Ling Changqing didn't have to wait long before Tang Qiu Yao returned.
Seeing the blue-robed youth still sitting primly in place, meditating and cultivating, the Female Steward felt a sliver of satisfaction. 'He's a hard-working little fellow. No wonder Ling Zifeng thinks so highly of him.'
"The Ling Family Bank isn't far. Let's head over now."
As Tang Qiu Yao spoke, the magnificent Flying Ship ascended gracefully, turning to fly toward the southeast.
The Ling Family Bank was a magnificent, heavily guarded palace.
Nine layers of White Jade Steps led to the main gate, where groups of Ling Family Cultivators stood guard in formation. Behind a screen wall, numerous Daoist Soldier Puppets with copper skin and iron bones were on standby.
The internal Defense Array was always on high alert, ready to be fully activated at the first sign of trouble.
After all, the bank stored vast quantities of Spirit Stones and various Cultivation Resources—all public assets of the family—so the security was naturally top-notch.
Tang Qiu Yao led Ling Changqing and two maids straight inside. Having already received word, the Bank Elder hurried out to greet them.
Ling Changqing took a look. The refined, gray-robed old man also had an Eighth Layer Qi Cultivation. His aura was majestic and profound, even surpassing Tang Qiu Yao's.
"Steward Tang, what instructions does the Patriarch have?"
The Elder, whose name was Ling Yunfeng, asked gently. She was one of the Patriarch's confidants, so even as a high-ranking member of the family, he dared not be disrespectful.
Tang Qiu Yao smiled faintly. "The Patriarch has no business at the moment. I've come today on behalf of another to handle a personal matter."
"A personal matter?"
Ling Yunfeng was a little surprised but said no more. He nodded. "In that case, Steward Tang, please come inside to speak."
The group entered a lavish, exquisite private room and took their seats. A maid immediately came forward to serve tea and pastries.
Tang Qiu Yao didn't beat around the bush, explaining the reason for their visit in just a few words.
"I see."
Ling Yunfeng's gaze fell upon the blue-robed youth standing beside Tang Qiu Yao. He inquired,
"Since Steward Ling Zifeng is your guarantor, do you have a token as proof?"
"The token is here. Please inspect it, Elder."
Ling Changqing took out a White Jade Token and presented it. Ling Zifeng had given it to him personally before he departed.
Ling Yunfeng took it and looked it over. In truth, this was merely a formality. There was no reason to doubt someone brought here personally by Tang Qiu Yao.
"That being the case, which type of loan do you intend to take, young man? You may choose two."
Ling Yunfeng asked with a smile. 'To get a Steward to sponsor him, and with Tang Qiu Yao's tacit approval... this young man must be quite remarkable, mustn't he?'
Ling Changqing answered truthfully, "I'm not yet familiar with the details of these resource loans. Would you be so kind as to explain them, Elder?"
"Of course. Allow me to explain for you..."
At a signal from Ling Yunfeng, one of the maids beside him spoke up, fetching a Jade Scroll for Ling Changqing to peruse.
The Ling Family Bank's loan rules and options weren't particularly complex. Setting aside the high-end loans, only a few were suitable for someone of Ling Changqing's status.
"In that case... I'll choose the installment plan."
After a moment of deliberation, Ling Changqing made his decision.
The total credit limit for this loan was three thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones. The borrower could choose to receive the Spirit Stones directly or take their equivalent value in Elixirs, Talismanic Magical Artifacts, or other resources.
The repayment period began in three years, and the loan could be paid back in ten installments, with a portion due each month. The interest rate was thirty-five percent.
'The interest rate is a bit high,' Ling Changqing thought. 'But in the Cultivation Realm, an era of great strife, a low-level Cultivator in a difficult spot is lucky to find anywhere to borrow resources at all. How could I expect more?'
Ling Yunfeng chuckled. "Young man, isn't a mere three thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones a bit low? You came with Steward Ling's guarantee, you can certainly choose a much higher limit!"
"Take this ten-thousand Low-grade Spirit Stone loan, for example. You could exchange it for several Qingyuan Cloud Dew Pills—the superior kind, free of impurities and Dan Poison."
"Take those Elixirs, and you could break through to the Qi Cultivation 5th Layer within three months. If your luck is good, you might not be far from the Qi Cultivation 6th Layer. Wouldn't that be much better?"
"..."
Ling Changqing frowned slightly. Just as he was about to speak, he caught a glimpse of Tang Qiu Yao's subtle expression from the corner of his eye and instantly understood.
"No, I'll stick with the three-thousand-limit loan."
Ling Changqing's voice was calm. "If the amount is too high, I can't be sure I'll be able to repay it in the future. It's better to be cautious."
Ling Yunfeng's eyes were profound. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I won't change my mind."
Ling Changqing said with certainty.
Other Cultivators might want to borrow as many Cultivation Resources as possible all at once, but the more satisfying it is to spend them now, the more painful it will be to repay the debt later.
The vast majority of borrowers delude themselves into thinking they can repay their loans on time, but reality often proves otherwise.
The consequence of overestimating one's abilities is losing everything and being reduced to a slave, with no hope of ever recovering.
The Cultivator-slaves on Zenxin Island always did the hardest, most exhausting, and most dangerous jobs. They were worked under the principle of: as long as it doesn't kill you, it's not enough.
Ling Changqing had no intention of gambling his entire future on a single misstep.
Ling Yunfeng sized him up for a long moment, then suddenly smiled. "Young man, your mental fortitude is remarkably steady. I have presided over the Ling Family Bank's affairs for many years, and I have rarely seen a junior like you."
"Very well, we'll do as you wish! Now, what about the Cultivation Method Scriptures? Which one will you choose?"
The second type of loan was for Cultivation Method Scriptures. Ling Changqing could choose a suitable Cultivation Technique or Divine Technique from a list to practice. Afterward, he would repay a corresponding amount of Spirit Stones based on the technique's grade.
Of course, the repayment terms for this loan were more lenient. Repayment could begin ten to fifteen years later and could also be paid in installments.
If he was truly unable to repay the debt, he could choose to offset it by serving the family.
"I choose the Profound Truth Black Water Scripture."
This time, Ling Changqing did not hesitate, his tone resolute.
This time, even Tang Qiu Yao looked surprised. The Profound Truth Black Water Scripture was the Ling Family's Foundation Technique. In theory, it could be cultivated all the way to the Golden Core Realm Great Perfection and was the best Cultivation Method Scripture available from the bank.
A member of the Ling Family's Direct Lineage could cultivate it for free from a young age, with no additional cost. However, a disciple from a distant branch like Ling Changqing did not receive such treatment.
The grade of a Cultivation Method Scripture was directly tied to the stability of one's cultivation foundation and the potential for future advancement, so Ling Changqing had no intention of being frugal in this matter.
Even though the pressure to repay the debt would be immense, it would be fifteen years from now. 'With the help of the Era Star Palace,' he thought, 'I should be able to afford it by then.'
Ling Yunfeng nodded. "The Profound Truth Black Water Scripture is the family's Foundation Technique. Only disciples of the Ling Family may practice it. If your surname weren't Ling, you wouldn't be able to obtain it even with all the resources in the world."
"You can now receive the first part of the Profound Truth Black Water Scripture, valued at ten thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones. Repayment begins in fifteen years and can be made in twenty installments, with a portion due each month."
"As for the middle and final parts, the cost is even greater, and they also require a corresponding amount of family contribution points to obtain. Your Cultivation is still low, so you don't need to worry about that for now."
'It's ridiculously expensive...'
Ling Changqing sighed but nodded in agreement.