Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 173 The New Talent [Five Elements Gathering] and the Shock of the Dao Academy Disciples

"A mid-grade second-tier spirit sealing restriction is not so easy, especially since it has only been a few days."

Zhou Ling frowned slightly and murmured.

Remembering Lu Yunxi's reminder, he didn't dare to delay.

With eight days to go, there's still some hope if we give it our all.

His divine sense swept across the jade slip, revealing the Fire Spirit Restriction, the Wood Spirit Restriction, and so on.

The Five Elements Gathering Spirit Restriction is the most commonly used spirit-sealing restriction, and it is used very frequently.

Therefore, Zhou Ling also planned to start from this aspect.

“Each spirit-sealing restriction has a magical effect; as long as it can be fully integrated with the inscription, its power will be enhanced.”

"Hopefully, we can complete the second-tier mid-grade Five Elements Spirit Sealing Restriction in the next few days."

Zhou Ling began to carefully comprehend the Spirit Sealing Restriction.

Within his sea of ​​consciousness, one spiritual restriction after another continuously appeared.

The main goal of cultivating the Spirit Sealing Technique is to increase the power of the inscription. Different spiritual energy attributes require different Spirit Sealing Techniques.

However, one type of spirit sealing corresponds to one type of inscription attribute.

For example, with fire-attribute inscriptions, you only need to learn one fire-attribute spirit-sealing technique.

Zhou Ling's divine sense was currently scanning the fire-attribute spirit-sealing barrier.

"The fire-attribute spirit seal is integrated with the inscription. Once activated, it will erupt, generating fire spiritual energy, which can enhance the power of the inscription."

"Classified by attributes, there are single attributes and multiple attributes."

There are even five elements of lightning-attribute spirit-sealing seals, but the difficulty of refining them is extremely high.

Sealing spirits also requires a lot of spiritual power, and only one in ten thousand cultivators can cultivate the five elements of spiritual power at the same time.

Add to that the lightning attribute, and it becomes even rarer.

However, once one can master the drawing of multiple attribute sealing and restriction techniques, the power of the inscription will be further enhanced.

Zhou Ling's current advantage in refining second-tier inscriptions lies in the assistance of his divine soul and spiritual flames, coupled with his [Meticulous Attention to Detail] talent, which minimizes his energy consumption.

However, the drawback is also obvious: the spiritual power cultivation level is relatively low.

If one's spiritual power cultivation reaches the early stage of Foundation Establishment, one can easily forge a mid-grade spiritual weapon now.

In addition, the sealing and restriction that amplifies the attribute will further enhance its power.

In this way, it will basically reach the power of a second-tier high-grade weapon.

[Growth Talent, Five Elements Gathering: The five elements of spiritual power can briefly fuse and transform, condensing into the required attribute spiritual power. Requirement: Draw ten Five Elements attribute sealing seals.]

Looking at the panel prompt that suddenly appeared.

Zhou Ling was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. "This [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent means that I can condense the five elements spiritual energy in my body into the attribute spiritual power I need in a short time."

Unexpectedly, he possessed such a talent, which perfectly matched his cultivation of the "Five Elements Qianyang True Technique," making it an absolutely practical talent.

"Of the five elements of spiritual power in my body, the fire attribute has reached the eighth level of Qi Refining. The highest of the other four attributes is the wood attribute, which is at the fifth level of Qi Refining."

"The other three are still at the fourth level of Qi Refining."

"With this [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent, one can convert other spiritual energy into one type of spiritual energy for use."

"This power definitely surpasses the ninth level of Qi Refining, and may even be no less than the first level of Foundation Establishment."

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

【Five Elements Gathering】is an active attribute talent that can be controlled by the user.

However, the specific effects can only be felt after the stimulation is complete.

Zhou Ling was quite pleased to have condensed a new talent.

At this moment, he did not continue watching the sealing of spirits, but took out spirit paper, spirit brush, and spirit ink, arranged them, and began to draw the sealing of spirits.

As the spirit patterns gradually condensed on the spirit paper.

[You are drawing a Fire Spirit Rune, Five Elements Gathering +1]

Time flew by, and before we knew it, night had fallen.

[You are drawing a fire spirit pattern. Five Elements Gathering +1, Five Elements Spiritual Power Fusion +1]

[Total number of times Five Elements Spiritual Power has been used: 10/100]

"I have finally successfully activated the [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent."

Zhou Ling's face was filled with joy.

He then attempted to fuse the wood and fire elemental energies in the Five Elements meridians.

[You are attempting to fuse wood and fire elemental energies. Five Elements Gathering +1, Five Elements Fusion +1]

At this moment, Zhou Ling felt that the two spiritual energies in his body seemed to have some magical power of their own, and began to gradually merge, becoming the fire attribute spiritual energy he needed.

Instantly, the fire-attribute spiritual power within his body rapidly increased.

Zhou Ling was completely immersed in a wonderful feeling.

However, after a few breaths, the feeling dissipated, and the two spiritual energies dispersed again, becoming fire and wood attribute spiritual energies once more.

Although it was only a few breaths, he felt that the fire-attribute spiritual power was significantly stronger.

"With my current [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent, I can only maintain it for three breaths, and the amount of spiritual power fused is not much, so I still need to speed up the improvement of the [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] grade."

Next, Zhou Ling continued drawing the Spirit Sealing Restriction.

[You are drawing a fire-attribute spirit-sealing spell. Five Elements Spirit Gathering +1, Five Elements Spiritual Power Fusion +1]

[You are drawing a Wood-attribute Spirit Sealing Technique, Five Elements Spirit Gathering +1, Five Elements Spiritual Power Fusion +1]

He didn't know how much time had passed, but Zhou Ling felt that his spiritual energy was completely depleted, so he stopped and began to cultivate to recover.

"With this [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent, the problem of low spiritual power cultivation is solved!"

"Moreover, if it is used in actual combat in the future, my combat power will undoubtedly be upgraded by another level."

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

At this moment, Zhou Ling felt a surge of joy.

Although the cultivation of the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique is slow, now that I have the Five Elements Gathering Spirit talent, this disadvantage is no longer a big problem.

It even turned into an advantage. Once he converted all the other spiritual energy in his body into fire energy, his spiritual energy cultivation would be no less than that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Of course, this is in terms of practicality, but when it comes to foundation building, the Five Elements techniques, and so on...

The impact still exists.

However, the current [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] is only at the first level. It remains to be seen what will happen when it advances to the next level.

······.

Eight days passed in the blink of an eye.

That morning, Zhou Ling woke up and then glanced at the control panel.

【Five Elements Gathering Spirit】(Second Tier 156/1000).

During these eight days, he cultivated every day, and drawing inscriptions and sealing spirits all helped him improve his [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent.

Therefore, the [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent has also reached the second tier.

Now, the fused spiritual energy is greater and lasts longer.

Today is the day of the assessment for the second-rank Daoist official of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

The assessment site was also set up at Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

After all, the assessment process involves the use of earth fire, and the earth fire of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy is the best in Qingyun Immortal City.

In addition, Xuan Yuan Dao Academy and Tian Gong Si have a deep cooperative relationship.

Every year, a large number of skilled technicians are supplied to Tiangongsi.

For example, many disciples from Taoist academies participated in this assessment for the position of First-Rank Celestial Craftsman.

Of course, most of them were senior students.

As for the second rank, there are relatively few.

After all, there are relatively fewer slots for second-rank officials.

Moreover, most people only choose to participate after their cultivation level has reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

Of course, some exceptionally talented disciples are an exception.

Zhou Ling washed her face and left the dormitory, heading first to the cafeteria.

"Brother Ling, the Heavenly Crafts Bureau is holding its clerk examination today, so the academy is closed for the day. Let's go and learn from them!"

During the meal, they encountered Sun Dajie.

Zhou Ling took a sip of the spiritual porridge, smiled, and said, "I also want to participate in the assessment."

"Brother Ling, are you serious?!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Dajie said with a look of envy.

It should be understood that for the disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, the Heavenly Crafts Division represents their best future.

Even after becoming inner disciples, most disciples choose to go to the Heavenly Crafts Bureau after leaving the academy.

However, obtaining a Daoist position in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau is not so easy.

The mere requirement of being recommended by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau's Heavenly Crafts Guard is already a major hurdle for many. After all, the number of positions available each year is extremely limited.

Sun Dajie also knew that Zhou Ling, like him, was a rogue cultivator, yet he had already managed to pass the Heavenly Crafts Bureau's examination for a Daoist position.

This is extremely rare for new students at the Taoist academy.

After all, only three to five new students from the Taoist academy are able to participate in the Taoist qualification examination of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau each year.

Moreover, they are all exceptionally talented individuals.

“Okay!” Zhou Ling nodded.

"Brother Ling, I wish you success in passing the test and becoming a true Heavenly Craftsman Guard. I'll be proud of you!"

Sun Dajie also said with a joyful expression.

"Thank you for your kind words!" Zhou Ling said with a smile.

After finishing their breakfast, the two headed towards the Taoist temple square.

Upon arriving at the square, Zhou Ling discovered that there were already three or four hundred people there.

It was only the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), half an hour before the assessment was to begin.

Of course, among these people, there were also many Taoist disciples like Sun Dajie who intended to observe and learn.

"It seems there are quite a few people aspiring to join the Tiangongwei this year, so the competition is fierce." Zhou Ling looked around.

At the examination platform for the first-rank Daoist official, he met Liu Yu, Ye Zhilan, Wang Qian, and several others.

The aura emanating from the three of them had noticeably intensified.

The disciples around them were all at the ninth level of Qi Refining, reaching the peak of Qi Refining.

There were even several Foundation Establishment cultivators.

As his gaze swept over the area, Zhou Ling's brows furrowed even more.

There were quite a few people who participated in the assessment for the second-rank Daoist position.

A rough count reveals there are forty or fifty of them, and most of them are Foundation Establishment cultivators.

There are even those in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

They were mostly adult cultivators, the youngest of whom looked to be sixteen or seventeen years old.

Zhou Ling was also secretly alarmed. If he hadn't activated the [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent, his chances of winning would have been very low.

"Brother Ling, as far as I know, there are a total of 160 cultivators participating in the first-rank Daoist qualification assessment this time. Most of them are Qi Refining Ninth Level cultivators, and there are about 20 Foundation Establishment cultivators as well."

"I reckon you're the only one who's at the eighth level of Qi Refining!"

"But there are only eight places available for recruitment."

"In addition, there are more than sixty people taking the second-rank examination, but there are only five places available for recruitment."

Sun Dajie introduced them to Zhou Ling.

He is optimistic, talkative, has many connections within the Taoist temple, and is well-informed.

Zhou Ling nodded, feeling helpless. "This is too much!"

This is just the competition for a spot; countless disciples who didn't get a spot have already been eliminated in secret.

"This time, with Du Yu and the other two, plus you, Brother Ling, there are four of us participating in the assessment. Surely one or two of us will become Heavenly Craftsmen!"

Sun Dajie analyzed with a wise expression.

Zhou Ling knew that Sun Dajie was a chatterbox who would never stop talking once he started, so he smiled and said, "Dajie, I'll go first!"

Then, Zhou Ling headed towards the assessment field.

The examination area was protected by a barrier, and outside, cultivators dressed in the black robes of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau were checking the identity tokens of the examinees.

Zhou Ling took out his identity jade token, and after it was verified, he headed towards the examination venue.

"Zhou Ling, I didn't expect you to participate in this Heavenly Crafts Bureau Daoist qualification assessment as well!"

When they passed the first-class assessment site, Liu Yu greeted him.

Ye Zhilan and Wang Qian, who were around him, also nodded slightly.

Zhou Ling smiled and bowed to each of them.

"I wasn't convinced I lost to you last time. This time I'm determined to defeat you and become a Heavenly Craftsman!"

Liu Yu said with absolute certainty.

After more than three months of cultivation, all three of them have made significant progress. Given that they are all spiritual beings, it is highly likely that they will enter the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in the future.

However, the three of them were still resentful about losing to Zhou Ling in the last Foundation Establishment Seed Assessment of the Dao Academy.

After all, Zhou Ling only had a low-grade spiritual root and was at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

This was truly a huge loss of face for these three spiritual cultivators.

Therefore, they all secretly wanted to defeat Zhou Ling again.

They reclaimed the top spot among this year's freshmen at the Dao Academy.

This assessment of the positions of the Directorate of Crafts is undoubtedly a good opportunity.

"Then I wish you great success!"

Zhou Ling said it frankly.

Since I'm going to take the second-rank Taoist qualification exam anyway, whether the other three pass the first-rank exam or not won't affect me.

"Aren't you afraid that if I pass the assessment, you'll lose one of your spots?"

Du Yu said confidently.

Although he was dissatisfied with Zhou Ling, he still acknowledged Zhou Ling's strength.

After all, given the strength Zhou Ling demonstrated in the last assessment, he is definitely a formidable competitor and should not be underestimated.

Zhou Ling shook his head and said nothing more. Although he was in the same year as the three of them, they didn't have much interaction, so he didn't waste any words.

Then, he walked toward the second-rank assessment platform.

"what?"

"This kid must be under too much pressure and his head's gone blank. That's a second-rank Daoist qualification exam over there!"

Upon seeing Zhou Ling's figure, Liu Yu and Wang Qian were both stunned for a moment before speaking.

Of course, there are also people checking identities in front of the assessment platform. Cultivators who have not obtained the qualifications cannot go up to the assessment platform.

"Hehe, I thought he was a competitor, but I didn't expect that he couldn't even tell the difference between the assessment platforms!"

Liu Yu chuckled.

Ye Zhilan and Wang Qian both looked surprised.

Zhou Ling is quite famous in the Taoist academy now, and many people know about his situation.

He was born into a wandering cultivator family; both his parents were medicine seekers.

In their minds, Zhou Ling's ability to stand out like this was due to various circumstances, not to mention other opportunities.

In terms of personality, they are definitely extremely resilient and stable.

But why is he behaving so inexplicably right now?
But what happened next almost made the three of them drop their jaws in shock.

Zhou Ling took out his identity jade token, which was then verified by the staff of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, allowing him to enter the second-rank assessment field.

"How is it possible that he participated in the second-rank Daoist qualification examination?"

Liu Yu couldn't help but exclaim.

It should be noted that he was exceptionally gifted from a young age, and his family had abundant resources and a rich heritage.

Moreover, over the years, he has always been the absolute pride of heaven in Qingyun Immortal City.

In terms of technique, he has never met anyone his age who surpasses him.

It was only after entering the outer courtyard of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy that he met Ye Zhilan and Wang Qian, two disciples whose talents were no less than his in any aspect.

In addition, although he was defeated by Zhou Ling last time, Zhou Ling only had a low-grade spiritual root and could not even pass the Foundation Establishment test.

Therefore, he did not consider Zhou Ling as a real competitor.

Unexpectedly, this kid is now participating in the second-rank Daoist qualification assessment.

This truly shocked him.

Ye Zhilan and Wang Qian were equally shocked, neither of them expecting that Zhou Ling, who had only a low-grade spiritual root, had completely left them behind.

"Isn't that Zhou Ling? A Qi Refining cultivator participating in the Second-Rank Daoist Cultivation Examination?"

"How can this be?"

"Could we have gone to the wrong venue?"

"I have never seen a Qi Refining cultivator become a Second-Rank Heavenly Craftsman Guard!"

"Moreover, he is a cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refining!"

Outside the examination hall, the disciples watching also spotted Zhou Ling entering the second-grade examination platform.

They couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

Even Sun Dajie was completely dumbfounded, never expecting that Zhou Ling would actually participate in the second-rank Daoist examination.

This is truly shocking!

(End of this chapter)