68 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass
Rebirth as the Malevolent Senior Sister GL - Chapter 68 Perhaps because of Chun Xi's influence or Jiu Ying’s quiet dedication, ever since that day when she delivered winter clothes, Fu Ling truly regarded Jiu Ying as her destined partner. Their relationship grew ever closer. Jiu Ying, unaware of Fu Ling’s little thoughts, simply believed the young girl had gotten over her sulkiness and returned to normal, failing to notice anything extraordinary. Days went by in this manner, and before long, it was the Winter Solstice. The day they received an invitation to the Si Family’s wedding banquet, Fu Ling had just returned from Mei Lake Island. This generation of the Si Family had three young masters, among whom Si Qi was the least favored. Despite his seniority, his status at home was extremely low. Because his spiritual roots could not open for cultivation, he became seen as a useless member in the eyes of the Si Family and was scarcely allowed to leave the house on usual days. In a few days, the wedding banquet for the second young master and the birthday banquet for the third young master would take place. To celebrate his sons, the family head of the Si Family sent out a broad invitation to various major clans. As a minor sect, Qingzhu Sect wasn't eligible for an invitation; Fu Ling was the only one who received a letter. But this was merely for the sake of Fu Xi. Recalling the terrifying experience from three years ago when Si Qi placed a curse on her, Fu Ling didn't even want to look at the invitation. "I have no interest in attending the Si Family's banquet!" Neither Xuan Xiu nor Fu Yue expressed their opinions, but from their expressions and actions, it was apparent that they agreed with her. Their primary concern was for Fu Ling to live her life blissfully and peacefully. Over these three tranquil years, they had been led to believe—wrongly—that as long as they kept away from the Si Family, Fu Ling would be kept from harm. Outside, the wind and snow intermingled, casting a blanket of pure white snow across the ground. A quick glance outside revealed that the mountains, grasslands, and plant life had all turned white. Jiu Ying approached, taking the invitation in her hand and examining it. Though the invitation did not mention Si Qi by name, it ignited a surge of hatred within her. In her previous life, the tragedy had all started with Si Qi; this time, because Fu Ling never fell under his control, he had become a complete waste of a man. For the past three years, she had been secretly probing for news about Si Qi. She had heard that not long ago, he had been gravely ill and had almost lost his life. Living in such a state was, in itself, a form of torment for him. This banquet presented a perfect opportunity to see with her own eyes whether Si Qi truly lived like an ant in the Si Family, as she had researched. Turning away, a chilly expression crossed her face as she handed the red invitation back to Fu Ling, unintentionally emanating a cold aura. "Why not go? Though Si Qi has been quiet these past three years, no one can be certain he isn't plotting against you in secret. Staying within the sect might provide temporary safety, but it's not a long-term solution. This visit to the Si Family, if he still harbors intentions to harm you, I will not spare him." The expressions of the three present changed noticeably at these words. Even Fu Ling detected the underlying murderous intent in Jiu Ying's voice, let alone Xuan Xiu and Fu Yue. The Si Family was a major power, ranking among the top eight families. The marriage alliance with the Qin family, one of the eight, would provide the Si Family with another powerful ally. This kind of formidable family was not one that their small sect could afford to provoke. Even though Si Qi was a puppet barely acknowledged by the family, he was not someone outsiders could decide to kill. Xuan Xiu, understanding Jiu Ying wasn't jesting, urgently tried to dissuade her, "Don't act impulsively! Even though Si Qi is not favored, his death would bring shame upon the Si Family. If he dies, Si Yi Guang will join forces with other families to find the killer, which could lead to greater calamity." Si Yi Guang, Si Qi's cousin, was the current head of their generation of the Si Family. Three years ago, when the curse was discovered in Fu Ling's body, Jiu Ying had said she would eventually kill Si Qi herself. She didn't expect that even after three years, the hatred in Jiu Ying's heart hadn't diminished one bit. It was astounding how much Jiu Ying cared for Fu Ling. Fu Yue, also anxious, sighed and advised, "I understand you want to avenge Ling Ling, but now is not the time. You can attend the banquet, but under no circumstances act rashly against Si Qi, especially on Si Family grounds." With both elders advising against it, Jiu Ying finally managed to regain a sliver of reason amidst her vengeful thoughts. Wanting to kill Si Qi wasn’t just about avenging Fu Ling but also her past self. Once she calmed down, regret washed over her for the instantaneous impulse she had felt just now. Considering the positions of Xuan Xiu and Fu Yue, they were correct in what they said. As the sect master and elder of Qingzhu Sect, they needed to ensure Fu Ling's safety and protect the entire sect. Offending the Si Family would lead not only Fu Ling but all the disciples in the sect to certain death. If Si Qi is to be killed, it cannot be now. With the main hall doors wide open, the wind from the mountains swept in, making the interior increasingly cold. Jiu Ying's hands were icy, but the cold wind sharpened her awareness, allowing her to nod and retract her earlier words reluctantly, lest she worry the two elders further. "The sect master and elder are right. It was impulsive of me." She was usually composed and now offered her sincere apology, making Xuan Xiu and Fu Yue believe she had given up the idea of killing Si Qi and thus, refrained from discussing it further. Fu Ling stood quietly by the side, waiting until the elders left before she softly called out "Senior Sister." She hadn’t seen Jiu Ying with such a menacing demeanor filled with murderous intent for a very long time. Though she knew Jiu Ying was intent on avenging her, Fu Ling couldn’t help but feel an instinctive fear, momentarily too frightened to even approach her. Her youthful, melodious voice slipped into Jiu Ying's ears, carried warmth amidst the cold gales. Jiu Ying turned back at the sound, catching a glimpse of worry in Fu Ling’s eyes. Those burdened with many secrets are destined to live heavily. She pursed her lips, as if a massive stone weighed upon her heart, and the purer Fu Ling's lovely face appeared, the heavier that stone pressed, almost suffocating her. In her pain, an unknown source attached a slender, warm hand to her sleeve, secretly enclosing around her fingers. "Senior Sister, don’t worry so much. Look, I’m perfectly fine now." “When I become strong, I’ll confront Si Qi myself.” “You shouldn’t be afraid of him; I’m with you every day, he wouldn’t dare to try anything with me.” Fu Ling offered soft reassurance, and as she spoke, she lightly pressed her thumb into Jiu Ying’s palm—a small gesture filled with a tacit comfort. In an instant, all of Jiu Ying’s intense and abrupt anger subsided, unable to stir further turmoil in her heart. Warmth filled her chest; the chill on her face melted away, dissolving into a gentle smile, and her tone softened considerably. “With your current skill, avenging yourself is far off—in fact, you can’t even get through the Si Family’s gate. Still, since you’ve said this today, I shall leave Si Qi’s life to you. One day, I want you to be able to settle the score yourself.” This was a promise. Fu Ling knew Jiu Ying’s word was gold; hearing this, she knew Jiu Ying would make sure she was the one to kill Si Qi someday. But only on the condition that she could. She looked up and met Jiu Ying’s dark, intense gaze. Though silent, it carried both encouragement and anticipation. It was what her senior sister Jiu Ying wanted her to accomplish. She blinked, her fingers tightening slightly, gripping the tender hand more firmly, making a silent pledge— “Senior Sister, don’t worry, I will do it.” *** Soon, the day of the Si Family banquet arrived. Since the second young master’s wedding banquet and the third young master’s birthday banquet were a day apart, attending meant staying for three to five days at the Si Family estate. An invitation allowed only one entry, and Jiu Ying could not allow Fu Ling to attend alone; she had to find another way to slip into the banquet. On the day of the wedding, the two arrived at the Si Family estate, where everything in sight screamed of festivity and celebration. Fu Ling was reluctant to leave her senior sister, her face full of disappointment. Seeing her pitiable look, Jiu Ying couldn’t help but smile slightly. Most attendees were from prominent sects and clans, many personally acquainted with Fu Xi, and if they knew of Fu Ling’s identity, they would surely look after her. Although concerned about the Si Family, Jiu Ying wasn’t overly worried, especially since she had already arranged for two people to watch over Fu Ling. “Don’t worry, once you’re inside the Si Family, there will be people to protect you. I’ll find a way to see you tomorrow morning.” With things laid out, Fu Ling reluctantly accepted, pouting slightly, betraying her dissatisfaction but nodding dutifully nonetheless. Jiu Ying watched as Fu Ling stepped through the gates of the Si Family, turning only after the girl’s figure was no longer visible. The Si Family estate was massive, oozing opulence, with even the back gardens larger than the entire Jiang family estate. Familiar with none, Fu Ling was hesitant to wander aimlessly. Dressed in a pink gown with an adorable lily hairstyle, she stood out, causing quite a few passing male disciples to flirt with her. In her awkward predicament, a charming low voice from behind came to her rescue, untangling her from her current snare. “Song You,” the voice said, “this is Fu Ling, the daughter of Sect Master Fu Xi. Don’t embarrass yourself and create a laughingstock.” The nature of such flirtations inevitably involved some teasing, but Fu Ling's background was unique. Everyone knew her cousin Fu Xi had died to save the world. Offend anyone but her, otherwise, one would face the wrath and scorn of the masses. The playboy gave a theatrical bow after hearing this, and quickly left the courtyard. With the awkward situation defused, the surroundings fell silent. Only then did Fu Ling breathe a sigh of relief. When she turned around, she noticed a man and a woman standing behind her. They were, in fact, the people Jiu Ying had mentioned would look after her. The male cultivator, dressed in a blue robe, was handsome and tall, exuding an aura of righteousness. With a long sword in his hand, Fu Ling immediately recognized him as Lin Yu Miao, the most renowned disciple of the current generation of the Lingjian Sect. As for the woman in red clothing, it was Jiang Bei Qing, whom she had met not long ago. The three of them remained silent, making the atmosphere rather heavy. After a moment of silence, Jiang Bei Qing spoke first, "Your senior sister asked us to look after you." Fu Ling raised her eyes, a trace of puzzlement flitting across her face. She could understand Jiu Ying reaching out to Jiang Bei Qing, but why Lin Yu Miao? As far as she remembered, her senior sister had never mingled with anyone from the Lingjian Sect. At that moment, she realized just how little she knew about Jiu Ying. Feeling a bit miffed, a hint of disappointment crept into her voice as she spoke, "Where did Senior Sister go?" Jiang Bei Qing raised an eyebrow in surprise, "You didn't know? Your senior sister went to the Fuyang Sect to find Fang Qi Shan." Lin Yu Miao nodded in agreement, acknowledging this explanation. "Fang Gong Zi has an extra invitation and can bring Miss Jiu Ying into the Si Palace. However, they seem to have some private matters to attend to, so they’re coming a day later." Private matters? What sort of private matters were so important that she'd be left alone at the Si Family? Fu Ling parted her lips but remained silent. Her eyes, lively and bright, were filled with a quiet yet simmering anger. ********** Fu Ling: Annoying Jiu Ying, you already have me and still go out meeting other people! Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or poured nutrition fluid during 2020-10-15 23:01:43 to 2020-10-16 22:08:02~ Special thanks to the little angel who threw a landmine: Yuan Zai ate Wei Xiao Zhuang 1; Thank you all very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!