Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 314 New Position: Inspector and Supervisor
"Dean, has your cultivation level stabilized?"

As soon as Zhou Ling stepped out of the courtyard, he encountered Dean Gong.

He immediately asked with a delighted expression.

Generally speaking, it takes one or two months to reach this stable state, but Gong Yuanzi emerged from seclusion in just a few days.

However, at this moment, Dean Gong's aura became increasingly profound, quite different from when he had just survived the tribulation.

"Zhou Ling, thank you for your concern."

Dean Gong smiled and said.

During this tribulation, Zhou Ling remained within the range of her tribulation, demonstrating his concern for her.

It should be noted that this is a Nascent Soul Tribulation; if Zhou Ling is not careful, he could die at any moment.

Of course, although the risks were considerable, Zhou Ling also reaped substantial rewards.

If it weren't for the heavenly lightning generated during his tribulation in the palace courtyard, it would have taken him a very long time to reach the Five Elements Thunder Body Dao Body.

However, without the Five Elements Thunder Body, fusing with the Thunder Dragon Demon Core is not so easy.

"Did you successfully integrate the Five Elements Mystic Silk Mandate?"

Dean Gong, with a gentle and composed demeanor, asked in aloud.

She also knew that it would be quite difficult to integrate this Five Elements Mystic Silk Mantra, and she was worried that Zhou Ling would suffer a backlash.

Then the gain outweighs the loss.

However, if the fusion is successful, its effects will be quite considerable.

The combat power activated by the Five Elements Mystic Silk Mantra is even comparable to the attack of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Thanks to the Five Elements Mystic Silk Mantra in the courtyard, the power of my Five Elements Sword has been greatly enhanced."

Zhou Ling smiled.

This Five Elements Sword is undoubtedly his biggest trump card right now.

Furthermore, mastering this power of the Five Elements will greatly help his subsequent weapon crafting.

If a fourth-tier magical artifact is infused with the power of rules, it is also called a spiritual treasure. To successfully forge a true spiritual treasure, one must integrate the power of rules.

An inscription with the power of rules is far more powerful than a fourth-tier treasure without the power of rules.

However, the Five Elements rules that Zhou Ling has now mastered have been integrated into the Five Elements Sword.

Fortunately, the Five Elements Sword is his natal sword, and he can draw upon the power of its rules.

Congratulations!

Upon hearing this, Dean Gong immediately smiled and offered his congratulations.

She was already a fourth-realm sword cultivator, so she naturally knew how powerful the Five Elements Sword would be if it incorporated the Five Elements Mystic Silk Mantra!

Even though Zhou Ling is only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, if he activates the Five Elements Sword, he will be more than capable of dealing with Golden Core cultivators.

Zhou Ling is not even twenty years old, yet he already possesses such combat prowess.

Dean Gong was deeply moved.

He only reached the late Foundation Establishment stage last year, but now he already has a trump card to easily deal with Golden Core cultivators.

"Congratulations, Dean Gong, on successfully entering the Nascent Soul realm!"

At this moment, Deacon Luo also walked in from outside and bowed to Dean Gong to offer his congratulations.

Dean Gong nodded with a smile.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the palace staff, Deacon Luo told Zhou Ling that Senior Chen and the others had already finished their reward ceremony for fighting the monsters.

Since Zhou Ling was in seclusion, he represented Zhou Ling at the event.

At this awards ceremony, Chen Zhenglei, as the highest-ranking official of the Dao Alliance who led the fight against the beast tide, not only awarded military merits but also rank-based rewards to everyone.

Each Nascent Soul cultivator who killed a fourth-tier demonic beast received a corresponding level boost.

Although Zhou Ling was the Director of the Heavenly Works Bureau, Chen Zhenglei also arranged for him to take on the position of Inspector of the Xuanting Bureau.

His rank is no lower than his current position in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

This can be considered a preparation for the future high-ranking officials of the Xuanting Division.

This is mainly due to his ability to observe the situation of the demonic beasts, which will be of great help to the cultivator army in dealing with the beast tide in the future.

Beast tides occur frequently in various immortal cities, not just in Anyang Immortal City.

Therefore, Zhou Ling was given this inspection position in the hope that he would be able to take on the responsibility of assisting other immortal cities in fighting against the beast tide.

As for the specifics of the inspection and enforcement, Zhou Ling needs to ask Chen Zhenlei for clarification.

"Inspection and enforcement."

Zhou Ling frowned upon hearing the title.

He's already busy enough with the affairs of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, not to mention the Taoist academy and his family.

There's also the matter of self-cultivation, so there's simply no time for it.

He wasn't very interested in this so-called inspection and enforcement.

However, I need to go and explain this to Chen Zhenglei in person.

"Zhou Ling, there's quite a bit of a trick to the patrol officer position within the Dao Alliance!"

"He is an official directly under the Dao Alliance, and his rank is one minor rank higher than your current position as the Chief of the Heavenly Crafts Department!"

Seeing Zhou Ling's expression, Dean Gong could tell that Zhou Ling had no interest in the position, so he explained it to him.

"Dean, do you mean you want me to accept this position?"

Zhou Ling couldn't help but ask.

"It's up to you to decide, but I don't think it will do any harm!"

That's what Gong Yuanzi said.

Zhou Ling nodded. He didn't know the specifics of the inspection and supervision, and he still needed to ask Senior Chen.

Afterwards, he first went to find Chen Zhenglei to inquire about the so-called inspection and enforcement affairs and specific details.

Chen Zhenglei told Zhou Ling that the main topic was dealing with the monsters.

As for other matters, Zhou Ling doesn't need to worry about them.

After hearing this, Zhou Ling found it acceptable, since a beast tide might only occur once every few decades.

It won't have a significant impact on me in any way.

Moreover, the inspector is directly managed by the Dao Alliance, and his treatment and benefits are much better than those of the inspector of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Moreover, he was directly under Chen Zhenglei's leadership and did not need to take orders from others.

This treatment was only given to Zhou Ling because of his outstanding performance this time.

Zhou Ling was happy to accept this explanation.

If there hadn't been a beast tide, his position would have been completely sinecure.

The monthly offerings are so high, it's hard to find such a thing even with a lantern!
"Your current position as Inspector is still considered part of the Xuanting Division, and you are a reserve member of the Patrol Division."

"To become a true Imperial Envoy, one must at least reach the Nascent Soul stage in cultivation, and possess the strength to stand alone like me!"

Chen Zhenglei took a sip of tea and slowly introduced himself to Zhou Ling.

"Imperial Inspector? I've never heard of that before."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling looked inquiring.

He had never heard of this position before.

For him, the position of Chief Executor of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau was already a very high rank.

After that, he settled down and developed his career at the Tiangong Division.

It's normal that you haven't heard of it!

"The Patrol Division doesn't have many members in the Dao Alliance; including myself, there are only eighteen of us!"

Chen Zhenglei then introduced it to Zhenglei.

"Only eighteen people?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling's expression turned even more alarmed.

It should be noted that there are tens of thousands of cultivators in the Dao Alliance.

Not to mention the various spiritual states, the number of cultivators in Qingyun Immortal City alone is over 100,000.

The entire Dao Alliance, with its many immortal cities even more powerful than Qingyun Immortal City, conservatively estimated to number at least two or three hundred.

Despite the sheer number of cultivators, the Patrol Division only had eighteen members.

What kind of terrifying beings are these eighteen people?

However, Chen Zhenglei's terrifying strength is a testament to his abilities.

"Although their numbers are small, their strength is considerable."

"Even someone with my strength would be considered one of the weaker ones among them."

Chen Zhenglei continued speaking to Zhou Ling.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling couldn't help but swallow hard. He had originally had no interest in this inspection and enforcement work.

But now, it sounded increasingly intriguing. "Senior, didn't you just say that only those with Nascent Soul cultivation could enter?"

Zhou Ling asked curiously again.

"The Patrol Division does not only deal with beast tides. In some immortal cities, there are evil cultivators, strange beings, and demonic cultivators."

"When the Xuan Ting Division is unable to cope, the Xun She Division will send people to assist."

"My purpose in coming to Anyang Immortal City this time is to assist City Lord Qi in fighting against the demonic beasts."

"As for the Nascent Soul cultivation level, that's just the minimum standard."

"I also entered the Patrol Division after I reached the Nascent Soul stage, through my master's recommendation and after passing the assessment."

Chen Zhenglei looked at Zhou Ling and smiled.

"Logically speaking, your cultivation level is far from meeting the standard."

"But you have an advantage that others don't: you can observe the situation of monsters, which is of great use to the Patrol Division."

"If it weren't for your help this time, even if we were able to defeat the beast tide, the casualties of our Anyang Immortal City cultivators would be at least several times higher than they are now."

"And whether we'll win or lose is still unknown!"

"Thank you for the recommendation, senior!" Zhou Ling said, bowing with his hands clasped in gratitude.

I now have a general understanding of the situation of this patrol and surveillance office.

As for himself, the inspector was a high-ranking official, but he was merely a supporting force behind the patrol and surveillance bureau.

With my current level of cultivation, it will probably take me a long time to reach that standard.

Of course, he also knew that to enter a department with only eighteen members in the entire Dao Alliance, one's strength must be exceptional.

I'm still far from good enough!

Fortunately, there's no rush; we can take it one step at a time.

Chen Zhenglei then inquired about his fusion with the Thunder Dragon.

Zhou Ling didn't hide anything and told him about successfully fusing with the Thunder Dragon.

Chen Zhenglei repeatedly praised Zhou Lingyue, expressing his satisfaction with her.

After saying goodbye to Chen Zhenglei, Zhou Ling returned to the courtyard.

He informed Dean Gong that he was returning to Qingyun Immortal City.

With the monsters gone, the situation here was basically stable, and there was no need for him to stay any longer.

Dean Gong was also preparing to return.

Although her cultivation level has been consolidated.

However, since I also entered the fourth realm of swordsmanship this time, I need to go back and consolidate my skills.

The two then bid farewell to Lord Qi and the others.

Lord Qi expressed his gratitude and presented some local specialties of Anyang Immortal City, such as Anyang Immortal Peaches.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling led Deacon Luo and other deacons of the Array Hall.

Dean Gong was accompanied by disciples from the Nine Heavens Sword Academy.

The two groups of people boarded a warship together and returned to Qingyun Immortal City.

······.

The Zhou family's residence is an elegant villa.

"Master, I earned five thousand military merits for defeating the beast tide. I would like to exchange them for a sacred land to serve as the future site for our sect!"

"Master, which place do you think would be suitable?"

Zhou Ling respectfully addressed his master.

Although his master said that he would announce the establishment of the Lingxiao Sect only after he entered the Golden Core stage.

But now, we still need to prepare in advance.

After all, there are many powerful families and sects in Qingyun Immortal City, and the better spiritual lands have already been occupied.

The fact that I was able to obtain this spiritual land around Xuan Yuan Dao Academy was also thanks to Qin Zhizheng's help.

Therefore, the matter of the sacred site should be decided as soon as possible.

He basically planned to use most of the five thousand military merits he had to exchange for a sacred land.

It's mainly for sect land use, as well as expanding family spiritual land.

After all, the current size of this spiritual land is no longer sufficient.

A dozen or so acres is really too small; it should be at least forty or fifty acres.

Inside the courtyard, Zi Ling, dressed in a purple dress, sat leisurely in a rocking chair.

Hearing Zhou Ling's words, she took a sip of spiritual wine and said, "Establishing a sect is not something that can be done overnight."

"As for the sacred land, five thousand military merits are enough to exchange for several dozen acres."

"Although it looks big, it's still too little for a sect!"

"However, the Lingxiao Sect doesn't need to be that big; having a name is enough!"

At this point, Zi Ling took another sip of the spirit wine, smiled, and said, "You don't need to feel any pressure."

"There's no need to look for a sacred site. Just find about twenty acres in the western part of the Zhou family's sacred site!"

"Twenty acres? Isn't that too small?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling raised an eyebrow and asked.

In general, families that cultivate the Golden Core stage possess more than twenty acres of spiritual land.

“It’s not small. In the heyday of my Lingxiao Sect, there were only twenty or thirty disciples in the sect, so twenty acres is more than enough.”

"Moreover, the Lingxiao Sect focuses on swordsmanship. As long as there is a swordsmanship training ground, it doesn't matter whether other things are there or not."

Zi Ling then said the same thing.

"Alright, then this disciple will go to the City Lord's Mansion tomorrow to exchange for the spiritual land!"

Hearing this, Zhou Ling nodded in response.

It would be easier to establish the sect near the family.

Moreover, as Master said, the number of disciples to be recruited in the future will not be large, making them easier to manage.

In addition, his current disciples don't require him to spend too much time teaching them.

At the same time, sects and families can share spiritual veins, which saves a lot of trouble.

After all, with the current scale of the family's spiritual vein, covering an area of ​​fifty acres is not a problem at all.

"This is the original plan of the sect. Take a look."

"If it's suitable, we'll follow this plan from now on. If it's not suitable, you can figure it out yourself!"

Zi Ling handed another jade slip to Zhou Ling and said with a smile.

"Yes, Master!"

Zhou Ling accepted the jade slip and replied.

Twenty acres, even if built with puppets, wouldn't take much time.

As for the sect's planning map, since Master has entrusted him with that decision.

Then naturally we need to plan it out carefully.

If there are no problems with the original plans, then build according to the original plans.

If that doesn't work, let Xin'er design a new one.

"The construction of the sect is not a big problem in other aspects, but we need to put more effort into the sword dojo."

Zi Ling continued.

"Kendo Arena?"

Zhou Ling inquired.

There is also a sword dojo at the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, but he only goes there once every one or two months.

Therefore, I don't know much about the situation at this kendo dojo.

"The kendo dojo is a place for disciples to train!"

"A sword stone needs to be incorporated into it."

"The Sword Stone contains different sword intents, and disciples can also comprehend the way of the sword from it!"

"The quality of a kendo dojo is mainly determined by the sword stones."

"So, if you get up early, a third-tier kendo dojo is enough!"

Zi Ling spoke again.

"A third-tier sword stone, that's no problem!"

Zhou Ling nodded; he already had several third-tier sword stones.

Integrating into the kendo dojo will be no problem at all.

(End of this chapter)