Ancient Strengthening Technique (Portraits of Beauty)

Chapter 902

AST 1093 – Absorbing Dragon Qi, Small Success Stage for the Nine Yang Golden Body?

The Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s body glowed brilliantly. That cry that it let out made Qing Shui feel that it was like a dragon’s roar. That deep and penetrating voice was able to touch one’s soul. It was solemn, commanded respect, and was majestic.

Qing Shui sensed the changes to the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant in the Four Phases Formation while also sensing the movements of the ‘dragon veins’ under his feet. Even the few ladies and Little Fattie who were outside the Four Phases Formation were looking at the formation seriously, sensing the changes and being in antic.i.p.ation.

Time pa.s.sed by bit by bit and the prowess of the Four Phases Formation was raised to quite a powerful level. The sounds of the ‘dragon’s cry’, the ‘phoenix’s cry’, and the ‘tiger’s howl’ were endless. The golden light on the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s body almost seemed material. Despite this, he still didn’t sense any changes to the ‘dragon veins’ under his feet.

“Could it be that the prowess of the Four Phases Formation isn’t sufficient?”



Qing Shui was puzzled but he didn’t stop and continued to activate the Four Phases Formation. A mysterious power crept downward below his feet through the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant and it seemed like it was going through reconnaissance and communication.

An hour pa.s.sed by. The ladies continued to look at Qing Shui and the few demonic beasts which hadn’t change at all. They felt that there seemed to be very little hope. In fact, there was little hope for it to begin with. Yu He, Hai Dongqing, and the rest of the ladies especially felt this way since they knew that that dragon veins were hard to come by.

Only Luan Luan kept on believing that Qing Shui could do it. She didn’t know of the dragon veins and felt that Qing Shui could accomplish anything in the world. She continued to look hopefully at Qing Shui, who was still in the Four Phases Formation.

Quite some time had pa.s.sed by and under the Dragon’s Spirit, the Dragon Elephant Force of the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant went through a great distance under the effects of the formation. However, it seemed to be unable to move as much as it liked and its speed continued to slow down. It seemed as if it was going to come to a stop.

If one wished to lure out the ‘Dragon Qi’, one must let the dragon power come into contact with the Dragon Qi and then use this the dragon power to draw it out. It was like how one would draw out underground water.

The dragon power came to a stop!

Qing Shui frowned, unsatisfied with the result. He lashed out his left hand towards the formation, creating a bunch of brilliant light spots in the area. He then used another hand to circulate and channel his Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique.

Four Phases As One!

At the same time, the Fire Bird and the Spirited Snake Turtle also sent out their power. Next, under the effect of the light spots, powers of various colors turned golden and landed on the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant.

Source of dragon power!

Charge!

The dragon power which had stopped moving now shot downwards like an arrow. It was even stronger than before, spinning as it went. It felt exhilarating.

Qing Shui didn’t know how much deeper it could reach down to, nor did he know if there was truly Dragon Qi underground. However, he wanted to try it, even if there was only a little hint of hope. If he could really draw out the Dragon Qi, he would pay any price.

The dragon power traveled rapidly. After the time it took for about an incense to burn, it once again slowed down. However, following that, it continued to move quickly and steadily again.

The moment it slowed down, Qing Shui felt worried. However, he could only activate the Four Phases Formation at its full power right now. His Fire Bird and Spirited Snake Turtle would also need to extend their full powers. He had even prepared Vital Essence Pills.

Boom!

Qing Shui suddenly had a feeling, it was as if the strong surges were being blocked. He didn’t know if he should be happy or sad to feel this, since this situation would usually mean that he had either reached the end or that he had encountered an obstacle which encompa.s.sed the Dragon Qi.

Of course, other than a barrier encompa.s.sing the Dragon Qi, it could also be other stuff. For example, it could be some mysterious rocks or rock stratum. However, Qing Shui would rather believe that it was a barrier that was encompa.s.sing the Dragon Qi.

Boom boom…

There was a feeling of a consecutive impacting force but it didn’t seem as if he would be able to break through. This made Qing Shui feel a little helpless. It would all be for naught if he wasn’t able to break through it. The dragon power continued to push against the barrier.

This situation continued on for about 15 minutes and a dense layer of sweat appeared on Qing Shui’s forehead. He couldn’t accept this. Even if there was nothing behind that barrier, he still wanted to break through it and see it for himself.

Just as Qing Shui was feeling at a loss at when his impacts were useless, the Nine Continents Mountain in his Dantian sudden release a faint and rustic glow. It gradually wrapped around his golden pellet. Before Qing Shui had a chance to feel astonished, he felt a formidable aura das.h.i.+ng out. It headed toward the light spots and charge down, heading deep under the location where the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant was standing.

Its speed wasn’t very fast but it had an overwhelming impact, as if it was a block of huge mountain pus.h.i.+ng downwards. It was an aura that seemed to be capable of destroying everything.

The power of s.h.i.+eld Attack!

Pfft!

This time around, Qing Shui could even clearly sense the power of the collision. He could even sense that there were some clear cracks appearing on the barrier. He felt elated and attacked with an even more powerful strength.

Boom!

He seemed to be able to see the shattering barrier through his spiritual sense. Then, an overwhelming aura that was very pure and yang in nature soared up, following the trail of dragon power.

Qing Shui squinted his eyes.

Four Phases Protection!

Qing Shui didn’t dare to be too careless. Although the Dragon Qi which had charged up was very fine, it was extremely domineering. Qing Shui activated the Four Phases Protection to protect the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant. The Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant was of a dragon’s descent. Moreover, the head position was there. It was a place that the Dragon Qi would cleanse directly.

Roar roar!

The Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant let out ceaseless roars. These roars contained excitement and antic.i.p.ation!

Roar!

As a loud and clear cry rang out, an ancient and rustic feeling appeared. It was a feeling that would resonate deeply with one’s heart. At the same time, the golden light around the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant shone very brightly.

Qing Shui didn’t dare to be careless. Although it was written in books that the Dragon Qi wouldn’t harm humans and demonic beasts, it was hard to extract. Moreover, ordinary people and demonic beasts could only absorb a small amount of Dragon Qi. Just this little bit of Dragon Qi would be sufficient to benefit them greatly.

It was a pity that the Qi of Dragon Veins was the Dragon Qi formed from the essence of a dragon after 1,000 years, 10,000 years, or even longer. There was generally not a lot of it and once it was unleashed, it would dissipate after a short while. It was impossible to store and could only be absorbed by living things such as demonic beasts and humans.

After the time it took for an incense to burn, the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant left the head position and the Dragon Qi scattered out. Qing Shui’s heart ached to see this and immediately stepped forth to take the place of the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant. He then quickly called for the others to be on the standby.

Once the Dragon Qi came out, there wasn’t a need to sustain the formation anymore. Right now, Qing Shui couldn’t even concern himself with the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s condition. The Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant seemed to have gone to a quiet place to ‘comprehend’ some things.

The reason Qing Shui was the first to take the spot where the Dragon Qi was coming out from was not just so that he could be the first to absorb it. It was mainly because his body was strong and he wanted to sense if there were any dangers to this Dragon Qi. He didn’t want to let the ladies take the risks first.

The pure Dragon Qi dashed into his body. Qing Shui didn’t feel any discomfort. It was like the feeling of being in a hot spring and yet it was also like if one was in water with slightly higher temperatures. It was a little hot but still very comfortable.

All the Qi of the Ancient Strengthening Technique gradually circulated in his body. Most importantly, the golden pellet in his Dantian started to spin rapidly as the surging power in his body moved slowly along his body.

His internal organs, the Central Palace Blood Essence Pool, and the Crimson Pellet in his Niwan Palace were all circulating. Slight changes that could be seen with the naked eye was happening. His blood, which had a hint of violet to it at first, now had a hint of gold. The most important change was to his bones. His bones had completely turned into a faint golden color and only Qing Shui could see it. After all, they were located deep in his body.

In the past, there were only hints of golden light on his bones but now, his bones had turned into a faint golden color. This surging power and tenacity made Qing Shui astonished. What a powerful Dragon Qi.

Qing Shui sensed that it was a power that came deep from his soul. Very quickly, Qing Shui sensed that his body was no longer absorbing any Dragon Qi and earlier, Qing Shui had sensed a 灵识 in his consciousness.

Stimulating the Nine Yang Golden Body to the small success stage!

Could this be the reason why his bones had turned completely into a faint gold color and that he had acquired the Nine Yang Golden Body?

Qing Shui didn’t have the time to sense this and quickly left. The one who took the baton from him was Luan Luan. Qing Shui remained at the side, ready to take action in case anything were to go wrong.

Thank goodness everything proceeded very smoothly. After the time it took for an incense to burn, Luan Luan also left rapidly. She wore a happy and delighted smile, unable to hold back her emotions.

Then the few ladies took their turns and so did Little Fattie. The ladies generally didn’t last the time it took for an incense to burn but it wasn’t a very big difference in the amount of time. What astonished Qing Shui was that Little Fattie stayed in their for the same amount of time.

Luan Luan’s physique was good, the few ladies were also very powerful. However, thinking of how Little Fattie was also very talented, Qing Shui no longer found it strange.

After Qing Shui, Little Fattie, and the few ladies absorbed the Dragon Qi, the demonic beasts were next. Everyone called out their demonic beasts and quickly let them take their turns.

“Haha, father, I’ve the most demonic beasts, so I get the most benefits out of this!” Luan Luan looked at Qing Shui happily, then at the demonic beasts who were absorbing the Dragon Qi. Right now, the Dragon Qi was almost all used up and what that came out was very fine. However, there were no more demonic beasts who could absorb it anymore.

“Although the Dragon Qi that is coming out is very low and fine, it’s too much of a waste to let it be.” Yu He couldn’t help but say this after seeing Luan Luan call back her final demonic beast.

“That’s right, since it’s going to go to waste anyway…” Qing Shui waved his hand to call out the Jade Emperor Bees!

Qing Shui had not planned on letting them absorb the Dragon Qi at the start since he felt that it was a waste. However, everyone else had already had their turns and he was the only one left with some demonic beasts which could absorb the Dragon Qi.

The Jade Emperor Bees now mainly produced Jade Emperor Queen Bee Nectar. Qing Shui didn’t plan on letting them partic.i.p.ate in battle anyway but it was too much of a waste to let the Dragon Qi dissipate just like that.

Each of the Jade Emperor Bees could stay about the time it took for a breath. However, Qing Shui had many of them. Right now, there were about 800 of them.

When there were two hundred bees left, the Dragon Qi had disappeared completely. Qing Shui felt that it was a pity that the remaining two hundred Jade Emperor Bees hadn’t manage to get a chance, since it would mean that they had lost a chance to change their fate.

Qing Shui saw that they were all wearing extremely satisfied expressions. This included all of the demonic beasts around them, the ladies, and Little Fattie. Luan Luan grabbed one of Qing Shui’s arm and occasionally broke into a crisp laughter.

“You seem to be very happy. You must have gained a lot out of it!”

“I’m not sure either but I feel that I’ve grown a lot stronger and need to familiarize myself with this new power.” After Luan Luan said this, she left with her demonic beasts. Demonic beasts were unlike humans and they seemed to have already gotten used to the explosive increase in their powers.

Onefold!

These demonic beasts had grown to become twice as powerful as before. How horrifying was this? This was much stronger than some of the demonic beasts with the dragon’s lineage.

It was because the lineage of the dragons was too messed up. It had gone through too many generations, with each generation having only a hint of blood lineage. However, the Dragon Qi was different. It was the essence of a dragon.

AST 1094 – Dragon Qi’s Ma.s.sive Effect, Laying the Foundation

Qing Shui felt that most of the demonic beasts strength increase by one fold. This precious Dragon Qi did not just increase their strength by onefold, its main effect was that it could change the const.i.tution of someone, regardless of whether they were beast or human. Being able to increase their strength by onefold was the current benefit, while the other benefits were expected to be in the future.

It was almost time, so Qing Shui decided to rest right there. Although trouble had been stirred up in this exact location, Qing Shui was not worried that people would come to cause more trouble.

Many beasts were released outside. Qing Shui had only kept two hundred Jade Emperor Bees that had not absorbed any Dragon Qi. Luckily, this place was the Land of Dragon Qi. He could leave the Jade Emperor Bees outside as warning alarms while letting them absorb the residual Dragon Qi in the air.

After Qing Shui greeted several of the women, many of them sought a place to absorb and appreciate the changes in their const.i.tutions. Qing Shui entered the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal covertly.

He had taken too much time before finally entering the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal. However, Qing Shui was happy. Even if he was unable to enter the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal for several consecutive dayshe would still be happy.

Qing Shui felt that it was a pity that many people close to him did not have the opportunity to absorb the Dragon Qi. On the other hand, these things occurred by chance and many of those close to him had also received the benefits. It was more than enough that none of the Dragon Qi had been wasted. If only his demonic beast and himself absorbed the Dragon Qi, it would have been a waste of good resources.

In general, the result this time was good. Looking at the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant, it had received the most benefits. It was probably due to its Dragon Bloodline. After all, when it evolved into the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant, the Dragon Bloodline within its const.i.tution had become more formidable compared to before.

Its physical strength grew rapidly from 800 stars to 3000 stars, making Qing Shui feel inwardly invigorated. This was the result of directly receiving the benefits.

Dragon Elephant Force: pa.s.sive combat ability, permanently increases strength by tenfolds.

Dragon Elephant Force had powered up and it was a power up of several grades. This was the effect of Dragon Qi. It was like having the right medicine prescribed for an illness. At this moment, the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s power grew swiftly.

Qing Shui quickly checked the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s abilities. Many of them had changed and grown stronger.

Mighty Dragon Elephant’s Recklessness: Increases attacks by threefolds, randomly attacking at most twenty targets.

Mighty Dragon Elephant Stomp, Grand Perfection Stage, Tenfold increase in physical strength and offensive power. A certain chance in paralyzing the opponent’s limbs, immobilizing them.

Instantaneous Diamond Evasion: An instantaneous leap within a distance of 2000 meters!

Diamond Sword Qi: Spits out a wave of Core Qi to attack the opponent. Possesses a formidable attack power. It can reduce a target’s speed by 20% and its effect lasts for two hours.

“The distance improved greatly and its self-protection ability became stronger! Diamond Sword Qi’s duration became longer, the number of attack targets and the attack power also increased.”

Vajra Subdues Demons: Lowers the strengths of multiple targets by 10% within a radius of 1000 meters after casting. Number of targets cannot exceed fifty. Effect lasts for two hours!

Ferocious Dragon Elephant Attack: Launches an attack at one target in an instant. Can raise offensive power by four folds!

Dark Infernal Flames and Mighty Dragon Elephant Armor had no changes. Although no changes occurred to the ability, since the physical strength of the elephant became stronger, the ability would be stronger regardless.

When the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant cast the Ferocious Diamond Attack, it could reach a strength of 150,000 stars. Furthermore, similar to how the Spirit Gathering Lamp works, the Heaven Shaking Drum from the Realm of the Violet Jade Immortal could now provide a one fold boost to the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s attack power. One increased a demonic beast’s spirit energy while the other increased a beast’s physical attack power.

Therefore, Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant could cast out a strength of 300,000 stars. Unfortunately, this location was bounded by the Laws of Heaven and Earth, thus the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant’s max strength was capped at approximately 40,000 stars.

Afterwards, Qing Shui took a look at Fire Bird and Five-headed Demonic Spider, or more precisely, the Six-Headed Demonic Spider. The Five-Headed Demonic Spider evolved into a Six-Headed beast. Its strength had also increased significantly.

However, the Fire Bird’s increase was worst when compared to the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant. From this, it could be seen that Dragon Qi was more suitable for the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant.

The Fire Bird’s physical strength had reached 1500 stars, exactly one fold less than the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant.

Dark Phoenix of Nine Heavens: pa.s.sive combat ability, zero energy consumption, permanently increases physical strength by seven times. All combat abilities performed would have their energy consumption reduced by half!

Even in the aspect of combat abilities, it had not increased to the degree of the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant.

Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens: When the Fire Bird performs the Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens, the damage inflicted by its flames attacks would increase by many folds. It can be sustained for 30 minutes and it can be used four times daily. During this period, all damage received would be reduced.

The others had no change, nor had the appearance changed like the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant. Compared to before, the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant had become more majestic, the scales on its body had toughened while its vicious aura had increased by several folds.  It no longer had its previous simple and honest appearance. It was more like a ferocious beast.   

On the other hand, the Five-Headed Demonic Spider had gained an extra giant hideous head. This head was more ferocious than the others and its color carried a hint of gold and the location of the head was in the middle, which surprised Qing Shui.

The Six-Headed Demonic Spider’s current physical strength was equivalent to Fire Bird, reaching a strength of 1500 stars. This surprised Qing Shui. This was likely due to the Five-Headed Demonic Spider’s sudden breakthrough, otherwise, it would not be so strong.

Five Qi Origin: The Five-Headed Demonic Spider’s innate battle technique, permanently increases its physical strength by six folds and has zero energy consumption.

Seeing the change in the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant and the Fire Bird, the Six-Headed Demonic Spider’s growth felt a little pitiful. Even though Qing Shui knew that it was nothing worth pitying about since the Six-Headed Demonic Spider was already a mutated beast of Heaven and Earth—the Emperor of Demonic Spiders.

Poison Silk Entanglement: The Five-Headed Demonic Spider can fire a thread of poison silk within a range of 800 meters, attacking and entangling the target. Its speed is very fast and it is highly toxic and sticky.

Flying Spider Silk: After using this, its speed will increase by five times. This skill will last for seven and a half minutes. It can be used once every day.

The other abilities had not changed. However, at the very bottom, Qing Shui noticed a new combat ability.

Demonic Spider Golden Armor: Increased the strength and sharpness of the Six-Headed Demonic Spider’s body by one fold. The toughness, stickiness and toxicity of the Six-Headed Demonic Spider’s silk are also increased by one fold. Furthermore, endurance and durability are both enhanced by one fold.

After Qing Shui saw the last ability, he understood that the Six-Headed Demonic Spider had become formidable. After absorbing the Dragon Qi, its const.i.tution had morphed wholly. It could now be considered one of Qing Shui’s formidable crowd control beasts. It could be paired with the Thunderous Beast, playing as a part of his battle force.

The Ten Thousand Poisonous Violet Sable’s physical strength had almost doubled. It was now at the strength of 500 stars, though its body was about a meter in length. It seemed to have gained more spiritual intelligence.

Five Colored Poison Pa.s.sive: Increases physical strength and its venomous nature by five folds, pa.s.sive combat ability with zero energy consumption.

Five Colored Poison: Venomous Five Colored Poison will be released together during attacks.

Spiritual Sensitivity: Increases speed by five folds, pa.s.sive combat ability with zero energy consumption.

Its strength had been increased significantly. This time, its capabilities had become quite formidable.

Once Qing Shui glanced over at Thunderous Beast and he could not help but laugh. He had never thought that the Thunderous Beast would give him such a surprise.

Physical Strength of 2000 stars!

Violet Thunder Protection: The Thunderous Beast’s unique ability that activates automatically. This ability increases its strength by eight folds with zero energy consumption. When the Thunderous Beast is under a physical attack, it has a chance to paralyze the enemy. At the same time, it can reduce the enemy’s attack power by 20%.

Violet Lightning Strike: Harnesses the core’s power and releases a powerful lightning strike to disable the opponent, resulting in an attack with four fold strength. It has a 100% chance to paralyze the enemy, with the length of the paralysis depending on the opponent’s abilities. This skill can be used four times every twenty four hours.

Violet Lightning Armor: Battle Armor formed from condensed Violet Lightning. Can withstand 40% of physical and spiritual attacks!

Thunder Flash: Pa.s.sive ability, permanently increase speed by six folds.

In addition to these enhancements, the others had no change. The Thunderous Beast’s strength was in its speed and resistance, being able to resist 60% of all attacks. Thunderous Beast was a crowd control type beast and even though its attack was lacking, its resistance was strong. The lack of attack was relative. The Thunderous Beast was a legendary existence, it could possibly evolve into a legendary beast.

Further down, Qing Shui saw that the Thunderous Beast gained a new battle ability. His heart began to race.

Mutual Destruction: Inflicts 80% of total health and damages itself in exchange for 80% damage to the opposition. Damage is mutual, that is, using a frightening attack to inflict damage to the opponent resulting in damage on the opponent as well as itself. Mutual Destruction cannot directly take the life of the target.

It could only be used once a month! If the disparity in strength was too great, the success rate would be very low!

Qing Shui laughed after seeing this skill. It was too frightening. Instantaneously causing 80% damage to the target and itself. 80% damage would basically result in movement problems for the target.

Had this been any other beast, this ability would only be used in a dire situation without much effect. However, the Thunderous Beast was an exception to this. This was because the Thunderous Beast had the G.o.dly skill Lightning Recovery.

Lightning Recovery: The Thunderous Beast grew up in the Golden Buddha Aura Lotus, harnessing an extremely powerful self-recovery ability. Using the Lightning Recovery, the Thunderous Beast can immediately heal 70% of the injuries on its body. Its natural restoration speed will also increase by tenfold for an hour. After two uses, the cooldown time will be two hours.

The Spirited Snake Turtle’s had also experienced great changes, even its appearance seemed to have changed a bit.

Its physical strength had reached 500 stars!

Spirited Snake Turtle: Spiritual Type of Heaven and Earth, Ancient Bloodline, with natural Area Dominance. 30% reduction in its owner’s spirit energy consumption and 20% reduction in spirit energy damaged received.

Spirited Snake Movement: Increase physical strength by five folds.

Area Dominance: third grade, within a kilometer radius, Spiritual Pressure of Heaven and Earth, atmospheric pressure, deterrence, seal, toxic venom are negated ……this effect is directly related to the master’s strength.

Area Dominance was already at the third grade. Now, Qing Shui placed particular emphasis on Area Dominance’s other effects. Negating the Laws of Heaven and Earth did not excite him, he already had the Arhat Rosary Beads.

His own beast had become formidable. Yiye Jiange and the other women also benefitted greatly. However, only the Seven-Headed Crystal Beast, the Six-Headed Windfire Wolf, and the other later tamed beasts were formidable enough. Qing Shui’s tamed beasts were beginning to strengthen, especially the Golden Scaled Dragon Elephant.

Under the effect of Spirit Gathering Lamp and Heaven Shaking Drum, his beasts could be considered powerful. However, given the Laws of Heaven and Earth on the Five Continents, the difference was very small.

This was the direct benefit of absorbing Dragon Qi. After being bathed in Dragon Qi, one’s strength would increase at a faster rate than before. Of course, the Golden Scale Dragon Elephant’s strength would increase the fastest.