Ancient Strengthening Technique (Portraits of Beauty)

Chapter 939

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AST 1178 – Hurricane Dragon-boned Rock, a.s.sa.s.sin"s Sword

These were Yan Dingtian’s children who were more outstanding. Qing Shui didn’t need to guess to know that Yan Dingtian didn’t only have these children, not the fact that he wouldn’t just have this one wife. There must be a reason why these people were here together today.

Qing Shui sat between Yan Jinyu and Yan Yangzhao. The others had wanted him to sit at the head of the table but Qing Shui knew that it wasn’t appropriate and they didn’t insist.

Yan Yangchi was Yan Dingtian’s oldest child and he was also the strongest. At least, even though Qing Shui couldn’t tell what his exact strength was at, he knew that this guy was definitely very strong.

There was also Yan Yueyin. This lady’s fluctuating aura was very special. Qing Shui thought of what she had said earlier, that her name was very useful around the place. It seemed that she should be very powerful.

“Qing Shui, you’ve treated Jinyu too well. Even I am jealous of her weapon.” Yan Yueyin sat opposite Qing Shui and smiled, saying.

Qing Shui knew that something like this would be brought up sooner or later but it was just that since they had just got to know each other, they shouldn’t bring it up too soon.

“I don’t have the necessary materials. If Sister Yueyin has them, I’ll be able to forge one for you very quickly. However, I don’t know if you’d be satisfied with it. The one that Sister Yan has is largely due to luck as well,” Qing Shui smiled and said.

“Haha, I was just teasing you. If I really were to need a weapon, I won’t stand on ceremony with you. Sister Jinyu is too stingy. Earlier when I had seen that weapon, she refused to tell me who had made it. It was Yangzhao who guessed it.” Yan Yueyin smiled charmingly and teasingly.

“Since everyone is treating me like family, there’s not need to stand on ceremony. I only have this little ability. If it can be of use, there’s no need to stand on ceremony with me.” Qing Shui wasn’t against things like this and it was very normal. If there were no accidents, these were things which would happen sooner or later.

“Qing Shui, I’m a straightforward person and I won’t stand on ceremony with you. I’m not satisfied with my current weapons and armor and will get your help later. For the upcoming compet.i.tion, I’ll have to be a little shameless and approach you, even if it"s for the sake of my reputation,” Yan Yangchen smiled and said.

“2nd Brother, you’ve always been very thick-skinned,” Yan Huoyun let out a crisp smile and said.

Yan Huoyun’s words caused everyone to break into laughter. Even Qing Shui also smiled and said, “I like 2nd Brother’s straightforwardness. Don’t worry, leave this to me. I’ll definitely let you feel satisfied.”

Everyone then chatted over the meal. They were all youngsters and had common topics to talk about. Most of the time, Yan Dingtian and his beautiful wife would just watch from the side.

“Father, have the partic.i.p.ants for the upcoming compet.i.tion been decided?” About halfway into their meal, Yan Jinyu looked toward Yan Dingtian and asked, smiling.

“More or less, but we haven’t decided all of them. There’ll be Yangchi, Yangchen, Yueyin, Leng`er and you. As for the rest, they’ll be chosen from amongst your cousins.” Yan Yueyin smiled and said.

“Let me partic.i.p.ate as well!” It was then did Yan Yangzhao spoke up.,

“Yangzhao, you should focus on your cultivation. The matter this time around is of utmost important. Otherwise, I’d have let you get a chance to spar. Both sides will be going all out and will be fighting a life and death battle.” When Yan Dingtian said this, it was with a heavy tone.

Yan Dingtian’s words caused everyone to fall sullen. These were his most outstanding children and Yu Clan was a great clan as well. Since they dared to challenge Yan Clan, they must definitely have confidence in their powers. If something were to happen to any of these children, it would deal a huge blow to him as well.

They say that people won’t be able to grow and rise to great heights if they weren’t put through obstacles. However, when the time really came, no father would be too willing to let his children go through all that.

“Uncle, I’ll be setting up a blacksmith store near Yan Clan these few days. Please get Sister Yan to inform me on the day of the compet.i.tion.” Qing Shui smiled and said to Yan Dingtian.

“Qing Shui, you’ve saved Jinyu but I’ve yet to thank you. Since you’re a blacksmith, you can have these.” Yan Dingtian took out an interspatial silk sachet and handed it to Qing Shui.

“I can’t accept that. We’re all family and moreover, I don’t wish for anything to taint our relations.h.i.+p as siblings between Sister Yan and myself.” Qing Shui smiled and rejected Yan Dingtian’s kind intentions.

“Alright, then treat them as a meeting gift from me. That should be fine, right?” Yan Dingtian broke into a warm and gentle smile. He liked this lad a lot, who was neither arrogant nor hot-headed and was very rational. It was no wonder that he could get along with the la.s.s.

After a slight hesitation, Qing Shui smiled and received it, “Then I’ll thank uncle for this!”

“Right, let Jinyu bring you to help you to set up your blacksmith store,” Yan Dingtian said to Qing Shui and Yan Jinyu.

“Let me do it! Qing Shui had promised me previously that if he were to come to inner city, he’ll leave everything to me,” Yan Yangzhao quickly said.

…

Although Qing Shui brought up the matter with the blacksmith store, he knew that it would still need to take a few days. After the feast ended, Qing Shui took a look at the ingredients Yan Dingtian gave him and was very taken aback. There were high quality otherworldly meteorite, 10,000 Years metallic essence, Thunder Rock…

“2nd Brother, what kind of weapons do you use and what elements does your martial arts belong to? I’ll take a look to see what kind of weapons and armor are more suitable,” Qing Shui looked at Yan Yangchen and said. Yan Dingtian and his wife had already left.

“I use a hammer, one that’s like this. I cultivate earth element martial techniques.” Yan Yangchen quickly brought out his own hammers.

There were a pair of battle hammers and each of them was bigger than the person himself. They were grey colored and looked extremely heavy. In all, this weapon was still considered quite powerful. Qing Shui sensed it a little and understood why Yan Yangchen had wanted them replaced. Although this Mountain Splitting Hammer was considered decent, it only increased the user’s strength by threefold. The other attributes were mediocre as well.

The others didn’t get Qing Shui’s help to forge. However, Yan Leng hesitated for very long before he spoke unnaturally, “Qing Shui, can you help me forge a weapon? I’ll trade it for something…”

“Brother Leng, why are you standing on ceremony with me? I’m not fit to be your brother?” Qing Shui knew that this was how unsociable people were. Unless they were forced to a certain level, they wouldn’t ask for someone else’s help.

“That’s not it. Then I shan’t stand on ceremony. I hope that you can help me forge a lighter sword that has high agility. It’ll be best if it can penetrate armor. You can just forge one to your capability. I cultivate wind element martial techniques and focus on speed and flow. I’ll have to trouble you for this. I have suitable materials here.” Yan Leng said politely.

“Alright. Can I have a look at Brother Leng’s previous weapon?”

“I forgot about that. It’s like this.” Yan Leng took out a weapon that was similar to a long dagger from his sleeves. The sword had a width of two fingers and length of close to two feet.

“I’ll do my best to satisfy Brother Leng.” Qing Shui smiled and promised.

“Alright, Qing Shui, do you have things you need to take care of? If you tell me, I might be able to help you.” Just then, Yan Yueyin smiled and said.

“You’re really going to help me?” Qing Shui smiled and asked.

“Of course. This is the first time sister so willingly helps someone. Tell me and I’ll see if I can help you with it,” Yan Yueyin smiled and said.

“I really do have something to do. This is the reason I’m setting up a blacksmith store as well. I’m looking for someone. She’s my wife but it’s just that I don’t know where she is now.” Qing Shui took out Di Chen’s portrait.

“Your wife is really pretty. How long has it been since you’ve seen her? Are you sure that she’s in Great Yu Dynasty?” Yan Yueyin threw a glance toward Yan Yueyin from the corner of her eyes as she said this.

“I don’t know. It has been five years since she had came to Western Oxhe Continent. I don’t know where she is either. She had to come to the Great Yu Dynasty first. If it’s convenient, I’ll trouble Sister Yueyin to help me keep a lookout.” Qing Shui smiled. He actually didn’t hold much hope for this and was just saying this out of courtesy.

“Qing Shui, can you leave this portrait with me first? I’ll help you to ask around.” Yan Yueyin gave it some thought and said.

“Alright!”

This portrait was one which Qing Shui had drawn himself. It wasn’t one of the portraits of beauty.

That night, Qing Shui hammered away in the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. Even if the weapons were ready, he wouldn’t give them immediately. Good weapons weren’t forged so quickly. Although the one he had given to Yan Jinyu was too fast.

The hammer that Qing Shui forged for Yan Yangchen was a pair of huge World Demolitions. This hammer wouldn’t lose out even when compared with the Thunder G.o.d. It could be said that due to the powerful forging abilities, the hammer’s prowess was even greater. Qing Shui’s memory of those weapons in his consciousness wasn’t very accurate. It was just like how the Big Dipper Sword was no weaker when compared to the Mystical Connection Divine Sword and the Four Elements Greencloud Sword. It meant that it was all related to one’s forging abilities and the materials used.

Although this was the first time Qing Shui had tried to forge a hammer, it was very smooth-sailing. He had even engraved the Seal Formations as well, the same ones he had engraved on the Four Elements Greencloud Sword. The battle armor was heavier and more bulky and the Seal Formation he used for it was the Divine s.h.i.+eld Seal Formation. Other than that, he also forged a few pairs of boots, engraving the Gale Seal Formation onto them. He had also forged armor and battle skirts for Yan Jinyu. Of course, he would also be giving them to the other partic.i.p.ants of the compet.i.tion since he couldn’t be seen to be biased. Therefore, he had them prepared earlier.

The attributes for the World Demolition were slightly inferior to the Big Dipper Sword. The increment in spirit energy attacks was only 50% but the other attributes were about the same as the Four Elements Greencloud Sword. Moreover, there was also a 20% increment to speed and attacking speed.

These were very important. Usually, earth element martial technique would tend to lose out in terms of speed. This additional 20% increment could make up for a lot of the difference. Moreover, with an additional pair of boots, his strength would probably increase by a lot and even more so, his battle prowess.

When Qing Shui was forging Yan Leng’s weapon, Qing Shui used the materials Yan Leng had given him. One of the raw material was very good, the Hurricane Dragon-boned Rock.

This was a rare material and when added, it could greatly increase agility and spirit energy.

There weren’t many materials but the forging process was very smooth. Moreover, he added in the Celestial Stone and the success rate had increased to become 100%.

When the weapon was completed, Qing Shui was very satisfied with the attributes.

Hurricane Dragon-boned Sword: Increase user’s strength by five fold, spirit energy by one fold and has a 20% chance of doubling the prowess of attacks, including for spirit energy attacks. The user’s movement and attacking speed would be increased by twofold and there’s a 20% chance of further doubling the user’s attacking and movement speed. The user’s depletion would also be reduced by 20%.

Armor penetration. There’s a 10% chance of penetrating through the opponent’s defense to a certain degree, including physical defense, battle armor and Demonic Beast Armor Manifestation. The degree of penetration was related to the user’s abilities as well as the opponent’s abilities.

This was a weapon intended for a.s.sa.s.sins and could be considered a powerful weapon. When used together with a pair of boots, the prowess would be very terrifying. Even Yan Yangchi or Yan Yueyin might not be able to win against Yan Leng then.

In one-on-one fights, a.s.sa.s.sins are the most terrifying!

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AST 1179 – Date of the Compet.i.tion, Opening of the Blacksmith Store, Reputation Spread Far and Wide

After doing everything, it was about time for him to head out. He’d give them to them in a few days time. He could say that those were things he had made previously. Although he must say that the weapons were just made, the armor and other things could be said to have been stock he had left aside in the past.

Of course, they might not ask, since everyone had their own secrets. Even if they were to ask, he wouldn’t say anything. This was why clever people would know what they should ask and what they shouldn’t. There were some things that you won’t get to know just from asking.

It was about time that he was able to eat the second Heavenly Secrets Pill. This was a huge favorable opportunity Yan Jinyu had given to him. She definitely wouldn’t have expected that he would be able to finish all ten Heavenly Secrets Pills within 40 days and allow his strength to double. For others, the strength increment brought by ten Heavenly Secrets Pills weren’t considered a lot but for Qing Shui, it was a monstrous existence, at least, for the current phase he was at.

Doubled… His physical strength had doubled. Moreover, with the cultivation he had been doing of late, it was even more. This wasn’t something that the additional increment brought by weapons could compare against.

Strength, one’s physical strength was the most important. This was something that was closely related to the unleas.h.i.+ng of their prowess in battle techniques and control of their mind. Weapons, armor and the temporary effects medicinal pills brought were just plain increment of overall strength and would pale in comparison. For these, unless one had gotten used to it over time, the initial effect wouldn’t be good. This was especially so when there was a large increment, such as when taking medicinal pills to boost strength tremendously, while it was terrifying, the individual’s control wouldn’t be perfect. The person would only be able to unleash 70-80% of the actual prowess in such a situation. However, when the increase was in the individual’s physical strength and mastery, there would be times when he would be able to unleash 120% of the prowess.

The next morning, Qing Shui came out very early and casually went about with his morning practice in the courtyard. They had agreed to take a look at the blacksmith store today. He forged another huge signboard which still had the words ‘Firecloud Blacksmith Store’ written on it.

He hoped that he would be able to hang it up today!

For breakfast, other than Yan Dingtian and his wife, the others had all come, even Yan Leng. However, Yan Leng continued to not like to talk much.

The group of them went to the “business district”, which wasn’t far away. That place was the most prosperous area, in the entire Yan City. After all, this area was where Yan Clan was located.

When he saw the blacksmith store they had gotten for him, Qing Shui was still a little taken aback. He knew that the one which Yan Clan would prepare for him would definitely be very good. He just hadn’t expected it to be this good.

It was splendid and majestic looking, taking up a huge land s.p.a.ce and was very grand. The violet golden glazed tiles exuded an indescribable dignified aura. In the vicinity, this was considered the building that would stand out the most. Many people would turn to have a look when they pa.s.sed by. There was a large manor behind the main hall. In this prosperous area, this manor would have a sky high price.

“Qing Shui, are you happy with this place?” Yan Jinyu smiled and asked.

“I am but is it too good? Actually, just a small place will do,” Qing Shui smiled and said. What he said was the truth. The blacksmith store was only for appearances.

However, this was good as well, since it’d be better able to spread his reputation far and wide. When the reputation was there, chances of Di Chen hearing about it would be higher and thus, he wasn’t against it.

Moreover, this was given to him by Yan Clan. There would probably be no one who would come and create trouble here. Moreover, in another month, he would undergo tremendous progress in his strength. When that time were to come, unless it was some great clan, otherwise, with his State Master level strength, he should be respected.

Everything here was brand new and all he needed to do was to move in. Upon entering, he noticed that the forging platform, forging stove, weapon racks and many other things were all brand new.

“Sister Yan, thank you guys for the trouble.”

Qing Shui smiled and said to them and then took out the signboard he had readied previously. He floated up and hung it up above the huge door. Thank goodness his signboard was large enough and it was very suitable.

“Firecloud Blacksmith Store? Qing Shui, this name seems very strange?” Yan Yueyin looked at Qing Shui curiously. What she heard yesterday that the reason he was opening a blacksmith store was so that he could look for his wife.

“Haha, I come from the five continents. Back there, I have another wife by the name of Huoyun Liu-Li. Her family manages a blacksmith store with this name,” Qing Shui gave it some thought before saying this.

“Seems like the wife you’re looking for also knows about this Firecloud Blacksmith Store. It’s really hard to tell that you already have a few wives,” Yan Yueyin teased.

“I really do have quite a few. It’s a sin for men to be too outstanding.” Qing Shui smiled and then went around to check out the place.

“Oh, I give you an inch and you ask for a mile.” Yan Yueyin smiled charmingly.

Yan Jinyu didn’t think much about it and just looked around with the others, smiling. They didn’t ask about the five continents. It seemed that they knew that Qing Shui was a “foreigner”.

“Qing Shui, when are you going to open the store?” Yan Yangchi asked as he looked around.

“Maybe tomorrow. Shall we have a drink here today?” Qing Shui smiled and asked. There were tables here ready. In the courtyard, there was a stone table and a pavilion. Everything was readily and conveniently available.

The others weren’t against this idea and went to take a look in the courtyard. There were several pavilion buildings here and Qing Shui entered the nearest one. Even the interior decorations were luxurious and were all brand new.

“Eldest Brother, when do you think the compet.i.tion will be?” Yan Yangchen’s voice was comparatively louder.

“If it’s fast, maybe half a month; if it’s slow, it will probably be two months later. Just wait for it. We should be able to get some news in three days,” Yan Yangchi smiled and said.

“Mmm, it’s better for it to be slower. It’ll be good if it can be after Brother Qing Shui is able to forge my weapon for me. I’ll have a higher chance of winning then. Oh, right. Brother Qing Shui, shall we have a spar?” Yan Yangchen asked excitedly.

“2nd Brother, I’ll spar with you. Brother Qing Shui still has to forge weapons.” Yan Leng looked at Yan Yangchen and said seriously.

“Uh, we often spar. Forget it, it’s boring.” Yan Yangchen grinned.

“2nd Brother has never beaten Brother Leng before,” Yan Huoyun smiled and said.

“What does a kid like you know? 2nd Brother is just being broadminded and letting him win. Fearing that it’ll affect his desire to advance, I can only bear with the humiliation,” Yan Yangchen quickly defended himself.

Everyone else laughed, so did Qing Shui. “Shall we wait until I have completed forging the weapons and other stuff for 2nd Brother before we have a spar?”

“Alright, alright. Little Leng, wait till my weapon is forged then we have another spar. This time around, elder brother won’t give way to you,” Yan Yangchen laughed and said.

Qing Shui had a good impression of this straightforward and funny 2nd Brother. Amongst the siblings, he was able to get along with everyone.

Yan Leng was very calm. It seemed that this wasn’t the first time something like this had happened. Moreover, he seemed to like these two. There was a rare hint of warmth on his face.

There was a ready supply of wine and the kitchen tools were complete as well. In addition, Qing Shui had his Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal as well. Everything was quickly prepared. Yan Yueyin, Yan Huoyun and the others had their eyes wide-agape in disbelief to see Qing Shui getting everything prepared.

It wasn’t strange for cultivators to cook since they would often have to cook for themselves when they travel outside. What they were astonished about was that Qing Shui could actually do it so well and with such great familiarity. Most importantly, they were already greatly astonished just from the fragrances coming from the dishes alone.

They were as astonished as Yan Jinyu was back then or even more so. However, everyone was full of praise for him and said that in the future, they were going to let Qing Shui help to improve the quality of their meals at a later time. They would even be willing to him out with odd jobs here.

Very quickly, another two days pa.s.sed by and Qing Shui’s Firecloud Blacksmith Store was open for business. He didn’t have much to do here but the reputation of the Firecloud Blacksmith Store spread out with rapid speed.

The swords that Qing Shui put up for sale were those ordinary swords he had made when he was practicing to forge the Four Elements Greencloud Sword. They all brought a threefold increase to one’s strength and there were also Seal Formations engraved on them.

There were diamonds amongst the forging materials Yan Dingtian had gifted to him. Although there weren’t many, it was sufficient. Qing Shui only added a little into a few of the swords, raising the quality of the weapons by a lot. It was made from tempered metallic essence to begin with and now that diamond was added, it was considered quite good.

These few weapons were the ones which spread Firecloud Blacksmith Store’s reputation very quickly. The weapons which Qing Shui had put up were actually a little weak. Powerful cultivators wouldn’t fancy the materials they were made from, while low grade cultivators won’t have the use for it nor would they be able to afford them. Qing Shui wrote that they could only be traded for forging materials.

The traffic flow was great. There were people who came from aristocratic clans or even powerful experts patronizing. Many of them wanted Qing Shui to help them forge their weapons but were all rejected.

It was because there was a written sign stating that the requests he had received of late had reached the limit and he would not be accepting any requests temporarily.

Because of Yan Clan, no one dared to do anything to Qing Shui either. Moreover, the power of a powerful blacksmith was huge. Therefore, Qing Shui’s status soared rapidly without him knowing. People who met him would have to address him as Master.

This was the effect that Qing Shui wanted. These people were the aristocratic clans and the people and information he would come into contact with were things that what he could have access to would be comparable to.

Today, Yan Yangchi and the others came again.

Qing Shui just closed the shop.

“Brother Qing Shui, is my weapon ready? The time for the compet.i.tion is already set and I want to get used to my weapon and battle techniques.” Yan Yangchen rubbed his palms together, appearing to be a little anxious.

“It’s ready. When is the compet.i.tion going to be held? I’ll go show my support then.” Qing Shui smiled and asked as he handed him the pair of World Demolitions as well as his battle armor and battle boots.

“Exactly one month from now.” Yan Yangchen said as he received the items in great antic.i.p.ation. He first picked up the double hammers and sensed them, his eyes wide-agape as he shouted out excitedly.

“2nd Brother, you’re exaggerating!” Yan Huoyun said, dissatisfied.

Yan Yangchen seemed to not care for these. He then put on the battle armor and let out another shout. Lastly, he put on the battle boots and then looked at Yan Leng, stunned, “Come, come, let’s have another spar.”

After Yan Yangchen put on these, the aura he exuded as well as the profound runes on his weapons, battle armor and boots caused many people to be stunned. His strength had increased by more than a little. The powerful aura caused everyone to be taken aback.

Yan Leng looked at Yan Yangchen in a daze and seemed to be going to agree when Qing Shui said, “Brother Leng, your speed won’t be faster than him now. Why don’t you put on these first before you compete with 2nd Brother?”

Qing Shui smiled and handed Yan Leng his share. When Yan Leng received the items, his expression which had never changed before started to twitch uncontrollably. It was with excitement. He looked at Qing Shui gratefully and said, smiling, “Thank you!”

It seemed that there were a lot of emotions placed into these two words. Qing Shui shook his head and said, smiling, “Since we’re brothers, there’s no need to stand on ceremony.”

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