AST 703 – Explosive increase in abilities, Tempering
The previous few times, Qing Shui controlled his body to undergo the pressure of tempering his bones and muscles. He also made sure not to get injured in the process. However, now he could not care so much about that anymore, he had to secure his life first.
Ka Cha!
His other shoulder was broken too, Qing Shui closed his eyes, his whole body had already been covered in blood, his sweat had long ago been mixed with his blood.
Ka Cha…… rib bone!
Qing Shui felt like giving up a little, he had to endure the attacks of that huge energy and a huge pain, these he could endure, after all, he had once cultivated [Ancient Book of “Rebirth”]. He had experienced an extreme pain, thus Qing Shui felt this pain was nothing compared to that.
Ka Cha……
The final rib was broken as well, for every broken rib, Qing Shui's energy would be focused, at the same time, because of his cultivation of [Ancient Book of “Rebirth”], the pain would release even more of Qing Shui's potential.
Ka Cha!
Qing Shui's chest caved in, his sternum was broken. Just at this moment, Qing Shui's body emitted a faint golden glow.
Pa!
There was a faint sound coming from Qing Shui's body. His body, which originally suffered intense pain felt a soothing sensation, it was so comfortable, that Qing Shui nearly fell asleep, but he knew that he can’t let himself relax at this moment.
Qing Shui realized, that his abilities had already broken through his original grade, this was not strange, his strength increased tremendously and the medicinal strength of the Everlasting Pellet was more or less completely absorbed. He knew that with complete absorption of the pill’s medicinal strength, the most dangerous moment had passed.
After that, Qing Shui started to slowly retreat, step by step……
Time slowly flowed on, soon it was noon. Qing Shui had retreated almost to the entrance of the palace by now, then he slowly sat down in a crossed-legged position.
The Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique slowly healed Qing Shui's injuries, the Yin-Yang Image also did the same. His injuries seemed heavy but this was nothing to him, those were just some broken bones.
The explosive energy in his body circulated rapidly, it slowly achieved a certain balance. The newly increased energy merged with the Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique gradually, turning into Qing Shui's personal energy.
Ka Ka……
There was a radiance that appeared and the sound of his bones healing. Qing Shui opened both of his eyes, there was a smile on his face, the absorption of the Everlasting Pellet was complete.
Most of the injuries on his body were healed, this was one of the after effects of the Everlasting Pellet, it recovered the body's injuries. This kind of healing was very potent, of course, it was not as strong as the so-called Great Revitalizing Pellet, after all, the Everlasting Pellet was a medicinal pill used for increasing abilities.
Each person may only take one Everlasting Pellet in their entire life!
At the last instant, Qing Shui's Zhongfu acupoint emitted a bright glow, following that, his Upper Dantian subtly changed.
Qing Shui remembered, that the Everlasting Pellet had another effect of opening the Zhongfu acupoint.
Feeling the level of abilities in his body, Qing Shui laughed. That kind of joy is indescribable, the abilities of his body were raised by 1500 countries.
To be precise, his abilities had increased by slightly more than 600 countries. Actually, Qing Shui felt that this increase had something to do with the opening of the Zhongfu acupoint because Qing Shui discovered that the appearance of the Upper Dantian seemed to look stronger.
The Heavenly Dan was in the Zhongfu acupoint. When the Zhongfu acupoint was opened, its capacity increased causing the Heavenly Dan to grow stronger. Qing Shui felt that the Everlasting Pellet had increased his abilities by at least 600 countries.
What made Qing Shui happy was, that the value of his defense was even more perverse than ever before, his body's defense had actually achieved the level of 3000 countries. However, it was still less than one fold of his precious defense. All in all, Qing Shui had managed to absorb about 80% of the pill’s medicinal strength, such a result was considered relatively high.
Finally, he could stop worrying, he could now boldly do a lot of things. Qing Shui felt very relaxed at this moment.
In this instant, his whole body seemed to have become lighter, as though he had lost a huge burden.
The strength of his body's attack achieved 1500 countries, his body had the defense of 3000 countries. With the Grand Perfection Stage Diamond Qi, he automatically had an increase of one fold of strength. With the Grand Perfection Stage Diamond Protection, he automatically had an increase of one fold of defense. With the Grand Perfection Stage Diamond Crossing Rivers, he automatically had an increase of one fold of speed.
Under the effects of these three heaven-defying passive techniques, during normal circumstances, Qing Shui had the strength of 3000 countries and the defense of 6000 countries.
Adding 50% increase in abilities by Nature Energy, adding 30% increase in abilities by State of Immovable as Mountains, adding 30% increase in abilities by Frenzied Bull’s Strength, adding 30% increase in strength by Heavenly Thunder Slash, adding 20% increase in strength by Shield Attack, adding the increase from the Big Dipper Sword, Violet Gold Divine Shield, and Heavenly Talismans, Qing Shui had the a little more than the strength of 8200 countries and a little more than the defense of 10000 countries.
Furthermore, this was under the condition of not using the Seven Star Armored Vest and Godly Armor Shield, thinking of this, Qing Shui was very excited!
……
Entering the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal, he refreshed himself before cultivating and consolidating his strength. The injuries, that he already had, recovered under his perverse recovery abilities.
Taichi Fist!
He consolidated the abilities of his body before slowly getting used to his new level of abilities. Qing Shui spent most of his time in the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal tempering himself.
This time, Qing Shui discovered his previous passion anew, when he was very tired, he would rest for a while before going back to his tempering, to familiarize himself with the abilities of his body.
The Ancient Strengthening Technique had actually already converted this increase in abilities to Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique, all he needed to do now was to familiarize himself with it to a minute level, to the point where he can precisely utilize his full strength.
When it was almost time, he exited the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal!
It was already getting dark outside but the two of them hung a few Light Stones. He slowly made his way outside and saw Hai Dongqing standing at the entrance, guarding it.
When she turned her head to look at Qing Shui, she was shocked, but she recovered her wits quickly. Qing Shui's aura actually had a subtle change during this half day period.
Qing Shui did not realize that with his increase in strength and the releasing of his burdens, he seemed even more natural, casual, and relaxed, there was also a little dedication and dominance.
"How was it?" Hai Dongqing asked gently, she could tell from Qing Shui's face that it probably went really well.
"Great, thank you!" Qing Shui said this sincerely. If she did not bring him here, it would be very difficult to look for the Immortal Fox Blood. He would probably spend lots of time trying to find it or even not be able to find it at all, possibly resulting in him missing out on the Everlasting Pellet.
At the same time, he was grateful to Yuan Su, without the Vital Essence Pill recipe she gave him, all of this might have been for naught.
"You don't have to thank me, I'm the one that has to say thank you!" Hai Dongqing said.
"One month later, I will accompany you to return, we will face your problem together. I promise that you will not feel wronged." Qing Shui thought about the affairs of the Hai Clan, about her appearance when she was completely disheartened and lacking in vitality. If it was not for the people closest to her, who left the Greencloud Continent to come over, given her character, she would object to such arrangements, even to the point of death.
Hai Dongqing looked at Qing Shui, looking at his serious expression and his tone, which indicated that it was not out of courtesy, she felt a little flustered. She felt like crying when she heard this man talking about the huge burden that she had to carry.
She once dreamt that there would be someone who would say this to her but she knew that it was impossible. It would never be possible, she did not have any friends, even if she had any, they would not have the ability to say such words.
Now, the man who said them had not even come in contact with her for very long. The first time was for only about 15 minutes, they spoke during the second time they met but it was not for long, this was the third time and it was only for slightly more than ten days.
For her to meet him, she originally felt that it was fate. Furthermore, it happened in Cold Ice City, the chances of her meeting someone she knew from Greencloud Continent were minuscule. In such a big world, for the two of them to even exchange a sentence could already be considered fate because the number of people one could know in their life was limited. For him to purchase the Hai Clan villa in the Greencloud Continent was already a kind of fate, thus from then on, she was able to relax and chat with this likable man.
After that incident, she thought that they were people from two different worlds, if they did not purposely look for each other, they might have never met again. However, when she saw Qing Shui in Cold Ice City, she was incredibly happy, it was a miraculous meeting of fate. Thus, she put aside her reservations and invited Qing Shui and even took the initiative to help him find the Immortal Fox, maybe it was because she was feeling very depressed.
She never thought that the person who would say such words to her was him, she never thought that anyone would ever say such words. She did not understand her own feelings right now, she only knew that she was almost unable to control her tears any longer.
No matter how staunch she was, she was still a woman, she needed someone to dote on her, to care for her. No matter how strong she was, she still had her weak moments.
"Qing Shui, listen to me, don't get involved in this matter." Hai Dongqing looked at Qing Shui and smiled as she said it seriously.
"Are you afraid that I am not their opponent, that I would implicate the Hai Clan?" Qing Shui gently smiled.
"What are you saying! I just don't want you to endanger yourself, don't give me any more hope." Hai Dongqing gently said, her tone had an indescribable fluctuation.
"Do you not believe in me or are you not willing to let me help you?"
"I don't know!" Hai Dongqing flung her head aside and looked away into the distance, her usual wise gaze seemed to turn a little bewildered.
"I do not have any other motives, I just want to help you because you have been of tremendous help to me." Qing Shui gently said.
Qing Shui's words actually caused Hai Dongqing to become speechless because she felt, that she had taken huge advantage of him during this trip. However, now he said that he could help her. Maybe she did help him, but she did not feel that she was of much help.
"Perhaps in his heart, that was considered a great help." Hai Dongqing sighed to herself.
When Qing Shui said that he would help her, she was not as joyful as she had imagined she would be. Because she felt that he still was not able to defeat those people in battle.
"Alright, don’t' think too much of it, we will stay here and cultivate here properly for this month before going back. Trust me, I will not take any risks lightly. If it would just end up in me sacrificing myself, I would not do it. Just me dying would be a small matter, but if I end up dragging you guys with me, I would never find peace in death." Qing Shui said this as thought he was joking.
=======
AST 704 – Returning to Cold Ice City, Shouldering her burdens
In the end, Hai Dongqing did not agree to anything and Qing Shui did not nag her on this issue anymore. When the time comes, he would just take action, he had to at least ensure Hai Dongqing’s wellbeing.
Time slowly passed day by day, Qing Shui’s improvements were obvious. After all, one day was equal to fifty days for Qing Shui, that explosive increase in strength had been consolidated and stabilized.
Hai Dongqing also trained bitterly each day, with Qing Shui’s medicinal pills, her strength increased significantly. During the day, Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing would spar, it was terrifying to go against Hai Dongqing when she was wearing the Luan Silver Battle Dress Set, especially during those fifteen minutes of Luan’s Strength. During those fifteen minutes, Qing Shui would use an adequate level of strength to spar with her.
Time quickly flew by, one month had passed. For Qing Shui, this one month was equal to a little more than four years. Not only did he familiarize himself with his new strength, he even managed to improve his basics.
Another happy thing was, that with Qing Shui’s increase in abilities, the effects of his Heavenly Talismans increased as well. After all, those Heavenly Talismans used Qing Shui’s abilities as a base value.
Aside from the Descending Heavens Talisman, which affected the opponent’s abilities and took those as the base value. It would get stronger in the later phase, but it was a hard road to walk. Most people, who cultivated the Heavenly Talisman would not cultivate the Descending Heavens Talisman, because it felt insignificant in comparison.
During this one month, the two of them lived together, interacted with each other, ate together, and sometimes killed demonic beasts together. Qing Shui would also teach her some stuff, like cooking and cultivation matters.
Like the Taichi Fist and Tiger Form, how to temper muscles and bones, how to cultivate her heart…… Hai Dongqing did not reject it, every morning she would practice the Taichi Fist and Tiger Form as well.
One month of time was not long, but to Qing Shui, it was a few years of time. Furthermore, he still had a great debt of gratitude to her, unknowingly, he had started to treat her as family.
It was a wonderful feeling, not that of a romantic nature, more like a family, like siblings. Wishing the best for her, wanting her to be happy……
Hai Dongqing could not say that it was not so, what Qing Shui had given her caused her to be embarrassed and at a complete loss. She was still getting used to it, since young, she had always been the pillar of support for her family. Thus, there was no one able to care for her because no one in her family was qualified to do so, thus, she became lonely and aloof.
“Dongqing, eat something, we will go back to Cold Ice City soon.” Qing Shui said in the direction of Hai Dongqing, who was cultivating.
During this long period of time, the two of them had already started addressing each other by name. Hai Dongqing initially called him Qing Shui, maybe because she felt that he was younger than her. Slowly, as the two of them got more familiar with each other, she found it weird for Qing Shui to call her Miss Hai, thus she got him to address her by her name.
“En!”
When returning was mentioned, Hai Dongqing did not know how to feel. She felt that this one month here was better than the time she spent in the Seven Stars Street, there was no need to worry so much, no need to deal with the things that frustrated her, no need to see the disgusting faces of those people. But now, it was time to return.
During the meal, Hai Dongqing was very absent-minded. After eating a little, she lost her appetite, she had a lonely expression, as though she was thinking of something.
“What’s wrong? Are you still thinking of the Hai Clan’s matter? Are you not satisfied? You do not want to be the concubine of the Luo Clan clan head?” Qing Shui raised his head and asked gently.
“Of course I am not willing but some things cannot be controlled. There are times when a person is weak and unable to control the things around them. Even if they were able to make a choice, it would be one that they were unwilling to make, and they had to pretend as though they were happy about it. I am in pain, yet I have to make it so, that outsiders think that I am overjoyed.” Hai Dongqing said bitterly.
“As long as you are unwilling, no one can force you.” Qing Shui said gently, he was now able to say this in a relaxed manner, he felt that he now had the rights to do so.
With a huge increase in abilities, in addition to being able to completely absorb all that energy and use it, his abilities with hidden weapons were incomparable to before, his speed increased by many folds as well.
Now, Qing Shui felt, that he could speak his mind, he did not have to be so careful anymore. He would only get stronger, the Fire Bird, Diamond Gigantic Elephant, Jade Emperor Queen Bee, and his other demonic beasts would get stronger too.
“Qing Shui, this Luan Silver Battle Dress Set……” Hai Dongqing said to Qing Shui as they were going back.
“Dongqing, if you try to return this to me, I will throw it away. Do you not want me as your friend?” Qing Shui interrupted Hai Dongqing’s words.
“No, although I truly do not have any strength, I thirst for friends, friends like you. Thus, I cherish this friendship, you are my friend and forever will be.” Hai Dingqing smiled and said.
“You are also my friend forever.” Qing Shui smiled at Hai Dongqing.
The two of them smiled as they looked at each other, a feeling of appreciating each other arose, the two of them actually shared many common points, or to say, they were very alike. Qing Shui was the pillar of support for the Qing Clan, Hai Dongqing was the Hai Clan’s pillar of support in the Greencloud Continent. They had to face all sorts of situations and had to strive for the glory of the clan.
……
Without realizing it, her absence for one month caused the Hai Clan to worry, they thought that Hai Dongqing left and would never come back, there were people in joy as well as despair.
Hai Clan!
“Hai Dongying, she is your sister and yet she actually abandoned you. Back then, she even put up a pretense and said that she would never abandon you, yet she was still led away by another man. What’s so bad about marrying the Luo Clan clan head? This way, our clans can create an alliance and overcome these difficult times.” A fat old man angrily said to a handsome middle-aged man.
“I really regret coming to the Central Continent. Ancestor, do you see this, this is the Hai Clan, it is no longer the same Hai Clan as when you had left. I let down Dongqing, I let down the Hai Clan.” The man bitterly sighed.
“I don’t care what methods you use, you must find your sister. Or else, I would not mind sending your daughter over as a substitute.” the old man said with an unhappy expression.
“Hai Zhen, you dare! Shiya is already married.” Hai Dongying shouted with anger in his eyes.
“I forgot to tell you, the Luo Clan clan head has a fetish, he likes widows and married women, especially those that are newly married. The Luo Clan is pushing us already, the Tu Clan is just waiting for the Luo Clan to change their stance, I have no other choice.” Hai Zhen said calmly.
“If you dare to do that, I will put my life on the line and fight you.” The man’s eyes turned red and shouted at Hai Zhen
“Fight? With what? I can crush you with just one finger. If it’s not for your sister saying that you have to be unharmed, I would have already killed you. Get over it, you still have children, I don’t want to see you sever your family line.” When Hai Zhen said that, he turned and left.
Hai Dongying clenched his fist tightly, his palm was already oozing out blood. This admirable man was reduced to such a state, he had no other way out, living was worse than dying but yet he cannot die.
Blood trickled out from the corner of his mouth, it was unclear whether he vomited blood or just bit his tongue.
……
Luo Clan!
“Big Brother, Hai Dongqing has already been missing for a month.” An old man said to a man who appeared to be middle-aged.
“Big brother, I need to depend on her to help my ‘Divine Yang Energy’ breakthrough. Send people to search, as long as she is somewhere nearby, find her location.” The man seemed to be regretful.
“Why is this woman so important in helping to make the breakthrough?” The old man asked with suspicion as he looked at the man.
“I have already been at this bottleneck for a hundred years, I am unable to make any more breakthroughs in the ‘Divine Yang Energy’. Big Brother, I got a good eye in women, Hai Dongqing can definitely help me break through this bottleneck and I will achieve the abilities of a peak Martial Saint.
“Big Brother, I heard that she went to the Icy Cloud Mountain with that man. It had been such a long time, do you think anything happened to her?” The old man looked at the man in worry.
“She went to the Icy Cloud Mountain?” The man frowned.
“Yes!”
“I hope she did not go in too deep, or else she would die. I am not able to do anything within the depths of that place, there are too many demonic beasts that have more than the abilities of 10000 countries.”
“Big Brother, what about the matters pertaining the Tu Clan?”
“Don’t bother with the matters of the Tu Clan, I already spoke with them. After that Hai Clan woman becomes my concubine, then they can take action. As long as she is late by three days, then it is no longer our problem.
……
One week later, the two of them returned to Cold Ice City, they have returned after leaving for one month.
Riding on the Fire Bird, they directly landed in Hai Dongqing’s courtyard. The door was already open and there were sounds of people speaking in the courtyard.
Hai Dongqing frowned, Qing Shui did not say anything and just followed Hai Dongqing inside.
There were a few men in there drinking wine, they have turned the courtyard into a mess. Furthermore, there was a woman beside each one of them.
While they were drinking, there would occasionally be sounds of women protesting coquettishly and the laughter of men.
Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing were noticed by one of the lightly dressed women right after their entrance. The woman used her hands to touch the man in a shocked manner.
The man raised his head to see Hai Dongqing enter, he was astonished and stunned. His actions were seen by the other men and they all looked over.
“Hey, isn’t this miss Hai, who is this wild man? We thought you were never coming back?” A man with tender voice stood up and said.
That man was about 50 years old, his hair was steadily turning gray, his stature was tall and sturdy, his skin was very fair, he had a tender voice, it was very easy for people to think, that he was a man with no balls.
“Hai Chuan, Who allowed you to come in here?” Hai Dongqing frowned unhappily.
Hai Chuan was Hai Zhen’s brother, he relied on the fact, that his brother was the clan head and threw his weight around. His talent was pretty good but he was too lecherous, even so, he was still a Grade 3 Martial Saint. He was considered to have a decent strength within the Hai Clan, after all, the Hai Clan had already declined for a time.
“Haha, you are a person of the Hai Clan, of course, this place belongs to the Hai Clan. Why can’t I come here? Why have you brought a wild man back here? Don’t you know that you are now a person of the Luo Clan?” Hai Chuan said without a care, he even stretched his hands out and grabbed a breast of the woman in his embrace, his eyes were lit up with a flame as he looked at Hai Dongqing.
“Who said that she was a person of the Luo Clan? How can the Luo clan be worthy of her!” Qing Shui took a step forward and said gently but his voice was very distinct, it entered the ears of everyone.
AST 703 – Explosive increase in abilities, Tempering
The previous few times, Qing Shui controlled his body to undergo the pressure of tempering his bones and muscles. He also made sure not to get injured in the process. However, now he could not care so much about that anymore, he had to secure his life first.
Ka Cha!
His other shoulder was broken too, Qing Shui closed his eyes, his whole body had already been covered in blood, his sweat had long ago been mixed with his blood.
Ka Cha…… rib bone!
Qing Shui felt like giving up a little, he had to endure the attacks of that huge energy and a huge pain, these he could endure, after all, he had once cultivated [Ancient Book of “Rebirth”]. He had experienced an extreme pain, thus Qing Shui felt this pain was nothing compared to that.
Ka Cha……
The final rib was broken as well, for every broken rib, Qing Shui's energy would be focused, at the same time, because of his cultivation of [Ancient Book of “Rebirth”], the pain would release even more of Qing Shui's potential.
Ka Cha!
Qing Shui's chest caved in, his sternum was broken. Just at this moment, Qing Shui's body emitted a faint golden glow.
Pa!
There was a faint sound coming from Qing Shui's body. His body, which originally suffered intense pain felt a soothing sensation, it was so comfortable, that Qing Shui nearly fell asleep, but he knew that he can’t let himself relax at this moment.
Qing Shui realized, that his abilities had already broken through his original grade, this was not strange, his strength increased tremendously and the medicinal strength of the Everlasting Pellet was more or less completely absorbed. He knew that with complete absorption of the pill’s medicinal strength, the most dangerous moment had passed.
After that, Qing Shui started to slowly retreat, step by step……
Time slowly flowed on, soon it was noon. Qing Shui had retreated almost to the entrance of the palace by now, then he slowly sat down in a crossed-legged position.
The Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique slowly healed Qing Shui's injuries, the Yin-Yang Image also did the same. His injuries seemed heavy but this was nothing to him, those were just some broken bones.
The explosive energy in his body circulated rapidly, it slowly achieved a certain balance. The newly increased energy merged with the Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique gradually, turning into Qing Shui's personal energy.
Ka Ka……
There was a radiance that appeared and the sound of his bones healing. Qing Shui opened both of his eyes, there was a smile on his face, the absorption of the Everlasting Pellet was complete.
Most of the injuries on his body were healed, this was one of the after effects of the Everlasting Pellet, it recovered the body's injuries. This kind of healing was very potent, of course, it was not as strong as the so-called Great Revitalizing Pellet, after all, the Everlasting Pellet was a medicinal pill used for increasing abilities.
Each person may only take one Everlasting Pellet in their entire life!
At the last instant, Qing Shui's Zhongfu acupoint emitted a bright glow, following that, his Upper Dantian subtly changed.
Qing Shui remembered, that the Everlasting Pellet had another effect of opening the Zhongfu acupoint.
Feeling the level of abilities in his body, Qing Shui laughed. That kind of joy is indescribable, the abilities of his body were raised by 1500 countries.
To be precise, his abilities had increased by slightly more than 600 countries. Actually, Qing Shui felt that this increase had something to do with the opening of the Zhongfu acupoint because Qing Shui discovered that the appearance of the Upper Dantian seemed to look stronger.
The Heavenly Dan was in the Zhongfu acupoint. When the Zhongfu acupoint was opened, its capacity increased causing the Heavenly Dan to grow stronger. Qing Shui felt that the Everlasting Pellet had increased his abilities by at least 600 countries.
What made Qing Shui happy was, that the value of his defense was even more perverse than ever before, his body's defense had actually achieved the level of 3000 countries. However, it was still less than one fold of his precious defense. All in all, Qing Shui had managed to absorb about 80% of the pill’s medicinal strength, such a result was considered relatively high.
Finally, he could stop worrying, he could now boldly do a lot of things. Qing Shui felt very relaxed at this moment.
In this instant, his whole body seemed to have become lighter, as though he had lost a huge burden.
The strength of his body's attack achieved 1500 countries, his body had the defense of 3000 countries. With the Grand Perfection Stage Diamond Qi, he automatically had an increase of one fold of strength. With the Grand Perfection Stage Diamond Protection, he automatically had an increase of one fold of defense. With the Grand Perfection Stage Diamond Crossing Rivers, he automatically had an increase of one fold of speed.
Under the effects of these three heaven-defying passive techniques, during normal circumstances, Qing Shui had the strength of 3000 countries and the defense of 6000 countries.
Adding 50% increase in abilities by Nature Energy, adding 30% increase in abilities by State of Immovable as Mountains, adding 30% increase in abilities by Frenzied Bull’s Strength, adding 30% increase in strength by Heavenly Thunder Slash, adding 20% increase in strength by Shield Attack, adding the increase from the Big Dipper Sword, Violet Gold Divine Shield, and Heavenly Talismans, Qing Shui had the a little more than the strength of 8200 countries and a little more than the defense of 10000 countries.
Furthermore, this was under the condition of not using the Seven Star Armored Vest and Godly Armor Shield, thinking of this, Qing Shui was very excited!
……
Entering the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal, he refreshed himself before cultivating and consolidating his strength. The injuries, that he already had, recovered under his perverse recovery abilities.
Taichi Fist!
He consolidated the abilities of his body before slowly getting used to his new level of abilities. Qing Shui spent most of his time in the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal tempering himself.
This time, Qing Shui discovered his previous passion anew, when he was very tired, he would rest for a while before going back to his tempering, to familiarize himself with the abilities of his body.
The Ancient Strengthening Technique had actually already converted this increase in abilities to Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique, all he needed to do now was to familiarize himself with it to a minute level, to the point where he can precisely utilize his full strength.
When it was almost time, he exited the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal!
It was already getting dark outside but the two of them hung a few Light Stones. He slowly made his way outside and saw Hai Dongqing standing at the entrance, guarding it.
When she turned her head to look at Qing Shui, she was shocked, but she recovered her wits quickly. Qing Shui's aura actually had a subtle change during this half day period.
Qing Shui did not realize that with his increase in strength and the releasing of his burdens, he seemed even more natural, casual, and relaxed, there was also a little dedication and dominance.
"How was it?" Hai Dongqing asked gently, she could tell from Qing Shui's face that it probably went really well.
"Great, thank you!" Qing Shui said this sincerely. If she did not bring him here, it would be very difficult to look for the Immortal Fox Blood. He would probably spend lots of time trying to find it or even not be able to find it at all, possibly resulting in him missing out on the Everlasting Pellet.
At the same time, he was grateful to Yuan Su, without the Vital Essence Pill recipe she gave him, all of this might have been for naught.
"You don't have to thank me, I'm the one that has to say thank you!" Hai Dongqing said.
"One month later, I will accompany you to return, we will face your problem together. I promise that you will not feel wronged." Qing Shui thought about the affairs of the Hai Clan, about her appearance when she was completely disheartened and lacking in vitality. If it was not for the people closest to her, who left the Greencloud Continent to come over, given her character, she would object to such arrangements, even to the point of death.
Hai Dongqing looked at Qing Shui, looking at his serious expression and his tone, which indicated that it was not out of courtesy, she felt a little flustered. She felt like crying when she heard this man talking about the huge burden that she had to carry.
She once dreamt that there would be someone who would say this to her but she knew that it was impossible. It would never be possible, she did not have any friends, even if she had any, they would not have the ability to say such words.
Now, the man who said them had not even come in contact with her for very long. The first time was for only about 15 minutes, they spoke during the second time they met but it was not for long, this was the third time and it was only for slightly more than ten days.
For her to meet him, she originally felt that it was fate. Furthermore, it happened in Cold Ice City, the chances of her meeting someone she knew from Greencloud Continent were minuscule. In such a big world, for the two of them to even exchange a sentence could already be considered fate because the number of people one could know in their life was limited. For him to purchase the Hai Clan villa in the Greencloud Continent was already a kind of fate, thus from then on, she was able to relax and chat with this likable man.
After that incident, she thought that they were people from two different worlds, if they did not purposely look for each other, they might have never met again. However, when she saw Qing Shui in Cold Ice City, she was incredibly happy, it was a miraculous meeting of fate. Thus, she put aside her reservations and invited Qing Shui and even took the initiative to help him find the Immortal Fox, maybe it was because she was feeling very depressed.
She never thought that the person who would say such words to her was him, she never thought that anyone would ever say such words. She did not understand her own feelings right now, she only knew that she was almost unable to control her tears any longer.
No matter how staunch she was, she was still a woman, she needed someone to dote on her, to care for her. No matter how strong she was, she still had her weak moments.
"Qing Shui, listen to me, don't get involved in this matter." Hai Dongqing looked at Qing Shui and smiled as she said it seriously.
"Are you afraid that I am not their opponent, that I would implicate the Hai Clan?" Qing Shui gently smiled.
"What are you saying! I just don't want you to endanger yourself, don't give me any more hope." Hai Dongqing gently said, her tone had an indescribable fluctuation.
"Do you not believe in me or are you not willing to let me help you?"
"I don't know!" Hai Dongqing flung her head aside and looked away into the distance, her usual wise gaze seemed to turn a little bewildered.
"I do not have any other motives, I just want to help you because you have been of tremendous help to me." Qing Shui gently said.
Qing Shui's words actually caused Hai Dongqing to become speechless because she felt, that she had taken huge advantage of him during this trip. However, now he said that he could help her. Maybe she did help him, but she did not feel that she was of much help.
"Perhaps in his heart, that was considered a great help." Hai Dongqing sighed to herself.
When Qing Shui said that he would help her, she was not as joyful as she had imagined she would be. Because she felt that he still was not able to defeat those people in battle.
"Alright, don’t' think too much of it, we will stay here and cultivate here properly for this month before going back. Trust me, I will not take any risks lightly. If it would just end up in me sacrificing myself, I would not do it. Just me dying would be a small matter, but if I end up dragging you guys with me, I would never find peace in death." Qing Shui said this as thought he was joking.
=======
AST 704 – Returning to Cold Ice City, Shouldering her burdens
In the end, Hai Dongqing did not agree to anything and Qing Shui did not nag her on this issue anymore. When the time comes, he would just take action, he had to at least ensure Hai Dongqing’s wellbeing.
Time slowly passed day by day, Qing Shui’s improvements were obvious. After all, one day was equal to fifty days for Qing Shui, that explosive increase in strength had been consolidated and stabilized.
Hai Dongqing also trained bitterly each day, with Qing Shui’s medicinal pills, her strength increased significantly. During the day, Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing would spar, it was terrifying to go against Hai Dongqing when she was wearing the Luan Silver Battle Dress Set, especially during those fifteen minutes of Luan’s Strength. During those fifteen minutes, Qing Shui would use an adequate level of strength to spar with her.
Time quickly flew by, one month had passed. For Qing Shui, this one month was equal to a little more than four years. Not only did he familiarize himself with his new strength, he even managed to improve his basics.
Another happy thing was, that with Qing Shui’s increase in abilities, the effects of his Heavenly Talismans increased as well. After all, those Heavenly Talismans used Qing Shui’s abilities as a base value.
Aside from the Descending Heavens Talisman, which affected the opponent’s abilities and took those as the base value. It would get stronger in the later phase, but it was a hard road to walk. Most people, who cultivated the Heavenly Talisman would not cultivate the Descending Heavens Talisman, because it felt insignificant in comparison.
During this one month, the two of them lived together, interacted with each other, ate together, and sometimes killed demonic beasts together. Qing Shui would also teach her some stuff, like cooking and cultivation matters.
Like the Taichi Fist and Tiger Form, how to temper muscles and bones, how to cultivate her heart…… Hai Dongqing did not reject it, every morning she would practice the Taichi Fist and Tiger Form as well.
One month of time was not long, but to Qing Shui, it was a few years of time. Furthermore, he still had a great debt of gratitude to her, unknowingly, he had started to treat her as family.
It was a wonderful feeling, not that of a romantic nature, more like a family, like siblings. Wishing the best for her, wanting her to be happy……
Hai Dongqing could not say that it was not so, what Qing Shui had given her caused her to be embarrassed and at a complete loss. She was still getting used to it, since young, she had always been the pillar of support for her family. Thus, there was no one able to care for her because no one in her family was qualified to do so, thus, she became lonely and aloof.
“Dongqing, eat something, we will go back to Cold Ice City soon.” Qing Shui said in the direction of Hai Dongqing, who was cultivating.
During this long period of time, the two of them had already started addressing each other by name. Hai Dongqing initially called him Qing Shui, maybe because she felt that he was younger than her. Slowly, as the two of them got more familiar with each other, she found it weird for Qing Shui to call her Miss Hai, thus she got him to address her by her name.
“En!”
When returning was mentioned, Hai Dongqing did not know how to feel. She felt that this one month here was better than the time she spent in the Seven Stars Street, there was no need to worry so much, no need to deal with the things that frustrated her, no need to see the disgusting faces of those people. But now, it was time to return.
During the meal, Hai Dongqing was very absent-minded. After eating a little, she lost her appetite, she had a lonely expression, as though she was thinking of something.
“What’s wrong? Are you still thinking of the Hai Clan’s matter? Are you not satisfied? You do not want to be the concubine of the Luo Clan clan head?” Qing Shui raised his head and asked gently.
“Of course I am not willing but some things cannot be controlled. There are times when a person is weak and unable to control the things around them. Even if they were able to make a choice, it would be one that they were unwilling to make, and they had to pretend as though they were happy about it. I am in pain, yet I have to make it so, that outsiders think that I am overjoyed.” Hai Dongqing said bitterly.
“As long as you are unwilling, no one can force you.” Qing Shui said gently, he was now able to say this in a relaxed manner, he felt that he now had the rights to do so.
With a huge increase in abilities, in addition to being able to completely absorb all that energy and use it, his abilities with hidden weapons were incomparable to before, his speed increased by many folds as well.
Now, Qing Shui felt, that he could speak his mind, he did not have to be so careful anymore. He would only get stronger, the Fire Bird, Diamond Gigantic Elephant, Jade Emperor Queen Bee, and his other demonic beasts would get stronger too.
“Qing Shui, this Luan Silver Battle Dress Set……” Hai Dongqing said to Qing Shui as they were going back.
“Dongqing, if you try to return this to me, I will throw it away. Do you not want me as your friend?” Qing Shui interrupted Hai Dongqing’s words.
“No, although I truly do not have any strength, I thirst for friends, friends like you. Thus, I cherish this friendship, you are my friend and forever will be.” Hai Dingqing smiled and said.
“You are also my friend forever.” Qing Shui smiled at Hai Dongqing.
The two of them smiled as they looked at each other, a feeling of appreciating each other arose, the two of them actually shared many common points, or to say, they were very alike. Qing Shui was the pillar of support for the Qing Clan, Hai Dongqing was the Hai Clan’s pillar of support in the Greencloud Continent. They had to face all sorts of situations and had to strive for the glory of the clan.
……
Without realizing it, her absence for one month caused the Hai Clan to worry, they thought that Hai Dongqing left and would never come back, there were people in joy as well as despair.
Hai Clan!
“Hai Dongying, she is your sister and yet she actually abandoned you. Back then, she even put up a pretense and said that she would never abandon you, yet she was still led away by another man. What’s so bad about marrying the Luo Clan clan head? This way, our clans can create an alliance and overcome these difficult times.” A fat old man angrily said to a handsome middle-aged man.
“I really regret coming to the Central Continent. Ancestor, do you see this, this is the Hai Clan, it is no longer the same Hai Clan as when you had left. I let down Dongqing, I let down the Hai Clan.” The man bitterly sighed.
“I don’t care what methods you use, you must find your sister. Or else, I would not mind sending your daughter over as a substitute.” the old man said with an unhappy expression.
“Hai Zhen, you dare! Shiya is already married.” Hai Dongying shouted with anger in his eyes.
“I forgot to tell you, the Luo Clan clan head has a fetish, he likes widows and married women, especially those that are newly married. The Luo Clan is pushing us already, the Tu Clan is just waiting for the Luo Clan to change their stance, I have no other choice.” Hai Zhen said calmly.
“If you dare to do that, I will put my life on the line and fight you.” The man’s eyes turned red and shouted at Hai Zhen
“Fight? With what? I can crush you with just one finger. If it’s not for your sister saying that you have to be unharmed, I would have already killed you. Get over it, you still have children, I don’t want to see you sever your family line.” When Hai Zhen said that, he turned and left.
Hai Dongying clenched his fist tightly, his palm was already oozing out blood. This admirable man was reduced to such a state, he had no other way out, living was worse than dying but yet he cannot die.
Blood trickled out from the corner of his mouth, it was unclear whether he vomited blood or just bit his tongue.
……
Luo Clan!
“Big Brother, Hai Dongqing has already been missing for a month.” An old man said to a man who appeared to be middle-aged.
“Big brother, I need to depend on her to help my ‘Divine Yang Energy’ breakthrough. Send people to search, as long as she is somewhere nearby, find her location.” The man seemed to be regretful.
“Why is this woman so important in helping to make the breakthrough?” The old man asked with suspicion as he looked at the man.
“I have already been at this bottleneck for a hundred years, I am unable to make any more breakthroughs in the ‘Divine Yang Energy’. Big Brother, I got a good eye in women, Hai Dongqing can definitely help me break through this bottleneck and I will achieve the abilities of a peak Martial Saint.
“Big Brother, I heard that she went to the Icy Cloud Mountain with that man. It had been such a long time, do you think anything happened to her?” The old man looked at the man in worry.
“She went to the Icy Cloud Mountain?” The man frowned.
“Yes!”
“I hope she did not go in too deep, or else she would die. I am not able to do anything within the depths of that place, there are too many demonic beasts that have more than the abilities of 10000 countries.”
“Big Brother, what about the matters pertaining the Tu Clan?”
“Don’t bother with the matters of the Tu Clan, I already spoke with them. After that Hai Clan woman becomes my concubine, then they can take action. As long as she is late by three days, then it is no longer our problem.
……
One week later, the two of them returned to Cold Ice City, they have returned after leaving for one month.
Riding on the Fire Bird, they directly landed in Hai Dongqing’s courtyard. The door was already open and there were sounds of people speaking in the courtyard.
Hai Dongqing frowned, Qing Shui did not say anything and just followed Hai Dongqing inside.
There were a few men in there drinking wine, they have turned the courtyard into a mess. Furthermore, there was a woman beside each one of them.
While they were drinking, there would occasionally be sounds of women protesting coquettishly and the laughter of men.
Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing were noticed by one of the lightly dressed women right after their entrance. The woman used her hands to touch the man in a shocked manner.
The man raised his head to see Hai Dongqing enter, he was astonished and stunned. His actions were seen by the other men and they all looked over.
“Hey, isn’t this miss Hai, who is this wild man? We thought you were never coming back?” A man with tender voice stood up and said.
That man was about 50 years old, his hair was steadily turning gray, his stature was tall and sturdy, his skin was very fair, he had a tender voice, it was very easy for people to think, that he was a man with no balls.
“Hai Chuan, Who allowed you to come in here?” Hai Dongqing frowned unhappily.
Hai Chuan was Hai Zhen’s brother, he relied on the fact, that his brother was the clan head and threw his weight around. His talent was pretty good but he was too lecherous, even so, he was still a Grade 3 Martial Saint. He was considered to have a decent strength within the Hai Clan, after all, the Hai Clan had already declined for a time.
“Haha, you are a person of the Hai Clan, of course, this place belongs to the Hai Clan. Why can’t I come here? Why have you brought a wild man back here? Don’t you know that you are now a person of the Luo Clan?” Hai Chuan said without a care, he even stretched his hands out and grabbed a breast of the woman in his embrace, his eyes were lit up with a flame as he looked at Hai Dongqing.
“Who said that she was a person of the Luo Clan? How can the Luo clan be worthy of her!” Qing Shui took a step forward and said gently but his voice was very distinct, it entered the ears of everyone.
