Douluo Continent: Martial Soul Young Gilas, Sandstorm King!

Chapter 129 In her sister's heart, Zhu Qing will always be the most amazing!
That's why Zhu Zhuyun uttered such a seemingly absurd but actually blood-soaked wish—she would rather her sister remain an ordinary person who cannot cultivate forever than let her step into the vortex of fate that is destined to be filled with bloodshed and betrayal!
"Do not!!"

A clear, resentful, and stubborn child's voice suddenly broke the heavy silence!

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head vigorously, trying to shake off her sister's hand that was patting her head.

Her little face flushed slightly with anxiety and grievance, and her big eyes sparkled with a defiant light.

"Sister, you're talking nonsense!"

Zhu Zhuqing tilted her head back, her little mouth pouting, her voice carrying the stubbornness unique to children.

"I don't want to! I want to awaken my martial soul! I want to become as powerful as you, sister! To be able to fly like you! To be able to fight off bad guys like you! Dad promised me! In three days! In just three days, he'll let me awaken my martial soul!"

Zhu Zhuqing's little hands gripped her sister's sleeve tightly, as if grasping at her own future hope. Her eyes sparkled, filled with longing for power and admiration for her sister.

Looking at her younger sister's expectant and determined face, and listening to her childish yet extremely earnest words, Zhu Zhuyun felt as if an invisible hand was gripping her chest tightly, almost suffocating her!
The purer and brighter the light in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, the more intense the pain and struggle in her heart!

The struggle in Zhu Zhuyun's eyes was like a raging storm, with guilt, heartache, fear, helplessness... all sorts of emotions intertwined and surged, almost tearing her reason apart.

But she forcibly suppressed all her turbulent emotions, forcefully pulling the corners of her mouth upwards, trying to force a smile that was uglier than crying.

She gently placed her hand back on her sister's head, her movements still gentle, but her voice carried a barely perceptible hoarseness and tremor:
"Silly girl... In my heart, Zhuqing will always be the best! Even better than me..."

She spoke these words with immense difficulty; each word felt like flesh being brutally ripped from her heart.

Upon hearing her sister's "praise," Zhu Zhuqing's dissatisfaction vanished instantly, replaced by the joy and pride of being recognized.

Like a proud little peacock, she puffed out her chest and announced confidently.

"Of course! Just you wait, sister! When I become super, super powerful, I'll protect you! Nobody will be able to bully you!"

This protective declaration, like the sharpest dagger, pierced Zhu Zhuyun's heart once again!

She could no longer maintain that forced smile; her eyes instantly reddened, and she could only quickly lower her head, using the act of tidying up her sister's stray hairs to hide the tears that were about to spill. Her shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly.

Young Gilas seemed to sense the heavy and sorrowful emotions emanating from the depths of Zhu Zhuyun's heart. It poked its head out from Lin Xia's arms, its scarlet eyes filled with a hint of instinctive confusion, and let out a low "yoji..." sound.

Lin Xia took in all of this, and a complex wave of emotions surged within her.

From the perspective of the Star Luo Empire, this cruel, nefarious succession system does indeed have its own logic.

It can select the most capable successors in terms of temperament, methods, and strength to the greatest extent possible, ensuring the stability and prosperity of the empire's rule.

Compared to the lukewarm, unpredictable, and corrupt succession system of the Heavenly Dou Empire, the rules of Star Luo are undoubtedly more capable of forging iron-blooded emperors.

The Dai brothers, Dai Mubai and Davis, and the Zhu sisters, Zhu Zhuyun and Zhu Zhuqing, possess talents and temperaments that far surpass those of their peers, which to some extent confirms the "efficiency" of this system.

However... when these cold rules were applied to these two sisters who should have been inseparable and supportive of each other, the cruelty was so naked and so suffocating.

Awakening one's martial soul should be a joyous moment that opens the path to power, but for Zhu Zhuqing, it may mean turning against her beloved sister, or even the beginning of a life-or-death struggle.

This kinship is so fragile and vulnerable under the crushing weight of a powerful and bloody system.

Lin Xia sighed inwardly.

He was not a savior, nor did he intend to judge the ironclad rules that an empire had upheld for millennia.

Moreover, he was new to the area and lacked sufficient strength, and his encounter with the Zhu sisters was purely by chance.

Making rash comments would not only be unhelpful, but could also backfire, dragging him into the unfathomable power vortex of the Star Luo royal family.

He was merely an observer, a passerby who had temporarily settled here with a purpose.

The mecha's energy source, the enhancement of his own strength... these are the goals he needs to focus on. He can only temporarily avoid the Zhu family's feud.

Looking at Zhu Zhuqing's hopeful and spirited face, Lin Xia suppressed her complicated thoughts and put on a gentle and encouraging smile that suited her age.

He followed Zhu Zhuqing's train of thought and said in a seemingly casual, yet blessing-like tone:
"Yes, Sister Zhuqing is right. Awakening a martial soul is the first step towards becoming powerful! Perhaps, Sister Zhuqing is exceptionally talented and can awaken a martial soul even more powerful than the Netherworld Cat! At that time, she will definitely be able to fulfill her wish to protect her older sister!"

Lin Xia spoke sincerely.

His very existence is a miracle that breaks with convention, so naturally he wouldn't hesitate to give an innocent little girl some beautiful expectations.

Moreover, the blessing itself was not malicious.

However, these words struck Zhu Zhuyun like a thunderbolt!

She suddenly raised her head, her reddened eyes filled with undisguised astonishment and a hint of sharpness, and stared straight at Lin Xia!
"A martial soul even more powerful than the Netherworld Cat?"

Zhu Zhuyun's breath hitched slightly.

Break free from fate?

is it possible?

Countless thoughts flashed through her mind like lightning.

Looking into Lin Xia's calm, unwavering, dark gold eyes, which seemed to be speaking casually, she was momentarily unable to discern the deeper meaning behind his words.

Zhu Zhuqing's reaction, on the other hand, was much more direct and straightforward.

"Really? Brother Lin Xia?"

Her big eyes instantly shone like stars, and a radiant smile bloomed on her face, filled with the joy of being affirmed and boundless imagination for the future.

"Thank you! Brother Lin Xia! I will definitely work hard! I want to awaken a super powerful martial soul! Even a little bit stronger than my sister's! And then protect my sister!"

Zhu Zhuqing clenched her little fists tightly, as if she could already see herself bravely protecting her older sister.

Looking at her younger sister's innocent and carefree smile, and then at Lin Xia's calm and indifferent expression, Zhu Zhuyun felt the churning surprise and pain in her heart finally turn into a silent sigh.

Zhu Zhuyun forced herself to put on a gentle smile again, but this time, the weariness was even more pronounced in the smile.

"Alright, Zhuqing."

Zhu Zhuyun gently tugged at her sister's hand, her voice slightly hoarse, and changed the subject.

"It's getting late, let's take Lin Xia to see his room. We should pick one that's quiet and comfortable for him."

"okay!"

Zhu Zhuqing nodded vigorously, temporarily setting aside her hopes for the future, and regained her liveliness.

“I know! The ‘Listening to Bamboo Pavilion’ in the West Garden is very quiet! There are also many bamboos outside the window! Brother Lin Xia, do you like bamboo?”

Lin Xia readily agreed, nodding with a smile.

"I like it. The bamboo shadows sway gently, and the place is quiet and elegant. It's a nice place. Thank you, Sister Zhuyun and Sister Zhuqing."

"No trouble."

(End of this chapter)