88 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Rebirth as the Villainous Senior Sister GL - Chapter 88 (Part 2) (1/2) Jiu Ying's eyes remained tinged with red. Rather than watch Fu Ling deceive herself by claiming, "it doesn't hurt," she wished Fu Ling would have a good cry. Releasing the hand that held Fu Ling's slender waist, she took out a handkerchief she carried on her person and gently wiped the blood from Fu Ling's lips and chin, her actions tender and patient. "Why must you pretend in front of me? If it really didn't hurt, why would the wounds on your palms open again?" Though questioning, every word was filled with a sense of heartache. Fu Ling paused, only now realizing in her daze that the blood scabs on her palms had reopened during her recent struggle in pain. She had been so slow to perceive, only now feeling the pain. The air was faintly laced with the metallic scent of blood, carried away softly by the wind as leaves fell. Once she had cleaned the traces of blood from Fu Ling's face, Jiu Ying helped her up, letting her lean against her chest. Then she took her wrist and carefully examined the wounds on her palms. Though these were merely surface wounds that would heal on their own in a few days even without medication, they still appeared disturbing, especially the larger gashes where even the tender pink flesh inside was visible. Jiu Ying's gaze darkened slightly; she couldn't remain indifferent. After a moment's hesitation, her heart softened, and she silently raised Fu Ling's right hand, bringing her lips to the wound to lightly lick it. The body of a dragon, from scales to bones to sinew and flesh, is an exceptionally precious treasure. The dragon's saliva, sweet and aromatic, is also a rare and powerful medicinal ingredient, perfect for treating surface wounds. Though Fu Ling's body was still in pain, her consciousness was clear. Through the layers of blood scabs on her palm, she could feel a gentle, moist sensation sliding across. It was a tingling and itchy feeling, as if someone had brushed her heart with a feather, causing her to momentarily forget the numb pain from the cracks. "Senior Sister—" Such an intimate action made her face unexpectedly flush red again. This time, even her ears began to burn. Seeing Fu Ling's face turn crimson, Jiu Ying just assumed she was regaining some color and didn't think further of it. "Dragon's saliva is good for external wounds; it can help soothe the pain in your palm." Even before she finished speaking, Jiu Ying cast her eyes down again, focusing on the small, scar-riddled hand. Sure enough, the previously inverted edges of raw flesh now appeared to be healing. So it was all just to treat my wounds—strangely, Fu Ling felt a bit disappointed, and the redness in her cheeks faded slightly. She didn't understand where this vague sense of disappointment came from, but the sudden void of unfulfilled expectations left her feeling bashful and embarrassed. Perhaps to cover her awkwardness, she swiftly pulled her hand from Jiu Ying's hold, turning her face away so that half of it buried into Jiu Ying's embrace, finally feeling somewhat comfortable. The vital energy within her body circulated silently, traversing throughout her form before obediently returning to her dantian. So tame and docile, with no trace of the ferocity it displayed when transformed into spiritual power. Fu Ling, once the embarrassment faded while laying against Jiu Ying's chest, finally pushed herself up on her arms. Although she hadn't realized she had comprehended some insightful cultivation method in her prior agony, thinking of the spiritual essence in her dantian now at her command filled her with pride, especially wanting to display it in front of Jiu Ying. "Senior Sister, let me take you away from here." As soon as the words left her mouth, Jiu Ying knew she had successfully subjugated the celestial spiritual energy. In the past, the young girl who always relied on her and couldn't even ride the wind now could take her out of danger. Seeing Fu Ling reaching out her hand towards her, she couldn't help but smile, her brows shading into a hint of joy. She nodded, carefully holding that scarred but fair hand, feeling both relieved and happy. "Alright." Their fingers interlocked, and without any assistance from spiritual artifacts, they immediately lifted into the air. Fu Ling willed her mind, and the spiritual essence in her dantian responded obediently, transforming into a wisp of spiritual energy. The energy from the celestial essence was powerful, just like the former spiritual energy. Even a thin wisp gathered into a large cloud beneath their feet for them to ride. Fu Ling continued to hold Jiu Ying's waist until she saw the latter standing steadily before withdrawing her hand. "Senior Sister, should we find the Fang Girl first when we return?" Standing upon the cloud with violent winds surrounding them, speaking from a distance became impossible. As Fu Ling spoke, her lips brushed against Jiu Ying's neck, inhaling the faint scent of green plums from her body. It was a pleasant aroma, somewhat cold when mingled with the wind, yet oddly warm when inhaled, causing her heart to race. Jiu Ying had already thought about their next steps when they returned. The ancient spirit, having absorbed energy from remnants of bones, had grown stronger, making subduing it even harder. With the assistance from the four sects, the task would undoubtedly become more manageable. Hearing Fu Ling's question, she was about to agree when she recalled something more important and shook her head. "No, we should head to the Xuanming Sect first." Heading to the Xuanming Sect was for the ice lake. Although Fu Ling successfully controlled the celestial spiritual energy, her body had sustained considerable damage. If she could stay in the ice lake for a few days, it would not only heal her injuries faster but also allow her to better absorb the fierce and domineering energy. The cloud beneath them sped swiftly, soon carrying them beyond the borders of the Misty Forest. Once out of the forest, Jiu Ying closed her eyes, concentrating on gathering her spiritual energy. Her body had been drained excessively and needed several days of rest for full recovery. Seeing her Senior Sister diligently cultivating, Fu Ling quietly stayed silent. Given the strong winds around them, she thoughtfully shielded her from behind. Just as Jiu Ying had protected her on their way here. The two, one behind the other, stood upon the cloud, rapidly traversing through the sky and landing in the Xuanming Sect after a day and a night. Having rested for a night, both were in better conditions than before, but they still appeared quite disheveled, especially Fu Ling. Without a change of clothes, her pink dress was stained with blood, making her look rather pitiful. Counting from the day they left the Bamboo Sect, the two had been missing for precisely nine days. With demons reappearing the day before yesterday, everyone feared the worst for the pair. Seeing them safely return, the elders of the Xuanming Sect rushed to send disciples to inform the Bamboo Sect of their safety. Gao Tian Lian was also in the sect. Since the last acquaintance with the Si family, he had a favorable impression of Jiu Ying and Fu Ling, especially enthusiastic toward Jiu Ying. At this moment, even before Jiu Ying could express her desire to see Fang Ke Yuan, he proactively led the two to the rear hall of the sect. "The Sect Master is in the rear hall discussing matters with Master Si and Sect Master Jin Lin. I will escort the two young ladies over." "The Sect Master is occupied, Fu Ling and I don't mind waiting a while longer." Hearing that Fang Ke Yuan was busy, Jiu Ying unconsciously slowed her steps. Gao Tian Lian, however, paid little heed to this, smiling and shaking his head, his words filled with care. "The ladies are entrusted to subdue the demons on behalf of the four sects and eight clans. There's no need to worry about such formalities now. If the Sect Masters knew you were unharmed, they would be delighted. They might even allow you to use the ice lake for healing." It seemed he had rightly guessed their intentions for coming regarding the ice lake. Hearing him say so, Jiu Ying found no reason to argue. The three of them swiftly made their way to the rear hall, where they almost ran into Si Yi Guang. Within the hall, upon seeing Fu Ling's bloodied appearance, Fang Ke Yuan assumed she had sustained severe injuries. Recalling Jiu Ying's request when she agreed to subdue demons, he instantly understood why they had come here. The ice lake was the Xuanming Sect's most treasured possession. It was a privilege most couldn't hope to experience even once in their lifetime, let alone witness its miraculous properties firsthand. While reluctant to lend it to outsiders, having promised before with Jin Lin present, he couldn't find a reason to refuse. Since the ice lake had to be lent out eventually, he might as well use this chance to offer goodwill. Before Jiu Ying could speak, he proactively granted them permission to use the ice lake for healing. Among those present, reactions varied greatly. However, Gao Tian Lian appeared the most pleased. Unexpectedly, Fang Ke Yuan's generosity left Jiu Ying slightly surprised. It wasn't until Gao Tian Lian thus guided them to the back mountain did she gradually come to her senses. "Thank you, Young Master Gao." A simple expression of gratitude, yet it seemed to intensify Gao Tian Lian's smile. "No need for thanks, Lady. The ice lake is in the back mountain's depths; do proceed quickly. I won't be accompanying you further." Gao Tian Lian, handsome and carefree in personality, exuded warmth in his interactions, making it hard not to develop a favorable opinion of him. Seeing his departure, Jiu Ying surprisingly curved her lips, showing a rare smile to an outsider. Fu Ling, eavesdropping on their conversation, found no opportunity to interject. Seeing her always stoic Senior Sister smiling at Gao Tian Lian, someone they'd met only once, made her pout in displeasure. Feeling indignant, perhaps wanting to assert her presence in front of Gao Tian Lian and deter any intentions he might have toward her Senior Sister, she hurriedly stepped forward, linking arms with Jiu Ying. Unaware of the animosity directed toward him, Gao Tian Lian failed to recognize the meaning behind her gesture and dutifully offered a courteous compliment. "Miss Fu Ling, you're indeed adorable." As his words fell, Gao Tian Lian turned his gaze to Jiu Ying and, gathering his courage, continued in a voice only the three of them could hear, "Miss Jiu Ying is also charming." Complimenting Fu Ling was secondary; praising Jiu Ying was his real intention. Even after Gao Tian Lian had left and his silhouette was no longer visible, Fu Ling's anger did not subside. She knew her Senior Sister was exceptional, both in talent and appearance, and that she would likely attract many male cultivators. However, witnessing Gao Tian Lian complimenting Jiu Ying triggered an uncontrollable surge of anger within her. More accurately, what truly infuriated her was not Gao Tian Lian's flattery, but Jiu Ying's gentle, breeze-light smile. There was sincerity in that smile—gratitude and a touch of admiration for Gao Tian Lian. That smile made her uneasy. Just like with Fang Qi Shan before, it made her instinctively want to push away, to stop Jiu Ying from engaging with him. Perhaps realizing her own emotional turmoil, she felt embarrassed and worried that her Senior Sister might notice her abnormal behavior. Turning away, she silently stewed in her vexation alone. Meanwhile, Jiu Ying was also troubled by Gao Tian Lian's words. In this and her past life, she had never truly harbored romantic feelings, nor had anyone openly expressed affection for her—at least, none that were as apparent as Gao Tian Lian’s were now. After a life influenced by the emotional poison, her desire for love had waned. Life holds many precious emotions; love is neither the only nor the entirety of them. If a true beloved can't be found, living alone might be better. Her lack of desire for romance, in some ways, stemmed from her overly sincere, earnest attitude towards love. Having tasted false love's bitterness, what Jiu Ying truly aspired to was a lifetime of steadfast devotion and passion with one person. Confounded by Gao Tian Lian’s advances, she contemplated silently before deciding on a seemingly suitable solution. Holding Fu Ling’s hand, she slowly led them toward the ice lake. Only when they arrived did she speak again, "We’ll stay by the ice lake for a night and leave tomorrow at dawn for the Fu Yang Sect to find the Fang Girl." "Dawn?" Fu Ling was astonished. "Why leave so early? It’s still dark at dawn!" After borrowing their ice lake, they should at least inform someone before leaving. Jiu Ying, understanding Fu Ling's concerns, considered for a moment and added, "You needn’t worry about losing etiquette; Young Master Gao will cover for us." Young Master Gao, again with Young Master Gao! Just hearing those words irked Fu Ling. She was about to speak when a soft sigh reached her ears, "I’ve noticed his fondness for me, but I don’t feel the same. Leaving without a word tomorrow is a means of refusal. I trust he’ll understand." "Senior Sister~" Fu Ling was taken aback, never expecting Jiu Ying to choose such a straightforward method to decline Gao Tian Lian's affection. So direct, so unambiguous, leaving no room for second thoughts. "When it comes to love, like means like; dislike means dislike. Avoidance is unwise. Should male cultivators pursue you in the future, you must also choose the one who genuinely moves your heart. Remember that." The clear, melodious voice continued, leaving Fu Ling a little flustered. She thought, with a Senior Sister so wonderful, who would even notice someone standing beside her? Moreover, her heart was already set on her Senior Sister. If a male cultivator ever did pursue her, she would certainly refuse as decisively as her Senior Sister did. While her mind echoed these thoughts, she couldn’t bring herself to say them out loud. Turning her head away, a blush crept up her cheeks as she bit her lip and, after a long silence, softly replied, "I don’t want any male cultivators pursuing me—" Having Senior Sister is more than enough! ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ Fu Ling's Heart: Self-strategy progress at 100% Thank you to the little angels who cast powerful votes or nourished me with nutrient fluids between 2020-11-05 13:46:12 and 2020-11-05 21:23:52~ Thanks to the little angels who gave nutrient fluids: Supreme Beauty 6 bottles; Thank you so much for your support. I will continue to work hard!