Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

It took five days for the Zhou family to settle down in Ziyun Mountain.

Everything returned to the original state of the Zhou family.

The workshop has already started operations.

After all, building a spirit boat is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it cannot be delayed for too long.

A new defensive line is being advanced in Five Spirits Immortal City.

The warships cannot be delayed.

Once the workshop was heated and the furnace was ready, Ji Siqing ordered his men to start the furnace and begin refining weapons.

In addition, Zhou Ling spent 6,000 military merits to obtain a fifth-order Nine Heavens Thunder Array from the Dao Alliance Treasury.

It was set up as a defensive formation for the family on Ziyun Mountain.

Although the original magic array was of a high grade.

However, Zhou Ling considered that Liu Zhengjia was still a major threat.

Therefore, we dare not be careless in the slightest.

The defenses of Ziyun Mountain must not be weak.

With the Nine Heavens Thunder Formation and Master in charge, there was a force to be reckoned with.

They weren't afraid of Liu Zhengjia.

After roughly arranging family affairs, Zhou Ling went to Tianjian Division to officially take up his post.

In a refined room at the headquarters of the Dao Alliance in Tianxia Immortal City, Tianjian Division.

"The Tianjian Division currently has a total of 130 people, mainly responsible for discovering and cultivating talented disciples in various parts of the Dao Alliance's Nine Provinces."

"In addition, I am also responsible for the trials and assessments of the genius disciples from the other three great grotto heavens."

"Currently, there are over a thousand talented disciples in the nine major spiritual states who are under the attention of the Tianjian Division."

"We will assess the qualifications and cultivation of these disciples to determine whether they are suitable to become key disciples cultivated by the Dao Alliance."

A beautiful female butler from the Tianjian Division introduced Zhou Ling to the current situation of the Tianjian Division.

"Chief Zhou, there are two most important matters at Tianjian Division at the moment."

"The first step is to determine the list of genius disciples from various states by the end of the year."

"The second thing is the trial slots for the genius disciples of the four great grotto heavens."

Lu Yunxi, dressed in a long blue dress and with an elegant face, spoke up.

Lu Yunxi has now become Zhou Ling's assistant, helping him handle the affairs of Tianjian Company.

From the Heavenly Crafts Bureau of Qingyun Immortal City to the Heavenly Health Bureau of the Dao Alliance Headquarters, this is undoubtedly a huge leap.

If it weren't for Zhou Ling...

That's naturally impossible.

Moreover, her cultivation level was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, which did not meet the basic requirements for entering the Dao Alliance headquarters.

She had been at Tianjiansi for more than ten days.

In the meantime, I have also gained a clear understanding of Tianjian Company's operations and affairs.

I did my homework with Zhou Ling.

Having worked as Zhou Ling's assistant at the Tiangong Division for years, I also know about Zhou Ling's situation.

Therefore, she didn't say anything else unnecessary.

State directly what needs to be done during this period.

As for those trivial matters...

I'll let Zhou Ling know when I have time.

"Well, tell me about these two things!"

Zhou Ling smiled upon hearing this, put down his teacup, and listened to Lu Yunxi's report.

He had never been interested in these matters to begin with.

Lu Yunxi will give him the most important jump.

This also saved him a lot of unnecessary time.

Otherwise, with such a vast area as the Nine Great Spirit Continents and over a thousand prodigies, just looking at their information would be enough to give me a headache.

So let Lu Yunxi and the others handle these things.

“Nowadays, each spiritual state of the Dao Alliance has a number of slots for talented disciples every year.”

"The specific situation depends on the circumstances in Lingzhou."

"This year, we have initially selected eighty people from these more than one thousand disciples as key seed disciples for the Dao Alliance to cultivate in the next few years."

"As for the specific criteria for criticism, there are four points: cultivation, technique, aptitude and potential. These four points are the main assessment points."

"In addition, recommendations from responsible persons and character are supplementary assessment points."

"The first four points are all top-tier scores. With the recommendation of the head of a Nascent Soul family, you can get the opportunity to take the assessment."

"As for the final number of spots, that needs to be determined by Tianjian Division!"

Lu Yunxi continued to explain the situation to Zhou Ling.

"It seems unreasonable for a Nascent Soul family to recommend this!"

Zhou Ling picked up the teacup again, took a sip, and asked with a puzzled look.

After all, he was born into a rogue cultivator family, and he was able to pass the academy's assessment back then.

It was thanks to Wang Yu's recommendation that I had this opportunity.

But for ordinary independent cultivators, there is absolutely no such opportunity.

To expect a recommendation from a Nascent Soul cultivator is simply a pipe dream.

Therefore, these recommendation opportunities almost always fall to the disciples of Nascent Soul families.

Of course, these scions of aristocratic families have abundant resources from a young age because of their birth.

Therefore, they are definitely much stronger than independent disciples in all aspects.

Just like this time, the Sword Qi Great Wall Trial.

Apart from him, who was born as a rogue cultivator, the other twenty-nine prodigies were almost all from aristocratic families.

Most of them even came from families that had reached the Nascent Soul stage.

In addition, several of them were born into families with a long history of Nascent Soul cultivation.

Therefore, people experience an extremely strong sense of rejection when they see themselves ranked number one.

However, fortunately, he secured first place based on his strength.

Of course, he also knew that this selection system was something the Dao Alliance had explored and passed down through generations over countless years.

It can be said that it certainly has its value and can maximize the interests of the Dao Alliance.

Now that he has taken over, he naturally won't easily change or break these rules.

However, he could ignore rules of this level, since taking action would involve the interests of too many powerful families.

Moreover, at this level, the number of independent cultivators who can stand out is extremely small.

Therefore, he decided to start with second- and third-grade immortal cities like Lingxia Immortal City.

First, change the Taoist temple recommendation system.

This will allow talented independent cultivators to have more opportunities to enter the six major academies of the Dao Alliance for cultivation.

"This has been the rule of the Dao Alliance for many years!"

Lu Yunxi explained to Zhou Ling with a smile.

Having followed Zhou Ling for many years, she roughly understood what Zhou Ling meant from his words.

Clearly, there are some objections to the rule regarding the recommendation of Nascent Soul cultivators.

"Yes, the rules of the Dao Alliance must naturally be followed."

"However, since this is a selection of the most outstanding talents of the Dao Alliance, the opportunity should be more equitable."

"I'd like to ask if the recommendation of Foundation Establishment cultivators could be removed from the future assessment of disciples of the Six Paths Dao Academy?"

Zhou Ling thought for a moment and then said this to Lu Yunxi.

"This matter may not be so easy!"

Lu Yunxi whispered to Zhou Ling.

"You should look into it!"

Zhou Ling nodded. He knew that this system had been in place in the Dao Alliance for many years.

Changing it won't be something that can be done in a short time.

Of course, he didn't want to be any kind of savior.

Now that I'm in this position and have this opportunity, I might as well give it a try.

If it really doesn't work, then there's nothing we can do about it.

However, I think there is still a chance.

"Yes, take the head!"

Lu Yunxi replied respectfully.

"As for the second matter that you need to decide, it concerns the number of places and personnel for the trials of the four great grotto heavens!"

Lu Yunxi continued to introduce things to Zhou Ling.

"Tell me about this in detail."

Zhou Ling nodded and said.

A month ago, when I met Chief Meng, he mentioned this matter to me.

I need to understand this myself.

"The Four Great Grotto-Heavens Trials are trials in which the most outstanding talents from the four major human forces—the Dao Alliance, the Immortal Sect, the Heavenly Palace, and the Desolate Domain—are sent to participate. They are held every four years."

"The trials are extremely difficult, and for the disciples who participate, they are all life-or-death tests."

"The previous section was about going to the Refining Fire Realm for trials. Of the eight disciples from our Dao Alliance who participated in the trials, three were injured or killed."

Lu Yunxi slowly introduced herself to Zhou Ling. Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"The casualties in this trial are far too high."

Of the eight people who participated in the trial, three were injured or killed, a casualty rate of almost half.

Moreover, Zhou Ling also had a clear understanding of the strength of the Dao Alliance's prodigies.

Take the Sword Qi Great Wall trial as an example. Apart from him, people like Yan Yutian and Feng Lan, although they are all at the Golden Core stage, almost all of them have the strength to kill a fourth-stage early-stage Star Sea alien.

Given their cultivation level and abilities, the probability of them dying is extremely small.

This shows how cruel the trials of the Four Great Grotto-Heavens are.

So it's no wonder he was surprised.

"Yes, according to Tianjian's records, there are injuries and deaths in almost every trial."

"This is why the Dao Alliance arranges for its prodigies to undergo a year-long trial at the Sword Qi Great Wall."

"The trials at the Great Wall of Sword Qi are preparations for the trials at these Four Great Grotto-Heavens."

Lu Yunxi continued to introduce things to Zhou Ling.

Zhou Ling picked up the teacup again and took a sip.

That makes sense, really. If it weren't for my successive defenses against the alien races from the Star Sea in Sun City and Moon City during the Sword Qi Great Wall trial...

That would certainly result in considerable casualties.

"This trial is of paramount importance."

"It's less of a trial and more of an assessment to readjust the rankings of the four major human forces."

"If you rank first, you'll have a lot of influence among the four major human powers."

"Ah."

Zhou Ling nodded; Chief Meng had indeed emphasized this matter.

Who is participating this year?

Zhou Ling asked again.

"In the past, the top eight disciples from the Sword Qi Great Wall Trial would go to participate in the Four Great Grotto Heaven Trials!"

"However, now that you are the head of Tianjian Division, perhaps we can make other arrangements."

Lu Yunxi said softly again.

In her opinion, the risks of these four great grotto-heavens trials were too great.

I don't want Zhou Ling to participate.

"That's not necessary!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling raised an eyebrow slightly.

With his current strength, he is not too worried about the trial.

As long as you act carefully, there shouldn't be too much risk.

Moreover, he didn't want to leave people with the impression that he was cowardly or abusive.

Although he was not enthusiastic about these positions in the Dao Alliance.

But those in positions of power must fulfill their responsibilities.

He then smiled at Lu Yunxi and said, "These eight spots can be arranged according to the situation in previous years!"

"Yes!"

Lu Yunxi nodded in reply.

"Also, do you know anything about the details of this trial?"

Zhou Ling asked again.

It's July now, and there are still a few months until the year-end trial.

If we understand this clearly, it will also help other disciples who are participating in the trial to be prepared.

"Due to various considerations, the four major human forces will only announce the trial details a month before the trial begins."

Lu Yunxi replied.

"it is good!"

"Just follow the original rules and notify the disciples who made it into the top eight in the Sword Qi Great Wall competition."

"If any resources are needed, they should be distributed properly so that everyone can be fully prepared!"

After a moment's thought, Zhou Ling said this.

If the casualties in this trial are so high, we still need to make more thorough preparations.

"understand!"

Lu Yunxi replied respectfully.

"Sister Yunxi, I'll be relying on you for the affairs of Tianjian Division in the future!"

After finishing their business, Zhou Ling poured Lu Yunxi some spiritual tea and said with a smile.

"Don't worry about taking the lead."

"The affairs here are roughly the same as those of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, but we need to be even more careful in our oversight!"

Lu Yunxi took the teacup and smiled faintly.

She was born into a family of Golden Core cultivators, but her family's strength was not considered particularly strong in Qingyun Immortal City.

Now, thanks to Zhou Ling, she has been allowed to enter Tianjian Division, which is unprecedented in the family.

Even the family's Golden Core ancestor now treats him with extreme respect.

Moreover, the entire family's status in Qingyun Immortal City even surpasses that of ordinary Nascent Soul families.

All of this was simply because she had helped Zhou Ling during the assessment in Lingxia Immortal City.

Afterwards, Zhou Ling inquired briefly about some matters concerning Tianjian Division.

He left Tianjiansi after he had learned enough about the company.

······.

Go home.

The whole family was in the hall.

The parents sat in the main seats.

Wang Xin and Wang Qingshang are on the lower right.

Dean Gong sat down on the left.

"Ling'er, please sit down!"

Seeing her son return, Li Ru smiled and said.

Where did Ying'er go?

After sitting down, Zhou Ling asked Wang Xin.

"Yinger is playing outside with Little Golden Dragon!"

Wang Xin replied with a smile.

Zhou Ling nodded.

"Ling'er, Gong Yi, the matters at Ziyun Mountain are almost finished!"

"These past few days, your mother has also reconciled your wedding date with Gong Yi's. The eighth day of next month is an auspicious day according to the Chinese almanac, which will be your wedding day. What do you think?"

Li Ru glanced at Zhou Ling and Gong Yi, and asked with a smile.

Hearing this, Zhou Ling nodded and smiled, "Mother, you can make the decisions on these matters."

"I'll listen to Mother too!"

Gong Yi also blushed as she spoke.

"Okay, then it's settled!"

"Gong Yi, who else is in your family?"

How should we present the betrothal gifts?

Li Ru asked again.

Although Zhou Ling had been dating Gong Yi for several years, he had never learned about her family background.

After all, he didn't take these things to heart.

He treats those with family backgrounds and ordinary independent cultivators the same as everyone else.

“I grew up with my master since I was a child. My master was the former dean of the Nine Heavens Sword Academy, and he passed away ten years ago!”

"So, Mother, you can arrange the betrothal gifts as you see fit!"

Gong Yi said softly.

"Okay, now I know how to arrange it!"

Li Ru nodded.

"Ling'er, besides these, what are your plans regarding inviting guests?"

Li Ru then asked her son.

After all, I've only just moved to Tianxia Immortal City, and I don't know many people yet.

But his son now holds a high position.

Getting married is a big deal, and whether to invite other guests is up to Zhou Ling to decide.

"Mother, I think it's best to keep a low profile if possible!"

Zhou Ling thought for a moment and then spoke up.

Gong Yi wasn't a sociable person, so he planned to have just his family and invite Chen Zhenglei and a few others.

"Alright, you can make the decision about this!"

Li Ru nodded and smiled. (End of Chapter)