443: Borrowing money

Qian Province City, Qin Residence.

Qin Shutong had been dispirited recently, often staring blankly in one direction, unresponsive when spoken to by others, and only hearing after being called several times.

“Sigh…”

Associate Prefect Qin stood under the corridor, looking at his daughter in the garden, and let out a soft sigh, “Fate has not arrived; it cannot be forced.”

The woman beside him said with heartache, “It’s just hard on Shutong. Her heart was completely set on that Young Master Liang, only to end up with such a result.”

Associate Prefect Qin was also helpless. That Liang Yongzhuo was clearly extraordinary at first glance. If Qin Shutong wasn’t his daughter, she would probably be even less worthy of him.

“It will get better with time.”

“I hope so…”

Just as Associate Prefect Qin and his Great Madam were about to leave, they heard a servant report, “Master, Young Master Liang requests an audience.”

“Who?” Associate Prefect Qin raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Who?!”

Qin Shutong’s voice suddenly rose. At this moment, her ears suddenly became sharp again. Her star-like eyes gleamed as she looked at the servant, her face full of excitement.

“Liang… Young Master Liang.”

That servant had seen Xu Sanyan before, so he could recognize him at a glance.

Qin Shutong asked no more questions and ran towards the main gate at extreme speed.

Even when she was on the arena stage, she had never been this fast.

The Qin Residence’s main gate was wide open, and Xu Sanyan stepped in.

“Liang gege!”

Before Xu Sanyan could clearly see, a fragrant figure rushed towards him, her hands tightly embracing his waist, as if afraid he would leave again without a sound.

Xu Sanyan immediately felt a warm, soft embrace. The unique fragrance of a young girl filled his nostrils; it was wonderful.

“Shutong, Uncle is watching.” Xu Sanyan showed a hint of embarrassment, gently pushing Qin Shutong, but she didn’t budge.

“I don’t care!”

Qin Shutong’s tone seemed to carry a hint of resentment, and her arms tightened even more.

Associate Prefect Qin didn’t mind; on the contrary, he watched the two with a smiling face, not stepping forward to disturb them.

Xu Sanyan was helpless and could only gently pat her back to soothe her. It was a long while before he finally broke free.

“Nephew, where have you been these past few days? Why did you leave without a word? You really made us worry.”

Xu Sanyan cupped his hands, “Junior could not bear the pain of parting, so I had to leave quietly. Please, Uncle, do not blame me.”

“Haha, it’s good that you’re back. It’s not peaceful outside recently. Riding the wind from Luan Yun Mountain, a group of demonic cultivators have appeared from who knows where to cause trouble. Lord Li is busy every moment.”

Xu Sanyan said admiringly, “Lord Li cares for the common people, working tirelessly without complaint. He is truly admirable.”

As they chatted, the group entered the main hall. Associate Prefect Qin said, “That previous residence is still empty. Nephew, you can continue to stay there.”

“Thank you, Uncle.”

Xu Sanyan’s expression was somewhat conflicted, seemingly with an unmentionable difficulty.

“What’s wrong, Liang gege? Is there something you want to say?” Qin Shutong asked with concern.

Associate Prefect Qin secretly shook his head. A young lady just won’t do; she hasn’t even married yet, and her elbow is already bending outwards.

Xu Sanyan’s expression was clearly for him to see. Even Qin Shutong could tell, so how could Associate Prefect Qin not understand? The reason he hadn’t asked was waiting for him to speak first, which would allow for more room to maneuver.

But since the topic had come to this, Associate Prefect Qin couldn’t pretend not to see it and could only echo, “Nephew, if you have something to say, just say it.”

Xu Sanyan pursed his lips, his expression slightly embarrassed as he said, “To be honest, Uncle, I urgently need a large sum of Spirit Stones, and my Sect is too far away. Out of desperation, I shamelessly ask Uncle for help…”

Upon hearing this, Associate Prefect Qin breathed a sigh of relief. It was just borrowing Spirit Stones. This was a small matter to him.

“How much do you need, Nephew? Just say it.”

Xu Sanyan slowly extended a finger, “One million.”

“Hmm?” Associate Prefect Qin froze. One million?

“Ah?” Qin Shutong was also shocked, saying in surprise, “That much?”

Xu Sanyan quickly stood up and said, “It was inconsiderate of Junior. Let’s pretend this matter was never brought up. I’ll think of other ways.”

Seemingly feeling that he was asking too much, Xu Sanyan became even more embarrassed, repeatedly bowing to express his apologies.

However, this made Associate Prefect Qin appear stingy.

Qin Shutong looked up at her father. She didn’t dare to speak up about such a matter either.

“Hmm…”

Associate Prefect Qin gently tapped the table, turned his head to look at his Great Madam beside him. The two seemed to be communicating with their eyes. A moment later, the Great Madam nodded, and Associate Prefect Qin also had a clear idea.

Most of the family’s assets were managed by the Great Madam. Even Associate Prefect Qin wasn't entirely sure how many Spirit Stones the Qin Residence could produce. Since the Great Madam nodded, it proved that there were enough Spirit Stones.

However, whether to lend and how to lend were matters Associate Prefect Qin needed to consider.

“It’s not impossible…”

Xu Sanyan was overjoyed. With these Spirit Stones, he could proceed with the final step.

“Nephew, what do you need so many Spirit Stones for?” Associate Prefect Qin asked curiously.

Xu Sanyan lowered his gaze. Of course, it was to sacrifice them.

But he certainly couldn’t say that, so he lied, “Junior’s Cultivation Technique is special and requires regular absorption of Spirit Stones. This time, I left in a hurry and didn’t prepare many Spirit Stones, so…”

“I see.”

Associate Prefect Qin slowly nodded. He could lend the Spirit Stones. In fact, at their level, Spirit Stones were already dispensable and not as important as imagined. It was just a large sum, so he still cautiously asked a question.

Associate Prefect Qin wanted to build a good relationship with Xu Sanyan. If possible, marrying his daughter to him would be even better. Then they would be a family, and a mere sum of Spirit Stones would be insignificant.

However, Xu Sanyan was thinking of sacrificing them, using their Spirit Stones to accomplish his own goals.

These one million Spirit Stones were enough. Xu Sanyan had originally planned to ask for a bit more, to leave them room to bargain, but he hadn't expected Associate Prefect Qin to be so generous and lend him the entire amount.

The Great Madam went to retrieve the Spirit Stones, and Associate Prefect Qin chatted with him. Somehow, the conversation turned to the matter of Luan Yun Mountain.

Associate Prefect Qin said with a worried expression, “This calamity is extraordinary. Some time ago, Your Majesty sent people into Luan Yun Mountain to investigate. All seven members of the group disappeared, including Cabinet Minister Xu and Imperial Guard Commander Wu. This Commander Wu is a He Dao Realm Perfection expert, yet his life and death are unknown. Who knows what exactly happened inside Luan Yun Mountain…”

Xu Sanyan’s eyes flickered, recalling the Blood-Flesh Giant hidden in the thick fog. Its towering figure exuded immense pressure. Not to mention a He Dao Realm expert, even if a Saint were to act, the outcome would probably be uncertain.

“What does the Imperial Court… plan to do?” Xu Sanyan asked curiously.

Associate Prefect Qin shook his head, “I’m not sure. In the end, they might have to ask a Saint to intervene.”

“Saint…”

Xu Sanyan had only ever heard of Saints, never truly seen one.

It is said that there are only five Saints in Central Province, each presiding over one of the Five Great Sects. Although Gan Country has the largest territory, it has no Saint presiding over it, subtly bowing its head to the Five Great Sects.

“Then why not invite one earlier? Wouldn’t the people in these provinces die in vain?”

“Haha, it’s not that easy. Look at Qidao Sect of Yong Mountain, it has long been enveloped in mist, but have you seen a Saint act?”

“Why is that?”

“Because of the cost…”

Associate Prefect Qin sighed, seemingly unwilling to say more.

At this moment, the Great Madam returned and handed the Storage Pouch to Associate Prefect Qin, who then passed it to Xu Sanyan.

At this point, the final condition was met.