Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 194 The Heavenly Crafts Bureau Assessment and the Sword Forest

The following day, the Zhou family courtyard was extremely lively.

He Zijian and his sister, along with Wang Yu and her daughter, Instructor Hu, Lu Yunxi, and others, all came to congratulate Zhou Ling.

"Zhou Ling, congratulations on successfully establishing a Heavenly Rank Foundation!"

"Zhou Ling, congratulations on successfully establishing a Heavenly Rank Foundation!"

Lu Yunxi, He Zijian and others congratulated Zhou Ling.

"Thank you all. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to successfully establish my foundation so quickly."

Zhou Ling picked up the wine jar, filled everyone's cups with wine, and said humbly.

He then drank a toast with everyone.

The people present were all of great help to him, and the help from Wang Yu and her mother was no less than that from his master.

The He siblings are not young either.

Instructor Hu helped him become a Foundation Establishment seed, and Lu Yunxi helped him obtain a quota for the Heavenly Crafts Bureau's assessment.

Zhou Ling was extremely grateful for all of this.

Wang Yu and Lu Yunxi were also very surprised by Zhou Ling's achievements.

They were all Foundation Establishment cultivators, and they knew how difficult it was to achieve Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment!
What's remarkable is that Zhou Ling, despite his young age and advanced Foundation Establishment stage, still maintains such humility and composure.

"Zhou Ling, you have now reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and your position in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau may be adjusted!"

Lu Yunxi took a sip of the spirit wine and smiled at Zhou Ling.

"Sister Yunxi, I'm still cultivating at the Dao Academy. Besides refining magical artifacts, I probably won't have time to do any other tasks!"

Zhou Ling refilled Lu Yunxi's bowl with wine and said with a smile.

He didn't have a specific plan for his future cultivation, since he had already become an inner disciple of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

In other words, they are disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy in the true sense.

Completely different from the disciples of the outer academy.

There is no risk of being phased out.

You may choose to stay at the Taoist temple or leave.

Of course, if one cannot become an instructor at the Taoist academy, the resources available to those who remain there will be limited.

He's not in a hurry now; he'll just cultivate step by step from now on.

With his innate talent and the Five Elements Thunder Body, he believed that reaching the Golden Core stage was only a matter of time.

"Now that you have reached the Foundation Establishment stage of the Heavenly Rank and possess excellent weapon-refining skills, you will surely become a key talent cultivated by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

"You've already met the requirements for Heavenly Foundation Establishment. I've already submitted your application. After it passes the review, you'll need to pass the assessment."

"Become a key trainee of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, and the Heavenly Crafts Bureau will provide you with a lot of resources in the future."

Lu Yunxi introduced it to Zhou Ling.

"Thank you so much, Sister Yunxi!"

Zhou Ling hurriedly clasped his hands in thanks.

He knew that he possessed one of the five elements, and now that he had entered the Foundation Establishment stage, the cultivation resources he needed had increased exponentially.

With the support of such a behemoth as Tiangongsi, that would be even better.

"However, obtaining this spot is not so easy."

"After all, these are the best Heavenly Craftsmen from each Immortal City, and everyone will try to get them."

"Of course, there are also restrictions. The requirements are that the cultivator must be a Foundation Establishment cultivator, under the age of twenty, and already a second-rank deacon of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, etc."

"Throughout the entire Qingyang Immortal Realm, among hundreds of immortal cities, there are only five spots available, making it one in ten thousand!"

"It's quite difficult!"

"So you need to be fully prepared!"

Lu Yunxi continued speaking to Zhou Ling.

"Don't worry, Sister Yunxi!" Zhou Ling said confidently.

Afterwards, Lu Yunxi explained the assessment process to Zhou Ling.

The assessment will begin next June, but first, Zhou Ling needs to obtain a spot in Qingyun Immortal City.

The assessment for Qingyun Immortal City will be held in December.

That is, three months later.

It is estimated that a hundred Heavenly Craftsmen will participate in the Qingyun Immortal City Heavenly Crafts Bureau, including some late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Therefore, it won't be easy for Zhou Ling to get this spot.

"Now, among the second-rank deacons, Xu Baoyuan and Zhao Sui were the most outstanding disciples of the original Xuan Yuan Dao Academy. They have now reached the late Foundation Establishment stage and are able to refine second-tier top-grade spiritual items."

Lu Yunxi took a sip of the spirit wine and then slowly spoke to Zhou Ling.

"Late stage of Foundation Establishment, second-tier top-grade spiritual item!"

Zhou Ling murmured.

After entering the Foundation Establishment stage, his divine sense and spiritual power have greatly improved. He feels that with the help of spiritual flames, he should be able to forge a second-tier high-grade spiritual sword now.

After all, comprehending a second-tier high-grade inscription wouldn't be too difficult for him.

But achieving a second-tier top-grade item is quite difficult.

"Two years ago, Xu Baoyuan was already able to forge top-grade spirit swords in the inner courtyard when he was at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Now that he is at the late Foundation Establishment stage, he is probably not far from being able to forge a third-tier spirit sword."

At this moment, Instructor Hu spoke up.

Everyone was startled by what Instructor Hu said.

This talent is just too incredible!
"Ling'er, don't put so much pressure on yourself, things are already very good!"

Li Ru said with a smile.

She is very satisfied that her son has now successfully established his foundation.

Although I also hope that my son can go further and achieve the Golden Elixir.

But I also know that I have to take it one step at a time.

I don't want my son to be under too much pressure.

“Normally, it is very difficult for someone in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage to forge a second-grade high-quality spirit sword, but Xu Baoyuan has had good luck.”

"After entering the Sword Forest of the Dao Academy, I obtained the third-tier spirit sword Three-Leaf Sword and comprehended its sword intent, so my progress in forging spirit swords has been rapid!"

Instructor Hu said with a smile.

"Jianlin?"

"What is this place?"

Zhou Ling couldn't help but ask.

Instructor Hu picked up the wine bowl, took a sip of the spiritual wine, and continued speaking.

"Sword Forest is a core area of ​​Xuan Yuan Dao Academy and a treasure trove for swordsmiths."

"There are thousands of precious swords in the Sword Forest. These are the swords that the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy of Qingyun Immortal City forged for the academy before the disciples left over thousands of years."

"The main type is the second-tier sword."

"A small number of Tier 3 items, and even a few Tier 4 items."

"This is also one of the traditions of the Taoist academy. Before leaving the academy, every master craftsman will leave behind his masterpiece."

"This is left for the disciples to learn from and observe."

"Many disciples, after leaving, would send the exquisite spiritual items they had refined back to the Dao Academy."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling exclaimed in surprise, "Thousands of second- and third-tier swords!"

That's quite a formidable foundation!

But thinking about it, it makes sense. In his generation, there were probably over a hundred weapon refiners, and about half of them could refine precious swords.

With a 70% foundation-building rate, more than seventy people will enter the inner courtyard.

Among these people, there must be at least twenty who can forge spirit swords.

Therefore, this is also part of the Taoist temple's amazing heritage.

"Instructor, does this mean that now that I am an inner disciple, I can also enter the Sword Forest and observe the spirit swords?"

Zhou Ling couldn't help but ask.

In addition to drawing sword markings, some swordsmiths who master the essence of swordsmanship will also incorporate the essence of swordsmanship and the sword stone into the forging process.

Therefore, observing these precious swords that embody sword intent can be of great help to one's swordsmanship training.

And most importantly, he has the talent of [Performing Illusion Simulation].

Once you enter once, you can use the illusionary simulation to enter the Sword Forest multiple times.

This is a huge gain!
"The academy has a rule that inner disciples need 300 points to enter the Sword Forest. Besides observing the swords, if they are lucky, they can also take one away," Instructor Hu said directly, seeing that Zhou Ling was somewhat tempted.

"Three hundred points!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling was taken aback. He had won the Golden Core Seed Assessment and would receive a reward of 100 points every month.

I still have over two hundred points left.

I originally intended to save it and exchange it for Foundation Establishment Pills for my mother later.

It seems we should use it first.

However, three months later, the Heavenly Crafts Bureau's assessment had already begun, and it seemed a bit late to enter the Sword Forest next month.

After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "Instructor, besides gaining points, are there any other ways to enter the Sword Forest?"

Instructor Hu shook his head.

Zhou Ling calculated that he still had 240 points, just 60 points short.

I'll go back to the Affairs Hall and take on a few tasks; I should be able to accumulate 300 points.

They will also be able to enter the Sword Forest as soon as possible.

After all, an extra month makes all the difference.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling learned more about the Tiangong Division's assessment from Lu Yunxi.

In the afternoon, Lu Yunxi and Instructor Hu took their leave.

Zhou Ling then talked to He Zijian and his sister, as well as Wang Xin and the others, about the progress of their Foundation Establishment project.

"Zhou Ling, I never expected that among the ten disciples from Lingxia Immortal City, you would be the first to successfully establish your foundation!"

He Zijian spoke up.

Among the ten, he and Jin Sheng are undoubtedly the most talented.

Jin Sheng, who had been defeated by Zhou Ling, was determined to regain his honor after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

Of course, given Jin Sheng's character, he must also hope to achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment.

He originally wanted to hone his skills for a while longer, but now that Zhou Ling had successfully established his foundation, he didn't want to wait any longer.

Gulu!

Thinking of this, He Zijian picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip of tea.

"Brother He, it was all by chance, and I also had my master's help!"

Zhou Ling didn't intend to hide anything from them and said with a smile.

The aura emanating from He Zijian was incredibly powerful. With his current divine sense, he could sense that spiritual liquid had likely condensed within He Zijian's body.

Although He Lingyun and Wang Xin had also reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, their spiritual energy was clearly not as abundant as He Zijian's.

He then asked, "Brother He, do you have any plans regarding when you will begin your foundation-building process?"

He Zijian pondered for a moment and said, "Over the past year, I have spent most of my time expanding the territory occupied by the Dao Academy, and I have already earned enough points to exchange for Foundation Establishment."

"However, it can only be exchanged for a low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill."

"I plan to attempt Foundation Establishment by the end of this year!"

If there were Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, he would naturally try to obtain them, but the number of Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment Pills was extremely limited. Even in the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, only the disciple who obtained the Golden Core Seed in a year could obtain them.

In their Flying Dragon Battle Academy, even becoming the top Golden Core seed doesn't guarantee a Heavenly Grade Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward.

Therefore, he did not aim too high. As long as he could successfully reach the Foundation Establishment stage, he could strive to achieve the Earth-grade Golden Core stage in the future, and then have the opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage and enter the three realms of swordsmanship.

This can also be considered his cultivation goal.

“Brother He, you are a sword cultivator, and your main cultivation is the powerful and vigorous lightning-attribute sword intent. It is not suitable for you to suppress your cultivation too much.”

"Prolonged use will backfire, but with your current cultivation level, I don't think you'll have any problem achieving the Earth-grade Foundation Establishment."

Through [Intermediate Observation] and [Intermediate Analysis], Zhou Ling was also able to see He Zijian's cultivation progress.

He Zijian had already reached the peak of Qi Refining, and his spiritual power was extremely abundant.

It fully meets the conditions for impact-based foundation building.

If one wants to pursue the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, with He Zijian's superior spiritual root aptitude, the difficulty will be considerable.

Even with thorough preparation in all aspects, the success rate is probably less than 30%.

Therefore, it's best to choose a route that suits you.

"Yes, I'll be content if I can achieve the Earth-grade Foundation Establishment."

"Only someone like you could achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment!"

He Zijian smiled and said.

Zhou Ling's words hit the nail on the head; he had already realized that the spiritual energy within his body could no longer be compressed.

When he first entered the Flying Dragon Battle Academy, he was also arrogant and thought he would eventually reach the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage.

But now, more than a year later, I know how difficult it is to achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment.

It's not just about spiritual roots, talents, cultivation techniques, and resources; you also need sufficient opportunities and good fortune.

Therefore, he couldn't help but envy Zhou Ling's good fortune.

"There are only one or two months left until the end of the year. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Zhou Ling raised an eyebrow and asked seriously.

Over the past year, he has also sensed that He Zijian has undergone considerable changes.

Back in Lingxia Immortal City, she was incredibly flamboyant.

He's become much more reserved now.

Or to put it another way, he has matured considerably.

After all, once he entered the Flying Dragon Battle Academy, he would be in contact with disciples whose strength was no less than his own.

Their perspectives are definitely different.

Moreover, over the past year, through his battles and trials in another world, his personality has become increasingly calm and composed.

"Giving me your Foundation Establishment experience is the greatest help you can give me!"

He Zijian said with a smile.

Although Zhou Ling is a Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment cultivator, which is unique, there are still things to learn from him.

It is definitely more valuable for reference than the foundation construction of earth quality.

"Brother He, this is my summary of Foundation Establishment experience. I hope it can be of some help to you!"

Zhou Lingxuan immediately took out three jade slips from his storage ring. These were some foundation-building experiences he had compiled based on his own foundation-building process.

It was divided into three portions, one for He Zijian and his sister and one for Wang Xin.

He also hoped that the three of them would successfully establish their foundations as soon as possible.

"Thanks, Zhou Ling!"

The three of them accepted the jade slip and thanked Zhou Ling.

Next, He Zijian inquired in detail about Zhou Ling's Foundation Establishment progress.

Wang Xin and He Lingyun listened attentively.

It wasn't until nearly noon that the He siblings took their leave.

"Brother Ling, my mother said that as long as my spiritual body is fully repaired, I will have a great chance to reach the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment in the future!"

After seeing He Zijian and the others off, Wang Xin spoke to Zhou Ling.

She didn't feel any pressure being with Zhou Ling.

But now that Zhou Ling has successfully established a Heavenly Foundation, she feels inexplicably pressured.

I don't want the gap between my cultivation level and Zhou Ling's to widen in the future.

"If Aunt Wang says that, then she must be confident. But you don't need to worry, just do your best!"

Zhou Ling also smiled and said to Wang Xin.

Aunt Wang must have been prepared for this.

Moreover, Wang Xin's Dark Fire Spiritual Body meridians have recovered to about 70-80% under the nourishment of her Azure Lotus Spiritual Flame.

It won't be long before it's fully recovered.

Once the Dark Flame Spirit Body recovers, even if Wang Xin cannot achieve the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment, she will be able to achieve the Earthly Rank Foundation Establishment.

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, Wang Xin nodded with a slight smile.

Zhou Ling's words were the greatest encouragement to her.

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(End of this chapter)