Longevity Starts With Dual Cultivation - Chapter 10
Ling Changqing didn’t have to wait long before Tang Qiuyao returned.
Seeing the blue-robed youth still sitting properly in meditation and cultivation, the female steward felt somewhat satisfied. This young fellow was indeed diligent and hardworking, no wonder Ling Zifeng thought highly of him.
“The money house isn’t far from here, let’s go now!”
Tang Qiuyao said as her magnificent flying boat rose lightly into the air, turning toward the southeast corner.
The Ling Family Money House was also a beautifully constructed palace with tight security.
Before the main gate stood nine layers of white jade steps, with groups of Ling family cultivators standing guard in formation. Behind the screen wall, numerous Dao Soldier Puppets with bronze skin and iron bones stood ready for action at any moment.
The internal defensive formations were also constantly on alert, ready to activate fully in case of emergencies.
After all, this place stored large quantities of spirit stones and various cultivation resources, all belonging to the family’s public assets, so the security level was naturally high.
Tang Qiuyao led Ling Changqing and two maids directly inside, where the managing elder of the money house, having received the news, had hurried out to greet them.
Ling Changqing glanced at the scholarly, gray-robed elder who also possessed eighth-level Qi refining cultivation. His aura was dignified and imposing, even surpassing Tang Qiuyao’s.
“Steward Tang, what instructions does the family head have?”
The elder named Ling Yunfeng inquired gently. Since Tang Qiuyao was the family head’s trusted aide, even as a senior family member, he dared not be negligent.
Tang Qiuyao smiled slightly: “The family head has no matters for now. I came this time entrusted by someone to handle some personal business.”
“Personal business?”
Ling Yunfeng seemed somewhat surprised but didn’t comment further, nodding instead: “In that case, Steward Tang, please come inside to talk.”
Thus, the group entered an exquisitely decorated quiet room and took their seats as host and guests. Maids immediately came forward to serve tea and refreshments.
Tang Qiuyao didn’t beat around the bush, explaining the reason in just a few words.
“I see.”
Ling Yunfeng’s gaze turned to the blue-robed youth standing beside Tang Qiuyao and asked: “Since Steward Ling Zifeng is providing guarantee, is there a Token as proof?”
“The Token is here, please examine it, Elder.”
Ling Changqing took out a white jade token and presented it, this was what Ling Zifeng had personally given him before departure.
Ling Yunfeng took it to inspect, though this was merely routine procedure. Someone personally brought by Tang Qiuyao naturally wouldn’t have any issues.
“In that case, which type of loan does this young gentleman intend to choose? You may select two types.”
Ling Yunfeng asked with a smile. For a steward to agree to guarantee, and with Tang Qiuyao not objecting either, it seemed this youth indeed had some remarkable qualities?
Ling Changqing answered truthfully: “Regarding this resource loan matter, I’m not yet clear about the details. Could the Elder please explain a bit?”
“No problem, let this servant explain it to you…”
At Ling Yunfeng’s indication, one of the maids beside him spoke up while bringing over a Jade Slip for Ling Changqing to examine.
The money house’s loan rules and types weren’t particularly complicated when explained. Leaving aside the high-end options for now, there were currently only a few types suitable for Ling Changqing.
“Then… I’ll choose this installment repayment type?”
After brief consideration, Ling Changqing made his decision. The total loan amount available is three thousand low-grade spirit stones. Moreover, the borrower can choose to receive spirit stones or equivalent resources such as Elixir Pills, Talisman Artifacts, and so on.
As for the repayment period, it begins three years later and can be divided into ten installments, with a portion repaid each month. The interest rate is thirty-five percent.
The interest rate is somewhat high, but considering this is a cultivation world in an era of great contention, for low-level cultivators in difficult circumstances, having a place where you can borrow resources is already quite good, how could one expect more?
Ling Yunfeng smiled and said, “Young man, isn’t three thousand low-grade spirit stones a bit too little? Since you’re here with Ling Changqing’s guarantee, you could definitely opt for a higher amount!”
“For example, with this ten-thousand low-grade spirit stone limit, once you choose it, you can exchange it for several Azure Origin Cloud Dew Pills, and they’re top-quality ones without any impurities or pill toxins.”
“Just by taking these pills, you could break through to the fifth layer of Qi refining within three months. If you’re lucky, you might even be close to the sixth layer. Wouldn’t that be much better?”
“…”
Ling Changqing frowned slightly and was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of Tang Qiuyao’s somewhat subtle expression out of the corner of his eye, instantly understanding.
“No, I’ll stick with the three-thousand limit.”
Ling Changqing’s voice was calm. “If it’s too high, I’m not confident I’ll be able to repay it in the future. It’s better to be cautious.”
Ling Yunfeng’s gaze deepened. “Are you really sure?”
“Yes, I won’t change my mind.”
Ling Changqing’s tone was firm.
Perhaps other cultivators would hope to borrow as many cultivation resources as possible at once, but the more freely one spends resources now, the more painful repayment will be later.
The misconception of most borrowers is that they believe they will definitely repay the loan on time, but the outcome is often the opposite.
The consequence of overestimating one’s abilities is losing everything and becoming a slave, with no chance of recovery for the rest of one’s life.
The enslaved cultivators on Zen Heart Island always do the hardest, most exhausting, and most dangerous work. Their principle is: as long as it doesn’t kill you, work until you drop.
Ling Changqing had no intention of risking everything by making a single misstep.
Ling Yunfeng looked him up and down for a moment before suddenly smiling. “Young man, your mental fortitude and composure are truly exceptional. In all my years overseeing the bank’s affairs, I’ve rarely seen a junior like you.”
“Very well, as you wish! Now, what about cultivation techniques and scriptures? Which one do you plan to choose?”
The second type of loan is for cultivation techniques and scriptures, meaning Ling Changqing can select a suitable cultivation technique or abilities from the list. The cost will later be converted into a corresponding number of spirit stones based on the grade of the technique for repayment.
Naturally, the repayment period for this type of loan is more lenient, starting ten to fifteen years later, and it can be paid in installments.
If repayment is truly impossible, one can also choose to serve the family to offset the debt.
“I choose the Xuanzhen Black Water Scripture.”
This time, Ling Changqing did not hesitate, his tone resolute.
Even Tang Qiuyao showed a surprised expression at this. The Xuanzhen Black Water Scripture is the Ling family’s foundational cultivation technique, theoretically allowing one to cultivate to the peak of the Golden Core realm. It is the best cultivation scripture available for selection at the bank.
If Ling Changqing were a direct descendant of the Ling family, he could have cultivated it for free since childhood without any additional cost. However, distant branch descendants like him do not enjoy such privileges. The grade of cultivation techniques and scriptures directly relates to the stability of one’s Dao foundation and the potential for future advancement. Therefore, Ling Changqing had no intention of being stingy in this regard.
Even though the pressure of future repayments would be considerable, it was still fifteen years away. With the assistance of the Epoch Star Palace, he believed he could manage the burden.
Ling Yunfeng nodded: “The Xuanzhen Black Water Scripture is the clan’s foundational technique, reserved exclusively for members of the Ling family. If you weren’t surnamed Ling, no amount of resources would allow you to exchange for it.”
“Currently, you can obtain the first volume of the Xuanzhen Black Water Scripture at a discounted price of ten thousand low-grade spirit stones. The repayment can be made in twenty installments over fifteen years, with monthly payments.”
“As for the middle and final volumes, the required cost is significantly higher and requires corresponding amounts of Family Merit Points. Given your current low cultivation level, there’s no need to consider those for now.”
Truly exceptionally expensive…
Ling Changqing sighed and nodded in agreement.