Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 358 Dao Alliance Exclusive Workshop
"Zhou Zhizheng, it's said that your Zhou family mainly focuses on refining magical artifacts!"

Inside the main hall, Gu Xingdao asked Zhou Ling with a smile.

"Yes, Lord City Lord!"

"Currently, the family workshop mainly produces second-tier magical artifacts, while also selling a small number of third-tier warships!"

Zhou Ling nodded in reply.

Now, with the improvement of his cultivation level and the grade of his Qianyang True Fire, he has no problem forging fourth-order warships.

As for a fifth-tier warship, that's beyond his current capabilities.

"Zhou Zhizheng, I would like your Zhou family to help me forge warships. What do you think?"

Gu Xingdao spoke again.

Although this battle routed the demon beast army, human cultivators also suffered considerable casualties.

In addition, a large number of warships were damaged.

The Five Spirits Immortal City has its own workshops.

However, with so many warships damaged, there simply weren't enough people to handle them.

Most importantly, all four Tier 5 warships were damaged to varying degrees, and it would take Ji Siqing several months to restore them.

Therefore, he hoped that Zhou Ling could help repair these warships.

After all, Zhou Ling's strength had already been fully demonstrated when he was repairing the Purple Cauldron Warship.

She also gained his trust.

If Zhou Ling weren't the head of the Inspection Division, he would definitely have let Zhou Ling stay in Five Spirit Immortal City.

Therefore, they had no choice but to settle for second best and have Zhou Ling assist in repairing the warship.

“City Lord, with the current strength of my Zhou family workshop, I’m afraid it will be difficult to meet the requirements of Five Spirit Immortal City.”

"After all, we can only barely forge third-tier warships now. As for fourth-tier warships, the success rate is not very guaranteed!"

Zhou Ling cupped his hands in greeting.

With hundreds, even thousands, of warships in the Five Spirits Immortal City, this is definitely a huge business opportunity.

However, Zhou Ling also needs to consider the actual strength of the Zhou family workshop and act within his means.

He repaired the fifth-tier Purple Cauldron Warship mainly by relying on his talent and the advantages of the Spirit Flame.

If you asked him to refine a fifth-tier warship inscription on his own, he definitely couldn't do it.

Moreover, this Five Spirits Immortal City is a vital location in the sea area.

The quality of each warship is of paramount importance.

These matters concern the lives of many cultivators.

We must not be careless in the slightest.

Therefore, we must strive for excellence.

Although he had great confidence in his workshop, Zhou Ling did not dare to easily take on such a responsibility.

"Zhou Zhizheng, you're too kind. Everyone has witnessed your skill in crafting warships!"

"All four Tier 5 warships are currently quite damaged, and no one else can repair them in the short term, so we will have to trouble you again!"

Gu Xingdao said with a sincere expression.

He was the city lord of a sixth-grade immortal city and a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

At this moment, he was extremely polite to Zhou Ling, a junior who was in the early stage of the Golden Core realm.

After all, the strength Zhou Ling displayed in this battle was enough for him to treat him as an equal.

This can be considered a true recognition of Zhou Ling's status as the head of the Inspection Division.

"But I have to go back to Qingyun Immortal City."

"Moreover, repairing the warship requires inscriptions and a lot of materials, which I cannot afford!"

Zhou Ling shook his head.

The workshop is now receiving quite a few orders.

The workshop is completely short-staffed.

Fortunately, as his reputation grew, it was not difficult to recruit weapon refiners within the Xuan Yuan Dao Academy.

However, in this battle, almost all of the warships of the Five Spirits Immortal City were damaged.

Repairing it would be something that his current Zhou family workshop is definitely not capable of handling.

"You don't need to worry about the inscription and materials!"

“I will apply to the Dao Alliance to make your Zhou Family Workshop the exclusive refining workshop for my Five Spirits Immortal City warships.”

"All necessary materials will be supplied by the Dao Alliance."

"The Dao Alliance has already mentioned any inscriptions you may need!"

Gu Xingdao said solemnly.

He was well aware that a fifth-tier warship required enormous resources.

The Zhou family could not have mentioned such resources.

Only the supply from the Dao Alliance can meet the demand.

The quality can also be achieved.

"The Dao Alliance's exclusive refining workshop?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling looked surprised.

He hadn't thought of that.

If it becomes an exclusive cooperative workshop of the Dao Alliance, then it must prioritize supplying the Dao Alliance with its treasures.

It belongs to an affiliated organization like the Tiangong Division.

They can obtain materials and other buffs from the Dao Alliance.

Therefore, there was no need to worry about materials.

It is rare for workshops belonging to established families to gain such recognition.

This was clearly another form of reward from Gu Xingdao, in addition to the reward for his military achievements.

“Brother Zhou, I have a copy of the ‘Immortal Essence Warship Refinement Method’ that I borrowed from the Dao Alliance. I can lend it to you first.”

"It contains numerous methods for crafting fourth- and fifth-tier warships, including material forging and inscription crafting!"

"Furthermore, this jade slip contains my insights into refining warships over the years. You may take it and study it carefully!"

At this moment, Ji Siqing took out two more jade slips and handed them to Zhou Ling.

It's a real waste that someone as talented as Zhou Ling can't stay in Five Spirits Immortal City to fight against the demon race.

However, if the Zhou family workshop can become the Dao Alliance's exclusive weapon-refining workshop, Zhou Ling will be able to contribute to the refining of warships for the Five Spirits Immortal City in the future.

He was also able to reduce a lot of stress.

"Thank you very much, Professor Ji!"

Upon receiving the jade slip, Zhou Ling bowed and expressed his gratitude.

The methods for forging fourth- and fifth-tier warships are undoubtedly priceless.

In particular, it includes the experience of a fifth-grade weapon refiner like Ji Siqing.

It is even more so something that can only be encountered by chance.

Even with enough military achievements, it's not guaranteed that you can get it.

After all, the experience in forging warships is usually a closely guarded secret.

Ji Siqing's willingness to share this experience with me shows his open-mindedness.

He was solely focused on fighting the demon army and had no other selfish thoughts.

This also touched Zhou Ling deeply.

He then asked Gu Xingdao, "City Lord, how can I become an exclusive weapon-refining workshop of the Dao Alliance?"

As the head of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau, he also knew that becoming the Dao Alliance's exclusive weapon-refining workshop was extremely difficult.

Moreover, if you submit the application yourself, it's easy for people to misunderstand that you're lining your own pockets.

Therefore, it is still necessary to let Gu Xingdao handle it.

He is the city lord of a sixth-grade immortal city, and also the extremely crucial Five Spirits Immortal City.

Its position is not low.

Like Chen Zhenglei, they all have a great deal of autonomy.

It would be much easier if he were to locate the Zhou family workshop.

"You don't need to worry about this!"

"I'll take care of it for you!"

Gu Xingdao said with a smile.

After a pause, he continued, "Take the array plates of the Purple Cauldron Warship and the other five Tier 4 warships back to repair them. How long do you think it will take to repair them?"

In this great battle, the Purple Cauldron Warship was damaged once again, and in its current state, even Ji Siqing was not confident in repairing it.

Therefore, it can only be entrusted to Zhou Ling.

After all, the forging of a fifth-tier warship requires a huge investment of resources.

It takes many weapon refiners several years of refining to succeed.

It is absolutely impossible to build it in a short period of time.

Most importantly, the warship formation of the Five Spirits Immortal City has been completed.

Unless the Purple Cauldron Warship is completely destroyed.

Otherwise, the battle formation would not have changed.

"It might take more than a month!"

Zhou Ling hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Zhou Ling was quite confident in repairing the Purple Cauldron Warship.

After all, he was the one who mainly controlled this battle.

The main problem remains the same: the namechain linking issue.

Therefore, we can gradually guide the flow once the spiritual flame recovers.

It won't be too difficult.

However, there is also time for consumption and recovery during this process.

Therefore, Zhou Ling did not mention the time too tightly.

Besides, the demon race has only recently retreated.

The casualties were considerable, and they certainly won't dare to come to Five Spirit Immortal City again anytime soon.

"Alright, I will report the matter of Zhou Family Workshop to the Dao Alliance. We will have a result within three days. At that time, you can apply directly to the Heavenly Crafts Bureau for any materials you need."

"As for the pills, spirit stones and other resources you need each month, the Heavenly Crafts Bureau will provide them for you."

Gu Xingdao continued.

"Thank you, Lord City Lord!"

Zhou Ling bowed and thanked him.

"I should thank you!"

"If it weren't for your timely arrival and Chen Zhizheng's, the casualties among the cultivators of Five Spirits Immortal City would have been many more."

Gu Xingdao showed no airs whatsoever and bowed to Zhou Ling in thanks.

“Lord Gu, there’s no need for such politeness. This is exactly what we’re supposed to do.”

"It's a real pity that we weren't able to take the opportunity to kill one or two more demon kings this time."

Chen Zhenglei said with a hint of regret.

Afterwards, the group discussed the achievements of others and the arrangements for the aftermath.

Zhou Ling then accompanied Ji Siqing to inspect the warships.

After a thorough inspection, they first confiscated the Purple Cauldron Warship and five severely damaged but still repairable Tier 4 warships.

Some of them are beyond repair and can only be scrapped.

After completing some simple formalities, Zhou Ling and Chen Zhenglei left Wuling Immortal City.

Chen Zhenglei returned to Tianxia Immortal City first.

Zhou Ling then used a teleportation array to return to Qingyang Immortal City, and from there teleported back to Qingyun Immortal City.

······.

Two days later, in the Zhou family hall.

"I have gathered everyone here today because there is something important I want to announce!"

Zhou Ling sat in the main seat.

On either side are Zhou Shan and Yuan Hu.

Following them are Chu Xing, the He siblings, Song Yue, and others.

A dozen or so weapon refiners were also present.

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, they all looked at him with curiosity.

After all, the Zhou family has been established for almost two years now.

Zhou Ling is usually too busy to handle everything, so when something happens, she announces it to everyone in the workshop.

But we've never had a meeting this formal before.

It's clear that this incident is far from minor.

"Master, what is the matter?"

Yuan Hu cupped his hands and asked.

He is now at the ninth level of Qi Refining.

Although he couldn't compare to Zhou Ling at all, he was already very satisfied.

After all, he left the Taoist temple back then.

It can be basically concluded that he has no hope of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage in this lifetime.

But now, in the Zhou family, not to mention Foundation Establishment, he feels that he even has a chance to reach the Golden Core stage in the future.

Even his wife, who had little talent, had cultivated to the third level of Qi Refining.

He was also extremely grateful to Zhou Ling.

He also did his best to serve Zhou Ling.

"I need to adjust the direction of my Zhou family workshop in refining magical artifacts."

"I have already discussed and agreed with the city lord about this trip to Five Spirits Immortal City."

"The Zhou family workshop will become the main supplier of warships for the Five Spirits Immortal City."

"And received corresponding support from the Dao Alliance."

"So how should the workshop get back to operation?"

"You need to prepare as soon as possible!"

Zhou Ling took a sip of spiritual tea and announced to everyone.

"Cooperate with Five Spirits Immortal City to forge warships!"

"The Five Spirits Immortal City wants to cooperate with our Zhou Family Workshop?"

"Building a warship is far more difficult than forging other magical artifacts!"

"I have never built a warship before. I don't know if I am up to the task?"

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, the weapon refiners present couldn't help but start discussing among themselves.

Everyone has both joy and sorrow.

According to Zhou Ling's words, the Zhou family workshop will then have official qualifications from the Dao Alliance.

The treatment will definitely improve.

It will be much easier for them to enter the Heavenly Crafts Bureau in the future.

Crafting additional warships is the most difficult part of refining magical artifacts.

The requirements for weapon refiners are very high, and they are also worried about whether they can be competent.

"Ling'er, isn't the Five Spirits Immortal City at the forefront of the fight against the demon army?"

"Can our workshop build the high-level warships they need?"

Upon hearing Zhou Ling's words, Zhou Shan asked with a puzzled expression.

During this time, Zhou Ling went to the Five Spirits Immortal City.

Therefore, people in the family also have some understanding of the Five Spirit Immortal City.

"With our current strength, we can barely build a Tier 4 warship."

"However, with this opportunity, we can develop it gradually."

"And there will definitely be an expansion of the workshop!"

Zhou Ling spoke up.

With the current number of weapon refiners in the workshop, it would be quite difficult to forge a fourth-tier warship.

Therefore, we will definitely need to recruit more third- and fourth-tier weapon refiners.

Of course, fourth-tier weapon refiners are not easy to find in Qingyun Immortal City.

However, this time, the Nine Heavens Sword Domain achieved the top score in the General Academy Competition.

In addition, the points accumulated by Qingyun Immortal City over the years are enough to upgrade Qingyun Immortal City to a fifth-grade immortal city.

A newly upgraded fifth-grade immortal city would naturally attract many cultivators.

It would be easier to recruit some high-level weapon refiners.

"Patriarch, if we can convert it into the forging of warships, wouldn't we have to give up the cooperation we've worked so hard to establish with these noble families?!"

Yuan Hu also spoke up and asked.

The workshop currently has plenty of orders and the profits are considerable.

Every month, I earn 10,000 to 20,000 spirit stones.

It is in a stage of rapid development.

As long as they develop steadily, the Zhou family will be able to accumulate a considerable foundation in just a few years.

If we switch to forging warships now.

Although it's exclusive to the Dao Alliance, there's no worry about not getting orders.

But that's such a pity.

"This is the only option at the moment."

"After all, we don't have enough manpower!"

Zhou Ling thought for a moment and said.

He also knew that it hadn't been easy for the workshop to get to this point.

There are gains and losses.

With the current manpower in the workshop, it is definitely impossible to take care of both ends.

“Master, the Dao Alliance has plenty of manpower; we can recruit more weapon refiners.”

"Let's rebuild a new workshop for forging warships!"

Song Yue also spoke up, her tone sounding very confident.

"Build another warship workshop?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ling was taken aback.

He hadn't thought about that.

After all, he has many other commitments to make, and the workshop is only one aspect of his life.

It can't take up too much time.

If he were to build another warship workshop, the time he would have to invest in weapon forging would increase exponentially.

His gaze involuntarily swept over the other weapon refiners, who all wore expectant expressions.

It was clear that many of them were not skilled at crafting warships.

There were also some concerns.

"Tiger, what do you think?"

Zhou Ling asked Yuan Hu.

In terms of management, Yuanhu is the most experienced.

"Patriarch, I also agree with Song Yue's statement!"

"The workshop is operating well right now, it's such a pity to shut it down!"

Yuan Hu said solemnly.

"Ah."

"Alright, then it's settled then!"

After a moment's thought, Zhou Ling spoke decisively.

(End of this chapter)