65 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Chapter Sixty-Five: Rebirth into the Nightly Episodes of a Vicious Senior Sister GL (Part 1/2) Jiang Bei Qing took the dagger and disappeared for reasons unknown. It was half an hour later when she returned with a shard of the Heart-Piercing Mirror. The shard was no larger than a fingernail. It had been embedded in the flesh for so long that even after its removal, the bloodstains stubbornly clung to it, emitting a faint scent of blood as she held it. "With this shard, you can channel sunlight into the Miao Zhen Ling Zhu. It’s bound to wound and capture the shadow." Extracting this object from her own flesh had been excruciatingly painful. Jiang Bei Qing's face was ashen, and cold sweat had drenched her temples. Hearing Jiu Ying's words brought her both joy and a twinge of guilt. The shadow's murderous acts were a private matter of the Jiang family, and Jiu Ying's willingness to help despite past grievances made Jiang Bei Qing regret her previous words. She looked up, stealing a quick glance at Jiu Ying before averting her gaze. Perhaps the pain from her neck wound made her voice softer and devoid of the usual commanding arrogance, replacing it with gentleness and vulnerability. "If this works, I must truly thank you, Miss." Jiu Ying looked up upon hearing this, noting that Jiang Bei Qing's neck wound was now dressed, and gave a slight nod, unwilling to say more. Her cold demeanor was much as it had been when they first met. Jiang Bei Qing tried to befriend her, but was met with continued indifference, sparking a sense of disappointment. Her pride was such that she wouldn’t easily lower herself; seeing Jiu Ying unwilling to continue the conversation, she wisely turned to leave. Yet, her curiosity about Jiu Ying only grew stronger. With the shadow gone, no one knew when it might return. Everyone stayed together, and once Jiang Fu Ren awoke, they all went to Jiang Dong Xu's room. Fu Ling, having been busy all night, was just dozing off in a chair when Fang Qi Shan, seeing she had fallen asleep, found an opportunity to secretly speak to Jiu Ying, appearing to have something to discuss. Their visit to the Jiang family was primarily to seek the Dragon Spirit, though they hadn’t spoken privately about this, they both kept it in mind. Jiu Ying could already guess why Fang Qi Shan was calling her over. "Is it about the Dragon Spirit?" Fang Qi Shan, looking worried, glanced around to ensure no one else was around before nodding gently. She then carefully pulled something out from a pouch at her waist. In the dim corner, her palm emitted a golden glow, brilliant and mesmerizing. It was the Dragon Heart Herb. Jiu Ying's breath caught as she realized that the once lifeless, withering herb had grown lush and vibrant. Its leaves, previously curled and dull, were now unfolding and upright, full of life. "After Jiang Xun’s senior passed, the Dragon Heart Herb transformed like this." Fang Qi Shan only knew that through the Dragon Heart Herb, one could locate the Dragon Spirit, but she wasn’t clear on the connection between the two, nor did she understand what the herb's change signified. She didn’t know, but Jiu Ying understood perfectly. The vitality of the Dragon Heart Herb represented the life force of the Dragon Spirit. Jiang Xun's death and the herb's quick revival raised suspicions that the spirit energy and cultivation stolen from him had been absorbed by the Dragon Spirit. In other words: someone was saving the Dragon Spirit. And that someone was the shadow haunting the Jiang family. Jiu Ying silently reflected on this, attentively examining the Dragon Heart Herb. The golden glow reflected in her eyes, as leaves fluttered in the wind. The herb thrived so well that it seemed the missing treasures and rare medicines from the Jiang family had been devoted to the yet unseen Dragon Spirit. "Do you know where the Dragon Spirit is?" Jiu Ying asked softly, her eyes heavy with a light that concealed her true emotions. Fang Qi Shan was momentarily dazed, captivated by her intense gaze, and only after a moment did she compose herself to respond. "It’s nearby, in the vicinity of the Jiang family, but its exact location is hidden, as if someone has used charms to obscure its presence." Jiu Ying frowned, and after a moment's thought, shared her surmise. Fang Qi Shan, already anxious, grew more so upon learning that the shadow’s killing of Jiang Xun might be Dragon Spirit-related. A Dragon Spirit and a Demon Dragon differed by a single character, yet were worlds apart. A dragon that slays cultivators to plunder their spirit energy arguably no longer deserves to be called a Dragon Spirit. Just like the once-famed Demon Dragon that had been a powerful Dragon Spirit people aspired to possess, but ultimately became a scourge in the cultivation world, hunted by everyone. A Dragon Spirit turned Demon Dragon could no longer bond with a cultivator. Seeing Fang Qi Shan's changing expression, Jiu Ying mistook it for regret, offering comfort instead. "There are many powerful spirit beasts, not just the Dragon Spirit. There's no need to be too disappointed." Fang Qi Shan shook her head, her expression growing more worried as she listened. "It's not disappointment, but unease. The Dragon Spirit is immensely powerful, and if it falls to the demon side, it will be even harder to tame. Eighteen years ago, immense sacrifices were made by all sects and clans to seal away the Demon Dragon Pingtian. With Pingtian still at large, another Demon Dragon emergence could mean—" “If things repeat, countless will have to be sacrificed to secure peace.” Jiu Ying hadn’t expected Fang Qi Shan’s concern to be this far-reaching, appearing slightly taken aback. To bond with a Dragon Spirit was a personal matter, but a Demon Dragon in the world was a serious concern for everyone. Fang Qi Shan’s foresight was rare and commendable. Jiu Ying's eyes flashed with a hint of admiration, affirming that she hadn’t chosen her friend unwisely. “Fang, there's no need to worry. If we can capture the shadow tomorrow, we can find the Dragon Spirit. If not, the Dragon Heart Herb will help us track it. There are several solutions.” “Moreover, not every Demon Dragon can achieve Pingtian’s astounding power. This Dragon Spirit is naturally inferior, and its talent cannot compare to Pingtian of the past. Even if it surfaces, it won’t cause much trouble.” Great strength, whether in men or women, always tended to attract admiration. No matter the time, Jiu Ying was always rational and composed. Her reassurance brought Fang Qi Shan back from her anxieties. She looked up, her eyes landing on Jiu Ying’s exquisite and coldly enchanting face, her heart unexpectedly pounding faster, a peculiar sensation stirring within, flooding her being. It was a feeling she had never experienced before. Embarrassment welled within her, causing her to quickly lower her head and tuck the Dragon Heart Herb back into her pouch, concealing her awkwardness. Jiu Ying was oblivious to these subtle changes, and reminded herself of the shadow’s unpredictable behaviors, issuing another word of caution. “Most likely, the Dragon Spirit knows the shadow. Fang, ensure the Dragon Heart Herb stays hidden. If the shadow learns of its existence, it will surely attempt to seize it, bringing danger to you.” Although it was an ordinary piece of advice, Fang Qi Shan found herself feeling inexplicably delighted, a slight smile curling her lips. "Alright." The two stood outside conversing cheerfully, a scene that didn’t escape the notice of Jiang Bei Qing inside. Remembering Jiu Ying’s differing treatment between her and Fang Qi Shan, she involuntarily compared herself to Fang Qi Shan— In terms of talent, she was on par with Fang Qi Shan, considered the most talented disciple of the current generation in Tianhua Sect. Family background? Although Fang Qi Shan had a father in the Xuanming Sect, he was only an insignificant, unnamed illegitimate child—a status far from the prestige of being the Jiang family’s eldest daughter. As for appearance, while Fang Qi Shan was decent and delicate, he seemed more fragile than a woman, lacking any masculine presence. What Jiu Ying saw in him that warranted friendship while she remained distant with her was beyond her understanding. Jiang Bei Qing couldn’t comprehend it, only retracting her gaze once the two entered the house. The pain from her neck wound persisted, preventing her from resting peacefully. She closed her eyes, pretending to sleep in the chair until she sensed someone’s shadow fall over her. Upon opening her eyes, she found it was Fang Qi Shan standing before her. "Miss Jiang, you look unwell." Jiang Huai De and Jiang Fu Ren were at Jiang Dong Xu's bedside, while Jiu Ying watched over Fu Ling, leaving Fang Qi Shan as the sole person who noticed her discomfort. Jiang Bei Qing felt inexplicably embarrassed. If the roles were reversed and it were Fang Qi Shan suffering, she wouldn't have shown concern. She turned her head away, forcing her eyes shut. Despite the unbearable pain, she stubbornly maintained composure. "I'm fine." Fang Qi Shan nodded and left at her words. Only then did Jiang Bei Qing understand why Jiu Ying was willing to befriend Fang Qi Shan. Talent, family, and appearance were ultimately external factors. What truly mattered was character and integrity. As Fang Qi Shan walked away, she opened her eyes again— Perhaps, one’s background wasn’t as crucial as she once thought. *** The night passed swiftly. Anxious about the shadow's return, Jiu Ying stayed awake all night. Under her care, Fu Ling rested well, appearing remarkably refreshed the following day. "Here’s the shard of the Heart-Piercing Mirror. I explained how to use it last night." Even as she handed over the mirror shard to Fu Ling, Jiu Ying couldn’t help but feel a touch of concern. After all, the young girl had always been under the protection of others in the Qingzhu Sect and had never participated in such dangerous actions. "Sister, I remember everything." Fu Ling nodded, appearing particularly obedient. In her concern, Jiu Ying became more reluctant to let her face any danger. Unfortunately, the plan was already set, and making changes at this point wasn't advisable. Jiu Ying furrowed her brows but ultimately swallowed her words. Time crawled by, each passing moment feeling endlessly long. By noon, the shadow had yet to return. Jiang Dong Xu, the only heir of the Jiang family, remained unconscious. The shadow, having been tricked into going to the Tianhua Sect and failing to obtain what it wanted, would certainly return angry and seeking revenge. Its primary target would naturally be Jiang Dong Xu, lying helpless in bed. As the evening sun bathed the world in a bloody red hue, just as Jiu Ying predicted, the shadow, denied its prize at Tianhua, returned to the Jiang family in a furious rage, setting the family shrine ablaze. Jiang Huai De was filled with both sorrow and guilt, yet could do nothing but stay by his comatose son's side alongside Jiang Fu Ren, unable to tear his attention away even for a moment. Fu Ling, realizing the shadow had entered the room, immediately flung open all doors and windows, letting the fading sunlight flood inside. The rest understood her actions at once. Jiang Huai De produced the Tianhua and feigned giving it to Jiu Ying for decryption, though his focus remained entirely on his son. The shadow loomed behind them at that moment, and as Fu Ling shot a glance to warn Jiu Ying, a sudden breeze drifted by. The room’s spiritual essence began to fluctuate wildly, all of it rushing towards Jiang Dong Xu, lying on the bed. Despite the presence of the Tianhua, the shadow's objective wasn't it but rather the life of the Jiang family’s young master! Alarmed, Fu Ling instinctively took out the Miao Zhen Ling Zhu from her sleeve and dashed towards the bed. Seeing this, Jiang Fu Ren was about to speak when a powerful force slammed her to the ground; only then did everyone realize the shadow intended to harm the unconscious Jiang Dong Xu. The large bed, facing the window, allowed clear visibility of the vague black shadow on Jiang Dong Xu, appearing ghostly and terrifying. Jiang Fu Ren fainted in shock at the sight. It was Jiang Bei Qing’s first proper look at the shadow's form, leaving her frozen in place. Only Jiang Huai De retained some presence of mind, rushing to grab his son from the bed. But even then, he underestimated the shadow's power. Though Jiang Dong Xu was removed from the bed, the shadow remained tightly clung to him, refusing to be shaken off despite Jiang Huai De's desperate attempts. In mere moments, Jiang Dong Xu's face turned beet red, breathing becoming labored, and soon even the sound of his breath was nearly inaudible. The shadow was so vicious that it seemed intent on strangling Jiang Dong Xu, forcing Jiang Huai De to watch his son die in his arms. Jiang Bei Qing was frantic, eyes red with helplessness at her brother's torment. But for Fang Qi Shan holding her back, she would have rushed in rashly. In this desperate situation, only Jiu Ying had the power to help. Setting aside her pride, Jiang Bei Qing called out for aid. "Miss Jiu Ying, please save my brother!" The shadow, silent and invisible, was untouchable by ordinary magic, and Jiu Ying had no way to deal with it. Faced with Jiang Bei Qing’s plea, she regretfully shook her head. "I'm sorry." Jiang Bei Qing's complexion paled at the response, her heart sinking into despair. She couldn’t believe she might lose two family members so soon, and her animosity towards the shadow peaked. Distracted, Fang Qi Shan let her break free and rush towards Jiang Dong Xu. The shadow loathed the Jiang family, reveling in their suffering. Jiang Bei Qing’s hatred, matched with her impotence, was precisely what it relished. Fu Ling had been waiting for this moment. Catching the shadow was far more complex than anticipated. Only by striking in the moment it was distracted could sunlight-charged Miao Zhen Ling Zhu be thrust into its body. As Jiang Bei Qing appeared, Fu Ling seized the opportunity, using the fragment in her palm to guide the final rays of sunlight into the Miao Zhen Ling Zhu. With Jiang Dong Xu nearly at his limit, Jiu Ying finally nodded. Granted permission, Fu Ling recited an incantation, channeling all her spiritual energy into her hand and striking at the shadow. Before the Miao Zhen Ling Zhu even touched Jiang Dong Xu, the shadow recoiled from the sunlight's power. Jiang Bei Qing froze, realizing only then that Jiu Ying had used her to create a diversion, and her brother was not dead. Fu Ling’s move infuriated the shadow anew. The Qingying Coin was a sacred demon artifact, renowned even in the demon world. Possessing it, one could kill with ease. Having saved Jiang Dong Xu, the shadow turned its wrath towards Fu Ling. Though Jiu Ying was there to guard her, and Fu Ling was the only one who could sense its presence, ultimately, Fu Ling could depend solely on herself. At eighteen, she had never faced such a situation. The shadow, elusive and unpredictable, moved as soon as Fu Ling spotted it; only Miao Zhen Ling Zhu's protection deterred its approach. After several exchanges, the shadow realized she could perceive its existence. The shadow's strength lay in its ability to remain hidden, but Fu Ling’s presence nullified the Qingying Coin's significance. The shadow pondered its options, knowing it couldn't get the upper hand today. Reluctant, it chose to retreat. Yet before leaving, it sought to take something with it. Fu Ling clutched the Ling Zhu, eyes fixated on the corner, feeling watched by cold, malicious eyes that sent shivers down her spine, chilling her with sweat. The Tianhua was in Jiang Huai De's possession. The shadow made a move, swift as breath, attempting to seize it. Fu Ling took a deep breath and feigned throwing the Ling Zhu. The shadow reacted quickly, unable to tell if it was real, retreating from Jiang Huai De only to realize it had been deceived when it saw Fu Ling leap forward. Seeing the Ling Zhu about to fall, it fled in panic. In an instant, the room's chaos subsided. Jiu Ying glanced outside, considering a chase, but seeing Fu Ling collapse brought her back inside. The girl, still on the ground, smiled at her, exuding both sweetness and innocence. Before Jiu Ying could speak, Fu Ling reached beneath her, retrieving something, and with a mysterious grin, presented it to Jiu Ying. "Sister, look—I didn't catch the shadow, but I got this." Looking down, Jiu Ying saw what Fu Ling held. It was a black coin—the fabled Qingying Coin, a sacred artifact of the demon clan. ＊＊＊ Thanks to the little angels who gifted me with overlord tickets or nourishment fluid during the period from 2020-10-0914:21:49 to 2020-10-1214:26:46~ Special thanks for nourishment fluid gifts from the lovely angels: tokuisuzuko with 40 bottles; Yunmu with 5 bottles; I deeply appreciate everyone's support, and I will keep working hard!