Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 282 Testing the Sword and the Rectification of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau
“Three seniors, my Thunderclap Sword is engraved with the Thunderclap Sword Seal. Although it only contains the third-order Thunder Sword Intent, its power is no less than that of a fourth-order treasure sword.”

"Therefore, I believe it is inappropriate to conclude that Zhou Ling has won!"

As Cheng Pu finished speaking, He Shen stepped forward and bowed to the three judges.

"Oh, its power is no less than that of a fourth-tier sword?"

Upon hearing this, the three judges all turned their gazes toward He Shen's Thunderclap Sword.

Of the three, Dean Zhong and Qin Zhizheng naturally hoped that Zhou Ling would win.

Cheng Pu was also greatly impressed by Zhou Ling's successful forging of the Five Elements Sword.

Knowing such a talent, his future achievements within the Dao Alliance will definitely not be low.

Therefore, there was naturally no objection to Zhou Ling's victory.

"That's right, it's the Thunderclap Sword Seal!"

Looking at the Thunderclap Sword, Cheng Pu spoke up.

His brows furrowed as he considered the situation that had been agreed upon by the higher-ups.

If Zhou Ling is able to forge a top-grade third-tier sword, while the other two are unable to forge a fourth-tier sword.

Zhou Ling won.

However, although He Shen's Thunderclap Sword is a top-grade third-tier sword, its power is no less than that of an ordinary fourth-tier sword.

After all, the difficulty of stacking lightning sword seals is no less than that of ordinary fourth-order sword seals.

Its power is also greater than that of an ordinary fourth-order sword seal.

This is going to be difficult!
"Qin Zhizheng, what do you suggest we do about this?"

Cheng Pu thought for a moment and then asked Qin Zhizheng.

"Although the Thunderclap Sword has the power of a fourth-tier sword, Zhou Ling's Five Elements Sword may also have the power of a fourth-tier sword. Therefore, in my opinion, Zhou Ling will naturally win!"

Qin Zhizheng carefully compared the two swords with an air of seriousness and then spoke up.

He Shen's relationship with him wasn't bad, but he wanted to lend Zhou Ling a hand, so now Zhou Ling was able to forge a top-grade third-tier sword.

Then Zhou Ling is definitely the most suitable person for this position.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Pu looked at Dean Zhong, who also smiled and said, "I agree with what Qin Zhizheng said."

Although He Shen was also a disciple trained by Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, Zhou Ling is now the future face of the academy.

Therefore, it is natural to still strongly recommend Zhou Ling.

Seeing the attitude of the two judges, Cheng Pu also looked hesitant.

"This junior wishes to use the Thunderclap Sword to duel with Zhou Ling's Five Elements Sword."

"If I can't break it in one blow, then I'll accept defeat wholeheartedly!"

He Shen bowed with a serious expression.

Clearly, he had absolute confidence in this Thunderclap Sword.

In his view, even if Zhou Ling could forge a top-grade third-tier sword, his cultivation level was still limited.

It's impossible for them all to have comprehended the third-order Five Elements Sword Intent.

Therefore, even if the Five Elements Sword were forged, its power would certainly be greatly reduced.

He was very confident that he could break Zhou Ling's sword in one blow.

"Zhou Ling, what do you have to say?"

Cheng Pu thought for a moment, glanced at Zhou Ling, and asked.

According to the original rules, the three participants could request to test their swords.

Of course, if Zhou Ling doesn't agree, then he can refuse.

He would also rule that Zhou Ling wins.

In this way, Zhou Ling can be considered to have rightfully won first place.

He will then become the next Chief Executor of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau of Qingyun Immortal City.

Of course, in his heart, he still hoped that Zhou Ling would agree.

After all, the position of Chief Justice must be earned through merit.

If Zhou Ling doesn't have this ability, how can he win people's hearts?

Moreover, he is still young. Even if he fails, he can gain more experience in a few years and his future will be limitless.

If you refuse, it would make you seem less assertive.

In his view, teenagers with outstanding talent should forge ahead bravely.

If one is too concerned with gains and losses, one will fall into vulgarity, no matter how talented one is now.

His future achievements will be limited.

"This junior is willing to accept the sword test, but hopes that after the test, this Five Elements Sword will belong to me!"

Zhou Ling nodded in reply.

Even if He Shen's Thunderclap Sword is incredibly powerful, it's impossible for it to shatter the Five Elements Sword in a single strike.

He still has this bit of confidence.

"Alright, let's test the swords then!"

Cheng Pu nodded with a satisfied expression.

It can be seen that Zhou Ling is also a rather proud and confident person.

As for his request to keep the Five Elements Sword, that's perfectly fine, since it was just an internal assessment by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Once all three recommended candidates accept the competition results, the matter is settled.

Therefore, there's no need to save the game; the sword can naturally belong to them.

Of course, this statement also reveals Zhou Ling's confidence.

The implication is that the Five Elements Sword is absolutely capable of blocking the Thunderclap Sword's attack.

Qin Zhizheng frowned, but ultimately remained silent.

He was aware of He Shen's strength.

It seems unlikely that Zhou Ling's Five Elements Sword will be able to block the Thunderclap Sword so easily.

But Zhou Ling had already agreed, so he couldn't say anything more.

Of course, this position of power is just a new starting point for Zhou Ling.

His future achievements will definitely not be limited to this.

So even if we lose this time, it's not a big deal.

Consider it a learning experience!
"Next, I will explain the rules for the sword test!"

"You can only use your magic to activate the swords and engage in combat; you must not use too much magic!"

"If the amount of magical power contained is excessive, it will be considered cheating, and you will be forced to withdraw!"

"Do you have any more questions?"

Cheng Pu glanced at Zhou Ling and He Shen, and said solemnly.

The sword test is a head-on clash between two precious swords.

The contest is about the power of the sword itself.

The user can only inject basic mana to activate the sword.

Both sides engaged in a direct confrontation.

Once a cultivator injects too much magical power, the higher the cultivator's cultivation level, the more powerful the sword will become.

Moreover, He Shen's Thunderclap Sword belongs to the lightning attribute, and its attack power is inherently superior to that of other attribute swords.

Therefore, even among those of the same level, the Five Elements Sword has no advantage whatsoever.

Moreover, what the other party depicted was a stacked thunder sword seal.

Whether the Five Elements Sword can withstand an attack is hard to say.

"no problem!"

"no problem!"

He Shen and Zhou Ling bowed in unison and replied.

Li Feng, who was standing to the side, also shook his head, clearly admitting defeat.

After all, his metal-attribute sword is certainly not as powerful as the Thunderclap Sword.

Therefore, he didn't want to join in the fun, lest he make a fool of himself.

"Alright, then take your swords and head to the dueling platform."

"Prepare to test your sword!"

Cheng Pu spoke up.

Zhou Ling and the other man bowed and received their respective swords.

They then walked to the competition stage.

"Is this a test of their swordsmanship?"

"Instructor Zhou's Five Elements Sword is probably no match for the opponent's Thunderclap Sword!"

"After all, the power of a lightning-attribute sword is undeniable!"

"Yes! Instructor Zhou is in trouble now!"

"What trouble? At Zhou's age and with his cultivation level, he can forge a top-grade third-tier sword, and it even has the five elements attribute."

"He is already the number one person in our Xuan Yuan Dao Academy!" "Not only the number one person in Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, but it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he is the number one person in the entire Qingyun Immortal City!"

As the two figures walked onto the competition stage, people in the square began to discuss among themselves.

Most people believe that Zhou Ling's Five Elements Sword cannot withstand the opponent's Thunderclap Sword.

After all, a sword with lightning attributes is extremely powerful.

"Steward Zhou, please!"

On the competition stage, He Shen and Zhou Ling bowed to each other.

Although his cultivation level and age were much higher than Zhou Ling's.

However, since Zhou Ling was able to forge a top-grade third-tier sword, he treated him with the respect due to an equal.

After all, the Tiangong Division primarily focuses on skill level.

Moreover, Zhou Ling was also a Heavenly Guard of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Regardless of the outcome of this competition?
In the future, my position will definitely be above his.

Therefore, he naturally did not want to offend Zhou Ling because of this competition!

Of course, he couldn't possibly give up on something as important as upholding justice.

"Deacon He, please!"

Zhou Ling also cupped his hands and smiled.

"Thunderbolt Sword, go!"

He Shen shouted loudly, and the Thunderclap Sword flew into the air, making a thunderous roar.

A massive beam of lightning condensed and slashed down.

Thunder surged forth, radiating a terrifying sense of destruction.

As He Shen's voice fell, the deep black shadow of the Thunderclap Sword streaked across the sky and slashed down.

He Shen stood still. In this sword-testing competition, one could only use magic to activate the sword and make it strike.

No other control actions are allowed after that.

But he still had absolute confidence in the Thunderclap Sword.

As the sword was activated, the lightning-attribute sword intent contained within it was also unleashed, unleashing astonishing power.

It is completely comparable to a strike from a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

Even if Zhou Ling could forge a top-grade third-tier sword, his Foundation Establishment cultivation level was limited.

At most, it can only unleash 80% of its power.

It might even be only 60% or 70% complete, which is why he was confident that he could shatter the Five Elements Sword in one strike.

"Um?"

Seeing the power of the Thunderclap Sword, a look of surprise flashed in Cheng Pu's eyes.

The power of the Thunderclap Sword was even greater than he had expected.

It's clear that He Shen is fully qualified to be the chief administrator.

Even without the enhancement of a cultivator's swordsmanship, the Thunderclap Sword's power was already comparable to the attack methods of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

He was somewhat worried about whether Zhou Ling could handle it, so he was prepared to intervene at any time to prevent Zhou Ling from being injured.

"Don't worry, Chief Ting!"

Seeing Cheng Pu's expression, Qin Zhizheng said with a smile, "Zhou Ling's Five Elements Sword is quite powerful, and he's very cautious, always wearing high-grade protective clothing. This Thunderclap Sword can't hurt him!"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Pu nodded.

Zhou Ling remained calm as he watched the thunderous sword light hurtling through the air.

A surge of magical power was then injected into the Five Elements Sword.

With his profound and pure Five Elements magic power, he can also activate the third-tier combat power of the Five Elements Treasure Sword.

As the five elements of sword light rose up, they condensed into a five-colored sword domain, blocking the path of the thunder sword.

The Five Elements Sword Intent condensed within the Five Elements Sword can be used for both offense and defense.

Since the other party only mentioned one strike, he naturally had no need to attack.

After all, compared to the incredibly powerful Thunder Sword Intent, no elemental sword intent has any advantage.

Unless one can condense the Five Elements Sword Domain, but that would consume too much energy and require a cultivator to control it, the sword itself alone cannot achieve that.

Rumble!
The Five Elements Sword unleashed five-colored sword energy, condensing into a sword energy defensive net about ten feet in diameter.

At the same time, the thunderous sword light unleashed by the Thunderclap Sword fell rapidly, launching an attack as swift as lightning.

The Thunderclap Sword and the Five Elements Sword clashed fiercely, black lightning and five-colored sword light intertwining in the void.

It emitted a deafening roar.

Although the sword shadow of the Thunderclap Sword was incredibly powerful, it was difficult for it to advance even an inch in the short term.

The raging lightning sword light was firmly blocked by the five-colored sword net.

The two sides were evenly matched for the time being.

Seeing that the Thunderclap Sword, which was comparable to a fourth-tier treasure sword, was blocked by the Five Elements Treasure Sword, He Shen's face showed disbelief at this result.

"Stack!"

He immediately shouted and activated the Thunderclap Sword Seal within the Thunderclap Sword.

Rumble!
In an instant, the thunderous sword light of the Thunderclap Sword soared into the sky, and the thunderous sword intent within it was activated to the extreme. Black lightning covered the sky and filled the entire arena.

Despite the fierce attacks of the thunderous sword beams, the Five Elements Sword Net remained steadfast.

There was no sign of defeat whatsoever.

The Thunderclap Sword was like a giant thunder dragon trapped in the five-colored sword net.

Although its power was astonishing, it could not break through the shackles of the Five Elements Sword Net for the time being.

"This Five Elements Sword actually possesses such sword intent!"

Cheng Pu, who was sitting quietly on the judges' panel, twitched his eyelids and said in surprise.

From this Five Elements Sword Intent, it can be seen that Zhou Ling's current sword cultivation has not only entered the third realm of swordsmanship, but is definitely not low.

How did someone of that age achieve such remarkable success in both weapon crafting and sword making?
The outcome of this attack is decided.

Even if the Five Elements Sword is broken, Zhou Ling will still be the victor.

"This is the power of the Five Elements Sword! It's incredibly strong!"

"It even blocked a powerful attack like the Thunderclap Sword!"

"Instructor Zhou truly deserves to be the number one student at Xuan Yuan Dao Academy!"

People around the square gasped in surprise.

The attack of the two swords on the dueling platform was truly awe-inspiring.

Today was quite a feast for the eyes, as I witnessed three weapon refiners, all close to the fourth rank, competing on the spot.

And I witnessed such a spectacular duel.

Rumble!
As the thunderous sword energy dissipated!

The five-colored sword net also dissipated.

Looking at the Five Elements Sword floating perfectly intact in the air, He Shen was surprised.

Then, with a helpless expression, he cupped his hands to Zhou Ling and said, "Steward Zhou, I admit defeat this time!"

"Lucky! Lucky!"

Zhou Ling sheathed the Five Elements Sword and smiled.

If they were to fight with all their might, he would definitely not be a match for He Shen.

However, in a mere contest of swords, the Five Elements Sword was naturally not at a disadvantage.

"Very well, Zhou Ling's Five Elements Sword wins this sword test!"

Looking at the situation on the competition stage, Cheng Pu stood up and made an announcement.

"Zhou Ling won this competition and will become the next Chief Engineer of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, officially taking office next month!"

Cheng Pu then directly announced Zhou Ling's appointment.

The clear voice then echoed throughout the entire Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

This was originally an internal matter of the Tiangong Division, and it wouldn't matter when it was announced.

But Cheng Pu still made it public.

This could be considered a way of befriending Zhou Ling.

After all, the purpose of coming to Qingyun Immortal City this time was to specifically assess Zhou Ling's strength.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Ling's strength was much greater than he had anticipated.

I originally thought that being able to reach the third-tier mid-grade weapon refiner level was already pretty good.

But now it is already a top-grade third-tier item, and the treasures it can refine are even comparable to those of the fourth tier.

This limitation on cultivation level seemed to have no effect on Zhou Ling.

"Thank you, Chief Cheng Ting!"

Zhou Ling bowed and thanked him, his face full of joy.

Becoming a Chief Justice means that he has truly established himself in Qingyun Immortal City!

(End of this chapter)