Ancient Strengthening Technique

AST 2395 – I lost, the Qian Clan overestimates their abilities

The dish made by the woman was excellent even by Qing Shui’s standards. From his point of view, she had lost due to his choice of spices, especially the Green Divine Pepper. When in combination with shredded potato, it was truly divine. In fact, the ingredients’ natural value would complement with many types of food.

The tasting of dishes was even more interesting. The two dishes were served on the table with both contestants sitting across each other. When they started eating, they didn’t stop till the dishes were almost finished. Qing Shui mainly ate the bear paws while the woman focused on the shredded potato.

“I lost!” The woman spoke up honestly.

“You didn’t!” Qing Shui replied after some thoughts.

“I know I did. A loss is a loss. You were able prepare a common dish like shredded potato to this extent, so I willingly admit defeat.” The woman maintained her serious demeanor.

“You lost on spices. If you don’t believe me, you can try cooking with my spices; you’ll be able prepare dishes at the same level.” Qing Shui was honest as well. After all, this was a fact known to all. In his past life, there were secret seasonings. Past a certain level of skills, the only difference was the ingredients used.

“Perhaps. Even so, I’ve lost regardless. It was a pity that I can’t help with the issue you mentioned earlier. Demon Saint Blood is incomparably obnoxious but there’s something you shouldn’t worry about. Her amnesia towards you is only temporary. Everything will be fine once she regains her memory. Demon Saint Blood won’t change her nature, so I don’t think you have to worry too much about it.” The woman reassured.

Her words stunned Qing Shui and a bubble of glee expanded within him. It would be great if the circumstances between him and Tantai Lingyan were only temporary. Once she recovered, everything would be back to normal and she’d revert to the Tantai Lingyan he knew.

“Thank you for today. It’s getting late, I should go.” Qing Shui took a glimpse outside.

“I wanted to ask, would you make a move on the Demon Gate?” The woman questioned.

“During this period, I’ve realized a lot. Your organization and the Demon Gate are innately different. I won’t make a move and will be leaving soon. I’m going to look for my wife.” Qing Shui smiled.

“Then I’ll wish you a smooth journey. Goodbye!” The woman nodded her head with a smile.

Qing Shui mimicked her gesture. “Goodbye. Take this as a gift since you’re someone who is fond of the culinary arts.”

Qing Shui gifted the woman with a bunch of spices.

Qing Shui had an abundance of spices. Like gifting a treasured sword to a hero, these spices were the most suitable gift for her.

The result he achieved during this visit was truly surprising. Perhaps this was the reason why the existence of a Demon Gate here wasn’t matched with a Divine Palace.

Back at the inn, everyone was prepared to leave. However, it was at this moment when they were surrounded. Qing Shui soon realized the reason when he spotted a familiar face among them.

Qian Duoduo!

“Hello, we meet again!” Qing Shui smiled as he greeted Qian Duoduo.

Qian Duoduo seemed to be in a sorry state. He looked as though he couldn’t wait to take a bite off Qing Shui. With a glare, he shouted, “How dare you lay a hand on me. I’ll have you meet a tragic end today!”

“Why must everything end in life or death? How unharmonious. We can talk anything through.” Qing Shui waved his hand, signaling for the others to continue packing.

“We’re done. Are we leaving now?” Shen Huang asked.

“Leave? You wish.”

At Qian Duoduo’s words, he turned towards an elderly person. “Third Uncle, you must help me obtain justice.”

“Young lad, admit your mistake to Duoduo and I’d let you leave. What do you think?” The old man spoke gently.

The elderly looked dignified, paired with a luxurious attire. He had an air of glamour. Even though his tone was mild, it was still enough to make others cower.

“Third Uncle, I want to kill him. Kill him.” Qian Duoduo seemed reluctant.

“Oh, why should I apologize? I thought the Qian Clan was decent at first. Now, it seems like you’re really too inferior to be shown to the public. How about this? Since I’m in a good mood, I’ll forget about the matter if you cripple him now.” Qing Shui was serious about his proposition.

Qian Duoduo was rendered speechless, staring at Qing Shui in disbelief. He thought he had misheard Qing Shui.

The elderly burst out laughing. “Hahaha, young lad. This is the first time I’ve met a young man with character. How good it is to be young, you can spout anything you want.”

Qing Shui laughed along. “You know what I hate most? People who flaunt their seniority based on age, especially those without abilities. Do you really think everyone would cower in your presence?”

The elderly was stunned. A murderous glint fleeted across his eyes. “If that’s the case, then I’ll have you experience your own ignorance.”

The air in the surroundings seemed to have cooled down by many degrees. Gusts of cold wind lifted the elderly like an eagle as he lunged towards Qing Shui.

Qing Shui shook his head slightly.

Without any hesitation, he attacked with Taichi Cloud Hands.

The silhouette of a palm left a trace before landing on the elderly’s cheeks, much to the spectators’ surprise.

Slap!

It was a crisp sound which sent the elderly flying from the impact.

Qing Shui’s Taichi had long been merged with his Berserk Dragon Force, and his Taichi benefited the defender. Besides, Qing Shui knew that his realm was higher. Under such circumstances and with the addition of Taichi, it was normal that the elderly would be thrown aside. This wasn’t his full strength either. He was afraid the elderly’s skull would burst under his full strength.

Silence filled the air, so much so that they would be able to hear the fall of a needle.

“How can this be? That’s Qian Clan’s San Yanwang. How could he be reduced to this state after just one attack?”

A few of the elder’s teeth fell out after Qing Shui’s slap, as blood dripped from both his lips and nose. He looked like he was in a terrible state, but they were merely superficial wounds, nothing serious.

The old man was dazed from the attack as well, only regaining his composure after a moment as though he couldn’t recall the previous moment. He didn’t know how he was slapped by Qing Shui.

“You’re using demonic arts.” The elderly spouted.

Qing Shui laughed. Demonic arts. If this world had demonic arts, then every attack could be attributed to that. They even had a Demonic King, what were demonic arts compared to that…?

Even the elderly knew that the words he spouted had demerited him, and he didn’t know why he said them either. Once he did, he rushed forward to kill Qing Shui. If he didn’t kill this youngster, both his honor and the Qian Clan’s reputation would be destroyed.

Qing Shui mimicked his moves and another unbelievable scene appeared. The crisp sound of the slap sounded once more, the force greater than the previous. With it, the elderly no longer had any teeth left in his mouth.

“It will happen again and again. If you attack again, you better be prepared for me to kill you.” Qing Shui said when he noted the elderly’s intention of rushing forward again.

The elderly halted in his steps, realizing that the young man’s abilities far surpassed his own as he broke out in cold sweat.

“I’ve always believed that one has to be responsible for his every action. Being impetuous will have its punishment, otherwise it would have been too easy on you. I’ll wait for three breaths of time. If you can’t satisfy me, then I’ll take action myself.” Qing Shui spoke softly.

The elderly’s eyes darkened. He held out a blade, severed his own arm and then approached Qian Duoduo.

“Third Uncle, Third Uncle, don’t kill me...” Qian Duoduo’s face paled in fear.

The elderly didn’t kill Qian Duoduo but severed the latter’s arm before looking back to Qing Shui.

Qing Shui sighed and told the people around him, “Let’s leave!”