Ancient Strengthening Technique (Portraits of Beauty)

Chapter 737

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AST 759 – Tragedy of Gongxi Hao, Donggong Taiqing"s a.s.sertiveness

Qing Shui was just asking casually without any ulterior motive.

"Oh, the two clans that forced their way in are the Song Clan and the Xu Clan." Ye Guyan said softly with a chuckle.

Qing Shui was surprised at that realization. The trio continued down the Martial G.o.d Street. Along the way, Qing Shui checked out the surrounding topography while waiting for Ye Guyan to continue describing the two families" position.

"Qing Shui, look, that"s the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan"s mansion." Ye Guyan looked back at Qing Shui, pointing out a huge luxurious manor in front of them.

Qing Shui stared blankly in the direction that Ye Guyan was pointing towards. All Qing Shui could see was the most luxurious manor with the tallest pavilion in the nearest vicinity. The building materials used for construction were also the most expensive.

No matter what the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan was still very strong. Even though they could not compare with the likes of the Tantai Aristocrat Clan, Putuo Mountain or Sea King"s Palace, those that could suppress the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan on Martial G.o.d Street were close to none.

Looking over the manor wall, you could see a majority of the pavilions and kiosks. Due to the distance from the manor and the height of the wall, Qing Shui could only see some of the pavilions" roofs.

This manor was wide enough to span a couple hundred meters. The Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan"s main personnel could live here with s.p.a.ce to spare. Qing Shui observed the unending crowd moving through the gates of the Eastern Palace Aristocrat manor, trying to distinguish those from the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan. Qing Shui momentarily felt a little fatigued.

Unconsciously, he had already walked to the front gate of the Eastern Palace Aristocrat manor. He could not help but look inside. While walking, he saw that there were dozens of guards by the gate. Qing Shui glanced towards them, but none of them had any reaction.

The guards" job was to gatekeep. Over here, even the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan guards did not dare to be arrogant. After all, anyone appearing here could have the ability to take their heads.

"Guyan, why are you here?"

At this time, a clear voice could be heard. Qing Shui glanced over toward the origin of the voice. Not far from them, a group led by a young man approached them. That man could still be counted as a young man. At least from his appearance, he was radiating with health and vigor. However, compared to a youth, his age should be higher. Perhaps calling him a man was more appropriate.

In reality, this man"s real age was around forty years old. He had thin cheeks, a pair of bright black eyes and tight lips when he was not speaking. His complexion gives off a sense of perseverance.

"Brother Hao, what a coincidence." Ye Guyan said while smiling at the man.

Qing Shui looked at Guyan"s relaxed expression, deducing that the two of them had a decent relations.h.i.+p, probably knowing each other for a long time.
"And who might this be?" The man said in surprise, only noticing Qing Shui now.

"His name is Qing Shui, a new friend that I met." Ye Guyan explained in a hurry.

"Qing Shui, this is Gongxi Hao. Our parents are best friends." Ye Guyan smiled while looking towards Qing Shui.

"I see that you do not seem to be older than me, you would not mind letting me call you brother, right?" Gongxi Hao smiled while extending out his hand in greeting towards Qing Shui.

"It is an honour to meet Brother Hao." Qing Shui hurriedly shook his hand. Making new friends at such a time was for the best.

"What are you guys up to? Do you need any help?" Gongxi Hao said while laughing.

He exuded such friendliness that it would be difficult to dislike him even if it was just the first meeting. Either he had a great grasp of the situation or it was his appearance that was easy on the eyes.

"I have just arrived and unfamiliar with everything, so Miss Ye brought me around to familiarize with the surroundings." Qing Shui said without waiting for Ye Guyan to explain.

"Oh, Yan"er?" It was during this time that Gongxi Hao finally noticed Ye Yan who was behind Qing Shui. He then glanced towards Ye Guyan. Qing Shui had completely blocked the view of Ye Yan earlier&h.e.l.lip; &h.e.l.lip;

"My younger sister was saved by Qing Shui." Ye Guyan said while downplaying the situation.

"Hmph, Brother Hao used to be the one who adored me most, but this time i was lost and he did not come find me." Ye Yan said while raising her little nose and puffing her cheeks.

"Yan`er, your Brother Hao has been trying his hardest to find you these last two years." Ye Guyan said softly to Ye Yan.

"Guyan, I am incompetent. If not, Yan`er would not have to bear such hards.h.i.+ps." Gongxi Hao said with a wry smile.

"Brother Hao, I"m only teasing, Yan`er knows that you would look for me." Ye Yan said quickly with a smile.

"Brother Qing Shui, from the fact that you saved Yan`er, I, Gongxi Hao, will treat you as a brother. Whatever you may end up doing, you will always be my brother." Gongxi Hao said to Qing Shui with much rea.s.surance.

Qing Shui smiled without saying much. Although he felt that Gongxi Hao was speaking from the heart, it was hard to grasp the truth. Sometimes it was better to be on guard.

"Oh, why is Gongxi"s eldest son standing in front of our doorsteps? Was the last beating not enough? To address others as brothers, ah I see, you can only show off a little in front of those people."

A sharp and harsh voice suddenly sounded. Qing Shui watched as Gongxi Hao clutched his fists as they heard the voice.

Qing Shui wrinkled his brows a little. He was also insulted by the words that were spoken. As he looked up, a tall man walked out from the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan"s manor.

He was roughly forty years old, had a pair of sharp eyes and a hooked nose. Although he would not be described as handsome, he still carried a wicked charm, one that would cause people to take a second look at him.

From the strength of his presence, Qing Shui had already guessed who he was.

This person was a strange one.

"Donggong Taiqing, compared to how you were ten years ago, you"ve already stagnated." Ye Guyan said softly.

"Ye Guyan, have a little restraint. In my eyes, your talents are nothing worth flaunting. Your Ye clan is not worth mentioning as well." The man looked at Ye Guyan and spoke with sharp and harsh words again.

There are all kinds of fish in the sea. Qing Shui could never understand what such a derisive person was thinking. However the world was not short of these types of people. Qing Shui could never understand the type of people who vilify others to make themselves feel superior.

"Donggong Taiqing, you"ve gone too far with that statement." Gongxi Hao said while clenching his teeth at Donggong Taiqing.

"Gone too far? Haha, so what if I am bullying you? Are you worthy?" Donggong Taiqing glanced at Ye Guyan coldly and said with a smile. He did not even bother looking over at Gongxi Hao.

"I want to duel with you!" Gongxi Hao said while clenching his fist. His eyes were beginning to get bloodshot. Even though men are fully aware that they are being baited by these words, they will still do the most stupid things. It was better to die than to swallow his pride.

"A duel? That"s really funny&h.e.l.lip; Hahaha&h.e.l.lip;" Donggong Taiqing said with a harsh tone.

"Villain!" Ye Yan said angrily at Donggong Taiqing.

"Brother Hao, it isn"t worth getting angry at these people, he is not worth your anger." Qing Shui said while grabbing the hotheaded Gongxi Hao. Qing Shui only stopped Gongxi Hao because he saw Ye Guyan moving to stop Brother Hao as well.

Therefore, Qing Shui decided to act the part of the fool, knowing that he would have to fight with the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan anyways. It was unknown whether the best occasion, but it was definitely the most appropriate.

Gongxi Hao was not stupid. Previously, no one had given him an opportunity to withdraw, but what Qing Shui had just said was too good a cue to miss.

"Boy, I admire your courage, but do you know that only having courage without having any actual ability will only make you an idiot." Donggong Taiqing said while tightly grinding his teeth.

"Qing Shui, don"t step into his trap, this matter doesn"t concern you." Ye Guyan stepped forward in front of Qing Shui and said.

"Oh it doesn"t concern him? A man hiding behind a woman is no man at all. He will pay dearly for what he said." Donggong Taiqing said aggressively.

He could tell by the way Ye Guyan was defending Qing Shui that there was nothing to fear about Qing Shui. The Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan never paid much heed to the Ye Clan anyways. For a man to require the protection of the Ye Clan after uttering such insults was no different than courting death.

Although what Qing Shui said was to help Gongxi Hao, Ye Guyan could not help but feel upset. If Qing Shui had kept quiet, she could have stopped Gongxi Hao without incident. At most, they would have only heard more harsh words.

However, they could not get away so easily now. Qing Shui had good intentions but have overstepped his bounds. Donggong Taiqing had been deliberately trying to find ways to force his hand with her.

Only Ye Guyan knew that Donggong Taiqing had intentions to force her to marry him. The problem was that Donggong Taiqing already had seven other women.

He had been looking for opportunities to force his hand, especially by insulting Gongxi Hao in front of Ye Guyan, because Gongxi Hao was Ye Guyan"s fiancé.

Gongxi Hao frowned a little, feeling sorrow for not having enough talent. Although his hatred for Donggong Taiqing was strong, he was helpless in this situation even though he was aware of Donggong Taiqing"s intentions.

Since they were young, Gongxi Hao and Ye Guyan"s engagement had been determined by their parents. However, Ye Guyan"s parents were no longer around. Even though the Gongxi Clan had proposed for Gongxi Hao and Ye Guyan to marry, Guyan had immediately declined. She wanted to continue training. Given her genius talents, and her ability to control the Ye Clan, she was definitely outs.h.i.+ning Gongxi Hao in every possible way.

Gradually, Ye Guyan"s achievements kept on growing and the Gongxi Clan stopped mentioning any matters related to marriage. It was to the point where Donggong Taiqing continuously insulted Gongxi Hao in order to force him and Ye Guyan to cancel the engagement.

"Oh? You want to defend him?" Donggong Taiqing looked at Ye Guyan coldly.

"He is my friend, I won"t let him get hurt." Ye Guyan said calmly.

"Get out of the way, you aren"t my opponent nor do I want to kill you." Donggong Taiqing hollered.

Ye Guyan grimaced a little and Gongxi Hao stepped forward. "If I die, will today"s incident be over?"

"Who are you, get away. You however need to die." Donggong Taiqing pointed to Qing Shui without the slightest hesitation while completely ignoring Gongxi Hao.

"Moron, why don"t we have a duel of our own then!" At this moment, Qing Shui said as he stepped to the side of Ye Guyan, smiling toward Donggong Taiqing.

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AST 760 – Duel with Donggong Taiqing three days later

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"Moron, why don"t we have a duel of our own then!" At this moment, Qing Shui said as he stepped to the side of Ye Guyan, smiling towards Donggong Taiqing.

Qing Shui"s sentence caused everyone to be stunned. Ye Guyan looked at Qing Shui in confusion. Although she was not that familiar with Qing Shui yet, she felt that he was not a rash and impulsive person. However, just today itself, this was already the second time. Furthermore, each time was sufficient for Donggong Taiqing to want to kill him. Why is he doing this?

This sentence of Qing Shui had also infuriated Donggong Taiqing. His complexion turned scarlet and his hair became loose and messy, the result of him turning extremely angry.

Although the strength of a lower leveled cultivator would not be able to cause any change in the emotions of the higher leveled cultivator, it was still possible to infuriate the higher leveled cultivator to death. Taking the present for example, Donggong Taiqing could no longer maintain his calm. No one had ever scolded him before, it had always been him scolding others.

"Qing Shui&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;" Ye Guyan shouted at Qing Shui. At this moment, she was very perplexed.

Earlier, she had already felt that this situation was problematic but it was still possible for her to smooth things over. However, things had now progressed to an irreconcilable level.

"Alright, you reckless fool. I shall accept this challenge. When and where?" Donggong Taiqing was so infuriated that his expression turned into a sinister smile.

"Three days later, late in the morning. We shall hold it there." Qing Shui pointed to a huge arena not far away from the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan.

"Alright, I accept. I shall let you live for two more days." Donggong Taiqing clenched his teeth in anger.

At this time of day, there were already many people in the surrounding area. The news of Donggong Taiqing dueling with someone was undoubtedly a big piece of news. This news was soon rapidly spread around.

Duels were sacred. Once a duel had been arranged, no one could stop it or make changes to it unless someone surrenders or the two parties came to another agreement. Thus, Qing Shui"s duel with Donggong Taiqing was something set in stone. Even Ye Guyan could not do anything to stop it. Furthermore, there was no other way to settle this problem apart from having the duel.

In any case, there was no longer any ways to change it either because news of this had already spread. Furthermore, Donggong Taiqing definitely did not have any intention to make any changes. It was already surprising for him to agree to holding it three days later. Going by his usual personality, he would have just killed Qing Shui on the spot.

Gongxi Hao currently felt very guilty. Today"s matter happened as a result of him. The first time, it was so. On the second time, it was still so. At this moment, he felt that he was really useless&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;

Donggong Taiqing was currently looking playfully at Qing Shui and the others. His expression was disdainful as he turned around to head back to the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan, laughing frivolous as he left.

"Qing Shui, why are you doing this?" Ye Guyan sighed gently.

"I could not stand his arrogant manners. He went too far in bullying others." Qing Shui said angrily. Although this kind of person would not cause Qing Shui to be too angry, he was very hateful. The most important thing was that this was someone he would kill sooner or later. This was an opportunity that was hard to come by.

Qing Shui did not expect that he would b.u.mp into Donggong Taiqing on the second day after he arrived at the Ye Clan and when he had just came out to take a look.. It was truly coincidental. Although he had already been in the Southern Viewing Continent for quite a long time, he had only been in Southern Sea City for just one day.

"Is that truly the reason?" Ye Guyan looked suspiciously at Qing Shui.

"Of course. I was too rash and caused trouble for you all."

What a joke. It was impossible for Qing Shui to speak of the true reason. The time was not right yet. Furthermore, there was no need to speak of it.

"You did not cause any trouble from us. However, what are you going to do about the duel three days later?" Ye Guyan"s emotions were in turmoil. He had saved her sister and she owed him a debt of grat.i.tude. Today"s matter supposedly had nothing to do with him but yet&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;

"Brother, I let you down." Gongxi Hao struck his own head with his hands in remorse.

"Brother Hao, we are brothers. What is the meaning of this? If I were you, when I meet such a situation, would you just stand by the side and watch?" Qing Shui grabbed Gongxi Hao"s wrist.

Qing Shui did not feel guilty about saying this at all. Although he had a grudge with the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan, even without it, he would have done the same. Donggang Taiqing kept humiliating him from the very start. This kind of person ought to be killed.

Gongxi Hao was now quite different from his earlier high-spirited self. Qing Shui could understand this. This was normal after meeting a person like Donggong Taiqing and having to humble himself for the sake of survival, even to the point of not showing any signs of his anger.

"Miss Ye, let"s keep going. We have only walked for a short while, if we don"t keep moving, it would be impossible to finish by today." Qing Shui smiled at Ye Guyan.

Although Ye Guyan was unable to see through Qing Shui"s strength, she felt that it was impossible for Qing Shui to triumph over Donggong Taiqing. Furthermore, there were still other people in the Eastern Palace Clan. Not to even mention defeating Donggong Taiqing, even if he managed to do so, there was no way he would be able to carry on living.

Ye Guyan understood the Eastern Palace Aristocrat Clan well. Qing Shui would not have a good end. Even if he tried to flee, he would not be able to make it far. She felt turmoil in her heart but she did not know what to do.

"Stop thinking too much, it will be fine." Qing Shui gently consoled Ye Guyan.

Ye Yan stood at the side and frowned, looking apologetically at Qing Shui: "I have harmed Uncle."

She felt that if she did not meet Qing Shui, he would not have come to Southern Sea City and met Donggong Taiqing. Thus, this conflict that led to the duel would not have happened.

"Yan`er, all of you are not to blame. This is my matter." Qing Shui said ambiguously.

The more he behaved like this, the more the others felt upset. Finally, Ye Guyan told Gongxi Hao, "You should go back first. let me handle this."

"Guyan&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;"

"Go back." Ye Guyan said gently.

Gongxi Hao bit his lips before turning to look at Qing Shui apologetically, "I will come and find you later." After saying that, he turned to leave, bringing his people with him.

"Uncle, let"s go back and discuss what to do next." Ye Yan was almost in tears.

"That"s fine too!" Qing Shui could only smile and reply. He had seen Ye Yan"s expression and also noticed that Ye Guyan did not have the mood to continue touring around.

"Hai, I don"t know what to say about you. Are you bold and powerful or are you just an ignorant idiot?" As they walked, Ye Guyan said to Qing Shui.

"Which would you prefer?" Qing Shui smiled gently at Ye Guyan.

"Of course I hope that you are bold and powerful." Ye Guyan gave Qing Shui an irritated look. Actually, she was a little angry at Qing Shui. Today"s matter could have been resolved just by keeping quiet and enduring it. There were many people who just endured the Eastern Palace Clan. It would not be strange if they did so too.

Furthermore, based on Donggong Taiqing"s att.i.tude, he could tell that the Eastern Palace Clan did not have much good relations with people. While they might have some scoundrels as friends, Qing Shui was not afraid of them. The helpers of the Eastern Palace Clan would definitely not be as strong as the Eastern Palace Clan.

Thus, the problem of eradicating the Eastern Palace Clan would be resolved. Qing Shui decided to start with today"s matter. He hoped that it would go smoothly.

When he returned the the Ye Clan, they ran into Cang Wuya and the others. They saw the sullen expression of Ye Guyan as well as the bitter expression of Ye Yan.

However, Qing Shui"s expressions did not seem to be changed. Cang Wuya puzzledly looked at Qing Shui, "What"s wrong? What happened?"

"Three days later, I will be having a duel with Donggong Taiqing at Martial G.o.d Street."

Although his voice was not loud, a few of the Ye Clan pa.s.sersby heard it, causing them to stop in their tracks, feeling shocked and at a complete loss.

Cang Wuya and Fei Wuji were also instantly stunned. Although they knew that Qing Shui wanted to fight against the Eastern Palace Clan, they did not expect him to take action so fast&h.e.l.lip;&h.e.l.lip;

Bai Gui was still very calm. He cultivated the way of a.s.sa.s.sination, which required him to have a strong heart. He would not be shocked easily and had strong endurance and acceptance abilities.

As the few of them spoke, they headed to the great hall!

"Yan`er, please go and get Grandpa Crazy." Ye Guyan stopped and told Ye Yan.

Ye Yan stared blankly for a moment before leaving.

Qing Shui saw Ye Guyan"s distressed looks and felt a warmth in his heart. Regardless, she was worrying because of his problems.

"Miss Ye, I have already said, you don’t have to worry about this." Qing Shui said seriously to Ye Guyan.

"I really wish to not worry for you. However, currently I feel that it would be an extravagant hope to wish that I don"t have to worry about you" Ye Guyan looked at Qing Shui and shook her head.

"Then what does Miss Ye intend to do?" Qing Shui asked out of curiosity.

"I said before that I would not let anything happen to you. I intend for you to break your promise." Ye Guyan said with a lonely expression after thinking for a while.

"Break my promise? How? Although this is the first time i ment Donggong Taiqing, I know that he would not let me off." Qing Shui looked at Ye Guyan and said.

"Actually, he has a motive in doing this. Once he achieved his motive, he would definitely let us off." Ye Guyan frowned slightly.

"Motive? Something to do with you?" Qing Shui looked at Ye Guyan in confusion as he asked.

"Donggong Taiqing has always wanted me to marry him. If I agree to it, he would forget about the matter between you and him. However, it is best that you quickly leave. Don"t stay here any longer." Ye Guyan hesitated for a moment before saying, as though she had been struggling with this decision.

Qing Shui was shocked. Could it be that she intend to wrong herself for him? She did say that she would not let anything happen to him but he never expected that she would go this far.

At this moment, Qing Shui felt very guilty. However, everything was fine. Regardless of the situation, he would not let this happen. He smiled gently at Ye Guyan: "I would rather choose to die than to let you marry that kind of man so that I can live."

"I am not doing this for you, so you don’t have to feel guilty. This is for my beliefs. You rescued my sister, I owe you for that. Now that you are in a tight spot, I would naturally have to help you, regardless of the price." Ye Guyan shook her head and said.

"What if I said that my purpose in coming to Southern Sea City is to eradicate the Eastern Palace Clan. Would you believe me?" Qing Shui said after they took a seat.

Qing Shui now knew that there was no more point in concealing this. Things have now come to a point where he should reveal it. There was no need for Ye Guyan to carry such a huge and heavy burden.

Ye Guyan stared blankly for awhile before shaking her head at Qing Shui, "If you had said that at the very start, I might have believed you. Even when you suggested that duel, I was suspecting so. However, I do not believe you now." Ye Guyan continued to shake her head as she looked at Qing Shui.

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