The Longevity Family: Starting From The Branches And Leaves

Chapter 292: A Small Test

On this day, Chen Ling and his group arrived early at the main hall of the Wanbao Tower, the Wanbao Palace.

The grand hall was about ten zhang tall, surrounded by a faint purple light curtain, giving off an extraordinary atmosphere.

In front of it was a square made of green stone and jade.

The ground paved with white jade shimmered with a warm light.

In the middle of the square was an extremely spacious competition platform.

Scattered around the platform were some cultivators.

These cultivators were mostly at the Foundation Building Stage or above.

Among them, there were also many Nascent Soul and Gold Core cultivators.

"Oh, it's Fellow Daoist from the Wang family! It's been two years since we last met. Congratulations to the Wang family head for successfully forming their Core. It's a joyous occasion!" Chen Ling and Wang Xi were led by Wang Jinhe to a place on the west side of the competition platform where there were about ten Grandmaster chairs.

A voice reached his ears.

He followed the voice and saw a burly gray-robed old man walking towards them from not far away on the left. He nodded at Wang Xi.

"I have seen Senior Song!" Wang Xi quickly stepped forward to pay his respects, then smiled and replied, "Senior Song is too kind. I was just lucky to succeed!"

The person in front of them was Song Hao, the head of the Song family, who had a good relationship with the Wang family among the eight major families.

Song Hao smiled and asked, "Why hasn't the Patriarch Wang come?"

"The Patriarch is in seclusion for cultivation. This time, it's up to me and my husband Chen Ling to take charge!" Wang Xi said with a smile.

Chen Ling also bowed to the old man and said, "Junior Chen Ling pays respects to Senior Song."

Song Hao, at the early stage of Nascent Soul cultivation, didn't seem to have any airs about him.

Moreover, the Song family's territory was in the Northern Plains, close to the Western Wasteland, so they would probably have dealings in the future.

Chen Ling naturally wanted to establish a good relationship.

"Chen nephew, no need to be so polite!" Song Hao glanced at Chen Ling and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

After exchanging pleasantries, Song Hao returned to the Song family's seat.

The surrounding cultivators seemed to be paying attention to the situation here. After hearing Wang Xi's introduction, they casually glanced at Chen Ling and didn't pay much attention.

Chen Ling concealed his cultivation level and appeared to be only at the early stage of Gold Core.

Everyone present was from the eight major families of the Wanbao Tower and had some understanding of the Wang family.

With Chen Ling's cultivation level, being able to marry Wang Xi was probably just a tool for procreation.

In simple terms, he was a tool for breeding offspring.

"The head of the Wang family actually took a liking to a Gold Core cultivator. What's the point?" After learning of Chen Ling's identity, some people began to discuss in low voices.

Chen Ling sat quietly on the Grandmaster chair, closing his eyes and waiting.

Currently, only four of the eight major families had arrived, including the Lv family and the Yuan family.

Wang Xi only nodded slightly to the two families, without going up to greet them.

It seemed that the relationship was average.

Although there was competition among the eight major families of the Wanbao Tower, they had all signed contracts.

Once someone became the alliance leader, the other families had to follow their arrangements.

The families were distributed in different regions, controlling different resources.

They would usually exchange resources with each other.

This mechanism had been running for hundreds of years, and the eight major families had gained tremendous benefits from it.

And becoming the alliance leader meant being able to control the allocation of resources from all eight major families at the same time.

This was undoubtedly an unimaginable wealth.

Although it was only for a short period of ten years.

But ten years was enough to further enhance the strength of the entire family.

This was also the reason why the eight major families were willing to invest huge resources to compete for the position of alliance leader.

Half an incense stick later.

"Hmm? The aura of a Nascent Soul Late Stage."

Chen Ling sensed a powerful aura of Nascent Soul Late Stage coming from the left side of the square.

About ten breaths later.

A golden warship, tens of zhang in size, descended slowly onto the square, carrying more than ten renowned cultivators of over ten years.

As the warship landed, a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and a resolute appearance was the first to step onto the ground from the deck.

"I have seen Elder Yu!"

The cultivators from the Lu and Yuan families in front all stood up and saluted.

The person who arrived was Elder Yu Qingfeng of the Yu family.

According to tradition, the heads of the eight major families usually led their teams to participate in the competition.

The fact that Elder Yu Qingfeng personally led the team showed the importance attached to this competition.

"No need for formalities."

Elder Yu Qingfeng's gaze swept over the families that had arrived first, nodding slightly at each family head.

The steward responsible for welcoming guests from the Wanbao Tower also stepped forward to greet him and guide him to his seat.

The territory of the Yu family was in the southern region, with a vast area and abundant resources, including a vast sea area. However, they were occasionally harassed by the sea tribe.

Chen Ling's gaze swept over the members of the Yu family, two Nascent Soul cultivators and three Gold Core cultivators.

This lineup was quite powerful.

The Yu family was considered one of the stronger families among the eight major families.

After another quarter of an hour.

A golden light flew from the south and slowly descended over the square.

"Master Huang!"

The cultivators from the various families showed awe on their faces.

The golden light dissipated, turning into a golden sword in the hands of an old man in a yellow robe.

The old man had a medium build, with silver hair swaying lightly in the wind. He had an air of immortality and sharp, piercing eyes.

"Rank Five Artifact Refiner Huang Yi."

Chen Ling knew this person's identity from the information provided by Wang Xi.

One of the few Rank Five Artifact Refiners in the ancient Divine Continent, and the head of the Artifact Refiners Alliance.

He was also one of the judges for this refining competition.

Master Huang greeted the cultivators from the various families with a smile.

His attitude was friendly, indicating a close relationship between the Artifact Refiners Alliance and the Wanbao Tower.

He then took his seat on the judging platform to the east of the competition stage.

This was the first time Chen Ling had seen a Rank Five Artifact Refiner, so he couldn't help but pay a little more attention.

After Huang Yi took his seat, the heads of the various families led the cultivators participating in the competition to greet him.

Not long after Huang Yi arrived, the other three major families and the Pill Refiners Alliance's Rank Five Pill Master Qin Zheng also arrived one after another.

The Lin family was the last to arrive. The Nascent Soul cultivator leading the way was a tall and handsome middle-aged man with a smile on his face.

He was Lin Dong, the head of the Lin family, with an initial Nascent Soul cultivation level and the current leader of the Wanbao Tower.

This Lin family head appeared to be in his forties or fifties, but his actual age was at least five hundred years old.

Chen Ling had seen ancient monsters like Elder Wang, so he was used to it.

Behind the Lin family head were two cultivators, one male and one female. The male cultivator had an initial Nascent Soul cultivation level, while the female cultivator had a Gold Core Late Stage cultivation level.

They were Rank Four Supreme Grade Artifact Refiner Tie Xiong and Rank Four High Grade Pill Master Zhang Yaoxiang.

Tie Xiong had a medium build and a flushed face, with a slightly proud expression.

Zhang Yaoxiang wore a yellow dress, with a beautiful appearance and graceful figure, like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl.

The Pill Master Qin Zheng was an old man with white eyebrows and a kind face.

At this point, all eight major families of the Wanbao Tower had arrived.

Chen Ling noticed that the strength of the eight major Nascent Soul families of the Wanbao Tower could be seen from the cultivators they sent to participate in the competition.

Except for the Lin and Yu families, which had Rank Four High Grade cultivators, the cultivators from the other families were at the Rank Four Middle Grade level or below.

After all, to hire a Rank Four High Grade skill master as a guest, the amount of spiritual stones paid each month was two to three times that of a Rank Four Middle Grade skill master.

The cultivators from the various families greeted each other and exchanged greetings.

Soon, many people cast unexpected glances at Chen Ling.

In the Wanbao Tower, Wang Xi's abilities were recognized by various families.

But no one expected that, given her background and abilities, she would marry a relatively unknown Gold Core mid-stage cultivator.

Although Chen Ling has gained some fame in the Western Wilderness, for cultivators like them who frequently travel between different states, Chen Ling's reputation is far from enough to justify Wang Xi, a genius in business, marrying him.

Many people were curious and inquired about Chen Ling's news.

After another stick of incense, "Chiefs! Cultivators from various families!"

Lin Dong's gaze swept over everyone like lightning, his face solemnly saying, "The Wanbao Tower has been established for seven hundred years."

"The original three major families have developed into eight major families! Rapid development and continuously increasing strength."

"And the position of the alliance leader is crucial for the Wanbao Tower."

"I won't waste any more words. Regardless of who becomes the alliance leader of the Wanbao Tower next."

"There is only one belief, and that is to continue advancing the Wanbao Tower! Enhancing the influence of the Wanbao Tower in various states!"

"Even being able to enter other Star Domains!"

Chen Ling remained calm. From the information provided by Wang Xi, Lin Dong was skilled in management and had deep scheming.

Over the years as the alliance leader, he had gained many advantages, causing the Lin family, originally the third strongest among the eight major families, to become the first.

But this was also normal.

"Everyone, survival of the fittest has always been the principle of the Wanbao Tower."

"This competition will begin soon. Today, it will be a trial of refining tools, and tomorrow, alchemy. The family represented by those who win both rounds will become the alliance leader of the Wanbao Tower."

"If two families win separately, the eight major families will vote together to decide who will be the next alliance leader, based on the number of votes."

Lin Dong continued to announce, his voice filled with confidence.

As if the alliance leader was still within his grasp.

"May I invite the leader of the Tool Alliance, Huang, to announce the rules of this refining competition!"

Lin Dong respectfully said to Huang Yi.

Huang Yi stood up, cupped his hands, and smiled, "This refining competition is also very simple. Due to the short time, all participants only need to refine a small sword. The materials are already prepared."

"In the end, it will be judged based on the grade and power of the finished product."

"As for auxiliary tools such as the refining furnace, you can bring them yourself."

"It is rare for the Wanbao Tower to hold such a grand event, gathering so many Rank Four Refiners together."

"After the competition, you can also go to the Tool Alliance to exchange ideas with the refiners of our Tool Alliance."

Although the tone was not high, there was a kind of inherent majesty in his voice.

For Rank Four and above refiners, except for flames, the role of other auxiliary tools was extremely limited.

Then, as Huang Yi announced the start of the competition, Chen Ling and other participants from various families successively stepped onto the competition stage.

Each participant's area was separated by several zhang, surrounded by defensive barriers that isolated mana and divine sense.

Looking at the materials placed on the desk in front of him, Chen Ling's eyebrows slightly raised.

Most of them were Rank Four materials, such as Golden Sunstone, Purple Thunderwood, Golden Flamestone, and Blue Ice Crystal.

There were also many auxiliary materials, including even Rank Five Sun Crystal and Source Stone.

As long as these two materials could be integrated into the Treasure Weapon, even if it couldn't become a Rank Five Dao Weapon, it would definitely be the most powerful among Rank Four.

Due to the time limit, choosing these two materials carried great risks.

After all, the time required to refine Rank Five materials far exceeded that of Rank Four.

Although the quantity was not large, only the size of a thumb, completely refining them was not easy.

In Chen Ling's mind, combining the materials in front of him, he quickly conceived a refining plan.

"Using the Rank Four High Grade Thunder Tribulation Light, refine a Rank Four High Grade sword, and then integrate this Source Stone into it."

"It will definitely have power no less than any Rank Four Supreme Grade sword."

Chen Ling secretly said.

Rank Four High Grade Thunder attribute sword, its power is no less than other Rank Four Supreme Grade swords of different attributes, and with the inherent aura of the Source Stone, its power can be further enhanced.

For other Rank Four weapon refiners, refining the Source Stone may be quite a challenge.

But Chen Ling, with the help of Rank Five Thunder Flame, didn't have much of a problem.

This is a relatively compromise solution.

It can not only refine a formidable sword in a short period of time, but also avoid completely exposing his own strength.

If he chooses to refine a Rank Five Treasure Weapon, with his current cultivation level, it will definitely invite unnecessary trouble.

This is not what he intended.

Although the position of the leader of the Wanbao Tower Alliance can bring considerable benefits.

But if he excessively exposes his own strength and invites unnecessary trouble, it would be more harm than good.

And a Rank Four High Grade Treasure Weapon is just right for his current cultivation level and the strength of the Wang family.

Of course, the weapon refiners present are all experienced Rank Four experts who have been exploring the path of refining for many years.

Most of them have mastered the Spirit Flame.

It's just that the grade and attributes of the Spirit Flame are different, and their power also varies.

They might also be able to refine a Rank Four High Grade Treasure Weapon in a short period of time.

Chen Ling took a deep breath and glanced around. The other seven weapon refiners were surrounded by a faint purple halo. Some closed their eyes in contemplation, some examined the materials, and some already had Spirit Flames floating above their hands, starting to refine the materials...

Chen Ling wasn't in a hurry, but first swallowed two Enhancing Pills to bring his spiritual power to its peak state.

After a quarter of an hour, the medicinal power was completely refined and absorbed. He opened his eyes, his gaze sharp.

Then, with a thought, the Five Ultimate Thunder Flame slowly appeared in his hand.

"This guy is young, but his weapon refining technique is exceptionally stable."

"This Thunder Flame is also of high grade, but it contains a violent aura and is not very suitable for weapon refining!"

Huang Yi's gaze swept over everyone, pausing slightly on Chen Ling.

Purple Thunderwood, Source Stone!

With a single thought, Chen Ling wrapped the Five Ultimate Thunder Flame around the two materials and slowly refined them.

Now, his success rate in refining a Rank Four High Grade Treasure Weapon was almost one hundred percent.

Perhaps it was due to the additional points, once mastered, there was rarely a possibility of failure.

In fact, it wouldn't take more than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to refine these two materials with the power of the Five Ultimate Thunder Flame.

But Chen Ling still controlled the speed appropriately.

After about half an hour, he began to integrate the two materials.

Another incense stick's worth of time passed, and the Purple Thunderwood and Source Stone had completely integrated. Under the shaping of Chen Ling's divine sense, they had already taken the form of a sword.

However, this Dao Treasure sword was only about half a foot long, more like a dagger.

After constructing the form of the sword, Chen Ling began to draw the Spiritual Treasure formation.

Feeling the occasional gaze scanning over him, Chen Ling also pretended to be in a state of exerting all his efforts.

Time quickly passed, and another half an hour went by.

At this moment, Chen Ling slowly shouted, "Condense!"

With a flash of thunder, the Five Ultimate Thunder Flame slowly dissipated.

In front of him, a half-foot-long purple wooden sword floated, with a faint glow of thunder on its surface.

Chen Ling let out a breath, a look of joy on his face, and respectfully said to Huang Yi, "Senior Huang, I have successfully refined it!"

"Good!" Huang Yi's gaze swept over the purple wooden sword in front of Chen Ling, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.

"Wang Family's Chen Ling has successfully refined a Rank Four High Grade Purple Thunder Sword!"

Huang Yi announced loudly, then gestured for Chen Ling to return to the Wang family's resting area and wait.

As Huang Yi's voice fell, many people in the audience let out faint exclamations.

Although Chen Ling was not the first to refine a Rank Four High Grade sword, the two people before him were both Nascent Soul cultivators.

Chen Ling, on the other hand, was only a mid-Gold Core cultivator.

Normally, it would be shocking enough for a Gold Core cultivator to refine a Rank Four Treasure Weapon!

Chen Ling naturally didn't care about these things.

Returning to his seat, Wang Xi handed him a cup of spiritual tea without saying much. The tenderness in her eyes showed her absolute confidence in Chen Ling.

Chen Ling took the spiritual tea and took a sip, his face relaxed.

Other family cultivators were also greatly surprised to see this scene.

When did the dignified Wang Family Patriarch become a servant pouring tea and water?

(End of this chapter)