intermediate Analysis] to carefully check the situation. Finding no problems, he then activated the light shield.

Holding the jade sword in both hands, he walked towards the judges' table.

At this point, only a little over half an hour had passed since the start of the assessment.

The assessment period is two hours.

So there's still plenty of time.

Some of the other disciples, seeking to play it safe, were still trying to draw inscriptions on the spirit paper.

Zhou Ling became the first disciple to complete the assessment.

This also has its advantages.

After all, if both parties are of similar quality, the person who finishes first demonstrates greater proficiency and will receive a higher score.

"Zhou Ling, are you sure you've completed the assessment?"

Looking at the somewhat green-looking young man before him, Deacon Qin asked with a smile.

"Yes, Steward Qin!"

Zhou Ling handed over the finished gold and jade sword.

Deacon Qin nodded, took the jade sword, examined it briefly, nodded with satisfaction, and then handed it to Lu Yunxi who was standing to the side.

Lu Yunxi placed it on a plate covered with yellow silk cloth on the wooden table.

Instructor Hu and the other instructors also examined it carefully.

"Tsk tsk, not bad. To refine the golden light imprint so quickly and smoothly, even a second-grade inscription master might not be able to achieve this speed and quality."

After scanning the jade sword with his divine sense, Instructor Hu praised it with a look of delight.

As a second-grade inscription master, he could naturally sense the spiritual power contained in the nodes of this golden inscription, which was much stronger than that of ordinary nodes.

This means that the golden jade sword is more powerful and more durable.

However, upon thinking of the Five Elements Spirit Flame in Zhou Ling's hand, he understood.

After all, the Five Elements Spirit Flame has a huge auxiliary effect on the inscription.

He then released a burst of spiritual energy, which flowed into the golden jade sword.

Instantly, golden light flashed on the jade sword, and the next moment, it spread out like golden ripples, reaching a length of about half a zhang.

A sharp aura rippled outwards.

"A sword beam half a zhang long!"

Gazing at the sharp golden sword light, the judges couldn't help but show surprise.

Generally speaking, only a spirit sword can possibly achieve a sword beam of half a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters).

The jade sword before them was indeed a top-grade first-tier sword.

This means that the jade sword Zhou Ling forged already possesses some power close to that of a spirit sword.

Amazing quality!

"Good, not bad, Zhou Ling, I'll give you an A grade!"

After withdrawing his spiritual power, the light on the jade sword dimmed. Instructor Hu let out a soft breath and smiled at Zhou Ling.

"I'll give you Grade A too!"

The ancient instructor of Tianxia Dao Academy swept his divine sense over the jade sword and said with a slight smile.

"I'll give you Grade A too!"

Instructor Xiao from the Flying Dragon Academy also hurriedly spoke up.

"Grade A!"

Wang, the instructor of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, who had remained silent and expressionless throughout, glanced at Zhou Ling and said indifferently.

Generally, judges would wait until Zhou Ling left before giving him a score, but now everyone was giving him scores in front of him, which was clearly a great affirmation of him.

"Thank you, instructors!"

Zhou Ling bowed with a joyful expression.

"Little guy, I wonder if you dare to take the special recruitment test?"

"As long as you can pass the test of this inscription in my hand, this year's special recruitment spot will be yours!"

After carefully examining the jade sword, Instructor Hu spoke decisively.

He had previously heard from Lu Yunxi that Zhou Ling had already joined Tiangongwei at a young age.

He originally thought he was from a prominent family and had gotten in through connections.

He was quite disdainful of it.

After reading Zhou Ling's information, it turned out he was a rogue cultivator, and his parents were both low-level medicine seekers.

This surprised him quite a bit.

However, it is also believed that those who are independent cultivators, given such an opportunity, are likely to become arrogant and complacent.

So initially, I didn't have a good impression of Zhou Ling.

But at this moment, they discovered that Zhou Ling was not only incredibly talented, but also polite and calm.

With the Five Elements Spirit Flame in hand, even with a low-grade spiritual root, the minimum future attainment will be a second-grade inscription master.

If you're lucky, you might even get a third-rank position.

This is worthwhile for him to use the special admission quota he has.

Moreover, having used the special admission quota, there's no worry that Zhou Ling will be admitted to other academies.

After all, those admitted through special recruitment have priority in admission.

"A special recruitment quota? Fellow Daoist Hu, that's going too far!"

Hu's words immediately surprised the other three instructors, with Xiao's face darkening and his tone quite displeased.

His Flying Dragon Academy also has special recruitment quotas, but they can only be used in the combat assessment.

As for the other two instructors, their gazes shifted, and to them, Zhou Ling had indeed shown considerable talent.

However, it is only a low-grade spiritual root, and there is only one special recruitment spot.

They would never waste anything easily.

Zhou Ling's current situation is not worth them using their special recruitment quota to compete with Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

Lu Yunxi's alluring red lips twitched slightly, revealing a look of surprise. She clearly hadn't expected Instructor Hu to approve of Zhou Ling in this way.

The judges all looked at Zhou Ling, waiting to see what his choice would be.

For Zhou Ling, this is already a top-tier achievement, especially considering the quality of the jade sword.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they are almost certain to make it into the top three.

If you can rank in the top ten in the combat assessment, you will definitely be admitted to one of the four major academies.

However, if Zhou Ling accepts the special recruitment assessment and passes, he will be admitted to the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy without even having to participate in the subsequent combat assessment.

Of course, if you don't pass, it won't have any impact; you can continue to participate in the next assessment.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling was taken aback. Before the assessment, Wang Yu had naturally explained the special recruitment assessment to them.

Only exceptionally gifted students are invited to this assessment.

Another type is the one who is extremely specialized, such as someone who has an extraordinary advantage in a certain technique, like weapon crafting or alchemy.

Zhou Ling figured he was probably the latter type.

It is probably because of the Five Elements Spirit Flame that he received such special attention from Instructor Hu.

Therefore, without much hesitation, he politely replied with his hands clasped, "This disciple is willing!"

After all, it doesn't do him any harm.

Moreover, his target academy is Xuan Yuan Academy.

If she can even pass the special admissions assessment, one less spot can be filled, which would increase Wang Xin's chances of being admitted.

Of course, the difficulty of the special recruitment assessment will definitely exceed that of the previous assessment.

Meanwhile, on each of the assessment platforms, many people also noticed the situation on the judges' panel.

Among them were Wang Xin and He Zijian, a brother and sister.

Although they didn't know exactly what happened, they all witnessed the scene when Instructor Hu activated the jade sword.

Clearly, Zhou Ling has successfully completed the assessment.

Although everyone knew that Zhou Ling was skilled in inscription techniques, such speed still amazed them!

The other judges reacted differently when they heard that Zhou Ling had accepted the special recruitment assessment.

Both Steward Qin and Lu Yunxi had a look of admiration in their eyes.

Passing the special recruitment assessment is an honor for Lingxia Immortal City.

Disciples who pass the special recruitment assessment generally have good future achievements.

Generally speaking, it is very difficult for a second-grade immortal city to obtain such a quota.

This also shows that Coach Hu has a very high opinion of Zhou Ling.

“Zhou Ling, this special recruitment assessment is not easy. It usually requires an inscription of second-tier or higher difficulty.”

"Moreover, your strength must be at least at the eighth level of Qi Refining. You should think this through!"

With his gaze fixed on the young man before him, Deacon Qin offered a gentle reminder with a smile.

"Eighth level of Qi Refining..." Zhou Ling scratched his head and said seriously, "Steward, I just wanted to try! If I can't pass, there's nothing I can do!"

"Alright, since Zhou Ling has agreed to participate in the special recruitment assessment, I'll give you the special recruitment spot I have!"

"This year, the special recruitment assessment of our Xuan Yuan Dao Academy mainly focuses on repairing second-tier spiritual artifacts."

Seeing Zhou Ling's lack of confidence, Instructor Hu felt a slight unease. He realized that Zhou Ling was only at the sixth level of Qi Refining and had limited spiritual power. Even with the Five Elements Spiritual Flame, he might not be able to make up for the gap in cultivation level.

They were worried that Zhou Ling would fail the assessment and be unable to repair the second-tier inscription.

That would be a waste of the spot.

But even if it's a waste, it's worth it if he can fix it to about 70-80% of its original condition.

In the future, he will most likely be able to enter the third rank!

Zhou Ling, who was only 50% confident, lit up when he heard that it was about repairing the inscription, which would be extremely difficult for others.

But for him, it was quite the opposite.

With the [Intermediate Analysis] feature, it can now even analyze second-tier superior inscriptions.

He had also used this second-tier low-grade inscription to repair the Fire罡 Sword.

My confidence immediately soared.

However, the other judges all looked surprised after hearing Coach Hu's assessment criteria.

It's important to know that the difficulty of the special recruitment assessment definitely requires the crafting of a second-tier spiritual weapon.

However, the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy actually faces an even greater challenge in repairing second-tier inscriptions.

An inscription master who can refine a second-grade inscription may not be able to repair a low-grade second-tier inscription.

After all, this requires extensive practical experience and a keen eye for detail.

Of course, once the problem is discovered, a considerable amount of spiritual power is required.

Generally speaking, the second-tier inscription masters who correspond to the second-rank inscription master are mainly at the Foundation Establishment stage.

The Foundation Establishment cultivator has already condensed their Qi Sea and their spiritual energy has liquefied, making their power completely different from that of the Qi Refining cultivator.

However, the boy in front of us is only eleven years old.

At his age, how could he possibly repair a second-tier inscription? He probably has very little experience with second-tier inscriptions.

Immediately, a hint of doubt flashed through the minds of several judges, including Lu Yunxi and Deacon Qin. Clearly, they did not think Zhou Ling could pass the special recruitment assessment.

Even with a second-grade Five Elements Spirit Flame, such repair still requires a solid foundation in second-tier inscriptions and practical experience.

The next moment, a flash of light appeared in the storage bag in Instructor Hu's hand, and a jade box flew out.

The jade box also needed to be sealed with stripes, as Hu Jiaoxi chanted incantations.

The sealing stripes broke open, and then the jade box slowly opened.

Inside the jade box was a gorgeous yellow silk cloth, on which sat a square cyan jade seal.

The cyan jade seal is roughly the size of a palm, with a faint, five-colored shimmering light floating on its surface.

"This is the Yuanhe Five Extremes Seal, a second-tier low-grade spiritual artifact, which is the subject of your assessment this time."

"If you can successfully repair the damaged inscription within the next two hours, you will pass the special recruitment test of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy."

Instructor Hu pointed to the jade seal and spoke to Zhou Ling with a serious expression.

"Okay!" Zhou Ling nodded, suppressing his joy.

He then took the jade seal from Instructor Hu, bowed to everyone, and returned to the examination platform.

Watching Zhou Ling's agile figure, Lu Yunxi thought for a moment and then transmitted her voice to Deacon Qin, "Deacon Qin, as long as Zhou Ling can pass the special recruitment assessment of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy this time, I will give him the recommendation spot I have!"

Regardless, Zhou Ling's inscription skills are worthy of being cultivated by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

With a glance at Lu Yunxi beside him, Deacon Qin smiled and nodded.

I never expected that Zhou Ling would be so lucky.

After this assessment, you will be qualified for the Tiangongsi (Heavenly Crafts Bureau) grade assessment.

Of course, this still needs to be reviewed by the Imperial Workshop.

However, with his and Lu Yunxi's recommendations, they should be able to pass the qualification test!
"Ling'er, why did you go back again?"

Seeing her son complete the assessment first, Li Ru was overjoyed.

But seeing her son return to the assessment platform again, she couldn't help but feel uneasy again.

"What's going on?" Zhou Shan asked, looking puzzled.

"Don't worry, Sister Ru, Brother Ling has secured a special admission spot at the Xuan Yuan Academy!"

Wang Yu said to them with a smile.

A look of surprise flashed in his eyes; he hadn't expected Zhou Ling to have such an amazing performance in inscription.

With Zhou Ling securing a special admission spot, it will greatly help Xin'er enter the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

"Special Recruitment Quota!"

Li Ru and Zhou Shan looked at each other in bewilderment.

They didn't know much about these things, but from Wang Yu's tone, they could tell that this was definitely a good thing.

The worry on his face then disappeared.

With nothing else to do, Wang Yu also introduced the special recruitment quota to them.

The couple were overjoyed to hear this, never expecting that their son was a genius in Lingxia Immortal City.

"He truly is a good son of Zhou Shan!"

Zhou Shan was overjoyed; his son had truly brought honor to the family!

(End of this chapter)