AST 934 – Benefactor, Seventh Grade of Nature Energy
"You have grown. You are now more mature. You and Mu Qing are a good match."
Qing Shui looked at Yu He who was in front of him. Although her tone was very dull, he could still feel some hidden bitterness in her voice. It was especially clear to him, causing him to not know what to do.
"Elder Sister Yu, you are more mature than you were before and even prettier," Qing Shui smiled. After not meeting her for a long time, he had an odd feeling that he was not able to describe.
"Mature already, is Elder Sister Yu old now? Even I suspect that I am old already," Yu He drank tea and chatted with Qing Shui casually.
"How can that be? Elder Sister Yu is an absolute beauty. Every man who sees you will be tempted. I just wonder which man would have that kind of fortune." Qing Shui looked at Yu He in a regretful manner.
Women can be scarier than men at times. When he spoke to Mu Qing previously, Qing Shui felt that he had caused her to change. He had never expected that this would happen….
"Then do you wish to be the fortunate one?" Yu He looked at Qing Shui and smiled.
Qing Shui saw that there were no fluctuations in Yu He's eyes. Her smile was also very calm, even now, they seemed like good friends joking with each other. However, he knew that she was not joking.
"I do wish to be that person, but it is not something that I can have just by wanting it. That's right? Elder Sister Yu, you still have not told me how have you been for the past few years." Qing Shui laughed out loud and quickly changed the topic.
He felt that he was too serious earlier. If she pressed further, he would not know what to do. Furthermore, so many years had gone by, people change.
Yu He naturally could tell what Qing Shui was doing. Even if she wanted to press this topic, now was not the time. Qing Shui had just celebrated his big night. She would not say anything now. Furthermore, it had already been so many years.
Following that, Yu He told him of the things that happened to Hundred Flowers Valley. Of course there were many details that were skipped past. She had only given him a brief summary. However, she did not hide the fact that Hundred Flowers Valley had footholds in five continents.
Hearing Yu He's words, Qing Shui smiled, "Elder Sister Yu met with your benefactor, resulting in a meteoric rise."
"In my heart, there is still another important benefactor." Yu He looked at Qing Shui and laughed loudly.
"Oh, just meeting one benefactor is sufficient to change one's life. In that case, congratulations to Elder Sister Yu." Qing Shui smiled, as he poured more tea for her.
Yu He smiled and did not say anymore. She knew that Qing Shui understood what she meant. He just did not want to bring up this topic. This caused her to be happy and sad at the same time.
"What about you? How have you been all these years? Why are you here in Eastern Victory Divine Continent?" Yu He was very curious.
Qing Shui had too many things that happened to him, it was not possible to finish speaking of it within an hour and a half. Yu He actually already knew of many of Qing Shui's deeds. After all, Qing Shui was very well known in the Greencloud Continent.
When she heard of Qing Shui's matters, she felt a sour feeling in her heart. He had been struggling alone, unlike herself. In comparison, she had risen to her position very smoothly. Her master was her benefactor. However, without Qing Shui, she would not have been able to wait until her master appeared. Furthermore, it was Qing Shui that had changed her entire life.
"Are you going to go back soon?" after a long period of time, Yu He looked towards the sky and smiled.
"It should be somewhere between the day after tomorrow to a week. I have not been home for two years already." Qing Shui missed his home and wanted to go back as soon as he could.
"I came here in order to deliver something, I wish to go back too. Shall we go back together?" Yu He smiled at Qing Shui."
"Of course, however, what will happen to Silken Web Ridge after you leave?" Qing Shui was puzzled. He was now sure something was going on.
"Silken Web Ridge already had someone managing it before I came. Furthermore, I am just here to deliver something. This place will still be managed by the original person. The relationship with the Mu Clan will not change, they are good friends of the Mu Clan." Yu He put on a shallow smile, she seemed to be very happy.
"Then stay in the Mu Clan for two days. When I leave, I'll let you know and we can go together."
"I still have some things to do. When it is time to leave, I will come and meet up with you."
"Alright then, I'll send you off!"
"Mn!"
……
In the morning, Qing Shui entered into the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. Even though they were celebrating, they did not stop practicing. Now was a period of high speed growth. They knew that Qing Shui would be leaving soon. Thus, they were working very hard. The problems that they had would be resolved.
After entering the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal , Qing Shui started to look into himself. There was a jade-green aura that was pushed into a corner by the Nature Energy. However, it wasn't able to be dissolved in this short period of time.
This was just a very small portion that had entered his body. Back then, he had not completely avoided it and some of it had entered his body. It was a good thing that the Nature Energy in his body was strong. It was able to suppress that jade-green aura. That poison aura wanted to enter his Dantian but was forced back by the Emperor’s Qi…
Now, it was nested in a corner. This caused Qing Shui to feel very unsettled. It was like a bomb hidden in his body. He had to force it out as soon as possible. Leaving it in his body would cause Qing Shui to feel very unsettled. It may be fine now but he was afraid that when he was in a battle and was not able to pay attention to it, it might take advantage of the opening and explode out. It might even cause his death.
Thus, Qing Shui wanted to see what methods he had to force out this poison aura now.
He sat down cross legged and started to circulate the Ancient Strengthening Technique. Combining it with the Nature Energy, it headed to that jade-green aura. As it pushed it, the speed of circulation increased.
That jade-green aura seemed to have spirituality. It tried to escape in the meridians. This was a very frightening thing. The meridians were like a spider web, there were many branches to them. If the poison aura escaped, there would be no way to find it in his meridians. He was able to suppress it earlier because the distance and location were at a good spot. After he forced it to a corner near the Dantian, he had not dared to force it too much.
Now, he circulated his Qi and used a great force to fiercely push on it. The poison aura took advantage and tried to flee. This aura was very mysterious, causing Qing Shui to be extremely frustrated. It was as slippery as a loach, when he managed to dissipate a small amount, it would quickly run away. However, when it was far away, it would not move.
Dissipating some was still progress. However, the amount that was dissipated caused Qing Shui to feel depressed. At this rate, he would require a very long time. Feeling the slipperiness of this poison aura, Qing Shui was very determined to force it out as soon as he could.
This carried on for another hour. In this period, he managed to dissipate some of it twice. If only he could catch it anytime he wanted, Qing Shui felt that he would be able to finish this within a day.
With the current situation, it caused one to be driven mad. However, Qing Shui was prepared. He took out a brocade box filled with Gold Needles that were as thin as cow's fur.
Originally, he wanted to test out the strength of his Nature Energy. However, he discovered that the jade-green aura was very strong as well. He could only use the the Gold Needles to assist.
The Nature Energy was chasing it within his body. Qing Shui was watching the insides of his body. Every time it was in a meridian, he would suddenly jab the needle down, causing the poison aura to be trapped.
Following behind was the Nature Energy.
Qing Shui's Gold Needles had blocked up the path of the poison aura, naturally the Nature Energy's path was blocked as well. Thus, this was only an aid. However, with this method, Qing Shui felt a lot more relaxed.
Following the passage of time, there was an increasing number of Gold Needles in Qing Shui's body. The poison aura in his body was getting smaller and smaller. He slowly started to relax. Without this Gold Needles, he did not know how long would it take to completely dissipate this poison aura.
Very soon, one third of the aura was cleared out. The Nature Energy continued to dissipate the poison aura. Every time it dissipated some of it, there seemed to be some minute changes to the Nature Energy.
The Sixth Grade Nature Energy was already at the great perfection stage long ago. It had not broken through yet. Qing Shui felt that it was like a tightly wrapped cocoon, there was no way to break through it. However, now, he found that there seemed to be some tears on the cocoon. This caused Qing Shui to be very excited.
Could the Nature Energy be able to make a breakthrough?
Although the Nature Energy was not his strongest supplementary technique, it allowed Qing Shui to withstand the pressure that was many times more than Qing Shui's own abilities. It was able to withstand poison and enticement. Any techniques that walked the path of evil would be suppressed by the Nature Energy. The Seventh Grade of Nature Energy should be a threshold. He felt that the Seventh Grade of Nature Energy would be very strong.
He originally intended to take a break before continuing. Feeling this miraculous change, he decided to speed up instead. After dissipating some of the escaping poison aura, before Qing Shui could do anything, he discovered that the Nature Energy started twisting in his meridians.
The swelling of his meridians felt very intense, his inner vision discovered it was moving like a snake, moving at an increasing speed. Qing Shui felt very excited and pulled out all the Golden Needles.
The Nature Energy in his body grew even stronger and it wound back to the Dantian. Once it returned to the Dantian, the Emperor’s Qi circulated automatically for the first time. The two tyrannical Qi clashed against each other.
The purple Emperor’s Qi and the Nature Energy intertwined with each other and circled the Dantian. The speed of the Jindan's rotation was increasing, spreading the Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique outwards.
Pu!
In about seven and a half minutes, there was a dull sound. The Emperor’s Qi returned to the Dantian and stayed at a spot. In the middle was the golden Jindan. The Qi of the Mental State akin to that of immovable mountains was on the other side. The Nature Energy also occupied a side. They were all revolving around the Jindan.
The Nature Energy seemed a lot denser than before. It was also much larger. Qing Shui knew that the Nature Energy had broken through.
Seventh Grade Nature Energy.
Increase in grade!
Qing Shui still felt like he was a little confused. He activated the Nature Energy and a surging strength arose. It felt much stronger when compared to before its breakthrough. It felt like his spirit was strengthened. There was a strong aura of self confidence.
The mysterious Nature Energy indeed had some changes at the Seventh Grade, Although it only increased 70% of his abilities, that self confidence, ability to resist poison and pressure had increased by many times. Furthermore, he felt that his ability to resist spirit energy also had a great change.
"Let's see where you are going to hide this time!"
Qing Shui activated the Nature Energy and increased the circulation speed of the Nature Energy by many times. He caused it to chase after that jade-green aura. This time, he rushed directly at it, without using the Golden Needles.
[1] Jindan = Golden Core of a Cultivator
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AST 935 – Roc’s Might, Departure, Ancient Legends
That emerald colored poison Qi seemed to have sensed how terrifying the Nature Energy was, but the Nature Energy which had been through a breakthrough wasn’t something that could be compared with what it was previously. In the past, it was like a small stream, but right now it was like a great river. The Nature Energy caught up very quickly and like a big fish devouring a small one, swallowed up that emerald colored poison Qi.
The remaining half of the emerald poison Qi couldn’t even do anything and was dissolved. The difference of the Nature Energy before and after it had leveled up was too great. A Grade Seven Nature Energy was much more powerful than the Grade Six Nature Energy.
After repeated checks to make sure that the emerald colored poison Qi had already disappeared, Qing Shui was now relieved. He then started to sense the Nature Energy which had leveled up, which gave it a stronger air of oppression.
Oppressing with aura!
Qing Shui tried to bring up his Qi, gathering up all his aura together through the Nature Energy. It was only after it had reached the Niwan Palace and mixed with his spirit energy before they started to surge out.
“Mmm, very powerful!” Qing Shui sensed the changes to the aura, but kept having a feeling that something was wrong. It wasn’t a smooth feeling and just felt like many things put together randomly.
It might be because this was the first time he was using it!
Qing Shui then made a few more attempts and his mastery increased. Oppressing with aura, using Nature Energy to draw out the Qi of Heaven and Earth, allowing his aura to borrow the help of Heaven and Earth to oppress the opponent.
This was the ability that only the Grade Seven Nature Energy had.
Once the opponent’s aura was suppressed, his Qi’s activity would be suppressed and his abilities would suffer a huge setback. What was most commonly seen was powerful martial arts cultivators suppressing low level ones. Spiritual Confinement was also, in a way, using pressure to oppress the opponent. When the pressure reached a certain limit, one could use aura alone to kill the opponent.
It could be used for confinement and could cause the opponent to lose the motivation to continue the battle.
What Qing Shui needed to cultivate right now was the “Roc’s Might”, using Nature Energy to guide the powerful spirit energy to act as a foundation, applying pressure and oppressing opponents who were of the same level or even higher.
Gradually, he became more and more familiar with the mastery. Now, he had the means of using the “Roc’s Might”. This was a battle technique from the Roc form which had appeared after Qing Shui attained a breakthrough to the Martial Emperor level. It was only after the Nature Energy had attained a breakthrough to the Seventh Grade that Qing Shui felt that he was able to cultivate it.
Soaring vertically upward 90,000 li into the skies [1]… The legendary roc was said to be able to travel 90,000 li each time it flapped its wings. The normal flying speed of the roc was comparable to Qing Shui's Nine Continents Steps before it had leveled up.
Wherever Qing Shui's eyes focused, there would be a wave which appeared to be like a spatial ripple. This was pressure, something which ordinary people wouldn't be able to see. It was the movement of spirit energy and had a similar effect as the Heart Toxin Talisman, but yet they weren't completely the same.
His grasp of the skill got better and better. The Roc’s Might was best used against people with weak spirit energy, willpower and minds. However, no matter if one was strong or not, they would be affected.
Unknowingly, he had already spent half the time he could remain in the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. He could be considered to be able to use the Roc’s Might now. However, he would still need some time before he could get it to the Small Success Stage. Such pressure wouldn't be able to increase his abilities and it would only be a feeling. As for how much it could weaken his opponents, it would also be dependent on how strong the opponent was.
Tempering!
The Soulshake Bell had reached quite a high grade and was on the verge of attaining a breakthrough for quite a while, yet he had not been able to succeed. However, Qing Shui didn't let it get to him and only persisted with the daily tempering. As for whether he'd attain a breakthrough or not, he didn't think too much about it.
The Spirit Channeling Jade had attained a breakthrough from the first grade to the third, reaching the Intuition Realm. This was quite a great breakthrough. The advancement of the Spirit Channeling Jade was the slowest, but the great power it brought with its level up was undeniably strong.
The Spirit Gathering Lamp was still on the verge of leveling up. The advancement of these items grew increasingly slower toward the end and it was even possible for there to be no breakthrough, even after a very long period of time.
The Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb had leveled up by one grade, reaching grade five, the Heaven's Mysteries Realm. Qing Shui saw that the realms of the various treasures were all different, but he didn't think too much into it. He only cared about which grade they were at and if it was sufficient to know that the Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb was at grade five, one grade higher than before.
The Demon Binding Ropes had also increased by one grade, reaching grade seven. It looked two times thicker than before and its color had turned deeper. He could sense that the spiritual energy on it had grown increasingly strong. This was a good item and it was now at grade seven, the Realm of Subduing Dragons and Taming Tigers. It had caught up to the Soulshake Bell, but the latter was on the verge of leveling up to grade eight.
After attaining a breakthrough to become a Martial Emperor, Qing Shui realized that the treasures he had in the past had temporarily become pretty weak and were not effective for serious situations, unless they were put to use with careful timing. It was just like how the Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb and the Five-Headed Demonic Spider's Corrosive Poison Web had been used together. If the Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb was used just by itself, he had no idea if it would have any effect.
Thank goodness it had now increased by one grade. Its abilities should be greater now and it should be better able to absorb poison. After a period of time, Qing Shui would soak it in poison, allowing it to absorb the poison.
In the interim, when Qing Shui was practicing the Roc’s Might, he would attempt to add in Emperor's Qi, only to find that it went against the Nature Energy and the two domineering Qis were not able to merge at all. He then dismissed the thought of attempting to merge them together.
When Qing Shui went out, it was already noon. He walked out of his room and saw that Mu Qing was sitting at the pavilion downstairs. When Qing Shui saw her, she seemed to have sensed something and turned her head.
She broke into a light smile and her expression made Qing Shui feel as if the entire world was much brighter than before.
Qing Shui went down and sat opposite her.
"Are you hungry? Do you want to get some food?" Mu Qing looked at Qing Shui and asked, smiling.
“Eating one less meal isn’t a big deal to a cultivator. When I see you, no matter how hungry I felt, I won’t feel hungry anymore.” Qing Shui held Mu Qing’s hand over the stone table and smiled.
“The blockhead only knows how to cheer me up when he’s about to leave.” Mu Qing looked at Qing Shui, not blinking. Although she was smiling, Qing Shui could sense that she was very disappointed.
“Qing`er or do you want to follow me back?” Qing Shui gave it some thought and said.
“I’m already very satisfied to be able to meet you. Moreover, I’m already your wife and I can still go to look for you in the future. Right now, I can’t abandon the Mu Clan. Promise me, if you come to the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, you must come and look for me.” Mu Qing lowered her head. She didn’t want to let Qing Shui see her weak and fragile expression.
“You’re my wife. Even if I don’t have to come to the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, I’ll still come to look for you.” Qing Shui couldn’t bear to part with her either, but he still had things he had to do. In a few years…
“With these words from you, Qing`er is satisfied,” Mu Qing lifted her head, her eyes slightly moist, as she smiled and said.
“We’re already married, but Qing`er has yet to call me husband. I’m going to be leaving soon, come, let me hear you call me that.” Qing Shui propped the weight of his upper body with his elbows on the stone table, as he leaned in smiling.
“I’m not going to!” Mu Qing chided shyly.
“Oh, then I’ll give way. You can call me dear elder brother.” Qing Shui smiled and continued saying.
“I’m older than you… You rascal…” Mu Qing ponded Qing Shui angrily, but soon broke into a smile. Unknowingly, Qing Shui was already sitting right next to her.
“You must choose either one today, else your husband is going to pleasure you here.” Qing Shui looked at Mu Qing, whose face was flushed red.
“Ah, you dare…”
“You’re doubting me?” Smiling, Qing Shui’s left hand skillfully reached in under her clothes.
…
Two days passed by very quickly.
Today, many people from the Mu Clan were around and there were also quite a number of people from the Godly Sword Clan. Dong Yan and Sun Yan were around as well. Qing Shui and Mu Qing stood together. Today was the day Qing Shui was leaving.
“Qing Shui, be careful on the way. You must remember to think of me,” Mu Qing let Qing Shui hold her hand and said.
“I will. I’ll think of you everyday. You must be careful as well. Practice formations whenever you’re free and the steps as well. That is very important,” Qing Shui repeated once again.
“I know, don’t worry. Sister Yu is here,” Mu Qing put up a forced smile and said.
A huge snow-white bird flew toward them, with Yu He on it. It arrived above the Mu Clan very quickly and then slowly descended. That charming figure and her dignified disposition made her seem to be like a fairy from the heavens. Many people fell into a daze.
They exchanged a few polite words and Qing Shui gave Mu Qing a tight hug before letting her go and waving to the others. Dong Yan and Sun Yan had wanted to send him off, but were rejected by Qing Shui.
They would eventually have to part, so why was there a need to feel unhappy for a second time.
Qing Shui called out the Fire Bird, waved to the others and then he quickly flew out of everyone’s sight together with Yu He.
The Fire Bird and Yu He’s huge snow-white bird flew next to each other. When the two beasts were flying next to each other, they looked like a large stretch of flat land.
Thinking that he was going to be returning home, Qing Shui felt very agitated. Just as he was thinking of his family, a fragrant scent drifted over and he turned his head to find that Yu He was standing behind him, smiling.
“I’d like to chat with you.” Yu He smiled and looked at Qing Shui.
“I was just about to call Sister Yu here.” Qing Shui rubbed his nose.
“Whenever you rub your nose, it means that you’re not saying the truth. You’re still not able to change your habit.” Yu He suddenly felt very close to Qing Shui, as if she had found the feeling from the past.
Qing Shui was stunned for a while before smiling, “I’m speaking the truth.”
“Sister Yu, do you think that something major will really be happening to the five continents?” Qing Shui gave it some thought and said.
“The five continents have not been at peace all along. It has always been a case of the strong holding supreme and powerful sects and aristocratic clans would monopolize a large part of the resources in an area and wield absolute power. However, there’s more than one powerful sect and there’s no way that they can always remain powerful. Therefore, it’s very normal for there to be endless killings happening everyday,” Yu He shook her head and said.
“Then why are there rumors that a great chaos will be happening across the five continents soon? There might even be great, powerful experts who would be taking part in it.” Qing Shui frowned. After all, they were but rumors and the land across the five continents was vast and he felt that it was hard for such an event to happen.
“Rumors are but rumors. However, a site of ancient ruins has been found in the Northern Sacred Lu Continent. It was just that it had been sealed up. The estimation was that that three years later, the seal will weaken and the experts from the five continents may gather there,” Yu He gave it some thought and said.
“Ancient ruins?”
Qing Shui was astonished. This was something which many people knew or had heard of. Deity statues were already amazing enough, but when compared to ancient ruins, it was only like a drop in the ocean.
The pressure near the deity statues would be very strong, but the ancient ruins from the legend would be even more plagued with dangers. However, the benefits it brought were also tremendous. The place would be filled with opportunities and dangers, as well as endless heavenly and earthly treasures, Spirit Beasts, divine weapons and treasures. With just a little luck or if one was able to leave the place, their lives might change forever.
[1] Extract from a Chinese poem by Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai.
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AST 936 – Using the Nine Continents Steps, An inhospitable environment has many wicked people
"Indeed, it has been 2000 years since an ancient relic had appeared. Every time an ancient relic appeared, some large sects would end up being eradicated. However, after many years, even hundreds of years, there would be some new big sects or large clans."
Yu he raised her head and looked into the distance. She spoke very fast, it was still considered keeping it short.
Although Yu He did not say much, the most important bits were said. Furthermore, Qing Shui was quite familiar with the ancient relics. Every time an ancient relic appeared, countless experts would be killed, likewise, many new experts would arise.
This was the trend of a fatal attraction. Despite knowing about the danger, they could not help but go forward. The bigger the risk, the greater the rewards. For this matter, only those qualified could enter, basically anyone that could arrive could enter.
Of course, there were some exceptions. There were people who were satisfied with what they have. Many people also knew that it was a deathtrap, only one would live out of ten. Most people understood this. However, those who could make a rational decision were few.
The seal of the ancient relic was very strong. Even at this weakest, it was not that everyone could enter. As to what level of strength was required, no one could say until it happened.
Furthermore, the ancient relic in the Northern Sacred Lu Continent still needed another three years before it opened. He never expected that Yu He would already have obtained news about it. Not counting this piece of news, the things that were known about it were few.
Although many people knew that the great powers had some movement, even those who knew about the ancient relics and that the time was coming, the number of people who knew the location were few. By the time the exact location was found, only a few would be able to rush to it. Cultivators below Martial Saint would not qualify to enter. Thus, those who entered, were experts. That was why it was easy to cause a change in the powers.
"Will Elder Sister Yu go?" Qing Shui said after thinking for a while.
Actually, Qing Shui felt that he would definitely go. In three years of time, he did not know if he would have the ability to bring Yiye Jiange to the Lion King’s Ridge in Northern Sacred Lu Continent. If he had the ability to do so in these three years, he would do his best to help her resolve this matter.
He felt that in three years, his strength would be sufficient. When that happened, he would resolve Yiye Jiange's dream. He would then go to that ancient relic. After all, it was extremely dangerous there, even he could not guarantee his survival. However, he was still confident.
"I do not know, in three years time… I wish to go but we will see when the time comes. I know you will definitely go. That's why I am telling you in advance, so you can make your preparations." Yu He sighed.
"You also said it, there are still three years. Who knows what will happen. However, I will be sure to prepare for it." Qing Shui looked forward to that ancient relics.
Although it was dangerous there, there were a lot of benefits that he could obtain. There was still a group of Demonic Beast in the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. Qing Shui felt that three years later, he should be able to protect himself.
……
They managed to make great headway in one day. The speed of the Fire Bird had increased significantly. Unfortunately, Qing Shui was unable to use the Nine Continents Steps, causing him to feel depressed……
Seeing that the sky was turning dark, Qing Shui returned eagerly. If he wasted the Nine Continents Steps, he would have wasted a lot of time. This was something that Qing Shui could not accept. He rubbing his nose countless of times and wanted to tell Yu He. However, he was not able to do so.
Right now, they happened to be in the wilderness. There were no villages or shops around. They were prepared to eat something and rest here for a night. Then they would continue on their journey the next day.
It was simple and fast for Qing Shui to prepare some food.
"I miss the days in Hundred Miles City. I want to eat the things that you prepared," Yu He looked at Qing Shui expertly cooking something.
Qing Shui's hands trembled, then he quietly continued cooking. The smile on his face did not change. A familiar fragrance wafted out. Yu He had a satisfied smile on her face.
After drinking some fish soup and eating half a fish, Yu He stopped eating. She watched Qing Shui eat. She felt that the situation now was good, she was not able to explain it, nor did she know why. She had been hesitating. She was afraid of the consequences. If that would be the result, she'd rather remain as his good friend.
Very soon, the two of them finished eating. Qing Shui looked at the surroundings. The sky just turned dark. He had opened his mouth a few times. Although he was determined to say something, it still felt very difficult.
However, if he used the Nine Continents Steps, they would be much faster. He had to say it anyway, so he took a deep breath and looked at Yu he.
"It seems that you have something to say. You have already opened your mouth a few times. When did you become so reserved? Just say it. If I can do it, then I will do it." Yu He saw his expression and knew that he might have something to speak about, that was difficult to say.
"I have a method to travel very fast, but I would require your cooperation……"
"Travel fast? How do we cooperate?" Yu he looked at Qing Shui in astonishment.
It was not pleasant to rush. Furthermore, Yu He did not wish for her time to be wasted on rushing.
"Come, since we are going to travel that way, let us get into the sky first." After Qing Shui said this, he pulled on Yu He's hand and headed to the sky.
Yu He's body trembled slightly, but she did not resist Qing Shui's pull. She found that she was nervous and also anticipating it. An anticipation of something she was not sure of.
The two of them stood across from each other high in the sky. Yu he looked at Qing Shui, but he still held onto one of her hands.
"Elder Sister Yu, please don't take offense at this, it is for the sake of traveling faster." Qing Shui took a step forward. One of the hands grabbed onto Yu He's waist. Just when Yu He frowned…
Nine Continents Steps!
Qing Shui's hand that was holding onto her hand grabbed her tightly. He had no choice, he was afraid of a mistake. The consequences would be terrible.
The Nine Continents Steps only lasted for an instant.
After the Nine Continents Steps was used, it became Yu He's turn to hug Qing Shui tightly. She now knew why. She did not blame QIng Shui. She was even secretly happy.
Standing high in the air, there was a city of Eastern Victory Divine Continent below. As to which city it was, Qing Shui did not know. The lights below were very bright, but as they were at a high altitude, there was only some starlight and moonlight in their surroundings. The lights from below were not ablet to shine that far.
Qing Shui saw that Yu He was holding onto him very tightly. This was normal. This was the reflex caused by using the Nine Continents Steps. He stretched out his hands, grabbed onto her again and used another Nine Continents Steps.
Fortunately, there was a city below as well. However, it was the outskirts of the city. The surroundings were completely dark. Yu He closed her eyes, as though she was enjoying the Nine Continents Steps. Qing Shui did not disturb her…
"How many times can you use this?" Yu He raised her head, but her two jade like arms were still hugging Qing Shui's neck. He could feel some pressure coming from her chest.
"I can use it twice everyday." Qing Shui looked somewhat weakly at Yu He, as he spoke.
"That's great, if I have any urgent matters in future, I can come look for you. So you can send me to where I need." Yu He smiled at Qing Shui
Qing Shui: "……"
It was only the early evening. The two of them descended onto the large street. There was a night market. This was a bustling street with many people shouting out their goods and joyous laughter resounded.
There were many people who noticed the appearance of Qing Shui and Yu He. Many men were sneaking peeks at Yu he. However, most of them just took a look because they knew that a woman like her was not something they could possess.
Qing Shui and Yu He did not know what city they were in, nor were they interested. They were just here to stay for a night.
"Shall we go get a room first?" Qing Shui smiled at Yu He who was looking at the sky.
"No, accompany me to shop first. We will get a room later. If there are no more rooms later, then you will have to accompany me shopping for the whole night." Yu He seemed to enjoy the surrounding environment. She was looking everywhere.
Actually it was not that she liked this place, it was because of the person beside her. This caused even the surrounding environment to become pleasant for her.
Hearing her say this, Qing Shui did not have any other opinion. He accompanied Yu he as she shopped. This street was very wide and long, there were also many snacks, games and clothes here.
The new year had not passed yet, the atmosphere of the new year was still quite heavy.
The two of them walked amongst the crowd. However, despite the bustling crowd, there was no one in within two meters of them. Those that wanted to get near would automatically be pushed aside.
Time slowly went by, at the front of this street, there was a crossroad, a huge crossroad. This was the intersection between two streets. Although the two streets were very wide, beast carriages were prohibited.
At the left of the crossroad, there was a big plaza. There were many sounds of praises coming from there and fireworks being fired into the sky. The fireworks were just fired off one by one, unlike those of New Year's Eve, where the entire sky would be filled with fireworks.
"Qing Shui, let's go take a look. It is very lively there," Yu He said happily to Qing Shui.
Most of the people here were ordinary people. There were dragon dances and lion dances, sword dances, martial arts performances…
These were not strange to Qing Shui, it was very similar to his previous life. Looking at those sword dances and martial arts performances, he would have looked forward to those, thinking that they were very strong, that they had to practice for many years to reach that level of proficiency. However, now when he looked at it, he felt differently.
Yu He was different. Although she was from a small city like Hundred Miles City, she was from a large clan in that small city. Thus she was not able to mingle with the common folk. It was different now, maybe she had wanted to experience it. She felt that everything was new, this was like the popular customs of Hundred Miles City.
However, there was a disturbance. Qing Shui looked suspiciously at his surroundings. They were actually surrounded by at least 40 men. The ones leading them were two bald men. Their bodies were sturdy and tough. They looked very similar to each other, if they were not twins, they were at least brothers. At this moment, they were looking at Yu He. They seemed like they wanted to eat her up.
Qing Shui looked at Yu He and found that she was smiling gently at him. She seemed to be saying someone is bullying me, what are you going to do about it?
"It's the Tu Clan brothers. Hey, it seems that these two are outsiders. Are they being targeted by them."
"That is not strange, they can only blame the fact that this woman is too pretty. Now that they have their eyes on her, they are done for. Even the City Lord have to give them some face."
"These two seemed to be the descendants of some rich nobles. Why are they here in this unsavory place?" An old man shook his head and sighed before leaving.
……
Qing Shui looked at the surroundings. It was a bustling place, but it was not one of those strong cities. He felt that they were not likely to be much stronger than Hundred Miles City. Then he looked at the two study men across him.
An inhospitable environment has many wicked people. This place could be considered to be an inhospitable environment!
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AST 934 – Benefactor, Seventh Grade of Nature Energy
"You have grown. You are now more mature. You and Mu Qing are a good match."
Qing Shui looked at Yu He who was in front of him. Although her tone was very dull, he could still feel some hidden bitterness in her voice. It was especially clear to him, causing him to not know what to do.
"Elder Sister Yu, you are more mature than you were before and even prettier," Qing Shui smiled. After not meeting her for a long time, he had an odd feeling that he was not able to describe.
"Mature already, is Elder Sister Yu old now? Even I suspect that I am old already," Yu He drank tea and chatted with Qing Shui casually.
"How can that be? Elder Sister Yu is an absolute beauty. Every man who sees you will be tempted. I just wonder which man would have that kind of fortune." Qing Shui looked at Yu He in a regretful manner.
Women can be scarier than men at times. When he spoke to Mu Qing previously, Qing Shui felt that he had caused her to change. He had never expected that this would happen….
"Then do you wish to be the fortunate one?" Yu He looked at Qing Shui and smiled.
Qing Shui saw that there were no fluctuations in Yu He's eyes. Her smile was also very calm, even now, they seemed like good friends joking with each other. However, he knew that she was not joking.
"I do wish to be that person, but it is not something that I can have just by wanting it. That's right? Elder Sister Yu, you still have not told me how have you been for the past few years." Qing Shui laughed out loud and quickly changed the topic.
He felt that he was too serious earlier. If she pressed further, he would not know what to do. Furthermore, so many years had gone by, people change.
Yu He naturally could tell what Qing Shui was doing. Even if she wanted to press this topic, now was not the time. Qing Shui had just celebrated his big night. She would not say anything now. Furthermore, it had already been so many years.
Following that, Yu He told him of the things that happened to Hundred Flowers Valley. Of course there were many details that were skipped past. She had only given him a brief summary. However, she did not hide the fact that Hundred Flowers Valley had footholds in five continents.
Hearing Yu He's words, Qing Shui smiled, "Elder Sister Yu met with your benefactor, resulting in a meteoric rise."
"In my heart, there is still another important benefactor." Yu He looked at Qing Shui and laughed loudly.
"Oh, just meeting one benefactor is sufficient to change one's life. In that case, congratulations to Elder Sister Yu." Qing Shui smiled, as he poured more tea for her.
Yu He smiled and did not say anymore. She knew that Qing Shui understood what she meant. He just did not want to bring up this topic. This caused her to be happy and sad at the same time.
"What about you? How have you been all these years? Why are you here in Eastern Victory Divine Continent?" Yu He was very curious.
Qing Shui had too many things that happened to him, it was not possible to finish speaking of it within an hour and a half. Yu He actually already knew of many of Qing Shui's deeds. After all, Qing Shui was very well known in the Greencloud Continent.
When she heard of Qing Shui's matters, she felt a sour feeling in her heart. He had been struggling alone, unlike herself. In comparison, she had risen to her position very smoothly. Her master was her benefactor. However, without Qing Shui, she would not have been able to wait until her master appeared. Furthermore, it was Qing Shui that had changed her entire life.
"Are you going to go back soon?" after a long period of time, Yu He looked towards the sky and smiled.
"It should be somewhere between the day after tomorrow to a week. I have not been home for two years already." Qing Shui missed his home and wanted to go back as soon as he could.
"I came here in order to deliver something, I wish to go back too. Shall we go back together?" Yu He smiled at Qing Shui."
"Of course, however, what will happen to Silken Web Ridge after you leave?" Qing Shui was puzzled. He was now sure something was going on.
"Silken Web Ridge already had someone managing it before I came. Furthermore, I am just here to deliver something. This place will still be managed by the original person. The relationship with the Mu Clan will not change, they are good friends of the Mu Clan." Yu He put on a shallow smile, she seemed to be very happy.
"Then stay in the Mu Clan for two days. When I leave, I'll let you know and we can go together."
"I still have some things to do. When it is time to leave, I will come and meet up with you."
"Alright then, I'll send you off!"
"Mn!"
……
In the morning, Qing Shui entered into the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. Even though they were celebrating, they did not stop practicing. Now was a period of high speed growth. They knew that Qing Shui would be leaving soon. Thus, they were working very hard. The problems that they had would be resolved.
After entering the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal , Qing Shui started to look into himself. There was a jade-green aura that was pushed into a corner by the Nature Energy. However, it wasn't able to be dissolved in this short period of time.
This was just a very small portion that had entered his body. Back then, he had not completely avoided it and some of it had entered his body. It was a good thing that the Nature Energy in his body was strong. It was able to suppress that jade-green aura. That poison aura wanted to enter his Dantian but was forced back by the Emperor’s Qi…
Now, it was nested in a corner. This caused Qing Shui to feel very unsettled. It was like a bomb hidden in his body. He had to force it out as soon as possible. Leaving it in his body would cause Qing Shui to feel very unsettled. It may be fine now but he was afraid that when he was in a battle and was not able to pay attention to it, it might take advantage of the opening and explode out. It might even cause his death.
Thus, Qing Shui wanted to see what methods he had to force out this poison aura now.
He sat down cross legged and started to circulate the Ancient Strengthening Technique. Combining it with the Nature Energy, it headed to that jade-green aura. As it pushed it, the speed of circulation increased.
That jade-green aura seemed to have spirituality. It tried to escape in the meridians. This was a very frightening thing. The meridians were like a spider web, there were many branches to them. If the poison aura escaped, there would be no way to find it in his meridians. He was able to suppress it earlier because the distance and location were at a good spot. After he forced it to a corner near the Dantian, he had not dared to force it too much.
Now, he circulated his Qi and used a great force to fiercely push on it. The poison aura took advantage and tried to flee. This aura was very mysterious, causing Qing Shui to be extremely frustrated. It was as slippery as a loach, when he managed to dissipate a small amount, it would quickly run away. However, when it was far away, it would not move.
Dissipating some was still progress. However, the amount that was dissipated caused Qing Shui to feel depressed. At this rate, he would require a very long time. Feeling the slipperiness of this poison aura, Qing Shui was very determined to force it out as soon as he could.
This carried on for another hour. In this period, he managed to dissipate some of it twice. If only he could catch it anytime he wanted, Qing Shui felt that he would be able to finish this within a day.
With the current situation, it caused one to be driven mad. However, Qing Shui was prepared. He took out a brocade box filled with Gold Needles that were as thin as cow's fur.
Originally, he wanted to test out the strength of his Nature Energy. However, he discovered that the jade-green aura was very strong as well. He could only use the the Gold Needles to assist.
The Nature Energy was chasing it within his body. Qing Shui was watching the insides of his body. Every time it was in a meridian, he would suddenly jab the needle down, causing the poison aura to be trapped.
Following behind was the Nature Energy.
Qing Shui's Gold Needles had blocked up the path of the poison aura, naturally the Nature Energy's path was blocked as well. Thus, this was only an aid. However, with this method, Qing Shui felt a lot more relaxed.
Following the passage of time, there was an increasing number of Gold Needles in Qing Shui's body. The poison aura in his body was getting smaller and smaller. He slowly started to relax. Without this Gold Needles, he did not know how long would it take to completely dissipate this poison aura.
Very soon, one third of the aura was cleared out. The Nature Energy continued to dissipate the poison aura. Every time it dissipated some of it, there seemed to be some minute changes to the Nature Energy.
The Sixth Grade Nature Energy was already at the great perfection stage long ago. It had not broken through yet. Qing Shui felt that it was like a tightly wrapped cocoon, there was no way to break through it. However, now, he found that there seemed to be some tears on the cocoon. This caused Qing Shui to be very excited.
Could the Nature Energy be able to make a breakthrough?
Although the Nature Energy was not his strongest supplementary technique, it allowed Qing Shui to withstand the pressure that was many times more than Qing Shui's own abilities. It was able to withstand poison and enticement. Any techniques that walked the path of evil would be suppressed by the Nature Energy. The Seventh Grade of Nature Energy should be a threshold. He felt that the Seventh Grade of Nature Energy would be very strong.
He originally intended to take a break before continuing. Feeling this miraculous change, he decided to speed up instead. After dissipating some of the escaping poison aura, before Qing Shui could do anything, he discovered that the Nature Energy started twisting in his meridians.
The swelling of his meridians felt very intense, his inner vision discovered it was moving like a snake, moving at an increasing speed. Qing Shui felt very excited and pulled out all the Golden Needles.
The Nature Energy in his body grew even stronger and it wound back to the Dantian. Once it returned to the Dantian, the Emperor’s Qi circulated automatically for the first time. The two tyrannical Qi clashed against each other.
The purple Emperor’s Qi and the Nature Energy intertwined with each other and circled the Dantian. The speed of the Jindan's rotation was increasing, spreading the Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique outwards.
Pu!
In about seven and a half minutes, there was a dull sound. The Emperor’s Qi returned to the Dantian and stayed at a spot. In the middle was the golden Jindan. The Qi of the Mental State akin to that of immovable mountains was on the other side. The Nature Energy also occupied a side. They were all revolving around the Jindan.
The Nature Energy seemed a lot denser than before. It was also much larger. Qing Shui knew that the Nature Energy had broken through.
Seventh Grade Nature Energy.
Increase in grade!
Qing Shui still felt like he was a little confused. He activated the Nature Energy and a surging strength arose. It felt much stronger when compared to before its breakthrough. It felt like his spirit was strengthened. There was a strong aura of self confidence.
The mysterious Nature Energy indeed had some changes at the Seventh Grade, Although it only increased 70% of his abilities, that self confidence, ability to resist poison and pressure had increased by many times. Furthermore, he felt that his ability to resist spirit energy also had a great change.
"Let's see where you are going to hide this time!"
Qing Shui activated the Nature Energy and increased the circulation speed of the Nature Energy by many times. He caused it to chase after that jade-green aura. This time, he rushed directly at it, without using the Golden Needles.
[1] Jindan = Golden Core of a Cultivator
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AST 935 – Roc’s Might, Departure, Ancient Legends
That emerald colored poison Qi seemed to have sensed how terrifying the Nature Energy was, but the Nature Energy which had been through a breakthrough wasn’t something that could be compared with what it was previously. In the past, it was like a small stream, but right now it was like a great river. The Nature Energy caught up very quickly and like a big fish devouring a small one, swallowed up that emerald colored poison Qi.
The remaining half of the emerald poison Qi couldn’t even do anything and was dissolved. The difference of the Nature Energy before and after it had leveled up was too great. A Grade Seven Nature Energy was much more powerful than the Grade Six Nature Energy.
After repeated checks to make sure that the emerald colored poison Qi had already disappeared, Qing Shui was now relieved. He then started to sense the Nature Energy which had leveled up, which gave it a stronger air of oppression.
Oppressing with aura!
Qing Shui tried to bring up his Qi, gathering up all his aura together through the Nature Energy. It was only after it had reached the Niwan Palace and mixed with his spirit energy before they started to surge out.
“Mmm, very powerful!” Qing Shui sensed the changes to the aura, but kept having a feeling that something was wrong. It wasn’t a smooth feeling and just felt like many things put together randomly.
It might be because this was the first time he was using it!
Qing Shui then made a few more attempts and his mastery increased. Oppressing with aura, using Nature Energy to draw out the Qi of Heaven and Earth, allowing his aura to borrow the help of Heaven and Earth to oppress the opponent.
This was the ability that only the Grade Seven Nature Energy had.
Once the opponent’s aura was suppressed, his Qi’s activity would be suppressed and his abilities would suffer a huge setback. What was most commonly seen was powerful martial arts cultivators suppressing low level ones. Spiritual Confinement was also, in a way, using pressure to oppress the opponent. When the pressure reached a certain limit, one could use aura alone to kill the opponent.
It could be used for confinement and could cause the opponent to lose the motivation to continue the battle.
What Qing Shui needed to cultivate right now was the “Roc’s Might”, using Nature Energy to guide the powerful spirit energy to act as a foundation, applying pressure and oppressing opponents who were of the same level or even higher.
Gradually, he became more and more familiar with the mastery. Now, he had the means of using the “Roc’s Might”. This was a battle technique from the Roc form which had appeared after Qing Shui attained a breakthrough to the Martial Emperor level. It was only after the Nature Energy had attained a breakthrough to the Seventh Grade that Qing Shui felt that he was able to cultivate it.
Soaring vertically upward 90,000 li into the skies [1]… The legendary roc was said to be able to travel 90,000 li each time it flapped its wings. The normal flying speed of the roc was comparable to Qing Shui's Nine Continents Steps before it had leveled up.
Wherever Qing Shui's eyes focused, there would be a wave which appeared to be like a spatial ripple. This was pressure, something which ordinary people wouldn't be able to see. It was the movement of spirit energy and had a similar effect as the Heart Toxin Talisman, but yet they weren't completely the same.
His grasp of the skill got better and better. The Roc’s Might was best used against people with weak spirit energy, willpower and minds. However, no matter if one was strong or not, they would be affected.
Unknowingly, he had already spent half the time he could remain in the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. He could be considered to be able to use the Roc’s Might now. However, he would still need some time before he could get it to the Small Success Stage. Such pressure wouldn't be able to increase his abilities and it would only be a feeling. As for how much it could weaken his opponents, it would also be dependent on how strong the opponent was.
Tempering!
The Soulshake Bell had reached quite a high grade and was on the verge of attaining a breakthrough for quite a while, yet he had not been able to succeed. However, Qing Shui didn't let it get to him and only persisted with the daily tempering. As for whether he'd attain a breakthrough or not, he didn't think too much about it.
The Spirit Channeling Jade had attained a breakthrough from the first grade to the third, reaching the Intuition Realm. This was quite a great breakthrough. The advancement of the Spirit Channeling Jade was the slowest, but the great power it brought with its level up was undeniably strong.
The Spirit Gathering Lamp was still on the verge of leveling up. The advancement of these items grew increasingly slower toward the end and it was even possible for there to be no breakthrough, even after a very long period of time.
The Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb had leveled up by one grade, reaching grade five, the Heaven's Mysteries Realm. Qing Shui saw that the realms of the various treasures were all different, but he didn't think too much into it. He only cared about which grade they were at and if it was sufficient to know that the Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb was at grade five, one grade higher than before.
The Demon Binding Ropes had also increased by one grade, reaching grade seven. It looked two times thicker than before and its color had turned deeper. He could sense that the spiritual energy on it had grown increasingly strong. This was a good item and it was now at grade seven, the Realm of Subduing Dragons and Taming Tigers. It had caught up to the Soulshake Bell, but the latter was on the verge of leveling up to grade eight.
After attaining a breakthrough to become a Martial Emperor, Qing Shui realized that the treasures he had in the past had temporarily become pretty weak and were not effective for serious situations, unless they were put to use with careful timing. It was just like how the Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb and the Five-Headed Demonic Spider's Corrosive Poison Web had been used together. If the Blackjade Poisonous Spiderweb was used just by itself, he had no idea if it would have any effect.
Thank goodness it had now increased by one grade. Its abilities should be greater now and it should be better able to absorb poison. After a period of time, Qing Shui would soak it in poison, allowing it to absorb the poison.
In the interim, when Qing Shui was practicing the Roc’s Might, he would attempt to add in Emperor's Qi, only to find that it went against the Nature Energy and the two domineering Qis were not able to merge at all. He then dismissed the thought of attempting to merge them together.
When Qing Shui went out, it was already noon. He walked out of his room and saw that Mu Qing was sitting at the pavilion downstairs. When Qing Shui saw her, she seemed to have sensed something and turned her head.
She broke into a light smile and her expression made Qing Shui feel as if the entire world was much brighter than before.
Qing Shui went down and sat opposite her.
"Are you hungry? Do you want to get some food?" Mu Qing looked at Qing Shui and asked, smiling.
“Eating one less meal isn’t a big deal to a cultivator. When I see you, no matter how hungry I felt, I won’t feel hungry anymore.” Qing Shui held Mu Qing’s hand over the stone table and smiled.
“The blockhead only knows how to cheer me up when he’s about to leave.” Mu Qing looked at Qing Shui, not blinking. Although she was smiling, Qing Shui could sense that she was very disappointed.
“Qing`er or do you want to follow me back?” Qing Shui gave it some thought and said.
“I’m already very satisfied to be able to meet you. Moreover, I’m already your wife and I can still go to look for you in the future. Right now, I can’t abandon the Mu Clan. Promise me, if you come to the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, you must come and look for me.” Mu Qing lowered her head. She didn’t want to let Qing Shui see her weak and fragile expression.
“You’re my wife. Even if I don’t have to come to the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, I’ll still come to look for you.” Qing Shui couldn’t bear to part with her either, but he still had things he had to do. In a few years…
“With these words from you, Qing`er is satisfied,” Mu Qing lifted her head, her eyes slightly moist, as she smiled and said.
“We’re already married, but Qing`er has yet to call me husband. I’m going to be leaving soon, come, let me hear you call me that.” Qing Shui propped the weight of his upper body with his elbows on the stone table, as he leaned in smiling.
“I’m not going to!” Mu Qing chided shyly.
“Oh, then I’ll give way. You can call me dear elder brother.” Qing Shui smiled and continued saying.
“I’m older than you… You rascal…” Mu Qing ponded Qing Shui angrily, but soon broke into a smile. Unknowingly, Qing Shui was already sitting right next to her.
“You must choose either one today, else your husband is going to pleasure you here.” Qing Shui looked at Mu Qing, whose face was flushed red.
“Ah, you dare…”
“You’re doubting me?” Smiling, Qing Shui’s left hand skillfully reached in under her clothes.
…
Two days passed by very quickly.
Today, many people from the Mu Clan were around and there were also quite a number of people from the Godly Sword Clan. Dong Yan and Sun Yan were around as well. Qing Shui and Mu Qing stood together. Today was the day Qing Shui was leaving.
“Qing Shui, be careful on the way. You must remember to think of me,” Mu Qing let Qing Shui hold her hand and said.
“I will. I’ll think of you everyday. You must be careful as well. Practice formations whenever you’re free and the steps as well. That is very important,” Qing Shui repeated once again.
“I know, don’t worry. Sister Yu is here,” Mu Qing put up a forced smile and said.
A huge snow-white bird flew toward them, with Yu He on it. It arrived above the Mu Clan very quickly and then slowly descended. That charming figure and her dignified disposition made her seem to be like a fairy from the heavens. Many people fell into a daze.
They exchanged a few polite words and Qing Shui gave Mu Qing a tight hug before letting her go and waving to the others. Dong Yan and Sun Yan had wanted to send him off, but were rejected by Qing Shui.
They would eventually have to part, so why was there a need to feel unhappy for a second time.
Qing Shui called out the Fire Bird, waved to the others and then he quickly flew out of everyone’s sight together with Yu He.
The Fire Bird and Yu He’s huge snow-white bird flew next to each other. When the two beasts were flying next to each other, they looked like a large stretch of flat land.
Thinking that he was going to be returning home, Qing Shui felt very agitated. Just as he was thinking of his family, a fragrant scent drifted over and he turned his head to find that Yu He was standing behind him, smiling.
“I’d like to chat with you.” Yu He smiled and looked at Qing Shui.
“I was just about to call Sister Yu here.” Qing Shui rubbed his nose.
“Whenever you rub your nose, it means that you’re not saying the truth. You’re still not able to change your habit.” Yu He suddenly felt very close to Qing Shui, as if she had found the feeling from the past.
Qing Shui was stunned for a while before smiling, “I’m speaking the truth.”
“Sister Yu, do you think that something major will really be happening to the five continents?” Qing Shui gave it some thought and said.
“The five continents have not been at peace all along. It has always been a case of the strong holding supreme and powerful sects and aristocratic clans would monopolize a large part of the resources in an area and wield absolute power. However, there’s more than one powerful sect and there’s no way that they can always remain powerful. Therefore, it’s very normal for there to be endless killings happening everyday,” Yu He shook her head and said.
“Then why are there rumors that a great chaos will be happening across the five continents soon? There might even be great, powerful experts who would be taking part in it.” Qing Shui frowned. After all, they were but rumors and the land across the five continents was vast and he felt that it was hard for such an event to happen.
“Rumors are but rumors. However, a site of ancient ruins has been found in the Northern Sacred Lu Continent. It was just that it had been sealed up. The estimation was that that three years later, the seal will weaken and the experts from the five continents may gather there,” Yu He gave it some thought and said.
“Ancient ruins?”
Qing Shui was astonished. This was something which many people knew or had heard of. Deity statues were already amazing enough, but when compared to ancient ruins, it was only like a drop in the ocean.
The pressure near the deity statues would be very strong, but the ancient ruins from the legend would be even more plagued with dangers. However, the benefits it brought were also tremendous. The place would be filled with opportunities and dangers, as well as endless heavenly and earthly treasures, Spirit Beasts, divine weapons and treasures. With just a little luck or if one was able to leave the place, their lives might change forever.
[1] Extract from a Chinese poem by Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai.
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AST 936 – Using the Nine Continents Steps, An inhospitable environment has many wicked people
"Indeed, it has been 2000 years since an ancient relic had appeared. Every time an ancient relic appeared, some large sects would end up being eradicated. However, after many years, even hundreds of years, there would be some new big sects or large clans."
Yu he raised her head and looked into the distance. She spoke very fast, it was still considered keeping it short.
Although Yu He did not say much, the most important bits were said. Furthermore, Qing Shui was quite familiar with the ancient relics. Every time an ancient relic appeared, countless experts would be killed, likewise, many new experts would arise.
This was the trend of a fatal attraction. Despite knowing about the danger, they could not help but go forward. The bigger the risk, the greater the rewards. For this matter, only those qualified could enter, basically anyone that could arrive could enter.
Of course, there were some exceptions. There were people who were satisfied with what they have. Many people also knew that it was a deathtrap, only one would live out of ten. Most people understood this. However, those who could make a rational decision were few.
The seal of the ancient relic was very strong. Even at this weakest, it was not that everyone could enter. As to what level of strength was required, no one could say until it happened.
Furthermore, the ancient relic in the Northern Sacred Lu Continent still needed another three years before it opened. He never expected that Yu He would already have obtained news about it. Not counting this piece of news, the things that were known about it were few.
Although many people knew that the great powers had some movement, even those who knew about the ancient relics and that the time was coming, the number of people who knew the location were few. By the time the exact location was found, only a few would be able to rush to it. Cultivators below Martial Saint would not qualify to enter. Thus, those who entered, were experts. That was why it was easy to cause a change in the powers.
"Will Elder Sister Yu go?" Qing Shui said after thinking for a while.
Actually, Qing Shui felt that he would definitely go. In three years of time, he did not know if he would have the ability to bring Yiye Jiange to the Lion King’s Ridge in Northern Sacred Lu Continent. If he had the ability to do so in these three years, he would do his best to help her resolve this matter.
He felt that in three years, his strength would be sufficient. When that happened, he would resolve Yiye Jiange's dream. He would then go to that ancient relic. After all, it was extremely dangerous there, even he could not guarantee his survival. However, he was still confident.
"I do not know, in three years time… I wish to go but we will see when the time comes. I know you will definitely go. That's why I am telling you in advance, so you can make your preparations." Yu He sighed.
"You also said it, there are still three years. Who knows what will happen. However, I will be sure to prepare for it." Qing Shui looked forward to that ancient relics.
Although it was dangerous there, there were a lot of benefits that he could obtain. There was still a group of Demonic Beast in the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. Qing Shui felt that three years later, he should be able to protect himself.
……
They managed to make great headway in one day. The speed of the Fire Bird had increased significantly. Unfortunately, Qing Shui was unable to use the Nine Continents Steps, causing him to feel depressed……
Seeing that the sky was turning dark, Qing Shui returned eagerly. If he wasted the Nine Continents Steps, he would have wasted a lot of time. This was something that Qing Shui could not accept. He rubbing his nose countless of times and wanted to tell Yu He. However, he was not able to do so.
Right now, they happened to be in the wilderness. There were no villages or shops around. They were prepared to eat something and rest here for a night. Then they would continue on their journey the next day.
It was simple and fast for Qing Shui to prepare some food.
"I miss the days in Hundred Miles City. I want to eat the things that you prepared," Yu He looked at Qing Shui expertly cooking something.
Qing Shui's hands trembled, then he quietly continued cooking. The smile on his face did not change. A familiar fragrance wafted out. Yu He had a satisfied smile on her face.
After drinking some fish soup and eating half a fish, Yu He stopped eating. She watched Qing Shui eat. She felt that the situation now was good, she was not able to explain it, nor did she know why. She had been hesitating. She was afraid of the consequences. If that would be the result, she'd rather remain as his good friend.
Very soon, the two of them finished eating. Qing Shui looked at the surroundings. The sky just turned dark. He had opened his mouth a few times. Although he was determined to say something, it still felt very difficult.
However, if he used the Nine Continents Steps, they would be much faster. He had to say it anyway, so he took a deep breath and looked at Yu he.
"It seems that you have something to say. You have already opened your mouth a few times. When did you become so reserved? Just say it. If I can do it, then I will do it." Yu He saw his expression and knew that he might have something to speak about, that was difficult to say.
"I have a method to travel very fast, but I would require your cooperation……"
"Travel fast? How do we cooperate?" Yu he looked at Qing Shui in astonishment.
It was not pleasant to rush. Furthermore, Yu He did not wish for her time to be wasted on rushing.
"Come, since we are going to travel that way, let us get into the sky first." After Qing Shui said this, he pulled on Yu He's hand and headed to the sky.
Yu He's body trembled slightly, but she did not resist Qing Shui's pull. She found that she was nervous and also anticipating it. An anticipation of something she was not sure of.
The two of them stood across from each other high in the sky. Yu he looked at Qing Shui, but he still held onto one of her hands.
"Elder Sister Yu, please don't take offense at this, it is for the sake of traveling faster." Qing Shui took a step forward. One of the hands grabbed onto Yu He's waist. Just when Yu He frowned…
Nine Continents Steps!
Qing Shui's hand that was holding onto her hand grabbed her tightly. He had no choice, he was afraid of a mistake. The consequences would be terrible.
The Nine Continents Steps only lasted for an instant.
After the Nine Continents Steps was used, it became Yu He's turn to hug Qing Shui tightly. She now knew why. She did not blame QIng Shui. She was even secretly happy.
Standing high in the air, there was a city of Eastern Victory Divine Continent below. As to which city it was, Qing Shui did not know. The lights below were very bright, but as they were at a high altitude, there was only some starlight and moonlight in their surroundings. The lights from below were not ablet to shine that far.
Qing Shui saw that Yu He was holding onto him very tightly. This was normal. This was the reflex caused by using the Nine Continents Steps. He stretched out his hands, grabbed onto her again and used another Nine Continents Steps.
Fortunately, there was a city below as well. However, it was the outskirts of the city. The surroundings were completely dark. Yu He closed her eyes, as though she was enjoying the Nine Continents Steps. Qing Shui did not disturb her…
"How many times can you use this?" Yu He raised her head, but her two jade like arms were still hugging Qing Shui's neck. He could feel some pressure coming from her chest.
"I can use it twice everyday." Qing Shui looked somewhat weakly at Yu He, as he spoke.
"That's great, if I have any urgent matters in future, I can come look for you. So you can send me to where I need." Yu He smiled at Qing Shui
Qing Shui: "……"
It was only the early evening. The two of them descended onto the large street. There was a night market. This was a bustling street with many people shouting out their goods and joyous laughter resounded.
There were many people who noticed the appearance of Qing Shui and Yu He. Many men were sneaking peeks at Yu he. However, most of them just took a look because they knew that a woman like her was not something they could possess.
Qing Shui and Yu He did not know what city they were in, nor were they interested. They were just here to stay for a night.
"Shall we go get a room first?" Qing Shui smiled at Yu He who was looking at the sky.
"No, accompany me to shop first. We will get a room later. If there are no more rooms later, then you will have to accompany me shopping for the whole night." Yu He seemed to enjoy the surrounding environment. She was looking everywhere.
Actually it was not that she liked this place, it was because of the person beside her. This caused even the surrounding environment to become pleasant for her.
Hearing her say this, Qing Shui did not have any other opinion. He accompanied Yu he as she shopped. This street was very wide and long, there were also many snacks, games and clothes here.
The new year had not passed yet, the atmosphere of the new year was still quite heavy.
The two of them walked amongst the crowd. However, despite the bustling crowd, there was no one in within two meters of them. Those that wanted to get near would automatically be pushed aside.
Time slowly went by, at the front of this street, there was a crossroad, a huge crossroad. This was the intersection between two streets. Although the two streets were very wide, beast carriages were prohibited.
At the left of the crossroad, there was a big plaza. There were many sounds of praises coming from there and fireworks being fired into the sky. The fireworks were just fired off one by one, unlike those of New Year's Eve, where the entire sky would be filled with fireworks.
"Qing Shui, let's go take a look. It is very lively there," Yu He said happily to Qing Shui.
Most of the people here were ordinary people. There were dragon dances and lion dances, sword dances, martial arts performances…
These were not strange to Qing Shui, it was very similar to his previous life. Looking at those sword dances and martial arts performances, he would have looked forward to those, thinking that they were very strong, that they had to practice for many years to reach that level of proficiency. However, now when he looked at it, he felt differently.
Yu He was different. Although she was from a small city like Hundred Miles City, she was from a large clan in that small city. Thus she was not able to mingle with the common folk. It was different now, maybe she had wanted to experience it. She felt that everything was new, this was like the popular customs of Hundred Miles City.
However, there was a disturbance. Qing Shui looked suspiciously at his surroundings. They were actually surrounded by at least 40 men. The ones leading them were two bald men. Their bodies were sturdy and tough. They looked very similar to each other, if they were not twins, they were at least brothers. At this moment, they were looking at Yu He. They seemed like they wanted to eat her up.
Qing Shui looked at Yu He and found that she was smiling gently at him. She seemed to be saying someone is bullying me, what are you going to do about it?
"It's the Tu Clan brothers. Hey, it seems that these two are outsiders. Are they being targeted by them."
"That is not strange, they can only blame the fact that this woman is too pretty. Now that they have their eyes on her, they are done for. Even the City Lord have to give them some face."
"These two seemed to be the descendants of some rich nobles. Why are they here in this unsavory place?" An old man shook his head and sighed before leaving.
……
Qing Shui looked at the surroundings. It was a bustling place, but it was not one of those strong cities. He felt that they were not likely to be much stronger than Hundred Miles City. Then he looked at the two study men across him.
An inhospitable environment has many wicked people. This place could be considered to be an inhospitable environment!
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