Ancient Strengthening Technique - Chapter 2252

Chapter 2252

AST 2252 – Her Self-Inflicted Injury

“You are…? You are Qing Shui . How did your hair turn white?”

Qing Shui was filled with mixed emotions at her words . She had completely forgotten who he was, only that he was Qing Shui from their previous encounter . Even then, it was Old Turtle who told her of his identity . If it hadn’t been for Old Turtle, Qing Shui might have already been killed by her hands .

Clearly, Qing Shui wouldn’t divulge that he changed because of her . She was no longer the same person whom he had been familiar with . What should he do? Could he really treat her like a stranger?

“Give it up . This place is not your battlefield . What’s the point even if you razed it to the ground?” Qing Shui persuaded .

He was not afraid of the battle . But of course, he was afraid that his kin and friends would die in her hands . If that were the case, then they’d be forced to fight until their dying breath . Even if he could kill her, she’d still leave him wounded . Qing Shui couldn’t bear to imagine that scenario .

Qing Shui didn’t spare a glance at the Demon Kings behind her . He had never cared about them .

“Who do you think you are? Why should I listen to you? Even if it’s not my battlefield, I’d still need to take this step at a point in time . Taking over this place is a step for the Demon Gate into entering the depths of the Nine Continents World,” Tantai Lingyan looked at Qing Shui and spoke seriously .

“Who do I think I am? That’s right… Who am I indeed,” Qing Shui replied bitterly .

“Why did you seek revenge? How did you wake up? You were sealed away for a hundred years, do you not remember how you came to?” Qing Shui watched her .

Nobody had told her about these before . She did ask but didn’t receive an answer . Old Turtle wouldn’t tell her in fear that she couldn’t handle it and kill off Qing Shui . If that was the case, then he’d rather not speak a word about it . This version of Tantai Lingyan couldn’t be treated like her in the past .

“Sure, I am curious . Why wasn’t I able to recall all those muddled memories yet retain the memories of Demon Gate? I want to strengthen the Demon Gate, that’s my destiny . ” Tantai Lingyan kept her eyes on Qing Shui . She had the Demon Saint Blood flowing in her; this was indeed her destiny .

“You were awakened by me thirty years ago in the Greencloud Continent . I spent the next twenty years training and catching up to you, and I did it . We are a married couple, but you disappeared two years ago . We met during our previous encounter when I heard you’ve returned . I’ve always been preparing to avenge you . Never did I expect you to do so before me,” Qing Shui stated calmly .

Everyone fell into silence . Meanwhile, Beihuang Fan and Shen Huang looked from Qing Shui to Tantai Lingyan .

Although Qing Shui had explained it in simple terms, everyone could feel his love for the woman through the misery in his voice . He had contributed a lot yet was nearly killed by the same person . After all, he fell into isolation after being hurt .

“Lingyan, you may not recognize me anymore . Qing Shui became this way during his return previously . You might not have struck him hard, but he was so heartbroken he fell into isolation . He was low in vitality at that point . You’re very important to him and loved him so much . Yet, how could you bear to kill him now?” Beihuang Fan spoke softly as she looked at Tantai Lingyan .

Beihuang Fan didn’t like Tantai Lingyan much at this point . The latter hurt Qing Shui to the extent of nearly losing his life and wanted to attack her Taiyi Immortal Palace . Beihuang Fan wasn’t a pushover .

Tantai Lingyan wore a strange expression . She observed Qing Shui, not able to believe what she just heard . This stranger was her man, and she was married to him?

“It is true . He was indeed your husband, and you were happy with him for many years . Those years represent your happiest period . I had once asked you if you would kill him someday, do you know what you said to me?” Old Turtle said sadly .

“What did I say?” Tantai Lingyan was perplexed .

“You said that you’d rather kill yourself than hurt him . Now that this day has come, you drew your sword of death towards him without hesitation . The sword in your hand was gifted to you by him . He refined that Coldfrost by himself . Even your footwear was done by him, as was your previous outfit . There were many things you owned which were gifted by him . ” Old Turtle realized that this was his chance .

Tantai Lingyan paled . She knew that the old man wouldn’t lie to her . No matter how much she had changed, her respect for Old Turtle was unwavering; he was her senior after all . She raised the sword slowly; there was a slight tremble to her hands .

The Demon Kings at the Demon Gate weren’t void of emotions . They were sincere towards true friends and their family members . She couldn’t believe it . If they were speaking the truth, then this was all too terrifying for her .

“You may not believe it, but I want to persuade you nonetheless . Yan’er, I’d never hurt you . If you kill these people here today, you may commit suicide from despair in the future . Even then, it might not cleanse you of guilt . He’s the most important person in your life,” Old Turtle continued .

Tantai Lingyan fell into silence . She had Demonic Saint Blood and wouldn’t be completely controlled by the tendencies and logic . She didn’t know why she had forgotten so many things from the past . Was this amnesia or were there other reasons?

“How could it be? I’m a Demon King, and you’re a Battle God . ” Tantai Lingyan muttered in disbelief .

“You were kind . I helped you understand the demon attributes in the Demon King’s blood and thought nothing would happen . I didn’t expect that you were of Demon Saint Blood,” Qing Shui said; he was embarrassed . How he wished Tantai Lingyan had the generic Demon King blood instead .

“Am I ruthless now?” Tantai Lingyan watched Qing Shui .

“You’re a stranger now . My Lingyan wouldn’t have behaved this way . I’m upset that I didn’t take better care of you . How I wish you could recall a portion of our memories . ” Qing Shui answered, his voice laced with both disappointment and anticipation .

“I can’t remember them . Regardless whether it’s real or a farce, you’re not dead . If it’s the truth, then it hasn’t led to disaster yet . I’ll not look for you any further and hope the same sentiments are reciprocated for the Demon Gate . ” Tantai Lingyan softly spoke these words to Qing Shui .

“Whatever that is between us is separated from your destiny . They wouldn’t conflict . The Divine Palace and the Demon Gate would surely clash in the future, and I wouldn’t be able to stay as a bystander with my position as Palace Lord . You won’t have to show mercy . It’s fine even if you attack today . It’s better to face some things sooner than later . ” Qing Shui shook his head .

Tantai Lingyan frowned . “I really can’t remember, and I may never will . I’m afraid I’d kill you . ”

“Death isn’t scary, and you may not be able to kill me either . I’ve thought it through . The person you are now is not my Lingyan . If tragedy was to play out, then perhaps it’s because we aren’t fated . ” Qing Shui’s voice was hoarse and deep . It was difficult for him to say these words .

“In that case, then let’s battle then . You didn’t retaliate when I struck you before, so you can do the same to me now . This way, I wouldn’t owe you a thing,” Tantai Lingyan said, as calmly as usual .

“There’s no need,” Qing Shui rejected .

“I’ll return this debt to you on your behalf then . You gifted this sword to me, so let’s just use this . ” The sword in Tantai Lingyan’s hands pierced through her own shoulder . Her eyes remained fixated on Qing Shui .