Translator: AnubisTL
The restriction lifted, and Shen Ningbing, clad in a thin blue dress, slowly entered.
Li Qing gazed at her slender figure and immediately asked, "Junior Sister Shen, do you have news about the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar?"
He didn't place much hope on this for obtaining the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid. While both were core formation spiritual materials, the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid was far rarer and more precious than the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar.
However, Shen Ningbing's reaction stunned Li Qing. She shook her head. "No, there's no news about the Heavenly Fire Treasure Nectar yet. What I have is information about the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid."
Before Li Qing could fully process this shock, Shen Ningbing continued:
"Senior Brother, do you remember the two mysterious cloaked figures we traded with before?"
The vivid image of those figures quickly surfaced in Li Qing's mind.
The small portion of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid he currently possessed had been obtained through a trade with those two in the black market.
"Of course I remember them," Li Qing replied, narrowing his eyes slightly, his heart pounding. "Could it be that they've brought more Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid this time?"
Based on their previous transactions, Li Qing estimated that the two cloaked figures possessed a substantial quantity of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid—likely enough for at least three foundation establishment cultivators.
After all, they were merely qi refining and foundation establishment cultivators themselves. Even in a trade, they would surely reserve at least two portions of the spirit liquid for their own use.
This was only human nature—prioritizing one's own needs first. It was hardly surprising.
Yet Li Qing grew increasingly curious about the true identities of these individuals, who could command such a vast supply of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid.
From his previous investigations, he was certain they weren't members of the Ghost Sword Sect.
Moreover, their identities must be highly sensitive, explaining their keen interest in the black market's affairs.
Unaware of Li Qing's thoughts, Shen Ningbing spoke directly:
"Senior Brother, the cloaked figures urgently need a third-tier crimson crystal. They're offering over half a portion of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid in exchange—enough to combine with your existing supply and make a full portion!"
Li Qing paused, then a playful smile crept across his face.
"Interesting. Are their needs for crimson crystals truly this urgent?"
"Previously, they offered ten drops of spirit liquid for a first-tier crimson crystal and a small portion of spirit liquid for a second-tier crystal. Now they're offering a large portion of spirit liquid for a third-tier crystal. Do they think they have me cornered?"
Although these core formation spiritual objects could be used even in incomplete portions, the increase in core formation success rate would be minimal. It was best to gather a complete set.
The two cloaked figures had been so generous with their Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid when trading with Li Qing for first- and second-tier crimson crystals precisely because they knew he couldn't gather a full portion of the spirit liquid on his own!
After a moment's contemplation, Li Qing asked, "Are those two still in Sunward City? I want to meet them personally."
Shen Ningbing replied, "They've already left, but they left a secret address with Zhang Da, saying anyone who goes there can find their trail."
"Then I'll come out of seclusion. I want to see what tricks they're hiding up their sleeves!"
With that, Li Qing rose from his refreshing cushion.
Having just refined his true essence, the only hurdle remaining before him now was core formation.
Continuing his seclusion to cultivate the soul core method could wait. Compared to obtaining a complete portion of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid, mastering the soul core method could clearly be postponed.
After all, the soul core method could be practiced anytime, but the opportunity to acquire Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid might be fleeting. Who knew when the next chance would arise?
Giant Deer Prefecture, eastern region.
In a remote mountain ravine near the Giantwood Forest, two figures soared through the air, one following closely behind the other.
"This is the place," Shen Ningbing said, her hooded figure hovering in mid-air. "Within a hundred-mile radius, this is the only ravine."
The spiritual energy here was so meager it barely surpassed that of a low-grade spiritual vein. It was hard to imagine any cultivator residing in such a desolate place.
"Let's go in and take a look," Li Qing murmured, his similarly hooded figure descending into the ravine alongside Shen Ningbing.
This wasn't recklessness, but absolute confidence in Shen Ningbing.
As a core formation realm cultivator with a variant spirit root and a formidable cultivation manual, Shen Ningbing's combat prowess was not to be underestimated, even though she had only achieved core formation half a year ago.
With Shen Ningbing by his side, Li Qing was confident that they could handle any situation that might arise.
As they advanced through the mountain ravine, spiritual light suddenly emanated from the ground around them.
A powerful formation had been laid here, capable of stopping most foundation establishment cultivators!
A resonant voice soon echoed through the ravine:
"Halt, intruders!"
Li Qing and Shen Ningbing stopped immediately, recognizing the voice as belonging to one of the cloaked figures they had met in the black market.
"Heh, Fellow Daoist, by blocking us here, are you no longer interested in discussing the third-tier crimson crystal transaction?" Li Qing asked calmly.
As soon as he finished speaking, the spiritual light of the formation dissipated.
"Ah, it's you two! Please, come in quickly!"
Uncle Fu stepped out from within the formation, his cloak gone, revealing his true face for the first time.
Li Qing scrutinized his features. The man had thick eyebrows, slightly downturned eyes, and graying temples, clearly showing his age.
As Uncle Fu emerged, a flicker of shock flashed in his eyes.
He sensed a faint, oppressive aura emanating from Shen Ningbing, causing his heart to race.
This woman is a core formation realm cultivator!
Having only spoken with Zhang Da at the black market, he had been completely unaware of Shen Ningbing's existence.
Upon confirming this, Uncle Fu's expression turned wary.
The black market's backing is truly mysterious. To have a core formation True Lord stationed here!
The depths behind this place must be far greater than I imagined.
"Have you brought the third-tier crimson crystal?" Uncle Fu asked, subtly retreating back into the array as he spoke.
Noticing his movement, Li Qing couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. This man is certainly cautious.
Of course, he had no right to mock others. If he were in Uncle Fu's position, he would likely act the same way.
"To be honest, we haven't acquired the third-tier crimson crystal yet."
Uncle Fu's expression immediately turned solemn and grave.
"What do you mean by that, Daoist friend? I clearly stated at the black market that I only deal in third-tier crimson crystals!"
This immediately triggered ominous associations in Uncle Fu's mind. Instead of bringing a third-tier crimson crystal, they had brought a core formation realm True Lord!
Could they be planning a forced seizure?!
Uncle Fu had already resolved to use the array formation to buy time, even at the cost of his life, to protect the young master's safety.
"Fellow Daoist, there's no need to be so tense," Li Qing said calmly, as if reading Uncle Fu's thoughts. "If I truly harbored ill intentions, I wouldn't have allowed my companion to reveal herself so openly. I would have kept her hidden in the shadows."
Indeed, a concealed core formation True Lord would have posed a far greater threat than the current situation.
"Fellow Daoist, let's be frank," Uncle Fu said, his vigilance unwavering. "Since you don't have the third-tier crimson crystal, what is the purpose of your visit?"
Li Qing smiled faintly. "We don't have the third-tier crimson crystal now, but that doesn't mean we won't have it in the future."
"However, I must emphasize that the value of a single third-tier crimson crystal far surpasses that of even half a portion of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid."
Uncle Fu fell silent for a moment. If a third-tier crimson crystal could indeed accelerate the metamorphosis of a third-tier demonic beast, it would undoubtedly be more valuable than half a portion of Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid.
"Then what do you want to trade for a third-tier crimson crystal?" Uncle Fu asked tentatively.
Given Wang Chan's current situation, she urgently needed to enhance the purple kirin beast's strength. By bathing her fleshly body in higher-tier Violetscale Beast True Blood, she hoped to alleviate the detrimental effects of her constitution.
However, demonic beasts typically progressed at a glacial pace. Even a purple kirin beast with its heaven-defying bloodline couldn't possibly leap to the third tier in a short span of time.
This created a fatal deadlock: Wang Chan's remaining lifespan simply wouldn't allow her to wait for the purple kirin beast to mature naturally.
Now, a glimmer of hope had finally emerged—this mysterious crimson crystal. She would seize it at any cost.
Hearing Uncle Fu's words, Li Qing felt a surge of confidence, realizing the man's desperate need for the crimson crystal.
With this leverage, he could now state his terms.
"Fellow Daoist, let me be frank. If you can give me the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid now, I guarantee you a third-tier crimson crystal within three years!"
"What do you say? It's just an advance payment of the spirit liquid, with no further cost to you."
This was Li Qing's plan.
He intended to obtain the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid first, use it to successfully form his core, and then have the confidence to hunt Third-Tier Exotic Beasts in the World of Eternal Night.
Otherwise, he would never recklessly attempt to compete with such formidable creatures.
Uncle Fu fell silent. To be honest, if not for the core formation True Lord standing beside Li Qing, he would have erupted in anger at this blatant attempt to get something for nothing.
"Fellow Daoist, how can I trust you? What if you take the spirit liquid and vanish without a trace?"
This was a matter of trust. Li Qing had already considered how to gain the other party's confidence.
"How about I swear a great heart demon oath on my dao and my life?"
The great heart demon oath carried significant weight, but Uncle Fu still shook his head. "That's not enough," he said. "The Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid is too precious. I can't trust you based on that alone."
Li Qing paused briefly before speaking. "Then, sir, what if I offer the entire black market as collateral?"
"If I were to abscond with your Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid, you could report to the Ghost Sword Sect that an unregulated black market exists within Sunward City. What do you say?"
Over the years, under Zhang Da's meticulous management, the black market had become surprisingly well-organized.
Li Qing made this offer because he understood that these two individuals likely had clandestine identities, or at least were at odds with the Ghost Sword Sect.
The black market had become the preferred trading ground for many cultivators with bounties on their heads. Unless absolutely necessary, no one would be foolish enough to report it to the Ghost Sword Sect.
Uncle Fu hesitated, seemingly considering the proposal.
But before he could respond, a voice as clear and refreshing as spring water echoed through the mountain ravine:
"Uncle Fu, let these two guests in. I'll speak with them myself."
(End of the Chapter)
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