153 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Chapter 153: The Day-to-Day Life of Reincarnating as a Malevolent Senior Sister (GL) Jiu Ying hadn't yet regained her full strength, and her spiritual energy was insufficient. It wasn't easy to combat the fox demon in her human form. In such a situation, only by revealing her dragon form could she truly intimidate the opponent. A thin mist rose abruptly, enveloping the platform from top to bottom. Her lips pressed tightly together, and with each step she took, the dragon aura surrounding her intensified. The righteous spirit of the dragon was inherently designed to suppress demons. The fox demon's cultivation was not yet complete, and the demon aura within it was utterly unable to withstand the overwhelming and terrifying dragon aura. Within moments, the six fluffy white tails of the fox involuntarily emerged, and its pointed fox ears began to tremble uncontrollably, leaving its body utterly immobilized by the oppressive force. "Y-you're a dragon?!" Rumors had long circulated in the demon world about a dragon spirit hidden among humans. The female demon never expected such misfortune. She had taken an interest in a young lady who met her aesthetic preferences, only to find out that the girl was tied to a dragon spirit. Had she known earlier, not even a hundred daring spirits would have prompted her to dare to approach. A fierce killing intent emanated from the center of the platform. Jiu Ying's face was as cold as frost, her serene eyes looking at the trembling fox demon as if she were gazing at something already lifeless. Clad in white, she was ethereal and out of this world, her features breathtakingly beautiful, yet her heart was as ruthless as could be. "You think I'm unworthy of her?" "You want her to follow you?" "Is that so?" Jiu Ying sneered, her eyes gradually filling with a murderous intent. Seeing the dragon spirit just a step away, the female demon finally mustered all her strength to break free from the confines. In her panic, she took two steps back, quickly increasing the distance between them. "Just now, I spoke out of turn, and it's only right for you to be angry." "Would you be willing to make a deal with me? I'll tell you a secret concerning life and death. In exchange, could you spare my life?" Jiu Ying's expression remained icy, assuming the fox demon's words were mere fabrications to save her own skin, and she paid them no mind. She continued to advance, showing no sign of relenting. The fox demon had no retreat, cold sweat beginning to form on her forehead, and the face that was once alluring now turned pale with fear. Her heart tightened upon seeing the white-robed woman in front of her, and it wasn't until the opponent’s sleeve fluttered gently in the wind that she hurriedly opened her mouth— "The Four Elders of the Demon Clan are seeking the dragon spirit!" "They want to kill you!" Jiu Ying halted at the words, finally revealing a different expression. That day, she had summoned heavenly lightning to strike down Si Qi. Although it hadn't gone as planned, it had severely injured him, leaving him barely clinging to life. Han Yan was still searching for a way to prolong his life. Cultivators could summon heavenly lightning but not the celestial violet thunder. The Four Elders sought her out merely to avenge Si Qi. This information was worthless to her. She pursed her lips, clearly observing the fear in the fox demon's eyes, her gaze growing colder. "Since that's the case, I can't let you live." Only then did the fox demon suddenly realize—compared to the Four Elders wanting to kill the dragon spirit, the identity of the dragon spirit was the true secret. Her heart pounded violently, her two fox ears perked high, and her six tails coiled together, trembling frantically as she considered how she might survive. Jiu Ying was not as soft-hearted as Fu Ling. This she-demon had first used words to flirt with Fu Ling and, after discovering their relationship, repeatedly made provocative remarks, mocking Jiu Ying for lacking the power to protect the woman she loved. If Jiu Ying didn't retaliate, the demon might still try to abduct Fu Ling. Raising her right hand from her sleeve, her five fingers stretched out, morphing into the shape of a dragon's claw, ready to strike the fox. She wasn't an ordinary dragon spirit; this blow could kill or seriously injure the small demon. The air felt frozen and terrifying. The fox demon’s heart pounded wildly as if iron chains were binding her limbs tightly, unable to move an inch. Though aware of dragon spirits’ natural oppression over demonic creatures, she hadn't expected it to be this powerful. A single dragon aura had rendered her completely defenseless. The reason was simple—the being before her was no mere mortal dragon spirit but the divine azure dragon born in the sacred mountain's cavern. Overwhelmed by the oppressive force, the fox demon’s legs buckled involuntarily, revealing her true form. Jiu Ying glanced down and saw a small, trembling six-tailed white fox shrinking at her feet. She pursed her lips, her demeanor unchanging, her gaze untouched. The fox demon shook with fear, its narrow eyes wide with terror, as big as copper bells. The dragon claw hung in the air, just about to descend, causing the fox to close its eyes in resignation. She braced herself for the end. Yet, the anticipated blow didn't come—the sensation was instead a cold yet gentle hand. Before she could react, a grip on her neck lifted her, and the next moment, her entire body dangled in the air. The six fluffy tails swung in the air, curled slightly at the end, appearing rather pitiable. Jiu Ying raised her right hand again, lifting the fox to her eye level, her expression still icy. With a grip firm enough to crush, her five fingers closed around the fox’s neck. Reaching out her left hand, her voice was cold, "Give me the fox tail." For a nine-tailed fox, each tail represented a life. Sacrificing a tail signified loyalty and allegiance. The meaning was unmistakably clear. Never had the fox demon been coerced like this. Seizing upon Jiu Ying’s moment of laxity, it turned and bit down on the pale back of her hand. Fiery temperament. Jiu Ying reacted swiftly, thrusting her left hand forward to grip the fox demon's maw tight. It couldn't bite, let alone make a sound. "If you don't want to die, give me the fox tail." Another chillingly stern threat. The fox demon's eyes reddened, fiercely glaring at the woman before her. Resentment was futile. Reluctance was futile. The grip on her neck tightened further, making each breath more strained. The suffocating pain in her throat and nose was intolerable, and she struggled desperately, her tails thrashing. Jiu Ying continued to watch coldly, her face impassive. As death loomed nearer, the fox finally succumbed. Gritting its teeth, it swung its tails forward, biting heavily into the shortest one. Jiu Ying loosened her grip, and the small creature quickly scurried away, now with only five tails remaining. The fox licked the severed tail, as if reluctant, before finally laying it at Jiu Ying's feet. "Xin Tao swears by this severed tail to pledge eternal allegiance to you! I will never reveal your secret as a dragon spirit!" Though coerced, the vow seemed sincere. Jiu Ying glanced at the tail on the ground, then at the fox cowering in the corner, remaining silent as the coldness on her face slightly dissipated. The mist on the platform slowly dispersed, and Fu Ling was still waiting below. She looked up just in time to see a white fox with five large tails descend from above, and Jiu Ying reappeared before the crowd. "Sister!" The young girl, filled with worry, rushed over at the sight of her beloved. Recalling how Fu Ling was flirted with, Jiu Ying's face retained its iciness. The white fox, lucky to escape with its life, cowered at a safe distance. Before Fu Ling could ask what had occurred on the platform, a firm requirement rang in her ear. "Aside from Miss Fang, you are not to address anyone else as 'sister' from now on." Jiu Ying was unacquainted with love and had never witnessed female-female affection in her previous life. Until today, she, like Fu Ling, considered terms like "sister" and "brother" to be simple expressions of friendship. The fox demon calling Fu Ling 'sister' and enticing her to address it as 'sister' felt undeniably flirtatious, as if seducing her. The very thought of Fu Ling calling other women that way stirred inexplicable displeasure within her. Jealousy was evident, clearly visible to Fu Ling. A brief moment passed before Fu Ling fully understood. Realizing it, her lips curled into a shy, joyful smile. Chun Xi once told her that beyond the physical desires, a psychological sense of possessiveness could equally demonstrate the depth of one's affection for another. She lifted her head, blinking her eyes with a pure, sweet smile directed at her senior sister. After a brief silence, she shook her head and softly whispered two words: "I won't." Jiu Ying's expression turned cold instantly, her eyelids slightly drooping, revealing a hint of displeasure. Before she could express her dissatisfaction, the girl leaned forward slightly, gently holding Jiu Ying's arm, and whispered softly in her ear— "Jiu Ying jie-jie~" The difference between "senior sister" and "sister" may seem inconsequential at first glance. However, both knew full well what this "sister" implied. A subtle flutter stirred inside Jiu Ying, her heart racing a little faster. She turned her head away, her ear tinged faintly pink from the warm breath of Fu Ling's words. "Could Sister also call Lingling 'little sister'?" The audacity of it, using the flirtatious tactics learned from the fox demon on her own senior sister. Jiu Ying's outward calm belied the turmoil within. She relaxed her lips, gazing down at the girl in her arms who wore a face full of mirth, softly scolding her: "Don't be ridiculous." Though her tone was gentle, lacking any harshness. Even without hearing the words she hoped for, Fu Ling felt utterly gratified. She understood that when it came to matters of the heart, Jiu Ying's reserve far exceeded her own. After this incident, neither had the heart to continue watching the matches. Standing there for a moment, they eventually left together hand in hand. The fox, having provoked Jiu Ying and now terrified, dared only to trail behind them from a distance, never daring to resume its human form. Only when they arrived at an inn did Fu Ling notice its presence. "Senior sister, is that... that just now—" Out of fear of upsetting her beloved, Fu Ling's words stumbled and stuttered when addressing the matter. Jiu Ying turned to glance at the nearby white fox, nodding slightly. Losing a tail was no small injury. The city of Guixi was rife with complex powers, a misstep could invite trouble, and who Ning Wanqiu was remained unknown—but the fox seemed knowledgeable of many things, making it somewhat useful to keep nearby. After a brief consideration, she retrieved a bottle of ointment from her storage stone and tossed it toward the fox. After all, she never truly intended to kill it. Without permission, Xin Tao dared not transform into human form, leaping gracefully to catch the bottle in her mouth with precision. When she dropped the porcelain bottle onto the ground, she noticed a small lily etched onto its surface— It was medicine from Yu Chun Hall. She was surprised at Jiu Ying's generosity, offering such fine medicine to her. In a moment of distraction, the two figures ahead entered the inn. The white fox remained, and after a short pause, picked up the medicine bottle again, disappearing over the high wall and into the long streets. Guixi seemed brimming with tension; the inn was crowded, with no rooms available. Jiu Ying found a secluded corner, taking a seat with Fu Ling while quietly waiting for the food to arrive. The surrounding patrons were diverse, representing all three clans. At some tables, even humans, demons, and monsters sat together—a truly astonishing sight. With dining, gossip naturally accompanied to enliven the atmosphere. The biggest scandal of recent days was, without a doubt, the Xuanming Sect’s former master allegedly murdering his own son. Although strangers, the patrons' discussions were lively, each taking turns recounting how Fang Ke Yuan deceived Fang Yuan Qing and eventually caused her demise, with no detail spared. No guesswork was needed; it was undoubtedly the work of the Si family's dissemination. Gradually, the topic shifted from the Xuanming Sect to the demon realm. Recently, demonic energy had surged in the Unreturned Valley, leading many to speculate that someone of significance might have perished. Yet no specifics had emerged regarding the matter. Amid the murmurings, some claimed the succubus of the demon tribe had died, while others said the demoness with natural four pupils had met her end. Both held significant status within the demon tribe, especially the demoness, regarded as the strongest among her kind. About ten demon figures were present, and upon hearing the ill-meaning speculation, their expressions darkened in unison. The atmosphere grew tense, and just as the demons seemed poised to lash out, the innkeeper hurriedly intervened, offering to waive everyone’s meal expenses in hopes of quelling the conflict. Fu Ling, initially amused, fell silent at the rumor of the demoness's impending demise, setting her chopsticks down, appetite lost. "Senior sister, is the demoness really dying?" Jiu Ying knew she worried for Fang Yuan Qing’s inability to handle such a reality upon awakening. She sighed softly. "That day, her life force was indeed faint, unable to control even her demonic energy—it did appear as signs of her imminent fall." "Perhaps, allowing her to hold onto these memories of a beautiful encounter from her youth with Miss Fang could be a blessing." Fu Ling lowered her head upon hearing this, saying no more. By the time they finished their meal, night had fully fallen. With no spare rooms at the inn, they had no choice but to leave. Though night had settled in, the streets became increasingly crowded. Lanterns lined both sides of the long street, the brightness almost matching daylight. As they stepped out the door, a familiar figure awaited—the demon fox. Xin Tao had applied the medicine, and though the wound had not fully healed, she had returned to the vicinity of the inn to wait. Afraid to approach, though her fox tail had retracted, her two fox ears remained exposed. Jiu Ying cast a cool glance her way, prompting her to quickly assume her fox form, only then daring to trot over to their side. Crowds gathered increasingly dense at the dueling stage down the road. Whoever was in the fight tonight had drawn such a throng of onlookers. Noticing the pair’s curiosity, Xin Tao hesitated momentarily before taking the initiative to explain, "Tonight’s contenders are sword cultivator Rong Ban Cang and the flood dragon Ming Guang." Rong Ban Cang? Ming Guang? These names were unfamiliar to Jiu Ying. She frowned, gazing down at the white fox at her feet, coldly interrogating: "Explain further." The fox wagged its tail, still fearful of the white-clad woman before it. "Rong Ban Cang is an expert in left-handed swordplay. He’s defended the stage for half a month, during which he killed five disciples of the Four Elders." "Ming Guang is the offspring of the wicked flood dragon, also the demon tribe’s top general. This time, he’s here on his father’s orders to claim Rong Ban Cang’s life." "Tonight marks both their first and final battle; with the wicked flood dragon himself expected to attend, it has attracted such a large crowd." A left-handed sword cultivator? Jiu Ying and Fu Ling paused at the words, exchanging a glance, surprise clear in their eyes. As they knew, the world had only two left-handed sword cultivators— One was Zhong Yu; the other, Lin Yu Miao. Zhong Yu had been reclusive for years and couldn't possibly be here, suggesting that Rong Ban Cang was likely Lin Yu Miao. Yet why was he here? Both puzzled, they lifted their gazes toward the crowd at the street's end and, after a moment, headed over with the white fox in tow. ＊＊＊ Ming Yue, though still alive, had lost all will to survive. Her condition was worse than that of Gui Chen, who had only recently awakened from severe injuries. Such circumstances were hard to comprehend. Only then did Gui Chen learn the full story from Meng Ji. Fang Ke Yuan’s act of filicide she had heard of, but what shocked her was that her own sister had fallen for this victimized illegitimate son. Fang Yuan Qing’s suffering on both sides truly evoked sympathy. Not to mention, Gui Chen owed her own survival to Fang Yuan Qing retrieving water from the Ice Lake of the Xuanming Sect. Even now, Gui Chen found herself at a loss for how to perceive this matter. Gazing at Ming Yue’s tear-filled, red eyes, her own heart ached. Life's unpredictability led to this cascade of events from a single curse. Perhaps in another chance, Ming Yue might forsake vengeance, refraining from cursing Fang Ke Yuan. Yet, life offers no such redos. Yu Ze Zhi had been destroyed, and Ming Yue was inevitably treading the path to demise. Though Gui Chen wished to deny it, she had no choice but to accept. As her sister, she couldn’t save her life once more; she could only help Ming Yue release her regrets and find peace. In her next life, may she never again gain a body so immensely powerful yet equally fragile. The girl lay motionless on the bed, her eyes open but devoid of any spirit, gazing vacantly at the ceiling beams. Whatever thoughts crossed her mind, a bittersweet smile broke through, mingling with silent tears. Before long, the pillow beneath her was drenched. Gui Chen stood by the bedside, her heart aching terribly at the sight of her sister's despondence. She waved a hand for someone to summon Meng Ji, then sat heavily by the bed, sighing deeply. Her sister, who had never cried before, was now reduced to this. "Ming Yue, you saved me, yet I am helpless to save you." Her words, laced with self-reproach, were laden with sorrow. Ming Yue responded slightly upon hearing, yet continued to blankly stare at the ceiling beams. Gui Chen knew she regretted the curse that had harmed Fang Yuan Qing, only deepening her compassion. In this moment, she could but lament how fate plays its cruel games. "Meng Ji says... in four days, you will enter the cycle of reincarnation—" Speaking such cruel words aloud, Gui Chen could no longer hold back her emotions, her eyes welling with crimson tears. Even her voice began to tremble— "I can't do anything, I only wish for you to go in peace." "If you truly wish to see Fang Yuan Qing, I'll find a way to make it happen, alright?" Hearing Fang Yuan Qing’s name, light finally returned to the girl's eyes. She blinked, another tear slipping from the corner. Her eerie red eyes were filled with heartrending pleading. No words were necessary; her meaning was clear. The sisters exchanged red-eyed gazes. The silence was broken by footsteps at the door. Meng Ji had arrived. Gui Chen, with reddened eyes, turned to face her, voicing her plea as Meng Ji approached— "Meng Ji, send Ming Yue into Fang Qi Shan's dream." Fang Yuan Qing was not dead, merely trapped in a coma, ensnared in a nightmare. Letting Ming Yue see her required the dream route. Yet, dreams are easy to enter but difficult to awaken from, and any misstep could trap the dreamer indefinitely. Meng Ji hesitated, lips pressed with worry. Ming Yue understood her fear, weakly reaching out to tug at her sleeve, frail voice pleading, "I have only a few days left to live, it matters not if I don't wake up. To die within her dream, I'd have no regrets." Faced with such resolute words, Meng Ji could only nod. Silent tears had already started to fall from Gui Chen's eyes. Fang Yuan Qing remained asleep, overwhelmed by the pain and unable to accept the truth of being buried alive by her own father. Her soul was intact but caught in the coffin within the nightmare. When Ming Yue opened her eyes, she stood at the foot of Taiyuan Peak. The area was covered with numerous mounds, and without a parrot to guide her, she had no way to find Fang Yuan Qing’s grave. No choice remained but to check each one. Ming Yue was no dreammaster and couldn’t control the dream scenes. Weakened and unable to harness her internal demonic energy, digging graves wasn't easy for her current state. Driven solely by determination, she persevered. One coffin after another was unearthed, yet the one she sought remained elusive. Her body was now coated in dirt, her complexion growing paler. Perhaps out of mercy, a faint noise caught her ear, like someone desperately tapping from within a coffin, calling for rescue. Tears sprang to Ming Yue’s eyes almost instantly at the sound. Guided by it, she moved slowly toward the heart of the earthen mounds, the sound growing clearer with each step. Her nose stung as more tears fell. Kneeling upon the small mound, she began frantically clawing at the earth with her hands. She had even forgotten the use of her demonic energy. How long passed, she did not know; long enough for her arms to be coated in black mud before finally uncovering the black coffin inscribed with symbols. The knocking came persistently but grew weaker with time. It was a stark reminder that the person inside was nearing death. Ming Yue bit her lip, a soft sob escaping, as she strained with her bare hands to pry the nails from the coffin’s corners. The lid was pushed open, and before she could confirm if the person inside was indeed Fang Yuan Qing, she toppled from the dirt mound straight into the arms of the woman within. Fang Yuan Qing, her soul trapped, relived the agony of that fateful day endlessly. Time, for her, stood still at the moment Fang Ke Yuan deceived and buried her alive. A month had passed in reality, yet for her, each moment was a relentless torment. She had resigned herself to never being rescued until this moment, when someone from outside shattered the coffin’s seal for her. The body in her arms was light and frail, coated in black mud. A glance brought a familiar sensation, her heart rate inexplicably quickening. This girl’s face was smeared with mud, concealing her features, and she lay unconscious, pressed against Fang Yuan Qing’s chest. The cool breeze whispered by, brightening the light around them. Fang Yuan Qing took a deep breath, the sunlight stinging her eyes, causing her to squint slightly. Rolling over, she held the girl close. After a moment, she reached hesitantly to brush the mud from the girl's face— Could it be the one she hoped to see? She dared not think it, and yet could not help but wish for it. Her fingertips grazed the delicate skin, cold and pallid. Gradually, the dark filth was wiped away, revealing the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Each feature was so achingly familiar— They were the images she’d most longed for while trapped in the dark coffin. Her heartbeat quickened. Removing the last of the grime unveiled a pale, delicate visage. A faint scar at the brow’s end confirmed the girl's identity. Releasing her hold slightly, Fang Yuan Qing’s expression shifted, eyes glimmering with a hint of joy. In a moment she couldn’t resist, a silent smile bloomed across her lips— The girl she cradled in her arms was indeed the "moonlit sister" she had cherished in her heart. Author's Note: Hi everyone, it's Fu Ling here. Someone told me today is an important holiday for you, I think it’s called New Year’s Day, so I wish you all a Happy New Year and may the new year be smooth and successful for you. My senior sister is calling for me. I need to watch Brother Lin's duel, so I won’t say much now. See you on the next holiday~ ————— A double update combined into one, wishing everyone an early Happy New Year~~ Thanks for the nutritional support, which moved the author to tears (not really). Thanks to the little angels who cast their votes or provided nourishment from 2020-12-30 23:58:50 to 2020-12-31 21:11:55~ Thank you to the little angel who cast the rocket launcher: one from being deeply immersed in Sia; Thank you to the little angels who threw grenades: 7 from effortless elegance; Thank you to the little angels who provided nourishment: 500 bottles from Ellen; 100 bottles from Xiao Guazi; 92 bottles from 162872949; 82 bottles from Meng Hulo Brother; 80 bottles from Xiao Yugan'er; 50 bottles from Little Night Meow 0918; 40 bottles from Southern Red Bean Paste; 34 bottles from Face Can Eat [Serious Face]; 30 bottles each from Future Future, Fierce 1 Eating Cheese, Black Ink White Words; 24 bottles from M; 20 bottles from This is a Serious Name; 10 bottles each from Passing By, Yun Mu, Feng Zi, Olittlemi, Jiang Yi Qing, Hua Xi; 5 bottles each from Happy, Zhou Xuan, Easy Xiao Bai, 33780019, Veins; 2 bottles from Long Shang; 1 bottle from Zeng Ke Ni herself; Thank you all very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!