Ancient Strengthening Technique (Portraits of Beauty) Ancient Strengthening Technique Chapter 1417-1418

AST 1417 – Mermaid Domination? Dragon Palace? Ancient Ruins

Jin Ci looked at Qing Shui. Right now the two of them are undoubtedly opposing each other. So what if Qing Shui was a member of Demon Lord Palace? So was Jin Ci. He was not obligated to do anything for him.

Since Jin Ci had come, Qing Shui guessed that Jin Ci must know of his ways of retaining youth. Helping him with it would not be a problem. He could leave a good impression as a bonus. As for chasing after the Demon Lord, Qing Shui feels that his chances are close to zero, just as Jin Ci said so himself. Qing Shui definitely has the highest chances.

No matter how you look at it, he had been the Demon Lord’s first man and, as of now, was probably still the only one.

A woman’s first impression of a man is of utmost importance, which is why Qing Shui felt that he had an absolute advantage. Surely he was the first person that came into mind when the Demon Lord selected a partner. He still would have had a better chance even if he was up against someone more outstanding than him - well, not that there were many people out there more outstanding than him, even excluding age restrictions.

“Sure, you don’t have to say thanks. We’re friends aren’t we, I don’t like fussing about that much.” Qing Shui said calmly.

Jin Ci felt bad. After all, he had originally come to talk about the Demon Lord, but ended up bringing up retaining his youth. This made it suspicious as to what his true aim was.

“I’ll leave it to you then, Brother Qing. If there’s anything you need, just say so.” Jin Ci said seriously.

This was what Qing Shui wanted. There were still lots of things to be done at Demon Lord Palace that needs some help. Although he is an elder, he does not have much power, unlike the 12 Earthly Branches.

Qing Shui was currently in the Medical Pavilion, one of the 12 Earthly Branches. Plus, he was an elder who helped cure the Vice Palace Lord’s body. He was now second-in-charge of the Medical Pavilion and was considered halfway towards becoming a Devil Chief.

The current Pavilion Chief was the old monster. He insisted on Qing Shui becoming the new Pavilion Chief but Qing Shui refused, so he could only hold on to the position. In spite of that, almost every member of the Medical Pavilion knows that it was only a matter of time before Qing Shui takes up that post.

The Medical Pavilion had the fewest members. Even so, there were still a lot of them. After all, it was one of the 12 Earthly Branches. If there were too little members, it would not have become one of the branches.

“Brother Jin, you’re being too polite. This medicinal pill can retain your youth for another century, and has healing properties too. You can decide yourself when to eat it.” Qing Shui smiled and handed the Golden Fragrance Jade to him.

“Oh, in that case, I’ll keep it for now. It might come in handy in the upcoming battle between Demon Lord Palace and Dragon Palace in half a month’s time.” Jin Ci kept it carefully, not wanting to ruin the medicinal pill.

“Battle with Dragon Palace? In Half a month’s time?”

Qing Shui flinched. It seemed that his intel was not that good. The other reason was because of the name Dragon Palace - he had not known that such a thing existed.

“Dragon Palace is a powerful force in the Dragon Abyss Ocean of the Soaring Dragon Continent. Their existence is like a mirage. These people live on the ocean. They are known to have many strong warriors at sea, with a huge palace deep in the ocean and have strong immortal demons at their disposal.” Jin Ci told Qing Shui frankly.

Immortal demons were as intelligent as the h.e.l.lfire Phoenix and the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant. Though not as cunning as humans, they cared a lot about their safety. Moreover, they have their own King and pride as a race.

To beasts, especially wiser beasts, humans are inferior. Humans have far weaker bodies, and have inferior weapons, agility, adaptability compared to them. The only difference is that humans are slicker, but still a formidable foe of the beasts. Therefore, they do not think of humans as superior, just like how humans do not think of beasts as superior.

Things like mounts and beast taming were almost equal once a certain level is achieved. Beast tamers were always a match with their tamed beasts.

Strong beasts in the sea were even more formidable than terrestrial beasts. Aquatic creatures usually have high spirituality, some are even close to humans, such as the Mermaids.

Mermaids are usually thought as gentle beauties. But here in the World of Nine Continents, they are different. Qing Shui had yet to see them, but rumors said that this mysterious race existed deep in the ocean.

Mermaids are the true kings of the deep ocean, and are above Hai Long. Mermaids and humans are very alike, they even have legs. Besides their anatomy, they are exactly the same as humans. For example, they are more adapted to living in the ocean, and their battle power increases greatly at sea, but decreases on land.

The legend of Mermaids had always been a mysterious one. Legends have it that they evolved from humans who had adapted to living in the ocean and were extremely beautiful. There were both male and female mermaids, living in underwater palaces.

The seas of The World of Nine Continents were just as scary as its land, maybe even scarier.

As for the Dragon Palace of the Soaring Dragon Continent, they did not know if the mermaids would be partic.i.p.ating, or Hai Long.

According to legend, mermaids specialized in spirit energy and water element abilities, but because this race resided deep in the ocean and were insanely strong, normal people would not encounter them.

“Brother Jin, I wonder how many people will the Demon Lord Palace send and who’s partic.i.p.ating?” Qing Shui felt like he wanted to see for himself, he was now a lot stronger than he was before. At the very least, Jin Ci is no match for him, he would be an easy kill.

“Since Dragon Palace will not be an easy enemy, this time, two branch halls will be sent out, along with the Palace Lord and Vice Palace Lord.” Jin Ci did not hide it.

After that, Qing Shui left and went to look for the Vice Palace Lord, Hua Rumei.

Hua Rumei’s complexion was pleasant and it seemed that she was in a good mood. As soon as she saw Qing Shui, she dragged him into the living room. Qing Shui scratched his nose - this woman is rather intimate. It was as if they are real siblings.

The feeling was very strong, and not at all feigned. Some things just could not be faked.

“Sister, is it true that we’re making a move against Dragon Palace in half a month’s time?” There was no need for him to hold back against this cheap sister.

“I knew you’d come for this matter. I’ve already put your name in it. My, how impatient you are,” Hua Rumei smiled at Qing Shui.

A faint shyness showed on Qing Shui’s face:”I knew Sister would treat me best.”

“Ahem, save the sweet talk if you can’t manage it. Such insincerity, it’s so weird it has become obvious.” said Hua Rumei, unable to hold in her laughter.

“Sister, is Dragon Palace strong?” He felt that Hua Rumei should know more than this.

“There are too many strong sects in Soaring Dragon Continent. Dragon Palace is more special, it is a strong force of justice, and is one of the people targeting the lord of Demon Lord Palace,”

“I wonder how we’ll act against Dragon Palace this time?” Qing Shui asked out of curiosity.

“There’s an Ancient Ruin in the Soaring Dragon Continent, and it’s abandoned. It has long been emptied but it has been an ancient battlefield. Battles have always taken place there."

“Ancient Ruin?”

Qing Shui realized he had been in awe for the whole day. He had heard about Ancient Ruins and ancient battlefields before, but this time he was hearing it with his own ears - and he was about to see a real ancient battlefield with his own eyes soon.

“Yes, there’s nothing much left in the ancient battlefield, but it’s impossible that everything has been looted. With luck, we might find some good stuff. However, it is a special place in these lands. Inside, there are powerful and vicious beasts. Some say that the Ancient Ruins are actually the deep parts of Haohan Continent,”

Hua Rumei continued:”This has not been confirmed, it’s just a speculation.”

“Is it possible for people other than Dragon Palace to enter?” Qing Shui thought and asked.

“Yes, and in fact that possibility is very high. But, even entering there in big numbers isn’t necessarily good. It is very chaotic inside, and extremely dangerous. Demon Lord Palace has an advantage in our formations. So, big numbers don’t seem to be good, instead it will make us more cautious. No matter how strong the troops are, as long as there is someone with absolute strength, even one person would be sufficient.” Hua Rumei said smiling.

“Don’t we, the Demon Lord Palace, have strong allies?” Qing Shui asked with the thought of the Four Great Evil Powers in mind.

“No!”

“What about the Divine Sound Sect, didn’t we work together once before?”

“Yes, we did, but we are not allies, we just occasionally have common enemies. Actually, people are saying that the Four Great Evil Powers split into two, with the Demon Lord Palace and Divine Sound Sect as a pair, and the Divine Beast Sect with the Wild Ghost Valley. If we do have an ally, it would be the Divine Sound Sect.” Hua Rumei said.

“I b.u.mped into some people from the Divine Sound Sect when I came here. They were fighting with people from Eternal Spring Palace, so I gave a hand.”

" Shen Ling is very beautiful, ain’t she!” Hua Rumei suddenly exclaimed.

“Yes, very beautiful indeed. Just that most men won’t be able to handle her because of the Bones of Immortal Fox.” Qing Shui shook his head and laughed.

“You didn’t seem like you know these stuff. Here, come and see what const.i.tution I am.” Hua Rumei said laughingly.

“You really want to know?” Qing Shui thought before saying.

“Of course!”

“Sister you are of Inner Charm Physique, your husband will be very lucky,” Qing Shui said seriously.

Inner Charm… In other words, Inner Coquette… Naughty~

“Oh my, you dare tease even me?” Hua Rumei pinched Qing Shui, face blus.h.i.+ng. Only she knew whether what Qing Shui had said was correct, but by the look on her face, he probably was.

“No, I dare not. Oh yeah, these are for you.” Qing Shui changed the topic and gave the Purple Jade Pendants to her.

“Meeting you during the final periods of my life has really changed my life.” Hua Rumei accepted the pendants happily without saying thanks.

“You would have been fine even if you didn’t ask, there will be a savior to help you.”

“You are that savior of mine. I’ll go whip up some food. Let’s eat together.” She said while laughing.

“I’ll go with you.”

Even though they just met, Qing Shui and Hua Rumei have strangely gotten pretty close. Qing Shui can be considered as her savior, and she doesn’t hold back on the intimacy with him, and Qing Shui felt that Hua Rumei treats him very well. No matter how you look at it, she was just like an older sister.

“Qing Shui, when we go to the Ancient Ruins, let’s go together. That way, you can fight alongside the Palace Lord. Just don’t hold us back, kay?” Hua Rumei smiled at Qing Shui.

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AST 1418 – Battle Pavilion, Set Off! Power Increase, Phoenix Battle Intent

After hearing Hua Rumei’s words, Qing Shui laughed and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely keep up.”

“Such confidence! It seems that you have a trump card!” Hua Rumei also laughed.

“Yes, but I’m not sure if they’re considered trump cards.” Qing Shui said humbly. Actually, he did have trump cards like Emperor’s Qi and Hundred Birds Wors.h.i.+ping The Phoenix. Heavenly Technique and Phoenix Finger could also be considered trump cards. In fact, Qing Shui had a lot of trump cards.

" There’s no need to be reserved when you’re with me. Anyways, you can show it off when the time comes. Don’t ever let your guard down. Our enemy, the Dragon Palace has powerful warriors, even the Palace Lord might not find them as easy opponents.”

Ten days went by quickly, Qing Shui kept training as his main focus. During his free time he would refine medicine. He had some stores of Quadruple Portion Medicine. Qing Shui himself had taken two Four-Yang Pills. Hua Rumei had taken quite a lot, and he even gave a portion to the woman.

Qing Shui felt that having Hua Rumei deliver the medicine would have been better.

Plus, during this period, he had added another skill to his Phoenix Form.

Phoenix Battle Intent!

Phoenix Battle Intent, a move that increased all allies’ power by 10%, increased resistance to poison and stamina by several times, and increased the morale of allies. The radius of the area of effect is 3000 meters around the caster.

Qing Shui smiled at the thought of this technique. With only five more days left before setting off towards the Ancient Ruins, he had never expected to develop such a powerful skill. This was a group battle technique that increases every ability by 10%!

Such an overpowered technique was truly frightening, especially when used with Emperor’s Qi and Hundred Birds Wors.h.i.+ping The Phoenix. Moreover, the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant could increase power by around 30 million sun, 10% would be 3 million sun! 3 million sun was already equivalent to a Martial False G.o.d….

After using these, a Martial False G.o.d’s power would be completely different, Grade 5 Martial False G.o.ds’ changes were especially frightening.

When allies’ strength weakened by 30%, their strength would increase by another 10%. This did not even include the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s Vajra Subdues Demons, nor the h.e.l.lfire Phoenix and Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s suppression. Of course, whether or not the two suppressions could work together was still unknown, but it was very probable. Since his abilities were different than they were before, a bit of suppression was quite normal.

With this, one would be able to fight someone twice as strong as oneself under normal circ.u.mstances. Realistically speaking, Qing Shui's Heavenly Technique could pulverize an opponent twice as strong.

Phoenix Battle Intent increased the battle power of allies in its vicinity, an overpowered battle technique - the stronger the person, the more their power will increase.

This battle technique was somewhat similar to Hundred Birds Wors.h.i.+ping The Phoenix, so it was not hard to learn. After all, the Nine Animals Mimicry Technique was a bonus from the Ancient Strengthening Technique, it was very suited for Qing Shui to cultivate.

Currently, Qing Shui’s abilities still could not be compared with the Demon Lord and Hua Rumei, but he was nevertheless a force to be reckoned with. He had his strong cripple and support, along with his terrifying Phoenix Finger and Heavenly Techniques.

Five Elements Divine Refining Technique had also received a huge boost because the Paragon Heavenly Technique could decrease Qing Shui’s technique cooldown by several times.

During this period, Qing Shui took some Four-Yang Pills because of the Quadruple Portion Alchemy Recipe. Although the Four-Yang Pill could only increase base power by 1 sun or increase all powers by 100 sun.

But that was not the extent of Four-Yang Pill, it could also strengthen the user’s physique. The effect would enhance when used by people with excellent physique. If Qing Shui were to use it, every Four-Yang Pill would increase his base power by more than 1 sun.

Because of the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal and Double Portion Medication, Qing Shui could only consume 20 more pills, but 20 pills were already enough to increase his strength by more than 60 sun.

As of now, Qing Shui’s raw strength was about 3 million sun, with the Nine Continents Mountain attack reaching 9 million sun as a backup for emergencies - it could even destroy opponents with power around 10 million sun.

The strength of his spiritual force was even more outstanding, with the Seal of Roc attack exceeding 24 million sun.

Although the Paragon Heavenly Technique was still the same, the Heavenly Techniques were still quite terrifying. Both the Paragon Golden Armor and Paragon Reversal were fear-worthy pa.s.sive techniques. They do more than just increasing Qing Shui’s power by twofold.

This was the day, the last day of the half-month preparation. Qing Shui had almost finished all the Four-Yang Pills, and most of the remaining pills in his possession were already useless.

Even the Ren Meridian and Du Meridian Strengthening Pellets could not be used anymore. Even so, it was Hua Rumei who had gained the most without Qing Shui and the Demon Lord knowing. Since it was already given to her, they let her bring a long one portion.

During this half-month, not once did Qing Shui see that woman, but he did meet with Hua Rumei on several occasions. The two genuinely looked like real brother and sister.

In the Medical Pavilion, the Old Monster and the bunch treated Qing Shui very well. Naturally, Qing Shui returned their kindness. As the saying goes, when people gave me one foot of respect, I return them with ten feet of respect. This was how Qing Shui had always been.

Qing Shui’s skills at using medicinal pills have earned almost everyone’s respect in the Medical Pavilion. In the Medical Pavilion, medicinal pills are the number one priority, whereas training came second. Otherwise, it would be more practical to just enter the Battle Pavilion or the Battle Shrine.

The Battle Pavilion was the one of the best at fighting amongst the 12 Earthly Branches, and their symbol was the Battle Shrine. This time, the Battle Pavilion and the Secret Service Pavilion were the ones going to the Ancient Ruins.

Qing Shui did not know much about the Battle Pavilion. Rather, he did not know much about the other Pavilions other than the Medical Pavilion. After all, the main reason he came here was because of that woman. There was no reason for him to understand the 12 Earthly Branches at all. As for the Medical Pavilion, it was just a way for him to get closer to the woman.

Today was the big day, the day of departure towards the Ancient Ruins, not the day of arrival. With their speed, they would not take long traveling to the Ancient Ruins, especially since they knew a shortcut.

Late in the morning, they set out. The Battle Pavilion and the Secret Service Pavilion set out separately, looking out for each other, and Qing Shui got to know these two pavilions.

There were only 800 people. Although it was not many, each and every one of them were elites. The Battle Pavilion striked an intimidating blood red Armour, whereas the Secret Service Pavilion dressed more normally, looking more like n.o.bles.

Though, the reason the Battle Pavilion wore such attire was because of the battle formation.

Qing Shui stood beside Hua Rumei. He was not the only one from the Medical Pavilion being sent. In every battle, the Medical Pavilion would be there with the warriors. After all, people get hurt in battles, and it was the doctors’ job to save their lives.

Hua Rumei wore a black dress. Her cold beautiful eyes pierced the veil she wore just like stars in the night sky, giving off a majestic aura.

The woman did not show up, so Hua Rumei was in command. As the men began fading away, Hua Rumei turned around and said to Qing Shui, “Let us start going as well!”

“Okay!”

A lot of people were speaking of rumors about Hua Rumei and Qing Shui. Ever since Qing Shui cured her, the pair seemed to have more than just a normal relations.h.i.+p.

Some say Qing Shui was using this to blackmail Hua Rumei, with her body as the condition…..

Some also say that Hua Rumei had a thing for Qing Shui and that she was the one who is being intimate with him.

……
Hua Rumei did not give a heed to these rumors. Who was she, to be affected by small rumors?

Hua Rumei’s mount is a Lightning Hawk about 10 meters high with s.h.i.+ny black feathers all over its body. It was only as strong as the strongest Martial G.o.ds, but its speed was even faster than some False G.o.d Immortal Demons. This was a beast with frightening speed and endurance, specializing in stealth, flight and evasion.

“Let’s go, she’s already waiting for us.” Hua Rumei pulled Qing Shui’s arm, mounting the Lightning Hawk.

With a flash of black lightning, the Lightning Hawk vanished on the spot, speeding off as fast lightning.

Qing Shui had his hands held by Hua Rumei. They were soft and cool like jade. This sort of intimacy just had something to it, something indescribable.

“What’s with you being shy, I’m only holding your hand. Don’t tell me you’re having thoughts about me?” Hua Rumei laughed at Qing Shui, the latter of whom seemed uneasy.

“Sister, you’re also quite the beauty yourself, and I’m not that good at restraining myself.” Qing Shui laughed, a bit more relaxed now.

“I can’t tell if you’re praising or belittling me.” Hua Rumei replied with a softer laugh.

“Of course it's a praise. This isn’t a word that normal women are worthy of. By the way, Sister also understands the Mystical Gates Formation, right?” Qing Shui suddenly thought of it.

“A little bit, I guess. Why’d you ask?” Asked Hua Rumei.

“I have a set of formations here, have a look and see if you’re interested. I think it’ll be very useful to you. Mastering formations should make learning the Mystical Gate Escape Arts much easier.” Qing Shui said, handing over a Nine Palace Steps cultivation scroll.

“Oh, let me have a look then.”

Hua Rumei took it, and took an hour looking through it. After returning from her thoughts, she looked at Qing Shui and said, “This formation is at least Divine Grade, it’s just that mastering it would be very difficult. This is already scary enough even without mastering it. I just realized that there’s so much to be gained from you.”

“Ah, I too, gained a lot from you. Where else can I find such a good sister? Well, let’s stop talking like strangers. You also don’t want people to talk this way when they receive gifts, right? Giving someone something already means that it’s okay, and that friends.h.i.+p exists.” Qing Shui said laughing. He did not like it when someone gets c.o.c.ky just because something was gained from that person. It made himself feel like he owed the person. If that was the case, he would rather keep the gift. Similarly, Qing Shui did not want other people to have misunderstandings when helping out other people.

All of a sudden, Qing Shui spotted someone familiar. A giant Divine Turtle emerged from its hiding behind the clouds. Now Qing Shui realized that the head is that of a dragon.

It was not a dragon head the last time he saw it. Somehow it transcended.

Among the things that Qing Shui gave her were some things that beasts use, including an Ancient Demonic Fruit.

“We meet again, young man. I’m glad that you didn’t disappoint me.” Qing Shui heard an old voice. Qing Shui went blank for a moment, then turned towards the giant Divine Turtle - the voice just now was definitely directed towards him.

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