Ancient Strengthening Technique (Portraits of Beauty) Ancient Strengthening Technique Chapter 1383-1384

AST 1383 – He Is Yan Di [1]? He Is In Soaring Dragon Continent, The Demon Lord Palace Is One of the Four Evil Influences

Qing Shui didn’t deny this but didn’t say much either. He merely nodded.

“I don’t know much, only that many people call him the Yan Di. He’s a powerful existence in the Soaring Dragon Continent. I don’t know the details,” Linghu Yu looked at Qing Shui and said, smiling.

Yan Di… Qing Shui was stunned. Was this his name or how others addressed him? Soaring Dragon Continent… How did the Soaring Dragon Continent compared to the Dancing Phoenix Continent?

They say the dragon soars and the phoenix dances… The two of them should be about the same!

“Thank you for telling me this,” Qing Shui gave his sincere thanks.

“You’re welcome. But the relations.h.i.+p between the Soaring Dragon Continent and the Dancing Phoenix Continent isn’t good. Therefore…”

“I know. Don’t worry. I know what I should do.”

Qing Shui heaved a sigh of relief as well. He finally had news of him. This was also considered a breakthrough. He had initially thought that that man was in that vast and endless Haohan Continent. It was better for him to be in the Soaring Dragon Continent. It would be easier for him.

“Sir, I have another question to ask.” Since Qing Shui found someone who knew of a lot of things, he couldn’t help but want to ask more.

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony. Go ahead, as long as it’s things that I know of, I’ll tell you,” Linghu Yu said, being very friendly.

“I’d like to know about the situation regarding the Demon Lord Palace.” Qing Shui hesitated a little before asking.

“The Demon Lord Palace?” Linghu Yu once again looked toward Qing Shui strangely. He knew that Qing Shui would definitely not ask about things for no reason at all. Since he asked this, they must have some relations.h.i.+p. However, how was he related to the Demon Lord Palace? It was clear that they weren’t enemies. Could they be friends? Family?

At that moment, Linghu Yu couldn’t make up his mind.

Qing Shui seemed to have seen Linghu Yu’s hesitation and said, smiling, “Sir, you just need to tell me the truth.”

Linghu Yu nodded, “The Demon Lord Palace is one of the four evil powers and are at bitter ends with those righteous powers. The Demon Lord Palace is situated in the intersection between the three continents and their territory expands out to many areas in each continent.”

Linghu Yu didn’t say much but gave the most generic reply as he looked at Qing Shui’s expression.

“Is the Phoenix Dance Organization enemies with the Demon Lord Palace?” After Qing Shui asked this, he realized that his question was a little stupid.

“We must be. It’s because the creed of the Phoenix Dance Organization is to be righteous…” Linghu Yu said softly.

“I’d like to know if the Demon Lord Palace is really one of those evil influences that would commit all kinds of evil?” Right now, Qing Shui didn’t even know what answer he wanted when he asked this.

“There’s no clear distinction between justice and evil. Those on the path of evil can’t possibly kill everyone they see either. The bad guys would also need a reason for killing. Righteousness and evil are just relative. It could be that to the people from the Demon Lord Palace, the righteous influence are just hypocrites and are even worse compared to those evil powers. Therefore, there’s actually no clear distinction of the good and the bad. There’s only enemies and vengeance.” Linghu Yu smiled and looked at Qing Shui.

Qing Shui smiled as well. “You’re truly wise. Are there no powers in the three continents that can wipe them out?”

“There must both good and evil in this world. This is a balance. No matter how peaceful the times are, there will still be bandits. No matter how rich a city is, there’ll be people who are poor. There are both good and evil powerss at each level and they each have their own means of survival. Therefore, their existence alone keeps up with the laws of the world.”

Qing Shui nodded. He agreed a lot with what this old man said.

…

In the Yelang Clan’s hall, an old man, who was like a lion, appeared with an extremely grim expression. Yelang Qianyuan was grovelling before him, terror-stricken. The clan had lost over ten False G.o.ds and to the Yelang Clan, it was as if they had lost an arm. How could the old man not be infuriated? Yelang Qianyuan was a sinner.

Yelang Qiankun stood at the back, remaining very silent. He wore a very sad expression. He had reminded them repeatedly previously, trying to stop them. However, the many years of superiority and arrogance they had felt had blinded their eyes. This time around, Yelang Clan would be up against their greatest tribulation.

Even if they were to utilize the power of their entire clan to wipe out Qing Shui, what good would that do? Yelang Clan would be dealt a severe blow and they would probably end up being wiped out by other powers and disappear into history. They might even end up being wiped out by that young man himself.

The old man at the top understood this well and was now extremely infuriated. He decided to take action himself.

“If I don’t get rid of this kid, I won’t be able to remain calm. This will result in me being unable to attain a breakthrough either.” The old man was extremely infuriated.

When Yelang Qiankun heard what the old man said, he sighed once again. Although it wasn’t loud, many people in the hall heard it, including that old man.

“Qiankun, what are you sighing for?” The old man was now a little regretful. Right now, he felt that this junior was more reliable compared to Yelang Qianyuan. This is the time for them to protect the clan’s development, therefore, he felt that Yelang Qiankun was more suited for the job. However, he seemed to have been too hotheaded previously.

“Old Master, with you around, Yelang Clan will be able to develop peacefully and rapidly. There won’t be any problems for the Yelang Clan to reach new heights. If anything were to happen to you, then it’s really the end for the Yelang Clan.” Yelang Qiankun no long held any reservations and went straight to the point.

What he said was a little bold and many people in the hall were perturbed. At the same time, they also admired Yelang Qiankun’s bravery. Another reason was also because Yelang Qiankun was really thinking for the sake of the Yelang Clan.

The old man didn’t blow off his top and remained silent. He had lived very long and had learned to accept many things in life. To be looking down from a high position was an att.i.tude. Right now, the Yelang Clan had reached a position where it was hard for them to turn back.

“Qiankun, then what do you propose that we do? To accept this setback just like this?” The old man had now calmed down.

“Old Master, that young couple’s future achievements aren’t something that the Yelang Clan can catch up with. I’m not trying to intentionally bring down our Yelang Clan. It won’t have to take them long, not even three to five years. Old Master, even if we can’t be friends we him, we mustn’t make an enemy out of him,” Yelang Qiankun said solemnly.

“Yelang Clan has been too superficial. I’m old now. Qiankun, Yelang Clan will be left for you to take charge of. You’ll call the shots for any matter concerning the clan. Unless the clan is facing a life and death situation, then don’t come and disturb me.” With that, the old man disappeared.

Yelang Qiankun didn’t feel too happy. In a big clan, things like this were very common. He was already very disappointed with the Yelang Clan. The safety they had been enjoying for so many years had caused them to lose their sanity.

If it wasn’t for this, Yelang Clan wouldn’t have had to sacrifice over ten False G.o.ds for nothing. It was still not too late. The later they stopped, the harder it would be for them to salvage the situation. Thankfully, Yelang Qianyuan had kept a low profile in this operation. Although there were people who knew that it was the Yelang Clan, there weren’t many of them.

However, he was worried that Qing Shui would bear enmity toward them and take the initiative to find trouble for Yelang Clan. Rubbing his head, Yelang Qiankun headed outside.

…

The next day, what took Qing Shui by surprise was that Yelang Qiankun had come to become a customer of the Imperial Cuisine Hall. This was the only person from the Yelang Clan which Qing Shui was still willing to talk to. He didn’t even wish to look at the other members from the Yelang Clan. If it wasn’t because of Tianhe Renmo, Qing Shui would probably have killed Yelang Wuji the previous time. However, he wanted to leave Yelang Wuji for Tianhe Renmo.

The Yelang Clan was meant to decline. Qing Shui wasn’t one who would allow himself to be bullied. The fact that he wasn’t planning on taking action now didn’t mean that he wouldn’t do so in the future. He wouldn’t mind paying them back in kind for what they had done to him.

Yelang Qiankun was a clever man and didn’t try to talk Qing Shui out of anything. It was because right now, Qing Shui had yet to say that he was going to do anything. He could only take practical actions and use time to neutralize Qing Shui’s thoughts toward the Yelang Clan.

He had previously promised Qing Shui that he would give the Imperial Cuisine Hall a good environment and had now started to work on this. Yelang Clan’s regulations were also stricter now. This was especially true if the younger members acted arrogantly, they would be seized and dealt with harshly.

However, all this was of no concern to Qing Shui. He had no mood to care about what they did. Many people now felt that the Imperial Cuisine Hall wasn’t simple due to the visit from the Linghu Clan as well as what the Yelang Clan had done for them.

In a few days time, the reputation of the Imperial Cuisine Hall was now stronger. It was because Linghu Tui, had, like his name, gone through a transformation [2]. His body, which was previously fat, had now completely recovered to be how Linghu Clan’s number one genius had looked in the past. He had regained his abilities as well. Everyone knew that these were all thanks to the Imperial Cuisine Hall’s Miraculous Physician.

Another thing was that the fragrance that came out from Imperial Cuisine Hall was so nice that some people had the urge to barge in and s.n.a.t.c.h the things for themselves. It was a pity that the place wasn’t one that just anyone could enter. Only the people with the “Guest Card” given out by the Imperial Cuisine Hall could enter and the one entering could only be the person themselves.

The fragrance was naturally from things like the Jade Steamed Bun.

When Qing Shui came out, he was surprised to find a little kid with tattered clothes. The child was seated at a corner near the door and had fallen asleep.

Qing Shui was stunned. This child only appeared to be about three years old and was wearing torn and tattered clothes. The child was very thin and weak. Qing Shui walked over slowly. The child had very long hair and seemed to have a pale countenance. However the child had exquisite features. It was a girl.

As if sensing that someone was around, the la.s.s opened her pair of big eyes. They were very clear but appeared to be very lost. There was some dirt on her little pale face.

“La.s.s, where’s your mother?” Qing Shui squatted down and asked softly.

The la.s.s shook her head softly and her eyes appeared even more lost. However, she didn’t cry. Her gaze would tug at one’s heart.

Rumble~!

The la.s.s’ stomach growled loudly and she reflexively touched her stomach, twitched her nose and then looked toward the Imperial Cuisine Hall.

The la.s.s blinked her pair of big eyes as she looked at Qing Shui. Qing Shui also heard the sound of her stomach growling and quickly took out two piping hot Jade Steamed Buns, handing them to her.

She was still a kid after all and she wasn’t even at the age at which she could remember stuff.

The girl took the buns and started eating them in big bites. However, her actions didn’t appear abrupt but only made one felt pity for her.

Just then, Yehuang Guwu walked out and squatted down next to Qing Shui. She looked at the little girl and her eyes grew increasingly brighter, “Qing Shui, look at how young she is. She must have been separated from her mother. Why don’t we take her in? I’ll have a child that way.”

Qing Shui smiled and said, “Alright!”

Yehuang Guwu didn’t mind that the little girl was dirty and just carried her. What was strange was that the little girl didn’t seem to mind Yehuang Guwu either.

Qing Shui felt helpless too. With Yehuang Guwu’s physique, it wasn’t easy for her to get a child. He stood there for a very long time before he went back, headed up to the highest story and walked into Yehuang Guwu’s room. Yehuang Guwu and the la.s.s had already cleaned up and was wearing a new set of clothes, the la.s.s appeared to be like a beautiful crystal doll. Yehuang Guwu and Yuan Su were playing with her.

The la.s.s only smiled but didn’t say a word. Qing Shui felt that something was wrong and took her pulse. She was born without a vocal meridian.

“Qing Shui, how is it?”

“She fine. It’s just that she can’t talk. She will never be able to talk.”

[1] Can also mean Swallow Emperor.
[2] The character ‘Tui’ forms the word ‘transformation’ when paired with another word.

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AST 1384 – Yehuang Guwu’s Motherly Love… Troubles Arise Once Again, The Powerful Che Clan.

Hearing Qing Shui’s words, Yehuang Guwu was stunned as she looked at this exquisite la.s.s in a daze. Even though she was so beautiful, she was unable to speak, ever. Yehuang Guwu felt that the heavens were being too unfair. Even though she was alone without anyone to rely on, why did she still have to be a mute?

It wasn’t that Yehuang Guwu despised her. When she heard what Qing Shui said, what she felt more was pity. She rubbed the la.s.s on the head. When Qing Shui saw Yehuang Guwu’s expression, he knew that as long as the la.s.s’ birth parents didn’t appear, Yehuang Guwu would treat her as her real daughter.

“Although she doesn’t have a Voice Meridian, she is very strong in other aspects. You win some, you lose some. And to be taken by Little Wuwu as your daughter, this is already considered to be a great blessing for her.”

“What 'my daughter'? In the future, she’ll be your daughter as well. You’re not allowed to not like her,” Yehuang Guwu said angrily.

“Of course. It’s not as if I have never adopted a child before? My eldest child is adopted and is already in her 20s,” Qing Shui smiled and said.

Yehuang Guwu was stunned for a moment before she smiled. Although she was now very close to Qing Shui and knew that he had a number of wives, she didn’t know that he had children who weren’t his own. She didn’t know how many children he had either and only knew that he had children.

“Oh right, how many children do you have now?” Yehuang Guwu got Qing Shui to sit down on one side while getting the la.s.s to be seated between herself and Yuan Su.

“Including this, I have 11,” Qing Shui smiled and said.

“Alright, give this la.s.s a name!” Yehuang Guwu gave it some thought and said.

“We’ll call her Qing Jun!” Qing Shui thought about it and replied.

Yehuang Guwu smiled, “Alright. This is our daughter. You’ll have to give her some gifts!”

Qing Shui took out a set of things that were the same as what he had given his other children. He squatted down before the la.s.s and placed them before her. There were also small bangles and the Longevity Lock which he helped to put on her.

Qing Jun looked at Qing Shui with big eyes and a happy smile broke out on her exquisite little face.

At her age, there would be some children who might still retain some faint memories but most children wouldn’t be able to remember things that had happened at this age.

Earlier on, Qing Shui told Yehuang Guwu that one would win some and lose some. Although she lost her ability to speak, she was powerful in other aspects. She had a strong apt.i.tude, powerful memory and a great bone structure.

“Qing Shui, can the la.s.s be treated?” Yehuang Guwu looked very happy when she saw Qing Shui bringing out so many things. She was initially afraid that Qing Shui wouldn’t like the la.s.s.

“I don’t have the ability to do that now. She was born without a Voice Meridian and it’d be useless even if you were to use a medicinal pill which can revive the dead. Because she was born without it to begin with.”

Yehuang Guwu was a clever lady and didn’t say more. She already knew the answer. If even Qing Shui couldn’t treat her condition, then no one would be able to. She had the feeling that this la.s.s had been abandoned.

Qing Shui looked at Yehuang Guwu. This lady had been showing too much motherly affection recently… However, he liked to see her kindhearted side. When she was together with the la.s.s, she appeared especially beautiful.

Qing Shui had never expected to have so many children, regardless of whether they were of his blood or otherwise. However, Qing Shui could really treat them all the same. It was like how Luan Luan and Yuchang were treated no differently from Qing Shui’s own children.

…

As time pa.s.sed, half a month went by. During this period of time, Qing Shui had headed back to the Qing Clan once. Yehuang Guwu had also gone back to the Western Oxhe Continent once. However, both of them only stayed for three days. Yehuang Guwu had missed the la.s.s and returned very quickly while Qing Shui was worried about Yehuang Guwu and Yuan Su.

During this half a month, Yehuang Guwu and Qing Jun were really like mother and child, staying together all the time regardless if they were living, eating or sleeping. It made it hard for Qing Shui even if he wanted to spend a more intimate time with Yehuang Guwu.

Although Qing Jun couldn’t speak, the frequency of the smile on her face had increased. Qing Shui also started to try to communicate with her through sign language and also taught her words.

Qing Shui didn’t know of a lot of signs, but he knew of some basic ones. Qing Shui’s current train of thoughts were something that couldn’t be compared with how he was when he was in his previous life. All the things that he had seen before were all imprinted clearly in his mind. Therefore, Qing Shui could come up with a set of simple signs…

Although the la.s.s didn’t have a Voice Meridian, she could hear. In Qing Shui’s previous life, those who were generally born a mute tended to be deaf as well.

Since she could hear, it was easier to teach her. Sign language was only a tool for communication.

Qing Shui would spend some time with her every day to teach her sign language, learn words, counting…

Every time Yehuang Guwu saw Qing Shui and the la.s.s learning together happily, she felt extremely happy. Although there were no sounds of laughter, she could see that la.s.s’ quiet smile and the la.s.s’ exquisite little face was one that could invoke feelings of pity.

On this day, Qing Shui had only came out from the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal for a short while when he heard some commotion outside. He frowned and headed outside.

“Get him out quickly! Our Old Master’s condition can’t be delayed! Otherwise, you people won’t be able to be held responsible for this!”

“I’m sorry, please produce your Guest Card,” a person-in-charge of the Imperial Cuisine Hall said politely.

“Guest Card? What’s that?” the man asked, puzzled.

“The Imperial Cuisine Hall isn’t open to the public. Only those who have a Guest Card can receive treatment.”

“Then quickly give me a Guest Card!” the man said anxiously.

“I’m sorry, the Guest Cards are all given out personally by the Miraculous Physician. I don’t have one either.”

“Ahh! I don’t care anymore! Call him here! Say that Che Clan is asking him to come over!”

“I’m sorry. Without a Guest Card, the Miraculous Physician won’t meet you. Please return!”

“Smash this place up! I don’t believe that he won’t come out then!” the man shouted out loudly.

“Che Lang! This is the Imperial Cuisine Hall, don’t be impudent!” A voice rang out.

Qing Shui was heading outside when he heard this voice and was stunned. It was because that voice was Yelang Qiankun’s voice.

“Yelang Qiankun, you guys may be scared of this kid, but I am not. Why, are you planning to go against our Che Clan?” the man’s voice was full of contempt.

“I promised Miraculous Physician Qing that I’d ensure Imperial Cuisine Hall’s safety,” Yelang Qiankun said with a struggle.

“You’ll ensure their safety? Do you think that Yelang Clan is able to do it? What a joke. You guys have been beaten up, shamed and yet you’re still sticking your face to his b.u.t.t. Do you feel that you’ll be able to become friends like this? Why are you still so childish despite your age? Our Old Master’s condition is very serious. Will you be able to take responsibility if anything were to happen?” It’s very easy for Che Clan to wipe out your Yelang Clan. If you don’t believe, why don’t you try us?” Che Lang’s voice was extremely cold.

Yelang Qiankun knew that Qing Shui was very close with Tianhe Clan, especially Tianhe Renmo. Even now, the Imperial Cuisine Hall was also situated in the Tianhe Clan’s manor.

It was impossible for Yelang Clan and Tianhe Clan to resolve their feuds. With Yelang Qiankun’s understanding toward Qing Shui, it was impossible for him to work together with a clan like Yelang Clan. To make it simple, it meant that Qing Shui wouldn’t hold the Yelang Clan in high regard.

It might be a little funny but Yelang Qiankun didn’t find this funny at all. It wouldn’t take long for this young man to be able to reach a height at which he could look down on a clan like the Yelang Clan.

Qing Shui had already reached the second story, but he stopped. He wanted to see Yelang Qiankun’s decision. He had also heard of some of the situation in the Che Clan. They were an extremely big clan and in the Dancing Phoenix Continent, they were definitely an extremely powerful existence, one of the top-notch ones. They were more powerful than clans like the Linghu Clan and the Yelang Clan.

Although Qing Shui hadn’t thought that he would have any connections with the Yelang Clan, if Yelang Qiankun were to step forth toward, Qing Shui guarantee that he would take it on himself to settle this case.

“Smash this place up! I don’t believe that he won’t come out.” After a while, the arrogant voice rang out once again.

Qing Shui smiled and headed out. When that voice rang out once again, it meant that Yelang Qiankun had made his choice. Qing Shui wasn’t surprised by this decision. For the sake of Yelang Clan, Yelang Qiankun didn’t have a choice.

There was nothing wrong with this decision. If Qing Shui was in his shoes, he would do the same as well and not step forth.

“Who are you? Scram out of this place! This isn’t a place for you to kick up a fuss.”

Qing Shui let out a cold bellow as he walked down. With a wave of his hand, all the people were pushed out. Those who were weaker even ended up spurting blood.

In Che Clan, Che Lang was only considered to be a profligate son of the side branch. However, as long as he had the Che Clan’s name to back him up, then he would bask in glory. Even Yelang Qiankun wouldn’t dare to go up against him.

Qing Shui walked outside casually. They were just a bunch of profligate sons. Although their cultivation levels weren’t bad, it depended on who their opponents were. While they appeared extremely powerful when compared with ordinary people, they were like ants before Qing Shui.

“How dare you beat up people from our Che Clan! You can wait to see your entire clan wiped out!”

Pa!

Qing Shui lashed out a slap across s.p.a.ce, causing Che Lang to lose all of his teeth and blood was flowing out from his mouth, nose and ears. He immediately fell unconscious, his face swelled up to be like that of a pig’s.

“Scram! If I see you guys again, I wouldn’t mind taking your lives. Who do you think you are?”

With that, Qing Shui immediately turned back and headed to the Imperial Cuisine Hall.

Yelang Qiankun, who was in the distance, watched in a daze. Eventually, he sighed and left.

Many people saw this scene and were in admiration of Qing Shui’s way of handling the situation. However, they were also worried for him. Of course, there were some aristocratic clans and wealthy families who were happy to see this. No matter who killed the other, it didn’t concern them at all. Many people enjoyed watching a good show.

The people who came to create trouble left, carrying the unconscious Che Lang.

Qing Shui didn’t know why Che Clan had let these arrogant and brainless people come to look for him.

Qing Shui really couldn’t understand someone like this. However, it was a fact that people like these existed.

Would it kill them to have a better att.i.tude and not be so arrogant?

It could be because Che Lang himself had taken the initiative to request Qing Shui to head to Che Clan. It was impossible that everyone from Che Clan was like this. For a big and powerful clan, it was impossible for them to rely on people like these for their development.

Qing Shui felt that these people set their eyes too high and when they spoke, they were foolishly arrogant. He wondered if people like them were considered to be the same as those who would s.n.a.t.c.h women and bully the weak. They were all proud “foolish second generations” who thought highly of themselves.

Qing Shui knew that what he had done could force him into dire straits. However, if they were to come again, he would still do the same.

Che Clan was also an existence in the Phoenix Dance Organization and held the position of Custodian. The positions that were considered to be the upper echelon in the Phoenix Dance Organization were the Elders, Custodians, Supreme Elders, Left and Right Custodians. There was also the true head of the group and the deputy head.

There were one Left Custodian and Right Custodian respectively and they held extremely dignified positions. Even the deputy head didn’t have the rights over them. For the other positions, there were more clans taking up.

The Custodians’ status was a lot higher than that of the Elders, thus the Che Clan’s position was highly respected. They were slightly more powerful than the Dongye Clan, at least on the surface. Therefore, Qing Shui was considered to have gotten himself involved with a powerful force.

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