144 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Chapter 144: The Daily Life of Being Reborn as the Malicious Senior Sister - GL Falling in love at first sight is love, but so is love that grows over time. Unbeknownst to them, something subtly shifted between Jiu Ying and Fu Ling. The issue of forming a bond was a cause for contention, because both were overly concerned about each other. Jiu Ying, wishing to overcome the barrier of emotions, decided to follow her heart. She sought to draw closer to Fu Ling, to cherish her, to indulge her. Even the formation of a bond in her eyes no longer merely symbolized control and submission; it had become a symbol of their relationship stepping closer. This was only possible because Fu Ling was the other her, a version of herself with a different fate. Since the moment they both existed in this world, no two people could share a connection as unbreakable as theirs. In this lifetime, she would only form a bond with Fu Ling, and could only form one with Fu Ling. These hidden thoughts remained buried in her heart, known to no one but herself. Fu Ling always assumed that since her senior sister had lived through a life of imprisonment in her past life, she would naturally resist being subjugated again, which led to her repeated refusals to form a bond. With the truth clarified, misunderstandings were resolved. Fingers interlocked, they slowly walked towards the lakeside. Two figures sat on a rock by the shore. The clear skies and gentle sunlight enclosed them in warmth, akin to layers of circles enveloping the two. Unconsciously, Fu Ling rested her head on the woman’s shoulder and quietly spoke about everything she had discovered since leaving the Spirit Residence— Si Qi was not dead, merely clinging to life, with Han Yan desperately seeking ways to extend his breath. Although Si Yi Guang, as the head of the Si family, did not favor his useless eldest son, upon learning of his ambush and pursuit by a golden dragon, he dispatched many to investigate the matter. As for why he acted, perhaps it was due to the bonds of marriage with Han Yan, or the ties of father and son with Si Qi; or maybe he simply sought the opportunity to find the powerful dragon spirit. In any case, Si Qi was unlikely to stir up much trouble anymore. Jiu Ying listened intently, her expression turning somber. She vividly remembered intentionally injuring Si Qi to the point of helplessness before summoning nine heavenly lightning bolts, ensuring he couldn’t escape. The power of purple lightning was not something an ordinary mortal body could withstand. To survive such an ordeal was no feat of mere luck. Si Qi must possess a treasure of unimaginable power, one even more formidable than the Dragon Slayer Blade; otherwise, it would be impossible for him to have survived. Despite living through two lifetimes, she couldn’t fathom what in this world could withstand nine consecutive strikes of purple lightning. She raised her gaze to the tranquil lake’s surface, yet her heart rippled with growing waves of unease. Before she could recover from the shock of Si Qi's survival, the girl revealed another jaw-dropping piece of news— Master Lu Qi of the Spirit Sword Sect had died in the Spirit Mountain Cave Residence. Thanks to Fu Ling’s hints, Zhong Yu Qiao and He Yu Hen finally found Lin Yu Miao. The brothers were still investigating Lu Qi’s death, but unfortunately, the corpse had been mangled by hyenas, making it impossible to identify the wound source. They now hoped that the medical cultivators of Yu Chun Hall could discern the poison that blinded Lu Qi. A being of immortal rank, fallen so absurdly. Jiu Ying’s brows knitted together more tightly. This life was already so different from the past she remembered. She drew back her gaze, glancing at the pink-dressed girl still speaking beside her, a flicker of worry gleaming in her eyes. Ping Tian was truly Han Yan’s beloved, still sealed in the Dark Fire Altar; Si Qi, too, was loved by Han Yan, currently on the brink of death. Losing both of her dearest people back-to-back, she wouldn’t easily resign herself. As Ping Tian’s lover, and bearing a child for him, her status within the demon clan wouldn’t be low. The day the Four Sects and Eight Clans entered the Spirit Residence, the demon clan hadn’t even found the cave entrance. How the demons infiltrated and killed Lu Qi might have something to do with her. She pressed her lips together, lowering her gaze, her eyelashes fluttering slightly as she quickly buried the anxiety from her eyes. In a mere three months, although much unrest occurred, there was still good news worth mentioning. Fu Ling smiled fondly, recalling the woman she met under Tianwu Cliff, her tone brightening— “Senior Sister might not know yet, but Sister Yuan Qing has found someone she likes.” Jiu Ying froze at the words, an elegant and refined face swiftly emerging in her mind. “Fang Gu Niang—” Typically composed and aloof, she now found herself curious upon hearing gossip about her friend. Wanting to ask but uncertain where to start, her words were simple and direct, “Who is it?” Fu Ling glanced up at the woman beside her, the smile on her face widening, “It’s a female cultivator from the He Huan Sect, whom I haven’t met yet. I only know that she saved Sister Yuan Qing from demon dogs, made her endure injury to stay at Tianwu Cliff with her, and willingly fetch Ice Spring Water to heal her eyes.” “If this isn’t love, then I don’t know what qualifies as love.” A careless remark caused Jiu Ying’s expression to subtly shift. So, this is what love feels like? No wonder so many in Qingzhu Sect assumed she and Fu Ling were in that sort of relationship, even to the point where Fu Ling herself later thought Jiu Ying had feelings for her. At the time, she hadn’t thought much of it, but in hindsight, it was easy to see how misunderstandings could arise. She averted her head, feeling an inexplicable warmth creeping across her cheeks, and after a brief silence, she quietly responded, “Fang Gu Niang has always been cautious, to think she would break rules for Ice Lake Water, it's indeed incredible.” Hearing this, Fu Ling’s smile deepened, “So, even Senior Sister agrees that this is what love is, right?” Though the question pertained to Fang Yuan Qing, it carried an implicit meaning with Fu Ling’s words. For a moment, Jiu Ying was at a loss on how to reply. If she affirmed, it seemed like admitting her kindness towards Fu Ling originated from love; if she denied, it felt like she was overcompensating. Pondering carefully, she finally offered a grave yet earnest answer, “In a few days, when I’m slightly recovered, we’ll visit her together and discover whether it’s truly love.” Before finishing her sentence, she rose from the stone. Seeing her leave, Fu Ling quickly followed. Walking side by side, their hands interlocked once more. Although no words were exchanged, the air seemed laced with a hint of tenderness. Lowering her head, Fu Ling couldn’t help but laugh silently to herself. Some people, no matter how many times you tease them, always have such adorable reactions. Her Senior Sister, though outwardly cold and indifferent, was truly the most gentle and emotional person under the sky. The pair enjoyed their time on the island until a letter from Fu Yue informed them of Fang Yuan Qing’s disappearance. Jiu Ying, after some time spent cultivating, had gained enough endurance to maintain her human form for short periods. Upon hearing of her friend’s disappearance, she deliberated no further and they immediately returned to Qingzhu Sect. Feng Su Qiu already awaited them there. As a mother, she naturally knew who her daughter was close to. Seeing Fu Ling appear, before a word was said, her tears began to flow. It turned out that on the day Fang Yuan Qing took the Ice Spring Water, she was supposed to return to Yu Chun Hall to pick up a scar removal ointment, but not only did she fail to return, she vanished entirely. Fu Ling was the last known person to see her. Including today, she had been missing for ten days. Over the years, mother and daughter depended on each other. Fang Yuan Qing always informed Feng Su Qiu before doing anything, but this time, she left without a word. The woman's sobs were stifled and heavy, wrenching the hearts of those who heard them. Fu Ling hadn't anticipated the dire turn of events and began to fret. Recalling her meeting with Fang Yuan Qing at the Ice Lake, she didn’t notice any peculiarity from her. “Tianwu Cliff? Could Sister Yuan Qing have gone to Tianwu Cliff?” Given current circumstances, it seemed the only possibility. Feng Su Qiu wasn’t aware of the demon dog attack nor her daughter’s entanglement with the He Huan Sect cultivator. Prompted by Fu Ling's insight, Feng Su Qiu quickly departed from Qingzhu Sect. Jiu Ying, unwilling to let her search alone, took Fu Ling along in pursuit. Yet, their efforts proved fruitless. The three circled the riverbank beneath the cliff, constantly searching without catching a glimpse of anyone. They found neither Fang Yuan Qing nor the female cultivator from He Huan Sect. Each hope dashed by disappointment. Not finding her daughter, Feng Su Qiu seemed to age instantly. The once gentle and poised woman was now weary and dull, her gaze devoid of any spark. Unable to locate Yuan Qing, they had no choice but to return. On the way back to Yu Chun Hall with Feng Su Qiu, both Jiu Ying and Fu Ling felt uneasy. At that disheartening moment, a small, colorful parrot suddenly flew down from the sky. Its red beak mumbled something indistinctly. Clearly, this little parrot was the one raised by Fang Yuan Qing. Seeing it appear, Feng Su Qiu’s eyes lit up immediately. She wiped her tears and slowly approached the parrot. As she drew near, she could finally discern the two words it uttered—the last ones she wanted to hear— "Father!" "Father!" Fang Yuan Qing's every encounter with her father, Fang Ke Yuan, must have been watched by this little parrot. Traumatised by witnessing its owner entombed alive, the bird, unable to comprehend due to its undeveloped spiritual sense, stayed around the burial site, endlessly crying out 'Father.' How bitterly ironic. The one who buried his daughter alive was her own father. Smelling the familiar scent of medicinal herbs, the parrot finally recognized the woman before it. It fluttered its wings and flew into her palms. All the while, its repeated cries didn’t cease. Parrots mimic what they’re taught. This bird continually called 'Father' because Fang Yuan Qing had said these words. Realization dawned on the three, and their expressions changed instantly. Particularly Feng Su Qiu—thinking her daughter's disappearance might be linked to Fang Ke Yuan—she was filled with anger and urgency. Though deceived and forsaken, she had never intended to linger on the past. Upon learning that Fang Ke Yuan already had a family, she chose to leave without hesitation, forever severing ties. Her eyes reddened, though her spirits seemed to lift slightly. Suppressing her sorrow, she gently stroked the parrot’s back with her fingertip until the small creature relaxed and quieted down. She kindly asked, "Where’s Qing Qing? Take us to her." The parrot understood human speech. Realizing its task, it flapped its wings and led the three of them in a particular direction. As they followed, the trail eventually led to Tai Yuan Peak, just a few miles from Yu Chun Hall. The mountain was high, its periphery overgrown with weeds, a place seldom visited. At the base of the mountain lay numerous tombstones, marking graves of Yu Chun Hall’s unfortunates who couldn’t be saved over the years. As Feng Su Qiu looked at the mounds of earth, her mind went blank. Had Fu Ling not caught her, she might have collapsed. The darkening hill, the cold tombstones—everything appeared particularly frightening. Despite it being daylight, the three felt an eerie chill slacken their hearts. Jiu Ying had remained silent, her gaze fixed on the parrot. Watching it circle in the air for a while before landing on a new grave, her pupils constricted abruptly. "Qing Qing!" "Qing Qing!" "Qing Qing!" The parrot bowed its head, pecking at the soil repeatedly, covering itself in dark mud with each attempt. Seeing this, Feng Su Qiu could no longer restrain days of built-up anxiety. Her legs gave out, and she passed out completely. Fu Ling stood by, eyes reddening. Only Jiu Ying appeared calm outwardly. The parrot kept pecking, and she had to verify if someone was indeed buried in that soil. She lifted her foot, intending to move, but was stopped in place by a hand grabbing her arm— “Senior Sister, I'm so scared.” With sobbing undertones, her voice was filled with fear. Turning back, Jiu Ying found herself meeting tear-reddened eyes. The five fingers gripping her arm trembled uncontrollably. Like Feng Su Qiu, Fu Ling was unable to face the potentially devastating truth awaiting them. Jiu Ying pressed her lips together, grasping Fu Ling's hand. Together, they moved slowly toward the grave. Nearing it only deepened their unease. Fang Ke Yuan was, after all, Fang Yuan Qing’s biological father. How could a father murder his own daughter? Fu Ling could neither believe nor accept, unwilling to suspect a father with such evil intentions until they confirmed who lay beneath the earth. Standing before the grave, Jiu Ying cast a glance back, her voice maintaining its usual coolness, yet her tone laced with worry. “Retrieve the coffin.” Hearing those words, Fu Ling's eyes reddened further. She bit her lip, hesitant to proceed. Until, once more, the parrot called 'Qing Qing,' prompting her into action. A cascade of spiritual energy flowed from her palms, threading through the soil’s gaps to reach below-ground, like several hands gently hauling a wooden coffin back to the surface. The coffin, black and covered in densely packed crimson runes, was pinned at its four corners with long needles, allowing no chance to open it from inside or out—clearly no ordinary coffin. Jiu Ying's expression darkened as she pulled Fu Ling behind her. After some hesitation, mustering her courage, she raised an arm to strike the coffin with her palm. The sound of splintering wood pierced the air bright and sharp. The four corners cracked, the lid tumbling to the ground. Standing close by, they both saw the scene inside the coffin. One glance was enough for Fu Ling to clasp her mouth, breaking into tears— Her sister Yuan Qing, entombed alive for ten days, now lay with eyes shut tight, her complexion a deathly cyan, and clearly long gone. Even Jiu Ying reddened her eyes looking at the person in the coffin. Once more, the parrot's voice echoed, calling out the word Fang Yuan Qing had yearned for the first half of her life— Father. Who killed her was painfully clear. Fu Ling’s heart felt crushed, both aching and tight. She was unable to believe her eyes, sobbing over the coffin for so long that her tears dried, her voice went hoarse, and only when she extended a hand to touch the cold, rigid flesh did she acknowledge Fang Yuan Qing’s death. Finally, she parted her lips, letting out a loud cry. Jiu Ying’s head spun. She couldn’t accept her friend's demise either. Looking back, Feng Su Qiu lay on the ground, unconscious. How could a lonely, pitiful mother face the truth that the man she once loved had killed her painstakingly raised daughter? She had no idea how to break this news to Feng Su Qiu. Memories flashed through her mind, from their first meeting up to every interaction with Fang Yuan Qing. How could someone so wonderful simply be gone? She opened her mouth, yet her throat felt dry, her eyes lifting to see the faintly cyan face again, causing her feet to step back involuntarily. Fu Ling, voiceless from crying, suddenly dashed out with reddened eyes. Fearing her impulsiveness might lead to something rash, Jiu Ying rushed to stop her. Brimming with youthful vigor, the young girl could only think of revenge, her previously gentle features now clouded with rage, even the usually smiling eyes darkened with a cold intent— “I’m going to kill Fang Ke Yuan!!!” The author has something to say: Sister Yuan Qing: I died, I’m faking it Scumbag dad meets a miserable end Guess how he’ll die Thanks to the angels who gave me power votes or watered my nutrient solution during 2020-12-2203:07:54~2020-12-2303:52:59~ Thanks to the little angels who threw landmines: 489344413 pieces; Duan Xian Ge 2 pieces; 46537617, Lemon Cake, Huang Tingting's official girlfriend 1 piece each; Thanks to the little angels who watered my nutrient solution: 4592170920 bottles; A Shen Shen Yang, Dear Wu Xuan Yi Little Darling, Tang Bai 10 bottles; I truly appreciate everyone's support, and I will continue to work hard!