Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 226 Third-Rank Steward and He Zijian and Wang Xin's Foundation Establishment
The day after Zhou Ling achieved first place in the Heavenly Guard assessment of Qingyun Immortal City, he went to the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, to Qin Zhizheng's side hall.

When he entered the room, Qin Zhi, dressed in a black robe and with a calm expression, saw Zhou Ling come in and put down the jade book in his hand with a smile.

"Greetings, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.

As expected, after forging a third-tier sword yesterday, he ultimately won first place in the assessment.

Having achieved first place in the Heavenly Guard assessment of Qingyun Immortal City, he will participate in the Heavenly Guard assessment of Qingyang Immortal Domain next year.

After passing the test, he became a Heavenly Guard of the True Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

This means that he will not only be able to obtain a large amount of resources from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, but also gain certain rights.

After all, the entire Qingyang Immortal Realm's Heavenly Craftsmanship Guard only has five slots per year.

"sit down!"

Qin Zhizheng waved his hand with a smile.

Zhou Ling sat down on a wooden chair nearby, and then an assistant brought him some spiritual tea.

Zhou Ling picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then looked at Qin Zhizheng to express his gratitude, "Zhizheng got first place in the assessment this time, thanks in large part to your mastery of seal control techniques."

This time, we were able to successfully refine a third-tier Golden Fire Sword Seal.

Besides the True Fire of Qianyang and innate talent, the technique of controlling the seal is also extremely crucial.

Without Qin Zhizheng's method of controlling the seal, he might not have succeeded.

"These are two jars of fine spirit wine that my mother asked me to bring to Zhizheng. Thank you for your help, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling took out two jars of spirit wine refined by his mother from his storage ring and handed them to Qin Zhizheng.

Of course, he also knew that the control technique was extremely valuable, and could not be measured in spirit stones.

The two jars of spirit wine were merely a small token of gratitude.

"it is good."

Qin Zhizheng didn't stand on ceremony. He put away the two jars of spirit wine and laughed, "It's because you have this talent, kid. If it were someone else, even if they learned this seal control technique, they definitely wouldn't be able to refine a third-order sword seal!"

His tone made no attempt to hide his appreciation and praise for Zhou Ling.

I was worried that Zhou Ling's personality might become frivolous, but I didn't expect that his strength had reached the point where he could completely control the third-order sword seal.

That's really surprising.

It should be noted that currently, there are only about twenty people in the entire Qingyun Immortal City's Heavenly Crafting Division who can forge third-tier treasures.

Moreover, all of them were cultivators with a cultivation level of at least Golden Core.

Zhou Ling, who was not even fifteen years old and in the early stage of Foundation Establishment, had already refined a third-tier treasure.

This potential is truly limitless.

This also proves that my investment in Zhou Ling was absolutely correct.

This made him extremely happy.

"I asked you to come here today to reward you for getting first place in this assessment."

As Qin Zhizheng spoke, he took out a storage bag and handed it to Zhou Ling.

"There are pills, spirit stones and some ores inside."

"In addition, given that you are already capable of refining third-tier treasures, and there happens to be a third-rank steward position in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, I have also secured one for you."

"You can go to the office to complete your onboarding procedures shortly."

"Thank you, Master!" Zhou Ling said respectfully as he accepted the storage bag.

It's true that having connections in the court makes it easier to become an official.

Now he's actually become a third-rank Heavenly Craftsman Guard!

It's important to understand that even in the fourth-rank Qingyun Immortal City, a third-rank Heavenly Craftsman Guard wields considerable power.

Upon returning to Lingxia Immortal City, one must be one rank higher than the city lord of Lingxia Immortal City.

He didn't do anything; he just got first place in the Heavenly Guard assessment of Qingyun Immortal City.

Of course, all of this was thanks to Qin Zhizheng's help.

"No need to thank me. You have the talent and ability; I was just helping you out as I was going along!"

Qin Zhizheng smiled and said.

He was naturally happy to help a talented young man like Zhou Ling.

After all, there is fierce competition among the various stewards and directors of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

He helped Zhou Ling because he saw the potential that Zhou Ling was showing.

As long as he grows up, the strength of their lineage will greatly increase.

Moreover, it's completely unnecessary to let someone as talented as Zhou Ling waste his time on mundane matters.

With just a word from me, everything will be taken care of.

If Zhou Ling were to handle it herself, it would likely waste a lot of time.

"In addition, you must do your best to qualify for the Heavenly Guard assessment in Qingyang Immortal Realm next March. As long as you make it into the top five, you will be a true Heavenly Guard."

"At that time, you will be able to receive a large amount of resources from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

Qin Zhizheng then gave Zhou Ling further instructions.

"Yes, sir!"

Zhou Ling cupped his hands in reply.

"This contains information about next year's Heavenly Guard assessment, as well as data on outstanding Heavenly Guards from various immortal cities in the Qingyang Immortal Realm. Take a close look when you get back!"

Qin Zhizheng then took out another jade slip and handed it to Zhou Ling.

"Thank you, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling accepted the jade slip and thanked him again.

Afterwards, Qin Zhizheng asked him about his ideas on refining third-order inscriptions.

Zhou Ling also took the opportunity to ask him many questions.

Although he gained a lot of weapon-refining experience after fusing with the Golden Soul Burning Heaven Flame Spirit Soul, there are still many things he cannot fully understand.

This is a good opportunity to ask Qin Zhizheng more questions, so that I can avoid some detours in the future.

Despite having many official duties to attend to, Qin Zhizheng patiently answered Zhou Ling's questions one by one.

More than half an hour later, Zhou Ling left the side hall and went to the affairs hall to complete the onboarding procedures for a third-rank steward of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Before leaving, Qin Zhizheng instructed him to focus on cultivation over the next few months, hoping to further improve his weapon-refining skills.

This will ensure that one becomes a Celestial Guardian.

Although Zhou Ling's current level gives him a good chance of obtaining Tianwei.

However, the other Heavenly Craftsmen of Qingyang Immortal Realm are also extremely formidable this year, so we cannot be careless.

Once you become a Heavenly Guardian, everything will be completely different, from cultivation resources to your status.

Of course, he also knew that with Zhou Ling's current cultivation level, it would be very difficult for him to improve further in a short period of time.

After all, forging a third-tier magic weapon in the early stages of Foundation Establishment is already an extremely difficult task.

Zhou Ling nodded in agreement.

Three months is a time he can still improve upon.

Putting aside cultivation level, reaching the fourth rank with the Qianyang True Fire should be no problem.

Soon, he arrived at the office.

After all, the treatment of a third-rank steward is far superior to that of a second-rank steward.

Putting aside everything else, just consider the place of residence.

The spiritual energy will be more abundant and safer.

Having experienced the Blood Soul Cult incident, Zhou Ling naturally wanted to move to a safer place to live as soon as possible.

This will also ensure the safety of parents.

Moreover, my mother's cultivation has also made great progress in the past year, and she is now at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

If we move to a courtyard with more abundant spiritual energy, we will definitely be able to enter the ninth level of Qi Refining next year.

The year after next will be sufficient to prepare for foundation building.

This was ahead of schedule.

But when he entered the office, he found that the people there treated him completely differently.

He rarely came here; he would finish his business and leave, and he didn't know many people.

"Deacon Zhou, you've arrived!"

A young assistant came to greet them.

His posture was extremely respectful.

This surprised Zhou Ling.

In the past, everyone handled things strictly as business.

I've never been so respectful before!

Before he could explain what he needed to do, Zheng Zhizheng, who was in charge of the administrative office, came over.

"Deacon Zhou, are you here to apply for the position of a third-rank deacon?"

After greeting him, Zheng Zhizheng asked with a smile.

"Yes, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling replied respectfully. Zheng Zhizheng was also a Nascent Soul cultivator and a fourth-grade alchemist, yet he was so polite to him.

Zhou Ling was somewhat flattered.

Now he understands just how astonishing the status of the Heavenly Guard is within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

I am not yet a true Heavenly Guardian.

Even a fourth-grade alchemist like Zheng Zhizheng deliberately tried to befriend him.

It's really unexpected.

Of course, Zhou Ling didn't dare to do anything ostentatious and, as before, tried to keep a low profile.

Moreover, the person in front of him is a high-ranking official.

However, Zheng Zhizheng was very enthusiastic and personally completed the onboarding procedures for Zhou Ling as a third-rank steward.

"Now there are two small courtyards, located on the street opposite the main hall of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau. The spiritual energy has reached the third level, and they are quite spacious."

Which spot do you think would be suitable?

Zheng Zhizheng said to Zhou Ling with a smile.

Zhou Ling was also overjoyed. She had only been allocated that small courtyard house with Qin Zhizheng's help.

Now I have the right to choose.

Because it's mainly for my parents to live in.

The mother's spiritual root is of the wood element.

Therefore, upon learning that one of the sets was based on fire and wood elemental energy, Zhou Ling decisively chose that set.

There were quite a few people coming to the office to handle their affairs, and they were all surprised to see Zheng Zhizheng personally handling Zhou Ling's case.

Zhou Ling also met Xu Baoyuan, one of the two most favored to win the assessment.

"Junior Brother Zhou!"

Upon seeing Zhou Ling, Xu Baoyuan was the first to greet him.

After all, they all came from Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

Therefore, addressing each other as fellow disciples is also appropriate.

But he felt quite helpless, as this position of third-rank steward should have originally been his.

But now it has been obtained by the person in front of me.

"Senior Brother Xu!"

Zhou Ling also bowed in greeting.

"Zhou Ling, this is your monthly offering as a third-rank deacon: two high-grade spirit stones!"

After completing the formalities, Zheng Zhizheng took out two crystal-clear spirit stones and handed them to him.

"Thank you, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling hurriedly clasped his hands in thanks.

I didn't expect a third-rank steward to receive such a high offering, two high-grade spirit stones a month.

This was truly unexpected.

You should know that the original second-rank spirit stones were only a few mid-grade spirit stones as offerings each month.

"Qin Zhizheng, isn't the monthly tribute for a third-rank steward a high-grade spirit stone?"

Xu Yuanbao asked with a surprised look.

"Zhou Ling is making this a special case!"

Zheng Zhizheng smiled and said.

Hearing this, Xu Yuanbao felt even more annoyed!

This special handling undoubtedly refers to Zhou Ling's achievement of first place in the Qingyun Immortal City Heavenly Guard assessment.

Zhou Ling happily accepted the two high-grade spirit stones.

Becoming a third-rank steward was already somewhat unexpected for him, but now his treatment has doubled.

If I really become a Heavenly Guardian, wouldn't life be incredibly awesome?

At this moment, Zhou Ling made up his mind that no matter what, he would strive to become a Heavenly Guard.

After receiving the jade token identifying him as a third-rank steward, Zhou Ling bowed and took his leave from Zheng Zhizheng.

After leaving the Tiangong Company, he went straight home to tell his parents about the move as soon as possible.

Let them be happy too.

Upon returning home, I found the atmosphere inside to be very lively.

"This is an invitation from the Du family. The Du family has a Nascent Soul cultivator in charge, and now they've actually sent an invitation, asking Ling'er for help!"

Zhou Shan held an invitation in his hand and exclaimed with a look of surprise.

"And then there's the Yun family. The Yun family is the major owner of the Xuanyun Chamber of Commerce, the second largest chamber of commerce in Qingyun Immortal City."

Li Ru also spoke up.

Chu Xing, standing to the side, was also quite surprised.

Today, many powerful families and business associations from Qingyun Immortal City sent Zhou Ling invitations.

Seeing Zhou Ling return, Li Ru asked with a puzzled look, "Son, what happened?"

"Father, Mother, I've been working as a third-rank steward at the workshop all day. Let's pack up and move in a bit!"

Zhou Ling said with a smile.

He had absolutely no interest in these invitations and social engagements.

These three roles—Heavenly Crafts Bureau, Evil Slaying Department, and Daoist Academy Instructor—have already taken up a significant amount of his time.

He still needs to cultivate, and has even less time to waste on these strangers.

"A third-rank steward!"

"move place!"

Upon hearing this, Mr. and Mrs. Li Ru were both surprised and delighted.

I never imagined that my son would now be a third-rank steward in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Originally, their expectation for their son was that he could become a second-rank steward, which would have already satisfied them.

But my son is not even fifteen years old yet, and he has already become a third-rank steward!
The whole family was overjoyed.

Then, Zhou Ling mentioned moving to them.

Upon hearing that it was a small courtyard with third-level spiritual energy, Mr. and Mrs. Li were overjoyed.

The spiritual energy concentration of a third-tier spiritual vein is ten times higher than that of this small courtyard.

The four of them immediately began packing their luggage.

In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, everything was packed up.

The four of them then left the courtyard.

Although I haven't lived here for very long.

But this was the first place Li Ru and his wife stayed in Qingyun Immortal City.

Before leaving, Li Ru still kept the courtyard clean and tidy.

Soon, they arrived at the new courtyard.

This place is several times larger than the original courtyard.

There are six rooms.

There was also a small garden in front, which was arranged in an extremely neat and orderly manner.

It has all kinds of daily necessities.

Zhou Ling didn't know whether this was arranged by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau or left behind by the original owner.

In any case, it's very convenient for him.

After a little tidying up, you can move in.

Feeling the rich spiritual energy here, Li Ru and the others were also filled with joy.

Zhou Ling was used to it. Although the spiritual energy here was abundant, it was still slightly inferior to that of the Daoist academy's retreat.

After tidying up, Li Ru went into the kitchen and prepared a sumptuous feast to celebrate Zhou Ling becoming a third-rank steward and moving into a new home.

In the following days, Zhou Ling received a series of congratulatory messages.

Among them were He Zijian and his sister, Lu Yunxi, and other Taoist instructors such as Instructor Hu and Dean Zhong.

What pleased Zhou Ling the most was...

He Zijian successfully completed the Foundation Establishment stage.

After killing the remnants of the Blood Soul Cult, he successfully obtained a Grade Earth Foundation Establishment Pill and then began preparing for Foundation Establishment.

Yesterday, we finally succeeded in establishing the foundation; this is truly a cause for celebration.

But that wasn't all. That evening, Zhou Ling received another message from Wang Qingshang: Xin'er had successfully reached the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage.

The speed of the event caught Zhou Ling off guard.

Originally, it was expected to take another half month.

Zhou Ling planned to finish these matters and then head to Qingyang Immortal City.

Unexpectedly, Xin'er has already successfully achieved the Heavenly Foundation Establishment stage.

(End of this chapter)