169 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass

Chapter 169: Days and Nights of Rebirth as the Malevolent Senior Sister GL Three days passed in the blink of an eye, yet Shen Fu Yang still hadn't awoken. Fortunately, the Ling Bao Pavilion offered their assistance, allowing one soul and one spirit to return to his body out of the six souls and two spirits he lost. Given time, he was sure to regain consciousness. This day, both Jiu Ying and Fu Ling exited the medical hut, only to encounter Ning Wan Qiu. "Isn't Miss Ning busy investigating spies? What brings you here today to find us?" Fu Ling asked with a smile, her mood visibly uplifted. She was charming and always appeared gentle and obedient, making her well-liked at the Ling Bao Pavilion. Seeing her smile, Ning Wan Qiu couldn't help but smile back. "Naturally, I'm here with good news for you both." "We received word yesterday that the last group sent to the Nether Sea is set to return. Aren't you both here in Gui Xi City to journey to the Nether Sea? If there are no issues, I can start arranging this for you today." It seemed that this was her purpose. Upon hearing this, Jiu Ying nodded slightly, her expression softening. "Thank you, Miss Ning." With their confirmation, Ning Wan Qiu quickly departed. The Nether Sea, a mysterious void connected to the Sea's Edge, was one of the most enigmatic places in existence. Just hearing its name was enough to fire up Fu Ling's curiosity, and she immediately began to pepper Jiu Ying with questions. "…" "Sister, is it true that only a cliff separates the Nether Sea from the land, and that the miasma below can turn people into blood?" "Sister, if the miasma is so potent, how do the people of Ling Bao Pavilion manage to reach the Nether Sea?" "Sister, is there really a Kun in the Nether Sea? Xin Tao said that if a mortal eats Kun meat, they could gain immortality. Is that true?" "…" Jiu Ying was momentarily overwhelmed by the barrage of questions, unsure where to start. After a while, she finally replied helplessly. "These are all rumors. I don't know if they're true. I'll ask Miss Ning for you tomorrow." Jiu Ying wasn't lying; in her past life, she'd never heard about the Nether Sea. Even in this life, everything she knew came from hearsay. Fu Ling's curiosity wasn't easily quelled. Hearing that they could inquire with Ning Wan Qiu, she immediately chased after the latter, not willing to wait even a day. Jiu Ying shook her head, eyes filled with fond laughter, not stopping her. With Fu Ling gone, she was alone. Closing her eyes, she quickly sensed the location of the Dragon Heart Grass again. No matter the danger, the Nether Sea was a place she had to visit. Thanks to Fu Ling's curiosity, when she returned, several questions that had also troubled Jiu Ying were finally resolved. The young girl came back laden with gossip, walking back to the courtyard almost sneaking along the walls. Jiu Ying watched from the courtyard, the sight bringing an involuntary smile to her lips. Before she could ask what had happened, Fu Ling ran to her side, cautiously handing her a piece of paper. "Sister, look at this." Perhaps because she had run all the way back, her forehead was dotted with unshed sweat, her cheeks flushed, making her look extremely endearing. Jiu Ying nodded, eyes dropping to the paper in her hand. As she opened it, her smile gradually faded. Written on the paper was a series of names, including hers and Fu Ling's, alongside an all-too-familiar name—Si Ding Yun. This paper turned out to be the list of those traveling to the Nether Sea. "Miss Ning secretly gave me this list and mentioned that someone in the Ling Bao Pavilion is monitoring her." Panting slightly, Fu Ling sat down and took a delicate sip of tea. Jiu Ying's lips tightened. Reflecting on the situation, she vaguely deduced why Si Ding Yun's name would appear on this list. Si Qi was dying, and Han Yan wished to save her son, necessitating a plea to Si Ding Yun to venture to the Nether Sea to capture the legendary Kun, using its flesh as a lure to sustain Si Qi. After all, Han Yan was still bound to the Si family and couldn't leave freely. "What did Miss Ning say about the Kun beast?" Fu Ling's interest piqued as she repeated Ning Wan Qiu's words. "Miss Ning mentioned that Kun beasts do exist in the Nether Sea. But over the years, the miasma has invaded, reducing the sea's creatures, leading to the Kun's near extinction, leaving only one." "Most who venture to the Nether Sea seek the Kun, but unfortunately, they dwell deep in the ocean, swift and elusive. Though not in human form, their skills rival usual cultivators. The water is tainted with miasma, deterring most people from entering, thus no one has successfully captured a Kun." Having heard this, Jiu Ying's suspicion grew more resolute. Si Ding Yun had loved Han Yan for years, making it possible he would attempt to subdue the Kun for her. Even if his aim wasn't Fu Ling, caution was still required. As days passed, departure neared. Ning Wan Qiu made all necessary arrangements for the two, ensuring their safe arrival at the cliff before departing. The bone ship destined for the Nether Sea lay below, surrounded by pervasive demon and miasma auras, contaminating every inch of space. Fu Ling disliked the smell, instinctively covering her nose. Jiu Ying disliked it too, but endured. Glancing down, she found the bone ship strangely familiar yet couldn't recall where she'd seen it before. Noticing this, Fu Ling leaned over, whispering a reminder. "Miss Ning said the ship is crafted from the bones of extinct ancient beasts, imbued with their energy, thus unaffected by the miasma below." Ancient beasts' remains? Jiu Ying paused, then recalled burning some similar bones in the Misty Forest, which had also belonged to ancient beasts. No wonder it looked familiar. "This bone ship isn't an entirely good thing. Although it can avoid the miasma, it also harbors malevolent energy. It shouldn't be used repeatedly in a short time." No sooner had Jiu Ying finished speaking when footsteps sounded behind them. A young man appeared, scoffing at her words. He seemed not pleased with what Jiu Ying had said. "If you dislike the bone ship so much, why use it? It's a gesture of goodwill from us demons, offering it to you humans, yet we hear such talk behind our backs." The demonic aura on the ship posed no issue for demons, but it was a taboo for human cultivators. Jiu Ying hadn't been wrong, yet the young man wasn't angered by her words, rather by humans themselves. The bone ship's filled with various passengers; starting a conflict with demons now was unnecessary. Fu Ling, impulsive by nature, wanted to argue but was stopped by Jiu Ying. The tension lingered until the youth's companion urged him, after which he continued ahead, leaping first onto the ship. Though still indignant, Fu Ling voiced no further complaints. She knew her sister's concerns all too well. The duo still watched from above, observing as more and more people boarded the ship, Si Ding Yun, however, remained absent. "Sister, Si Ding Yun is still not here." Fu Ling glanced back, the cliff silent and devoid of figures. Jiu Ying also turned to look, finding the place equally empty. Pressing her lips together, confirming no one else was around, she finally retracted her gaze, silently holding Fu Ling's hand. "For Han Yan, he will come." "Let's board first." Fu Ling nodded, allowing Jiu Ying to lead her by hand, then the two approached the edge and jumped towards the ship enshrouded in darkness. The bone ship to the Nether Sea sets sail only once a month and carries just ten passengers each time. The primary condition to board is having the means to pay. Currently, those standing on the ship are all elites from the human, demon, and magical tribes. They are willing to pay any cost to obtain the legendary Kun beast. Among the ten on board, aside from Jiu Ying, Fu Ling, and Si Ding Yun, the remaining seven are from the demon and magical tribes. There are only two demons, while the magic tribe claims five seats. Aware of the usual animosity the demon and magical tribes bear towards human cultivators, Jiu Ying took Fu Ling to the stern. Perhaps due to apprehension about what lay ahead, or the dread of the ominous miasma they were about to traverse, an eerie hush enveloped the vast ship. From bow to stern, no one spoke a word. A single incense stick burned in the brazier at the ship’s bow, now reaching its end. In the silent stillness, someone suddenly shouted, shattering the peculiar quietude. "The incense is out, set sail—" With those words, the bone ship subtly shifted. Before long, it began to rock more vigorously as it headed towards the end of the miasma-laden path. Suddenly, a tall figure descended from the high cliff, landing effortlessly on the deck. Everyone was taken aback, startled by the unexpected arrival. It was well known that the miasma beneath the cliff could instantaneously dissolve anyone into blood. A slight misstep during that leap could have meant death for the newcomer. Jiu Ying and Fu Ling, standing at the stern, watched the scene unfold with alarm. When the man turned, they realized it was the tardy Si Ding Yun. Before either withdrew their gaze, the man glanced back at them. Fu Ling wasn't intimidated but worried for Jiu Ying's unrecovered powers, she moved to shield her. Seeing the two on board elicited no surprise from Si Ding Yun, as if he had anticipated their presence. He merely spared them a glance before nonchalantly turning away, seemingly unperturbed by them. Though there were reservations about him, Fu Ling was cautious. Jiu Ying watched the young woman standing protectively in front of her, feeling a warmth spread within her. Their hands remained interlocked; noticing Fu Ling's focus on Si Ding Yun, she gently stroked her soft hand's back with her finger. "Don't worry, Si Ding Yun wouldn't dare touch me." "Back on the snowy mountain, he nearly perished at my hands. Now, he wouldn't dare to provoke me lightly." Her reassuring words eased some of Fu Ling's anxiety. As Fu Ling turned her gaze back, she was met with a charming, enticing smile. The pair of sisters stood quietly at the stern, observing with dispassion the brewing conflicts among the other passengers. Everyone on board had a singular goal— to capture the Kun beast. Knowing well the difficulty of capturing it, they had agreed beforehand— To join forces for the task, then upon returning, divide the spoils based on each person's contribution. This made it both efficient and fair. The demon and magical tribes sought a similar agreement. Unfortunately, they encountered a formidable obstacle—Si Ding Yun. With only one breath left in Si Qi, Han Yan desired not just parts of the Kun, but every piece of its flesh to sustain him. For this reason, Si Ding Yun would never cooperate with others to capture the Kun. The impudent youth who had taunted Jiu Ying on the shore was his first target. Representing the demon tribe, he was tasked with negotiating with Si Ding Yun, but before he could finish his proposal, Si Ding Yun struck him down. This move was clearly a provocation. The demons were astonished at his audacity, daring to act so brazenly before the crowd. Likewise, the two remaining magic tribe members were shocked, quickly realizing that if they didn't stop this man, they might be next. Unknowingly, the seven of the demon and magical tribes banded together. The youth, dazed from the assault, only hurled insults at Si Ding Yun after being helped up by his companions. His temper was foul, and his words harsh. Si Ding Yun listened quietly, then struck again, his second move more merciless than the first.