76 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

The ancestral hall holds great importance due to the presence of the family genealogy and the ancestral tablets within. The fortune of a clan is intertwined with many things, the most critical being the protection and blessings brought by these two items. When the Jiang family's ancestral hall was burnt, and everything destroyed, it was understandable why Jiang Huaide was so infuriated. It was only until now that Jiu Ying realized the gravity of the situation— She feared that the incident was orchestrated by the mysterious shadow from before. That shadow had known about the Dragon Heart Herb from the time Fang Qishan was with the Jiang family, yet it didn't act, biding its time until today. It aimed not only to exact revenge on the Jiang family but also on the Si family. This time, although without Qingying’s financial aid, it implicated Fang Qishan, not only stealthily stealing the Dragon Heart Herb but also attempting to spark conflict between the Fuyang Sect and the Si family. A classic case of using a borrowed knife to kill. Fu Ling, who listened on the side, was puzzled but sensed something amiss. She moved her lips, a hint of confusion flickered on her face, and only when silence returned did she softly voice her doubt, "Is Young Master Fang worried that the Si family head would suspect he burned the genealogy?" Her implication was straightforward: the Si family genealogy was already destroyed, so who knows who did it? As long as Fang Qishan wasn’t caught leaving the ancestral hall, why worry about the Si family blaming it on her? Jiu Ying sighed softly, her brow furrowing even deeper. If the matter were as simple as Fu Ling thought, Fang Qishan wouldn't have come seeking help right after leaving the ancestral hall. "The person who abducted Young Master Fang was merely looking for a scapegoat and would have left evidence in the hall making it appear as if Young Master Fang had destroyed the genealogy." Without a doubt, Jiu Ying was spot on once again. After hearing her words, Fang Qishan's face became even more troubled. "Exactly, the genealogy was burned by spirit fire. If I’m not mistaken, the spirit fire was likely manifested from fire spiritual energy, closely resembling my fire spirit root. That person even took a handkerchief from me; soon enough, that handkerchief will appear before the Si family." It was clear that the person was determined to lay the blame on Fang Qishan. Upon hearing this, Fu Ling fell silent, finally understanding why she was so anxious. Ultimately, it was the Dragon Heart Herb that brought misfortune. In that moment, all three of them fell silent. Fang Qishan, though powerful, was noticeably inferior to that shadow, otherwise, she wouldn't have been so easily captured. When Jiu Ying had encountered this person back at the Jiang family, she too realized the individual's strength. Being deliberately framed by such a powerful entity hiding in the shadows made any preemptive preparations futile. The incident regarding the Dragon Heart Herb was unknown to those in the Fuyang Sect, leaving Fang Qishan with no choice but to consult with Jiu Ying for a solution. As dawn light began to break, her anxiety only grew stronger with the imminent arrival of the Si family at the ancestral hall. Once this matter was exposed, although she had the Fuyang Sect as her support, the Si family would likely not let her off easily, potentially even affecting Yuchun Hall where her mother resided. Not to mention—the misplaced handkerchief was her personal item; if found by others, her identity as a woman would be exposed, burdening her further with accusations of deceit and betrayal against her sect. Jiu Ying observed her anxiety, remaining exceptionally calm. The shadow meticulously planned not just to reclaim the Dragon Heart Herb but also to incite discord among major sects and clans. Simplified, it was all for the spirit dragon. Only amidst chaos could it seek opportunities, just as it had with Jiang Xun, to procure more spiritual power for the spirit dragon. Considering it was so determined to protect the spirit dragon, a better move would be to redirect the Si family’s attention entirely onto the spirit dragon. Jiu Ying pressed her lips together, a plan already forming in her mind. She looked up, casting a gentle glance at Fang Qishan, her eyes emitting an aura of unwavering calm and determination. "After Senior Jiang Xun’s passing, the Dragon Heart Herb underwent a transformation, growing anew. Do you still have the fallen leaves from that time?" Fang Qishan, puzzled by Jiu Ying’s question, nonetheless nodded. "Of course, I’ve kept them." "Since you still have them, I have a way to clear your name. As for that handkerchief, there's no need to worry; someone else will take the blame for it." With those words, Jiu Ying shifted her gaze to Fu Ling, who hadn't spoken. Her hint was obvious enough. Both Fang Qishan and Fu Ling were taken aback, their expressions shifting momentarily. Before they could speak, Jiu Ying continued, laying out her plan. "The person who captured you in the ancestral hall intended to frame you as a scapegoat. But since the Si family doesn't yet know of the genealogy’s destruction, the advantage is ours. There's no need for us to follow their design step by step. Instead, we should counteract it." Fang Qishan, being astute, instantly grasped the underlying meaning of her words. Her eyes brightened, and even before Jiu Ying could explain, she had already guessed her intention. "The withered leaves of the Dragon Heart Herb?! Miss Jiu Ying’s implying that this incident, like the Jiang family’s before, is also the work of the shadow. As long as we report to the Si family head before the genealogy’s destruction is revealed, we can pin everything on the spirit dragon!" Jiu Ying smiled, her eyes flashing with approval. "Exactly, the truth depends on how we wish to narrate it. That spirit dragon has consumed a cultivator’s spiritual energy, falling into the path of demons. Now a demon, it's no longer our concern. Once the Si family learns of its existence, they will go to great lengths to extract it, and then the shadow will have to contend with the pursuit of the four sects and eight clans." Their conversation flowed with unmistakable harmony. Fu Ling felt like her mind was a step behind, still trying to fully comprehend the plan until Jiu Ying’s gaze fell on her again, finally pinpointing the core of their conversation. "When it comes to the genealogy’s destruction, neither Young Master Fang nor I are suitable to speak about it. The only person who can mention this incident to the Si family head without arousing suspicion is you." "Me?" Fu Ling's eyes widened, her expression a mix of panic. Si Yiguang was notorious for his ruthless, devious nature. Though a clan leader, he was hardened, lacking mercy, quite unlike the sympathetic Jiang Huaide. Even from afar, Fu Ling could sense the cold malevolence he emanated. Approaching such a person to speak filled her with apprehension. "Senior Sister, I—I’m scared." "What’s there to be afraid of? With your father’s connection, even if you burned the Si family genealogy, he wouldn’t dare harm you. Besides, I’m here too. What are you worried about?" Jiu Ying's voice was reassuring and confident, managing to sway Fu Ling with just a few words. Indeed, given the current situation, Fu Ling was the most suitable person to approach Si Yiguang. Not to mention, her low cultivation rendered her incapable of producing spirit fire, let alone breaking the golden shield protecting the genealogy. Even if she boldly claimed in front of Si Yiguang that she torched the genealogy, he likely wouldn’t believe her. With that assurance, the matter was settled. As the three of them discussed their plan, the sky already began to lighten with the first hints of dawn. Shortly afterward, Fu Ling finally summoned the courage, taking the few golden withered leaves Fang Qishan gave her, and headed alone to Si Yiguang. Regarding Fang Qishan's capture, her story transformed into a narrative of her stumbling upon a genealogy burning by sheer chance during her night stroll, engaging in combat, snatching some golden leaves from the villain, and accidentally dropping her handkerchief in the hall. Her explanation seemed flawless. However, someone as experienced as Si Yiguang wasn't so easily deceived. If, as the young girl claimed, someone was witnessed destroying the genealogy, why wasn't she killed to silence her? Wasn't the person afraid of the Si family's retaliation? Though initially skeptical of her tale, Si Yiguang nodded without comment. There was a slight fluctuation of spiritual energy in the air, akin to a breeze passing without trace. But Fu Ling noticed it. The subtle movement originated around Si Yiguang, confirming his skepticism towards her account. A lie, once started, requires countless others to maintain. Fu Ling furrowed her brow, unease creeping into her thoughts. Inevitably, she began to imagine—what if Senior Sister were here, surely she’d remain unflustered. Adversity brings out the best in people. Thinking of Jiu Ying, she unconsciously bit her lip, her mind racing before conceiving an alternative narrative. "Uncle Si might not be aware, but if it weren’t for Young Master Fang from the Fuyang Sect’s timely rescue last night, I might have been killed by that person." Si Yiguang’s expression subtly changed upon hearing this. "Oh? So you’re saying it was Young Master Fang who saved you?" At this, Fu Ling put on a shy demeanor, hesitating for a moment before responding. "My feelings for Brother Qishan are sincere, and he promised to marry me one day. But when I went to see him last night, he not only denied his words but also criticized me for my low cultivation. In a fit of anger, I left the courtyard and that’s when I stumbled upon that villain entering the ancestral hall." "Brother Qishan, perhaps concerned for my safety, quickly followed me. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived, the genealogy had already been reduced to ashes." "The genealogy is of great significance. Brother Qishan and I felt responsible for not safeguarding it, so in our panic, we decided to keep this matter secret. It wasn’t until he returned to the hall at dawn to retrieve my handkerchief without success that I resolved to confess the truth to Uncle Si." "I acted foolishly, nearly committing a grave mistake, and I hope Uncle Si can forgive us and not reveal mine and Brother Qishan's matters." Her voice was naturally sweet and gentle. Now, deliberately playing a part, she switched 'Young Master Fang' to 'Brother Qishan', embodying the bashfulness and affection of a young girl. After all, being an unmarried girl, talking about someone she liked would naturally make her blush and her heart race. Si Yiguang turned away, ceasing his questioning, apparently convinced by her story. Just as he pondered the situation, hurried footsteps echoed from outside the door. The figure who entered was the Si family’s head steward, corroborating Fu Ling’s earlier words that the Si family’s genealogy within the ancestral hall had indeed been reduced to ashes by spirit fire. Beneath the ashes lay a soft silk handkerchief, embroidered with a delicate ‘Fang’ character, indicating it was a personal item belonging to a lady. "Master, someone reported seeing Fang Qishan from the Fuyang Sect leaving the ancestral hall before dawn. Could he be involved?" Given the gravity of the matter, anyone could potentially be the culprit behind the genealogy’s destruction, with Fang Qishan as the prime suspect. Had it not been for Fu Ling’s account, Si Yiguang might have already stormed to the southern courtyard to apprehend Fang Qishan. The atmosphere in the room was solemn. The steward awaited Si Yiguang’s decision, as did Fu Ling. After a long silence, he finally spoke with a composed demeanor. "This has nothing to do with him. Go and bring the Fuyang Sect’s Sect Master Jin Lin here." In the end, Fu Ling had deceived him successfully. The only clue to identify the one who destroyed the genealogy was those few golden leaves. Summoning Jin Lin was also about this matter. Spirit dragons were rare, and not many had seen the Dragon Heart Herb. Jin Lin, as the sect master of Fuyang, had more understanding of mythical creatures than most. Though he had never seen it personally, he could confirm with certainty based on ancient texts— The withered golden leaves in Fu Ling's possession were indeed from the Dragon Heart Herb. The Dragon Heart Herb shedding its leaves signaled a transformation in the spirit dragon’s constitution. As for what kind of transformation, Jin Lin and Si Yiguang already understood without discussing. This newly acquired spirit dragon must have fallen into the demonic path, much like the old dragon sky. With the old dragon sky surviving and a demon dragon now emerging, the seal restraining the demons and devils was on the verge of breaking, foreboding imminent chaos across the realm. The inquiry took a full hour. Jiu Ying and Fang Qishan were unaware of how things unfolded, feeling uneasy yet waiting patiently in the courtyard. By the time Fu Ling finally returned around midmorning, she wasn’t alone—Si Yiguang and Jin Lin accompanied her. Fu Ling walked between them, her face still tinged with a faint blush. Concerned, Jiu Ying rose to greet her, but the young girl didn’t spare her a glance, instead biting her lip and beaming shyly toward Fang Qishan beside her. Her demeanor was bashful, like a maiden meeting her beloved. Even Fang Qishan couldn’t discern the meaning of her smile. The group halted simultaneously, stopping in their tracks. Jiu Ying pressed her lips together, frowning slightly. In the next moment, unexpectedly, Fu Ling, who once held Jiu Ying in utmost trust and reliance, ignored her entirely and dashed to Fang Qishan, grabbing her hand shyly and timidly. Her expression was all romantic affection. Even her voice turned soft and sweet— "Brother Qishan~" ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ Fu Ling: Crying—went out and came back with a boyfriend (girlfriend), and now Senior Sister doesn’t like me anymore. Thanks to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated me with the nutrient solution from 2020-10-24 21:39:15 to 2020-10-25 13:17:56~ Thanks to the little angel who threw a grenade: Arigatou Gocchusasai 1; Thanks so much for your support, I will continue working hard!