124 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

--- Although she didn't want Jiu Ying to have any further entanglements with Yuan Xi Shuang, before she left, Fu Ling still relayed her request. The young girl had finally established a relationship with her beloved, so encountering such a request filled her with frustration. Perhaps recognizing the dissatisfaction in her tone, Jiu Ying, after considering it, did not accept the invitation. Instead, she led Fu Ling to the backyard. In the open space at the center, He Yu Hen was practicing swords, while Gao Tian Lian and Fang Si Jian watched from the side. Seeing Fu Ling approaching, Fang Si Jian couldn't help but lift his head, a fervent glint instantly sparking in his eyes. Such an ambitious gaze inevitably recalled his astonishing yet immensely confident and firm declaration— "Kill Ping Tian, unify the three clans, and then one can become the master of the world." Fu Ling dared not dwell on it further. She hurriedly clasped Jiu Ying's arm and dashed into the kitchen in a few steps. Qin Shu Yu was absent, leaving only Jiang Bei Qing at the stove. As they approached, they realized that this young lady, who had never soiled her dainty fingers, was now gently fanning the stove fire. She was actually learning how to control the heat, which was indeed surprising. Fu Ling softly called, and only then did Jiang Bei Qing realize someone had come. She set aside the fan, a hint of awkwardness on her face. Being the proud and arrogant star of the heavens, it wasn't until she met Qin Shu Yu that she began to try doing things she'd never done before. She untied her rolled-up sleeves, and as she got up, she accidentally brushed the stove ash with her hands, staining the back of her hand black. Qin Shu Yu happened to enter with a basket of vegetables at that moment. As if accustomed to such scenes, after putting down the vegetables, she naturally took out her handkerchief from her waist and gently held Jiang Bei Qing's hand, lowering her head to meticulously wipe off the black ash. “Didn’t I tell you to wait for me to come back and teach you how to start a fire?” “Look at your hands. Instead of taking care of them, you insist on learning these menial tasks from me.” “Among the ladies of the Eight Clans, you have the best cultivating talent. If they knew you were here at the stove every day, who knows how they would laugh at you.” Though her words were of reproach, they sounded more like a gentle chide. Qin Shu Yu's lowered gaze and her serene and gentle demeanor made her seem like an elder sister tenderly reprimanding a younger one. Jiang Bei Qing, having been scolded, didn’t appear angry at all, with even the corners of her lips subtly lifting, “Which of them dares say anything to me?” “Even if they do, I am not afraid.” “I will do what I love, and they cannot interfere.” Her tone remained carefree and nonchalant, her words laced with an unyielding arrogance. Qin Shu Yu chuckled at her response, and when she looked up again, a smile was already dancing on her lips. Releasing her hold, she meticulously folded the handkerchief, then led Jiang Bei Qing over to Jiu Ying and Fu Ling, “You ladies should chat first.” As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Shu Yu turned and left the kitchen, thoughtfully closing the door as she exited. Truly, she was a woman of remarkable intelligence and keen insight. *** Yuan Xi Shuang had been captured by the demons because of her unique constitution, which could help rescue Ping Tian. As for the specifics of her extraordinary constitution, she didn’t fully understand it herself. Her desire to find Jiu Ying was likely to discuss this matter. Jiang Bei Qing had already decided to help investigate the matter. Anything Yuan Xi Shuang wanted to convey could be communicated to her as well. Jiu Ying nodded towards them; Jiang Bei Qing quickly understood her intention. When the three emerged from the kitchen, Qin Shu Yu was crouched by a small stream nearby, washing a handkerchief. Jiang Bei Qing intended to go find Yuan Xi Shuang immediately, but seeing Qin Shu Yu’s slender back, her legs refused to move, “I’ll find Miss Yuan later.” “If you’re in a hurry, you can go ahead; I’ll return in three days with Mr. Fang and the others.” Before Jiu Ying could respond, she had already started walking into the depths of the bamboo forest. Three days—the time left in the human realm was only three days. No wonder she didn’t want to leave Qin Shu Yu’s side for even a moment. The cultivation world was becoming increasingly turbulent. After this separation, who knew when they would meet again? Fu Ling understood the closeness of their relationship and also detected the hint of sorrow in Jiang Bei Qing’s words, causing her to sigh inexplicably. Born in chaotic times, many things become beyond one’s control. If not for the disruptions caused by the broken valley seals, the exposure of the demon clans, Qin Shu Yu wouldn’t have been forced to marry into the Si family, nor would she have to live a life unable to return home, forever remaining in an unknown corner of the human world. While Jiang Bei Qing could stay to accompany Qin Shu Yu longer, such a simple wish had become a luxury. Too many responsibilities awaited her. Being the future successor of the Tian Gua Sect, neither the sect nor the Jiang family would allow her to squander time here. Fu Ling withdrew her gaze from the pair, her face showing traces of concern. Her low spirits were quite evident. After bidding farewell to everyone, Jiu Ying finally held Fu Ling’s hand and led her away. In a secluded place, with no third person in sight. Only after they walked out of the bamboo forest, Jiu Ying slightly turned her head, and with a glance at the girl by her side, asked softly, “Why did you sigh earlier?” Fu Ling pursed her lips, unsure of how to respond. She couldn’t deny, Fang Si Jian's ambitious words had left an impression on her. She longed to preserve the peaceful, beautiful world she remembered, but in reality, she felt powerless. At least for now, she couldn’t compare to her father, Fu Xi. She shook her head, her voice filled with sorrow, “I just think that father is truly amazing.” Jiu Ying was puzzled, her two delicate eyebrows knitted together, “What?” “My father is capable and wise, always knowing what he should and shouldn’t do. But me, though I have the talent and cultivation, I feel like I can do nothing.” Fu Ling lowered her head, an unexpected hint of shame in her tone. Her words were vague but clear enough— She was blaming herself for not doing enough, not doing well enough. But how could it be her fault? Jiu Ying's fingers twitched lightly, gripping the hand in her palm even tighter. This time, she didn’t console Fu Ling and instead followed up on her previous thought, “So, what do you want to do?” The girl was stunned by the question and couldn’t immediately answer. After a moment of silence, she finally loosened her lips, quietly responding, “I just wish for everyone to be okay.” What a lavish wish. No wonder this foolish girl felt that she could accomplish nothing. Jiu Ying managed a wry smile. Even if she were to think about how to achieve such an almost impossible goal, she too would be clueless. Fu Ling was kind-hearted, pure, and upright— a rare and precious jewel in this world. The air fell silent abruptly. For a moment, Jiu Ying wasn’t sure what to say. Her heart was small, only large enough to hold Fu Ling and her loved ones. But Fu Ling's heart was not. It was large and encompassing. She cared about every innocent, unprotected creature in the world— Like the little charm snake she rescued from the Si family that day; or like Qin Shu Yu, who could not control her fate and was forced to marry Si Xiao. Just like the thirty villagers who met a tragic end in Dongshan Prefecture, the misfortunes of the weak always tugged at her compassionate heart. It was a benevolent empathy for the world, rare and precious. Jiu Ying gazed at the fair, pretty face before her, her heart inexplicably softening. It was an indescribable feeling, and she suddenly wanted to hug Fu Ling. As she thought, so she acted. She loosened her grip, her arms slightly opening, her eyes filled with endless tenderness and helpless love— "Come here." Fu Ling was momentarily stunned, but seeing the older woman motion her over, she finally reacted, immediately diving into that warm, soft embrace. Her waist was held tightly, a hand caressing her head. Every motion was filled with deep care and affection. “To protect everyone is nearly impossible, but since it’s what you want, I will do my utmost to help you.” “Whatever you want to do, just go ahead as long as you remember one thing—no matter what happens, I will always be by your side.” A promise, both encouragement and support. Fu Ling listened quietly, her heart pounding rapidly. She opened her lips, tentatively asking, “If I wanted to unify the three clans, would you help me too?” Unify the three clans? Hearing those words, Jiu Ying was rendered breathless. Having lived two lives, she had never imagined this possibility. In all history, no one had ever become the leader of the human, demon, and monster clans simultaneously. But just because it hadn't happened before didn’t mean it never could. She pressed her lips together, and seeing the younger girl gazing up at her, she nodded, solemnly giving her answer— “I will.” *** This time, she brought Fu Ling away early to help find Lin Yu Miao's left-handed sword manual. Previously, Si Qi had gained power and, with the collaboration of the demon dragon, completely controlled the cultivation world. He not only secretly killed the originally designated heirs of the four sects but also executed everyone who disobeyed his orders. After Lin Yu Miao’s death, he massacred many disciples of the Sword Sect, eventually passing the leadership of Lingjian Sect to someone who wasn’t even a sword cultivator from an external sect. Jiu Ying remembered clearly; it was during this time that a one-armed swordsman approached Xuanming Sect, issuing a challenge to Si Qi in front of everyone. And the sword style used by this swordsman was none other than the unique left-handed swordsmanship in all the world. Jiu Ying had witnessed the duel too; although the swordsman had only one left hand, he managed to fight Si Qi to a standstill on his own. Had it not been for the intervention of Yun Tian behind the scenes, it was uncertain who would have met their end. At that time, she was already at the immortal level, the same as Si Qi. Regarding cultivation, the one-armed swordsman couldn't truly compare to Si Qi. What made him formidable was his left-handed swordsmanship. Unfortunately, he still perished in the duel. It wasn't until then that Jiu Ying learned his name from others: Zhong Yu. The disciples Lin Yu Miao, Zhong Yu Qiao, and He Yu Hen from the Lingjian Sect all had the character ‘Yu’ in their names derived from Zhong Yu's name, a homage to him. Zhong Yu, the sword fanatic and the 32nd sect leader of the Lingjian Sect, due to his obsession with perfecting his swordsmanship, lost his reason and severed his own arm while practicing, leaving the sect to disappear without a trace. Zhong Yu was the master of Lu Qi, the current sect leader of Lingjian, which meant Lin Yu Miao had to call him grandmaster in terms of seniority. Fu Ling listened intently and soon followed Jiu Ying out of the human realm. The two rode the wind southward, eventually arriving at a desolate sandy land. After Zhong Yu’s death, Si Qi, intending to acquire the left-handed sword manual, had people locate where Zhong Yu had lived, at the depths of this desert. Unfortunately, even after digging extensively, he found nothing. Endless yellow sand stretched before them, and with a gust of wind, it was almost impossible to see the path ahead. Fu Ling grasped Jiu Ying's hand tightly, subtly leaning closer, "Senior Sister, since we are here to seek the sword manual, wouldn't it be more sincere for Brother Lin to come personally?" The girl who once needed others to request her lessons in illusion arts now understood the importance of proper etiquette in seeking favors. Jiu Ying smiled gently, her beautiful eyes rising slightly, with starlight seemingly rippling within them. Even amidst the swirling sand and dust, Fu Ling could clearly see. A mere glance ensnared her heart. She quickly turned her head, daring not to look longer. Just as she withdrew her gaze, a low female voice resonated beside her ear, instantly making her blush. "Master Lin came here yesterday." She had forgotten—anything she could think of, her senior sister would naturally know it too. As the two were about to advance into the desert, they saw Lin Yu Miao being shooed away from a spring by an elderly, one-armed man wielding a broom. The man, with unkempt white hair almost tangled into his beard, clad in tattered long robes with a large hole at the chest and only half a sleeve—surely, this was the legendary Zhong Yu who once faced Si Qi alone. Though Lin Yu Miao grew up in the Lingjian Sect, he had never seen Zhong Yu and didn't realize the elderly, one-armed man before him was his grandmaster. From yesterday until now, no matter how much he pleaded, all he received was dismissal. Just like now, standing his ground, even as the old man beat him with the broom, he didn't fight back. The bamboo broom stung sharply upon impact. Having gone a whole day without food or drink and now being beaten, Lin Yu Miao's body, which had finally healed, started to falter. Seeing the broom about to strike his face, he instinctively shifted slightly, using his back to shield himself. Witnessing this, Zhong Yu mocked coldly, "Can't endure this mere hardship, and you still want to learn the left-handed swordsmanship?!" Lin Yu Miao’s face turned pale, his expression shifting. He wanted to retort, yet couldn’t find the words. Though his lips moved, in the end, he sealed them tight, offering no defense. Seeing him remain silent, Zhong Yu picked up the broom again, striking hard on Lin Yu Miao's back. Though it was just bamboo, the blow forced Lin Yu Miao to stagger back two steps. By the time Jiu Ying and Fu Ling arrived, they witnessed Lin Yu Miao about to collapse. Fu Ling, knowing of Lin Yu Miao’s past sacrifice for Jiu Ying, felt a growing closeness towards him. Seeing Zhong Yu raise his hand to strike him again, she thoughtlessly drew her staff from her back, leaping forward to firmly support Lin Yu Miao. The bamboo fell, only to be shattered by the raised staff. In an instant, the air was filled with fragments of bamboo. Horrified by the sight of his beloved broom destroyed, Zhong Yu's anger flared. He raised his head, a glint of viciousness appearing in his gaze. "You unruly girl, let’s see how I’ll teach you a lesson today!" As soon as the words fell, he shouted at Lin Yu Miao, "Boy, bring me your sword!" He intended to use the Lingxu Sword against Fu Ling! What sheer folly! Lin Yu Miao held his sword tightly, not intending to lend it. Unfortunately, this matter was beyond his control. With profound mastery of the sword way, Zhong Yu could almost wield any sword on earth. He raised his left arm, chanting an incantation, and the Lingxu Sword flew from its sheath towards him. Seeing this, Fu Ling sneered, tossing her staff to the ground, and with a subtle motion of her lips, she redirected the Lingxu Sword, making it hover before her, "Don't come over!" "Have you forgotten who your master is?!" "Lin Yu Miao is your true master, and you just stood by, watching him get beaten?!" "What a waste!" As her words ended, the Lingxu Sword shifted, pointing its blade towards Zhong Yu. But it didn’t move; it awaited an order. Fu Ling turned to Lin Yu Miao, seeing he was silent, and then firmly gripped the long sword. She stepped forward, her gaze unwavering on the old man, showing no fear, "How about a duel with me?" --- Regrettably, I couldn’t finish the second update today, so I’ll continue tomorrow. Thank you to all the lovely readers who sent me support through votes or nutrient fluids from 2020-12-03 23:57:36 to 2020-12-04 23:58:48~ Thank you to the angel who cast a grenade: 小P, 1 time; Thank you to the angels who cast landmines: 沐青木, 5 times; 阿故里嚓擦、恰好、吾為若德, 1 time each; Thank you to the angels who poured in nutrient fluids: Samantha, 65 bottles; 沨梓, 60 bottles; 恰好、千墨非情, 50 bottles each; 不想取名字, 20 bottles; 好運連連, 15 bottles; 天風且挽你, 12 bottles; 阿北、浪里小白豬, 10 bottles each; 端午, 6 bottles; 小瓜子, 5 bottles; 至尊紅顏, 3 bottles; 病毒侵透、樂正家的打工仔, 1 bottle each; I greatly appreciate your support, and I will keep working hard!