When he saw Ling Zifeng again, the Lord Steward was on the foredeck, drinking alone. All the Pearl Gatherers were heading into the sea one after another to start their work.
Ling Changqing didn't beat around the bush. He approached the Steward and explained the situation in just a few words.
"Heh heh, you kid... Your Destiny is truly something else. I knew I wasn't mistaken about you!"
Ling Zifeng sighed in admiration. In the Cultivation Realm, the way of Destiny was profound and mysterious, impossible to grasp.
Even the legendary Nascent Soul and Divinity Transformation Old Monsters couldn't fathom its secrets.
It wasn't too rare in the Cultivation Realm to see examples of so-called trash with mediocre talent, deemed incapable of achievement, who managed to struggle up from the bottom and soar to the heavens.
Therefore, in Ling Zifeng's eyes, Ling Changqing's outstanding performance over the past six months was most likely due to his Destiny.
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Lord Steward."
Ling Changqing said humbly. 'Whether now or in the future, as long as I'm part of the Ling Family, it's absolutely necessary to maintain a good relationship with Ling Zifeng.'
Ling Zifeng smiled faintly, looking the young man up and down before speaking.
"You're already at the Qi Cultivation 4th Layer. Your need for Cultivation Resources is only going to grow. Why don't you... apply for another loan? It's standard family practice."
The family's upper echelon placed great importance on promising disciples of the Direct Lineage, so their applications for resource loans were easily approved.
Ling Changqing hesitated slightly. "I haven't even paid off the last loan. If I borrow again, won't the pressure to repay it in the future be even more ridiculous?"
It was true that as his Cultivation improved, Ling Changqing's efficiency at earning resources from the sea was much higher than he had imagined. However, because he was so busy with his Cultivation, he hadn't managed to save anything.
'It'll be a feat if I can pay off the current loan three years from now. If I keep borrowing, maybe...'
"This is where you're mistaken."
Ling Zifeng said nonchalantly, "When it comes to resource loans, you should always borrow as much as you can. Focus on raising your Cultivation first, and worry about everything else later."
"As for repayment, that's a problem for the future. As long as you have a high enough Cultivation level, do you think you'll have to worry about not being able to earn Spirit Stones?"
To say nothing of others, Ling Zifeng himself was over ten thousand Spirit Stones in debt to the family Money Shop. After all, his own talent back then was inferior to Ling Changqing's, so one could imagine how he had achieved his current Cultivation.
"Are you saying... that all the disciples of the Ling Family's Direct Lineage are more or less in debt to the family Money Shop?"
Ling Changqing asked in a low voice.
Ling Zifeng nodded frankly. "That's right! The monthly resource allowance the family provides is nowhere near enough. Without loans, how could anyone's Cultivation advance quickly?"
Seeking fortuitous encounters in the outside world was not only highly dangerous, but the chances of success were also incredibly slim. Not every Cultivator had the courage to try.
So, for Cultivators who had the backing of a clan or a Sect, borrowing for Cultivation was the most viable option.
Besides, almost every Cultivation Clan and Sect played the game this way. It was a quick way to raise the average Cultivation level of their disciples, which in turn meant an increase in the overall strength of the clan or Sect.
If other powers used this strategy to rapidly grow stronger while you didn't, you would inevitably be at a disadvantage if a war broke out.
In fact, history was filled with powers that had refused to change. In the end, they were all swept away by the river of time due to their lack of strength.
Spend tomorrow's Spirit Stones to raise today's Cultivation. This logic was prevalent throughout the current Cultivation Realm.
"Alright. If I can keep borrowing, then I'll go apply for another resource loan."
In the end, Ling Changqing made up his mind.
'Speaking of which, I still don't have any decent offensive Divine Techniques, not to mention a Magic Robe or Magical Artifacts. It's actually quite embarrassing.'
Since Ling Zifeng was willing to act as his guarantor again, there was no reason to refuse.
With his mind made up, Ling Changqing returned to his routine: working at sea during the day and staying up all night for his Cultivation.
Seven days later, Steward Tang Qiu Yao came to collect the resources again.
"...Hmm? You're already at the Qi Cultivation 4th Layer? Not bad, not bad at all!"
Upon seeing Ling Changqing, the peerlessly beautiful woman—resplendently dressed, her hair styled in an elegant cloud-like bun, looking graceful, radiant, and lovely—spoke with a surprised expression.
She remembered taking Ling Changqing to the family Money Shop less than half a year ago. The boy's growth rate truly surprised her.
"It was just a stroke of luck, and it's all thanks to Steward Ling's willingness to guide and support me."
Ling Changqing said with a smile.
Tang Qiu Yao grew thoughtful. After a moment, she asked, "In that case... you're planning to apply for another resource loan, aren't you? And with your Cultivation at the Qi Cultivation 4th Layer, your name can now be officially entered into the family registry for Direct Lineage members!"
Ling Zifeng nodded. "Indeed. So, Steward Tang, please take him on another trip. After all, he's from our Patriarch's branch of the family."
Tang Qiu Yao nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. Then it's settled."
Under the influence of the Era Star Palace's mysterious power, the stunningly beautiful woman's perception of Ling Changqing had undergone a subtle change, making her seem more friendly and approachable.
About half an hour later, having finished her business, Tang Qiu Yao departed with Ling Changqing. The magnificent Flying Ship rose lightly into the air and flew toward the distant land.
"Little one, be honest with me. What is the grade of your Spirit Root Talent?"
Inside the cabin, the radiant Tang Qiu Yao studied Ling Changqing, a hint of a smile gracing her beautiful, glistening eyes.
Ling Changqing replied, "It's not that great. It's a Human Grade Middle Spirit Root, complete with all Five Elements: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth."
Tang Qiu Yao mused, "Complete with all Five Elements, a Human Grade Middle Spirit Root is already considered quite a good talent. Among the new generation of Direct Lineage disciples, many don't even rank as high as you!"
Never mind Human Grade Spirit Roots; even Mortal Grade ones are rare. Most family disciples have Waste (or pseudo) Spirit Roots and have no possibility of Cultivation at all.
This was the reality for almost every Sect and clan. The descendants of Cultivators were not guaranteed to possess a Spirit Root; the majority were still ordinary people.
Therefore, for Ling Changqing, a disciple from a distant branch, to possess a Human Grade Middle Spirit Root complete with all Five Elements made him a rather promising seedling.
If he had access to the right Cultivation Techniques and Cultivation Resources, and if his Destiny wasn't poor, it was entirely possible for him to reach the Foundation Establishment Level in the future.
At this thought, the smile in Tang Qiu Yao's eyes deepened. "You're on your own for now, right? Have you thought about your future path? For example, finding a position by the Patriarch's side?"
'Since he's a promising seedling, he should naturally be placed in a suitable position to cultivate his loyalty. Only then can he be entrusted with important responsibilities in the future.'
Ling Changqing looked slightly taken aback. After a moment of thought, he replied, "For now, I think I'll stay as I am. My Cultivation isn't high enough yet. Other than working at sea, I don't know how to do anything else. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to adapt if I suddenly changed jobs."
For Ling Changqing, working at sea was currently the fastest way to earn Spirit Stones. The underwater resources were especially abundant, allowing him to secretly take his fill each time. He wouldn't find such benefits anywhere else.
Tang Qiu Yao pondered for a few breaths before nodding lightly. "If that's what you want, it's fine. I was originally thinking of finding you a safer position..."
'This kid goes out to sea every day and has managed to stay safe. His Destiny must be quite extraordinary. Anyone else would be dying to leave this godforsaken place as soon as possible.'
After a moment's thought, Tang Qiu Yao untied a Storage Pouch from her Jade Belt and personally handed it to Ling Changqing.
"You've been busy with your Cultivation and don't have many possessions. This Storage Magical Artifact is of decent quality. Consider it a gift."
The Storage Pouch, exquisitely crafted with a blue base, cloud patterns, and gold thread embroidery, shimmered with Spiritual Light and carried a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Ling Changqing hesitated for a moment before reaching out to accept it. "Then, thank you, Lord Steward."
"There's no need to be so formal,"
Tang Qiu Yao said with a beaming smile as she looked at the handsome, blue-robed youth with his exquisite features and ink-black eyes. "I'm a few years older than you. Why don't you just call me Senior Sister from now on?"
"Alright, Senior Sister Tang!"
Ling Changqing didn't refuse and agreed immediately.
The Storage Pouch had a considerable amount of space, about ten zhang in circumference. Inside were two bottles of Profound Yin Blood Essence Pills and a few Grade One Protective Talismans, all of which she had generously given to Ling Changqing.
Of course, Ling Changqing wasn't so narcissistic as to think Tang Qiu Yao had taken a romantic interest in him. After all, the gap in their status and position was quite large.
Only if the future Ling Changqing had the chance to reach the Foundation Establishment Level could he even begin to entertain such notions. For now, it was best to focus on his Cultivation.