Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Several days later, in the square of Dragon Sword Immortal City.

More than twenty disciples participating in the trial stood in several rows on the square.

"This year-long trial has now come to an end!"

"Everyone performed exceptionally well."

"None of the thirty disciples who participated in the trial perished, but five disciples dropped out along the way."

The burly Chen Zhenglei swept his gaze over everyone and said solemnly.

With the battle of Moonlit Immortal City, the Star Sea Alien Clan was completely defeated. During this period, the Star Sea Alien Clan could no longer be found in the area thousands of miles outside the Sword Qi Great Wall.

With about a month left in the trial, Chen Zhenglei ended the trial ahead of schedule.

"The champion of this trial is Zhou Ling from Qingyun Immortal City."

"You've reached 85,000 points!"

"The second famous quote is from the heavens, worth 14,500 points."

"Third place: Feng Lan, 14,000 points."

"Qi Jianzhi is in fourth place with 9,500 points."

"It is particularly important to state that Zhou Ling, with his Golden Core cultivation, killed two fifth-tier Star Sea aliens in succession and broke through formations such as the Eight Desolate Blood Fiend Formation, making an unparalleled contribution to defeating the Star Sea aliens' attack!"

······.

Chen Zhenglei slowly announced everyone's achievements.

"hiss!"

"hiss!"

"They really killed two fifth-tier Starsea aliens? How did they do that?"

"This combat power is simply terrifying!"

"Not only that, he also broke through the Eight Desolate Blood Fiend Formation, which had baffled more than a dozen Nascent Soul cultivators!"

"He also repaired the Sunlit Immortal Sword in Sunlit Immortal City!"

"Killing two fifth-tier Star Sea aliens, repairing the Sun Immortal Sword, and breaking through the Eight Desolate Blood Fiend Array—how could a Golden Core cultivator possibly accomplish all of this?"

"This time, I accept my defeat wholeheartedly!"

The other talented disciples present couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, their faces filled with admiration and envy, and some were even extremely jealous.

Although everyone already knew that Zhou Ling had scored an incredible 80,000 points.

But only when Chen Zhenglei said it himself did we realize how heavy this statement truly was.

After all, the twenty-seven people present were all the pride of the Dao Alliance, and their strength was considerable.

Two of them were seriously injured and left the Sword Qi Great Wall first, while the other, Tao Yue, was also brought back to Tianxia Immortal City for interrogation.

None of these prodigies were initially convinced by Zhou Ling, who had suddenly emerged and ranked first.

They'll all be completely obedient now.

After nearly a year of trials, everyone knows how terrifying the strength of the Star Sea aliens is.

It was already extremely difficult to kill their fourth-tier clansmen.

Zhou Ling alone killed two fifth-tier beings and broke the Eight Desolate Blood Fiend Array, which was almost capable of destroying the Great Wall of Sword Qi.

This is not something a Golden Core cultivator could do; it's more like the combat power of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

It's really incredible.

They all looked at Zhou Ling with complicated expressions.

On the contrary, Zhou Ling appeared calm and composed, clearly someone who had seen it all.

He was already used to the various unexpected reactions from others.

Now, what I'm thinking about most is what gift to bring back for my daughter when I go back.

This time, he acquired two bone rings from fifth-tier Star Sea alien races. He had already refined the original one, making him a fortune.

But the one who was killed later was busy.

First, breaking the Eight Desolate Blood Fiend Formation consumed a lot of energy. Then, he healed Dean Gong and forged the Sunlit Immortal Sword.

I haven't had time to refine this bone ring.

So he still doesn't know what's inside that bone ring.

However, he wasn't in a hurry and planned to refine it slowly after returning home.

"How about we give the little golden dragon to Ying'er?"

Zhou Ling couldn't think of anything good to give his daughter, so he finally decided to get his hands on the little golden dragon.

However, he quickly shook his head. His daughter was only three years old, and she would probably be afraid of the little golden dragon's enormous body.

At this moment, Chen Zhenglei continued, "As for the reward for this champion, in addition to the corresponding military merits, there will also be a Heavenly Grade Nascent Soul Pill."

"In addition, there is the position of head of the Dao Alliance Tianjian Division!"

"The second and third place winners will also receive corresponding rewards, including a Grade Earth-level Nascent Soul Pill and the position of Chief Administrator of the Heavenly Health Division!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone else looked at Zhou Ling with envy.

Putting aside the 85,000 military merits, the Heavenly Grade Nascent Soul Pill and the position of the head of the Heavenly Health Division alone are enough to make anyone's heart flutter.

It should be noted that the Dao Alliance has nine departments, and the head of each department is a high-ranking member of the Dao Alliance.

Although Tianjian Division is not among the Nine Divisions, it is an extremely important division.

They manage many affairs, including the future talent pool of the Dao Alliance.

Its effectiveness is considerable.

"As for me, who came in fourth place, am I qualified for the position of Chief Administrator of the Tianjian Division?"

Qi Jianzhi said with a smile.

"cannot!"

Only the top three teams will receive this spot!

Chen Zhenglei shook his head.

"Senior Chen, I am currently very busy with affairs in Qingyun Immortal City and simply do not have the time to serve as the head of the Tianjian Division!"

Zhou Ling didn't know much about Tianjian Division, but he did know that if he were to become the head of Tianjian Division...

They will definitely have to move to Tianxia Immortal City.

His family and business empire are all located in Qingyun Immortal City.

It's impossible to give up everything for this position.

"This was decided by the higher-ups of the Dao Alliance."

"This is a position that everyone else would kill for!"

"As for the affairs of Tianxia Immortal City, you can arrange them yourself!"

Chen Zhenglei said with a smile.

Everyone else looked surprised when they heard Zhou Ling's words.

The head of a department is second only to the emperor.

But Zhou Ling refused.

This is truly unbelievable.

"this!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling frowned slightly.

He only knew about the Nascent Soul Pill and military merit rewards, but he didn't know about the Tianjian Division.

Moreover, given the current situation, there's no way to postpone it.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Zhizheng, as you know, the Zhou family workshop is also currently involved in the forging of the Five Spirits Immortal City warships."

"Now that I've also reached a cooperation agreement with the Immortal Cities of the Sword Qi Great Wall, and will be responsible for forging the swords of the Sword Qi Great Wall in the future, it really won't be possible to move them in a short time!"

He really didn't want to leave Qingyun Immortal City.

After much thought, I decided to use the workshop as an excuse for now.

After all, the warships of the Five Spirits Immortal City and the swords of the Sword Qi Great Wall are both extremely important.

"That's perfect. We can move the workshop to Tianxia Immortal City as well, which will make it easier to obtain more resources and stronger weapon refiners!"

Chen Zhenglei said with a smile.

"Brother Zhou, the previous head of the Tianjian Division is now the head of the Dao Alliance!"

At this moment, Qi Jianzhi tugged at Zhou Ling's sleeve and whispered.

"The leader of the Dao Alliance?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling, who was about to say something, immediately swallowed his words.

He was quite familiar with the leader of the Dao Alliance.

Although the Dao Alliance is now controlled by the Nine Dao Divisions.

But the first to act has the greatest power.

Does the head of Tianjian Company have such power?

This still came as a bit of a surprise to him.

"Don't overthink it."

"After returning to Qingyun Immortal City, prepare yourself and wait for the appointment letter from the Dao Alliance to arrive before heading to Tianxia Immortal City to take up your post!"

"As for the affairs of Qingyun Immortal City, someone will naturally arrange them for you!"

"Including your family's sacred land, everything will only get better; you won't be shortchanged!"

Chen Zhenglei added the same statement.

After spending a lot of time with Zhou Ling, he roughly figured out Zhou Ling's personality.

They are more sensitive to matters of money.

It's practically impossible to make him suffer a loss.

Of course, with his current strength, the Dao Alliance will make proper arrangements for him, including the spiritual land and workshops.

Upon hearing Chen Zhenglei's words, Zhou Ling could only nod and bow, replying, "Yes, sir!"

"Alright, everyone get ready. We'll teleport back to Tianxia Immortal City this afternoon!" Chen Zhenglei said to everyone.

"Yes!"

Everyone replied respectfully.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhou, on becoming the head of the Tianjian Division!"

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Zhou, on becoming the head of the Tianjian Division!"

At this moment, Feng Lan and the others came to congratulate Zhou Ling.

Besides Feng Lan, Pei Qingshuang, and a few others, all the other prodigies who had no prior connection with Zhou Ling also came to offer their congratulations.

Even Yan Yutian came over.

Now, his attitude was no longer as arrogant as before, and he became quite humble.

After all, Zhou Ling's combat prowess displayed in this trial has fully proven what the number one genius of the Dao Alliance truly is.

He accepted his defeat wholeheartedly.

Moreover, once he joins Tianjian Division, he will be under Zhou Ling's command.

Naturally, we should also try to curry favor with him and show our goodwill.

Zhou Ling also smiled as he replied to everyone.

In truth, he was completely confused about the specifics of the head of the Tianjian Division.

However, since Chen Zhenglei has said so.

He had no choice but to comply.

Thinking about the foundation he had painstakingly built in Qingyun Immortal City, he felt a little reluctant to give it up.

However, since Chen Zhenglei has stated that the workshop can be moved to Tianxia Immortal City together, then the rest is no longer a problem.

"Brother Zhou, after we get back, I'll go to Tianjian Division and work for you!"

Qi Jianzhi said to Zhou Ling with a smile.

"You ranked fourth in this trial. Going to another department would offer you a bright future!"

At this moment, Pei Qingshuang also said with a smile.

"I won't go to any other departments; I'll follow Brother Zhou from now on!"

Qi Jianzhi said with a serious expression.

The reason we were able to get fourth place in the points rankings this time is...

He knew perfectly well that if they hadn't followed Zhou Ling, they wouldn't have been able to take the opportunity to kill several wounded fourth-tier Starsea aliens.

The points wouldn't be that high.

Moreover, in his view, choice is far more important than ability.

With such a formidable figure as Zhou Ling around, would he be a fool not to follow him?

Based on his performance at the Sword Qi Great Wall, it's almost a certainty that Zhou Ling will become a high-ranking member of the Dao Alliance.

Don't talk about how many military achievements you have.

These two battles alone were enough to win over the cultivators stationed at the Sword Qi Great Wall.

"We'll discuss this later!"

Zhou Ling smiled and said.

Although he became the head of Tianjian Division, he didn't actually run Tianjian Division.

We need to understand this situation clearly before we can give Qi Jianzhi a reply.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling inquired about Tian Jiansi's situation from them.

Qi Jianzhi and the others naturally told him everything in detail.

Tianjian Division is known as the tenth division of the Dao Alliance.

Its main task is to be responsible for cultivating the Dao Alliance's genius disciples.

Of course, this training is comprehensive, not just in cultivation and techniques, but also includes various practical combat, such as hunting monsters in the star sea.

It plays a crucial role in cultivating future talents for the Dao Alliance.

After hearing everyone's introduction, Zhou Ling had a general understanding of the situation.

As for the specifics, we'll have to wait until he takes office to find out.

······.

Several days later, Zhou Ling returned home.

His return filled the house with joy.

After all, this trial is quite risky.

Now that he has returned safely, everyone at home can finally breathe a sigh of relief!

"Father! Mother!"

Zhou Ling first bowed to Zhou Shan and Li Ru.

It's been almost a year since I last saw my parents, and their spiritual cultivation has improved quite a bit.

My mother has already reached the fifth level of the Foundation Establishment stage.

My father is just one step away from reaching the late stage of the second level of Body Refinement.

It is evident that with sufficient resources, the cultivation effect is still excellent.

"Ling'er, it's good that you're back!"

Li Ru looked at her son with a joyful expression.

"My husband!"

"My husband!"

"Father!"

Wang Xin and Wang Qingshang also brought Wang Ying'er to the hall. When they saw Zhou Ling, they were all overjoyed and excited.

"Ying'er, you've grown a lot taller!"

Zhou Ling reached out and picked up her daughter, who had grown much taller.

Seeing the family enjoying themselves so happily, Zhou Ling couldn't help but smile broadly and laugh heartily.

This time, he has been away from home for almost a year, which is the longest he has ever stayed away from home.

Seeing the concerned expressions on his parents', wife's, and children's faces, he felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

"My family is the only source of motivation for me to keep striving and moving forward!"

Zhou Ling murmured to himself, feeling a sense of clarity in his mind.

"Dad, you have to take me with you when you go to fun places in the future!"

Zhou Ying'er was a little unfamiliar with Zhou Ling at first, but she quickly became familiar with him.

"okay!"

Zhou Ling laughed heartily.

"Husband, what's this golden dragon all about?"

At this moment, Wang Qingshang pointed to the little golden dragon circling outside the hall and said with a look of surprise.

She could tell that this golden dragon was extraordinary, its blood aura extremely terrifying.

Upon hearing this, Li Ru and Wang Xin also looked at the little golden dragon with curiosity.

"Father, what a beautiful golden dragon!"

Zhou Ying'er clapped her hands and said happily.

"This is a true dragon that I obtained by chance at the Great Wall of Swords!"

"From now on, let him serve as the guardian spirit beast of the family!"

Zhou Ling said with a smile.

"Real dragon!"

Looking at the little golden dragon, Li Ru and the others were even more surprised.

Unexpectedly, the legendary true dragon has now appeared in their Zhou family.

This is incredible.

"What is the golden dragon's cultivation level now?"

Li Ru also asked with some curiosity.

"Yan!"

Seemingly aware that everyone was staring at him, the little golden dragon wagged its tail and entered the hall.

They surrounded Zhou Ling like children!
They also showed goodwill towards Li Ru and the others.

"Just entered the third tier!"

Zhou Ling spoke up.

"Third level!"

Upon hearing this, everyone else couldn't help but swallow hard.

The third rank is comparable to a Golden Core cultivator.

"Dad, what's Little Golden Dragon's name?"

Xiao Ying'er looked at Jinlong with a mixture of surprise and curiosity and asked.

"Dad always called it Little Gold!"

Zhou Ling smiled.

"Xiao Jin!"

Zhou Ying'er called out with a smile.

"Yan!"

The little golden dragon let out a soft roar, as if in response.

Afterwards, Li Ru hurriedly went to the kitchen to personally prepare a welcome-back feast for her son. (End of this chapter)