80 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Rebirth as the Malicious Senior Sister GL - Chapter 80 The Ice Lake—an idyllic place all cultivators yearn for. It is said the waters not only resurrect the dead and regenerate bones but also have the power to cleanse one's marrow and transform sinews. Aside from the inner disciples of the Xuanming Sect, no one else in the world is privileged enough to set foot in this domain. Jiu Ying was imprisoned there for twenty years in her past life. Despite the lake's miraculous healing properties, she found no solace—it denied her the release of death, forcing her to live on against her will. In this icy abyss lay all her concealed and unutterable torments and memories. Were it not for Fu Ling, she would never have willingly returned, not even a single step. At just the thought of the small stone platform where she was once confined, Jiu Ying couldn't help but tremble violently with fear. Memories surged forth—icy waters chilling her to the bone, unbreakable iron chains, hands covered in scars, and those endless days of being treated as a mere vessel for others’ spiritual energy— Days that were worse than death. Around them, the temperature plummeted. A faint coldness emanated from Jiu Ying, so much so that a small parrot, sensing something amiss, flapped its wings in panic, flying to Fang Yuanqing's shoulder, where it frantically gripped her clothing, letting out unintelligible shrieks. Fu Ling, sensitive to her elder sister’s emotional state, edged closer, even without knowing the cause, as they both tightened their interlinked hands. "Sister~" Jiu Ying was trapped in the depths of her own pain until a soft, feminine voice gently pulled her from her reverie. The voice was light and melodious, filled with concern and care, akin to a quiet spring stream flowing gently over her heart. Just that one call dispelled all of Jiu Ying's inner anger and resentment. She shook her head, signaling to Fu Ling that she was fine. When she looked up again, her gaze had regained clarity. Fang Yuanqing, busy soothing the parrot, did not notice the momentary anomaly. Before she came to the Azure Bamboo Sect, both Fang Keyuan and Jin Lin had promised that as long as Jiu Ying was willing to help, any request she made, if within the capability of the four great sects and eight illustrious families, would be granted. After a moment's thought, she nodded in agreement to the condition just set. She understood well that, knowing Jiu Ying's character, this opportunity to demand the use of the Ice Lake from Xuanming Sect was likely not for herself but for Fu Ling. The devotion between these sisters was truly astonishing. Reflecting on this, she couldn't help but slightly raise her gaze, sneaking a glance at Jiu Ying, whose aura was as cold as ice, with a fleeting trace of admiration in her eyes, before shifting her attention back to Fu Ling, silent and pale, next to her. Only then did she notice the interlocked hands of the two. The bond displayed suggested nothing less than a lover's embrace. Even to another woman, they were an incredibly well-matched pair. Fang Yuanqing’s eyes lingered on their tightly tacked sleeves, and from that moment, she realized there was no one in the world capable of coming between Jiu Ying and Fu Ling. Remarkable and beautiful people always seem to draw one's heart. Thinking herself no different, Fang Yuanqing sighed softly, a touch of regret mingled with relief. "Demons and devils have been diligently cultivating in Wuwu Valley for years, their prowess far surpassing what it once was. Especially among the demons, the elders, and the Four Stars of the devils, each is of celestial rank. If they were to retaliate, the four great sects and eight families must respond wholeheartedly, leaving little energy to deal with the ancient demons. If Miss Jiu Ying is willing to help subdue them, our sect would gladly lend the Ice Lake to her." With these words, the deal was effectively made. The ancient beasts, originating from Lingshan Cave Mansion, lost their souls upon entering the world and roamed as vestiges. Their demonic power was beyond the comprehension of contemporary cultivators, their fragmented spirits not to be taken lightly. Jin Lin had originally intended to subdue them personally, but with ongoing issues plaguing the Xu, He, and Qin families, he was obliged to delegate the task. Despite Jiu Ying's high cultivation, she didn't possess full confidence in completing this mission. As she poised to inquire about the specific creatures that had fled the cave, Fang Yuanqing had already retrieved several items from a pouch she carried— A talisman, a golden mirror, and a small black iron needle. "Master Heng of the Heaven Hexagram Sect observed the night stars and noted a demonic light shrouding the northern stars, predicting that at least one ancient demon had escaped the Lingshan Cave. However, the specific identity remains unknown." "The ancient demons’ power is immense; ordinary demon-subduing mirrors cannot contain them. Only by reforging our sect's treasured Kirin Jade into a more potent force within the Golden Light Mirror can we hope to capture them. This Golden Light Mirror, combined with the Talisman of Demonic Seal, should suffice. The black needle is a Demon Suppressing Rod—it automatically tracks the demon's location and serves as a high-quality protective tool, preventing demons from approaching readily." Fang Yuanqing provided a diligent explanation of what she knew. Originally worried about the mission, Jiu Ying felt somewhat reassured by the presence of these three artifacts. She nodded, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude. "Thank you." Yet, Fang Yuanqing shook her head, handing over only the Golden Light Mirror and the Talisman of Demonic Seal while retaining the Demon Suppressing Rod. She then turned to Fu Ling, her eyes bearing a slight smile, and placed the black iron needle in her hand gently. "With this, Miss Fu Ling can accompany you on the demon-subduing journey." The Yang-Repelling Sect, being a sect renowned for beast-taming, had many instruments for tracking demonic energy. Still, an artifact capable of both tracking and protecting from demons was rare. The Demon Suppressing Rod was clearly requested by Jin Lin, specifically to help Jiu Ying feel comfortable taking Fu Ling along. Fang Yuanqing had already discerned that the bond between these sisters was not as simple as it appeared. A seemingly ordinary suggestion, yet it set Fu Ling's heart aflutter, sending her thoughts spiraling— Could it be that Fang Yuanqing had realized her sister's affection for her? Otherwise, why would she offer this to her? But how could she know? Was Sister's affection that apparent? To be noticed by an outsider was truly mortifying. Fu Ling’s heart pounded wildly; her eyes darted about, avoiding any meeting with Fang Yuanqing’s gaze. As for whether to accept the Demon Suppressing Rod, her mind remained undecided, having already resigned herself to staying back at the sect once Jiu Ying agreed to the task. Aware of her inadequate cultivation, she feared becoming a burden to her sister by accompanying her. As she hesitated, a gentle, low voice cut through her thoughts, offering salvation from further inner turmoil. "Since your Sister Yuanqing has requested it for you, just take it." Jiu Ying found Fang Yuanqing's words hardly inappropriate; anyone familiar with her knew of her care for Fu Ling. Seeing Fang Yuanqing procure the Demon Suppressing Rod for Fu Ling was, to her, a perfectly normal act. After all, during their first acquaintance, it was through this very ploy that she formed a bond with Fang Yuanqing. Jiu Ying's intent was clear—Fu Ling would indeed accompany her on this outing. Yet Fu Ling, after accepting the Demon Suppressing Rod, remained uneasy. Only after Fang Yuanqing departed did she shyly approach Jiu Ying again, her cheeks tinged with pink, questioning earnestly if her sister truly intended to bring her along. "Sister, have you truly decided to take me with you?" Her tone was sincere, soft yet filled with doubts—doubts rooted in her lack of confidence in her abilities, reflecting a constant questioning of others' decisions due to her self-perceived inadequacies. Jiu Ying, without speaking, furrowed her brows slightly, puzzled. Compared to average cultivators, Fu Ling's cultivation progressed swiftly, almost rivaling her previous life's self. Jiu Ying couldn't fathom why someone so capable felt such self-doubt about her own strength. The prolonged silence only heightened Fu Ling's anxiety. She pondered briefly before presenting the Demon Suppressing Rod anew, endeavoring to dissuade her sister once more. "Yuanqing Sister mentioned that this task isn’t simple. Wouldn't it be better if you went alone, Sister?" The first time was a doubt, the second a refusal. Jiu Ying’s lips pressed together, her face slightly darkening. Fear before conflict, illness before adversity, none behove the strong. Her aim in mentoring Fu Ling was to embolden her, not to see her cower—lack confidence and cowardly retreat. The atmosphere turned heavy and cold. Staring at the returned Demon Suppressing Rod, Jiu Ying frowned deeper, her voice gaining a frosty edge. "What exactly are you afraid of?" Since their deepened relationship, Jiu Ying hadn't spoken so sharply to Fu Ling. Fu Ling winced at her words, her expression tinged with sadness. Did she not wish to accompany her sister in subduing demons? Wasn't it merely the fear of her low cultivation dragging her sister down holding her back? In Jiu Ying’s mind, compared to average cultivators, Fu Ling had no reason for insecurity. Yet she forgot—as Fu Ling’s constant companion—it was she, a supreme talent, unfathomably powerful, the sect's prodigy— A prodigious talent who had reached celestial milestones by the age of sixteen. Unbeknownst to Jiu Ying, Fu Ling's ultimate goal and idol on her cultivation path was none other than her. Fu Ling constantly compared herself to Jiu Ying, who also served as her guiding star. Even as a natural cultivator, Fu Ling had only been truly training for half a year. How could she not feel inadequate when measuring herself against someone like Jiu Ying, a Dragon Spirit who had lived two lifetimes? Despite Jiu Ying’s belief in her understanding of Fu Ling, the truth was, she hadn't grasped her own significance in Fu Ling’s heart. Unbeknownst to her, Fu Ling had become someone entirely different from what Jiu Ying was in her past life. Silence filled the air, devoid of the slightest sound. Fu Ling kept her head bowed until the chill of the breeze on the Demon Suppressing Rod in her palm gave her courage to look up, cautiously meeting Jiu Ying's cold gaze. Her elder sister was as cold and steely as when they first met three months ago. When those bright eyes met hers, they showed no trace of warmth. Fu Ling felt increasingly pained, finally mustering a shy voice after a moment of silence. "I'm just worried I’ll become a burden." A burden? Jiu Ying couldn’t fathom how a gifted cultivator like Fu Ling could use such a term for herself. Her mixed feelings of frustration and humor welled up. But before she could speak, she noticed the look of hurt on Fu Ling’s fair face and realized how harsh her tone had been. Wanting to explain, but unsure how, she shifted her slender white fingers under her sleeve, eventually sighing, as she pushed the Demon Suppressing Rod back towards Fu Ling. When she spoke again, her voice was much gentler— "Firstly, a natural cultivator is never a burden." "Secondly, I never take burdens with me when I leave." ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ Fu Ling: Gains another supporter for her CP, achievement unlocked. The senior sister is truly wonderful. Fang Yuanqing doesn't harbor romantic feelings for her, merely admiration and aspiration typical of the weaker towards the strong. So, upon understanding the special bond between Jiu Ying and Fu Ling, she quickly came to terms and eagerly joined the ranks of their CP team (future CP team leader). Thanks to the little angels who voted for me or watered the story with nutrients between 2020-10-28 14:00:40 and 2020-10-29 21:58:28~ Thanks to the angel who watered the story with nutrients: Buciax 10 bottles; Thank you all for your continued support, I'll keep working hard!