Eternal Life by Dual Cultivation-Chapter 120 - 107: Xue Qingtan: At Least You Have Some Conscience
Xingyun sun Commerce Association Branch, Longhuan Island Marketplace.
In a luxurious and quiet VIP room, Ling Changqing and Xue Qingtan sat opposite each other.
"...You know, this is the first time you’ve ever come looking for me on your own!"
Across from him, the radiantly beautiful and elegant Xue Qingtan, dressed in a bright red gown, offered a gentle smile as her large, bright eyes sized up the handsome, purple-robed youth before her.
The truth was, the main reason she’d agreed to oversee this branch was her faith in the future potential of both the Ling Family and Ling Changqing himself.
Ling Changqing remained silent for a few breaths before saying softly, "I’ll come by more often when I’m free."
Xue Qingtan nodded slightly. "Alright, tell me. What brings you to see your Senior Sister this time?"
Ling Changqing took out a Jade Scroll wreathed in Spiritual Light and placed it on the table. His expression grew solemn.
"I am here on behalf of my family to take out another loan for a batch of resources. As for the collateral... it will be our assets on Changqing Continent and Longhuan Island!"
"..."
Xue Qingtan’s expression shifted slightly, and a peculiar tone entered her gentle voice. "This is no laughing matter. Have the upper echelons of the Ling Family... truly thought this through?"
Ling Changqing nodded. "I received the Patriarch’s permission before coming. I have full authority to handle this matter." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺
Xue Qingtan studied him with a complex expression and said slowly, "It seems the Ling Family is in a grim situation."
Ling Changqing did not shy away from the sensitive topic.
"The leaders of those three families have publicly declared that they will not give up their claim to Changqing Continent and will fight the Ling Family to the death.
That is why we must prepare for the coming war, which has forced our hand."
This battle was inevitable, and the Ling Family had no room to retreat. They could only choose to confront their enemies head-on to the very end.
In the future, the Feiyu Sea Region was destined to have only one true ruler.
After a moment of silence, Xue Qingtan said softly, "The loan is not an issue. What resources do you need this time?"
"We need to rent two Early Grade Magical Treasures, one set of Core Formation Resources, four Third Rank Daoist Soldier Puppets, and a large-scale Third Grade Protective Array..."
Ling Changqing recited a long list in a steady voice.
This was the result of a discussion between Ling Qiyue and the senior Elders. For the Ling Family to gain complete control of Changqing Continent, they would have to completely wipe out the three opposing powers: the Bai Family, the Yuan Family, and Yu Long Island.
Thus, these resources were intended to end the war as quickly as possible, as well as to set up a Third Grade Protective Array in the core region of Changqing Continent and to nurture the younger generation of disciples.
Furthermore, Ling Tianhe, one of the Ling Family’s first three Foundation Establishment Cultivators, had reached the Foundation Establishment Peak Realm, so the Core Formation Resources were meant for him.
The loan amount was staggering, but as long as they won the war, the Ling Family would be more than capable of repaying the debt with the abundant resources produced on Changqing Continent.
Xue Qingtan pondered for a moment before speaking. "This loan is quite large; it exceeds my authority. I’ll need to request approval from headquarters before I can give you an answer."
Ling Changqing asked, "Headquarters won’t refuse, will they?"
Xue Qingtan said, "I’m seventy percent sure they will agree. But in my opinion, even if you get these resources, winning the war won’t be easy.
Why not take a suggestion from me and find some outside help? Let them take some of the pressure off you. That’s how you can guarantee that control of Changqing Continent doesn’t fall into someone else’s hands."
Ling Changqing was pensive. "Senior Sister, you mean... hiring those itinerant Loose Cultivators in the Marketplace?"
Xue Qingtan smiled, pursing her lips. "It certainly is much easier dealing with someone as sharp as you!"
Things are different now. Most of the skilled Loose Cultivators in the entire Feiyu Sea Region have congregated on Longhuan Island.
There are plenty of Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Stage among them, and even more in the late stage of Qi Cultivation. If you can recruit a group of them to serve your family, your chances of winning this war will be much greater.
Ling Changqing nodded. "That’s a good idea. It’s just a matter of spending more resources, and the Ling Family won’t be stingy with that price right now."
Xue Qingtan elegantly set down her teacup. "Junior Brother Ling, please wait a moment. I’ll go contact headquarters."
Ling Changqing naturally had no objections. He watched her rise and walk away, the graceful sway of her waist causing the fabric of her skirt to ripple, revealing alluring curves.
A few moments later, Xue Qingtan returned.
"Elder Shentu has agreed,"
Xue Qingtan said with a smile, "In seven days at most, all the resources you requested will be shipped over from headquarters!"
Ling Changqing breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Senior Sister. To show my gratitude, I’ll treat you to Spirit Wine and fine cuisine at the Xianwei Pavillion some other day!"
"It’s a deal!"
Xue Qingtan beamed, her radiant, jade-like face blushing slightly, and her bright eyes shimmered.
Ling Changqing rose to take his leave. As he brushed past her, he discreetly slipped a Cold Jade Box into her hand.
Xue Qingtan raised a delicate eyebrow. Only after he had left did she open the Cold Jade Box. Inside, she found the Inner Core of a Third Rank Demon Beast.
Even for a Cultivator at the True Pill Level, this was by no means a meager gift.
’This guy... I suppose you have some conscience after all. It wasn’t a waste for me to put in a good word for you with the Elder!’
Xue Qingtan’s beautiful face flushed, and she couldn’t conceal the delight in her eyes.
At her current level of Cultivation, resources from the Foundation Establishment Stage could no longer meet her needs. Resources at the Core Formation Level were what she needed most.
The Inner Core of a Third Grade beast from the deep sea could be used as the primary ingredient for refining the Crystal Condensation and Transcendence Pill, an indispensable resource for breaking through to the Core Formation Realm.
After leaving the Xingyun sun Commerce Association branch, Ling Changqing lost all interest in strolling about and headed straight back to the family headquarters to see his senior sisters.
