The Ancient Strengthening Technique

AST 1537 - Lies Can Also Become The Truth

"Why are you thanking me? You've done so much for me. Shouldn't I be thanking you too?"

"I don't know. I suddenly feel that the distance between us has shortened, yet I'm still unable to hold you." Qing Shui spoke with a wry smile on his face.

Previously, Qing Shui had told her that depending on how long he could extend the lifespan of her grandfather, she had to follow him for the same duration. However, he treated it as a joke in the end since he wasn't really that type of person. If he took it seriously, Qin Qing would only feel repulsiveness towards him.

Qin Qing smiled as she stared at Qing Shui. She could feel that this man was in love with her. In actuality, this man was somewhat wanton, even shameless. But at least, he was honest. Also, when he was acting shamelessly, he didn't give her a feeling of disgust.

She didn't know that this was actually a misconception born of her own love for him.

"Why do you want to hold me?" Qin Qing took out a clean robe and helped Qing Shui put it on. The robes he had on earlier were all torn and tattered.

"Sister Qing, I realize that I've fallen in love with you." Qing Shui spoke in a bitter tone.

"Your love overflows the banks. Just wiping your back for you made you fall in love with me?" Qin Qing stated in a relaxed manner.

"Sister Qing, do I have any hope with you?" Qing Shui gutsily held onto one of her jade-like hands and looked at her seriously. Qing Shui was so daring because he felt that Qin Qing might also be a little fond of him.

Qin Qing struggled a little but didn't retract her hand. She was afraid Qing Shui's wounds would reopen if he moved too vigorously. Maybe she knew that Qing Shui was injured and wouldn't do anything hence she allowed him to hold her hand.

"I don't understand what you are saying." Qin Qing lowered her head as she spoke.

Qing Shui couldn't believe what she just said. He felt Qin Qing was doing so because of shyness. He pulled her hand along and led her outside, sitting side by side with her on a sofa.

"I'm a little tired. You are injured, you should go back to your room for a rest." Qin Qing sat down and spoke.

"It's only the afternoon, why are you so tired? These light injuries are nothing to me. It's rare that the atmosphere is so peaceful and anyways, don't you have something to say to me? You haven't given me a reply yet. Give me some hope and allow my blood to be heated up!" Qing Shui held her hand tightly as he spoke.

Her hands were cool like jade and smooth as silk. When he held onto her hand, Qing Shui felt his heartbeat quickening, and he wasn't able to control it.

"Do you want to hear the truth or lies?" Qin Qing smiled at Qing Shui.

"Are there still truth and lies in such a matter?" Qing Shui bewilderedly askew.

"Naturally there are!" Qin Qing spoke in a somewhat adorable manner. Qing Shui replied, "Then, tell me the truth."

"The truth is that now, I have no intentions of marrying anyone. I still don't have the feeling of wholly giving myself to one man." Qin Qing's tone was very calm, casting no doubts on the truth of her words.

When he heard the words, Qing Shui felt a little dejected. But he still smiled and replied, "How about the lie?"

"The lie is very interesting. If I had to lie, I would say that I would definitely be your woman." Qin Qing smiled.

Although she stated that this was a lie, Qing Shui felt a current of warmth in his heart. Squeezing her hand tightly, "In my heart, you will always be the woman I love most."

"You are so shameless…" Qin Qing helplessly replied, she retracted her hand and walked away.

"Go and rest, I will call you to come for dinner later." Qin Qing walked to the stairways and turned her head, smiling at Qing Shui.

"En!" Qing Shui nodded with a smile.

Qin Qing walked two steps before pausing and turning around, "Sometimes, what is a lie can become the truth as well."

After speaking, she turned and left. Qing Shui felt as though he was struck by a lightning bolt. It was only after quite some time that he recovered from his daze. A happy smile could be seen on his face; could this be considered as her dropping him a hint? Telling him that she would surely become his woman.

Qin Qing allowed Qing Shui to hold her hands. When she wiped his body for him, many things were already clear. Even if she didn't marry Qing Shui, she could still be considered a bosom friend of his. If she was to marry, she would definitely marry him.

……

The battles had broadened Qing Shui's horizons by a lot, allowing him to have a brand-new perspective of his strength. He still needed to grow stronger, and as he grew stronger, his combat prowess would naturally rise as well.

However, there were not many who could take him down. If he wanted to flee, no one in the Great Qin Dynasty would be able to stop him.

Meanwhile, the important people of the Qin King Manor were gathered to discuss certain matters.

Old man Qin was the oldest person of the Qin King Manor. The people of Qin King Manor all had a unique trait. They didn't have long lives but they all had supreme talent. Maybe, this balanced things out in a way.

The old man Qin and his two brothers were the eldest generation present. One of the two brothers had no descendants while the other had two daughters that were married and lived faraway, only returning once every ten years.

"What does everyone think about this incident today?" The old man asked in a relaxed manner.

"The Gu Clan must have their reasons for doing this. Maybe there's someone behind them making them do this." Qin Tianqiong who stood at the left, replied.

"If the Gu Clan wasn't being agitated by someone, there's a possibility that their backer might be the royal clan." Another old man directly spoke. He was the third brother of this old man, Qin Tianlu.

"Baifo, what do you think?" The old man slowly asked.

"I feel that both uncles have a point. No matter what, Our Qin King Manor also represents the royal clan and have always had a good relationship with them. Seeing how audacious the Gu Clan is, that's the only possibility." Qin Baifo replied.

"Maybe the Gu Clan wanted to use this incident to probe the response of the royal clan and see if their Gu Clan could take our place." The old man stated unhurriedly. His archaic voice had an indescribable calmness and foresight to it.

The others were all silent. Qin Baifo paused for a moment before speaking, "Father, what attitude do you think the royal clan would have after this incident?"

"The royal clan only fears two things. The first is powerful external enemies, the second would be powerful enemies from within. We are not their enemies and have no designs on them but the royal clan might not think like this. Hence, what we can do is think of methods to make the royal clan believe in us. On the other hand, we must increase our strength as well to prepare for any unexpected circumstances." The old man spoke to everyone.

"This matter is very tough to handle. Let's watch for now and see what movements the royal clan makes." Qin Tianqiong spoke after thinking about it.

"There's no hurry. Our Qin King Manor's actions are in full view of the public. This time, the royal clan didn't act to help us, so maybe their intentions are to for both us and the Gu Clan to suffer grievous losses. In any case, let's change the topic and talk about that little lass Qin Qing's matters instead."

The moment Qin Qing was brought up, the eyes of many present suddenly brightened.

"I'm sure everyone can already tell that that little lass obtained the inheritance of the Phoenix Battle God. This is something bestowed by Qing Shui, who is also a Battle God Successor. Regarding the both of them, as the father of Qin Qing, do you have anything you want to say, Baifo?" The old man laughed.

"The little girl has already become an adult. Her matters should be decided by herself." Qin Baifo spoke after contemplation.

Actually even if Qin Baifo didn't say anything, the others wouldn't interfere either. Who could afford to do so? Qin Qing was a unique existence within the Qin King Manor. After so many years, she was finally fond of a man. Who dared to object to this? In any case, the two of them still might not end up together.

"No one will interfere in the matters of Qin Qing. But I want to hear what all of you think of Qing Shui." The old man smiled, staring at Qin Baifo.

"Qing Shui is an extremely rare heaven-defying genius. There are many secrets on his body and he is one of the most talented people I have ever met. I don't have any opinions on him but if I have to express a concern, it's that I don't know if Qin Qing would be able to accept being together with a man who has other wives. Qing Shui would surely never be tied down by one woman. In fact, there should be many other women around him."

A father knows his daughter best. Qin Baifo was extremely worried about this matter.

"Your point is exactly what I'm worried about. I understand that lass Qin Qing the most. If not, she wouldn't be single all these years. However, that lass really treats Qing Shui differently compared to other men. She should be in love with him, but the deeper her love is, the more hurt she would be. I'm afraid that our Qin Qing might reach a point in the future where she can extricate herself no longer." That old man sighed.

The others had nothing to add. After all, it wasn't their place to say anything at this moment.

"Forget it, since we don't intend to meddle, we will just let nature takes its course." The old man contemplated for a while before he smiled.

……

When Qing Shui woke up, it was already late in the afternoon. However, Qing Shui still spent some time in the Realm of Violet Jade Immortal. It basically meant that his injuries were fully healed and when he came out, he saw Qin Qing in the kitchen waiting for him.

"Why didn't you wake me?" Qing Shui smiled and sat down. Maybe it was because of the words Qin Qing said earlier, Qing Shui was feeling more gutsy today.

"I wanted you to sleep more so your injuries would heal faster."

"Wow, you are so concerned about me." Qing Shui smiled at the beautiful lady.

"Will you die if you stop being such a narcissist?" Qin Qing replied impolitely .

"Hehehe." Qing Shui chortled.

"Let me make some warm dishes for you. Go and wash up first!" Qin Qing stated.

Qing Shui smiled as he saw the flawlessly beautiful figure disappear into the kitchen. This elder sister also has a gentle side to her. He felt a great rush during this exchange.

The dishes prepared couldn't be considered exquisite but were still decent. Qing Shui didn't know if they were cooked by Qin Qing. When she served the plates, Qing Shui took out a vat of plum wine and poured a cup for her.

"Little Qing Qing, let's eat together!" Qing Shui smiled.

"You are not allowed to call me by that name." Qin Qing helplessly objected.

"Call you what?" Qing Shui laughed.

"Regardless, you are not allowed to!"

"Okay I will call you elder sister then."

"Can you not be so disgusting?" Qin Qing breathily replied.

"Sister Qing, come and have a drink ." Qing Shui teased her.

Qin Qing raised her wine cup, "This wine is one of the best wines I've ever seen, in terms of appearance."

"It tastes even better than it looks."