Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 235 The Agreement Between the Two Women
"To be in the top five of this year's Heavenly Guardian assessment, you need to refine at least a third-tier treasure to have a chance."

"The rules are the same as in previous years. Each Heavenly Craftsman can decide what they want to refine the day before the assessment."

"The Tiangong Division will prepare the materials needed by all examinees."

"Of course, in order to test your skills and talent, the time for this assessment will be shortened accordingly, to only two hours."

Therefore, only one successful refining is allowed.

"If you fail once, it means you've failed completely."

"Therefore, when choosing what to refine, you must be most familiar with it."

"Of course, in order to unleash the potential of the examinees, the Heavenly Crafts Bureau will also provide materials for the examination."

"However, this is more difficult. Of course, if the examinee chooses this option, they can also receive some bonus points."

"It depends on your ability to handle it."

Inside the side hall of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, Qin Zhi was explaining the situation of this Heavenly Guard assessment to Zhou Ling.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling's gaze sharpened slightly.

More than one hundred people, all of whom are young elites from the Heavenly Crafts Bureaus of various immortal cities, participated in the assessment this time.

Although Zhou Ling was very confident in himself, he was no match for the elite of the Heavenly Crafts Company, such as several of the scions of prominent families from Qingyang Immortal City.

Their strength is extremely astonishing.

Even after forging a third-tier sword, Zhou Ling still felt his chances of winning were slim.

But if he could go one step further, he felt that he would be guaranteed a spot in the Heavenly Guard.

After all, in recent days, with the help of the Six-Turn Spirit Flame Technique, the Qianyang True Fire has entered the fourth rank, which not only greatly enhances its power, but also provides tremendous assistance in weapon refining.

There's also a new [Sixth Transformation] talent to assist.

This improved his weapon crafting skills by another step.

If handled properly, it might even be possible to refine a mid-grade third-tier treasure.

"Zhizheng, if you forge a low-grade third-tier sword, what are your chances of winning and becoming a Heavenly Guardian?"

Zhou Ling asked.

In his view, if there is a 70% chance of success, then there is no need to take the risk.

Refining a low-grade third-tier magic weapon steadily and surely will yield better results.

"If it were last year, as long as you could refine a third-tier magic weapon, the probability of becoming a Heavenly Guardian would be 50%."

"After all, although the Heavenly Craftsmen who participate in the assessment are all quite strong, due to their cultivation level, only about ten of them can refine third-tier treasures each year."

"But this year's contestants are all extremely talented, so the probability is probably less than 30%."

Qin Zhizheng spoke slowly.

"Thirty percent!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling frowned. Less than 30% meant that about 15 of the Heavenly Crafts Guards who participated in the assessment this year were capable of crafting third-tier treasures.

This number has increased by a full 50%.

"However, given the quality of your sword-forging, if you reach the third rank, the chances are already very high."

"So, you don't need to feel any pressure."

"Moreover, among these participating Heavenly Craftsmen, you are the youngest and have the lowest cultivation level, so these two aspects are also advantages."

"Under the same circumstances, you have a higher probability of winning."

"Of course, if you want to have a better chance of success, the choice of the sword type and attributes is crucial. It's best to choose one that is similar to your attributes and that you are most proficient in, and to ensure success on the first try."

This was clearly Qin Zhizheng's sound advice to Zhou Ling after analyzing the current situation.

Zhou Ling nodded. As the Qianyang True Fire reached the fourth rank, its effect in assisting in weapon refining became even better.

Therefore, the quality of the third-tier treasures refined from them will be higher.

Moreover, from the list of contestants that Qin Zhizheng gave him, he discovered that the dozen or so contestants who had a chance of winning, whom Qin Zhizheng had emphasized, were basically all at least at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

Among them, seven people were already in the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Moreover, most of them were at the Heavenly Foundation Establishment level, and almost all of them were scions of prestigious families.

Therefore, his Heavenly Foundation Establishment skill no longer has such a significant advantage.

Fortunately, it is of the five elements, and with the help of [Five Elements Gathering], he can convert the five kinds of spiritual power into one in a short time.

Once he achieves this level of cultivation, his cultivation will reach the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, and he won't suffer any losses.

"Alright, we'll head to Qingyang Immortal City tomorrow. In the next couple of days, get your thoughts in order and decide what kind of treasure you want to refine!"

"Contact me anytime if you need my help!"

Qin Zhizheng took a sip of tea and continued.

"Yes, sir!"

Zhou Ling bowed and thanked him.

In his view, the thing he was most confident about now was undoubtedly forging the third-tier Fire Cloud Sword.

Moreover, the Fiery Cloud Sword Soul can be incorporated into it, which will definitely improve its quality even further.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling bid farewell to Qin Zhizheng and left the side hall.

Before long, he returned to his own private residence in the Taoist temple and had just entered.

Zhou Ling smelled an enticing aroma of grilled fish wafting towards him.

Inside the courtyard, two beautiful figures sat facing each other on wooden chairs.

A furnace for alchemy is placed in the middle.

Inside the alchemy furnace, a large spirit fish was hissing and emitting smoke.

"Brother Ling, you're back!"

"The grilled fish is just right, it's arrived at the perfect time."

Upon seeing Zhou Ling, Wang Xin greeted him with a smile.

"These are third-tier blood sturgeon sent from Qinyue Immortal City. No more than ten will arrive at a time."

"Even in the best restaurants in Qingyun Immortal City, you might not be able to get a table there."

"You're in for a treat as soon as you arrive."

Wang Qingshang also said with a smile.

"Is it really that good? I don't believe it!"

Zhou Ling pulled up a wooden chair, sat down next to her, took a piece of grilled fish from Wang Xin's hand, and started eating it.

A Tier 3 Blood Sturgeon—that's an absolutely astonishing price.

It's estimated that even a few mid-grade spirit stones wouldn't be enough to buy it.

Given Xin'er's circumstances, she naturally wouldn't buy such an expensive spirit fish.

It must have been brought by Wang Qingshang.

Then there's no need to be polite.

It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious flavor.

"good to eat!"

Zhou Ling couldn't help but praise him, and then quickly picked up another piece of grilled fish and started eating.

The two women, who were quite particular about their manners, also took the grilled fish and ate it slowly and carefully.

Zhou Ling then took out spirit wine from his storage ring, one jar for each person.

The mellow and refreshing Lingjiu wine, paired with this crispy on the outside and tender on the inside grilled fish, is truly a delightful experience.

After eating several pieces of grilled fish and half a jar of spirit wine, Zhou Ling realized that Wang Qingshang wouldn't have sent him grilled fish for no reason, would she?
"Sister Qingshang, what brings you here?"

Zhou Ling wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth and asked with a smile.

Wang Qingshang put down her wine bowl and smiled, saying, "I came here mainly to discuss something with Xin'er."

Zhou Ling listened curiously, but Wang Qingshang didn't seem to intend to continue explaining.

Wang Xin spoke up, "Sister Qingshang came here this time to discuss with me the matter of the future head of the Wang family."

"What Sister Qingshang means is that if she becomes the head of the family in the future, she hopes that I will still stay in the Wang family."

"But they won't interfere in our affairs, much less ask you to become a son-in-law of the Wang family."

"In addition, she will provide me with cultivation resources."

"As for the matter of the family head, I never had any interest in it to begin with."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling finally understood Wang Qingshang's intention.

Wang Qingshang is now in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, while Xin'er has only recently entered the Foundation Establishment stage.

Both of them were contenders for the position of head of the Wang family.

However, the Wang family stipulates that whoever enters the Golden Core stage first will become the head of the family.

Under these circumstances, it would be difficult for Wang Xin to defeat Wang Qingshang.

Moreover, Wang Xin has a relatively simple personality and has no interest in managing a large family.

Although becoming the head of the Wang family would grant him access to an astonishing amount of resources.

But this has to be something Wang Xin enjoys doing.

Furthermore, if Xin'er really becomes the head of the Wang family, then I'll be in even more trouble. There's no reason for the head of the family to marry out.

Wang Qingshang's suggestion was undoubtedly the best thing for the two of them.

It will neither interfere with Xin'er's cultivation nor affect their relationship.

This is undoubtedly the solution he can accept at present.

However, the Wang family is large and powerful, with several Nascent Soul cultivators among them.

Even if Wang Qingshang is the head of the family, she may not be able to make the decision on this matter.

"Brother Ling, what do you say?"

Wang Xin then asked Zhou Ling.

"Xin'er, it's mainly your idea, I have no problem with it!"

Zhou Ling smiled.

But in his heart he was determined to get this spot in the Heavenly Guard assessment, no matter what.

Only then could they truly establish themselves in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Even if the Wang family wants to forcibly take Xin'er away in the future, they should consider her identity.

Of course, in addition to the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, the status of the Taoist Academy also needs to be strengthened.

However, now that he is a Taoist instructor, it won't be so easy for him to advance further.

To become an inner court instructor, one must have the cultivation level of Golden Core.

That's still a bit far off for him.

"If you ask me, I'd rather be a dutiful daughter-in-law of the Chen family and have nothing to do with the Wang family's affairs!"

Wang Xin said directly.

This is also what she really felt.

She is content with her current life and doesn't care about anything else.

"Xin'er, you are also a member of the Wang family. In the future, the family will definitely help you reach the Nascent Soul realm."

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingshang shook her head and smiled.

In her opinion, Wang Xin's knowledge was still too limited.

For cultivators, cultivation level is the most fundamental thing.

Once she reaches the Golden Core, Nascent Soul, or even Deity Transformation stages, she will have a long lifespan.

If Zhou Ling's cultivation level doesn't catch up by then, he'll have to leave Wang Xin sooner or later.

As time goes by, Wang Xin naturally becomes less concerned about these things.

However, she can now see that the two have a very deep relationship, and Wang Xin is an extremely sentimental person.

Neither words nor interests could shake their relationship.

That's why she came up with a solution that would satisfy both sides.

It would both align with the family's interests and avoid objections from Wang Xin and the other person.

Of course, this can only be implemented after she becomes the head of the family.

The family's current actions are more focused on avoiding any impact on Wang Xin.

As for Zhou Ling, his family did not have much of a concern.

After all, he was just a rogue cultivator.

But she also knew that Zhou Ling had considerable potential, so she naturally didn't want to offend him.

Zhou Ling knew what Wang Xin was thinking, so she didn't say anything more.

The grilled fish, which was originally delicious, suddenly lost its flavor.

Of course, he can accept Wang Qingshang's current explanation.

"By the way, these are some second-tier spiritual herbs that have matured in the family's herb garden recently."

At this moment, Wang Qingshang took out another storage ring and handed it to Wang Xin.

"Sister Qingshang, what does this mean?"

Looking at the storage ring, Wang Xin was taken aback and asked.

"This is the portion your family gave you, which contains about a hundred second-tier spiritual herbs. Since you are an alchemist, you can try refining pills yourself."

Wang Qingshang said with a smile.

"So many second-tier spiritual herbs?"

Wang Xin scanned the storage ring with her divine sense and said with a surprised expression.

The storage ring contained hundreds of medicinal herbs, and all of them were of high quality.

They are not commonly found on the market.

"These spiritual herbs are of high quality. If refined into pills, they will be enough to allow you to enter the second level of Foundation Establishment."

Wang Qingshang spoke up.

Of course, what she said was relatively conservative.

If Wang Xin's success rate in alchemy is higher, the results might even be better.

After all, these are all top-quality medicinal herbs.

"Thank you, Sister Qingshang!"

Wang Xin smiled and bowed in thanks.

Regardless of whether her agreement with Wang Qingshang was effective or not.

If I can reach the Golden Core stage within ten years, then I won't need to go to the Wang family.

Therefore, being able to obtain more resources is naturally very beneficial to her.

Wang Qingchang nodded.

She could sense that Wang Xin didn't feel a sense of belonging to the family, so she couldn't force her; she had to take it slowly.

"alright!"

"That's settled then. From now on, you can focus on your cultivation and don't worry about anything else!"

Wang Qingshang took a sip of the spirit wine and smiled.

Seeing that Wang Xin did not insist on refusing the elixir, Zhou Ling did not say anything more.

Anyway, Xin'er is already his wife, and he won't allow anyone to take her away from him.

Even a powerful family like the Wang family would not faze him.

After chatting for a while longer, Wang Qingshang took her leave.

Zhou Ling also took the opportunity to mention to him the matter of going to Qingyang Immortal City to participate in the Heavenly Guard assessment.

I need to take the next few days off.

Wang Qingshang naturally agreed. After the Blood Soul Sect's stronghold was wiped out, Qingyun Immortal City had been very peaceful for some time.

"Brother Ling, you're going to Qingyang Immortal City tomorrow, can I go with you?"

After seeing Wang Qingshang off, the two returned to the courtyard. Wang Xin put her arm around Zhou Ling's and asked a question.

"Hmm, this shouldn't be a problem!"

Zhou Ling said with a smile.

For such an important assessment, bringing a family member to cheer on the candidate shouldn't have any negative impact.

If Tiangongsi doesn't reimburse the expenses, then he has to pay for them himself.

He can afford the spirit stones needed to travel to the teleportation array in Qingyang Immortal City.

"okay!"

Wang Xin smiled.

"Xin'er, take a look at those spiritual herbs and see which ones you need me to refine, then give them to me!"

Zhou Ling continued.

Now, the Five Elements Sword has been refined as my natal sword, and combined with the [Six Transformations] talent.

He used sword energy to refine pills, and the quality of the pills he produced was in no way inferior to Wang Xin's.

Of course, Wang Xin possesses the Golden Soul Burning Heaven Flame natal fire seed, giving her an even more obvious advantage in alchemy.

"Brother Ling, let me tidy up a bit."

"As for alchemy, we'll talk about that after you've finished your assessment."

"Now we must maintain our best condition to deal with the Tianwei assessment."

Wang Xin replied.

"it is good."

Zhou Ling nodded.

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(End of this chapter)