173 - Douluo: Martial Spirit Blue Silver Grass
Chapter 173 In the vastness of existence, it seemed as if everything was preordained. Having been reborn once more, faced with destiny, Jiu Ying still felt a deep sense of powerlessness. Why was it on the very day she was reborn that Yu Ping awakened his spiritual consciousness? Could she truly alter the course of her previous life in this one? At this moment, even she dared not confirm it. Fu Ling noticed something amiss with her and took the initiative to speak up. "Qing Tong, seeing that things have come to this point, there's no harm in telling you. Yu Ping isn't just an ordinary young demon of sprouting weed origin. His true form is a supreme pure spiritual plant from the upper realm, the Heavenly Sprout. The four elders of the demon clan fed him with blood merely to allow him to cultivate a demon body, hoping he would one day become a feast for Pingtian, aiding in the restoration of Pingtian's powers." "Returning to the demon clan, Yu Ping faces only two fates—either being devoured by Pingtian or being devoured by Si Qi. If you truly care for him, you shouldn’t watch him meet such an end." The implication in those words was clear. Almost instantly, Qing Tong understood the meaning behind Fu Ling's words. Yu Ping cannot return to the demon clan; his only path now is to stay beside Jiu Ying and Fu Ling. If he wishes for Yu Ping to live, he must help Yu Ping escape from the demon clan; if he can bear to watch Yu Ping die, then he probably won't live to see tomorrow before these two take action against him. Without much thought, he made his decision—for Yu Ping's sake and for his own. He nodded in agreement. "I understand. I will help you persuade Yu Ping." Hearing this, Fu Ling was quite pleased. She turned to look at Jiu Ying, expecting her to be happy too. However, her beloved still wore an expression of distraction. "Sister?" Qing Tong noticed that the two had more to discuss and tactfully stepped aside. Only after he left did Jiu Ying finally respond. "What is it?" Apparently, she hadn't heard Fu Ling and Qing Tong’s earlier conversation at all. Fu Ling, sensing the weight on her heart, looked concerned. "Senior sister, Qing Tong has agreed to help us persuade Yu Ping." Jiu Ying slowly came back to her senses, finally curving her lips into a gentle smile. "Is that so? Then you needn't worry anymore that I might kill Yu Ping." The more relaxed her expression became, the more anxious Fu Ling felt. "Sister, it's not him I worry about, it's you! What's so special about June third that it's affecting you like this?" Before Jiu Ying could respond, realization dawned on Fu Ling. That date was too special. How could she have forgotten? Her senior sister was reborn on that very day. The coincidence was unsettling, further fueling anxiety. Fu Ling swiftly understood why Jiu Ying suddenly seemed so despondent. If Jiu Ying’s rebirth was by chance, Yu Ping awakening his spiritual consciousness on the same day seemed predestined. As though fate had orchestrated every event, merely waiting for them to step in line. No one knew if the future could change, nor did anyone know if this life's Fu Ling would walk the same path as her past life. The fear of the unknown is what truly terrifies. Fu Ling opened her mouth, suddenly unsure of what to say. Silence enveloped them, neither spoke a word. After a long pause, it was Jiu Ying who broke the silence to comfort Fu Ling. "I'm fine. It's just that Yu Ping awakening his spiritual consciousness coincidently on the same day as my rebirth worried me." "See, even if he’s awakened, so what? He won't become Pingtian's food to aid in Pingtian’s restoration because Qing Tong has already agreed to help us." Her voice was so gentle yet steady that Fu Ling felt the sense of reassurance wash over her like a calming wave. The young woman lifted her eyes to her beloved with concern. "Sister, truly?" Jiu Ying nodded, her tone still firm. "Of course, when have I ever deceived you?" "I think we’re simply overthinking things." "Yu Ping will not assist Pingtian, nor is he our enemy." With that, she curled her lips into a comforting smile. Seeing her smile, Fu Ling's mood finally lightened a bit. With no one around to witness, she didn't hesitate, sidling closer until her body nestled against Jiu Ying. In the next moment, before Jiu Ying could react, Fu Ling had already buried herself into her embrace. Such an intimate posture resembled a loving couple of cultivator partners. As someone suddenly burrowed into her arms, Jiu Ying was startled before regaining her composure. She lowered her head, her gaze lingering on the soft pink-white cheek, and couldn’t help but smile. The earlier smile was feigned; this smile, however, was genuine.