Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 225 Another Easy Victory
After deciding to forge a third-tier sword, Zhou Ling waved his hand and took out several materials.

Tier 3 Spirit Metal Fire Stone, Geng Metal, and Tier 3 Fire Essence Stone.

The treasure he is about to forge is a Fire-Gold Sword, with Fire-Gold Stone and Geng Metal as the main materials.

Additionally, the Fire Essence Stone is used to enhance the sword's spirituality and resilience.

Of course, the final effect still depends on the integration of the Fire Gold Sword Seal.

As for its specific effects, it's hard to say even when the sword is forged.

With that, Zhou Ling let out a soft breath and began to refine the magical artifact step by step.

After setting up the refining furnace, he sent out the Qianyang True Fire, which shone with a faint golden light, into the furnace and began to burn fiercely.

After the furnace was heated up, Zhou Ling put the fire metal stone and the Geng metal into it and began to quench them.

Both Fire Gold Stone and Geng Gold are of third-tier quality, and only earth fire of third tier or higher can refine them.

Of course, the earth fire of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy is now at the fourth level, which is more than enough to refine third-level items.

If you use earth fire to refine it, the process will be much slower.

The assessment, which will last for several hours, will likely involve spending most of the time refining materials.

Although it can save on energy consumption, it takes too long.

Therefore, Zhou Ling chose to use the Spirit Flame directly, and the Qianyang True Fire is now close to the fourth grade.

Refining Tier 3 materials is not difficult.

The two materials begin to melt after an incense stick has burned in the furnace.

Zhou Ling felt extremely relaxed, as he didn't need to control anything and his energy consumption was minimal.

He could even completely ignore it.

He could still ponder the method of forging the Golden Fire Sword Seal.

This is actually quite effective.

"Has Zhou Ling gone mad? He actually chose to forge a third-tier sword?"

Looking at the materials being refined in Zhou Ling's furnace, Dean Zhong on the judging panel said with a look of surprise.

Although they knew that Zhou Ling was already capable of crafting second-tier high-grade magic weapons.

However, there is a huge gap between second-tier superior grade and third-tier grade.

Not only is the material refining process difficult, but the difficulty of crafting the inscriptions is also vastly different.

Qin Zhizheng also raised his eyebrows. Although he had given Zhou Ling the technique of controlling the seal, he knew that refining a third-order sword seal would undoubtedly be very difficult for Zhou Ling.

"A Foundation Establishment cultivator refining a third-tier treasure? This is something I've never heard of before."

"At such a young age, to be so ambitious and unrealistic is not a good thing!"

The other two judges also spoke up.

After all, the difficulty of a third-tier inscription is several times that of a second-tier inscription, not to mention that the spiritual treasure seal within it is very difficult for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to accomplish with their spiritual power cultivation.

Even a single inscription containing hundreds of runes would be too much for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to handle with their spiritual power.

Moreover, Zhou Ling is only a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator.

Although he was a Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment cultivator, his spiritual energy was purer and richer than that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.

However, it's impossible for them to reach the level of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Therefore, in their view, Zhou Ling was being completely overconfident!
"It seems he knew he couldn't defeat the other two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, so he decided to go all out!"

"And even if it fails, consider it practice, since it's a rare opportunity to refine a third-tier treasure!"

The two judges from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau were discussing the matter with great seriousness.

They had never interacted with Zhou Ling before, so in their view, Zhou Ling's behavior was completely unrealistic and overly ambitious.

"I don't think so. Zhou Ling never fights a battle he's not sure he can win!"

On the side, Zhong Daojian, contrary to his usual behavior, laughed.

Over the course of the year, he still harbored some preconceived notions about Zhou Ling because Zhou Ling had failed the Foundation Establishment test.

Therefore, I always felt that Zhou Ling would have a hard time making any progress in the competition.

But they were proven wrong time and time again.

Looking at Zhou Ling now, it seems that this kid is hiding his true intentions more and more, and he really can't see through him.

"Yes!"

"Have you ever seen a Foundation Establishment cultivator's spiritual flame refine third-tier materials so easily?"

Dean Zhong also looked surprised as he spoke.

While they were discussing this, the materials inside Zhou Ling's cauldron had already melted completely.

Begin infusing the incantation and shaping the sword.

Seeing this, the two judges from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau widened their eyes and exclaimed in disbelief, "How is this possible?"

"No wonder he dared to choose to refine a third-tier treasure; it turns out he had a fourth-grade spirit flame!"

At the Foundation Establishment stage, he was able to control a fourth-grade spiritual flame at such a young age, which made everyone present, including Dean Zhong, quite envious.

"No, this spirit flame is only grade three."

"How could a mere Grade 3 Spirit Flame possess such power?"

However, upon closer inspection, it seems that the spiritual flames inside Zhou Ling's cauldron have not yet reached the fourth rank.

Initially, the judges had some doubts about Zhou Ling's ability to refine a third-tier magic weapon.

After all, he was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, and the gap between them was simply too great.

For many cultivators, this is something they may never achieve in their entire lives.

But seeing the powerful force of the spiritual flame in Zhou Ling's hand, they began to have some expectations for whether Zhou Ling could refine a third-tier treasure.

After all, if one can refine a third-tier treasure in the early stages of Foundation Establishment, then one can be considered a prodigy in the entire Dao Alliance.

Although Qingyun Immortal City is a fourth-grade immortal city, it is not outstanding in the entire Dao Alliance.

Even within the Qingyang Immortal Realm, it is far from being comparable to the prosperous immortal cities in the central and eastern regions.

Therefore, it is by no means easy to cultivate a prodigy.

"No wonder Zhou Ling is so skilled at weapon forging; it turns out he possesses a fourth-grade spiritual flame."

"Yes, with a fourth-grade spiritual flame, refining it would be a piece of cake."

"Who said he only has one? I saw three during the last Inner Court Competition."

"What nonsense are you spouting? You think you can take a fourth-grade spirit flame?"

"The flames released by the Spirit Flame alone would probably burn you to ashes."

"It takes skill for someone to have so many spirit flames!"

"But is it possible to successfully refine a third-tier magic weapon at the early stage of Foundation Establishment?"

"That's right, I've never heard of someone in the early Foundation Establishment stage successfully forging a third-tier treasure!"

Watching Zhou Ling manipulate the spiritual flames, many disciples discussed it with envy.

For them, let alone three spirit flames, even having one would be considered good.

It should be noted that the Heaven and Earth Spirit Flame is an extremely rare item, even rarer than human cultivators with Heavenly Spirit Roots.

It's already quite difficult to meet someone like that.

Subduing it requires the right timing, location, and various opportunities.

Zhou Ling possessed three spirit flames, demonstrating just how extraordinary this opportunity was.

Of course, not many people know about the Five Spirit Flames right now, otherwise there would be an even bigger uproar.

Amidst the envious and astonished gazes of many disciples in the square, Zhou Ling continuously cast refining spells, using his divine sense to modify the sword-shaped artifact that had already condensed within the furnace.

As the spiritual flame receded, a sword over three feet long, gleaming with a faint golden light, took shape.

"It's done!"

Looking at the sword, Zhou Ling's eyes lit up with joy.

Through the flames, he could feel the intense heat emanating from the sword.

However, successfully shaping the sword is only the second step in forging a fine sword.

The final step, incorporating the sword imprint, is the key factor that determines the success or failure of this precious sword.

However, Zhou Ling did not rush to refine the Golden Fire Sword Seal, but instead took out a pill and swallowed it.

[You are refining and absorbing the Vitality Pill. Herbal stress +1, Vitality Pill efficacy +2]

As the Yuanqi Pill transformed into a rich spiritual energy, it was quickly refined and absorbed by Zhou Ling.

A quarter of an hour later, his spiritual power was fully restored.

[Your Qianyang True Fire absorbs Earth Fire, Five Elements Thunder Qi +1, Qianyang True Fire +3]

At the same time, the Qianyang True Fire was rapidly recovering after absorbing the earth's fire energy. This was because the Five Elements Heart Fire was now Zhou Ling's natal spirit flame.

Therefore, when Zhou Ling manipulated the Qianyang True Fire to refine materials, the Qianyang True Fire was also influenced by his talent [Meticulousness].

Therefore, the consumption is not that high.

After recovering to a considerable extent, Zhou Ling attempted to condense a third-order Golden Fire Sword Seal.

The Golden Fire Sword Seal is somewhat similar to the Fire Cloud Sword Seal he attempted to draw last time.

Its main seal is the Golden Fire Seal.

There are 120 inscriptions.

Under normal circumstances, it would be almost impossible for Zhou Ling to draw this golden fire sword seal.

However, the consumption of [meticulous] is rarely more than three times that of other abilities, and it is further aided by the Qianyang True Fire.

For Zhou Ling, who had already successfully forged a third-order Fire Cloud Sword Seal in one go, it wasn't that difficult.

As the Golden Fire Sword Imprint appeared in his mind, the True Fire of Qianyang condensed and emerged.

The flames rose and enveloped the sword once more.

He channeled his magical power and divine sense, combined with the spiritual flames, to begin inscribing runes on the sword.

"This kid is incredibly arrogant, directly forging a sword imprint on the sword embryo?"

One of the judges from the Tiangong Division couldn't help but speak up, his face full of doubt.

It should be noted that when a weapon refiner is crafting an inscription, they will usually try to carve it on spirit paper first.

After successfully drawing the design, then draw the design on the sword body.

Otherwise, if it fails, the sword blank will be ruined.

Another possibility is that he had previously refined this sword seal, which is why he was able to use it directly.

However, generally speaking, the marks that appear in such assessments are relatively rare.

Therefore, it is impossible for these celestial guards to master them proficiently.

Zhou Ling then proceeded to do it directly.

Their unconventional refining methods greatly surprised them.

"Could it be that this kid has become a bit arrogant after reaching the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage?"

Dean Zhong also looked puzzled.

In the past, when Zhou Ling forged inscriptions, he would draw them multiple times during the forging process before finally engraving them on the sword.

The way he's drawing directly on the sword now is indeed completely different from his original style.

Qin Zhizheng and Zhang Daojian both had the same doubts.

"Zhou Ling is usually calm and steady, he wouldn't be reckless, this is unusual!"

Qin Zhizheng thought to himself.

He pondered whether he should give him more challenges in the future, otherwise his life would be too smooth sailing at such a young age.

That does mean they are prone to personality problems.

After all, even with his current skill level, he couldn't succeed in creating a third-tier sword seal on the first try.

Of course, this also made them pay more attention to Zhou Ling.

Let's see what this kid is up to.

Less than half an hour later.

A golden fire sword imprint slowly took shape on the blade of the Golden Fire Sword Embryo, releasing a sharp aura.

As the Golden Fire Sword Seal took shape, Zhou Ling immediately used the Qianyang True Fire to continuously refine it, making it increasingly condensed and transforming it into a sword seal.

He then infused the sword seal into the blade, combining it with the True Fire of Qianyang.

With the aid of the Qianyang True Fire, he found the refining process to be quite easy.

Even the third-tier sword seal appeared effortless and fluid.

There was no sense of obscurity or oppression.

Time passed slowly, and the Golden Fire Sword Seal continued to merge into the sword.

The golden flames on the sword intensified, making it increasingly sharp.

"puff!"

Soon after, a dazzling golden flame burst forth from the Golden Fire Sword.

The Golden Fire Sword Seal and the sword embryo were completely fused together, and sword energy surged around him, drawing in spiritual energy.

At this moment, the golden fire sword light emanating from its blade stretched for several feet, radiating an aura that sent chills down one's spine.

"The Golden Fire Sword is complete!"

Seeing this, Zhou Ling's eyes lit up with joy.

The Golden Fire Sword before us is now a true Tier 3 treasure sword.

Zhou Ling could feel a strong sword energy fluctuation emanating from the sword.

Zhou Ling was satisfied. He felt that refining this third-grade low-level Golden Fire Sword Seal today was even easier than refining the Fire Cloud Sword Seal last time.

The spirit essence of this Golden Soul Burning Heaven Flame is indeed an excellent flame for refining weapons.

Of course, without talents such as meticulousness, one cannot reach this level.

As the golden sword light flashed, everyone on the judges' panel and in the audience watched this scene in disbelief.

"A third-tier sword, and it's done?"

"How is that possible? He's only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, and he's only been successfully established for less than half a year."

"This is true genius."

"It's true what they say, comparisons are the thief of joy!"

"Such terrifying talent in weapon crafting is a rare sight even in my Xuan Yuan Dao Academy!"

“Zhou Ling is not only the number one genius in my Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, but he can even be said to be the number one genius in the entire Qingyun Immortal City.”

On the plaza, all the disciples stared in disbelief at the golden sword light shining on the assessment platform.

Keep in mind that only a little over two hours have passed since the assessment began.

Leaving aside the other technicians, let's take Xu Baoyuan and Zhao Sui, the two most outstanding young Tiangong Guards of the Tiangong Division, as examples.

At this moment, they have only completed the tempering of the second-tier top-grade spirit sword embryo.

Keep in mind that they are all late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

At this moment, looking at the third-tier Golden Fire Sword in Zhou Ling's hand, which shone with dazzling golden sword light,...

Both of them looked incredulous.

Although they had heard of it before, for them, every year there would be so-called geniuses entering the Heavenly Crafts Bureau from the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

But who can defeat them?

But at this moment, he witnessed the third-tier Golden Fire Sword in Zhou Ling's hand.

They then truly realized that Zhou Ling's weapon-refining skills far surpassed theirs.

A feeling of unbelievable frustration welled up inside me.

"How did this kid do it?"

Dean Zhong exclaimed in surprise and delight.

Even among the inner disciples of the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy headquarters in Qingyang Immortal City, very few at the Foundation Establishment stage could refine a third-tier treasure.

Moreover, Zhou Ling was only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

Such talent truly astonished even the worldly-wise dean.

This is already considered an unparalleled genius.

I originally thought Zhou Lingyuan's performance was already astonishing enough.

But little did we know that his potential was far greater than that.

Not only Dean Zhong, but the other judges were also shocked.

Zhou Ling's performance was truly amazing!
"Excellent! Zhou Ling deserves first place in this assessment!"

Qin Zhizheng announced directly.

The assessment is not even halfway done yet.

The other four judges had no objections.

Zhou Ling's successful forging of a third-tier sword means he has achieved first place.

(End of this chapter)