94 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

**Chapter 94: Heartfelt Sacrifices** With tears cascading down her face, Fu Ling appeared heartbreakingly vulnerable—her usually lively and spirited eyes now saturated with sorrow. Jiu Ying, witnessing this side of her for the first time, recalled the jade wall by the riverbank and felt an indescribable pang in her heart. Shadowed by the darkness, she discreetly held the girl's slender wrist, discovering immediately the absence of spiritual energy within her body—a testament to the massive depletion that had occurred, which posed significant harm to one's health. Under the moonlight, slight traces of dried blood remained on Fu Ling's cheeks and lips, hinting at the lingering severity of her condition—marks of fresh blood. Looking at those faint red streaks, Jiu Ying felt a tight constriction in her chest, a sudden, overwhelming ache. The jade wall by the dam—did you create it with your celestial energy? The drain on your spiritual power is far too great, pushing your body to its limits. You must never do this again," she sighed softly, her words imbued with concern rather than reproach. Fu Ling’s compassion was commendable, but as her closest sister now, Jiu Ying hoped she would prioritize her own safety. Her tone conveyed not blame but sincere regret. Recognizing her sister's concern, Fu Ling felt a mix of joy and a reluctance to worry her further. Quietly, she explained, "The flood took so many lives already. If I didn’t help, even more would perish. The villagers were victims of a fate they didn’t deserve. The real flaw lies in my inadequacy to prevent the disaster or to punish those responsible. You're right, sister; only with supreme power to flatten all adversaries can one effect the changes they wish to see." It was now that Fu Ling fully grasped the significance of power. Jiu Ying internalized her words, deeply moved. She also bore the weight of guilt tonight. Despite intimidating those three people earlier, she hadn’t erased their malicious intents. Had she perceived their vile thoughts in time, she would never have let them near Dongshan Prefecture. She pressed her lips together, reflecting silently before speaking again, "You've done your utmost. Though lives were lost tonight, many were saved. Those who died are not victims of your actions, and those who survived owe their lives to you. You shouldn't blame yourself. Power, while vital, isn't the most important thing. Don't let others' mistakes punish you; this guilt will consume you, plunging you into endless anguish. It is crucial to preserve a kind heart; don’t let it get lost in despair. As for punishment, it is best left to the Four Sects." The breeze felt sharp and chilling, slicing through the night air. Jiu Ying reached out, gently touching Fu Ling’s teardropped eye corner, then softly traced down to her lips, every motion filled with tender care. "Does it still hurt?" Severe spiritual depletion often results in bleeding from the orifices—a sure sign that the body is in distress. Touched by her softly warm fingertips, Fu Ling's heart raced, her chest igniting with an unexplainable heat, leaving her breathless and flushed. She shook her head, holding her sister's delicate hand momentarily before releasing it. Her breath was heated, much like the chaos stirring within her heart. "It’s fine." "Don’t do this again." Jiu Ying remarked with increasing gentleness, her eyes tender and affectionate, though she herself was unaware of it. Hearing this, Fu Ling bit her lip, refusing to respond. Repeatedly urging 'not to do this again,' Jiu Ying's words felt less of an advice and more of an unyielding command. Yet for the first time, Fu Ling found herself unwilling to comply. Raising her gaze to the woman in white, knowing well it was out of concern, she nonetheless opposed softly, "Sister, why am I prohibited from doing this? Is saving lives wrong? Tonight, I had the chance to save them, so I chose to. If faced with this situation again, I would make the same choice. Watching so many lives vanish helplessly—I cannot bear it. Otherwise, my conscience will suffer forever." Her resolute words bore an undeniable strength. Speechless, Jiu Ying found herself momentarily at a loss for response, witnessing a profound empathy in Fu Ling—an innate benevolence she herself had never possessed, not in her past life nor this rebirth. After a thoughtful pause, she voiced her concern, "Have you considered yourself? Severe energy depletion is dangerous—" Fu Ling faltered at the inquiry but still murmured in defense, "But I’m fine now, aren’t I?" Jiu Ying frowned, gently pressing her fingers again against Fu Ling’s lips, "Fine? And where did these bloodstains come from? Saving lives is noble, but as your sister, I don’t want to see you hurt." Is this worry solely due to being her sister? Fu Ling's heart stirred with dissatisfaction. As she lowered her gaze, concealing a fleeting sorrow, words were left unspoken as silence enveloped her. As the two sisters emerged from beneath the trees, Fang Yuan Qing was already waiting patiently in the distance. If it hadn’t been for Fu Ling’s influence, she might not have intervened in the night’s events in Dongshan Prefecture. Born into her sect, she had seen too much, veiled beneath self-interested motives. Were the three hundred cultivators’ lives important? Certainly. However, they paled in comparison to safeguarding the reputation of the Four Sects and Eight Clans. Cultivators should smite the powerful and protect the weak—this adage was her mantra growing up. But eventually, personal desires molded her into someone devoid of empathy. Gazing upon the girl by Jiu Ying’s side now, shame overwhelmed her, robbing her of the courage to even speak. The houses by the river had crumbled under the water’s force. Zhong Yu Qiao and Fang Si Jian had arranged the villagers safely. Arriving at a secure location, they saw Zhu Yun’s family nearby. Jiu Ying, holding Fu Ling’s hand, paused, "Lingling is tender-hearted, letting her witness farewells is too painful. We’ll stay here." Recalling Fu Ling's earlier stifled sobs, Fang Yuan Qing agreed empathetically, nodding as she proceeded alone into the scene ahead. Surrounding them, cries pierced the air—echoes of loss and longing intertwined with the pain of those mourning for loved ones. Fu Ling’s heart wrenched witnessing these scenes, only comforted by Jiu Ying’s reassuring words. Praying for celestial intervention to save a soul on the brink wasn’t as poetic or simple as books portrayed. Even with the destined connection she held, engaging the heavens in conversation exceeded the grasp of her current abilities. Chanting Jiu Ying’s teachings under her breath repeatedly, every earnest plea went unanswered. From afar came a wave of weeping mingled with cries—Fang Yuan Qing’s, Zhu Yun’s, and those of several children. Xiao Jin was on the verge of death, their tears marking the grief at the thought— Realizing this, a sharp pain struck Fu Ling. Eyes closed, a tear slipped quietly down her cheek. Biting her lips, she continued her unanswered prayers, relentless even as blood seeped and the metallic taste filled her mouth, refusing to yield. Sensing her distress, Jiu Ying furrowed her brow, stepping closer to awaken her—only for Fu Ling to collapse before her outstretched hand could intervene. At that exact moment, Fang Yuan Qing's shout exploded through the night like thunder— "Xiao Jin is breathing!!!" Fu Ling succeeded, her triumph bought at the price of three days of unconsciousness. When she awoke, she found herself in Jade Spring Hall. The quiet guardian by her side was none other than Xiao Jin, whom she had saved. Reality felt like a dream—so enchanting it bordered on the unreal. Blinking to clear the pain engulfing her body, Fu Ling sniffled at the sight of the chubby child curled beside her, tears spilling anew. "Sister, kiss!" Having narrowly escaped death, Xiao Wu’s throat had healed miraculously. Seeing his beloved sister cry, he clambered onto the bed, pressing a gentle kiss to Fu Ling’s face. "No crying, Xiao Wu will make it better!" Still mastering his speech, Xiao Wu strove to convey his affection and closeness to Fu Ling. His tender voice was a pure delight, bringing warmth to the heart. --- **Note:** If you encounter any issues when navigating to the next chapter, please use the "Report Error" or "Contact Us" buttons at the bottom. We'll address the matter promptly. Thank you for your understanding! Fu Ling wiped away her tears, sniffling pitifully and realizing she had been crying far too much these days. Propping herself up, she pulled Xiao Wu into her embrace, kissing him twice, when the sound of soft footsteps approached from outside the door. Looking up, she saw a young woman who seemed strangely familiar yet unfamiliar. Clad in simple blue attire with her hair adorned only by a plain wooden hairpin, the woman's appearance, while not luxurious, carried an unmatched elegance—a blend of feminine grace and gentleness. Fu Ling couldn't place her at first, retreating slightly on the bed with Xiao Wu in her arms. The young woman observed her reaction with a gentle smile, one startlingly familiar, as if seen countless times before. Fu Ling's lips parted, a clear image forming in her mind: the refined and delicate face of none other than Fang Yuan Qing—a realization that dawned on her slowly. With uncertainty coloring her voice, still hoarse from recent tears, she asked hesitantly, "Sister Yuan Qing, is that you?" Upon confirmation, Fang Yuan Qing smiled, nodding as she stepped into the room. "It's me—" During Fu Ling's momentary daze, Xiao Wu jumped to the floor, dutifully taking the bowl from Fang Yuan Qing and placing it on a small table by the bed. "Sister, drink the medicine; drink the medicine, and you'll get better." Such a considerate child—who wouldn't adore him? Fu Ling and Fang Yuan Qing couldn't help but smile at his words. After Fu Ling finished the medicine, the pair began discussing important matters. The room in Jade Spring Hall was now silent, a quiet that made Fu Ling uneasy. "Is Sister still here?" she questioned, her close bond with Jiu Ying naturally leading her to reach out for her immediately after awakening. Fang Yuan Qing's expression shifted slightly, her smile freezing. "Where did Sister go?" Fu Ling asked, pressing the issue. "The tragedy of Dongshan Prefecture's three hundred villagers quickly spread outside. There's a public uproar, with many rogue cultivators protesting against the Four Sects and Eight Clans. Though the Si family hesitated, they couldn’t resist public pressure and pursued a trial through the Riyan Tribunal. The trial is nearly over, and everyone from Jade Spring Hall, including your sister, is at the Xuanming Sect." A trial meant Si Xiao and his companions’ crimes would be exposed and punished—a righteous outcome. Yet Fang Yuan Qing's troubled expression suggested otherwise. Fu Ling pressed her lips together, already guessing part of the situation. Despite her efforts to control her emotions, she couldn't suppress the deep anger and frustration simmering inside. Even her voice trembled slightly. "Did Si Xiao put all the blame on Lu Xing Lan and Su Rao?" Fang Yuan Qing couldn’t meet her eyes, her silence and guilt evident—a tacit admission of Fu Ling’s suspicion. Cold anger filled Fu Ling's eyes, her expression darkening. "I’m going to the Xuanming Sect—" If the Four Sects and Eight Clans wouldn’t punish Si Xiao, she’d find her own way to ensure he faced justice. Fang Yuan Qing hesitated briefly, then said, "You're depleted of spiritual energy and your body is weak. Jiu Ying instructed us not to let you leave Jade Spring Hall." Even with Jiu Ying’s orders, Fu Ling couldn’t adhere. The next day, justice was needed for the three hundred lives lost to the flood. She gazed out the window defiantly, her heart burning with intense anger and the determination to bring retribution. Her innocent demeanor had given way to a fierce resolve that left even Fang Yuan Qing at a loss for words. She knew that despite Fu Ling’s lack of spiritual energy, nothing would stop her—just like that fateful night. Fu Ling was always the bravest and most fearless. Lowering her gaze, Fang Yuan Qing sighed silently and moved to pick up Xiao Wu, then discreetly slipped a dark stone into Fu Ling's hand, speaking words of caution and care, "Within this stone lies the spirit of a high-rank spiritual tiger. Should you encounter danger, crush it, and the tiger soul will protect you." "The trial nears its end. There’s a sky crane outside Jade Spring Hall; show it the stone, and it will take you to Xuanming Sect." Fu Ling looked at the stone, feeling the anger within her ease slightly. Her rage was not just for Si Xiao's evasion of accountability but also for the indifference shown by the sects and clans—just as Su Rao had mentioned. To many so-called high-level powerful figures, lesser cultivators’ lives were deemed worthless. Otherwise, how could Si Xiao so easily shirk responsibility? Fang Yuan Qing’s words were like a small flame in her darkest moment, telling her she wasn't alone in her grief and guilt over the three hundred souls lost to the flood. Her actions were supported by at least one other person. In her reverie, Fang Yuan Qing's voice broke her thoughts, her familiar teasing bringing a blush to Fu Ling’s cheeks. "When you get to Xuanming Sect, find your sister first. Whatever you plan, discuss it with her." "Compared to everyone else, she’s the one person in this world who most dreads seeing you hurt." Sister— Just thinking of those words reassured Fu Ling she wasn’t alone. She believed that no matter what she did next, her sister would support her. --- **Fu Ling is also changing those around her.** *(Aside: Commissioned a Special Column Avatar at great expense—check it out, the adorable older sister is too cute! Although it’s just a headshot, it still looks great. Also commissioned chibi designs for Sister and Fu Ling, which will be interesting to see as cover art soon!)* **Thank you to the lovely readers who supported me with votes or nurturing fluids from 2020-11-10 23:40:24 to 2020-11-12 19:49:56!** **Special thanks to the reader who threw the mine: Aguri-Chachacha, one!** **I appreciate all your support and will continue to do my best!** **Note:** If you encounter any redirection issues when navigating to the next chapter, please use the "Report Error" or "Contact Us" buttons at the bottom. We'll address the matter promptly. Thank you for your understanding!