Ancient Strengthening Technique (Portraits of Beauty) Ancient Strengthening Technique Chapter 683-684

 

AST 683 – Two months later, heading to Village of Longevity

 

 

"That is the White Jade Skeletal Structure from the Divine Skeletal Structure!"

 

 

Qing Shui had read the introduction about women with such a body const.i.tution in Art of Observing Females, it was just like the special skeletal structures of the ladies in the Portraits of Beauty. "Could it be that Yuan Su was like one of the ladies in the Portraits of Beauty?" Qing Shui thought to himself.

 

 

Qing Shui felt that the twelve Portraits of Beauty are not sufficient to present all the beautiful women in the World of the Nine Continents. Instead, he inferred that the Portraits of Beauty was made to present the twelve different body const.i.tutions of beautiful women.

 

 

In the Art of Observing Females, it is stated that women with White Jade Skeletal structure have beautiful and intelligent looks. Furthermore, they are blessed with a great apt.i.tude for cultivation and good medicinal herb absorption. The book provided examples of some accomplished beauties and there were quite a few of them which had the White Jade Body const.i.tution.

 

 

Yuan Su was not a cultivator so she did not need to stabilize her body condition. When she realized that she could move, she quickly dressed. Her face became scarlet red again and was very alluring.

 

 

"Can I start cultivating now?"

 

 

After she finished dressing up, she regain a little of her usual composure. However, her mannerism was vastly different from her usual cold and distant demeanor, right now, she couldn't even look at Qing Shui when she was talking to him.

 

 

"All your major meridian channels have been cleared. Your dantian has also recovered. You can now cultivate normally. If you want to clear some of the smaller meridian channels, you will need the Meridians Clearing Pellet. I saved some for you. However, because I have limited ingredients, I don't have many." Qing Shui took out the Meridians Clearing Pellet and other medicines which he had promised to her previously. He also gave her some of useful medicinal pills and other fruits. He did this without much thought.

 

 

He had acc.u.mulated quite a lot of fruits and they were exceptionally suitable for a person like her without any cultivation. Most good medicinal pills would be wasted on a normal person but a Strength-Enhancing Fruit was more practical. Those fruits can help her establish a good foundation, strengthen her body and also slightly enhance her natural body const.i.tution.

 

 

Yuan Su opened her mouth as though she wanted to say something but she remained silent in the end. Even though she could cultivate now, she did not feel as happy as she antic.i.p.ated.

 

 

She did not know how to face the man in front of her, she just looked blankly at Qing Shui while he kept his Golden Needles.

 

 

"How are you feeling?" Qing Shui asked casually. Qing Shui could understand how Yuan Su was feeling. Perhaps, she just needed a couple of days or maybe this could really turn them into total strangers.

 

 

"Thank you!" Yuan Su said softly. Regardless, she knew that Qing Shui had helped her and she willingly accepted the treatment. No one forced her, so such a matter was really out of his hands, thus she knew that she needed to thank him.

 

 

"We are friends, so thanking me is not necessary. I just want you to be as before. Don't carry any burdens over this in your heart, otherwise it will be difficult for you to become a strong cultivator with this burden." Qing Shui consoled.

 

 

"Yes, I know. I'll be fine in a few days." Yuan Su said, forcing a smile. She gazed at Qing Shui as if trying to remember him in her heart.

 

 

Yuan Su informed Qing Shui that she would send more ingredients to him and then she left.

 

 

Yuan Su headed back to Medical Prescription Chamber with Di Qing and a few of her juniors while Di Chen and QIng Shui only sent them to their carriage.

 

 

"Is she cured?" Di Chen said softly.

 

 

"She is." Qing Shui replied looking at Di Chen, she still retained her usual demeanor.

 

 

&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;
A few days pa.s.sed quickly and Qing Shui spent his days quite leisurely. Everyday, he would teach Di Xian his martial arts. While Di Xian was learning Hidden Weapon Technique from Qing Shui, her overall stats increased rapidly. This was a combination of her good foundation and Qing Shui's ability to teach.

 

 

The day before, Village of Longevity sent over quite a lot of Qianji Wood. Once Qing Shui laid eyes on that translucent green Qianji Wood, he immediately stuck one into the soil in his Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal just to try and see if it will germinate. Qing Shui did not know whether that Qianji wood was the type of root perennial that could propagate from its roots so he was just trying his luck.

 

 

Qianji Wood is obtained from the Qianji Tree. Only one to three half-foot long Qianji Wood with the girth of a baby's arm could be harvested from a single Qianji Tree each time and can only be harvested every one hundred years.

 

 

In this period of time, Di Xian was well on the right path in her cultivation. Qing Shui had given her all the tips he could, and even guided her directly for more than a week. That was not a long time but it was sufficient. After all, a master can only guide a disciple so much and the rest is up to the person. Qing Shui basically did not consider whether or not she could achieve success as it was up to her.

 

 

Qing Shui decided that he should look for the Three Tailed Immortal Fox Blood soon. Once he found it, he would be able to create the Everlasting Pellet. Once that was done, Qing Shui decided that he would return to Greencloud Continent to get Elder Fei and the others. They will then head over to Eastern Palace Clan to collect the debts chalked up in the past.

 

 

Qing Shui's strength had greatly increased after his Diamond Crossing Rivers reached the Perfection Stage. At his current stage, he had a significant advantage in speed but he still looked forward to his Diamond Gigantic Elephant's growth. If his Diamond Gigantic Elephant becomes even more powerful, Qing Shui could tap its Instantaneous Diamond Evasion and State of One with Elephant to enhance his own strength.

 

 

Nine Continent Boots! This could be a heaven-defying footwear that Qing Shui tempered everyday. Without even considering Nine Continents Steps Effects, the speed boost that the boots provided could drive one insane with jealousy. It could definitely be cla.s.sified as 'G.o.d-like' level equipment now.

 

 

Di Chen's matter had been totally resolved so Qing Shui was greatly relieved. However, he knew that there were others waiting for him: Elder Fei, Grandfather Lin, Yiye Chuge&h.e.l.lip;

 

 

Even though the burden he bore weighted like a thousand countries, Qing Shui was motivated. Qing Shui willingly did all these and was never forced by anyone.

 

 

Di Chen looked at Qing Shui who was lost in his thoughts. His straight-backed figure could be compared with a strong pine tree. At that moment, she found him deeply profound as she did not expect that even he could present himself in such a manner, as if no one could defeat him.

 

 

Di Chen laughed. Her natural laughter had an aura which transcended mere mortals.

 

 

In the blink of an eyes, two months had pa.s.sed. Nothing much happened during this period and everything was peaceful. Qing Shui concentrated wholehearted on his training during this time.

 

 

His Ancient Strengthening Technique edged forward another five cycles and his other skills also progressed. Regarding his alchemy, Qing Shui managed to clear many of his small meridian channels with the medicinal herbs that Yuan Su had sent. But, he still left about five hundred Meridians Clearing Pellets for Yuan Su.

 

 

Half a month ago Qing Shui met Yuan Su once, due to the agreement regarding the medicinal pills. He realized then that Yuan Su had already grown from a normal person without any cultivation to a Martial Commander in just over a month. Her progress was incredible.
Yuan Su explained to Qing Shui that it was because of the medicinal pills from her clan and also because she practiced a unique technique. The technique came from a book that belonged to her clan which n.o.body else could practice. Somehow, she just had an impulse to test it out and she was actually suitable to practice the technique. That was an exceedingly joyous occasion for the Su Clan.

 

 

After the conversation Qing Shui had with Di Qing regarding the question that he did not know how to answer, they never had the chance to interact without others around. Gradually, the two of them seemed to have forgotten the incident. However, Di Qing no longer teased Qing Shui, instead she gradually returned to how she was before, having that aura of magnanimity.

 

 

"Qing Shui, go early and come back soon!" Di Chen and the Di clan waved their hands bidding their farewells to Qing Shui.

 

 

Qing Shui decided to head out to look for the Three Tailed Immortal Fox Blood. He did not know how much time he needed so he promised Di Chen that he would return in half a year regardless of the outcome of his search.

 

 

After leaving the Di residence, Qing Shui decided to go to Village of Longevity first. Since they visited the Di residence because of him, he should visit them out of courtesy. He also wanted to see if he could meet a Three Tailed Immortal Fox there.

 

 

Nine Continent Steps!

 

 

Qing Shui used only a short amount of time to reach the Village of Longevity since it was also within Seven Stars Country. It was actually only a day's journey away from the Di residence.

 

 

At the Mountain of Longevity&h.e.l.lip;

 

 

The Village of Longevity was located on the Mountain of Longevity. Mountain of Longevity was ma.s.sive and it stretched further than the eye could see. On the other hand, the circ.u.mference of the Village of Longevity was only 30 li and spread over four peaks. From where he was, he could see what a marvel the place was. The four peaks were actually experiencing four different seasons each: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

 

 

Flouris.h.i.+ng trees with blooming flowers; torrid heat with dense vegetation; ripening fruits with yellow leaves; snow-covered land with piercing winter winds. As Qing Shui approached the mountain, he could clearly sense the 'atmosphere' of the four seasons with his Spiritual sense.

 

 

The place was like a realm for deities, it was quiet and a tranquility hung in the air. When Qing Shui reached the foot of the Mountain of Longevity, he was surprised to find that Elder Ying and the other old men were already standing there at the entrance of the only path that lead up to the mountain. Of course, if one chose to fly, they wouldn't need to use the path but there was still no one in the entire Seven Stars Country that would dare to fly up to the Village of Longevity.
"Qing Shui, you're here." The old men greeted him cheerfully.

 

 

"Sorry to trouble all of you elders!" Qing Shui was rather happy to see the old men there. He could feel their genuine sincerity since they really did not have to do that considering their age.

 

 

Qing Shui followed Elder Ying and the other old men up the mountains through the winding stone steps.

 

 

Qing Shui could sense the dense spiritual energy in the surrounding atmosphere. This was really a heaven for all cultivators. A person could progress twice as fast if he trained here, that was double the effectiveness of a Spirit Concentrating Pill.

 

 

The Village of Longevity occupied the four most iconic mountain peaks as they stretched deeply inwards creating four mountain systems with four different seasons. Not surprisingly, the Mountain of Longevity was also called Four Seasons Longevity Mountain and within it there were many ferocious demonic beasts, poison beasts and fantastic beasts. It was a very dangerous place.

 

 

These were the words from Elder Ying.

 

 

"Sir, can Three Tailed Immortal Foxes be found here?" Qing Shui asked lightheartedly. Anyway, even if he wanted to explore the mountain, he would need to inform that old man.

 

 

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AST 684 – An Encounter with White Jade Jiao

 

 

"Three Tailed Immortal Fox?" Elder Ying asked looking at Qing Shui.

 

 

"Yes, I really need some Three Tailed Immortal Fox Blood right now." Qing Shui said as he walked alongside the old men.

 

 

"Yes, you mentioned that before. As you can see, the depths of Mountain of Longevity are filled with spiritual energy so there are many special and rare beasts living here. In addition to that, the unique ecology that allows the four seasons— spring, summer, autumn and winter to coexist mean that this place is suitable for all sorts of demonic beasts. You have to take note of one point though. It is extremely dangerous in the very depths of the mountain and that is a forbidden place in the Village of Longevity. In the Village of Longevity, only peak Martial Saints can access that location and even so they must not travel further than one thousand li." Elder Ying said in a serious manner after he gave it some thought.

 

 

"So if I would like to just try my luck there, sir, will you approve?" Qing Shui considered for a while but still decided to proceed.

 

 

"Qing Shui, I think very highly of you. Don't call me practical but everyone is the same. From your journeys, you should know that I think you are a most outstanding young man with the highest potential. I really don't wish for you to take such a risk." Elder Ying sighed.

 

 

"Thank you for your concern. I have already thought about it. I won't venture too deep into the mountains. I should be able to defend myself under such circ.u.mstances." Qing Shui replied giving a faint smile.

 

 

"Alright, it's up to you!" Elder Ying contemplated then laughed.

 

 

They had already reached the top of the Mountain of Longevity and he could see the entire village. Regardless the season that peak had, there were gigantic trees growing. The houses were all under these huge trees. The gigantic trees reached up to the skies and their canopy provided shelter against the rain and the wind. They also provided fruits and food for the village.

 

 

As the canopy of the trees are is high, thunderstorms were nothing to worry about since the houses were under the trees. The trees were so tall that even if the canopy was struck by lightning, the electric discharge would not even be able to reach the ground.

 

 

There were many old people around. There were also many young people and middle aged people. The people here all have very long lifespans. Qing Shui and the other old men were now at the 'Spring' mountain peak.
Old men with little or no cultivation and children lived on the Spring Peak and Autumn Peak.

 

 

There were the least people on the Summer Peak. Notably, there were actually many people living on the Winter Peak as many people liked winter. The beautiful winter scenery was very attractive and for people with high cultivation, the temperature basically did not affect them much. As a result, most of them actually chose to live on the Summer or Winter Peaks.

 

 

"Qing Shui, what do you think of this place?" Elder Yin chuckled.

 

 

"Great! It's great! Of all the places I've ever been, this is the best. It isn't a stretch to say that this is paradise on earth." Qing Shui said sincerely and laughed.

 

 

The few of them entered a large courtyard. There were no beautiful pavilions or luxurious decorations. Everything was simple and natural yet still very beautiful.

 

 

Many of the small houses were made of wood and had another sort of exquisiteness and elegance. The women here all bear a different sort of grace. To Qing Shui, the place reminded him of how some of the northern minorities lived in his previous life.

 

 

The large courtyard was also divided into two areas. The front was the hall and the back was the living area. Houses surrounded the hall on four sides.

 

 

There were old and young people within the courtyard.

 

 

"Elder brother!"

 

 

"Father!"

 

 

"Grandfather!"

 

 

"Great Grandfather!"

 

 

A group of people of all ages greeted Elder Ying respectfully. Those who called him Great Grandfather were about five to six years old. The children were pure and innocent and very friendly.

 

 

Elder Ying carried two of the children happily. "All of you should just be like these two children. Just be natural and easy going! All of you are developing backwards with all your training."

 

 

The others just smiled, helplessly. Elder Ying introduced Qing Shui. They all actually knew who he was so they cheerfully welcomed Qing Shui as well.

 

 

There were many cultivators in the Village of Longevity, young and old. The number of cultivators was relatively higher than that of other places. It could possibly be because of the density of spiritual energy in their environment.

 

 

Ying Clan was the largest clan here. When one mentions the Village of Longevity, they most likely referred to the Ying Clan. Elder Ying was the current head of the clan. He had seventeen brothers and most of them shared the same birth father but different mothers.

 

 

The small party that went up the mountain included Qing Shui, Elder Ying and three others. It was apparent that the main building was Elder Ying's residence while the surrounding buildings belonged to other people from the Ying clan.

 

 

The few of them laughed and chatted as they entered a sightly taller building in the front courtyard. Once they entered, Qing Shui discovered that the interior was entirely different from its exterior. The building looked simple and unadorned from the outside but the interior was lavishly decorated in a manner that was not in any way inferior to a high-cla.s.s residence in the capital city.

 

 

Qing Shui was dazed for a moment but quickly regained his composure. This was actually normal, such a thing was actually normal.

 

 

The banquet was already prepared. The various dishes were all the specialities of the Village of Longevity. The aroma of food permeated the air and one glance at the food whetted everyone's appet.i.te.

 

 

"Qing Shui, this is my first grandson. Even though he can't compete with you. He's quite good." Elder Ying pointed out one of the men who looked slightly older than Qing Shui.

 

 

"I am Ying Lie. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. I am really happy to be able to meet you today." The man was comparably more discreet, he spoke with a friendly tone, neither subservient nor overbearing. He made a favourable impression.

 

 

"Brother Lie, we are all friends, you don't have to be so courteous." Qing Shui replied.

 

 

Qing Shui knew the Elder Ying did this to recommend his grandson. After all, his grandson's age was close to his and he was quite talented. The old man probably wanted to maintain their relations.h.i.+p so he arranged for the two younger men to have more interactions.

 

 

After the meal, Qing Shui more or less got to meet the members in Elder Ying's immediate family. Acquaintances can be chosen and not everyone had to be remembered. Qing Shui only briefly acknowledged some of the people since he knew that there were only so many people that could really help him.

 

 

In the end, Ying Lie brought him to his accommodation in the Village of Longevity. It was a small building that was only a hundred meters away from the main building and looked to be of a slightly higher grade.
The interior was similarly lavish. It would be ridiculous to let Qing Shui live in a place that was any less decorated since the banquet was held in such a luxurious looking place.

 

 

"Brother Lie, are you always here at the Village of Longevity?" Qing Shui asked casually.

 

 

"I spend most of my time here in the Village of Longevity training. I do go out a few times a year but I usually only spend a maximum of two months outside." Ying Lie replied with a smile.

 

 

"It is a privilege to be able to live here peacefully, guarding your own family. Furthermore, this mountain is an enchantingly beautiful place." Qing Shui commented honestly.

 

 

Since he was sixteen, he had been travelling all over the world. He had struggled with so many life and death encounters. From Qing Clan's manor to Hundred Miles City, then the Skysword Sect, Cang Lang Capital City, Southern City, Heavenly Palace, Greencloud Capital City and so many other places in between such as Flowerfruit Mountain. Now he was in the Central Continent and had established himself in one of the countries. It invoked some mixed feelings as he thought of this.

 

 

"Everyone has different life experiences, so what you yearn for is usually different from what you expect. I actually feel that it is a little boring here but since my Grandfather had already made plans for the progress of my cultivation, it is not really convenient for me to leave." Ying Lie smiled, looking like he had no way out.

 

 

"You will soon know the benefits of that. Elder Ying is a wise man. He definitely has his own reasons for this." Qing Shui said out of politeness.

 

 

"I know quite a lot about you, especially your encounters with death. I really admire that you have gone through all those events but it must have been difficult for you." Ying Lei commented after some contemplation.

 

 

Qing Shui just smiled and did not say much. Many people admired him now but who could understand the pain that he had to go through. Especially during the time of his 'Rebirth'. He had to persevere through an inhuman torture that not many people would be able to withstand.

 

 

Qing Shui sensed for Ying Lie's ability and found that the man was at the peak of Grade Three Martial Saint. The man wasover forty but his capabilities were really not bad. It wasn't surprising since he was recommended by Elder Ying.

 

 

Ying Lei only stayed for a while and left shortly. They built a mutual understanding and could now be considered friends. While there were limitations to such a friends.h.i.+p, Qing Shui treated all his friends very well. Since they have decided to become friends, Qing Shui would accept the person sincerely unless the other party decides against it.

 

 

Qing Shui spent three days in the Village of Longevity. During this time, Elder Ying, the brothers and Ying Lei brought Qing Shui around to look at the scenery nearby and told him a lot about the Mountain of Longevity.

 

 

Qing Shui now said his farewells to the old man heading towards the depths of the Mountain of Longevity. He had rejected the old man's offers to have people accompany him. The old man did not insist as having a group of people to follow Qing Shui seemed like they were trying to monitor him.

 

 

Qing Shui decided to head down the path from the Winter Peak since Three Tailed Immortal Foxes prefer an extremely cold climate. He had only intended to just visit the Village of Longevity, he did not expect to see such marvels. The Mountain of Longevity was actually the largest and most famous mountain the the area and its depths presented multiple dangers.

 

 

Since he had already decided to search for some Three Tailed Immortal Fox blood within half a year, Qing Shui would never cower. His abilities had already improved significantly so Qing Shui did not feel nervous at all. He felt more relaxed this time since he overcame all the previous dangers.

 

 

Following the cold ravine, Qing Shui continued into the depths. After he walked about fifty li, there was a sheet of white in front of him. It was a boundless snow covered land; the snow was fresh.

 

 

The ground was covered with cold-resist vegetation which was covered by the fresh snow. Just like an ice tree, despite the piercing cold, there were many wild beast and bird types which were resistant to the cold.

 

 

Even though Qing Shui had already travelled for a hundred li, he did not meet any demonic beasts. Elder Ying had mentioned that the place was extremely dangerous, even a Peak Martial Saint may lose his life if they travel past the thousand li mark.

 

 

Three hundred li!

 

 

Qing Shui spent two days travelling this three hundred li. This was because he had to survey and check that the area was safe before he can proceed, he trusted Elder Ying's words.

 

 

While Qing Shui was observing his surroundings, he suddenly spotted something that made his heart beat faster.

 

 

It was a White Jade Jiao crawling on the ground!

 

 

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