Ancient Strengthening Technique

AST 962 – Clearing of The Fifth Heavenly Meridian

Hai Dongqing felt a little at a loss when she heard Hai Dongying's words from the side. This big brother of hers was very close to her, even more than his own children. But as she grew up, there were some matters that she had to face alone and she didn't even have anyone to consult with.

Outsiders must envy Hai Dongqing. Her clan, innate skills and appearance were perfect. They would probably feel that God had indeed bestowed too much upon this girl. But as the saying goes, 'an able man is always busy'. One had their responsibilities for where they stood. If it wasn't for Qing Shui, she would be a concubine to the Luo Clan and even staying alive until today would be a question.

"Rest assured, big brother. I will protect Dongqing with my life and make her happy to the best of my abilities," Qing Shui said earnestly to Hai Dongying. This was a form of promise and an insurance.

"Alright, alright. Come, have a seat everyone. Today is a joyous day." Hai Dongying entertained Qing Shui and some people who were directly related to the Hai Clan.

The table was already full of various dishes. Meat and vegetable dishes each took up half of the table, their aroma rich in the air. They had actually expected this day to come too, but just didn't think that it would come so suddenly.

Hai Dongqing had become the Hai Clan's head. The Old Ancestor of the Hai Clan had already handed over everything to Hai Dongqing. The prosperity of the Hai Clan hinged on her from now on. He had already known about Qing Shui's abilities from before, so at that time he thought that things would've been most wonderful if Hai Dongqing and Qing Shui could become husband and wife.

But then Qing Shui left. One year passed, then two years, five years…… there weren't any news about him. Under the lead of Hai Dongqing, the Hai Clan had become way stronger than before. Memories of Qing Shui gradually faded away. But she'd still feel a little pity when she thought about him occasionally.

No one expected Qing Shui's sudden appearance today, let alone the fact that he had come with an instant marriage proposal. So everyone was elated about it. This was just what they wanted. Besides, they also knew that the current strongest lady of the Hai Clan wasn't going to marry anyone, but Qing Shui and they believed that Hai Dongqing knew that too. The young men in this region had a hard time just being natural in front of Hai Dongqing. For a man to be weaker than a woman and hail from a less glorious clan, it was inevitable that he would feel inferior. Even the others would also think that these people weren't worthy of Hai Dongqing…

Everyone here was closest to her by blood and also her true family, so they were all hoping for Qing Shui to appear. It didn't matter even if he was not as powerful as he was back in the days, they only wished for Hai Dongqing to find her destiny and be happy.

"Uncle, let me propose a toast to you! I wish aunt and you great happiness!" Hai Shiya happily raised her wine cup to Qing Shui and smiled. It felt generous and natural. Hai Clan's everything and her everything were bestowed by this man. Their respect came from their innermost hearts, it wasn't merely shallow words.

Qing Shui raised his cup and smiled, "Thank you!"

The atmosphere in the great hall was amazing. Everyone offered their best blessings and enjoyed the meal and wine. An hour passed in a flash.

"Consider these betrothal gifts!" Qing Shui took out some stuff. It was basically the same set as he had given to the Mu Clan, with the Violet Jade Swords as the main gifts. Half of that large violet jade in the Realm of Violet Jade Immortal had been used up.

The people of the Hai Clan accepted them graciously. Qing Shui suggested Hai Dongying distribute them on the spot. The sword users immediately took away one sword each. There were also jade pendants, scythes and sabres but only a very small number of them, about only two or three of each.

"Uncle, why do I not see the stuff for my aunt?" Hai Long smilingly asked Qing Shui when he received a Violet Jade Sword. He was very pleased with this Violet Jade Sword. Very pleased indeed. To the current Hai Clan, this thing was a Divine Artifact.

The Thunder God that Luo Di from the Luo Clan held back then could only double strength and that was already considered a very powerful weapon. Not a lot of people in the entire Cold Ice City could hold a weapon of that caliber.

"Hehe, of course there's something for her." Qing Shui took out a Violet Jade Immortal Sword that appeared to be more graceful and gorgeous compared to the other Violet Jade Swords. But the amount of strength increase remained the same. That was because if the strength increase was anymore than this, the user's body wouldn't be able to endure it. He then took out the Violet Jade Earrings, Violet Jade Necklace and Violet Jade Bracelet. They made a full set and the violet was majestic. Even without wearing them, one could definitely already tell how divine Hai Dongqing would look with them on her.

"Well, we've enjoyed a meal and some wine. This affair has also been settled perfectly. This old man is getting tired, so I shall return and get some rest now," The Old Ancestor of Hai Clan stood up and announced happily.

"Old man!" Qing Shui hurriedly called out.

"Hehe, this old man is very happy. This jade pendant is very well-made. Thank you, Qing Shui."

After the Old Ancestor of the Hai Clan left, the rest followed suit. Hai Dongying stood up to leave too. "Uncle, have a nice chat with my aunt……" Hai Shiya left with a smile and she was the final person to leave.

Qing Shui sent them off with a smile. It was as if he had become the host now…

Hai Dongqing's face heated up a little. She was very nervous right now and she had never been this nervous before. She had thought about this day so many times, but she just didn't expect it to happen so abruptly.

She was sitting there, with the Violet Jade Sword, Violet Jade Earrings, necklace and bracelet that Qing Shui had given to her on the table…

She was happy and indescribably blissful at the same time. She had no more regrets after today. When she lifted her head, she saw Qing Shui standing before her. She hurriedly tried to get up, but Qing Shui stopped her by pushing down on her shoulders instead with a smile.

"Qing'er don't move!" Qing Shui crouched in front of her with a smile and raised his head to look at her. Looking at her shy and gorgeous face, he felt extremely happy and blessed in this moment.

He slowly embraced Hai Dongqing by her waist and buried his face into her lower abdomen. Words couldn't describe how relaxed he felt right now. The faint sweet scent wafted into his nose and he could feel Hai Dongqing's delicate body quivering slightly.

She patted the top of his head slowly in silence, as her heart gradually calmed down. After a short while, Qing Shui gently lifted his head and stood up.

"Let me help you to put them on!" Qing Shui smiled and took the Violet Jade Necklace.

"Sure!" Hai Dongqing nodded her head in happiness.

Her fair and long delicate neck appeared even more beautiful and attractive after being decorated by the necklace. She was a jade-like beauty and the Violet Jade Necklace brought out her gracefulness and aura of extravagance even more.

He picked up the Violet Jade Earrings, next he stared at her delicate and translucent ear, he had a strong sudden impulse to kiss it. The moment his hand came into contact with her earlobe, she trembled violently. Qing Shui laughed. So this was her sensitive spot, she must have felt ticklish just now…

After the bracelet was put on her, Qing Shui scrutinized this person who was already his woman. He knew that women loved pearls and jewels because these items could add an aura of extravagance. But Hai Dongqing already possessed a very powerful noble temperament. Wearing these violet jades would merely be adding flowers to brocade. But even so, the outcome was quite decent.

Qing Shui passed the Violet Jade Sword to her. "Try it out!"

"Alright!"

Noon had only passed and the snowflakes were still dancing endlessly. The ground was already covered with snow right now. It was all a silvery white color as far as one's eyes could see.

A sword dance!

Hai Dongqing's feet stepped on the snow. The gleam of the Violet Jade Sword in her hands was like a rainbow. She didn't really get the chance to sense the sword properly when she had accepted it earlier. As long as it was a gift from Qing Shui, it would be most valuable.

Hai Dongqing's strength was initially close to four stars. With the Violet Jade Immortal Sword, it was boosted to eleven stars. Her former weapon was quite decent, but it was significantly inferior to the Violet Jade Sword.

Luo Di, who was the strongest among Cold Ice City back in the days, only possessed the strength of merely a little more than two stars. The current Hai Dongqing had already surpassed him by too much, although she was still quite a long way from becoming a Martial Emperor.

A sharp violet-colored sword beam shot out gray clouds. Hai Dongqing started before turning her head around and giving Qing Shui a smile. She whirled her body and the Violet Jade Sword gleamed, as if flowers of light were blooming on it.

Her smile was as brilliant as the starlight.

Hai Dongqing stopped and put away the Violet Jade Sword. She then walked to Qing Shui's side and gave him a small smile. When she looked at Qing Shui with her sparkling beautiful eyes, Qing Shui was reminded of the time when he met her in the Greencloud Continent. Her old feelings had come back to her again now. She should be happier in the Greencloud Continent compared to the time when she was in Cold Ice City.

………

At night, Hai Dongqing searched for a bedroom with Qing Shui. Qing Shui was smiling, as he followed behind her silently.

This was her manor. This was her private place as the Hai Clan's head. No one else would come in if there wasn't an important matter. Hai Dongqing led him here with a red face.

"Do not laugh!" She reprimanded Qing Shui when she saw that teasing smile on his face.

"Why would I? My lady, just which room are you leading me to? I will only sleep in your bedroom tonight." Qing Shui looked at the lady who already had her head lowered before him in amusement.

"Fine, but you are not allowed to touch me tonight," Hai Dongqing said in a serious tone of voice.

"In that case, you should just find me another bedroom!" Qing Shui smiled wryly when he saw the serious look on Hai Dongqing's face.

"It's getting late. Let's go. I want to sleep in your arms tonight," Hai Dongqing's shy whisper caused blood to rush straight to Qing Shui's brain.

On the second floor!

The building's second floor was a living room that wasn't too big. The floor was covered by a violet rug. The soft sensation on his bare feet felt extremely comfortable. Qing Shui looked at Hai Donqing's fair and jade-like feet that were equally as bare as his. She reached out to hold his hands. Her face was so red that it almost seemed like tears were about to fall down from her eyes. Qing Shui watched her with a smile. It seemed like the heart of this graceful lady was stirred.

Qing Shui suddenly picked her up in his arms. After a suppressed cry of alarm was heard, they made their way towards the bedroom.

Hai Dongqing buried her face into Qing Shui's chest. It was evident that she was very nervous from her quivering.

Her bedroom wasn't too huge and seemed to be very cozy. Her bed was very huge though and could fit three people on it. The thick snowy blanket was white, as though it was untainted by even a speck of dust. The blanket and huge pillow on the bed were entirely snowy white in color.

The bedroom had a hint of faint fragrance that smelled just like Hai Dongqing. Qing Shui immediately lay down on that fluffy bed with her in his arms.

"You're afraid!" Qing Shui laughed gently when he sensed her nervousness.

Hai Dongqing realized that Qing Shui didn't make any advances, so she lifted her head and answered with a red face. "A little…"

Qing Shui chuckled mischievously before he flipped over and pinned her down. Both of their faces were very close to each other. Qing Shui's body had an immediate reaction to the curvy delicate body that was pinned underneath him.

Hai Dongqing had clearly felt it too. Perhaps she had let out a shy yelp when Qing Shui suddenly flipped her over, but Qing Shui was already kissing those red lips the very next moment.

Both of his hands were kneading her plump, perky and perfectly round rear. He was planting kisses in between those tall mounds that were covered by a layer of fabric…

Clothes were slowly stripped away. The two naked bodies wrapped around each other!

It was going to be a long night, as they were engulfed in boundless pleasures within the room!

………

Pa!

Qing Shui was the only one who heard that clear noise. It came from within his body. This time, he was very sure that one of his Heavenly Meridians was cleared.

That was the fifth among the Twelve Heavenly Meridians!

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AST 963 – The Twelve Portraits of Beauty, The Twelve Heavenly Meridians? The Secret?

The Fifth Heavenly Meridian had been cleared!

That exact moment felt wonderful. One of the Heavenly Meridians had been cleared when he was with Mu Qing and that was the Fourth Heavenly Meridian. But he had no idea when the other three were cleared. When the Fourth Heavenly Meridian was cleared, he had just attained the small success stage.

So he had only realized that four among the Twelve Heavenly Meridians had been cleared when the Fourth Heavenly Meridian was cleared. Another one was actually cleared again this time, the Fifth Heavenly Meridian. The last time when he attained the small success stage, there were some subtle changes in his spirit energy. His strength had also been increased by ten stars. But now, Qing Shui knew that the ten stars was the outcome of his Duo Cultivation with Mu Qing.

Although there weren't any obvious changes in his spirit energy this time, his strength was still increased by ten stars. He had his woman in a tight embrace at this moment. Her strength had also been increased by ten stars…

Qing Shui didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He was weaker than his woman in the past, yet he received the biggest benefits in the end. But he realized that things had changed recently. Mu Qing had received more than double the benefits last time compared to him. And although there was a great disparity between Hai Dongqing's strength and his strength now, her increase in strength was about the same as his.

So the unnamed cultivation technique actually had this type of balancing effects…

Hai Dongqing was quite shocked too. She was currently leaning docilely in Qing Shui's arms while staring at him in shock. She had never expected that her strength would increase this way too. Furthermore, this strength increase was a little terrifying.

"Do you feel good?" Qing Shui's hands were caressing the silk-like skin. He simply couldn't stop caressing that perky and perfectly round plump rear lovingly.

"Not telling…"

Qing Shui was startled. So this woman actually had such an adorable side to her. Looking at that translucent ear, Qing Shui leaned over to suck it. He nibbled his way around her whole ear before thrusting his tongue gently inside.

Hai Dongqing visibly jumped and trembled fervently. She immediately held on to Qing Shui tightly. Qing Shui released her ear in surprise. So she could also be satisfied with just this…?

Hai Dongqing was so embarrassed that she couldn't lift her head up. Since when did this meanie know that her ears were untouchable…?

"Qing'er!"

"Hm?" Hai Dongqing responded languidly without raising her head. She didn't have an ounce of energy left in her now, but she was very happy because she was finally Qing Shui's woman.

"We're sending out the invitations tomorrow and holding the wedding reception the day after tomorrow." Qing Shui made up his mind. There were neither mistresses, nor concubines among his women. He'd given all of them equal status. In his previous world, not even a high official could brazenly do something like this. But this was the World of the Nine Continents.

Hai Dongqing was taken aback, but laughed happily, "I don't care about all that."

"I do though. I want to tell everyone that you are my woman. Otherwise, what will I do if you escape?" Qing Shui held her hands tightly and smiled.

Hai Dongqing spontaneously pecked Qing Shui's lips and laughed, "I'll listen to whatever you say!"

……….

Qing Shui got up in the morning to do his morning practice. His physical strength had been increased by another ten stars again now, reaching a total of 110 stars. He practiced his Taichi Fist in high spirits. Hai Dongqing was watching him from the window upstairs.

He informed the Hai Clan about holding a wedding reception in the morning and the invitations were sent out immediately. After Hai Shiya found out about it, she naturally came here again to say something. She even praised how quick Hai Dongqing was, making her unable to stop blushing.

"Auntie, did you get a good night's sleep last night?" Hai Shiya was experienced, so she could observe the changes in Hai Dongqing from just a single glance. Only someone who had turned into a woman would have this perception.

This was the first time Hai Dongqing had lost the powerful position she used to have in front of her niece.

Even Qing Shui was extremely embarrassed. After all, Hai Shiya was their junior…
"Damn lass. Hurry up and leave. Go get busy with your own things. What nonsense are you talking about?" Hai Dongqing dragged Hai Shiya away with a red face in the end.

Looking at the current Hai Dongqing, a satisfied smile broke onto Qing Shui's face.

Many people in Cold Ice City knew that the Hai Clan's head was going to marry very soon and were paying close attention to this news. The people who heard the news were also filled with wonder. They were all asking around to identify which clan's son was blessed enough to marry the Hai Clan's head.

Hai Dongqing was the top expert on the surface of Cold Ice City. The Hai Clan was also the most influential clan in Cold Ice City nowadays. Many people had received the wedding invitation. Some were happy, some were concerned.

Shangguan Clan of Cold Ice City!

A dashing young man held the invitation in his hands. His eyebrows were closely knitted together. The expression on his face was very unpleasant and there was even a trace of sadness in his eyes.

Beside him was a tall lady with slanted eyes. Her graceful eyebrows were slightly raised on the ends, causing her to appear somewhat heroic. Her straight nose was small and exquisite. She was currently looking at the man with a worried expression.

"Big brother. Although you broke through, your strength is only almost the same as that woman from Hai Clan. Besides, love isn't based on strength. It has been a few years. Just give up!" the lady urged with a sigh.

"What do I, Shangguan Fei, lack? I am willing to do anything for her and she is the only person I like. Yet why can't she just give me a chance?" the man said defeatedly.

"Big brother, things like love cannot be forced. On top of that, she's the Hai Clan's head. Do you know who is she marrying today?" Shangguan Jing looked at his big brother and said in resignation.

Shangguan Fei shook his head.

"It's that guy who eliminated the Tu Clan and Luo Clan back then. It's been about a decade. Ten years ago, that man's strength was about the same as your current strength. He was only a little more than 20 years old back then." Shangguan Jing didn't want to shock her big brother, but at the same time she wanted to give him a wake up call.

"I'm not going to take this lying down. I want to see just what kind of person can make her wait for him for a few years." Shangguan Fei clenched his teeth.

"You'll know when you attend the wedding reception tomorrow. But big brother, don't overdo it. That's the Hai Clan's wedding reception. Don't disgrace them," Shangguan Jing said after pondering for a moment.

"The strongest person in Hai Clan has about the same strength as me. Our father and grandfather are way more powerful than her. What is there to be afraid of?" The man thought for a moment and told his younger sister.

"Sigh, I knew you wouldn't be able to catch it. It would be fine when Hai Dongqing didn't marry back then. Even if you don't put the Hai Clan in your eyes, don't forget about that man. Do you know what his strength is now?" The lady shook her head, seemingly frustrated. Her big brother had always been a bright guy, but he seemed to only be dense when it came to these kinds of matters.

"He shouldn't be that strong……" The man seemed to have sobered up a little.

"The Lei Clan of Duanmu City was effortlessly eliminated by him. Do you think we the Shangguan Clan are stronger than the Lei Clan?" Shangguan Jing knew that he wasn't going to wake up if she didn't give him a stronger wake up call. She feared that this big brother of hers would get the Shangguan Clan destroyed by his recklessness.

She didn't mention this earlier because she was afraid that he wouldn't be able to take it. But now, she was left with no choice.

Shangguan Fei immediately wilted, like a withered eggplant after being frozen. They were neither too far from, nor too close to Duanmu City. Everyone knew some influential clans since it would be easier to deal with them whenever necessary. The Shangguan Clan was indeed inferior to the Lei Clan.

Shangguan Clan was a big clan that had newly moved into Cold Ice City. Their clan didn't make it to the top three most influential clans of Cold Ice City. Not because they weren't qualified but rather because they came late. Besides, they had never really thought of competing for this reputation because many knew how strong the Shangguan Clan was. This was more than enough. Superficial fame could be tiring.

He knew that the Lei Clan had been destroyed. Although it was a short amount of time, news like this spread like wildfire. After all, it could be considered a neighboring city although it was slightly further away.

The lady left without saying anything further. She believed that her brother knew what to do now.

………

The people of the Hai Clan were busy decorating and distributing invitation cards. Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing were very free instead. No one bothered them because they knew that Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing didn't have much time left together, so they left all the time for them.

"Qing'er, do you want to leave with me?" Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing was talking a walk on the plains.

"Qing Shui, the Hai Clan right now…"

"I know, I understand. I will support you as a husband!" Qing Shui gave her a gentle smile.

"When are you leaving?" Hai Dongqing actually didn't want to ask this question.

"The day after tomorrow!"

"Then promise me that you will definitely come spend two days with me whenever you pass by here." Hai Dongqing knew that he'd be leaving soon, so she forced herself to smile.

"Even if I didn't pass by here, I'd still come to visit you. With such a beautiful and lovely lady waiting for me, I will want to come here every day." Qing Shui loved looking at her shy face.

Wen Qing Shui looked at Hai Dongqing, he remembered about the Fifth Heavenly Meridian being cleared during the Duo Cultivation. Then he recalled that Hai Dongqing was one of the ladies on the Portraits of Beauty. 12 Heavenly Meridians, 12 Portraits of Beauty…

Could it be that the Heavenly Meridians could only be cleared by the Divine Bodies of those ladies on the Portraits of Beauty? What would happen when the 12 Heavenly Meridians were cleared? Could this be the secret of the 12 Portraits of Beauty?

Five Heavenly Meridians had been cleared. Canghai Mingyue, Lady Duanmu, that peerless beauty in the crystal coffin and Hai Dongqing, these four ladies were from the Portraits of Beauty. If his deduction was correct, one more woman among all the ones that he had ever slept with was from a Portrait of Beauty.

Huoyun Liu-Li, Zhu Qing, Shi Qingzhuang, Mingyue Gelou, Yun Duan, Mu Qing… which one?

Thinking up to this point, Qing Shui was no longer thinking about the Portraits of Beauty. He instead realized that he already had ten women…
In the World of the Nine Continents, this figure wasn't really a surprise. A cultivator with the strength of a Martial King usually had more than ten wives and concubines. But Qing Shui was different. He was actually a very traditional man deep in his bones…

"What are you thinking so deeply about?" Hai Dongqing asked when she saw Qing Shui lost in his thoughts.

"I'm thinking about home!" Qing Shui chuckled.

………

On the next day, many people came to attend the wedding reception. Being the city's most influential power meant that there wouldn't be a lack of guests when it came to holding this kind of banquet. Everyone had their own social circle and each of these standings were very stable. If the others were beyond their reach even when they had extended their arms, then they wouldn't think about it anymore. Just like how some Xiantian Cultivators Clan would never think of getting involved with a Martial Saint or Martial Emperor Cultivators Clans. They wouldn't even have the slightest idea of doing so. They were very content, because ordinary people still remained the largest population in the World of the Nine Continents.

The ordinary people were very content too, because they were surrounded by ordinary people. Although a powerful Xiantian cultivator might emerge among them from time to time, it was one in a million chance. Although they were envious, life still went on.

The Cheng Clan had arrived long ago. They had a close relationship with the Hai Clan and Qin Clan. The influential figures in Cold Ice City would come. Reputation was of utmost importance. The big clans could afford to lose anything except for face. If someone sent you an invitation, not attending would mean that you were looking down upon them. Even if you attended, if your gifts were too shabby then you would be disgracing yourself.

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AST 964 – Qing Shui's Formidable Strength, Yet Another Dispute

The wedding reception went very smoothly. The guests offered gifts and blessings. Many of them recognized him as that young man from back then. This greatly astonished them. Some wise elderly men could even tell how extraordinary Qing Shui was.

The opening speech was by Hai Dongying……

After three rounds of wine, the Hai Clan still had to hold a fight, even if it was for mere formality. The one who went up was one of Hai Clan's core disciples and he was holding the Violet Jade Sword in his hands!

"Welcome everyone, today is my aunt's wedding banquet. As a nephew, I would like to humbly perform a sword dance to liven things up. Ladies, gentlemen and friends please enjoy the banquet!" The youth cupped his fist as a sign of respect to everyone around him.

The sword dance then commenced. Among the gifts that Qing Shui had given to Lady Duanmu were the Nine Palace Steps and Formation Techniques. How much they could learn was up to them. The gifts that he had given to Hai Dongqing's Hai Clan were the same but the people of Hai Clan hadn't started learning them yet.

The sword of this youth was vigorous and the speed was very fast as well. His strength was about Grade Five Martial King and he was also a key cultivation partner in the Hai Clan. He was a little more than 20 years old.

The host clan performed a solo sword dance first. But of course, the other people may go up too. If no one was going up there, someone else from the host clan would go up for a friendly match.

But during this period of time, if no one went up within the next 15 minutes, no outsiders would usually go up again.

At the Shangguan Clan's banquet area!

Shangguan Fei was a little agitated over there. He couldn't help but to be furious whenever he saw that man. It was as if his heart was dripping blood as he watched how intimately they stood together while toasting with others

"Big brother, there are plenty of good women in this world. Do you have to be this stubborn?" Shangguan Jing was looking at Shangguan Fei's clenched fists trembling under the table.

"I know that too, little sister. It's just so difficult to bear. Very difficult." Shangguan Fei let out a long sigh.

"Things like love cannot be forced. Even if she stays with you, you wouldn't be happy. You are infatuated with her but if she isn't happy will you be happy?" Shangguan Jing felt a little frustrated too, seeing her big brother in such a state.

Just then, a youth stood up and walked up to the arena.

"Brother Hai looks a little lonely. I shall be a your company!" A boy who looked about the same age as the Hai Clan's youth walked up there.

The youth from Hai Clan cupped his fist respectfully. "Brother Zheng, please!"

"Please!"

That person was fighting relentlessly on the arena. Even so, the youth from Hai Clan seemed to have the upper hand. By now Qing Shui and Hai Dongqing had already finished toasting to everyone and had taken a seat together with Hai Dongying and the rest.

"That person from Zheng Clan doesn't seem like he can hold it back anymore," Hai Long commented unpleasantly while watching the battle happening on the arena.

Qing Shui looked at Hai Dongqing when he heard that. For a clan with such strength, it was no surprise that they'd have some conflicts with other clans. But clans wouldn't usually make a scene out of it, regardless of whether they were within the same city, country or continent. This was because it was very rare for a clan to be exclusively dominant. There would usually be a few powerful clans co-existing with one and another.

Some would even ally themselves with the influential ones in the city. If a clan had allies, then it would be very difficult for the other clans to keep things even with them. Thus, they would compromise or similarly look for other allies to have their backs.

"The Zheng Clan is also a clan that has suddenly appeared in this Cold Ice City. They have someone behind them. But this time, I'm not too sure what the reason is behind this. Normally, they shouldn't be going up the stage," Hai Dongqing also said doubtfully.

"Do you know who is behind them?" Qing Shui asked curiously. He wasn't worried who it was now. His physical strength had already reached 110 stars currently.

Diamond Qi doubled physical strength, Diamond Protection doubled physical defense and Diamond Crossing Rivers doubled physical speed!

Nature Energy raised physical abilities by 70%. State of Immovable as Mountains increased physical abilities by 60%, Frenzied Bull’s Strength increased physical abilities by 30%, Heavenly Thunder Slash increased physical abilities by 30%, Shield Attack increased physical abilities by 20%. Heavenly Talismans could increase physical abilities by 50%, this included the Godly Force Talisman, Divine Shield Talisman and Gale Talisman (that increased speed). High level Focused Concentration increased physical abilities by 20%.

Since the Combination Sword Technique required a sword, it couldn't increase any strength right now. The Combination Sword Technique was merely a type of sword technique.

Qing Shui only needed to activate all the cultivation techniques in him to attain the strength of 530 stars. Thunder God could triple strength. Qing Shui's strength had already reached 2,100 stars right now. When he unleashed Raging Blow, he would achieve 4,200 stars!

The most powerful strength among the five continents seemed unable to exceed 5,000 stars. Even in the face of a 5,000 stars strength, the domineering Emperor’s Qi could reduce exactly 1,000 stars, rendering it down to 4,000 stars. Qing Shui was already able to achieve 4,200 stars.

Without realizing it himself, Qing Shui had already reached such heights. With his Nine Palace Steps and Formation Technique, he only had to wait a little more before he could help Yiye Jiange topple the Lion King’s Ridge.

Then he also had to bring Huoyun Liu-Li to Demon Gate. Qing Shui got a little excited thinking up to this point. Too fast. It shouldn't take more than three years. It was a little difficult to go now, because he still couldn't be certain that there wasn't any being with a strength of over 5,000 stars among the five continents. He feared that a surprise might appear, so he wanted to see if he could exceed 5,000 stars himself…….

Qing Shui was distracted by his own thoughts. By the time he snapped back to reality, he witnessed the exact moment of the youth from Hai Clan being struck down on the arena and it was a different guy standing up there.

However, it wasn't the first guy from the Zheng Clan who went up.

"Brother Hai, you have let me won!"

The man cupped his fist and chuckled.

Two more people from Hai Clan went up next but they were defeated! Just when Hai Long was about to go up, Qing Shui pulled him back instead and told Hai Dongqing, "Don't let anyone go up there anymore. Let's see what he's going to do."

The action of this man was a slap on the Hai Clan's face. On a wedding reception's arena, outsiders would normally only go up to casually entertain the two juniors as a mere formality.

To be defeating the the host clan consecutively like this, it seemed like it was on purpose.

"Hai Dongqing!"

Just right at that moment, the man on the stage called out to Hai Dongqing while smiling.

Hai Dongqing remained seated as she shifted her gaze to the man on the stage. "Who are you to be calling my name this way."

"Hahahaha!" The man from Zheng Clan laughed loudly instead on the stage.

No one below the arena had any reaction but they knew that things was starting to get interesting. Humans are naturally blessed with the gifts of being an onlooker and joining in the fun. Not only that, they also love to crowd.

"Qing'er, let's drink!" Qing Shui held a cup of wine and passed it to her then took another one and emptied it after they clinked their cups together.

Hai Dongqing knew that Qing Shui was trying to piss him off, so she smiled as she slowly drank the wine in her hand.

Disregarded. They were not only completely disregarding him but they were also doing it in front of all the aristocrat clans in the Cold Ice City.

"Hehe, you are really acting like Hai Clan is the biggest clan in the Cold Ice City."

Shagguan Fei's heart sunk immediately after he saw that youth go up.

Hai Dongqing was actually also well aware of this. She had never once thought that Hai Clan was the most powerful in the Cold Ice City. However, it wasn't like anyone stronger than you would definitely push you down or even destroy you. Situations like that only happened when benefits weren't able to be obtained through ordinary means.

Qing Shui hinted at Hai Dongqing to remain silent and see what this man wanted to say. He could already determine this man's strength. He was about the same as Hai Dongqing but the seniors of his Zheng Clan should be stronger.

"We are a branch of Zheng Clan from Tonghai Country," the man chuckled.

"Zheng Clan of Tonghai Country. No wonder why the Zheng Clan is very powerful here. You have a powerful support behind your back!"

"Even without the support behind them, they are definitely still the strongest in this Cold Ice City," a fatty said loudly.

"Isn't Shangguan Clan the strongest?" Someone asked the fatty.

"Shangguan Clan falls far short of the Zheng Clan."

………

"Zheng Clan of Tonghai Country is very powerful?" Qing Shui smilingly asked Hai Dongqing, whose eyebrows were knitted together. Tonghai was a neighboring country. But Qing Shui didn't know anything about the Zheng Clan. He only knew about the more famous ones like Demon Gate, Dragon Emperor Mountain and the Tang Manor of the Sky City.

"Zheng Clan's strength is enough to be ranked the top three in Tonghai Country. They are rumored to have early a Martial Emperor among them," Hai Dongqing replied to Qing Shui after hesitating for a moment.

They were really hidden deep enough. The Central Continent was indeed a mixture of all kinds of people. If Qing Shui was weak, he would have never come into contact with such strength. It was just like going up on a stage. One could only see a bit more of the scene as they went up the steps.

"You have me. You don't need to worry." Qing Shui held Hai Dongqing's hand. A teasing smile appeared on his face.

"Today is Qing'er's and my big day. Why are you saying all this? Don't you feel like a 251 year old? Are you showing off?" Qing Shui's voice wasn't too loud but very unexpected. It immediately caused a few to spurt out the wine that they had just drunk from their mouths.

Zheng Chenglong couldn't help but to tremble at Qing Shui's words. The gazes of the people down the arena from him made him felt a little uncomfortable about being the center of attention. He stared at Qing Shui with an ashen face.

"My surname wouldn't be Zheng if I allowed you to marry her without a hitch. You can't blame others when you are the one courting death." Zheng Chenglong calmed down instead while he watched Qing Shui.

"With just you alone? An idiot like you can be Zheng Clan's representative? You ought to take responsibility for the words you utter. If a trash like you caused the downfall of the Zheng Clan, I don't know if the main clan will let you get away with it even after they have become ghosts." Qing Shui remained sitting, showing no signs of moving. But the words he spoke were bone-chilling.

In the World of Nine Continents, every word carries the weight of a nine tripod cauldron. Spoken words are akin to spilt water. If Zheng Chenglong were to take his words back, it would be fine if he offered an apology but he and the entire Zheng Clan would forever be disgraced.

Zheng Chenglong had no idea why he felt as if he was standing there bare naked under Qing Shui's stare. He felt extremely uneasy!

"How dare trash like you come to bark furiously at Qing'er's and my wedding banquet. Break one of your own arms and I will spare you." Qing Shui stood up slowly.

Zheng Chenglong looked at one direction before turning his gaze back to Qing Shui. "Who do you think you are? Don't think that you can scare someone off with just one or two lies. If you have balls, then come up here and fight me."

"If I go up, only death awaits you!" Qing Shui slowly walked towards the arena. He felt that it was necessary for him to help the Hai Clan instill fear to the others at least once and let others know that Hai Clan had him behind them.

When Qing Shui was halfway there, he lifted his feet and then appeared behind Zheng Chenlong who was a metre away in a flash. But Zheng Chenlong was still staring blankly at the spot where QIng Shui was at earlier, as though he was searching for him.

This movement caused everyone to gasp. Just what was this technique? Why weren't there any traces to be seen? Usually a trail of afterimages would be left behind no matter how fast the speed was. It was true that there was an afterimage but Qing Shui only left one single afterimage on the spot where he was standing which instantly disappeared the moment he reappeared behind Zheng Chenglong.

Zheng Chenglong was frightened to death. He instantly swept the longsword in his hands behind him without any hesitation.

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