Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 224 Heavenly Guardian Assessment
Inside the Taoist temple's meditation hall.

Zhou Ling's face was calm as he held the inscription pen in his hand.

On the wooden table in front of him were spirit paper and spirit ink.

In his mind, he first sketched out the outline of the third-order inscription.

Each third-tier inscription contains over a hundred inscriptions, posing a significant challenge to the inscription master's spiritual power.

However, the most important thing is to condense the Spirit Treasure Seal.

This Spirit Treasure Seal is the main seal among the third-tier inscriptions.

It functions similarly to a node with a second-order inscription.

However, its fusion of spiritual power far surpasses that of the inscription node.

This time, he was going to draw a third-order Fire Cloud Inscription.

After carefully reviewing all the key points of the Fire Cloud Inscription, Zhou Ling circulated his spiritual power and, in conjunction with his divine sense, began to draw.

"Hoohoo!"

On the spirit paper, as inscriptions condensed, the spirit patterns on it glowed with a red light, growing brighter and brighter.

And it gradually took shape.

"Congeal!"

Zhou Ling continued to infuse spiritual power, gave a soft shout, and completed the final stroke of the Fire Cloud Spiritual Treasure Seal.

A stream of flames and light rose from the spirit paper.

Whoosh!

On the spirit paper, it seemed as if fiery clouds were constantly gathering.

Zhou Ling was meticulous.

One can clearly feel that at this moment, the Qianyang True Fire is merging into the spiritual power, making the spiritual power in the body more refined and concentrated.

At the same time, with the [Meticulous] talent as an aid, the consumption is not as high as expected.

Originally, every time an inscription was drawn, some spiritual energy would be lost or dissipated.

However, under the influence of the Qianyang True Fire, it was firmly locked by the inscription and was not consumed in the slightest.

Not a moment.

A fiery red light flashed on the spirit paper.

Seeing this, Zhou Ling quickly formed hand seals and cast a spell on the Fire Cloud Inscription.

The Fire Cloud Inscription was on the verge of collapse when a flash of red light appeared, then disappeared and was absorbed back into the inscription.

"call!"

"My first attempt at refining a third-tier inscription has actually succeeded!"

Looking at the fiery red spiritual luster on the spiritual paper, and the solidified fiery cloud imprint, Zhou Ling himself was somewhat surprised.

This is a third-tier inscription, and it was successful on the first try.

This is something he himself dared not even imagine.

Previously, even when drawing a second-tier superior inscription, he had never succeeded on the first try.

After several failures, proficiency was gradually accumulated through the use of [Intermediate Observation] and [Intermediate Analysis].

This time, however, it was a success on the first try.

Undoubtedly, this is the effect of the Qianyang True Fire absorbing the Golden Soul Burning Heaven Flame Spirit Soul, resulting in a huge change.

"This is the inherent weapon-refining effect of the Golden Soul Burning Heaven Flame; it's truly amazing!"

He carefully observed the Fire Cloud Inscription.

Through [Intermediate Analysis], he could see that the inscription drawn this time was very smooth, and the spiritual energy was evenly distributed, which was very effective.

In particular, the Fiery Cloud Spiritual Treasure Seal was completed almost in one go.

"Based on this effect, using the Qianyang True Fire to condense the inscription can increase the success rate by about 30%."

Zhou Ling couldn't help but marvel at the wonder of the Golden Soul Burning Heaven Flame.

If a single spirit can have such an effect, wouldn't the Golden Soul Burning Heaven Flame be able to directly forge seventh- or even eighth-grade treasures?
Or perhaps this effect only occurs when the spirit merges with one's own spiritual flame!
Zhou Ling pondered this in his heart.

However, this was only the first time he had refined a third-tier inscription, and it was a fire-attribute inscription at that.

They are a good match in all aspects.

It's normal for the results to be better.

"However, with this 30% success rate, plus my other methods, the success rate of refining a third-tier inscription is still quite high!"

Zhou Ling murmured.

He then took out a book of third-order inscriptions and continued his research.

After all, the competition for the Heavenly Guards of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau will take place the day after tomorrow.

This time, it comes from the information provided by Lu Yunxi.

There were more than seventy participants. Although these Heavenly Craftsmen were not very old, most of them were second-rank Heavenly Craftsmen.

The majority of them were at the early or middle stage of Foundation Establishment, with two others at the late stage.

They were all the pride of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

Xu Baoyuan and Zhao Sui are both weapon refiners, and they are now able to refine second-tier top-grade treasures.

He is also Zhou Ling's main competitor this time.

After briefly reviewing some materials for the assessment, Zhou Ling left the training room.

Now that all the necessary preparations have been made, all that's left is to do my best in the assessment.

As for the outcome, we should strive with all our might for what we can achieve.

After all, this trip to the Wang family put a lot of pressure on him.

He definitely didn't want to become a son-in-law of the Wang family.

Given Xin'er's personality, she would definitely stay with him and not remain in the Wang family.

I will have to gather the resources for both of them to form their cores, which will be a considerable burden.

Therefore, his main sources of resources going forward are the Heavenly Crafts Bureau and the Taoist Academy.

Only by demonstrating sufficient value can one acquire more resources.

······.

Two days later.

The Heavenly Guards assessment officially began at the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy square.

The Heavenly Craft Bureau and the Xuan Yuan Taoist Academy are not far apart.

Both are directly affiliated with the Dao Alliance.

Normally, the Heavenly Crafts Bureau holds some major assessments and competitions at the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

This is also to increase the attraction to the disciples of the Taoist temple.

After all, the disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy are the main source of the Heavenly Crafts Guards.

On the spacious assessment platform, Zhou Ling and dozens of other second-rank Heavenly Craftsmen took their seats in order.

After reviewing the information last night, Zhou Ling had a clear understanding of the situation and felt confident this time.

After all, according to the records, these people are not yet able to refine third-tier treasures.

This is normal, of course.

After all, this is the Heavenly Craftsmanship Department's Heavenly Guard assessment, and the regulations stipulate that only second-rank Heavenly Craftsmen under the age of twenty are eligible to participate.

To reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment at the age of twenty requires not only extraordinary talent but also abundant cultivation resources.

Even someone like Wang Qingshang, who is eighteen years old now, has only just entered the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

As the eldest daughter of the Wang family, she naturally had no shortage of resources.

It is extremely rare for someone with late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation to be able to refine a second-tier top-grade treasure.

Therefore, as long as he successfully forges a third-tier magic weapon, he will have victory in his grasp.

"Isn't that Zhou Ling from our inner courtyard?"

"Sigh, it's really frustrating to compare yourself to others! Among the inner courtyard disciples, Zhou Ling is already a second-rank Heavenly Craftsman Guard."

"I've been in the inner courtyard for five years, but I still can't get into the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

"Can this be compared? They're at the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage."

"Have you heard? Zhou Ling is now our instructor!"

"Really? He's only been in the inner academy for less than a year, and he's already qualified to be our instructor?"

"Yesterday, Instructor Hu announced that he would be transferred to the Inner Court, and Zhou Ling would be our instructor!"

"She's way too young! She looks even younger than me!"

Age is not a problem, as long as you have the ability!

"Yes, I want to see what he's capable of being our instructor."

······.

Around the square, there were both inner and outer disciples, all chatting in small groups.

Among them, Zhou Ling is undoubtedly the most attention-grabbing.

After all, he was the youngest, and was currently an inner court disciple.

In addition, the academy also announced his status as an instructor in the outer academy.

Therefore, he attracts extra attention. Now, all the disciples of the Dao Academy know that Zhou Ling is a genius.

But the Dao Academy has never lacked geniuses.

However, it is absolutely unprecedented for someone as young as Zhou Ling to become an instructor.

Normally, to become an outer academy instructor, one must have at least the late Foundation Establishment stage cultivation.

Zhou Ling is currently only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

With Dean Zhong's approval, no one else had any objections.

However, the geniuses who were originally in the same year as Zhou Ling, such as Ye Zhilan, inevitably felt somewhat awkward.

They were originally planning to wait until June next year for the Foundation Establishment Seed Competition to compete for the Heavenly Grade Foundation Establishment Pill.

Only then will the foundation building begin.

In just a year and a half, they had regarded Zhou Ling as a highly respected and talented disciple.

Now, Zhou Ling has become their instructor.

It's absolutely unexpected.

"This Heavenly Crafts Bureau's Heavenly Guard assessment is mainly for the Heavenly Crafts Bureau to select Heavenly Guards and cultivate the most outstanding talents for the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

"The Heavenly Guard is the highest rank among all the guards of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau. Becoming a Heavenly Guard means having unlimited potential in the future."

"Of course, there are only five spots for the Heavenly Guard in the entire Qingyang Immortal Realm."

"Qingyun Immortal City only has one spot to participate in the final Heavenly Guardian assessment."

"Therefore, you must all do your utmost to secure this spot!"

On the high platform, Qin Zhizheng's gaze swept over the many Heavenly Crafts Guards on the assessment platform, and he spoke with a serious expression.

Upon hearing this, the many Heavenly Craftsmen sitting cross-legged on the assessment platform were all excited.

As second-rank Heavenly Craftsmen, they naturally understood what becoming a Heavenly Craftsman meant to them.

That's like rising to the top in one step.

Even the lowest achievement in the future will be like Qin Zhizheng's, becoming a fourth-rank Immortal City Zhizheng, leading the Immortal City's Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

If one can stand out among the Heavenly Guardians, then one will be able to control one of the dozen or so top figures in the Dao Alliance.

Of course, everyone knows how difficult it is to become a Sky Guardian.

Putting everything else aside, there's only one spot available for the assessment in Qingyun Immortal City.

There were more than seventy Tiangongwei competing on the spot.

These are all future elites of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau of Qingyun Immortal City.

But everyone knows that it is not easy to defeat Xu Baoyuan and Zhao Sui, who are both in the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

But no one wants to miss such an opportunity.

"This competition is a test."

"If the highest-grade treasure is produced this time, then we will win."

"You can choose the items for the assessment from the assessment jade slip!"

"The assessment will last for four hours, from the middle of the Si hour to the middle of the You hour."

"Everyone get ready, the assessment will begin in one incense stick's time."

Qin Zhizheng continued speaking loudly.

As Qin Zhizheng's voice fell, the disciples on the assessment platform began their preparations.

The alchemist took out the furnace and began heating it.

The weapon refiner is the weapon refining furnace.

Rune masters and array masters use spirit ink and spirit brushes, etc.

Zhou Ling sat cross-legged and took out the refining furnace, then waited patiently.

Nowadays, the assessment of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau not only requires the refining of inscriptions, but also the forging of tools.

Items crafted by the same artificer are generally of better quality than those crafted separately.

After all, only weapon refiners truly understand the materials used and the refining techniques employed.

When engraved and imprinted, the integration of all aspects will be higher.

"Zhou Ling always has to get involved in everything!"

On the judges' panel, Dean Zhong looked at Zhou Ling and said with some helplessness.

Last time, it took a lot of effort to persuade him to become an instructor in the foreign language department.

He also said he didn't have much time, but he did have time to participate in the Heavenly Craftsmanship Department's Heavenly Guard assessment.

But thinking about it, this spot for Tianwei is indeed worth fighting for.

However, he was also worried that Zhou Ling might leave the Dao Academy after becoming a Heavenly Guard.

However, becoming a Sky Guardian is not so easy.

"Zhou Ling is indeed quite strong, but it will probably be difficult for him to defeat Xu Baoyuan and Zhao Sui."

"Back in the Dao Academy, both of them were the pride of heaven, just one step away from the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment."

"Moreover, they have already been able to reliably refine second-tier top-grade magic weapons."

"Although Zhou Ling has many methods, his cultivation level is limited. The fact that he can refine a second-grade high-level magic weapon is already quite astonishing!"

Zhang Daojian said with a smile.

The other two judges from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau also nodded.

Both of them were middle-aged men, one with a square face and a smile on his face.

One of them had a short beard, thick eyebrows, and big eyes; he looked very energetic.

The two were even more aware of Xu Baoyuan and Zhao Sui's strength, and Zhou Ling rarely frequented the Tiangong Division.

Therefore, he was quite famous in the Taoist temple, but relatively few people paid much attention to him in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

After all, back when he was still a Qi Refining cultivator, it was Qin Zhizheng who went to great lengths to make him a second-rank steward.

However, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Zhou Ling didn't stay at the Tiangong Division for long.

I only go there once or twice a month to pick up and complete tasks.

"This kid is shrewd; I think he'll be successful!"

Qin Zhizheng stroked his chin and smiled.

In his view, even if Zhou Ling doesn't become a Tianwei this year, he will definitely succeed in the future.

At his age, even if he fails this time, he will still have opportunities in the next few years.

"I think Xu Baoyuan has a better chance! After all, his cultivation is only one step away from the peak of Foundation Establishment, and he has made a lot of progress in the three years he spent in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

"It's square-faced, butler Du from the Heavenly Crafts Department," he said with a smile.

The five judges began discussing who would win this time.
Of course, on the surface, Zhou Ling's overall strength is definitely inferior to that of Xu Baoyuan and the other two.

Therefore, they are not favored, and it is even difficult for them to enter the top four.

After all, most of the people on the assessment platform were mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators.

After studying at the Tiangongsi for another two or three years, his skills became even more refined.

Clang!

As the ancient and melodious bells rang out.

The assessment officially began.

An assessment platform appeared in front of Zhou Ling.

There are jade slips and materials on the jade platform.

Zhou Ling took out the jade slip and infused it with his divine sense.

As a weapon refiner, there are five weapons to choose from in this assessment.

Two second-tier high-grade items, two top-grade items, and one third-tier low-grade item.

In other words, to meet the standards of the Heavenly Guardians, one must at least forge a second-tier high-grade magic weapon.

However, given the current situation...

The chance of obtaining a spot by refining a second-tier superior item is almost zero.

Therefore, Zhou Ling's gaze first swept over the two top-grade magical artifacts.

They are a top-quality robe and a precious sword.

These two treasures are among the most practical treasures.

That third-grade low-level magical artifact was also a sword.

Perhaps to encourage the examiners to choose, it is fire-attribute.

As for the materials used, they include fire metal stone, Geng metal, and Li fire essence stone, etc.

They are mostly Tier 3 fire-attribute materials.

Looking at the materials, Zhou Ling did not hesitate and directly chose to forge a third-tier sword.

After all, even if he were to refine a second-tier top-grade magic weapon, he might not be able to win.

I might as well choose a third-tier treasure.

Although the risk is greater, the probability of winning increases significantly if successful.

(End of this chapter)