Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 315 The Sect's Preparations

Azure Cloud Immortal City, City Lord's Mansion.

Zhou Ling followed a young attendant into a very grand hall.

Besides him, there were quite a few cultivators coming and going in the main hall, and their cultivation levels were not low, mainly at the Golden Core stage.

Very few Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The attendant arranged for Zhou Ling to wait in a seat.

"Zhou Zhizheng, please wait a moment, I will go and report to the city lord immediately!"

The attendant said something respectfully and then walked towards the inner hall.

Zhou Ling looked around and saw that there were many other cultivators waiting in the main hall, who were obviously there to pay their respects to the city lord, just like him.

The Dao Alliance implements a system of immortal cities, and each immortal city appoints an immortal city lord.

The city lord is in charge of many affairs of the immortal city and is considered the top leader.

Of course, Zhou Ling is currently the Chief of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, and his rank is only half a rank lower than that of the Immortal City Lord.

The purpose of coming to the city lord's mansion this time is to exchange for a spiritual land.

One reason is to expand the family's spiritual grounds.

After all, with the expansion of the workshop, ten acres of land is no longer enough.

Secondly, he was also preparing to begin working on the matter of establishing the Lingxiao Sect that he had promised his master.

Of course, establishing a sect is not easy; connections, strength, and resources are all indispensable.

Fortunately, he wasn't in a hurry. He decided to secure the spiritual land first and plan the rest later.

Qingyun Immortal City is the core immortal city in the western part of Qingyang Immortal Realm.

As long as the Zhou family can establish a firm foothold here, they will have no worries about future opportunities to rise to prominence.

With his current reputation in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau and the Taoist Academy, he can lay a solid foundation for his family's future with just a little more time.

Originally, he didn't have many plans for these things, but after this beast tide...

He also realized that his strength was still insufficient.

We still need to accelerate the improvement.

"I am deeply sorry for not welcoming Zhou Zhizheng sooner."

At this moment, Zhou Ling saw a burly, middle-aged man with a ruddy complexion walk into the lobby.

It was none other than Lord Weng of Qingyun Immortal City.

Although Lord Weng did not attend the Zhou family's celebration in person, he sent someone to deliver congratulatory gifts.

Based on the aura emanating from him, Zhou Ling, using his [Intermediate Observation] skill, could tell that he possessed the cultivation level of the late Nascent Soul stage.

"Lord Weng, please forgive my intrusion."

Zhou Ling stood up, cupped his hands in a salute, and smiled.

The other cultivators who were queuing up to pay their respects to Lord Weng also stood up and bowed to him.

They couldn't help but show curiosity towards Zhou Ling.

Why should Lord Weng personally come out to greet someone who is only at the Foundation Establishment stage?

They all had to patiently wait for the city lord to summon them.

"Hehe, it's an honor to have you here, Mr. Zhou. Please come in."

Lord Weng laughed heartily.

Although Zhou Ling was ranked after everyone else, he had no reservations and invited Zhou Ling into the main hall.

Given Zhou Ling's status, it was natural that he should be received first.

After all, he was the Chief Executor of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

"So it's Zhou Zhizheng from the Heavenly Crafts Bureau!"

"No wonder Lord Weng personally came to greet us!"

"To become a Righteous One with Foundation Establishment cultivation is truly unique within the Dao Alliance!"

Soon, people learned Zhou Ling's identity.

There was no doubt about Lord Weng's exceptional hospitality.

Zhou Ling followed City Lord Weng to a magnificent hall, where City Lord Weng personally brewed spiritual tea to entertain Zhou Ling.

"Zhou Zhizheng, this is Chunyun tea, freshly picked in early spring this year. Would you like to try it and see how it tastes?"

With a gentle wave of his hand, an antique-style teacup landed in front of Zhou Ling, and Lord Weng said with a faint smile.

"Four-grade Spring Cloud Tea, truly a fine product!"

Zhou Ling was somewhat flattered and picked up the teacup, taking a small sip.

"This year's spring tea is of good quality, but the yield is a bit low!"

After taking a sip of the spiritual tea, Lord Weng smiled.

He was very satisfied with Zhou Ling's humble attitude. It was rare to see someone so young with such cultivation and achievements, yet without a trace of arrogance.

After a few brief pleasantries, Zhou Ling got straight to the point, "City Lord, I've come here today to exchange for some spiritual land."

"What grade of spiritual land does Zhou Zhizheng want? And what location does he intend to choose?"

Lord Weng spoke slowly, as if he had foreseen this all along.

As the city lord, he was naturally well-informed.

Zhou Ling led everyone to support Anyang Immortal City, and this information was relayed through him.

Therefore, he was fully aware of the battle situation in Anyue County.

Zhou Ling, the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, actually killed two fourth-tier demonic beasts in the battle against the demonic beasts, earning him the highest military merit.

Even with his late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation, he might not be able to kill two fourth-tier demonic beasts.

With such cultivation and such an impressive record, Zhou Ling was destined to attract the attention of the Dao Alliance's higher-ups.

He was also somewhat incredulous when he heard the news.

But this was indeed a battle report from the Dao Alliance. It was internal intelligence of the Dao Alliance, and only a few high-ranking members, such as the City Lord of Immortal City, received it.

Therefore, it is impossible to fake it.

Therefore, it is foreseeable that Zhou Ling's future achievements will definitely be significant.

Upon hearing that Zhou Ling was coming, he personally went to greet him.

It expresses a desire to befriend someone.

"I would like to exchange for the sacred land surrounding the Zhou family. Is that possible?"

Zhou Ling asked.

"A sacred land surrounding the Zhou family?"

"Let me take a look first!"

Lord Weng smiled and said, then with a thought, a jade tablet appeared in his hand. He gently tapped it with his finger and infused it with spiritual power.

A faint white light flashed, and a map appeared before his eyes.

The map has various different colored markers.

“There are also more than 100 acres of third-grade spiritual land near your Zhou family’s place. These were originally reserved for Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.”

"If you want to buy it, I can give it to you!"

Lord Weng pointed to the area where the Zhou family was located and nodded.

"Thank you City Lord!"

Zhou Ling glanced at the map, then cupped his hands in thanks.

He then asked, "I wonder how many third-tier spiritual lands I can exchange for my current four thousand military merits?"

Although he had five thousand military merits, he planned to keep one thousand of them for later, as he needed to exchange them for some valuable resources.

Examples include Jade Ring Golden Elixir and Fourth-Order Magic Array.

We can't use them all at once.

"With your official position and the great merit you have made this time, four thousand military merits can be exchanged for sixty acres of spiritual land, plus an additional ten acres of spiritual land as a reward, for a total of seventy acres!"

Lord Weng said with a smile.

If it were anyone else, they would naturally not be able to obtain this sacred land.

Even if he agreed, Xuan Yuan Dao Academy would not.

However, since Zhou Ling is an instructor at the Dao Academy, there is no problem with this.

"Seventy mu."

"Thank you City Lord!"

Zhou Ling bowed and thanked him.

Seventy acres is more than enough.

Forty mu of land were reserved for the Lingxiao Sect.

The remaining thirty acres will be more than enough for the family.

"Okay, just head to the administration office later and make the arrangements!"

Lord Weng spoke again.

"it is good!"

Zhou Ling replied with a smile.

With the matter of the sacred site settled, everything else will be easier to handle.

"Zhou Zhizheng, I have another request!"

Lord Weng pondered for a moment before speaking.

"You're too kind, City Lord. I'm all ears!" Zhou Ling was taken aback for a moment, then cupped his hands and smiled.

"My youngest daughter, Weng Lanyue, is nine years old this year and wishes to become your disciple. I wonder if you, Master Zhizheng, would be willing to accept her as a student?"

Lord Weng's expression turned serious, and he said this.

If Zhou Ling continues to develop like this, he has a bright future ahead of him.

Naturally, it's important to cultivate a good relationship with Zhou Ling.

Marriage alliances and apprenticeships are undoubtedly the best options.

As for marriage, there was no suitable candidate, so he chose to have his daughter become Zhou Ling's apprentice.

"Apprenticeship?"

Zhou Ling hadn't expected this.

He then inquired, "May I ask what kind of technique your young lady wishes to learn?"

He currently teaches hundreds of disciples at two Taoist academies, but only three are truly his disciples.

After all, accepting disciples is not a simple ceremony, but an extremely sacred matter.

Once you accept a disciple, you must be responsible for teaching them well.

He is currently very busy with various matters and does not have much time to teach his disciples.

Therefore, it is natural to ask clearly.

"My daughter possesses top-grade metal and fire spiritual roots, which is quite impressive in terms of talent. However, her cultivation method is not compatible with mine!"

"Therefore, I wish to have her become your disciple and see if she can cultivate the art of weapon crafting!"

Lord Weng smiled and said!
With his connections and his daughter's talent, he has nothing to worry about.

He originally planned to have his daughter enter the Nine Heavens Sword Academy in the future, and then have her become Dean Gong's apprentice.

However, his daughter was not interested in swordsmanship from a young age; instead, she preferred alchemy and weapon crafting.

So he simply let her become Zhou Ling's disciple.

"Top-grade Metal and Fire spiritual roots!"

Hearing this, Zhou Ling was also somewhat surprised.

Such talent makes him an absolute top-tier figure in Qingyun Immortal City.

Since her talent was so outstanding, and Lord Weng had spoken up, he naturally couldn't refuse. He nodded and said, "Lord Weng, could you send your daughter to the Zhou family later? I'd like to see if she's suitable for my lineage's cultivation methods?"

Although he has good talent, it's still necessary to understand whether he's a good fit.

"Alright, thank you for your correction!"

Lord Weng smiled and nodded.

This incident became the catalyst for the two to become more familiar with each other.

Lord Weng also instructed his men to complete the procedures for Zhou Ling to exchange for the sacred land.

He also gave Zhou Ling two catties of Chunyun tea.

This Spring Cloud Spirit Tea has a significant effect on the spirit and soul.

Zhou Ling also bowed and thanked him.

······.

After returning to the Zhou family, Zhou Ling invited Steward Luo over.

"Deacon Luo, this is a spiritual land I just obtained from the City Lord's Mansion. I'll have to trouble you to set up the magic array for me!"

Zhou Ling handed a jade slip to Deacon Luo and said with a smile.

This jade slip marks the boundary of his current spiritual land.

He planned to have Luo Zhi set up the boundaries in advance, conduct a survey, and then make plans.

"You're too kind, Zhizheng. This is simply my duty."

Deacon Luo smiled slightly and accepted the jade slip.

He infused his divine sense into it.

After returning from Anyang Immortal City, his approval of Zhou Ling increased.

Despite his young age, he is composed in his actions and his strength is surprisingly formidable.

"Deacon Luo, I want to designate this area, the eastern part, as land for the sect."

"The western part will be reserved for family use."

"The main focus within the sect is the construction of the sword dojo. Could you please outline a detailed plan?"

Zhou Ling then spoke slowly.

Zhou Ling's words startled Deacon Luo. Looking at Zhou Ling, Deacon Luo asked with a puzzled expression, "Does the Master intend to establish a sect?"

Establishing a sect is not the same as establishing a family; it requires approval from the Dao Alliance through numerous procedures.

It's not that easy.

Moreover, what sects need is the inheritance of cultivation techniques.

Where did Zhou Ling get these martial arts techniques to inherit?

At the same time, given Zhou Ling's current situation—as a Daoist academy instructor and the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau—how much time does he have left to manage his sect?

Therefore, he naturally had his doubts.

"This is my master's wish, and I will naturally fulfill it!"

Zhou Ling smiled.

Upon hearing this, Deacon Luo nodded. He had also encountered Zi Ling before, and even with his peak Golden Core cultivation, he couldn't discern her true strength.

I know it must have an extraordinary background.

Zhou Ling's achievements are largely due to the guidance of this master.

As his divine sense withdrew from the jade slip, he had already determined the area where Zhou Ling was exchanging for spiritual land.

Then, with a flick of his hand, an array plate appeared.

As the incantation was recited, eight black array flags rose into the air and then poured into the ground from different directions.

In a short while, a faint light barrier appeared within a radius of several miles, enveloping the Zhou family.

At the same time, beams of light and shadow appeared on the array plate in Deacon Luo's hand.

Through [Intermediate Observation], Zhou Ling learned that Deacon Luo was surveying the situation within the spiritual land.

These light and shadow effects form a topographic map.

As for the specifics of the situation, only the array master would understand.

He waited patiently.

After another incense stick had burned, the array plate in Deacon Luo's hand finally returned to calm.

“Zhizheng, the western part of this area contains a richer concentration of golden evil energy, making it more suitable for establishing a sword dojo.”

"The area to the east is rich in fire elemental energy, which can be used for the workshop!"

Deacon Luo pointed to different areas within the spiritual land and introduced them to Zhou Ling.

"it is good."

"Then I'll trouble Deacon Luo to make a plan for us."

Zhou Ling nodded.

"Forty acres of spiritual land are more than enough for the sect's use, with ten acres designated as a sword-dojo!"

"The other twenty acres will be used to build sect buildings, such as a council hall, a scripture library, and an administration hall!"

"The remaining ten acres will be reserved for future development!"

Deacon Luo explained his views to Zhou Ling in general terms.

"Give me the blueprint, and I'll consult my master!"

Zhou Ling nodded and said.

Although his master had already let him make the decision himself, he still needed to know about this matter.

Deacon Luo nodded, then channeled his divine sense into the jade slip and began to draw up a plan.

······.

Around noon, Zhou Ling arrived at his master's courtyard and handed over the sect's planning map, which had been prepared by Steward Luo, to his master for review.

"You can make the decision about this; I have no objections!"

Zi Ling did not look at the jade slip, leaving the decision to Zhou Ling.

"The key to the sect going forward is the sword dojo. As long as the sword dojo is fine, nothing else will be affected!"

Zi Ling added another instruction.

"Yes, Master!"

"Regarding the sword dojo, I'd like to first integrate third-tier five-element sword stones and thunderous sword stones?"

"As for the disciple's early cultivation, it can be done in conjunction with the puppet!"

Zhou Ling inquired.

These are all things he currently possesses.

Upon hearing this, Zi Ling nodded and said, "From now on, the Lingxiao Sect will use the Five Elements Sword Technique as its inherited sword technique."

"As for cultivation techniques, you don't need to worry, I have quite a few."

"However, my Lingxiao Sect has always been strict in accepting disciples, preferring to have none rather than accept the wrong ones. You must keep a close eye on things!"

"Yes, Master!"

Zhou Ling replied respectfully.

(End of this chapter)