Chapter 18: Ulterior Motives

Li Qing deliberately straightened his posture and looked toward Black Shark.

"Fellow Daoist, to be honest, the Deep Sea Thick Earth I obtained previously wasn't just the amount I sold to you."

"Because I was in a hurry to sell it, if you are interested, I can sell more to you again at a low price."

After speaking, without waiting for Li Qing to respond, Black Shark directly produced another large chunk of pitch-black Deep Sea Thick Earth.

The volume of this piece of Deep Sea Thick Earth was several sizes larger than the one Li Qing had held before.

A look of excitement appeared in Li Qing's eyes; this was not a deliberate attempt to play along with Black Shark's performance.

The Azure Sea Ghost Sand inside the Deep Sea Thick Earth was immensely valuable, and the mere thought of it made him feel agitated.

Furthermore, he had discovered something else: Black Shark actually had more stock in his storage bag.

"How do you plan to sell it?" Li Qing's tone became eager.

"He's taken the bait."

Hearing Li Qing finally speak, Black Shark felt a surge of joy in his heart.

"I can sell this piece to you at a low price, valued at eighty low-grade spirit stones." Sensing Li Qing's gaze, Black Shark continued, "But there is one matter I need your help with."

"Oh? What is it?" Li Qing continued to ask.

Seeing that Li Qing did not refuse, Black Shark became even more excited.

"To the east of Giant Wood Island, there is a nest of Azure Water Blue Snakes. The leader among them is a first-stage early-phase demon beast. I discovered a stalk of Blue Jade Grass inside."

"To tell you the truth, I have a brother who has been poisoned and urgently needs this Blue Jade Grass to detoxify."

"As long as you can help me slay the Azure Water Blue Snake, all other spiritual items inside, except for the Blue Jade Grass, will belong to you."

At this point, Black Shark's voice grew low.

He seemed to be thinking of his brother's injuries, causing his mood to sink.

Watching Black Shark's brilliant performance before him, Li Qing couldn't help but feel amused.

As expected of a cultivator with extensive experience in killing for treasure; if Li Qing were truly an inexperienced novice unaware of the truth, he might actually have been deceived.

"But why did you choose me?"

Li Qing continued to ask, feigning hesitation.

"Sigh."

"To be honest, fellow Daoist, I am merely a fourth-layer Qi Refinement cultivator."

"If I were to seek cooperation with others, once I encountered someone with ill intentions, I fear my life would be in danger."

"As for why I chose you, it is simply that I felt there was some fate between us, and since our cultivation levels are comparable, it is quite suitable..."

After finishing, Black Shark looked at Li Qing with a face full of sincerity.

In truth, Black Shark knew his explanation had loopholes, but he wasn't worried at all.

As long as a person possesses greed, all loopholes become perfectly logical.

Seeing that Li Qing was still hesitating and thinking, Black Shark launched his final strike.

"Do you know, once this piece of Deep Sea Thick Earth is handed over to the sect, the reward bestowed should be worth no less than one hundred and twenty low-grade spirit stones. Adding to that, the first-stage early-phase Azure Water Blue Snake—its demon core alone could be sold for dozens of low-grade spirit stones..."

Having said this, Black Shark stopped talking.

In the Haoyuan Sea Region, demon beast cultivation levels were divided into: First-stage Demon Beast, Second-stage Demon Beast, Third-stage Great Demon, and Fourth-stage Demon King.

These four stages corresponded respectively to the cultivator's Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and Nascent Soul stages.

After a moment of silence, seeing that Li Qing had yet to make a decision, Black Shark grew impatient.

"As expected of a sect cultivator, so hesitant and cautious in action," Black Shark thought to himself.

"Fellow Daoist, this is a rare opportunity for you. With this harvest, you won't have to worry about cultivation resources for a short period of time."

"With that, it won't take long for someone of your talent to reach the late stage of Qi Refinement..."

Upon hearing Black Shark's last sentence, Li Qing acted as if he had just realized something and immediately looked up.

Seeing this, Black Shark breathed a sigh of relief; he had finally convinced Li Qing.

"Where exactly is the place you mentioned?" Li Qing asked with a suspicious tone.

"Rest assured, that location is connected to Giant Wood Island, only about three to five nautical miles away from the island," Black Shark said excitedly.

"What you say makes sense. In that case, I will go with you."

Li Qing stood up and spoke solemnly.

"No time to lose. I think we should set off now. The sooner we get the Blue Spirit Fruit, the sooner I can resolve my urgent crisis," Black Shark said urgently.

"Fine."

"I can leave at any time."

Li Qing nodded in agreement.

After a few more words, the two immediately set off.

To deliberately avoid the cultivators on the island, the two began traveling along the island's edge.

During the journey, both men harbored ill intentions and were internally very excited.

Black Shark believed the plan was entirely under his control and was already eager to know the value of the treasures Li Qing was carrying.

Li Qing was naturally excited as well. With the Deep Sea Thick Earth in Black Shark's hands, the Blue Sea Ghost Sand refined from it would be enough to allow the Sea Suppressing Pearl to evolve once more.

That would be the true windfall.

At that time, Li Qing could be said to be carrying a first-stage spiritual vein on his person.

It would undoubtedly provide a massive boost to his cultivation speed in the later stages.

Coincidentally, the spirit stones in Li Qing's possession had been exhausted during this trip to Giant Wood Island; thus, this was a perfect chance to make a fortune.

The place Black Shark had chosen was perfect for ensuring their subsequent battle would not be discovered.

On the surface, Li Qing kept moving, but in reality, he was silently observing the situation behind him.

After traveling a certain distance, Li Qing finally felt at ease.

He discovered that there was only one person following behind—Black Shark's accomplice who had left earlier.

After traveling along the edge of Giant Wood Island for quite some time, they finally arrived near their destination.

Li Qing stepped out from behind the cover of a towering giant tree and approached the sea.

Before him was a path made of piled-up strange rocks.

The path was long and winding.

At the end of the path was a small island, which differed from Giant Wood Island; the trees on this island appeared much shorter.

The thick, sprawling root systems of various short, stout trees were exposed, looking like weeds covering the island.

"We've arrived," Black Shark said excitedly.

"The island ahead is exactly the place I mentioned."

"Good, no time to waste. Let's head over immediately."

After saying this, Li Qing walked straight forward.

Black Shark did not realize that Li Qing's tone had turned cold.

He thought Li Qing was rushing forward to complete his task as quickly as possible.

"No matter how careful one is, one eventually dies of greed."

Black Shark sneered inwardly as he watched Li Qing's back.

He glanced back and saw his companion's figure appearing in the distance.

Black Shark gave a hand signal to Black Wind behind him, then quickly followed Li Qing's figure.

"Fellow Daoist, once this matter is concluded, I believe your path to cultivation will become much smoother."

At this point, Black Shark revealed a smile.

"In that case, I must truly thank you for your support."

Li Qing's voice also carried a hint of laughter.

As the small island ahead drew closer, the figure of Black Wind following behind began to fully reveal himself behind Li Qing.