121 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Rebirth as the Villainous Senior Sister: Chapter 121 Fu Ling nodded, her eyes red. How could she possibly refuse? No one understood how deeply she loved Jiu Ying, and upon discovering that Jiu Ying was her past life self, a secretive delight sprouted in her heart. She almost perversely enjoyed this extreme intimacy. In this world, never again would there be another pair more closely connected than she and Jiu Ying. She released her hold and looked up at the face as cold and pure as jade, her eyes brimming with infatuation, as if no amount of looking could ever satisfy her. Only when Jiu Ying turned her head away, unable to endure the intensity of her gaze, did Fu Ling softly agree, "Okay, I will wait for you, Senior Sister. No matter how long you need, I will wait forever—until you truly fall in love with me." This was her promise to Jiu Ying, and a vow to herself. Fu Ling, in this life and the next, for all eternity, would love only Jiu Ying. Such a powerful, surging love required no words; it was entirely conveyed to Jiu Ying through Fu Ling’s gaze. She didn’t even know how to respond. Embarrassment filled the air, and the hand encircling her waist unexpectedly loosened. Then, the hand intertwined with her fingers mysteriously disappeared. When she came to, Fu Ling had already released her from the embrace, stepping back two steps, consciously creating some space for her to breathe. Careful, sweet, and considerate. Just as she could understand Fu Ling’s thoughts, now Fu Ling could easily ascertain her own feelings. She longed for love, desired love, yet feared it in equal measure. Too passionate a love only made her feel overwhelmed. As she had mentioned, she needed time. Only time could gradually allow her to accept Fu Ling, to accept this precious love. But since she resolved to try, there was inevitably something to pay. While Fu Ling’s heart ached for her, why wouldn't hers for Fu Ling, too? Recalling how the foolish girl had shed so many tears for her tonight, crying until her eyes were swollen, made her feel inevitable discomfort. Now, watching the other stand a mere step away, staring with round eyes, she couldn’t help but feel an ache in her heart. Gazing at that face so beautiful and endearing, she couldn’t suppress the flutter in her heart and took a step forward, tenderly grasping the hand that trembled lightly within its pink sleeve. Fingers interlocked, intimate and lovely. Skin felt skin, warm and soft. Jiu Ying’s eyes curved into a smile, her brows smoothing entirely, and the icy demeanor she wore before others vanished, reverting to the gentle Senior Sister who adored Fu Ling. She glanced outside the window, catching sight of a bright crescent moon adorned with several twinkling stars, accentuating the night sky, making it appear more tranquil and beautiful. It was already late. But what of it? Tonight was the festival of lanterns Fu Ling had long anticipated, the festival where Jiu Ying hadn't kept her promise. She pressed her lips together, her voice filled with gentle joy, her gaze tender and affectionate like rippling water. With merely a look, Fu Ling’s heart and soul were swept away. "Do you want to visit the lantern festival?" Fu Ling was momentarily stunned by the words, unsure of their significance. The festival had concluded even before she had returned. She knitted her brows, puzzled. "The lantern festival?" Seeing her reaction, Jiu Ying felt a surge of joy, and without thinking, reached out to gently brush away the tear stains on Fu Ling’s cheek. "Yes, the lantern festival, you and I." Those simple seven words turned Fu Ling’s face crimson. She bit her lower lip, feeling the cool fingertips lingering on her cheek, and the sweetness swirled in her chest, flooding her heart. She couldn't help herself; she wanted to engage in something more intimate with her Senior Sister. She mustn’t think further, or else the love charm would surface again. She nodded, her breath slightly ragged, fearful of revealing the unspeakable desires in her heart. Hand in hand, they strolled out of the bamboo grove. Before long, they reached the city’s magpie bridge. The mandarin duck lantern Fu Ling had discarded lay quietly in the water, now ragged and worn by the wind. The long streets were littered with abandoned lanterns of every kind. Standing on the bridge, Jiu Ying channeled a burst of spirited energy from her palm, and as the wind blew, the energy fluttered along the road. In the next moment, a petite, exquisite lantern descended from the sky, landing firmly in Fu Ling’s hands. The lantern wasn’t adorned with mandarin ducks but with a name—Fu Ling. Unsurprisingly, the girl blushed again. A romantic gift from one’s beloved, even if merely an illusion, was enough to fill her heart with unending joy. As she held the lantern inscribed with her name, grinning foolishly, she raised her head to meet a gaze filled with smiles. Instantly, her heart raced wildly. "Jiang Girl said if you carve a name on a lantern, the heavens will bless that person with a life of joy." A beautiful hope, Jiu Ying's single desire in life. Fu Ling felt a stir in her heart and smiled sweetly, a soft, gentle smile. She lifted her gaze to the night sky, blinked, and conjured through her illusion a more beautiful and intricate lantern. This time, the lantern hung by Jiu Ying’s side. The inscribed words were two names. They flickered and flashed intermittently. Jiu Ying found them difficult to discern, but when she held the lantern, she saw it bore two names layered over one another, making them appear blurry. The top layer read ‘Jiu Ying’; the underlying, ‘Fu Ling’. Both names belonged to her. Two names overlapped, each flickering in turn. "Senior Sister is Fu Ling, and Senior Sister is also Jiu Ying. From the lantern's prayer, I hope the Fu Ling from past lives forgets all old pains, starting anew. I hope the Jiu Ying of this life receives heaven's protection, leading a life of peace, joy, health, and freedom." The voice by her ear was light, sweet. Every wish was genuine beyond measure. Unknowingly, the lantern in her hand became heavier. Looking at the girl in pink, Jiu Ying’s heart ached and softened. What merits did she possess to earn such sincere blessings? She gave Fu Ling one smile, to which Fu Ling returned two. Logic would suggest she was the elder, yet now, she had become the cherished one. She pressed her lips, a faint smile curling upwards. This moment was too beautiful, allowing her to drop all defenses, forget all pain, and her dragon horns emerged from her brow. When a Dragon Spirit in human form reveals its horns, it’s only before those with whom it shares a life bond. Only upon reaching such a degree of trust would they dare to reveal their most genuine, vulnerable aspect. Two golden dragon horns sprouted from her brow, encased in a faint golden glow, exuding majesty and imposing grandeur. These exuded an inherent righteousness unique to Dragon Spirits, unlike anything a demonic dragon could possess. Fu Ling found herself entranced, foolishly reaching out to touch them. Known for her love of beautiful things, the dragon horns captivated her. Her fingers halted midair as she regained composure, her cheeks reddening, withdrawing her hand hastily. Dragon horns, being precious to Dragon Spirits, would not allow just anyone to touch them. Desiring the horns was considered disrespectful to a Dragon Spirit. She clutched her lantern and took a step back, feeling a bit embarrassed. Mumbled half-heartedly, just as she was about to apologize, Jiu Ying grasped her hand, guiding her fingertips to gently touch those exquisite horns— "Revealing my horns was meant for you to see." "If you wish to touch them, why hesitate?" "You are different from all others. Everything of mine is yours if you desire— Including me." Fu Ling was utterly astounded, rendered speechless by Jiu Ying’s heartfelt words. What did Jiu Ying mean by showing the horns for her to see? What did she imply about giving everything of hers to Fu Ling? Could this mean her Senior Sister wished for a life bond? She dared not speculate, much less fantasize about forming a bond with a powerful Dragon Spirit like Jiu Ying. In her fluster, another soft voice graced the air, "When I first acquired this dragon body, it took some getting used to, yet these horns proved quite delightful. The things I adore, certainly you do, too. Tonight, just us two, they emerged on their own. Perhaps, they wish for your touch as well." Before the words even faded, Jiu Ying released her hold. And Fu Ling’s fingertips, too, fell upon the dragon horns. The sensation was one of comfort, akin to touching a cool jade stone; a simple touch was enough to make her reluctant to let go. Jiu Ying watched the fascination in Fu Ling’s eyes, yearning to offer these dragon horns to her if it were possible. She couldn’t restrain her gentle laughter, her tone soft and tender. "Do you like them?" How could she not adore something so beautiful? Fu Ling nodded, withdrawing her hand reluctantly. "I love them." Hearing these words, Jiu Ying’s gaze grew even softer, her lips parting to utter an astounding proposal— "Then, shall we form a bond?" Stunned, Fu Ling’s eyes widened in shock. A life bond? When had a Dragon Spirit ever proposed forming a life bond with a human? Forming a life bond meant losing one's freedom, a lifetime bound to obey the commands of the bond-holder. This was not the life Jiu Ying yearned for. Even if that bond-holder would be her own self. Fu Ling quickly calmed her mind, and without hesitation, she shook her head. "Senior Sister, you don't have to go to such lengths for me. I prayed to the heavens, hoping for a life of freedom for you. If this bond is made, won't that break my own promise?" "If you abandon your freedom just to ease my worries, wouldn't that make me the guilty one? I don’t want you to see my love as chains that bind you." Fu Ling, so perceptive. In this special moment, Jiu Ying proposed a life bond evidently to reassure her. How long does it take for someone to fall in love with oneself? No one knows. Jiu Ying didn’t know. The bond was meant to be her greatest gift to Fu Ling. Yet she overlooked that Fu Ling loves her and would never consent to a bond for this reason alone. Being refused was somewhat unexpected for her. Yet, this made her realize— Fu Ling’s love had long surpassed what she ever comprehended. Her lips parted slightly, brows knitting softly, as a soft, delicate body embraced her. In her ear, a series of heart-melting sweet words echoed— "Are you afraid I might grow weary, unable to wait until you love me back, and give up?" "I won't, such a thing won't happen. I’ve said it, I like you, Senior Sister. I will forever like you, and am willing to wait, even if it takes a lifetime." "In my heart, no one in this world can ever match you. Can you not trust me a bit more, and yourself too, please?" ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ The bond will happen, but not now. The weight of Fu Ling's love is intense, and Senior Sister is eager to reciprocate in some way, hence the proposal of the bond. But Fu Ling will not agree. Fu Ling respects Senior Sister and knows that she cherishes her freedom too much. There is no way she’d use her love to imprison her. 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