140 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass
Title: Rebirth as the Malicious Sister - Chapter 140 Fang Yuanqing had been recuperating for several days. Most of her injuries had healed, except for the one on her leg. The wrapped bandage on her calf was faintly stained with blood, making it a sight that evoked sympathy. Fu Ling cast a few concerned glances, her face a mix of anger and frustration. “The demonic hounds attacked deliberately, surely under someone’s command. Have you recently offended anyone from the demonic realm?” Fang Yuanqing thought for a moment, then shook her head. “I have no dealings with demonic creatures, so this is indeed suspicious.” That day, she had ventured out alone to search for Lin Yumiaomiao, without informing anyone of her whereabouts. The forest where she rested that night was secluded and unlikely to be found by just anyone unless— Someone had been following her ever since she left Qingzhu Sect. Pondering the possibilities brought no answers. Lost in thought, a voice snapped her back to reality. “With your leg injured like this, let’s go back together later.” “Aunt Feng also asked me to remind you to return to Yuchun Hall early.” Fu Ling sat down against a rock, her gaze lingering on the bloodied leg, filled with concern. She had known Fang Yuanqing for nearly a year. Their initial acquaintance wasn’t particularly warm, but after going through so much together, their bond had become as close as sisters. In their interactions, Fang Yuanqing always took care of her like an older sister, guiding her. Different from the doting of the sect’s senior sisters, this nurturing guidance gave her a unique feeling, akin to both friendship and family. Seeing Fang Yuanqing injured without reason, Fu Ling felt an overwhelming urge to rush into the demonic realm and cut those demonic hounds to pieces to relieve her anger. “If I find out who did this, I won’t let them off!” The girl was truly incensed, with a demeanor and gaze lacking her usual sweet innocence. Fang Yuanqing felt warmth surge within her at Fu Ling’s words and smiled softly. Being cared for genuinely feels heartwarming. “Aren’t you afraid of Jiu Ying seeing you so fierce?” In front of Jiu Ying, Fu Ling was always adorable and innocent. Even when dueling Si Qi, she never displayed such fierce intensity. Fang Yuanqing teased gently, unaware that Fu Ling cherished everyone she loved by her side—be it familial elders of the sect or her closest friends. Everyone was within her protective sphere. Just as she wouldn’t want harm to come to Jiu Ying, she equally wished for her friends and family to remain safe and sound. Hearing Fang Yuanqing’s words, Fu Ling’s expression softened slightly, although her voice still carried traces of resentment. “Whatever I do, my senior sister will support me.” This was the assurance Jiu Ying gave her, one she always remembered in her heart. As she recalled this, her face changed subtly, her tone suddenly turning pitiful as she finally revealed the purpose of her visit— “My senior sister has disappeared!” “I've been searching for her for several days but still have no news!” “I came here hoping you might know where she went, Sister Yuanqing.” After Lin Yumiaomiao's disappearance, was Jiu Ying missing too? Fang Yuanqing was surprised and, after meticulous consideration, confirmed that she hadn’t seen Jiu Ying since leaving the Spiritual Mansion. She furrowed her brows, hesitating briefly before speaking the truth. “Since we parted three months ago, I haven’t seen Jiu Ying.” An anticipated yet disappointing answer. Fu Ling's expression fell, and she hugged her knees tightly, heartbreak constricting her chest like she couldn’t breathe. After nearly three months apart, her yearning for Jiu Ying had reached its peak. She had thought she’d see her senior sister after leaving the Spiritual Mansion. Who would have thought such a large person could vanish, leaving no trace to be found? Her greatest fear was losing Jiu Ying, or worse, being abandoned by her. Because Jiu Ying’s soul didn’t originally belong to this time. Seized by an inexplicable sadness, her nose tingled, followed by reddened eyes. Before Fang Yuanqing could react, warm teardrops were already spilling from the young girl’s eyes— “My senior sister didn’t enter the Spiritual Mansion.” “She said she had something important to do and promised to wait for me to return.” “But now, I can’t find her.” “Aunt doesn’t know where she went, Xuanxiu Shushu doesn’t know, Chun Jian Shijie doesn’t know, nobody knows where she went.” “Does she no longer want me—” Like summer rain, Fu Ling’s tears came fast and intense. Her sobs were fragmented and filled with grievances. Listening to it pained Fang Yuanqing’s heart as well. It was as if she had returned to that day in the mortal realm and met the same Fu Ling who cried that her senior sister didn’t like her. Only this time, Fang Yuanqing didn’t know how to comfort this poor girl. The soft sound of weeping filled the air, tugging at her heartstrings. Fang Yuanqing couldn’t bear to see Fu Ling in such anguish. As she thought things over, she finally recalled a way to search for Jiu Ying. A pouch was laid on the rock beyond her reach, so she gently patted Fu Ling’s arm. “Don’t rush and cry, I have a way to find Jiu Ying.” “There’s a dragon scale in that bag. It was given to me when she saved you from the Underworld Fire Pond. Using it as a guide, we should be able to track her general direction.” The young girl, who had been crying her heart out, immediately stopped at the mention of a method to find her senior sister. Tears hung on her reddened lashes, looking both endearing and pitiful. Fang Yuanqing watched this scene and couldn’t help but sigh lightly. Such deep affection, such close bonds, how could she not be envious? Inexplicably, she recalled the blind little beauty who complimented her appearance the day before. Momentarily lost in thought, she felt a cool, metal scale being placed in her hand. She shook off her musings and refocused. Lifting a hand, she tossed the dragon scale into the air, chanting continuously. A gray butterfly was summoned, circling the scale diligently. The two watched anxiously, and as the butterfly slowly stopped, joy spread across their faces. With its brownish wings fluttering gently, the butterfly circled twice in the air before moving in the direction it came from. Fu Ling was about to follow when the gray butterfly unexpectedly returned, landing steadily on her shoulder. Fang Yuanqing watched this unexpected turn and furrowed her brows. “Jiu Ying is right here.” Fu Ling didn’t understand, thinking she might have heard wrong. “What?” “Your senior sister is with you.” After some repetition, the girl finally realized this wasn’t a joke. Recalling the unusual egg she had picked up in the Spiritual Mansion, she suddenly understood. The truth was so startling, she dared not speculate wildly. The surroundings were empty and silent. Without hesitation, she took out the dragon egg she had been carrying and recounted her experiences in the Spiritual Mansion. The cracks on the eggshell grew larger, a faint crumbling sound audible as it was placed on the ground. Fang Yuanqing’s eyes widened in disbelief. This enormous egg before them was, unmistakably, a dragon egg as described in ancient texts. The gray butterfly that had once perched on Fu Ling’s shoulder now gently landed on the egg. Only then were they convinced—Jiu Ying hadn’t disappeared. She had encountered a fortuitous opportunity and was undergoing metamorphosis within the Spiritual Mansion. Fang Yuanqing touched the pristine egg and immediately sensed a potent spirit within. The dragon inside was about to hatch. She withdrew her hand, peering through the cracks but saw only emptiness. At this moment, even she was astonished by the scene before her. After a long silence, she softly concluded— “This egg should be Jiu Ying.” Though Fu Ling had suspected this outcome, she still found it unbelievable. It’s known that a koi ascending to a dragon cannot equal the true celestial dragon. For Jiu Ying to transform within the dragon egg and re-enter the world signifies an extraordinary blessing. Yet, for some reason, she felt uneasy. Entering the Spiritual Mansion, acquiring a spirit beast, forming a contract— Everything was so seemingly perfect, and smooth to an unnerving degree. It felt as though someone had orchestrated every event, awaiting her and Jiu Ying to fall into place. Blessings and calamities often come intertwined. Blessing can be a trial, and trials a blessing. The reverse holds equally true. Jiu Ying was blessed with divine luck, undergoing metamorphosis, while she, through this convoluted journey, forged a bond with her. Is this bond a blessing or a trial? The cycle of destiny is beyond human comprehension. Regardless of the fate the heavens bestow, humans can only choose to endure. Fu Ling, being a Heavenly Practitioner, inherently had a deeper understanding of celestial contracts and fate. Despite her joy, there remained a trace of concern. Noticing her silence, and recalling her experiences in the Spiritual Mansion, Fang Yuanqing quickly advised, “Dragon eggs don’t hatch easily. It grew this swiftly thanks to the Kirin Beast’s help. Since it’s about to hatch, it’s best to nurture it by the Ice Lake to ensure it hatches smoothly.” Jiu Ying had subdued an ancient monster with great skill, and Fang Keyuan had promised her the permanent use of the Ice Lake. If necessary, why not make good use of it? Fu Ling pushed away her concerns, thinking only of Jiu Ying’s safe return to life. She carefully stored the dragon egg, then lifted Fang Yuanqing’s arm to help her stand, “I’ll take you back to Yuchun Hall before heading to Xuanming Sect.” She insisted on taking Fang Yuanqing along. Unfortunately, the person on the ground had no intention of going back so soon. Upon hearing the words, Fang Yuanqing showed a hint of embarrassment until Fu Ling withdrew her hand. Only then did she gently refuse the kind offer. “I still have some matters to attend to here. I’ll return once my leg is better in a few days.” “Tomorrow, just go to Ice Lake and make sure Jiu Ying settles in well. You don’t need to worry about me.” Fu Ling was surprised by this. Matters? This was Tianwu Cliff, above which was the Hehuan Sect. What matters could there possibly be? Looking down, she caught sight of the pink ribbon wrapped around Fang Yuanqing’s arm, used to bind her wound. It dawned on her— Fang Yuanqing was unwilling to leave, likely because there was someone here worth staying for, even while injured. And this someone was a woman. Breaking up a budding romance is said to bring bad luck. She withdrew her hand, her lips curving into a smile, one laced with mischief, as if teasing. “I understand.” “If you’re unwilling to leave, Sister Yuanqing, I won’t insist.” “It’s said that the female disciples of the Hehuan Sect are all strikingly beautiful; perhaps that’s not an exaggeration.” Her playful remark only made Fang Yuanqing shake her head, half in exasperation. “Don't say such things. That night, when I was attacked by the demonic hounds, it was her who saved me. I wouldn’t even be alive if it weren’t for her.” “Even if I were to leave, I should at least thank my savior before going.” The more she explained, the more it seemed she was trying to hide something. Is it really just to say goodbye that she refuses to leave? Fu Ling’s smile grew, pressing further with her questioning. “In that case, I’ll wait here with you for your savior to come. Once you’ve said your farewells, then we can leave.” “If that’s the case, will you, Sister, go, or not go?” The young girl’s sharp questioning left no room for pretense, compelling Fang Yuanqing to speak her true thoughts. Fang Yuanqing pressed her lips together, her gaze dropping slightly. After a long pause, she finally parted her lips, resolutely stating two words— “Not going.” In saying this, she fully admitted she stayed here for the refined young female cultivator. Fu Ling simply smiled and kept her silence. In the air around them, an unspoken sense of affection lingered. On the heights of the cliff, a girl dressed in black stood alone, quietly observing the pair below. Her eyes, clear as crystal, saw everything. When she heard the words “not going,” her heart fluttered uncontrollably. Not going? Was it for her? She dared not think too deeply, taking a soft breath. In just a moment, a blush spread across her ashen cheeks. --- Ugh, I hate finals. Thank you, dear angels, who have voted with king’s votes or nourished me with nutrient solutions from 2020-12-17 02:45:09 to 2020-12-18 13:12:08~ Thank you to the angel who threw a grenade: Loves hotpot most, 1 grenade; Thanks to the angels who threw landmines: Hmm, pick a crappy name, leaves don't stick, post-revolution cat spirit, 1 bomb each; Thanks to the angels who donated nutrient solutions: 4080237420 bottles; pick a crappy name, 41725551, I don’t understand, 10 bottles each; A-Tong doesn’t want to do homework, 7 bottles; 453668353 bottles; Hidden Form, 2 bottles; Thank you all so much for your support. I’ll continue to work hard!