Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 298 Dean Gong's Invitation

The Heavenly Crafts Bureau, Council Hall.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

He Shen and the other stewards entered one after another, and bowed to Chen Ling, who was sitting in the main seat, dressed in a long blue robe and with a solemn expression.

Although it had only been a little over ten days since they last met, they could sense that Zhou Ling's demeanor was quite different from what it had been like earlier this year.

Sitting in the grand master's chair, he exudes an aura of authority without being angry.

Despite his young age, he already exudes the aura of someone in a position of power.

"Alright, everyone's here. Now I'll explain the purpose of this meeting."

Chen Ling sat upright in the armchair, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said solemnly.

Everyone listened attentively.

Zhou Ling had been in office for over two months, but had never been this serious before.

"As the beast tide in Anyang Immortal City becomes increasingly severe, the consumption of various resources will increase in the future."

"Next, Tiangong Company's other supplies will have to be stopped."

"Concentrate all our strength to support Anyang Immortal City!"

Does anyone have any opinions?

Zhou Ling continued.

The group exchanged glances, and Zheng Zhixian spoke first, saying, "Zhizheng, we are currently supplying Anyang Immortal City with 460 pills every month."

"Among them are thirty third-tier pills, one hundred and twenty second-tier pills, and the rest are first-tier pills."

"This number is already quite a lot!"

"If we want to increase it further, the quantity is limited!"

After hearing what Deacon Zheng had said, Lu Yunxi added, "The number of runes and magical artifacts is roughly the same."

"If we rely solely on the supplies from Qingyun Immortal City, it won't be easy for Anyang Immortal City to defeat this beast tide."

In the western region of Qingyang Immortal Realm, besides Qingyun Immortal City, there are two other fourth-grade immortal cities.

However, it is some distance from Anyang Immortal City, so rapid resupply is not an easy task.

"Could we improve upon the current level by another 50%? Is that achievable?"

Zhou Ling glanced at Deacon Zheng and the other six hall deacons, and asked.

Given the current situation in Anyang Immortal City, the daily consumption of various materials is considerable.

The more abundant the resources, the greater the probability of stopping the beast tide.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunxi shook her head and said in a clear voice, "At most a quarter."

"One-quarter!"

Zhou Ling picked up the teacup, took a sip of the spiritual tea, and realized that a quarter of it was clearly not enough.

"Esteemed officials, the war in Anyang Immortal City is urgent, and I would like to make some changes to the refining process within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

Zhou Ling said in a deep voice.

He then turned his gaze to Deacon Luo and asked, "Deacon Luo, could the Heavenly Crafts Department's weapon-refining workshop create an array-based spiritual energy furnace to accelerate the refining of ore materials? This would greatly speed up the material extraction process and improve refining efficiency!"

This idea came to him after he observed the workshop's refining furnace using [Intermediate Analysis].

By using formations, it is possible to better refine materials and lock in their spiritual essence.

Moreover, this furnace is several times larger than the original refining furnace, which will double the quantity and speed of refining raw materials.

The magical artifacts produced by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau were already sufficient to supply the needs, so there was no need for him to bring it up.

The situation is urgent now, so we must increase Tiangong Company's production capacity in all aspects.

Of course, whether this furnace refining method can be realized depends on the effect of the array.
He had limited knowledge of magic arrays, so he needed to consult Deacon Luo for his opinion.

"A spiritual energy array furnace?"

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, Deacon Luo was taken aback.

Zhou Lingxuan then told him her specific thoughts.

After listening, Deacon Luo's eyes lit up. He pondered for a moment and said, "Deacon, this idea is not bad. However, whether it can be implemented depends on whether I can set up a magic array in conjunction with the weapon-refining furnace and see the effect!"

Zhou Ling nodded, "Hurry up and give it a try!"

"Yes, sir!"

Deacon Luo cupped his hands in reply.

Zhou Ling then looked at Lu Yunxi and asked, "Deacon Lu, I have another idea. We can have the disciples of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy join the Heavenly Crafts Bureau to assist in the refining of various treasures. This would greatly increase the quantity."

"Of course, this only applies to inner court disciples."

"Please come up with a cooperation plan as soon as possible."

"For example, the disciples who participate this time will receive extra points during future assessments by the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

Zhou Ling wanted to make use of all the available resources within Qingyun Immortal City.

The inner disciples of Qingyun Immortal City are undoubtedly the best choice.

"understand!"

Lu Yunxi nodded.

The others looked at Zhou Ling but didn't say anything.

Although this is against the rules of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

But now that the beast tide has lasted for about twenty days, they are clearly feeling a sense of crisis.

Zhou Ling's decision was entirely justifiable.

"We'll select fifty people initially. I'll discuss this with Dean Zhong first!"

Zhou Ling continued.

Given Dean Zhong's character, he naturally wouldn't refuse.

At that time, we can even bring over other instructors from the Taoist academy as well.

In critical moments, every extra person adds to the strength.

He then glanced at the others and asked, "Does anyone have any other ideas?"

With the forging of the fourth-tier Fiery Sword, his prestige within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau was established.

No one dares to disobey the current orders.

"Zhizheng, with the support of Xuanyuan Dao Academy, there isn't a major problem with manpower, but how do we solve the problem of materials?"

"This month, Tiangong Company has consumed a large amount of materials, and the prices of most materials on the market have also risen sharply."

"I asked, Steward Zheng."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling frowned, looked at Lu Yunxi, and said, "Regarding the materials, should we ask City Lord Lu for help?"

"In addition, we will also seek help from other aristocratic families within the Immortal City."

Defending Anyang Immortal City is the top priority now, and I believe the aristocratic families understand the crux of the matter.

"Yes, sir!"

Lu Yunxi bowed and accepted the order.

Subsequently, Zhou Ling issued orders to all the branches, instructing them to increase the supply to Anyang Immortal City by half.

Once things were settled, Zhou Ling naturally had to take the lead himself.

He also personally took on a batch of missions involving Tier 3 Explosive Fire Thunder.

This batch of explosive mines numbers thirty and needs to be completed as soon as possible.

Within the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, the task was divided into three groups, and for a time no one dared to take it on.

Zhou Ling accepted it.

Anyway, he needs a lot of military merits now in order to expand his family's territory.

Seeing Zhou Ling working so hard, the others naturally followed suit.

······.

When Zhou Ling returned home, she was surprised to see Dean Gong, dressed in a moon-white dress, sitting in the hall with a cold and noble face.

Li Ru and Wang Xin were with her, talking about something.

"Husband!"

"Ling'er!"

Upon seeing Zhou Ling arrive, Li Ru and Wang Xin spoke up.

"Greetings, Dean!"

Zhou Ling bowed to Dean Gong and then sat down in the main seat.

Dean Gong nodded with a slight smile.

"Dean, what is it?"

After taking a sip of the spiritual tea, Zhou Ling asked Dean Gong.

From the beginning of the year until now, Dean Gong has been in seclusion, and he has rarely entered the Sword Shadow Jade to cultivate.

After all, without Dean Gong, the effect of using [Illusionary Realm Simulation] is much better than that of Sword Shadow Jade.

"The situation in Anyang Immortal City is urgent right now, and I need to lead the disciples of the Sword Academy to provide support. I wonder if you would be willing to come with me?"

Dean Gong looked at Chen Ling with her beautiful eyes and asked, "To Anyang Immortal City?"

Zhou Ling was somewhat surprised.

Unexpectedly, Dean Gong would be heading to Anyang Immortal City at this time, and even bringing along disciples from the Dao Academy.

"The Dao motto of my Nine Heavens Sword Academy is to protect the Dao Alliance with the sword in my hand!"

"Now that the beast tide is coming, it is the perfect opportunity for the disciples of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy to test their sword intent!"

Dean Gong said to Zhou Ling.

The implication is that this is also a good opportunity for Zhou Ling to practice his swordsmanship!

Moreover, the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation they cultivate also needs opportunities for actual combat. Dealing with demonic beasts is the fastest way to improve the power of the sword formation.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xin and Li Ru's expressions changed; neither of them wanted Zhou Ling to take any risks.

Looking at Zhou Ling, her eyes were full of worry, but she didn't dare to speak because Dean Gong had come in person.

After all, the risks of this beast tide are too great.

"Using the beast tide to hone swordsmanship?"

Zhou Ling looked surprised again upon hearing this.

Indeed, most disciples of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy follow a fierce and powerful path, and fighting against demonic beasts will definitely enhance their sword intent.

But the risks are far too great.

It should be noted that this beast tide was led by two fifth-tier demon kings.

There were also quite a few other fourth- and third-tier monsters.

With Dean Gong's current strength, as long as he doesn't face a late-stage fourth-tier demonic beast, there shouldn't be too much risk.

"Dean, I am now the Chief of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, and the number of various treasures I provide to Anyang Immortal City every month is too great."

"I can't spare the time either; I still have ten third-tier magical artifacts to refine!"

Zhou Ling thought for a moment and then spoke up.

It wasn't that Zhou Ling was afraid; with his current strength, both his divine soul and physical body had reached the third rank.

There are also five spiritual flames, which are powerful weapons for dealing with demonic beasts.

Even if he encounters a fourth-tier demonic beast, he might still have a fighting chance.

However, the affairs of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau are indeed more important.

The effect of refining explosive fire thunder to deal with demonic beasts may not be worse than him personally taking action.

"Hmm, I almost forgot that you are still the Chief Justice!"

Dean Gong nodded.

It is also known that much of the support for Anyang Immortal City now comes from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau of Qingyun Immortal City.

As the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, Zhou Ling naturally had to stay in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau to oversee the overall situation.

Moreover, he is also capable of crafting fourth-tier magical artifacts, making it even more essential for him to stay.

Without saying anything more, he took the teacup and sipped the tea.

Li Ru and Wang Xin both breathed a sigh of relief.

Afterwards, Dean Gong discussed his cultivation experience with Zhou Ling about the Five Elements Sun and Moon Sword Formation.

Her recent period of seclusion and cultivation has yielded significant results.

Under her guidance, Zhou Ling also felt as if he had suddenly understood something.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling handed the Five Elements Sword to Dean Gong, hoping it could lend her a helping hand.

Although Dean Gong's main focus is on the Falling Wood Sword Intent, his Five Elements Sword Intent is also quite strong.

If the Five Elements Sword is activated at full power, it can reach the fourth rank of power.

Dean Gong didn't stand on ceremony and put away the Five Elements Sword.

She then bid farewell to Zhou Ling and the others, asking him to refine more magical artifacts so that Anyang Immortal City could defeat the beast tide as soon as possible.

"call!"

Watching Dean Gong leave, Zhou Ling felt a heavy weight in his heart, along with a sense of guilt.

Dean Gong valued her so much that he originally intended to go with her.

But he couldn't bring himself to express the concern in his mother's and Xin'er's eyes.

Moreover, the Heavenly Crafts Bureau truly cannot do without him.

"It's far too dangerous for Dean Gong to travel to Anyang Immortal City like this!"

Li Ru looked worried.

"Mother, Xin'er, don't worry, the beast tide should recede soon!"

Zhou Ling spoke to her mother and Wang Xin.

Zhou Ling then went to the cultivation room to go into seclusion and refine the Explosive Fire Thunder.

Only by refining the Explosive Fire Thunder as soon as possible and handing it over to Anyang Immortal City can he alleviate his guilt.

three days later.

Tiangong Workshop.

Zhou Ling looked at the huge furnace in front of him, which was several meters in diameter, and a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.

The flames that condensed inside the furnace reached the third rank.

"Zhizheng, this is the furnace that was modified according to your requirements, using a spirit fire array! Would you like to give it a try?"

Beside him, Deacon Luo, dressed in a loose robe and with a serious expression, spoke to Zhou Ling.

"it is good!"

Zhou Ling nodded.

Deacon Luo immediately formed hand seals, activating the spirit fire array, and the flames inside the furnace began to burn in a regular pattern.

Whoosh!

It was accompanied by a whooshing sound.

"fall!"

With a wave of his hand, Zhou Ling's storage ring flashed with black light, and more than a dozen pieces of second-tier black iron ore fell into it.

It stirred up a wave of air.

"seal up!"

Deacon Luo gave a low shout, and a light shield condensed above the furnace, as if sealing it away.

The temperature inside the furnace rose rapidly.

Zhou Ling carefully observed the changes in the materials inside the furnace.

A dozen or so pieces of second-tier black iron could be clearly seen being rapidly refined.

The impurities condense into black smoke and are then evaporated.

The condensed molten iron, under the influence of the magic array, floated in the air and, once it reached a certain quantity, began to flow out along the edge of the furnace.

Both the quantity and speed of refining are much faster and greater than before.

Finally, without the need for Deacon Luo to guide it, the liquefied black iron flowed out, shining with a black luster, and quickly solidified.

“Steward Luo, this spirit furnace is already quite good, but the part about producing molten iron can be improved a little.”

Through intermediate observation and intermediate analysis, Zhou Ling saw that the whole process was very effective.

However, there is still room for improvement in the speed at which molten iron is produced.

"Alright, these are issues related to forging the furnace; they shouldn't be difficult to resolve!"

Deacon Luo nodded.

"In addition, it can also be used to refine multiple materials with different properties at the same time, and molten iron can be produced from different directions simultaneously!"

"However, if you keep refining large quantities of ore, the efficiency is very good, but if the quantity is too small, the consumption is too great, and it will be a loss!"

Deacon Luo then pointed to several discharge ports on the furnace and explained them to Zhou Ling.

"That's alright, let's get through this situation first!"

Zhou Ling replied.

This was originally designed specifically to deal with this beast tide.

However, given the efficiency of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau's refining process, it will be able to be used in the future.

When Steward Luo has time, the Zhou family will also ask him to build such a weapon-refining furnace.

“Deacon Luo, we need to build another furnace of this size next.”

Zhou Ling spoke up again.

With the arrival of disciples from the inner court of Xuan Yuan Dao Academy, the number of weapon refiners in the Heavenly Crafts Division will increase significantly. Although this furnace is large, it is still not enough.

"Yes, sir!"

Deacon Luo cupped his hands in reply.

The two then left the workshop.

(End of this chapter)