93 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Title: Rebirth as the Malicious Senior Sister GL - Chapter 93 (Part 1/2) The dreadful tragedy of the previous night stemmed from Si Xiao's attempt to claim credit, with Fu Ling determined to confront him for it. Fang Yuan Qing, cautious by nature, knew this matter couldn't be handled privately. Otherwise, it would surely prompt a joint backlash from the Si, Lu, and Su families. Currently, it was in their favor. However, if anyone acted hastily before the truth of Eastshan Prefecture's flooding was revealed, Si Xiao and his allies would be at fault. She shook her head, trying to persuade Fu Ling to remain calm. Just as she was about to speak, the girl opposite glanced at her sharply, recognizing the hidden burdens and concerns in her heart. "Sister Yuan Qing, I know what you're worried about. One doesn't always have to remain rational. The villagers who died tragically in Eastshan Prefecture, whether Xiao Wu or others, need someone to stand up and seek justice for them." "I can't let them die in vain." Her voice was crisp and pleasant, yet the words carried a profound weight. Fang Yuan Qing's heart trembled inexplicably, even her usually gentle and calm eyes flickered slightly with an imperceptible intensity. Too many concerns can lead one astray, ignoring vital things like justice and morality. Fu Ling, simple-minded and straightforward, possessed the purest and most precious sense of justice and compassion in the world. It was precisely these two valuable emotions that filled her with anger, self-blame, and pain for everything that happened last night. If someone had to be held accountable for this tragedy, Si Xiao was the chief culprit, and Su Riao and Lu Xinglan should also be punished. Fu Ling’s lips were pale, with occasional cold drops trickling from her hair down to her exposed neck and shoulders, wetting her skin and casting a chilling aura. Fang Yuan Qing frowned deeply, more uncertain of how to respond. In her panic, she could only look to the distant, desolate, dim night sky, hoping for Jiu Ying’s swift arrival. As the leading disciple of her sect, particularly the heir, she had far more to consider than ordinary people. Among the four sects and eight clans, their interests and disputes were constantly entangled. The Si family, with its recent momentum, had subtly begun overshadowing the other seven clans. Among the four sects, only the prominent Xuanming Sect could rival them. The tragedy of the previous night saw neither Fang Si Jian nor Zhong Yu Qiao intervene. How could she then involve the Fuyang Sect? If she shifted the blame, the focus of the Si family’s reprisal would be the Fuyang Sect. Such caution was one aspect, yet more constraints arose from her duty to protect and concern for her own sect. A flash of difficulty gleamed in Fang Yuan Qing's eyes. Her lifelong teaching, "to support the weak and show compassion to the people," stood in stark contrast to her current passive observation of Si Xiao’s actions, causing her heart relentless torment and struggle. Fu Ling noticed her hesitation. Rather than seeing it as cowardice, she offered understanding, "Sister Yuan Qing, it’s fine if you don’t speak. I’ve already guessed where Si Xiao has gone. Wait here for the senior sister's arrival." Even as her voice faded, a night breeze swept past the two. In the dim moonlight, no one noticed a brick atop a jade wall slowly dissipate. In just a few moments, it dissolved into potent energy, swirling briefly before nestling into the girl’s palm. Fang Yuan Qing pressed her lips together, knowing she couldn’t prevent what Fu Ling intended to do. She wanted to say something but knew she neither had the position nor the right to lecture Fu Ling. Ultimately, the one hesitating, disregarding justice, was herself—not Fu Ling. She opened her mouth, but it was parched, and as Fu Ling's silhouette disappeared into the night, not a word escaped her lips. Si Xiao was struck by ghostly fire, narrowly escaping death thanks to Lu Xinglan and Su Riao's timely rescue. Severely injured, his entire body felt as if it was being roasted alive, even his internal organs scorching with intense heat, contorting his face in agony. Su Riao, worried for his wellbeing, planned to rush him back to the Si family for treatment, paying no heed to the events of the previous night in Eastshan Prefecture. Only Lu Xinglan hesitated upon leaving. The dam's rupture and resulting flood were undeniably his domain pearl's doing. If accountability were pursued, he would undoubtedly be the first questioned. Had Si Xiao successfully subdued the demon, the catastrophe would have been offset by some merit. But now, not only had the creature escaped, but so many lives were lost. Thinking of those demolished homes, destroyed fields, and the villagers drowned by the floodwaters, he felt genuinely uneasy. "Ah Xiao, about last night..." Before he could even finish his sentence, Su Riao, like a flame ignited, exploded in rage. “They're just some lowly cultivators—their deaths are nothing to be concerned about! You're disturbed by worthless lives but not worried about Ah Xiao's severe injuries! Lu Xinglan, don't forget who helped you ascend as the heir to the Lu family! Timidity and hesitation are not the hallmarks of an heir. If you lack the courage, Ah Xiao might as well have supported your brother!” These words left Lu Xinglan speechless. Su Riao was not wrong. Without his connection to Si Xiao, his father would never have passed the family legacy to him. He had indeed benefited from Si Xiao’s influence, so on this subject, he had no rebuttal. After a moment's stammer, he could only bow his head in silent shame. Si Xiao walked ahead, clutching his chest. The burning sensation stemming from every fiber of his being made him increasingly irritable. With his family's backing and as their heir, he shared Su Riao’s dismissive attitude toward the events of last night, seeing the fateful lives as trivial. Given the reputations of the Si, Lu, and Su families, the patriarchs would not let this issue escalate. Even if Jiu Ying sought justice for the villagers, there would only be one outcome—no outcome. Pain struck his chest, compelling him to pause, a spark of malice and resentment flashing in his gaze. “Last night,” Si Xiao remarked coldly, “aside from Jiu Ying and Fu Ling, everyone present was from one of the four sects. Even just to preserve the reputations of the four sects and eight clans, they won’t dare reveal the truth. As for the villagers, offering them spiritual stones as compensation will suffice. Instead of worrying about them, consider how you will explain to your father. He entrusted the domain pearl to assist in capturing the demon.” Si Xiao’s sneer subtly shifted liability for the failed capture onto Lu Xinglan. Su Riao quickly caught on, aligning with Si Xiao’s intentions, “That's right, Xinglan. Isn’t the domain pearl Lu's heirloom? Based on what we saw earlier, it wasn't very effective.” The demon’s escape was indeed due to the golden demon-locking thread, but Si Xiao was unwilling to accept the blame. To appease Si Yiguang's displeasure, he needed a scapegoat. Without a doubt, Lu Xinglan, who possessed the domain pearl, was the perfect candidate. As if worried that her words were too tactful, Su Riao added with a reminder, “When you return, I trust you know how to account to Uncle Si.” Her tone suggested guidance but subtly conveyed menace. Lu Xinglan remained silent, his face concealed in shadow, making his expression unreadable. Only then did he realize that the friend he had trusted, Si Xiao, had always seen him as a mere tool—a scapegoat in times of crisis. A sincere heart exchanged only for exploitation. Whether in disappointment or humiliation, he clenched his jaw, mustering every ounce of will just to quell his anger, calmly conceding, “It's all my fault for the demon's escape. Ah Xiao bears no responsibility.” Su Riao's satisfaction was evident in her smile, and she cast a smug glance at Si Xiao. Relieved, Si Xiao bore the pain and patted Lu Xinglan on the shoulder. “This way, it’s best for all three of us.” How incredibly ironic. Lu Xinglan's heart quaked, hands clenched into tight fists hidden within his sleeves, as if only this could make his suffering more bearable. Under the dim sky, thin strands of moonlight spilled over, casting patches of shadow and faint glimmers. The trio, accord reached, headed towards the exit of Eastshan Prefecture. As they were about to step out of the city gate, a figure unexpectedly leaped from the mountain side, landing squarely in front of Si Xiao. The dim light made only a vague silhouette discernible. Standing beside Si Xiao, Su Riao instantly recognized the newcomer. “Fu Ling?!” She exclaimed, immediately positioning herself in front of Si Xiao, fearing potential harm to him. Already resentful from earlier events, being blocked now fueled her anger to an outburst of animosity towards Fu Ling. “What do you intend to do?!” “I have no intention beyond seeking accountability for last night. Those lives lost require someone to be held responsible.” Fu Ling's face was expressionless, her gaze icy. She stretched out a hand, pointing past Su Riao directly at Si Xiao, her tone turning increasingly frigid, "Step aside. Last night, I seek only his life." At Fu Ling's declaration, the atmosphere instantly thickened with tension. Su Riao's eyes widened in a mix of shock and anger. She couldn't fathom where Fu Ling's confidence came from; even with Si Xiao wounded, he wasn't someone just anyone could kill. Lu Xing Lan, watching the scene unfold, quietly stepped aside. Si Xiao, for his part, remained calm, stepping out from behind Su Riao with nonchalance. There was neither guilt nor remorse in his demeanor or speech. Narrowing his eyes, he regarded the girl before him with a gaze full of amusement and disdain, as if mocking her naivety. "You want my life? Do you intend to stand against the entire Si family?" Fu Ling knew he wasn't afraid of her. A chilling air surrounded her, and the killing intent in her heart grew increasingly intense. This was the first time she had ever wanted to kill someone so badly, not for any personal vendetta but because of his utter disregard for life. She took a deep breath, her tone growing colder and more resolute with every word. "The countless deaths and injuries in Eastshan Prefecture last night were all due to your greed. Only your death can bring peace to their souls. Si Xiao, I'm not afraid of you, nor do I fear the Si family. There are people in this world with a conscience who would understand my actions." Conscience? Upon hearing those words, both Su Riao and Si Xiao laughed. Only Lu Xing Lan's expression subtly changed. He recalled how, upon embedding the domain pearl into the river’s bed, he had cautioned the two of the potential consequences. Yet, he was met with indifference: ‘they are just low-level cultivators, worthless lives.’ No one cared for them, and those who wished to stand for them could never go against the three powerful clans. In this world of cultivation dominance, only the strong held valuable lives. Fu Ling's words pierced like a fine needle into Lu Xing Lan's heart, rekindling his dormant conscience and filling him with regret for his actions the previous night. Enveloped in shadow, Lu Xing Lan remained silent, lost in his thoughts, his emotions a mystery to all. A heavy silence descended. Su Riao looked at Fu Ling’s delicate and beautiful face with disdain, her eyes gleaming with contempt. "Conscience? What conscience? Do you think everyone is like you, outraged by the deaths of low-level cultivators? In this world, lacking power is a fault. If those people had trained diligently and increased their cultivation, would they have drowned? Their deaths are deserved! As cultivators, if one awakens spiritual roots yet clings to ordinary life, their death is no loss! Low-level cultivators, insignificant lives! Whether a handful or a thousand die, no one will care!" Such harsh, disdainful words seemed unbelievable coming from an heir to one of the eight great clans, the Su family. Si Xiao’s expression remained composed, silently agreeing with Su Riao’s view. Fu Ling pursued her lips, listening to Su Riao's cold laughter before finally speaking up. "Their lives—I care. My senior sister cares. Every villager in Eastshan Prefecture cares. As cultivators, must we cultivate? Who set such rules, and for whom are they binding? Choosing a lifestyle is each person’s decision; no one can dictate or belittle that. The villagers renounced cultivation in pursuit of peace—that’s no fault, and certainly not a reason for you to trample on their dignity and life." "Su Riao, I’ll say it one last time—step aside. Tonight, I only want Si Xiao’s life." Fu Ling advanced again, her gaze now devoid of warmth. Lu Xing Lan remained stationary. Su Riao hadn't anticipated Fu Ling's unwavering intent to kill Si Xiao, and rage boiled within her, coloring her face even darker with fury. If not for Fu Ling being Fu Xi's daughter, she would have already attacked. "You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! Don't think being Fu Xi's daughter makes you untouchable!" Barely had her threat been voiced when Fu Ling chuckled softly. Relaxing her palm, the spiritual energy entwined within her soared once again, forming a gigantic hand that mercilessly slapped Su Riao. Smack— The sharp sound echoed, and before the other three could react, Su Riao was sent flying, crashing heavily onto the rocks. The ethereal hand, formed from spirit energy, held incredible power against cultivators, further enhanced by the Wind Blade technique Fu Ling mixed within, swiftly cutting through the skin upon impact. Su Riao rolled off the rocky wall, half her face stinging with searing pain. Reaching to touch it, she found her palm smeared with blood, her cheek deeply gashed. Disbelieving, she raised her head, staring at the drenched girl. Never did she imagine that a cultivator at a Great Breach level could strike a Great Power level cultivator like herself with such force. Impossible! She tried to rise, but the unbearable pain from being smashed against the cliff left her paralyzed with agony. Lu Xing Lan observed her plight silently, hesitated, then moved forward and helped her up from the pile of rocks. "Your face..." Even Lu Xing Lan was alarmed by the mangled visage of Su Riao. A mere glance was enough to make him avert his eyes. Meanwhile, as Fu Ling closed in on Si Xiao, Su Riao was too preoccupied with her own tumult to focus on her pain. She ignored Lu Xing Lan's concern, roughly shaking off his hand once she stood, and, despite her injuries, rushed in front of Si Xiao once more. This time, having learned her lesson, she utilized the surrounding stones to fend off Fu Ling before grabbing Si Xiao, attempting an escape. Yet, at this point, escape was not an option. The pain in Si Xiao’s chest intensified as he beheld Fu Ling's ghost-like approach, swiftly catching up. He glanced towards Lu Xing Lan, a clear plea in his eyes—to stall Fu Ling. Previously, Lu Xing Lan might have risked everything to help him. However, recalling the earlier scapegoating incident caused his legs to feel shackled, refusing to budge. In a mere moment of hesitation, Fu Ling reappeared, barring Si Xiao and Su Riao's path once more. Su Riao gathered her spirit, bracing for a desperate fight against Fu Ling. However, before she could strike, an invisible force slapped her unscathed cheek, once again sending her flying. Under the city gate, only Fu Ling and Si Xiao faced each other. Despite no direct confrontation, Si Xiao could discern that Fu Ling’s strength was unquestionably above his. With a mere slap, she rendered Su Riao defenseless. Fu Ling's cultivation level was at least at a perfect stage. Without protection at his side, fear crept into him, particularly as he caught sight of Fu Ling’s placid, unfathomable dark eyes. This psychological torment eclipsed even his physical pain. As the Si family’s future heir, Si Yiguang had equipped him with numerous survival strategies. Yet, even with an exit plan at hand, fear continued to clutch at him. The intimidation from Fu Ling’s murderous intent surpassed even the daylight dominance of Jiu Ying. In the end, meeting her gaze, he was the first to plead for mercy. A sensible person shouldn't gamble with their life against a madman. In his eyes, the current Fu Ling was precisely such a madman—one willing to oppose the entire Si family for the lives of mere low-level cultivators. "What do you want?" He retreated a step, quivering uncontrollably, a smoke bomb trickling into his palm from his sleeve, ready to use the moment Fu Ling was distracted for a safe escape. As for Su Riao and Lu Xing Lan, their fate held no relevance to him. Fu Ling’s eyes flashed, as she drew a dagger, its blade glistening in the moonlight, reflecting Si Xiao’s panic-stricken face with chilling clarity. She opened her mouth, her expression unchanged, uttering words of unspeakable dread— “To kill you.” The dagger gleamed, mere inches from Si Xiao’s throat, the sharp edge poised to pierce his vulnerable neck, when a sudden gust from above knocked the weapon from Fu Ling’s grasp. In such a crucial moment, only Jiu Ying could intervene to stop Fu Ling. Gripping the smoke bomb tightly, Si Xiao's forehead and palm were slick with cold sweat, his body trembling beyond control. The thought was unbearable: had Fu Ling moved any faster, he might already have been a lifeless corpse. Intending to escape by smoke bomb, it wasn’t until facing death directly that he realized, against absolute power, no tactic could alter his fate—his fate of death. Watching her dagger fall away, a flicker of resentment crossed Fu Ling’s eyes. Turning around, she realized it wasn't anyone else who prevented her from killing Si Xiao but her own senior sister. Flustered and aggrieved, she always yearned for Jiu Ying’s approval. Killing Si Xiao tonight was no exception. "Senior sister! Why did you stop me!" She lowered her head, as with a flick of her fingers, the fallen dagger returned to her hand. Jiu Ying arrived with Fang Yuan Qing by his side, saying, "Tonight's matter cannot be settled with personal vengeance against Si Xiao. It needs to be brought into the open and handled by the four great sects and eight prominent clans." Handled by the four sects and eight clans? Hearing this, Si Xiao felt a spark of hope, his heart somewhat relieved. The Si family, being the head of the eight clans, held significant influence. His wife, the young lady of the Qin family, and the future heirs of the Lu and Su families, who followed his lead, meant he had the support of four clans. Furthermore, the Yuan Clan had been wiped out, losing their voice, and the remaining three families—He Jiang Ruan, among them—were too weak to oppose the Si family. In this light, only the four sects might possibly object. But even that was unlikely— After all, the lives of low-level cultivators, considered insignificant in this world, were seen as expendable. Just as he started to relax, a second revelation stopped him cold, filling his heart with dread and shock. "I've petitioned the Jinlin Sect to convene a Sunlit Judgment for the three hundred villagers lost in Eastshan Prefecture. Tonight's events will not be so easily brushed aside." Not far away, Lu Xing Lan and Su Riao’s expressions changed dramatically upon hearing the term 'Sunlit Judgment'. Like Si Xiao, they were seized by fear. The four sects and eight clans were founded to maintain peace and stability in the cultivation world. In the early days, some individuals used their status to commit heinous acts, including murder and assault. When these actions were exposed, dealing with the perpetrators became an issue. At the time, the newly formed coalition needed to establish respect and credibility. Allowing such disgraceful acts to go unpunished would undermine their authority. Thus, the concept of 'sectarian judgment' was introduced to adjudicate misdeeds within their ranks. There are two types of sectarian judgment: the Sunlit Judgment, an open trial accessible to all in the cultivation world. Anyone can participate, and all who witness the proceedings have the power to influence the judgment. This is the most public and transparent form of judgment. The second, Star Judgment, is more private, reserved only for the leadership of the four sects and eight clans, with the punishment decided collectively. Fang Yuan Qing's request for a Sunlit Judgment meant fully exposing the trio's crimes. Even if the Si, Lu, and Su families wanted to protect them, it would be impossible. Sectarian judgment rules have existed for centuries. Over time, the bonds between the four sects and eight clans have unraveled, turning the initial founding principles into hollow jokes. Sectarian judgments haven't been convened for almost a century. Usually, violations are managed internally, with no outside intervention. Si Xiao, upon hearing Fang Yuan Qing's words, was seized with panic. The fear of becoming a publicly disgraced hypocrite, rather than being slain by Fu Ling, terrified him more. He tried to maintain composure, yet his hands wouldn’t stop trembling, and his voice quivered with fear. "Sectarian judgments haven't been held for a hundred years and have no power! Even if you request it from Jinlin, the Si family won't consent! The eight clans won't consent either!" Turning to Fang Yuan Qing with hatred, his once handsome face contorted with anger and fear, now appeared quite unbecoming. Fang Yuan Qing's reaction was subtle, but her words crushed Si Xiao's last hope entirely. "Alone, my influence is limited, but just moments ago, Fang Si Jian of the Xuanming Sect, Zhong Yu Qiao of the Lingjian Sect, and Jiang Beiqing of the Tiangua Sect each petitioned their sect heads for a Sunlit Judgment." "Si Xiao, you still haven't realized your mistakes." Someone with no reverence for life wouldn't bow down and admit their errors for mere hundreds of lives. Before the judgment, Si Xiao would never confess to his wrongdoing. The petitions had been sent, and whether they would succeed depended on the sect leaders' stance. Even as Si Xiao, Lu Xing Lan, and Su Riao fled in disarray, Fu Ling's eyes were still red, her anger unquenched. Fu Ling hadn't heard of 'Sunlit Judgment' before, nor did she know whether it would bring justice for the three hundred lives lost in Eastshan Prefecture. All she believed was that Si Xiao's death was necessary to avenge these innocent souls. Jiu Ying, noticing Fu Ling's distress, drew her aside under an old tree. Under the cover of its shade, he clearly had words to share. Fang Yuan Qing tactfully distanced herself. Little Zhen’s death remained a deep wound for Fu Ling. As soon as she reached the tree and was away from others, she could no longer suppress her grief and burst into tears in Jiu Ying’s arms. Such a sweet, polite little girl. Fu Ling could still remember Little Zhen, in the morning before they left, digging out the two largest sweet potatoes from the hot ashes for her, worried she’d go hungry. She couldn't believe that the little one who had slept beside her was now gone. The mere thought of Little Zhen’s chubby face tightened Fu Ling’s heart with pain, so much so that she could barely breathe. Her tears wouldn’t stop, their volume only growing, until she had soaked Jiu Ying’s chest. Even Fang Yuan Qing, listening, felt an intense sorrow. Jiu Ying felt a familiar ache. This was Fu Ling’s first encounter with the death of a dear one, bound to bring immense pain. Having endured such loss in a past life, Jiu Ying could understand why Fu Ling was crying so heartbreakingly. Indulging his softer side for this beloved junior, Jiu Ying gently held Fu Ling’s chin, making her look up. He wiped her tears with his handkerchief, waiting for her to calm before speaking gently. "There's no need for tears anymore. I know your heart aches for Little Zhen. I have a way to save her. Would you like to try?" Save Little Zhen? Fu Ling blinked, another tear slipping out. She silently grasped Jiu Ying’s hand, repressing her sorrow, nodding again and again. Having read countless ancient texts in her past life, Jiu Ying learned a now-forgotten technique, one he had never tried himself and couldn’t recall from which book it came. A body on the verge of death wavers in a mystical, fragile state, needing only a single breath to return to life or death. The breath tethering them is one's own vital essence, but a breath from heaven, the Heavenly Yuan Vital Qi, could bring them back. Heavenly Yuan Vital Qi is rare, requiring someone with great fortune and purity to sincerely pray for it. Fu Ling, as a celestial cultivator, and imbued with ethereal energy, was unmatched in fortune. If she were willing, there might be a way to pull Little Zhen back from the brink. "To request Heavenly Yuan Vital Qi, it requires trading your fortune. Think carefully." Without hesitation, Fu Ling nodded, her eyes reflecting a pure, radiant resolve. "As long as it can save Little Zhen, I’m willing!" Jiu Ying sighed softly, his gaze at Fu Ling full of gentle affection and admiration. Having seen too much loss and bloodshed in past lives, Jiu Ying's heart had grown numb to life and death. Yet, this lifetime, Fu Ling could not have been more different— Fu Ling treasured kindness, viewing all equally with a rare empathy. In this light, Fu Ling and Jiu Ying seemed less alike, rendering Fu Ling all the more enigmatic. ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ I apologize; I overestimated my ability. Initially planned to resolve the antagonist in one go, but it seems it must stretch one more chapter. This chapter touched me deeply; the older I get, the more I feel trapped within societal norms. School, work, marriage, and family—anything divergent invites criticism, just like how the cultivators in Eastshan are scorned for not adhering to the mainstream. It's unreasonable to label lives ‘cheap.’ Everyone has the right to pursue a life they desire. Heartfelt thanks to those who supported me with votes or nourishment drops from 2020-11-09 23:57:18 to 2020-11-10 23:40:24. Thanks to the angel who sent a rocket: Feng Zi 1 unit; Thanks to the angel who sent a landmine: Passing By 1 unit; Your support means a lot to me. I'll continue working hard!