Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 283 The Shock of the Masses and the Receiving of Rewards
Qingyun Immortal City, the Li family.

In the exquisite and magnificent hall, a dignified old man sat quietly in the main seat, and put down the communication jade in his hand with a sigh.

"Yu'er, isn't Zhou Ling your classmate and fellow student?"

Looking at the young man and woman sitting quietly on his right, the old man asked with a smile.

He was Li Yang, the head of the Li family, with a cultivation level of the early Nascent Soul stage.

He had just received news that Zhou Ling had become the Chief Executive of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau at the age of sixteen, making him the youngest Chief Executive in the history of the Bureau.

"Yes, Father. When he first entered the school, he failed the Foundation Establishment test, which drew a lot of ridicule. But unexpectedly, he made rapid progress in all aspects afterward!"

Li Yu let out a breath and said with a somewhat helpless expression.

As for Zhou Ling, he could no longer compare himself to her; all he felt was resentment and helplessness.

At first, he was very dissatisfied with losing to Zhou Ling.

After all, Zhou Ling failed the Foundation Establishment test and was a so-called low-grade spiritual root.

He was originally a rogue cultivator.

Compared to him, it's worlds apart.

He was also holding back his anger, wanting to prove himself properly after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

Zhou Ling was nothing in front of a prodigy like him.

You must know that he possesses top-grade spiritual roots and comes from a family of Nascent Soul cultivators.

However, he was always defeated by Zhou Ling.

For a whole year, he didn't win a single one of the many competitions at Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

It really frustrated him.

Not only him, but also Ye Lanzhi and several other disciples with exceptional talent who had the potential to reach the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment stage.

They all entered the academy at the ninth level of Qi Refining, but they were constantly crushed by Zhou Ling, who was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

What's even more hateful is...

In the first year of the Foundation Establishment Seed Assessment, he lost to Zhou Ling, and the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment Pill fell into Zhou Ling's hands.

The following year, he lost to Zhou Ling's disciple, Song Yue, which forced him to give up the Heavenly Rank Foundation Establishment and choose the Earthly Rank Foundation Establishment instead.

Although he had successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he was still filled with resentment.

But now he has realized that defeating Zhou Ling is now extremely difficult.

In the first year, he successfully established a Heavenly Foundation, and the gap between the two of them had already widened rapidly.

The situation is only going to get worse.

Even Zhou Ling's disciple, Song Yue, put immense pressure on him.

Among the current rankings of disciples in the inner academy, Song Yue is the most promising disciple, while he is ranked sixth.

“Father, I have fought this boy a few times before, and he is indeed quite strong!”

"Not only are his techniques amazing, but he also possesses the strength to defeat cultivators at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage!"

"They also have many trump cards up their sleeves, including a third-tier sword and the Five Elements Spirit Flame!"

At this moment, Li Jun also frowned and spoke up.

She was initially somewhat unwilling to accept defeat by Zhou Ling last time, but later even Foundation Establishment cultivators Wan Kun and Zhao Jie were defeated by him one after another.

She also realized that Zhou Ling was no ordinary person.

"We just received news that Zhou Ling has forged a top-grade third-tier Five Elements Sword and become the Chief Craftsman of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

"Whatever grudges you may have against him, put them aside, prepare a generous gift, and come with me to the Zhou family to celebrate!"

Hearing his son and daughter's words, Li Yang could sense that their relationship with Zhou Ling wasn't that good.

With the talent Zhou Ling has shown so far, his future is limitless.

Regardless of the circumstances, even if the Li family doesn't want to be on good terms with them, they can't afford to offend them.

"what?"

"A top-grade, third-tier Five Elements Sword? How is that possible?"

The siblings exclaimed in disbelief.

Although they knew Zhou Ling was quite capable, they never expected that he would be able to forge a top-grade third-tier sword.

Moreover, it possesses terrifying Five Elements attributes!
This was something Li Yu simply couldn't believe.

Zhou Ling started much worse than him, and he can only refine mid-grade second-tier magic weapons now.

The success rate for crafting second-tier high-grade magical artifacts is still not high.

Zhou Ling had actually reached the terrifying level of the third-tier top grade, which was truly unbelievable!
As a disciple of a family specializing in Nascent Soul cultivation, he naturally knew how difficult it was to advance to the next level!

"At sixteen years old, with the Foundation Establishment cultivation level, he forged a top-grade third-tier sword. What kind of heaven-defying opportunity did this guy obtain!"

Li Jun asked with a curious expression.

“Every cultivator has their own destiny. This young man, who came from a humble background, was able to become the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau at the age of sixteen. He must have some extraordinary opportunities!”

"Although this young man is already married, it's perfectly normal for cultivators to have multiple wives and concubines. I'm thinking about whether we could form a marriage alliance!"

Li Yang smiled and said.

"Let's form a marriage alliance!"

The siblings were taken aback when they heard this.

Li Jun blushed immediately. Her father was talking about forming a marriage alliance. Who else could be chosen besides her?
"Father, I don't think this is going to work!"

"Zhou Ling and his wife Wang Xin grew up together, and they have a very good relationship!"

Li Yu spoke up.

Upon hearing this, Li Jun felt a strange sense of loss.

"I was just saying this; we'll see how things go!"

Li Yang smiled and said.

······.

Xuan Ting Si, the Demon Slayer.

Wang Qingshang, who was reviewing the jade slip information, also received the news that Zhou Ling had become the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

She put down the jade slip containing the information in her hand, and a smile appeared on her usually calm and composed face.

"This kid's talent for weapon crafting is truly terrifying!"

"It's a pity he's already married to Xin'er, otherwise it would be perfect to bring him into the Wang family!"

However, she quickly blushed, wondering why she had such thoughts.

Now, Zhou Ling is her legitimate brother-in-law.

Nine Heavens Sword Academy, Dean's Abode.

Gong Yuanzi looked at the calm-looking young man on the jade tablet, and a smile involuntarily appeared in his peaceful eyes.

"He's already become the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau at such a young age, won't he become a high-ranking official in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in the future!"

"With the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau and the fifth-level sword cultivators, they will definitely become the number one person in the Dao Alliance in the future."

"It would be such a pity if someone with such extraordinary talent didn't join my Gong family!"

······.

Flying Dragon War Academy, an elegant residence in the inner courtyard.

"What did you say? Zhou Ling has become the Chief Engineer of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

Upon hearing his younger sister's words and hearing the news about Zhou Ling, He Zijian's eyes widened, and he exclaimed in disbelief.

"I was a little skeptical too, but now it's spread throughout Qingyun Immortal City, so it can't be fake!"

He Lingyun smiled.

If she hadn't overheard many people discussing it along the way, she definitely wouldn't have believed it either.

It should be noted that even a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator would find it difficult to forge a top-grade third-tier sword.

Only a late-stage Golden Core cultivator like Li Feng could do that.

"That kid didn't even tell me!"

"If he truly is a Righteous One, then he is the highest-ranking cultivator to emerge from my Lingxia Immortal City!"

He Zijian spoke again.

Unexpectedly, the four of them arrived in Qingyun Immortal City at the same time, and none of them had left the Taoist academy yet.

Zhou Ling had already risen to the position of Director of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

This person is in charge of all affairs of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in Qingyun Immortal City, and is a direct descendant of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Its rank is in no way inferior to that of the Immortal City Lord.

Zhou Ling has now brought glory to his ancestors.

Of course, he was genuinely happy for Zhou Ling.

Looking back, if only I had been more decisive and forced the girl on him.

Given his cultivation level at the time, he might have accepted it.

"Brother, why don't you send a telepathic message and ask? You'll know if it's true or not!"

He Lingyun spoke up. "There shouldn't be any mistake about this."

He Zijian did not take out the communication jade, but said to the girl, "Let's go and take a look at the Zhou family."

"Such a big event, I still need to go and celebrate with him in person!"

He Lingyun nodded.

The brother and sister then left the hermitage.

······.

Zhou Ling was unaware of the reactions of others.

Qin Zhizheng had already told him that he recommended him as Zhizheng.

Because of his trust in Qin Zhizheng, he felt very confident about taking the position.

After all, having connections in the imperial court makes it easier to become an official.

Therefore, after Cheng Pu announced that he had become the executive director, he did not inform anyone else.

After thanking the two judges, he followed Qin Zhizheng to the Tiangong Division.

Cheng Pu was asked to leave by Dean Zhong.

"Zhizheng, we've finally won!"

Inside the side hall, after the servants served the spirit tea, even the usually composed Zhou Ling couldn't help but excitedly speak to Qin Zhizheng.

"Very good, I didn't expect you to perform like this!"

Qin Zhizheng also praised him with a smile.

"In half a month, you will become the Chief Craftsman of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

"You will be the youngest Director in the history of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

"With such a smooth start, your future at Tiangong Company will be bright."

"As long as your cultivation level keeps up, you will have a place in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in the future!"

Qin Zhizheng continued speaking to Zhou Ling, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

"Thanks to Zhizheng's teachings!"

Zhou Ling bowed respectfully.

He was genuinely grateful to Qin Zhizheng.

Without his help, he could not have become a steward of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau so quickly, let alone pass the Heavenly Guard's assessment.

Then he would have no way of becoming the Chief of the Imperial Workshop.

Now, he can stay at the Taoist temple in peace.

"Ok!"

Qin Zhizheng nodded in satisfaction at Zhou Ling's modesty.

With Zhou Ling's personality and talent, he will definitely thrive in the Tiangong Division in the future.

"I will have Yunxi handle the specific handover matters at that time."

"I've also imprinted some other key matters and the current personnel situation on this jade slip. Take a closer look when you get back, and ask me if you don't understand anything!"

Qin Zhizheng handed a jade slip to Zhou Ling and said with a smile.

"Yes!"

Taking the jade slip, Zhou Ling smiled and said, "Now that I've become the Chief Administrator, let's find some time in the next few days to celebrate. The Chief Administrator must attend!"

Half a month later, when I become the Chief Justice, then Chief Justice Qin will definitely be heading to Golden Light Immortal City.

During my time in Qingyun Immortal City, I received a lot of care from him, but I had no chance to repay him.

The only way to send him off is through a celebration!
"This matter of upholding justice is not only something to celebrate, but it will also be quite a large-scale event. You must be well prepared. Many prominent figures from Qingyun Immortal City will definitely be there, and I will certainly be there!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Zhizheng smiled and said.

"Also, go to the Affairs Hall to collect the Spirit Gathering Pearl and the reward of two thousand points. I've already spoken to the Affairs Hall."

"At that time, Luo Qin, a third-tier array master, will go to the Zhou family to help you set up the spirit-gathering array."

"Luo Qin and I have a good relationship; he'll support you in the future!"

Qin Zhizheng looked very satisfied with Zhou Ling.

"Thank you for your correction."

Zhou Ling listened with a grateful expression.

The Spirit Gathering Pearl is an essential item for enhancing spiritual veins, and it is very difficult to find on the market.

Third-tier Spirit Gathering Beads are generally items that the Dao Alliance does not sell to outsiders.

It can only be earned through military merit.

If Qin Zhizheng hadn't fought for him, he wouldn't have been able to obtain the Spirit Gathering Pearl so quickly.

Of course, setting up such a high-level spirit-gathering array is not so easy.

This is no small project.

Without a third-tier array master, it's simply impossible.

Currently, there are relatively few array masters within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

There are only two third-tier array masters, while Luo Qin is a third-tier high-grade array master, capable of setting up third-tier top-grade arrays.

Previously, he had never had any dealings with Luo Qin; if they had met, they were merely nodding acquaintances.

Generally speaking, third-tier array masters like Luo Qin rarely stay within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

The main task is to patrol the magic array of Qingyun Immortal City. In addition, Qingyun Immortal City also has its own expansion territory.

These realms also require magic arrays to maintain them.

So he simply couldn't keep up.

Of course, this was due to Qin Zhizheng's instructions, and also because he would become Zhizheng in the future.

Luo Qin naturally had to give him that face.

This will help the Zhou family avoid using the Spirit Gathering Array.

"Go and collect your reward first, I still need to entertain Cheng Tingzhi!"

Qin Zhizheng smiled and said.

Zhou Ling nodded, then cupped his hands in farewell and left the side hall.

They soon arrived at the office.

Along the way, all the staff and assistants of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau bowed to him with utmost respect.

Their attitude is very different from before.

"Deacon Zhou, you've arrived! Your reward has already been prepared!"

Zheng Zhizheng, who was in charge of the affairs office, greeted Zhou Ling with a smile.

Of course, his position as the head of the department is also a deputy position.

After Zhou Ling signed the document, he handed him a jade box and a jade token, and said with a smile, "The box contains a fourth-order Spirit Gathering Pearl, which can upgrade the spiritual vein to the fourth order."

"There are two thousand contribution points inside the jade tablet!"

"Thank you, Zheng Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling smiled as he accepted the jade box and jade pendant.

I didn't expect it to be a fourth-tier Spirit Gathering Pearl. I thought a third-tier one would be good enough.

"You're too kind. From now on, you'll be the one in charge of the administration, and I'll need your help in the future!"

Zheng Zhizheng laughed heartily.

"Zheng Zhizheng, I was just lucky!"

Zhou Ling hurriedly cupped his hands in greeting.

The Zheng Zhi in front of them was a fourth-level alchemist with a Nascent Soul cultivation level.

Naturally, I dared not be presumptuous in his presence.

"There's no room for luck in this kind of competition. I know Li Feng and He Shen's strength very well!"

"Besides, you are only at the Foundation Establishment stage. At your age and with your cultivation level, to become the Chief Craftsman makes you the number one person in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

Zheng Zhizheng smiled and said.

"You flatter me, Zhizheng!"

Zhou Ling cupped his hands again and said modestly.

"I refined some high-quality pills the day before yesterday. Would you like to exchange them?"

Seeing Zhou Ling's polite manner, Zheng Zhizheng decided to do him a favor and said with a smile.

"Okay, let's change some!"

Zhou Ling nodded. With over two thousand points, he naturally wanted to exchange them for some good things.

Then, Zheng Zhizheng began to introduce him.

There are pills such as Foundation Building Pill and Vitality Enhancement Pill, which are basically high-quality pills that have reached the second level of pill formation or above.

(End of this chapter)