## AST 1587 - Off to Meet the Palace Lord of Sunset Palace

Even though rules are rules, sometimes there would be exceptions. This world consisted of five elements, but there were some things which belonged to none of these five elements. Some even belonged to more than one element.

Having more than one element was like a double-edged sword. The more elements one had, the more elements would counter him. At the same time, he would also counter more elements, provided he was strong enough.

For example, no matter how much elemental advantage an elementary level warrior had, he could never win against a Martial King. This was a gap in power, a boundary which could never be crossed. Having an elemental advantage could only overturn situations where both sides were equal in strength.

This was how the world worked. Everything had something it was weak against and something it was strong against. Only a few people managed to transcend this rule.

Qing Shui noticed the lost expression on the Yasha Leader's face, but he quickly recovered. He did not say much after that, and quietly returned to his tribe.

Although the Clam-men leader did not kill his opponent, he managed to restrain him, which was his main objective. His power had always been on par with the Yasha Leader. Previously, he had noticed the Yasha leader's expression and speculated that there was someone strong supporting him.

He was almost sure that Qing Shui was that person. There was something unpredictable about the mysterious Sea King Palace’s Guardian. He had managed to impress everyone the last time he showed his powers.

Just as Muyun Qingge said, there were many Aquatics who were loyal to the Sea King's Palace. This was to be expected; people would always aim high. Only idiots would pledge loyalty blindly, but Qing Shui hoped that people would stick to their own principles even when facing more powerful forces.

Everything Qing Shui had done was to maintain the power of the Sea King's Palace and trying to prevent some people from leaving. As long as Qing Shui was here, he would eliminate anyone going against the Sea King's Palace.

Muyun Qingge was smart. Naturally she had figured it out. She was slightly touched, but the fact that this very man had seen and touched her body made her feel weird.

That incident just happened under some special circumstances, so there was not much to say. Even though he was her saviour, it felt uncomfortable to have her naked body seen and touched by a mere friend.

The only reason she agreed was because she knew back then that she was going to die soon. Moreover, it did not seem like she could have prevented the incident given the situation. This made Muyun Qingge frustrated and, for some reason, uneasy as well.

Yiye Jiange also seemed to notice something going on between the two, but she stayed quiet. Some things needed time. Outside interference would only disrupt the rhythm.

What else could happen between a man and woman, other than that... Yiye Jiange only shook her head. This was to be expected when getting involved with such a man. There was nothing strange about other people falling for him, since she herself had also fallen already.

There was a merry mood all over the Sea King's Palace. Everyone had witnessed the Hundred Slayers Regiment’s strength. Furthermore, the Sea King's Palace was going to assemble more teams in the future like this. Anyone who had the ability and was capable had a chance.

This filled the men with fervor. Everyone wanted to become stronger because in this continent, power meant everything. Being a part of a group like the Hundred Slayers Regiment meant that they would not have to worry about pills and battle strategies anymore. Plus, they would be able to learn formations too.

Qing Shui, on the other hand, decided to take a look around. He went somewhere near the Sunset Palace's camp alone. It was quite reckless of him to do so, but he wanted to witness how strong his opponents were.

The underwater tent he saw in the distance was something special. It was made out of a material that could ward off water. The material was thin but sturdy and was mostly resistant to undercurrents.

While he was still quite some distance away, two figures appeared from the water. By now, Qing Shui was already familiar with most of the tribes of the Aquatics and he could tell that the two were Aquatic snakemen. These people resembled humans, but they would still retain some of their original forms.

The two Aquatic Snakemen were in fact, Snakewomen. They had stunning snake-like waists, even more alluring than those of human women. Qing Shui still preferred human women.

The two women had cold eyes, just like those of a snake. Those eyes somehow ruined their beautiful complexions, giving off an unappetizing feeling, as if one was being glared at by a venomous viper.

"Whoever you are, turn back now!" One of them said to Qing Shui.

"This should be the Sea King's Palace territory, right? Who says I can't be here?" Qing Shui said with a smile.

"It doesn't matter whose territory this is. You are not allowed to be here." The woman glared at Qing Shui.

Qing Shui sized up the woman speaking to him. She did not seem to be old, maybe around 30 years old. She was still young and had a more attractive figure than the other woman.

"I would like to speak with the master of the Sunset Palace. Pass this on to him." Qing Shui said in a serious tone.

"Speak with our Palace Lord? She's not someone you can speak with whenever you please." The woman said, still glaring with those cold eyes.

"Tell me. What positions do you two hold? Don’t make me beat you into a pulp. I think it would be wise to report to higher ups when there is something you can't handle." Qing Shui replied. He was not angry, but wanted to make the opponent think that he was.

"How arrogant! Let's fight to teach you a lesson." The other woman said all of a sudden. Her voice was not as cold as the former, but was clearer. She seemed to be younger.

Qing Shui said nothing and chuckled. With a flicker, he disappeared and appeared right in front of the two women. He slowly raised his hands, clasping his hands on their throats. His movements seemed slow, but the two were not able to dodge.

Without any other thoughts, he calmly said, "Now do you believe me?"

It was instinctual for demons to bow down to stronger opponents. To them, it was not an act of shame, but one of survival.

"Alright, I believe you. I'll go and report if you'd just let go of me." The older woman spoke.

Qing Shui loosened his grip. He never intended to take their lives either. He just felt like seeing how things played out.

Cough...cough......

The women tried to regain their breaths and stared at Qing Shui with animosity, reminding Qing Shui not to leave before disappearing into the water.

Qing Shui did not have any intention to follow them anyways. But he knew that he would not get to meet the Palace Lord that easily.

Fifteen minutes later, the two women resurfaced, bringing along dozens of soldiers led by a strong Aquatic Apeman.

"Who's causing all the ruckus here? Don’t you know this is the Sunset Palace?" They started the intimidation right off the bat. It seemed like the Sunset Palace had quite the reputation here.

Too bad they were dealing with Qing Shui. It was time to settle things once and for all.

Qing Shui sized up the Apeman. He was around 3 meters high and still retained some ape-like features on his face, but he was already considered a humanoid or an intelligent type of animal.

These tribes did not undergo Form Transformation, as they still retained some of their animal features. Unlike Muyun Qingge, who could be considered completely human, there were few tribes who could really undergo a Form Transformation.

"The only thing I know is that this is the territory of the Sea King's Palace. I sent you to bring your Palace Lord, but you brought me an ape instead?" said Qing Shui.

The Aquatic Apeman became agitated upon hearing Qing Shui's words. He absolutely hated being called an ape, but he managed to contain his anger. He stared at Qing Shui with his reddened eyes, "You have to prove yourself worthy before seeing our Palace Lord. Die!"

The Apeman lunged towards Qing Shui. He was several times larger than Qing Shui. With just one leap, he was already looming above Qing Shui.

He swung his massive arms towards Qing Shui.

Back Connecting Fist!

Qing Shui did not dodge it. Instead, he used Force Thrusting Back Connection and launched his counterattack.

Qing Shui's mastery of the Back Connecting Fist was deep. His arms seemed to extend and landed right on the Apeman's fists. There were the sounds of bones cracking.

The Apeman was sent flying and coughed up some blood. He stared at Qing Shui in disbelief.

"How did you learn our Divine Ape Technique..."

Aquatic Apeman mainly relied on the strength in their arms. They also cultivated the Back Connecting Fist; this was the fist technique passed down by most Ape tribes, but Qing Shui's Back Connecting Fist was different, yet stronger.

Qing Shui understood immediately. To be called a Divine Ape Technique, this technique must be very precious.

The other soldiers rushed into battle, but the Apeman stopped them. He turned towards Qing Shui and asked, "You seriously want to meet with our Palace Lord?"

"Yes. I wonder if this time, my message could be passed to the Palace Lord." Now, Qing Shui was confident that he would be able to meet the Palace Lord of Sunset Palace.

"I'll go report to the Palace Lord, but I cannot guarantee your meeting," the Apeman replied.

"Tell her that the Guardian of the Sea King's Palace wishes to see her." Said Qing Shui. Since he had already started a ruckus, he might as well reveal his identity as a Guardian.

This time, the Apeman returned very quickly. "The Palace Lord says you're welcome to enter, if you have the guts. She will be waiting in the middle tent.

"I accept. Lead the way please." Qing Shui replied courteously.

The Apeman nodded and began to lead the way.