159 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Chapter 159: Day and Night of Rebirth as the Vicious Senior Sister Feng Yuanqing had no recollection of how she walked out of the Harmony Sect, nor how she returned to Yuchun Hall. She only knew that Fang Sijian had been comforting her all along, but his words had fallen on deaf ears. Her mind kept replaying the moments she had shared with Mingyue. From being rescued to their first meeting, and eventually growing familiar—was it all a lie? How could it be a lie? All those intimate moments, those kisses, and every personal affair were but a reality only she had believed in. Mingyue had thrown herself into her arms, touched her face, and coyly declared she would never forget her. Mingyue had cornered her in the bath, playfully using charm techniques to seduce her. Mingyue had clung to her waist, entwining their hands, allowing her to do as she wished— Each instance was like that four-day-long beautiful dream, nothing but fragile, illusory bubbles. Only now did she realize that Mingyue's approach had solely been to get the Fang Family's treasured Ice Lake Spring Water. Once the goal was achieved, it was time to end this meticulously crafted deception. And all those intimate moments? A mere transaction, mocking the absence of any genuine affection between them. She didn't even know Mingyue's real name. How laughable. Upon returning to the courtyard, Feng Suqiu was still in the pill chamber. Looking at his sister's lifeless demeanor, Fang Sijian felt both worried and distressed. Who could withstand such betrayal from those they cared deeply about? His sister's disposition was kind and gentle, so why did she have to endure such hardships? Recalling their conversations before heading to the Harmony Sect, his heart ached even more for the person before him. Not knowing how to comfort her, he found all words seemed pale and powerless at this moment. It was only when he saw Feng Yuanqing nearly stumble while walking that he finally spoke, softly offering his advice. "Perhaps she had her reasons to hide her identity. She visited you once before, and she might come again. You could ask her everything when you see her." Hearing this, Feng Yuanqing clenched her right hand by her side. Will she come back? No, she won't. She shook her head, her eyes void of any light, radiating calmness and indifference. "She won't come back, and we'll never meet again." "After all, I don't even know her name." "All she wanted was the Ice Lake Water." Her voice was calm, her tone cold as she narrated the deception she faced. The calmer she seemed, the more heartbreaking it was. Fang Sijian wanted to say more, but Feng Yuanqing pressed her lips and allowed a faint, bitter smile to touch her mouth— "She deceived me, but she doesn't owe me anything." "I was able to wake up because she released me from the coffin in my dream." "The Ice Lake Water for a life; we're even." "Since she has no affection for me, I won't cling to her. There's no need, brother, to seek her; finding her would be akin to unnecessary self-pity and stirring resentment." "From now on—let's pretend none of it ever happened." ＊＊＊ With Xin Tao guiding them, Jiu Ying and Fu Ling quickly found the Cloud Moon Tavern. It was completely different from what they had imagined; Ning Wanchou turned out to be a person of the Demon Clan. Even Jiu Ying was rather surprised; Fang Sijian was from a prominent sect with a noble status. If anyone learned of his association with a demon, it could spell trouble for the Mystic Underworld Sect. Ning Wanchou appeared mature, approximately twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Her attire was simple and unadorned, revealing her as a sharp and capable woman. Upon seeing the heavenly order token, her expression immediately shifted, adopting a more respectful demeanor. "You ladies wish to go to Anyang Island? You're a bit late. The last bone ship headed to the Underworld Sea departed five days ago, and the next one will leave in ten days." Jiu Ying nodded upon hearing this and quickly made up her mind. "Then we'll stay here for ten more days." With Lin Yumiaow and Yuan Xishuang gone, she and Fu Ling conveniently decided to stay in that small courtyard. As the three conversed, Xin Tao sneakily slipped into the cellar to drink some wine. By the time it was discovered, it had already licked all the fine wines the tavern had stored. Ning Wanchou, being a lover of wine, was in no way willing to let her wine be ruined by a mere fox. If not for Jiu Ying's presence, she might have already chopped off Xin Tao's remaining five tails. A brief lapse had led to such a significant problem. Jiu Ying was troubled, pondering a solution when Fu Ling took the fox from her hands and simply handed it over to the fuming Ning Wanchou. "Ning Proprietor, here's the culprit. You may handle it as you see fit. As for the wine, consider it purchased by my senior sister and me. We’ll compensate you with the required spirit stones in a few days." Fu Ling offered a guilty smile, her words full of apology. Xin Tao had become Jiu Ying's pet; without curbing its frivolous nature, it would inevitably cause greater troubles in the future. This mishap served as an opportunity for a lesson; after all, Ning Wanchou wouldn't take its life. Indeed, following Fu Ling's words, Ning Wanchou seemed a bit embarrassed. Lowering her head, anger still flickered in her eyes as she struggled with what to do with the pretty yet mischievous little fox. And Xin Tao realized the gravity of the situation. It hadn't expected Fu Ling to so unapologetically hand it over. Seeing those anger-filled gray eyes, it instinctively wanted to escape, but the more it tried, the angrier Ning Wanchou became. Before it could wriggle free from the embrace, someone had gripped its neck and lifted it up. "In that case, I won’t be polite." "This little creature is rather fetching. Placed outside my shop, it will undoubtedly attract many customers." With those words, she looked down at the fox and smiled. "During these days, you will obediently stay at the shopfront and draw customers." This request wasn't excessive. Jiu Ying nodded without hesitation, "Whatever Ning Proprietor wishes." Xin Tao intended to refuse but couldn't defy its master's order. It flicked its tail and bared its fangs, failing to intimidate and instead receiving a pat from Ning Wanchou. Outside, under the perfect sunlight, it lay on the ground, watching the woman’s graceful silhouette vanish into the shop. It couldn't help but murmur— "When I regain my human form, watch how I deal with you!" Thus, life temporarily settled into a steady rhythm. Xin Tao stayed at the tavern to keep watch, and Jiu Ying and Fu Ling returned to the courtyard. While waiting for the return of the bone ship, they received a letter from Fang Sijian, informing them that Feng Yuanqing had awakened and was recuperating well, reassuring them not to worry. The letter bore only good news, without a mention of the moonlit girl. Recalling Mingyue's deceit, Fu Ling couldn’t help but feel distressed. Jiu Ying offered a few consoling words, but the young girl remained uneasy, yearning to return and see her Yuanqing sister immediately. "If you're really concerned, we can return for a bit tomorrow." Jiu Ying, moved by compassion, reluctantly caved. Fu Ling shook her head, declining the offer, "Tomorrow, we have important matters to attend to, so we can't leave." "Let's wait until our return from the Underworld Sea to visit Sister Yuanqing." "During this time, the young master Fang will take care of her." The night deepened, with stars and the moon hanging high in the sky. The two sat at the stone table in the courtyard, with a small cup of Cloud Moon Tavern's signature peach blossom wine before each of them. Unintentionally, they had consumed over half the pot. Jiu Ying maintained her composure, not showing a hint of inebriation, while Fu Ling, having indulged in a few more drinks, retained her clarity but sported a charming blush on her cheeks. As she reached out to pour another drink, Jiu Ying firmly clasped her wrist, stopping her next move. "Don’t drink too much." Fu Ling insisted she wasn't drunk and, enchanted by the wine's aroma, softly implored. "Just one more cup, please?" Jiu Ying remained unwavering, her fingers still tightly holding on. Seeing no response, Fu Ling batted her eyes and spoke once more. "Senior Sister, you're the best~" "You're the one who loves Lingling the most in this world~" With gentle words and sweet cajolery, Fu Ling exuded an aura of innocent charm, each word striking directly at Jiu Ying's heart. Slowly, Jiu Ying relented, and released her grip. She always gave in to Fu Ling. "Just one last cup." She picked up the bottle and graciously filled the girl's cup. The air carried a faint peach blossom fragrance, enhanced by the beautiful moonlit night. Fu Ling took a sip, savoring half the cup, yet reluctant to finish the rest. A gentle night breeze swirled around them, cooling the blush on her cheeks, yet a sense of intoxication lingered more strongly. She raised her head, her gaze drifting from the full moon to the array of bright stars, and for a moment, inexplicably, a silly smile crept onto her face. In that instant, even Fu Ling didn't know why she was smiling. Perhaps she was drunk; or perhaps, overwhelmed with happiness. She stood suddenly, moved close to Jiu Ying, grasped her hand, and with a leap, brought her beloved up onto the rooftop. Such actions made it clear she was inebriated. She hadn’t gotten drunk on those earlier cups, but the last half-cup did her in. Jiu Ying pressed her lips together, her gaze softening unintentionally. Sitting side by side, she looked at the adorable girl beside her, her own lips barely curving into a smile. "Lingling?" She called softly, but received no response. The girl held her wine cup, reluctant to drink the remaining half. Another gentle breeze swept by, a hint of chill in the air. Before Jiu Ying could gather her thoughts, a soft cheek rested against her shoulder, and a tender voice spoke into her ear— "Senior Sister, what were you like before?" Before? Did she mean the past life? Jiu Ying paused, a slight daze gracing her expression. She hadn’t expected Fu Ling to ask such a question. Without a doubt, her past life was a complete failure. She shook her head, her tone unusually calm. "The past me wasn't good. It's not something you'd want to know." Fu Ling looked up, her upper body naturally leaning into Jiu Ying's embrace. "Don't say that. I like you no matter how you were." The sincere confession was filled with intense, passionate affection. Jiu Ying didn't argue, and while Fu Ling was unguarded, she discreetly took the cup from her. Seeing that Fu Ling was losing clarity, she couldn't let her drink further. "You're drunk." Her voice remained cool. Fu Ling glanced at her now-empty palm and softly huffed her displeasure. "I'm not drunk~" Despite her claims, her actions were unmistakably those of a tipsy person. Jiu Ying gazed at the all-too-familiar charming face, feeling a gentle warmth in her heart, and a subtle change in her eyes. She parted her lips, decided not to speak further, and silently turned her head away to swiftly down the remaining wine. Not drinking would’ve been better because, with that sip, the young girl felt she had been wronged. Caught off guard, Jiu Ying found herself pushed down onto the roof, the glass slipping from her hand and shattering on the ground. Before she could explain, a pair of soft lips met hers. A teasing tongue prodded, swiftly coaxing open her lips— "I'm here to reclaim my wine~" Author's Note: Can you guess if f00 is drunk? ＊＊＊＊ Thank you to all the little angels who cast votes or provided nutrient solutions between 2021-01-09 23:54:35 and 2021-01-11 00:05:18~ Thank you to the angel who threw a landmine: Nickname 1; Thanks to the angels who gave nutrient solutions: Inevitable Resonance 70 bottles; I am Ruo De 10 bottles; Girlfriend of Qian Beiting 5 bottles; "[Used to Be's] Delight", Little Potato, Zeng Keni Myself, Girlfriend of Jujingyi 1 bottle each; Thank you all so much for your support, I will continue to work hard!