Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 189 Unstoppable Momentum Leads to Another Victory
The next day at 1:15 AM.

Since starting the forging process in the morning, Zhou Ling has successfully forged his third mid-grade spirit sword.

This mid-grade spirit sword is a metal-attribute spirit sword. Its main material is the metal-attribute material "Mysterious Gold Stone". Zhou Ling also mixed three ounces of "Fire Essence Gold" into it to increase the power of the spirit sword.

It also incorporates a second-tier mid-grade spirit-sealing restriction.

Therefore, although it is a mid-grade spirit sword, this spirit sword is much stronger in power than other spirit swords of the same grade.

"I'll call you the Mysterious Gold Sword!"

On the jade platform, Zhou Ling's gaze swept over the newly forged spirit sword, a look of satisfaction on his face.

After recovering slightly, he continued refining.

After that, Zhou Ling went completely out of control.

The earth-attribute spirit sword was forged at the end of noon.

At 3:15 PM, the earth-attribute spirit sword was successfully forged.

At the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), the last water-attribute spirit sword was successfully forged.

When the five spiritual swords came together, they shone with dazzling five-colored brilliance under the illumination of the light sphere in the air.

A dazzling array of five-colored sword energy was formed, and at that moment, everyone noticed this scene.

"Hmm? What powerful sword energy!"

"How is this possible? Five mid-grade spirit swords forged in just two days?"

"Such efficiency! Is this still an outer court disciple?!"

"The five-colored sword aura is too powerful! Zhou Ling is terrifying!"

"How did he manage to maintain his elemental properties for two days without any elixirs?"

"What? Mid-grade spirit swords? And five of them at once?"

"Whose jade platform is that for assessment?"

"It was refined by Zhou Ling, the top Foundation Establishment seed among last year's new recruits!"

"No wonder he's so powerful!"

Outside the assessment area, the disciples watching the assessment were all incredibly surprised and discussing it animatedly.

There was no way to ignore it. At this moment, the other disciples were either engrossed in refining or sitting quietly to rest and recover.

Only Zhou Ling completed the assessment so quickly.

Five spiritual swords circled around his jade platform, radiating five-colored sword light.

It is so dazzling that it is visible to everyone in the square, making it hard to miss.

"Five mid-grade spirit swords forged in just two days?"

"This is far too exaggerated."

On the judges' panel, Zhang Daojian said incredulously.

It should be noted that Zhou Ling was the only one who failed the Foundation Establishment test.

Therefore, it inevitably left a bad impression on him.

In addition, considering his low-grade spiritual root, he didn't have a high opinion of Zhou Ling.

But Zhou Ling's current performance, even without reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, already surpasses that of many second-grade weapon refiners.

If they successfully establish their foundation, it will be even more terrifying.

"How did he do that?" Even the delicate-looking Instructor Lin was dumbfounded.

"These are all mid-grade second-tier spirit swords. His senior brother next door just finished forging one!"

"What a genius! Not only was the time so fast, but the success rate of the mid-grade spirit sword was also 100%! Unbelievable!"

Dean Zhong also praised it with a look of shock.

He then looked at Instructor Hu, gave him a thumbs up, and said, "Fellow Daoist Hu, how did you manage to teach such an outstanding disciple?"

"You flatter me, Dean!" Instructor Hu replied with a beaming smile.

With the dean's words, his spot in the inner academy was now secure.

However, I also felt somewhat lost.

Although I know Zhou Ling's weapon-refining skills are not low.

Such a rapid and terrifying success rate is something that probably none of the instructors present could achieve.

Judging from these results alone, it's safe to say that Zhou Ling has taken the lead in this assessment!
In comparison, everyone else paled in comparison.

Currently, there are several disciples with considerable strength on the field who are attempting to refine second-tier high-grade treasures.

But even if it were to be forged, its effect would certainly not be as good as Zhou Ling's Five Elements Spirit Sword.

[You are absorbing spiritual energy. Spiritual affinity +1, Five Elements spiritual power +4]

[You are currently activating the Five Elements Qianyang True Technique, Restoration to Original State +1, Five Elements Spiritual Power +2]

[You are absorbing Crimson Serpent Stone, Fire Gold Stone... Five Elements Thunder Qi +1, Five Elements Attribute +3]

On the jade platform, Zhou Ling, having completed the assessment, did not rush to hand over the five Five Elements Spirit Swords. Instead, he circulated his cultivation technique to restore his internal strength.

It will absorb all the remaining materials, which cannot be taken out and cannot be wasted.

He felt a pang of regret; if only he had known that with his current skill level, he could have forged five spirit swords in just two days.

More materials should have been collected at the time.

What a waste of such a good opportunity.

After an incense stick's time, his cultivation had almost fully recovered, so Zhou Ling collected the five spiritual swords and got up to walk towards the judges' table.

"Wasn't there still one day left? How come it's finished already!"

"Sigh, I haven't even finished refining my mid-grade jade ring yet. What kind of monsters are these!"

"Hmph, having more doesn't necessarily give you an advantage!"

"Idiot, why are you in such a hurry!"

"Hey, that's confidence. They've already completed five spirit swords, what's the point of comparing them now!"

As Zhou Ling got up and left the assessment platform, many of the other disciples taking the assessment also stopped what they were doing and exclaimed in surprise.

No one expected that they would encounter such a formidable opponent as Zhou Ling in this assessment.

Although Zhou Ling was the top performer in the Foundation Establishment seed assessment and had a considerable reputation within the Dao Academy.

But that's mostly true for this year's freshmen.

Similarly, besides his fame, his spiritual root aptitude and the fact that he failed the Foundation Establishment test are also widely known.

Therefore, among the senior disciples of the Taoist academy, few would consider him a competitor.

On the contrary, Liu Yu and his group are more noteworthy.

But now, Zhou Ling is displaying terrifying crushing pressure.

It was as if he was not on the same level as the disciples present.

This shocked them!
"Disciple Zhou Ling greets all seniors!"

Zhou Ling placed the five spirit swords on the jade plate in front of the judges' table, and then bowed respectfully.
The judges smiled and nodded at him.

Instructor Hu looked on with admiration.

Next, the judges began to examine the spirit sword.

Because Zhou Ling had previously shocked them so much, everyone has now calmed down.

They all carefully examined the spirit sword that Zhou Ling had forged.

They all wanted to know what level of power this kid would achieve with his speed in forging the spirit sword.
Looking at the five spiritual swords, shock reappeared in everyone's eyes.

These five elemental spirit swords, although all are mid-grade spirit swords, each of them possesses power approaching that of a high-grade spirit sword.

Everyone present was a third or fourth-rank technique master, although they were in different fields.

But they all knew in their hearts that every mage must have a certain attribute that they were particularly good at.

Others may practice one or two skills, but it is not easy to achieve mastery.

Zhou Ling, however, was so unexpected, with his five elements developing so evenly.

It's important to understand that this is not as simple as putting in five times the effort.

Furthermore, one must reach a certain level in terms of comprehension, spiritual power, and other aspects to have a chance of achieving this.

Moreover, these five Five Elements Spiritual Swords are almost entirely fused together, from the materials used in their forging to the inscriptions they bear.

It's clear that Zhou Ling had already planned out the materials from the very beginning!
It's clear that he's confident in himself!
"Zhou Ling, you have successfully forged five mid-grade spirit swords in two days, with a 100% success rate. These swords can form a Five Elements Sword Formation, and their power is comparable to a top-grade spirit sword. I rate them as Upper Grade!"

"And he was recommended as the top performer in this assessment!"

After reviewing the spirit sword, Dean Zhong spoke first.

Not only was Zhou Ling given a top-tier rank, but he was also directly recommended as the champion.

Keep in mind that the other disciples haven't even finished their assessments yet.

This approach is still somewhat unfair.

But in his eyes, Zhou Ling is undoubtedly the absolute leader now.

After all, the disciples participating in the assessment were all at the peak of Qi Refining, and they were going to refine a second-grade high-quality spiritual item.

Even for those exceptionally talented senior disciples, the success rate wasn't high. Even if they succeeded in forging it, it wouldn't compare to Zhou Ling's Five Elements Spirit Sword.

Moreover, Zhou Ling has the advantage of time.

Other instructors and judges included some of the students who participated in the assessment.

But Zhou Ling's performance was nothing short of perfect.

They also knew that their disciple had no chance of defeating Zhou Ling.

"I also recommend A, and I agree that he should be the top performer in the assessment!"

Zhang Daojian also smiled and nodded.

This time, he completely changed his opinion of Zhou Ling.

They also wanted to see if Zhou Ling could successfully establish his foundation after receiving the Heavenly Grade Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward.

If the foundation is successfully laid, how far can it grow in the future?
"I also recommend A, and I agree that he should be the top performer in the assessment!"

Instructor Hu also smiled.

"I also recommend Jia, and I agree that he should be the top performer in the assessment!"

The other instructors also spoke up.

Of course, this was just a conversation among the judges and Zhou Ling didn't hear it.

"Zhou Ling, please go down and wait. We will announce the results after the assessment, and you can come back up to collect your award then!"

At this moment, Dean Zhong spoke to Zhou Ling.

"Thank you for your hard work, seniors."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling bowed to the instructors on the judging panel and then stepped down from the panel.

Although the results were not released.

But Dean Zhong's words undoubtedly indicate that he has won the award.

As for what ranking?
That's hard to say.

However, he is confident.

······.

"Brother Ling, you're amazing!"

When Zhou Ling arrived at the rest area, Sun Dajie jogged over to greet him, praising him with excitement.

Although he was a puppeteer, he knew how terrifying it was that Zhou Ling had forged five spirit swords.

"I just performed as expected!"

Zhou Ling smiled modestly.

"Brother Ling, you're the one who deserves the title this time!"

Sun Dajie continued to praise.

Zhou Ling smiled and nodded, then walked towards her parents.

He now understands Sun Dajie's talkative nature perfectly.

Let him keep talking; he could talk all day long.

"Brother Ling! That was fast!"

Wang Xin smiled back at him.

"I can't slow down either!"

Zhou Ling chuckled.

Anyway, forging a mid-grade spirit sword is not difficult for him now.

"Ling'er, well done!"

Zhou Shan patted his son's shoulder hard and said excitedly.

Although I don't know how strong the others are?

But the fact that his son was able to forge five spirit swords in such a short time was already incredibly incredible.

"Ling'er, are you hungry? Hurry up and eat!"

Li Ru also happily took out the food box and handed it to Zhou Ling.

Since the assessment began, he has not been able to eat or drink a drop of water, although he can take fasting pills.

However, the fasting pills are tasteless and have a very poor mouthfeel when swallowed.

Zhou Ling did not take any food; his stomach was growling with hunger.

He immediately took the food box from his mother, opened it, and a fragrant aroma filled the air.

There are various spiritual foods such as stewed tender spiritual beef, spiritual eggs, spiritual fish, and spiritual vegetables.

Zhou Ling sat down on the futon on the ground, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat heartily.

In no time, he ate the entire food box full of spiritual food.

Zhou Ling stood up, rubbed his stomach, handed the food box to his mother, and said with a smile, "Father, Mother, you can go back now!"

"The results won't be out until tomorrow, then I'll let you know!"

"Okay." Li Ru nodded with a smile, knowing that her son's grades this time would definitely not be too bad.

So there's nothing to worry about.

After tidying up, the two left the square with Wang Xin.

Zhou Ling then began to check on the situation of the other disciples on the field.

Through his intermediate observation, he also discovered that several senior disciples possessed quite good skill levels.

His spiritual and soul power were also extremely abundant, but the spiritual objects he crafted surpassed his own Five Elements Sword.

But it's not that easy.

After observing for more than an hour, he was basically certain that no one would be able to defeat him this time, and then he sat down cross-legged to recover with a relaxed expression.

······.

"The hour of Xu has arrived. The Golden Core Seed assessment is over. All disciples, please hand over your spiritual items."

Dean Zhong's voice echoed throughout the square.

A chorus of sighs immediately filled the assessment area.

"What? It's over so quickly?"

"My Earth Spirit Pill will be ready in less than half an hour!"

"It's over? Luckily, I managed to forge two spiritual artifacts. I should be able to make it into the top eight."

······.

As the sound rang out, the flames on the assessment platform dissipated.

Next, the disciples who were being assessed began to hand over the spiritual items they had refined.

The judges on the judging panel also separated and began to examine each other one by one.

Half an hour later.

Dean Zhong was just beginning to announce the results: "In this assessment of Golden Elixir Seeds at the Dao Academy, Zhou Ling is the top scorer."

"The other disciples who passed the assessment are ranked as follows: Chu Yan, Ji Hai..."

Dean Zhong's words were powerful and resonant, echoing throughout the entire square.

boom!
The entire plaza erupted in flames instantly, and all the disciples stared at Zhou Ling in utter shock.

This freshman, who forged five spirit swords in just two days, actually won the championship.

Although I was somewhat reluctant to accept it, the strength was undeniable.

Zhou Ling's current weapon-refining skills are clearly several levels higher than those of the other technicians present.

"Five mid-grade Five Elements Spiritual Swords, in just two days! That's terrifying!"

"And they were all successfully refined on the first try. I am completely convinced of my defeat!"

"This level of skill is truly unbelievable!"

"Even against those genius technicians from Tianxia Academy, they are definitely not inferior!"

As Dean Zhong finished speaking, the disciples present discussed the matter with sincere admiration.

Zhou Ling's strength made him the top performer in the assessment, which is well-deserved.

"Brother Ling, you're the leader again!" Sun Dajie exclaimed excitedly.

He made a living by selling information at the academy, and he knew all about the information on the most outstanding students among the senior disciples.

But now, he has been defeated by Zhou Ling, how could he not be shocked?

"hehe!"

Zhou Ling chuckled.

Now it feels like this leadership position is just a matter of course!

(End of this chapter)