Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 211 Became the meat and potatoes

The day after the Inner Court Grand Competition ended.

Zhou Ling received a telepathic message from Qin Zhizheng.

Tell him to come to the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

When Zhou Ling arrived at the side hall where Qin Zhizheng was, Qin Zhizheng was examining the jade book.

"Greetings, Qin Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling bowed to Qin Zhizheng. He hadn't been to the Heavenly Crafts Bureau much these days and hadn't seen Qin Zhizheng for some time.

"You're here, please have a seat!"

Qin Zhizheng put down the jade book in his hand, smiled, and pointed to the wooden chair next to him.

Zhou Lingxuan immediately sat down to the side.

Qin Zhizheng poured him another cup of spiritual tea and said with a smile, "This is fourth-grade cloud and mist tea, which has a very good effect on spiritual power and divine sense. Try it."

"Thank you, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling quickly thanked him.

A fourth-grade spiritual tea must be quite valuable.

I picked up the teacup and took a sip. It was indeed extraordinary. Not only was it mellow and rich, but once it entered my stomach, it transformed into a cool sensation that blended into my spiritual energy.

Even his divine sense felt a cool sensation.

Then Qin Zhizheng said with a smile, "I didn't expect you to be able to reach the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment!"

Zhou Ling, who was at the late stage of Qi Refining, was not qualified to become a second-rank steward, but he went to great lengths to get Zhou Ling the position.

Zhou Ling was also quite grateful to him.

Putting aside the butler's treatment, the rented courtyard alone brought him great convenience.

The rent is cheap, and the safety is guaranteed.

"I was just lucky!" Zhou Ling said modestly.

"I must also thank Zhizheng for helping me become a steward!"

"If it weren't for the benefits and resources I receive as a steward, I wouldn't be able to cultivate in such a peaceful state!"

Zhou Ling said with a grateful expression.

"That's what you deserve. Passing the second-rank assessment is a testament to your strength!"

"I see you have good talent, so I'll naturally help if I can!"

Qin Zhizheng waved his hand, indicating that it was nothing serious.

He was very satisfied with Zhou Ling's humble attitude.

“It’s a small matter for Zhizheng, but it’s of great importance to me. I will always remember this kindness!”

Zhou Ling is someone who always repays kindness. Of course, he is saying this now because he is planning to stick close to Qin Zhizheng after joining the Tiangong Division.

After all, he was a fourth-rank official, the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in Qingyun Immortal City.

Besides him and Lu Yunxi, he had no other connections in the Tiangong Division, so following him would prevent him from encountering any trouble in the future.

"You've got a way with words now, kid!"

“Last time, Deacon Lu told me that you would be participating in the competition for the Heavenly Guard positions in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in December.”

"Once you become a Heavenly Guardian of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, you will be a key candidate for training by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

“Each Heavenly Guardian is a cultivator who can stand alone.”

"Even though Qingyun Immortal City is a fourth-grade immortal city, there is only one spot available."

“All qualified stewards within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau will participate, including stewards of the second or even third rank.”

"So the competition is fierce."

"If you want to take your cultivation to the next level, becoming a Heavenly Guard is a good shortcut, so you should compete with the other deacons."

"After all, if you can grow up and succeed in the future, that will be my greatest achievement."

Qin Zhizheng took a sip of tea and spoke slowly to Zhou Ling.

"Yes, sir!"

Zhou Ling nodded in reply.

Undoubtedly, Qin Zhizheng was trying to win him over, which is why he went to such lengths.

Moreover, he was naturally happy to become a Heavenly Guardian and gain access to more resources.

The two quickly reached a tacit understanding, and their relationship naturally progressed further.

Afterwards, Qin Zhizheng gave him a brief introduction to the assessment of the Tiangong Division's stewards.

"However, this time, in addition to the skills assessment, you also need to obtain enough contribution points to qualify for the Heavenly Guard positions in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

"You need to have a contribution value of over one thousand!"

"One thousand contribution points!" Zhou Ling frowned upon hearing this. He now crafts four or five second-grade black robes for the Heavenly Crafts Bureau every month.

The contribution value obtained is around eighty.

Now, I have accumulated more than 800 contribution points.

Still a little bit short.

Therefore, we need to refine more Xuan robes in the next two months.

"If you can become a Heavenly Guard, with the resources of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in the future, you might become the second Chief Qin."

Qin Zhizheng looked at Zhou Ling and said with a hint of anticipation.

"Qin Xuan Shou!"

Hearing this, Zhou Ling was stunned. He hadn't expected Qin Zhizheng to think so highly of him, and suddenly felt immense pressure.

Of course, he also knew that this was just Qin Zhizheng trying to win him over and making empty promises.

Not to mention other immortal cities, even the Heavenly Crafts Division of the fourth-rank Qingyun Immortal City has second and third-rank stewards whose strength is in no way inferior to his.

Therefore, he only took it as encouragement and listened to it without thinking.

"In addition, these are the third-tier inscriptions from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau. I have marked and annotated some of the commonly used inscriptions for you, along with the method of analysis."

"There is also a method for controlling the seal, which I believe will be of great help to you."

"Take it back and cultivate diligently!"

Qin Zhizheng then took out another jade slip and handed it to Zhou Ling. This was the main reason why Zhou Ling had been summoned.

Of course, this was also Qin Zhizheng's further investment after their relationship progressed further.

This can be considered as secretly giving Zhou Ling extra help.

With Zhou Ling's initial Foundation Establishment cultivation level, it would have been impossible for him to refine a third-order inscription.

But if one can comprehend this method of controlling the seal, then there is a chance.

"Thank you, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling accepted the jade slip and hurriedly bowed to express his gratitude.

I was originally planning to save up some more points to exchange for a third-tier inscription.

Unexpectedly, Qin Zhizheng delivered himself right to their doorstep.

Moreover, there is this method of controlling the seal, which must be a unique technique of Qin Zhizheng.

Even the Heavenly Crafts Bureau might not be able to obtain it.

"There's some Cloud Mist Tea here. Take it and brew some while you're cultivating your inscription skills. It will help you with your comprehension!"

Qin Zhizheng then took out another jade box and handed it to him.

"Thank you, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling accepted the jade box and bowed again to express his gratitude.

This cloud and mist tea is indeed a good thing.

We can buy some seeds later and plant them in the spiritual land of the Ziyun Sect.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling got up and said goodbye to Qin Zhizheng.

"For the next two months, focus on cultivating your seal control technique and third-tier inscription skills, and strive to refine a third-tier inscription before the competition."

"As for the deacon's duties, I will find a way to arrange something else for you."

Before leaving, Qin Zhizheng spoke to Zhou Ling again.

"Thank you for your guidance!"

Zhou Ling cupped his hands in thanks, his expression sincere. He hadn't expected that Qin Zhizheng had even thought of this for him.

It seems that obtaining a spot in the Sky Guard this time is of paramount importance.

After leaving the side hall, he went to the office of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Although Qin Zhizheng said he didn't need to do the tasks for the next two months, he still didn't have enough points to reach a thousand.

We have no choice but to do it!

The assistants and deacons in the office were extremely enthusiastic when they saw him.

Some were even extremely respectful.

Zhou Ling, on the contrary, felt somewhat uncomfortable.

However, it's likely because the news of my Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment has also spread within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

After all, Qingyun Immortal City was only a fourth-grade immortal city, and it was not common for a Heaven-grade Foundation Establishment cultivator to appear there. After receiving some materials, Zhou Ling left the affairs hall.

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As soon as Zhou Ling stepped out of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, he felt a vibration from the sound transmission jade on his body.

He immediately took it out and infused it with spiritual energy.

"Zhou Ling, this is Wang Qingshang. I'd like to invite you to dinner. Do you have time?"

Upon hearing the telepathic message, Zhou Ling was taken aback, not expecting it to be Wang Qingshang.

"So, she's inviting me to dinner now?"

Zhou Ling pondered to himself.

He couldn't understand why Wang Qingshang had invited him to dinner.

Surely it couldn't be about the Wang family fusing with the Spirit Flame?
However, she is Xin'er's cousin and He Zijian's boss.

I have to give you face by treating you to a meal!

She immediately replied, "Sister Qingshang, where are you?"

"Qingyun Street, Yuhualou! I'll be waiting for you here!"

Soon, Wang Qingshang's voice rang out again on the communication jade.

"Okay, I'll be there right away."

After replying to the message, Zhou Ling headed towards Qingyun Street.

Qingyun Street is the most bustling street in Qingyun Immortal City.

Every inch of land is worth every inch of gold.

A meal there would be quite expensive.

Of course, he didn't take the invitation to dinner to heart.

······.

Before long, Zhou Ling arrived at Yuhua Tower, at the private room that Wang Qingshang had reserved.

Inside the room, two figures sat quietly.

One of them is He Zijian.

The other person was a woman who was eighteen or nineteen years old.

The woman's hair was loosely tied up, and she wore a light blue dress.

She sat gracefully and calmly in her chair, her figure slender and elegant.

This woman was Wang Qingshang, whom Zhou Ling had met not long ago.

Zhou Ling hadn't expected He Zijian to be there either.

He then cupped his hands in greeting to the two of them and said, "Greetings, Sister Qingshang, Brother He!"

I felt a little strange.

Wang Qingshang invited me to dinner, so why did He Zijian come too?

"Zhou Ling, sit down!"

Wang Qingshang nodded slightly.

He Zijian also pulled up a chair for him.

After Zhou Ling sat down, a maid quickly served him delicious spiritual food.

Zhou Ling took the wine pot and poured spirit wine for the two of them.

"Zhou Ling, I heard from He Xuanwei that the black robe he's wearing was made by you?"

At this moment, Wang Qingshang asked.

"Black robe?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling was taken aback for a moment, then looked at He Zijian and saw that he was wearing the black robe that Zhou Ling had recently made for him.

She vaguely guessed why Wang Qingshang had invited her to dinner.

It must be because of this black robe, since the soul imprint refined on it is quite powerful.

"Yes!"

Zhou Ling nodded in reply.

"Your black robe is quite powerful. This time, it blocked an attack from a late-stage Foundation Establishment Blood Soul remnant and saved my life!"

He Zijian also spoke up.

There was still a hint of fear on his face.

Given He Zijian's personality, one can see how dangerous the situation was at the time.

"Brother He, are you alright?"

Zhou Ling asked with concern.

It should be noted that Blood Soul Sect disciples excel in spiritual cultivation. A late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator's spiritual power is likely no less than that of an ordinary peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Given that He Zijian is only at the ninth level of Qi Refining, it's already quite an achievement that he was able to save his life.

"Fortunately, the black robe blocked the opponent's attack, and Sister Wang intervened in time to defeat these thieves."

He Zijian said in a deep voice.

He then blamed himself, saying, "If it weren't for my lack of experience and dragging things down, we would have been able to kill this person this time."

Wang Qingshang waved her hand and said, "This is not your fault. This thief is extremely cunning. I have been tracking him for some time, and it will not be easy to kill him."

Then, her beautiful eyes turned to Zhou Ling, and she said, "Now that the Xuan Ting Division has established the Evil Slaying Department, which is responsible for eradicating the remnants of the Blood Soul Cult, I am in charge of the establishment of the Qingyun Immortal City department."

"The power of your black robe is quite impressive. I would like to invite you to join the Demon-Slaying Division. Are you interested?"

"this?"

Zhou Ling was stunned for a moment upon hearing this. He had never expected that Wang Qingshang, who was only a second-rank Xuanwei, would have such great power!
The leader of the Demon Slayer Clan!

However, considering the Wang family's powerful influence, this seems to be normal.

However, at the Dao Academy, Zhong Yuanzi invited him to become an instructor, and at the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, the next step is the assessment for the Heavenly Guards.

There's also the matter of Xin'er fusing with the Spirit Flame.

How could I possibly have time to get involved in the affairs of the Demon Slayers?

Moreover, such things are quite risky. He is currently in a stable position and developing steadily, so there is no need for him to take any risks.

But since Wang Qingshang had already spoken, he couldn't refuse directly. After a moment's thought, he said, "To be honest, Sister Qingshang, I am still a steward of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

"I still have a lot of missions every month, so I don't have time to join the Demon Slayer Division."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Ling paused, feeling that this still seemed a bit too formal, and then said, "If Sister Qingshang needs a black robe, just provide the materials, and I can make one for you!"

Hearing this, Wang Qingshang shook her head, "The reason I invited you to join the Demon Slayer Department this time is not entirely because of your ability to forge Xuan Robes."

“I’ve also seen the image jade you used during the competition at the Dao Academy a few days ago. You have three spiritual flames in your hands, which are the greatest nemesis of the remnants of the Blood Soul Sect!”

"As for the Heavenly Crafts Division, you don't need to worry. The Demon Slayer Division has the authority to transfer personnel from various departments to wipe out the Blood Soul Cult."

"I will explain it to Qin Zhizheng at that time!"

Zhou Ling pursed his lips, his heart filled with surprise. He had thought that Wang Qingshang had taken a liking to the Xuan Robe he had made, but he hadn't expected it to be the Spirit Flame in his hands.

Moreover, the Demon Slayer Department has such great power that it can directly transfer people from other halls and departments.

At this moment, he really couldn't think of a way to refuse.

"Furthermore, the treatment here in the Demon Slayer Department is much better than that in the Heavenly Crafts Department. As long as you kill a remnant of the Blood Soul Cult, the points you get will be several times that of crafting the Xuan Robe."

"And they will receive corresponding military merits."

"With enough military merits, you will be able to apply for spiritual veins from the Dao Alliance if you want to establish a family in the future."

Wang Qingshang seemed to sense Zhou Ling's hesitation and continued.

"Military merits exchanged for spiritual veins!"

Zhou Ling said with some surprise.

This was the first time he had heard of such a thing.

Of course, establishing a family within the Dao Alliance is not an easy task.

In addition to having a certain level of strength, one must also apply to the Dao Alliance.

Only by obtaining approval from the Dao Alliance can one acquire spiritual land and spiritual veins.

Zhou Ling was somewhat tempted by this.

However, she still cupped her hands and said, "Sister Qingshang, could you give me a few days to consider this matter?"

I'll go back and ask the Imperial Workshop first if I can earn military merit.

If the Heavenly Crafts Bureau can gain military merit, then there's no need to take the risk.

Wang Qingshang nodded and smiled, "The Demon-Slaying Division is so prestigious that many people want to join but can't. You'd better give me an answer as soon as possible!"

"Okay, Sister Qingshang, I'll get back to you this afternoon!"

Zhou Ling nodded and said.

He then picked up his wine glass and toasted Wang Qingshang.

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(End of this chapter)