73 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Reborn as the Wicked Senior Sister - Chapter 73 (Part 1/2) In the world, there are countless sword techniques, all ultimately revolving around the essence of "change." During a contest, Lin Yumiao wielded the most complex and hardest-to-master sword technique of the Lingjian Sect, a skill not easily imparted to an outside disciple. He handed the Lingxu Sword to Fuling, then casually picked up a twig from the ground, and gracefully maneuvered it through the air. Though his movements were few, they exuded an intense and vigorous sense of power. This set of sword moves was something he comprehended himself during his idle moments. Although not as intricate as his previous techniques, it was evident from the fluidity of his movements that its difficulty was not trivial. Fuling watched in fascination, unconsciously raising her own sword, her arm gently mirroring his movements. She had exceptional talent in cultivation, though her progress had been slow due to lack of dedication. Having spent recent days training with Jiu Ying, she had grasped several techniques. While swordsmanship heavily emphasizes moves, it also tests a swordsman's control over spiritual energy and the sword itself. Lin Yumiao only demonstrated once, yet she had memorized all the moves. The onlookers focused intently, their eyes fixed on the slender twig. Before they could react, Lin Yumiao leapt into the air before everyone, wielding the stick like a sword as he sliced toward an old locust tree in the distance. The crowd gasped, their shock manifesting on their faces, as a visible gash sound pierced through the air. In the next moment, the locust tree swayed as if struck by a colossal force, shedding its yellowed leaves to the ground. Merely a twig, yet in Lin Yumiao's hand, it became a lethal weapon, showcasing the immense power of his sword technique. For a moment, Fuling was in awe, her esteem for the young man before her growing even deeper. "What an impressive sword technique, Brother Lin!" She praised sincerely, her eyes full of admiration. She had always heard tales of how formidable disciples from major sects were, and though she had felt skeptical, now, seeing it for herself, she had to admit the sheer number of exceptional individuals in the world. After this realization, a sense of shame crept onto her face. Those bright, shimmering eyes carried a captivating brilliance, full of determination. Lin Yumiao couldn't help but smile at the praise. "Did you see it clearly, Miss?" Upon hearing this, Fuling replayed the sword moves she had just seen in her mind, confirming she hadn't missed any, and nodded affirmatively. "I did!" Though she said this, Lin Yumiao knew the difficulty of the technique he had created and didn't take her words too seriously. He thought briefly and decided to demonstrate again. Unexpectedly, the young girl in the pink dress beside him had already leapt into the clearing. She tossed the Lingxu Sword into the air, tapped her toes, and promptly drew the sword from its sheath. The move was simple, yet executed with flowing grace. Surprised, Lin Yumiao watched Fuling closely. How could he have guessed that when Fuling said she had “seen it clearly,” she had actually memorized all his moves. Swordplay varies between genders; the same moves in his hands exhibited an imposing power, while in Fuling’s, they displayed a delicate and graceful beauty. From drawing the sword to striking, she made no mistakes—a flawless replica. Her only shortcoming was her low cultivation level and inadequate spiritual energy. During the final strike, she lost control of the Lingxu Sword, causing it to veer off course and slice off a large branch of the locust tree. Despite the flaw, it was still impressive. The disciples of the Lingjian Sect looked at Fuling differently now. In terms of swordsmanship talent alone, none could compare to this exquisite young girl. The Lingxu Sword landed off-course, embedded in the tree trunk. Fuling was slightly embarrassed, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. She looked around and saw all eyes on her, filled with emotions she couldn’t decipher, assuming they were laughing at her mistake. Lin Yumiao found her reaction amusing, charmed by such an endearing and interesting figure as he had never before encountered. He wanted to commend her performance, but Fuling didn't give him the chance. Her attention was still fixed on the Lingxu Sword. "Brother Lin, I’m sorry. Let me retrieve the sword." Before her voice had fully faded, she sprinted to the tree’s base and, with a leap, pulled the sword free. Surrounded by the top disciples from the Four Sects, her low cultivation had made her somewhat insecure. Once she returned the Lingxu Sword to Lin Yumiao, she hurried back to Jiu Ying’s side, regaining her quiet and well-behaved demeanor as the junior sister. Gazing at the sword in his hand, Lin Yumiao couldn't help reminiscing about Fuling's graceful moves, his smile returning. As he approached Fuling, he overheard a sweet and melodious voice nearby. It was a light, gentle plea that struck every chord in his heart. "Sister, how did I do just now?" Alas, affection in this world does not always meet equally. Fuling sought praise from only one person—her senior sister, Jiu Ying. A conversation between senior and junior sisters was not to be interrupted by an outsider. Thus, Lin Yumiao silently retreated with his sword. Jiu Ying smiled faintly, intentionally pausing before replying, making Fuling anxious enough to blush. She hoped for praise, not criticism. The more anxious she was, the more one was tempted to tease her. Jiu Ying softly cleared her throat, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You did very well. I enjoyed watching." As the two exchanged happy words, a young man in green suddenly leapt down from the wall. He appeared to be the same age as Fuling, yet his demeanor and expression seemed sharp and unpleasant. His gaze towards Fuling was filled with arrogance and disdain. It was none other than He Yuhen, who had tried to embarrass Fuling publicly the previous day. "Swordsmanship is known as the most righteous path. Since when has it become a mere performance to please the crowd?" His words introduced an awkward tension in the air. The gathering was intended as a friendly exchange among the disciples from the sects. He Yuhen’s remarks were harsh, seemingly mocking Fuling’s lack of understanding in swordplay and her turning grandiose moves into a feeble dance. Differences already existed in cultivation between genders, and with numerous female disciples present, his words caused many expressions to shift, finding his manner truly offensive. "Brother He, Fuling's talent in swordsmanship is commendable and doesn’t warrant such careless remarks," a young female disciple interjected to ease the situation, but He Yuhen wouldn’t let it go, his comments growing increasingly insulting. "Swordplay without power, what is it if not a spectacle?" "If you want to refine your swordsmanship, perhaps raise your cultivation first." He implied Fuling's weak cultivation, indicating she couldn't control her sword properly. Lin Yumiao, overhearing this, furrowed his brows and couldn't resist a soft reprimand. "Brother Yuhen!" He Yuhen finally fell silent. Subject to such cold mockery, Fuling’s prideful spirit simmered. Though she admitted there was truth in his words—her cultivation was indeed weaker than anyone here, making it easy for them to defeat her. She wanted to retort but didn’t know how. Left with no choice, she bit her lip, suppressing her indignation. Her tolerance, however, didn’t mean Jiu Ying would overlook such an affair. Having pondered the previous night on how to put him in his place, she welcomed the current opportunity now that He Yuhen initiated the confrontation. As the conversation waned to silence, with no one else speaking up, she lifted her head slightly, her gaze targeting the arrogant young man as she spoke coldly— "Seems like you're quite confident in your swordsmanship, Brother He." Most of those present had participated in the sect's competition that day; they knew exactly how He Yuhen had been defeated by Jiu Ying. Jiu Ying's words were like a delicate string, snapping them back to that day, where his pride and self-esteem shattered once more. Her gaze was indifferent and serene, as if she disdained everything in this world. Glaring with fury yet unable to find words to rebut, He Yuhen was left speechless. Jiu Ying's expression remained cold, as if dealing with an annoying pest, her tone full of disdain and irritation, deeming even a glance excessive. "If you're so confident, why not have a sword duel with Fuling?" Shocked, He Yuhen realized her underlying mockery, akin to when she had let him wield the sword during the competition, showcasing her sheer disregard for him. Pointing at Fuling, his expression a mix of anger and frustration, "Duel her? That would be beneath me!" Only someone wholly dismissive of Fuling could utter such words. Everyone present could sense the scorn. More so for Fuling. No longer willing to tolerate such contempt, her fiery spirit emerged as she confidently stepped forward, cheeks reddened with fury like an angered leopard—both fierce and endearing. "So much talk, but will you fight or not?" He Yuhen, provoked, didn’t hesitate to agree, "Fight we shall!" No one dared to speak. He Yuhen withdrew his Qingxuan Sword from his waist and turned towards the courtyard. Fuling, still wielding Lin Yumiao's Lingxu Sword, was about to follow, but Jiu Ying gently grasped her hand, discreetly transferring a strand of spiritual energy into her. Unable to control the sword stemmed from a lack of spiritual energy, but with this boost, the outcome was far from certain. Fuling, fearless and determined, thought to herself that everyone was already aware of her abilities. Even if she lost, it wouldn't be embarrassing; she was ready to give it her all. With swords in hand, they faced off and launched their attacks simultaneously. Despite his disdain for Fuling, He Yuhen used his most adept sword technique, while Fuling employed the half-mastered technique she had just learned from Lin Yumiao. As they exchanged blows, Fuling predictably started to falter. It was clear who would win if they continued, but He Yuhen, greedy and malicious, taunted Fuling with his moves, causing her to stumble several times, drawing frustration from the audience and darkening Lin Yumiao's expression. Jiu Ying kept silent, watching coldly, her expression inscrutable, her lips tightly sealed, revealing nothing. Only when Fuling fell did her eyes show a flicker of emotion. Though Fuling was being relentlessly mocked, she refused to concede. Her lack of spiritual energy weakened her moves; while her swordplay mirrored Lin Yumiao's exactly, the power was a mere shadow of his. Another feint came her way, and unable to evade, she stumbled back, the Qingxuan Sword aiming for her feet. Panicking, she tripped and crashed to the ground, her right hand slamming down with a thud. For a moment, it felt as if her wrist had snapped, intense pain radiating from her broken bones, almost causing her to drop her sword. Everyone could see her injury, their tense silence betraying their concern. Jiu Ying pursed her lips, remaining mute, but her hands clenched into fists within her sleeves. Fuling needed to grow, to learn from mistakes, to fall and get back up. She could not intervene; she could only watch. The atmosphere grew tense and silent. Despite the pain and the agony etched across her face, Fuling clung stubbornly to the Lingxu Sword. To abandon her sword would be to concede defeat. She didn't want to disappoint her senior sister. He Yuhen showed no mercy and continued to attack with scorn. As the Qingxuan Sword hurtled down from above, aimed straight for her heart, she reluctantly raised her sword in defense, driven by her growing fury and survival instinct. At this moment, the spiritual energy Jiu Ying had infused into her ignited. In an instant, the Lingxu Sword brimmed with unimaginable power, effortlessly nullifying He Yuhen's attack and repelling the Qingxuan Sword. The dynamics of the match shifted dramatically. Her wrist still throbbed, yet Fuling refused to relinquish her grip on the Lingxu Sword. As she struggled back to her feet, He Yuhen manipulated the Qingxuan Sword once more, threatening her life. Situation critical, Jiu Ying's face grew colder. Without options for counterattack, Fuling retreated, fleeing from the danger. Just as the Qingxuan Sword was about to strike, the Lingxu Sword leapt from her grasp, intercepting the blow. The scene was astonishing, even shocking Lin Yumiao. Fuling, perplexed by what had transpired, stood frozen, while the Lingxu Sword seemed to move with a mind of its own, circling her protectively. Unwilling to delay any longer, He Yuhen attempted a final assault. However, the Lingxu Sword did not allow it. Being a celestial weapon, ordinary swords couldn't compare with the Lingxu Sword. With just a side block, the Qingxuan Sword was flung into the crowd. Without his sword, his defense was lost. He Yuhen retreated, but the Lingxu Sword advanced towards his chest. Had he not dodged quickly, he would have been a corpse. Witnessing this, the spectators were filled with amazement and fear, except for those of the Lingjian Sect, who discerned the truth. Fuling and the Lingxu Sword achieved a state of unity. In danger, the Lingxu Sword would protect her; if she wished harm upon someone, it would obey her will. Many sword cultivators never achieve such harmony with their swords throughout their lives, yet Fuling reached it effortlessly. Even Lin Yumiao now questioned who the true master of the Lingxu Sword was. As He Yuhen fled in disarray, Fuling sensed a foreign awareness mingling with her own. When the Lingxu Sword was on the verge of pinning He Yuhen to the ground, she suddenly called out, “Let him go!” As expected, the Lingxu Sword paused. It circled in the air before stopping by Fuling's side, signaling her to take hold of it. Her right wrist injured and unable to move, it thoughtfully shifted to her other side, gently nudging her left hand. It was truly a sentient sword, living up to its celestial name. Defeated, she had no choice but to reclaim it in her grip. Thus, the contest reached its end, the outcome unmistakably clear. He Yuhen, utterly humiliated, couldn’t even muster the courage to retrieve his sword as he turned to leave, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor. Yet before he could depart, he was halted by a cold, clear female voice. “Lost the duel, and you're leaving your sword behind?” Jiu Ying scoffed, picking up the Qingxuan Sword from the ground. Turning back, He Yuhen said nothing, though the hatred in his eyes only deepened. Had Fuling not unintentionally achieved unity with the Lingxu Sword, he would never have lost! His heart was still defiant. Jiu Ying's expression grew even icier. "If you’re leaving, take your sword with you." Before her words died out, she raised her arm and tossed the Qingxuan Sword towards the gate. Unable to dodge, He Yuhen had no choice but to catch it. But he forgot that Fuling had been injured because of him. Jiu Ying would not let him off so easily. As the sword flew, a force struck his chest. In a flash, he was flung against the wall before everyone, leaving him bloodied at the mouth when he finally managed to stand up. ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ Haha, don’t worry about Fuling being swayed. Her senior sister’s place in her heart is irreplaceable. After all, her senior sister is extraordinarily strong, exceptionally so. That alone sets her apart from everyone else, and Fuling admires strength since she currently feels weak herself. Not to mention, her senior sister is also very beautiful and kind to her. Thank you, dear angels, for your support between 2020-10-20 22:45:05 and 2020-10-21 22:05:03, with the submission of power votes and nutrient solutions~ Thanks to angels for their nutrient solutions: ethereal, 5 bottles; I am deeply grateful for your support. I will continue to work hard!