128 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Title: Rebirth as the Malicious Senior Sister (Girls' Love) - Chapter 128 The people had been summoned by Jiu Ying ahead of time, unbeknownst to even Jiang Bei Qing. Upon seeing Jiang Huai De and Heng Lian arrive, Jiu Ying felt a surge of confidence and turned to glare fiercely at Si Yi Guang. Her anger wasn't solely because of her near capture; it also stemmed from the injustice Qin Shu Yu had suffered at the hands of the Si Jia. As the Si Jia’s influence grew more pronounced, not only did it command a lofty position among the Eight Clans, but it began showing signs of surpassing the Four Sects. Fang Ke Yuan couldn't possibly allow one sect to dominate. Thus, upon receiving Jiu Ying's message, he quickly alerted Jin Lin and the others, who hurried over. Only by deftly balancing powers could they ensure the Xuanyin Sect's preeminence remained unchallenged. At this moment, Qiao Xi Shuang was merely a pawn in the great sects' power struggle, like driftwood in a turbulent world. She stood behind Jiu Ying, looking at her beautiful, icy visage, and felt an inexplicable sense of attachment. The weak often harbor an admiration for the strong. Much like Fang Yuan Qing, upon first meeting Jiu Ying, once harbored a fleeting affection for this powerful yet aloof woman. Being enamored is a sweet feeling; those with weak willpower can easily become lost in such affection. Fang Yuan Qing’s inherent restraint and caution allowed her to awaken from this illusory crush. In terms of power, she was no match for Jiu Ying, and Fu Ling's presence reminded her that this sentiment would never be reciprocated. So, unhesitatingly, she chose to let go and return to their friendship. However, the same could not be said for Qiao Xi Shuang. In the Ghostly Fire Temple, it was Jiu Ying who rescued her from the clutches of the demon clan; now, again, it was Jiu Ying who took her from the Si Jia. Involuntarily, she placed all her remaining hopes in Jiu Ying. Despite being a recluse, Fang Yuan Qing’s backing from the Jade Spring Hall and the Fuyang Sect meant she never had to rely on others to live well. But Qiao Xi Shuang needed protection. And for her, Jiu Ying was that one perfect person in her heart. She couldn’t let go. With sect elders from the Four Sects stepping in, Si Yi Guang had no choice but to relent. As she stepped out of the Si Family’s gates, for the first time, color returned to Qiao Xi Shuang’s cheeks. Fang Ke Yuan and the others walked ahead, seemingly in discussion. Jiu Ying trailed behind, lips tightly pressed. Jiang Bei Qing turned to glance back, confusion etched across her brow. Qiao Xi Shuang possessed a rare Wandering Soul constitution. In the current world, aside from Fu Ling, only she could potentially rescue Pingtian. With Fu Ling being strong and Jiu Ying at her side, there was no fear of her being captured by the demon clan. But how about Qiao Xi Shuang? Though Si Yi Guang was not virtuous, it couldn’t be denied that he was the only one among the great clans capable of ensuring her safety. Why was Jiu Ying intent on taking her? Jiang Bei Qing didn’t understand. After hesitating for a while, curiosity got the better of her. She stealthily approached Jiu Ying, voicing her confusion. Not only she wanted answers, Qiao Xi Shuang was equally eager to know. The trio halted, instinctively forming a small cluster. Jiu Ying knew this matter couldn’t be hidden and had no intention of doing so. She raised her gaze slightly. Her eyes were ice-cold, her voice void of any warmth— "Someone from the Si Family intends to release Pingtian." With just that line, Jiang Bei Qing and Qiao Xi Shuang's expressions simultaneously shifted. Were the Si Family also colluding with the demon clan, just like the Tianshu Sect had suspected previously? Jiang Bei Qing found it hard to believe. She wanted to inquire further, but Jiu Ying shook her head at her, gesturing for silence. As Jiang Bei Qing retracted her gaze, she noticed Qiao Xi Shuang appeared pallid, seemingly terrified. Such a frail appearance naturally invoked compassion. Unable to let it be, Jiang Bei Qing gently consoled her, "Miss Qiao, you don’t need to be afraid anymore. The Four Sects and the Jiang Family will protect you." Hearing this, Qiao Xi Shuang blinked softly, appearing even more fragile. She nodded slightly, murmuring an acknowledgment, and then shyly looked toward Jiu Ying. Her eyes were full of yearning and expectation. Her plea was plain without a single word spoken. Jiu Ying, with downcast eyes, was deep in thought, oblivious to the mixed emotions in the other's gaze. Finally, it was Jiang Bei Qing who vocalized the pivotal question— "Miss Qiao, have you decided where you want to go? Both the Four Sects and the Jiang Family are willing to take care of you." Qiao Xi Shuang held her breath at this, pondering for a moment without responding, instead stepping closer to Jiu Ying, "What do you think, Jiu Ying?" Ultimately, she was too shy to outright request for Jiu Ying to take her along. But how could Jiu Ying discern her true intentions? Without hesitation, she provided her suggestion— "The Xuanyin Sect is indeed the best." As soon as the words were spoken, Qiao Xi Shuang’s face instantly turned pale, her hands trembling at her sides. It became clear Jiu Ying never intended to take her along. From beginning to end, she was just the overlooked, lonely girl of the Qiao Family. Though she wanted to say something, the bitterness in her throat overwhelmed her, making even breathing painful. Jiu Ying had saved her but withheld even the smallest kindness. The sting of abandonment was something she would never forget. It was as if, in her darkest moment, someone had offered her a ray of hope, only to plunge her back into darkness before she could grasp it. She averted her gaze, eyes tinged red. Jiang Bei Qing observed the trembling and assumed she was reluctant to go to Xuanyin Sect, thus offered further encouragement, "The Xuanyin Sect is the leader among the Four Sects, not weaker than the Si Family. Sect Leader Fang will surely protect you." "Gao Tian Lian and Fang Si Jian are good people too. If they knew you were at the Xuanyin Sect, they would undoubtedly look after you." "Don’t worry, many people care about you. Not just me, there's also Young Master Fang from the Fuyang Sect, and Young Master Lin from the Lingjian Sect; they all hold you in their thoughts." Despite the soothing words, Qiao Xi Shuang’s heart remained heavy with disappointment. She moved her lips to issue a quiet thanks but could say no more. Ahead, Fang Ke Yuan and the others had already moved a great distance, leaving only Jiang Huai De waiting. Knowing her father awaited her, Jiang Bei Qing hurriedly caught up. In a blink, it was just Jiu Ying and Qiao Xi Shuang remaining. The air suddenly grew silent, the atmosphere subtly solemn. To Jiu Ying, Qiao Xi Shuang evoked nothing but sympathy. She had already said what needed and could be said back at the Jade Spring Hall. Beyond that, she could do nothing more. Turning to face the girl behind her, the chill around her subsided a little, but before she could speak, a soft voice rang in her ear, momentarily halting her— "Miss Jiu Ying, I don’t want to go to Xuanyin Sect. Would you take me with you? I'll give you all the Qiao family assets." A heart-wrenching plea, touching in its vulnerability. Jiu Ying pursed her lips, her brow involuntarily furrowing. It was only then she realized Qiao Xi Shuang wished to stay by her side. But how could that be possible? The Qingzhu Sect couldn't shield Qiao Xi Shuang, nor could she guard her every moment. The Xuanyin Sect was the best place for Qiao Xi Shuang; this was an undeniable fact. She shook her head, her face cool, and her tone icy as she spoke, "This isn't about the assets; I simply can’t ensure your safety." "In this world, only you and Fu Ling can rescue Pingtian. With my strength alone, I can only ensure that Fu Ling isn’t captured by the demon clan." "At Xuanyin Sect, Sect Leader Fang will certainly protect you. At the least, he won't let the Ghostly Fire Temple incident repeat." Her analysis calm and reasoned, each word made sense. Yet Qiao Xi Shuang heard none of it. The only thing that registered was ‘Fu Ling.’ Why did it have to be her family, and not Fu Ling, who fell victim to the demon clan? Even now, when she just wanted to stay with Jiu Ying, Fu Ling’s existence stood in her way once again. If it had been Fu Ling instead of her held in the Ghostly Fire Temple, she’d still be the revered fifth lady of the Qiao family, high and mighty. Not like now, living a life at the mercy of others. Thinking of the charming, radiant girl she had seen in pink at the bamboo forest, a complex mix of envy, resentment, and jealousy stirred within her. The destruction of the Qiao clan had nothing to do with Fu Ling, she knew. Her real gripe should be with the one who leaked their secrets to the demon clan. Still, she couldn’t help but pin her misfortunes on Fu Ling. They were the only two in the world who could save Pingtian. One suffered, while the other lived carefree. Why was it so? She couldn’t comprehend. Entrapped in her thoughts, she became enveloped in a cold sweat. Only Jiu Ying's voice pulled her back to reality. No one knew the full extent of what she felt on the inside. "Miss Qiao, Sect Leader Fang is waiting for you to go ahead." With everything stated clearly, the refusal was evident. She moved her lips, fingers grasping her sleeve tightly, as if trying to channel away the hateful emotions. "I understand." "I will remain in the Xuanyin Sect." "Regardless, thank you for getting me out of the Si Family." As her emotions settled, her complexion returned to normal. She lifted her head to look at the woman in white before her, her eyes revealing nothing. This reaction gave no indication that anything was amiss. Jiu Ying nodded, her expression softening. Remembering Qiao Xi Shuang’s Wandering Soul constitution, she retrieved three yellow talismans from her waist and offered them to her, saying, "These are message talismans imbued with my spirit energy. If you ever find yourself in urgent trouble, tear one and I’ll know you’re in danger." Such caring words deepened the sense of fond attachment. A gust of wind rustled by, causing the talisman papers to flutter gently. Qiao Xi Shuang lowered her gaze; her expression shifted slightly before she extended her hand to accept the talismans after a long pause. "Thank you." Her voice was soft and fragile. Recalling her own past, Jiu Ying’s heart couldn’t help but be touched. Her red lips slightly parted as she offered another word of encouragement, "Miss Jiang wasn’t wrong; many people still care about you." "When Young Master Lin returns from his travels, I’ll accompany him to the Xuanyin Sect to visit you." Qiao Xi Shuang carefully tucked away the talismans, then looked up again, a subtle smile gracing her lips. "Alright." Seeing her improved demeanor, Jiu Ying finally felt some relief. The two resumed walking forward. Fang Ke Yuan awaited not far ahead, ready to take Qiao Xi Shuang away. The atmosphere was calm and serene. As the moment of parting approached, Qiao Xi Shuang spoke again, asking the question she had hesitated to ask— "You mentioned someone from the Si Family might release the dragon demon. Could you tell me that person’s name, Jiu Ying? If I knew who they were, I’d be better prepared." It was a perfectly reasonable request. Jiu Ying thought for a moment before nodding and uttering two words— "Si Qi." ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ If Lin Yu Miao hadn't fainted and had been the one to take Qiao Xi Shuang away, perhaps things might have been different. A heartfelt thanks to all the dear readers who have voted or supported with nutrient solutions between 2020-12-07 01:38:54 and 2020-12-07 18:47:44~! 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