Ancient Strengthening Technique (Portraits of Beauty) Ancient Strengthening Technique Chapter 1228-1230

AST 1228 – Named Qing Sha, Easy Attack

The girl’s abilities progressed at a tremendous rate. Right now, she was already an Early Grade Three State Master. Even Qing Shui was astonished by the rate of her progress. This was talent, this was bloodline. It was just like how a tiger’s cub would have an aura that was unique to a tiger which could cause many wild beasts to flee for their lives.

The girl seemed to be in such a situation. The Blood Terminator Bead determined her path and destined her for future extraordinariness. She was still so young but already had such astonis.h.i.+ng abilities.

The Spring of Life could remove some of the restrictions in her body, such as those placed on her life. Her lifespan was very low previously but Qing Shui had used fruits such as the Peach of Immortality, and other things to help her increase her lifespan by quite a bit. The Spring of Life had also increased once again it by quite a lot.

“Father!”

When the little girl regained her senses from her state and she looked at Qing Shui in surprise. Right now, she had a true smile on her face. Looking at this warm smile, Qing Shui realized that he was really very happy.

Qing Shui knew the reason. The girl had previously looked at this world with a pernicious aura. There was only hatred and disappointment in her life, but she couldn’t leave this world. It could be said that she lacked vitality.

The Spring of Life could replenish a lot of her vitality. Furthermore, with the efforts he had made, she now felt that there was still some warmth and some reliance she could have in this world.

“How is it? Do you like this present?” Qing Shui smiled and rubbed the little girl’s head.

“I like, I like it a lot. It feels really good.” The girl smacked her lips, showing an expression like she hadn’t enjoyed it enough.

Qing Shui knew that feeling, let alone this little kid. After all, she was still young and it was very normal. In this world, Qing Shui was already about forty years old. Although he was still considered to be very, very young in the Nine Continents, after all, he was a soul which came from another world. In his previous life, it would be very normal for one his age to have a kid that was sixteen or seventeen years old. Moreover, his line of thoughts was also around there.

Therefore, he felt very natural when this girl called him father. Moreover, he already had a number of kids and he didn’t find this unnatural.

“There’s no additional effect if you take this again within a short period of time. Have some more after a little while longer.” Qing Shui smiled and knocked on her clear forehead. His smile made the girl’s smile even brighter.

“I know that this is something good and should be very rare. To be able to give me a drop shows that father dotes on me a lot.” The girl tugged on Qing Shui’s sleeve and said happily.

Qing Shui realized that a drop from the Spring of Life really made the girl’s character a lot more cheerful. Previously, although they were considered to be on good terms, she wasn’t as happy as she was now. It must be because the girl had thought through some things that were burdening her.

“La.s.s, it’s about time for you to have a name.” Qing Shui knew that he should strike while the metal's hot, and thus he raised this issue up carefully.

“I like it when father calls me la.s.s. A name isn’t important. I’m fine without one.” The girl said nonchalantly but Qing Shui could still see a deep sadness in her eyes.

“Do you have any troubles? Father promises to help you with what you need to do.” Qing Shui looked at the girl and said, smiling.

“It’s fine. Daughter is in no hurry. I’ll settle it myself. I have time anyway.” The girl looked at Qing Shui and said with a smile in return.

Qing Shui let out a sigh. This made it clear that the girl really had something bugging her. He looked at the girl. “Sigh, I’m still going to say the same thing. If you were to go do what you must one day, you must tell me. At the very least, you must let me know.”

Qing Shui knew that it was useless to say anymore right now. Furthermore, it wasn’t as if she was going right away. Therefore, he didn’t press on.

“Mmm, I’ll tell father. How about father give me a name then?” The girl nodded and said with a smile.

“What’s your surname?”

“Since father’s surname is Qing, my surname is of course Qing.”

Qing Shui was stunned as he looked at the girl. Most people would not change their surnames unless they were not happy with their own family. Could it be that she had a problem with her family? It should be so.

“Then how about Qing Sha [1]? What do you think of this name?” The reason Qing Shui came up with this name was to constantly remind her that she had a pernicious aura on her.

“I like this name!” The girl said happily.

After they had their meal, it was already late morning. Qing Shui helped the girl to strengthen her foundations again, guiding the pernicious aura in her body. The Blood Terminator Bead turned into pernicious aura and moved through her body. Right now, it faintly showed signs of turning into a Blood Terminator Pellet. After it had taken the form of a pellet, it would be different from the pearl state it was in previously.

There was no righteousness in cultivation, with the exception of heresies’ cultivation which might require the use of corpses to cultivate Rotting Corpse Palm or things like that. Martial techniques in itself had no righteousness. The one that was righteous was the human. There were many paths in martial arts and it wasn’t necessary for one to make use of heretic means.

When it was nearing noon, a group of people came to Qing Shui’s manor once again. His main door was knocked open violently once again.

“The one who goes by the Qing surname! Scram out here!”

…

Only then did Qing Shui take out the needles. When he heard the loud noises and the racket, he frowned unhappily. The group from yesterday had left but it seemed that more experts were here today. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so arrogant.

“La.s.s, stay here and train. I’ll go take a look!”

“I’ll go too!” Qing Sha said quickly.

Qing Shui nodded helplessly. “Let’s go!”

Qing Sha smiled and grabbed onto Qing Shui’s sleeve as they headed out.

When Qing Shui and Qing Sha went out, they could see that there were about twenty people standing in the distance. Moreover, he saw Fu Yanting with his first glance. He knew that Fu Yanting must have been unable to hold it in. However, Qing Shui was surprised by the way he had chosen to come.

Qing Shui had originally thought that the other party would come while showing some humility. However, he hadn’t expected that Fu Yanting would appear to be even more savage than before. He was the one who had shouted the loudest out of all of them.

“How dare you mess around with me. I’ll let you live a life that’s worse than death. If you know what’s good for you, you better scram out here and give me treatment.”

When Qing Shui came out, it was just nice that he heard Fu Yanting’s shouts.

Qing Shui understood his feelings as a person who stood high up above others. He was the disciple of Elder Tianyi and his brother was Saint Child Band’s Saint Child. He could have everything he asked for. For him to suddenly have his life threatened, by a n.o.body at that… How could he possibly stay calm?

“What did you do to me? If you don’t come out with it, I’ll let you live a life worse than death. Don’t doubt my capability to do so.” Fu Yanting gritted his teeth as he looked at Qing Shui. It was as if he wished he could pounce at him and tear him into pieces.

“This is my manor. I’m inviting all of you to leave.” Qing Shui walked over with the little girl and said casually.

He paid no heed to Fu Yanting’s shouts and threats. It was as if he didn’t exist at all. Fu Yanting felt as if he had landed a punch on air.

“Young man, it’s better to resolve grudges than to make enemies. Please take it on my account and get rid of the restrictions you’ve placed on him.” An old man stood out and looked at Qing Shui.

His voice was very calm and there was a hint of pity in his gaze which was directed at Qing Shui.

Qing Shui knew that the old man must have felt that he hadn’t long to live and thus looked at him with such a gaze. After all, there weren’t many people who could keep their lives after offending Fu Yanting.

“Who are you?” Qing Shui smiled and asked.

Qing Shui had already guessed the old man’s ident.i.ty since the latter was a high level Grade Four State Master. In the past, Qing Shui might have thought that the old man was very strong. However, right now, he felt he could easily decide whether the old man lived or died.

“I’m Heaven Secrets Academy’s Elder Tianyi.” When the old man said this, he spoke with arrogance and pride.

It wasn’t easy for a person of Heaven Secrets Academy to become an Elder. Even the lowest level Elder was a powerful existence. It was a symbol of status and glory.

Qing Shui had guessed as much—that the old man was Elder Tianyi. However, his abilities didn’t seem to be as great as his reputation. Back when Qing Shui first heard of Elder Tianyi, he felt that his Elder status should be very high and thus so should his abilities.

However, why did he only seem to be on par with the Eldest Princess before her breakthrough? Then shouldn’t he be even further off from the Eldest Princess’ teacher? However, now that the Eldest Princess had attained a breakthrough, she should have grown a lot stronger.

“Oh? Elder Tianyi, are you guys always like this when you go to someone else’s place?” Qing Shui looked at the old man. There was no smile nor fury on his face.

“Alright, young man. This isn’t the time for us to dwell on this problem. We’re here to get you to treat Young Master Fu.” Elder Tianyi didn’t seem to be willing to hear what Qing Shui had to say and merely waved his hand and spoke out.

“Why must I treat him?” Qing Shui reb.u.t.ted the moment Elder Tianyi finished speaking.

Elder Tianyi was stunned speechless by Qing Shui’s words. As an Elder of the Heaven Secrets Academy, even core disciples would have to treat him with great respect. Elite disciples, high grade disciples, and others would have to be even more respectful toward him.

In the Heaven Secrets Academy, an Elder was already considered a member of the higher management, an existence which most of the disciples in the Heaven Secrets Academy could only watch in awe. Across the entire Western Oxhe Continent, the Heaven Secrets Academy’s Elder was also an existence at the top of the pyramid.

“Young man, don’t act on impulse and be driven by your feelings. You must understand where you stand.” The old man frowned. He was clearly very unhappy.

“Alright, I don’t welcome you guys here. It’s better that you leave. Don’t make it look bad for everyone.” Qing Shui really didn’t think much of a mere Elder.

“How dare you! Get him!” Elder Tianyi shouted out angrily.

The two slightly old men next to him dashed out toward Qing Shui, grabbing toward each of his shoulders.

“Coming to my place yet raising your hands. Is the Heaven Secrets Academy yours?” Qing Shui causally struck out.

Taichi Cloud Hands!

Pa pa!

Kacha…

With a casual wave, the two old men from earlier were sent flying. His moves seemed very leisurely but only the two old men knew how terrifying Qing Shui's prowess was.

The arms they had reached out with towards Qing Shui had both been broken and they were sent flying while puking blood. Qing Shui had already gone easy on them. Otherwise, they would have died.

Everyone was astonished at how Qing Shui had seemingly defeated the two old men with great ease. They were so silent that one would even be able to hear the sound of a falling needle. Although the two old men weren’t Elders in the Heaven Secrets Academy, their abilities were much stronger than core disciples.

However, even for people at their level, Qing Shui’s casual attacks had dealt them serious injuries!

Elder Tianyi was astonished. He felt that even he wouldn’t be able to defeat those two as cleanly as Qing Shui did. What level was he at? How did he become so powerful despite being at such a young age? Elder Tianyi was even wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him.

“Can you leave now? In the future, never be so headstrong when heading toward someone else’s place. And, as a senior, you should act like one. If everyone’s like you, won’t it bring shame to Heaven Secrets Academy?” Qing Shui acted as if nothing had happened but his words showed no mercy.

[1] The ‘Sha’ in Qing Sha’s name has the same character as pernicious/baleful in pernicious/baleful aura.

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AST 1229 – Departing in Dejection, Call me Sister Su

“We’ll leave. But before we do, I’m going to see what you’re capable of.” Elder Tianyi unleashed his aura, causing everyone else to retreat.

The people he had brought with him were beaten up and this was in Heaven Secrets Academy. He was an Elder of the academy while the other party was merely an elite disciple. Furthermore, the latter didn’t even give a hoot about him.

Qing Shui looked at Elder Tianyi and smiled. “You should leave. You’re no match for me. You can be barely considered a Peak Grade Four State Master and won’t be able to defeat me.”

When Elder Tianyi heard that Qing Shui could actually discern his cultivation level, his expression flickered again as he looked at Qing Shui. It was only now that he realized that Qing Shui was an unfathomable young man.

“Let’s go!” Elder Tianyi’s face turned dark and he eventually left in dejection with the two old men who were injured. Fu Yanting, the one who had made the loudest noise, left together after taking a look at Qing Shui.

“Do you want your life or your arm? Take your pick. If you want to live, then break your two arms.” Qing Shui voice rang out into Fu Yanting’s ears.

Fu Yanting trembled. He now knew that things might not be as simple as he expected. What kind of person was Elder Tianyi? To think that he could be frightened off by a young man.

This proved one thing. Qing Shui was very powerful. However, the problem now was that the more powerful Qing Shui was, the worse it was for him.

However, thinking of his elder brother, that unease dissipated. His elder brother would not leave him be. No matter how powerful Qing Shui was, could he possibly be a match for his elder brother?

The answer would be no!

In the end, he only glared at Qing Shui viciously and said, “I don’t have to lose anything and you’ll still have to treat me. You’re too young. There are too many things which you don’t know yet.”

Qing Shui didn’t look at him but just shook his head and wanted to head back. As if he was thinking of something, he looked toward the sky to see that a lady was standing in the air, smiling and looking at him.

Eldest Princess!

When the Eldest Princess saw Qing Shui looking at her, she smiled and flew over, appearing next to him in an instant. Qing Sha quietly took her leave.

Qing Shui knew that the la.s.s had left. He had gotten a little used to Qing Sha’s behavior and thus didn’t say anything. Even the Eldest Princess had gotten used to the girl’s behavior.

“You’ve attained a breakthrough again.” The Eldest Princess smiled as she looked at Qing Shui, her beautiful eyes s.h.i.+ning with an intoxicating glow, causing Qing Shui to go into a daze for a moment before he looked away.

After attaining a breakthrough, Qing Shui’s mental state had gone through some interesting changes. It was an urge to subjugate women. He found it strange that he would suddenly have such thoughts.

After thinking for a while, Qing Shui let it be. Even ordinary men would harbor such thoughts. It was just that ordinary people did not have that capability. When they had it, they would naturally chase after such thoughts. It wasn’t strange at all. It was just like how, in Qing Shui’s previous life, there would be people who kept lovers and mistresses. That was a capability in a way as well, albeit it wasn’t accepted by other people. Once a person gains power, they would become bad. For many people, it wasn’t that they won’t become bad but it was just that they weren’t capable of doing so.

“Mmm, I attained a breakthrough accidentally.” Qing Shui smiled and said. He didn’t dare to take a closer look at the Eldest Princess. Her skin that was snow white as jade would make a person have the urge to get a bite or two out of it.

“Do you know how many people would want to give you a bas.h.i.+ng because of what you’ve just said? To think that you’d say that you attained a breakthrough accidentally.” The Eldest Princess looked at this man who was now stronger than her, as she sighed with emotions.

His progress was really too fast. It was so fast that it was unacceptable.

Right now, Qing Shui finally knew the Eldest Princess’ cultivation level. The reason he could reach the cultivation level he was today was because of some legacies he had received and his amazing chanced encounter which eventually led him to have the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant.

The Eldest Princess’ strength was slightly above three million nimbus. Qing Shui knew that she had her own share of chance encounters and she was the youngest Elder in the Heaven Secrets Academy. Moreover, with her being as beautiful as a fairy, there were many people in Heaven Secrets Academy who were protective of her.

Right now, Qing Shui could roughly gauge the Eldest Princess’ cultivation but the latter wasn’t able to sense his. Qing Shui’s aura was very vague and even people who were at the same cultivation level as him, or possibly even higher than him, would not be able to tell his cultivation level.

The main reason was that Qing Shui’s change was too huge that it was simply unacceptable. This was also the reason why the Eldest Princess kept on accessing Qing Shui.

“We can be considered to have totally fallen through with the Saint Child Band.” The Eldest Princess changed the topic.

“This day would come sooner or later. What difference does it make whether it’s sooner or later?” Qing Shui shook his head and said.

“How can it be the same? Your cultivation improves at a tremendous rate and it can be said that you’re able to travel 1,000 li in a single day. If we wait it out a little more, we might really have a chance to pit against the Saint Child Band.”

Qing Shui belonged the Breezing Wind Veranda and was even more powerful than the Breezing Wind Veranda’s leader. Such a situation wasn’t common. In the world where the strong were revered, people competed in strength. It might be because the Eldest Princess had thought of these things that a hint of a complicated gleam flashed on her face.

“What level is that Saint Child at? Are you aware?” Qing Shui asked again. He was really very curious.

“Few people know of his level. Very few. There has only been rumors about it. Some people say that he has already attained a strength of ten million nimbus, but some people say he hasn’t. There are also people who say that he has already surpa.s.sed ten million nimbus.” The Eldest Princess smiled and said as she looked at Qing Shui.

Ten million nimbus… This was still acceptable for Qing Shui. After all, the other party was Saint Child Band’s leader and would naturally have an unordinary position in the Heaven Secrets Academy.

Qing Shui thought of himself. Right now, if he were to use the Seal of Roc, he could bring his strength to about 6 plus million nimbus. However, it was only when his attacking prowess for the Seal of Roc chanced upon the doubling effect would his attacks reach slightly over ten million nimbus.

He had the Emperor’s Qi while the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant had the Vajra Subdues Demons. Relying on his battle techniques, even if the prowess of his Seal of Roc weren’t doubled, he would still be a match for a person at ten million nimbus who was weakened. Right now, he should be considered one of the strongest in the Heaven Secrets Academy. Other than some ancient people, there were few who could be a match for Qing Shui.

“That Saint Child seems to be a great talent and I heard that he likes you a lot. If I were to fight with him one day, who would you help?” Qing Shui smiled and looked at the Eldest Princess.

He felt that this day would arrive. Moreover, right now, he wasn’t afraid of the Saint Child either. During this period of time, he would continue to become stronger. Therefore, his mood got better.

“You’ve become stronger and you’re even teasing me now.” The Eldest Princess looked at Qing Shui, as if she was smiling yet not.

“How would I dare? I’m already yours. I’m just afraid that you won’t help me when the time comes.” Qing Shui smiled bitterly and said.

The Eldest Princess opened her little mouth slightly, as if she wanted to say something. In the end, she reached out her hand and knocked on Qing Shui’s head. “You only know how to speak gibberish.”

She thought of what she had said the other time. She didn’t mean much. Qing Shui was a member of the Breezing Wind Veranda but if one were to take it seriously, it could be interpreted in a different light.

Qing Shui looked at the Eldest Princess and grinned. “I’m just joking, don’t take it seriously. I only felt that what you said sounded very domineering and you were especially beautiful.”

“You’re still going on? Is there no end to this? Oh right, I’m thinking of handing the Breezing Wind Veranda to you.” When the Eldest Princess heard what Qing Shui said, she felt speechless. This was the only man who would dare to be so brazen before her, only he would proclaim that his wife was very beautiful before herself, and only he would show no constraints and say how many wives he had before her.

“What would I want Breezing Wind Veranda for?” Qing Shui looked at the Eldest Princess, not understanding.

“With your current abilities, you’re able to lead them. In the future, our Breezing Wind Veranda might even be able to stand on equal grounds with Saint Child Band, Lord Sect, and the other factions.” When the Eldest Princess said this, there was a hint of yearning in her voice.

“Is Breezing Wind Veranda very important to you?”

“Mmm, very important. This is my faction. Even though it isn’t as powerful as Saint Child Band and Lord Sect, it’s not to be underestimated. There are also some people from Grade Three Dynasties and they are quite helpful to the Great Yu Dynasty.”

She had the Great Yu Dynasty behind her because she was a member of the royalty.

“Then Eldest Princess can bear to give me the Breezing Wind Veranda? Aren’t you afraid that I’ll run away with it?”

“You won’t be able to run. They won’t allow it.”

“Oh? They won’t listen to me? Are you getting me to go become a puppet?” Qing Shui smiled and said.

“How would it be possible for you to bring them along and run away when you just appeared? You’ll have to at least get them to trust you first before you do so.”

“Alright. Breezing Wind Veranda is your painstaking effort and I’m yours. I’ll definitely do my best to serve you.” Qing Shui had no intention of taking over Breezing Wind Veranda. He had other things to do.

This time around, the Eldest Princess couldn’t even retort. She knew that the more she did, the messier it would become. She increasingly realized that this young man was very mysterious, as if she had never known him at all.

“Share woe and weal together. I’ve got something here and will give you a drop. I’ll also give you some to give to Sister Yan and the Seventh Princess.” Qing Shui handed her a few small porcelain bottles.

“What is this?” The Eldest Princess looked at it with some curiosity.

“Not sure. Take a look.”

After the Eldest Princess opened it, she looked at Qing Shui in astonishment, “Spring of Life?”

Qing Shui was stunned. It seemed that this thing existed in this world as well, and the name was even the same. He continued to ask, “Spring of Life? This thing can increase one’s life and strength. There are many benefits.”

“I really don’t know what secret you have on you. Don’t let other people know that you have the Spring of Life. Even if you’ve become strong now, don’t say it.” The Eldest Princess reminded Qing Shui.

“Thank you. I will.”

The Eldest Princess didn’t ask what level of cultivation Qing Shui was at right now, nor how he got his hands on the Spring of Life. She also didn’t make another attempt to convince him to take over the Breezing Wind Veranda. Unknowingly, she realized that she had become very good friends with this young guy who seemed a little unfamiliar to her.

“Qing Shui, the way you previously called me is no longer suitable. If you don’t mind, you can call me Sister Su.” This was the first time the Eldest Princess had said something like this.

“That was what I was thinking. We’ve already become so close. I also think that this address is a little distant…”

Qing Shui went along with it and attempted to add a bit of teasing. He knew that there must have been no one who had spoken to someone like the Eldest Princess like this. He wanted to let her know more about the colors in life, but he didn’t know that his actions could let a woman change a lot.

Before Qing Shui finished, the Eldest Princess hand was already twisting his ear. It was only after she had done so that she felt that this action wasn’t suitable. This was the second time she had lost her cool today. However, since she was already twisting it, she might as well continue.

“Sister Su, please let go! It’s dropping off!” Qing Shui reached out with his hands to grab onto her hand that was twisting his ears, speaking with exaggeration.

He did this subconsciously. However, when he grabbed her hand, he realized that its softness and heat was a little cooling. It felt very comfortable.

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AST 1230 – Saint Lord Custodian, What Is Love

It was when Qing Shui grabbed onto that soft hand that he discovered that their relations.h.i.+p seemed to have gotten a lot closer. However, it was also when he took it that he knew that he had gone a little overboard.

The Eldest Princess only noticed that she had lost her cool once again when Qing Shui had grabbed her hand. She had never been like this before. By right, this was nothing between siblings, but the two of them hadn’t reach that stage yet and were just friends, or rather, slightly better than friends.

She quietly draw out her hands but realized that Qing Shui had grabbed onto it tightly.

“You little rascal. How long are you going to grab onto my hand for?” The Eldest Princess chided. She felt that it was too strange today that she didn’t think that it was not realistic.

Qing Shui released the Eldest Princess’ hand and saw that there was a faint layer of flush on her face. That charming beauty made him thought that she was good enough to eat and he really wanted to get a few bites…

This episode got them to be much closer. This wasn’t an improvement of a love relations.h.i.+p between a man and a woman, but it was hard to describe.

“Sister Su, you’re already Heaven Secrets Academy’s Elder. What other people are there in the Heaven Secrets Academy who are above the Elders? Those people should be the true pillars of the Heaven Secrets Academy, right?” Qing Shui tried to find another topic.

“Let’s take a walk around here. I’ll give you a brief explanation.” The Eldest Princess smiled and said and after Qing Shui nodded, they walked on.

“The Elders are the true foundations to the Heaven Secrets Academy. Only those who have become an Elder could be considered a true member of the Heaven Secrets Academy. There are quite a number of Elders in the Heaven Secrets Academy. In the future, these people would have the chance to become Custodians and the Supreme Elders. Only the Custodians and the Supreme Elder can be considered the core existence of the Heaven Secrets Academy, the people supporting the Heaven Secrets Academy.” The Eldest Princess only turned to look at Qing Shui after saying these.

“Then what status does the Saint Child has in the Heaven Secrets Academy?” Qing Shui thought of how the Saint Child’s abilities was rumored to be at ten million nebula or even stronger. Therefore, he wanted to know his own position in the Heaven Secrets Academy and wanted to see what level the Western Oxhe Continent was at.

“He is Heaven Secrets Academy’s Saint Lord Custodian.” The Eldest Princess said slowly.

“What’s a Saint Lord Custodian?” Qing Shui was puzzled.

“By right, after the core disciples would be the teachers, followed by the Elders. There would be Elders who have the chance to become a Saint Lord, whose abilities would be at the Custodian level and is slightly above the Supreme Elders. The Saint Lords are also those who have the hope of taking over the position of the head of the Heaven Secrets Academy in the future. Not only must a Saint Lord be powerful, he must be loyal to the Heaven Secrets Academy and there must be a lot of people supporting him.”

Qing Shui understood now. In simple terms, the Saint Lords were the future candidates who might become the head of the Heaven Secrets Academy in the future. Custodian referred to their abilities. The Supreme Elder wasn’t weak, but most of them attained their level through experience. Supreme Elders tend to be people who were very old in age who had gotten stronger bit by bit. There were also some Supreme Elders who had attained their positions due to their old age as well as the strength of their juniors. It was a form of respect to them.

Comparatively, the Custodians were different. They had attained their positions through their own abilities. There were no age limitations nor any costs required. The individual’s background would not be questioned. As long as one had the abilities and was loyal to the Heaven Secrets Academy, it would suffice. They would guard over the Heaven Secrets Academy and it was only those who played a role in guarding could be called a Custodian.

“Then in the future, Sister Su would also become a Saint Lord Custodian. You might even become the head of the Heaven Secrets Academy, bringing the Heaven Secrets Academy to exceed the Grade Four level even higher to Grade Five, reaching the very peak.” Qing Shui smiled and looked at the Eldest Princess.

“How can it possibly be so easy? Putting aside that it’s very hard for one to raise their cultivation, to bring up the level of an entire influence requires the overall improvement of the group.” The Eldest Princess shook her head.

" Sister Su, do you have any wishes? For example, to become a Saint Lord Custodian, or to become the head of the Heaven Secrets Academy."

"I do, but they aren't very strong. Sometimes, human just push themselves. Often, one doesn’t have a choice. It's not that others are forcing you, but rather, you are forcing yourself. It's human nature to want to win, regardless if it is for men or women. This is a pursuit. Just like how people would feel happy when they go through progress. Therefore, my wish is to hope that I can keep on seeing my own progress. And I hope that the path before me won't be filled with too many hurdles." the Eldest Princess smiled and looked at Qing Shui.

A lady with unparalleled beauty would be especially charming when she smiles. Although it is an exaggeration to say that beauties could draw out another person's soul. However, it's true that it can cause one to enter a daze and forget to breathe, especially under close view.

"I've learnt a bit about fortune telling through looking at one's appearance. You're born with a blessed life of great fortune, to have an amiable relations.h.i.+p with your husband, to have many offspring…"

The Eldest Princess looked at Qing Shui speechlessly. She knew that Qing Shui was just joking but it still felt weird. After all, she had never felt like this before. She wasn't used to this, but she didn't detest it.

The Eldest Princess wasn't sure what feelings Qing Shui harbored. She don't even know what's the relations.h.i.+p between them. In a sense, this can be considered to be an affinity between them.

She didn't know why she thought of relations.h.i.+p between a man and woman. She got a shock. She knew that the 7th Princess had taken a bit of a liking to this lad and back then, she was the one who had kept persuading the 7th Princess…

Although she knew that she didn't like this guy, she was still frightened by her own thought. She unknowingly discovered that they had gotten a lot more closer.

Everything now were things which she would never dare to imagine in the past. When she thought of this, she looked toward Qing Shui with a weird expression.

This man was very honest and his eyes were very clear. He looked very handsome with a soft demonic beauty. However, he also had a yang aura which distinguished him from gigolos.

"Do you like Suxin?" the Eldest Princess suddenly asked Qing Shui.

"Suxin? Who is Suxin?" Qing Shui asked, puzzled.

The Eldest Princess was slightly taken aback before she spoke gradually, "The 7th Princess' name is Suxin."

Qing Shui guessed as much. His question had popped out unconsciously. He really didn't know the 7th Princess' name and had only guessed it when he asked the question.

"Why are you asking?" Qing Shui looked at the Eldest Princess, puzzled. He didn't even know the 7th Princess' name and they haven't even spent time alone before. Moreover, he felt that there would be no such connections between himself and the 7th Princess.

Everyone liked beauties, but liking is not the equivalent of love. Qing Shui didn't know what love was, but he knew that if a person were to fall in love with another, the person would willingly give up and sacrifice a lot for the other party. Other than kins.h.i.+p, love was the only other thing with such great prowess.

"I noticed that Suxin might have a favorable impression of you, or she may even like you ."

"If I were to say that I've a favorable impression of you and may even like you a little, what would you do?" Qing Shui looked at the Eldest Princess and asked softly.

The Eldest Princess was stunned, "Why didn't I sense anything…."

Qing Shui felt baffled and said, smiling bitterly. "That's it. A good impression is something that will come and go very quickly. These are but temporary. For example you can think well of a person, but when the other party shows their bad side or do things which you can't accept, the positive feeling you may have would disappear completely very soon. To like a person, is even simpler. Take myself for example, I like beautiful ladies, but what would that matter? Everyone likes beautiful things and it's also very normal for there to be feelings of like between men and women. However, that isn't love and won't be able to stand up to tests."

The Eldest Princess looked at Qing Shui. He was really honest. She felt that this man wasn’t that detestable. Moreover, what he said made sense too. People who could say something like this would at least be one who was honest and dare to admit his own actions.

“Then what is considered love? How can it be tested?” The Eldest Princess asked.

“Toward love, 100 people would have 100 explanations to it. There aren’t any right or wrong to this, nor are there any model answer. For example, between two people who loved each other, one could die in order to protect another, while the other would commit suicide because he or she wasn’t willing to stay alive alone. To some people, this could be called love. Another scenario would be for the latter to choose to live on, to look for someone he or she love even more. That is another form of love as well. It was because when the former died in a bid to protect the other party, the person wished for the other party to stay alive.” Qing Shui smiled and said.

“Which kind are you?” The Eldest Princess looked at Qing Shui, her beautiful eyes glimmering.

“I’ll be the one who dies for the other party. This way, I won’t have to feel conflicted if it’s better to die or to remain alive.” Qing Shui said calmly.

The Eldest Princess’ question was wasted, but she liked his reply. It wasn’t for any other reason, but was just a feeling.

“I’m curious. In your heart, what is love?” If others were to know that she was discussing about love between men and women, their jaws would definitely drop from the shock.

In fact, even Qing Shui was a little taken aback. Although the princess continued to treat this topic with ease, and was still beautiful like a fairy, there was still a hint of a mortal’s dignified disposition. Such a contradiction made the temptation she exuded to be even more lethal.

“They say that only love that can be put through tests is true love. I feel that no matter what love is, when it reaches an extreme, it would turn to kins.h.i.+p, into a love that is bound by blood. It’ll be just like the love one has toward his birth parents and blood siblings.” Qing Shui smiled and said to the Eldest Princess.

There was no need for him to explain any further. A normal person would know what kins.h.i.+p feels like. Kins.h.i.+p was one which would never change. What Qing Shui wanted to say that, only when the love reached a new extreme, it would become a love like this.

“I never knew that you’re this good with words. No wonder you have such a beautiful wife.” The Eldest Princess smiled softly and said.

…

“Help me stay on guard for a while. I’ll take it now.” The Eldest Princess shook the porcelain bottle she had in her hand.

“Alright!”

Time pa.s.sed very fast, and there weren’t any huge disturbances. However, Qing Shui still felt that the aura in her body had gotten stronger. When the aura calmed down, she opened her eyes.

Qing Shui now felt that the Eldest Princess’ strength was a bit indistinctive, but he knew that the increase was huge. She looked at Qing Shui and smiled, “Good things are really different. One drop from the Spring of Life is comparable to several decades of cultivation.”

Qing Shui felt that the reason he could absorb those powers previously was also thanks to the Spring of Life. There should also be some powers from the Spring of Life which he had absorbed then.

The benefits obtained from the Spring of Life was permanent. The improvements to the body’s functions and potential would affect one for life.

“If I get more in the future, I’ll give it to you again.” Qing Shui smiled and said.

“I should be leaving. Qing Shui, you must be careful. I know that you might have your own secrets, but you still must be careful. Will that Fu Yanting die?” The Eldest Princess gave it some thought before asking.

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