Chapter 128

Chapter 128: Siblings Reunited

Lou Yun naturally refused Beichen Ming’s kindness, smiling as he said, "Although I’m still unable to fly using a magical weapon, I have confidence in my movement technique."

Beichen Ming’s spiritual sense couldn’t penetrate Lou Yun’s cultivation level, but he possessed an almost unwavering faith in Lou Yun. So, hearing Lou Yun’s words, he believed them: "Alright. Then I’ll tell you the exact location and time this forging conference is being held. You just need to arrive on time. Besides, you won’t need things like an invitation. As long as you hold the ice crystal jade weapon, no one will dare to stop you."

After memorizing the location and time of the forging conference, Lou Yun was preparing to say his farewells when a sudden spark of realization hit him. He remembered there was one question he had kept forgetting to ask, and Beichen Ming would undoubtedly give him a satisfying answer.

Thinking this, a small, square box appeared in Lou Yun’s palm. Beichen Ming naturally saw this box too, puzzled as to why Lou Yun would produce it at this moment.

"Elder Bei, this box was given to me by Left Ear Demon Wuchou. He said it contains something very valuable called the Thirteen Demon Banners. I don’t know what this thing is actually for, so I was hoping you could enlighten me, Elder."

"Thirteen Demon Banners?" Beichen Ming’s expression shifted slightly, though he quickly recovered: "You said Left Ear Demon Wuchou gave it to you? Why would he give you such a precious item?"

Beichen Ming naturally knew of Wuchou’s infamous reputation. That such a notorious villain was connected to Lou Yun – and presumably quite significantly, otherwise why gift the Thirteen Demon Banners? – prompted Beichen Ming to seek clarification out of concern for Lou Yun.

Lou Yun understood Beichen Ming’s good intentions and briefly recounted the dispute with the Silver Thread Sect that night, though he omitted any mention of matters related to Tianjiao.

"Oh!" Beichen Ming nodded in understanding. Learning the truth brought a smile back to his face. He reached over and took the small box, saying, "Although Wuchou’s methods are rather sinister, the Silver Thread Sect is no good either. They haven’t been around long, yet their influence has grown explosively, largely through underhanded means. If I get the chance in the future, I’ll have a good word with them."

Beichen Ming opened the box, revealing thirteen neatly arranged small black flags inside.

"The Thirteen Demon Banners… heh, considered the finest defensive treasures in the world." Beichen Ming picked up one of the flags, fiddling with it while explaining to Lou Yun: "Though I’ve only heard of them; the specific usage isn’t clear to me."

"When one banner is planted, it takes root and grows large, forming a layer of defense. It allows you to hide within it, concealing your movements and disorienting the enemy’s sight and spiritual sense, making it hard for them to find you. But this is relative; it depends on the actual gap in strength between enemy and defender. If the gap is large, it’s ineffective. The more banners you use, the harder it is for an enemy to spot you. If all thirteen banners take root, and you hide within them, even a Weapon Emperor couldn’t detect you. And you could easily ambush others."

"Oh!" Lou Yun nodded. So that was the purpose of the Thirteen Demon Banners. It certainly sounded incredibly useful, especially when facing multiple enemies. Armed with this, one might overcome greater numbers. However, without knowing the specific method of usage, this knowledge was practically useless! With it or without it still felt the same.

Wuchou probably didn’t know the exact method either. Otherwise, that night when he was fighting numerous Silver Thread Sect members alone, he would have used it long ago. He wouldn’t have needed to hand the banners to Lou Yun and end up dying at Hai Yixiao’s hands.

Beichen Ming returned the little black flag to the box, closed the lid, and handed it back to Lou Yun. "Regardless, the Thirteen Demon Banners are undoubtedly valuable treasures. As for their method of use, I think you’ll need to figure that out yourself. If you can find it, you’ll have gained an excellent life-saving treasure for the future."

Lou Yun smiled as he took the box, saying, "Then I’ll take your auspicious words, Elder. I hope to discover how to use it sooner."

…

Lou Yun declined Beichen Ming’s offer to prepare a horse or arrange attendants. He left Yulu Mountain alone, heading towards Cang Lan Nation.

Although only one month remained before the three-and-a-half-month agreed deadline, Lou Yun was highly confident he could reach the meeting place in time. His advancement through the magical weapon realm had greatly improved his movement technique, the Wind Play Decision.

Ordinary horses stood no chance. Even a rare steed like the dragon horse wouldn’t be his match in terms of speed. Even the fastest wind, if it raced him, could only sigh wistfully watching his back!

Lou Yun truly was like a swift wind, speeding swiftly along the main road. His speed was so great that few among the passersby could actually see his figure. People would only feel a gust of wind and a blur before their eyes, as if nothing had happened at all.

Relying on his now practically peerless speed, it took Lou Yun merely half a month to journey from Yulu Mountain to the bamboo forest where Granny Bai Cao resided.

Entering the bamboo forest, the thought of seeing Wan Huier soon stirred a bit of excitement in Lou Yun’s heart. Calculating the time, close to half a year had passed since he left. Although Beichen Ming said Wan Hui’er’s face could be treated, he didn’t know how the treatment had progressed or how much she had recovered.

Taking a deep breath, Lou Yun stopped and called out clearly: "Granny Bai Cao, Sister Huier! It’s Lou Yun! I’m back!"

At the very moment Lou Yun’s voice fell, his sharp hearing caught the "creak" of the thatched cottage door opening. Immediately after, a figure rushed forward at extreme speed, accompanied by an excited voice: "Brother! Big Brother! Big Brother!"

With a thump, the figure plunged straight into Lou Yun’s arms. Softness, warmth, and the unique, fragrant scent of a maiden rushed into Lou Yun’s nostrils. This sudden, intimate embrace made him feel awkward. He froze, unsure whether to return her hug or keep his arms open without touching her.

Luckily, a soft cough was heard just then. Wan Huier, still in Lou Yun’s arms, snapped back to reality. She realized how overly familiar her action was. Her face flushed crimson, and she hastily released her arms, stepping back two paces. Keeping her head down, she stood there, too embarrassed to speak.

The cough naturally came from Granny Bai Cao. Through spending considerable time with Wan Hui’er, she had gleaned some understanding of the matter between Lou Yun and the girl. She could see Lou Yun genuinely viewed and cared for Wan Hui’er as a younger sister. Wan Hui’er’s feelings for Lou Yun, however, weren’t merely fraternal; they were tinged with a maiden’s affection.

Granny Bai Cao, having lived through similar experiences, knew this situation rarely ended well for young men and women. Seeing Wan Hui’er instantly rush out without a second thought upon hearing Lou Yun’s voice and even throw herself into his arms, the Granny quickly coughed, reminding Wan Hui’er to watch her behavior.

Lou Yun originally wanted to quickly assess Wan Hui’er’s appearance now, but seeing Granny Bai Cao also appear before him, his manners took over. He promptly clasped his fists and bowed respectfully to the old woman. "Granny, I’ve returned!"

Granny Bai Cao looked at Lou Yun with a slightly odd gaze. It wasn’t because Lou Yun looked markedly different; rather, the Granny was puzzled. Beichen Ming had clearly told her that Lou Yun was willing to stay and cultivate at Yulu Mountain Manor. So why was he turning up here today?

Puzzlement aside, Granny Bai Cao was quite pleased that Lou Yun, upon arrival, prioritized greeting her respectfully. She also understood what Lou Yun most wanted to do now. She chuckled and nodded. "Alright, you don’t need to be so formal with this old woman in the future. Quickly take a look at your sister!"

"Yes!"

Lou Yun smiled knowingly and then turned his gaze towards Wan Hui’er, who was still looking down. For her, it had been the first time in her life venturing so close to a male. Her heart was still thudding violently in her chest.

Watching Wan Huier like this filled Granny Bai Cao with both frustration and pity. "Huier! Aren’t you going to lift your head? Let your big brother see clearly how you look now!"

"Um," Wan Hui’er agreed quietly, finally lifting her head slowly to face Lou Yun.

Lou Yun stared at the girl before him without blinking. He saw that the ugly scars and injuries on her face were completely gone now. Her features even seemed more refined and beautiful than before. He supposed Granny Bai Cao had likely made extra effort—after all, Wan Hui’er was her treasured disciple. She would never stint on Huier’s care.

This result filled Lou Yun’s heart with radiant joy. He let loose a hearty laugh. "Huier! Your face is fine! It’s even prettier than before! A huge burden in this big brother’s heart has finally lifted!"

Had even the slightest flaw remained on Wan Hui’er’s face, Lou Yun’s deep sense of guilt would have lingered.

Hearing Lou Yun’s praise naturally delighted Wan Hui’er too. She nodded shyly and said, "Big Brother has worried so much for nothing. Huier’s face being like this now is all thanks to Master here." She turned to the old woman. "Master worked tirelessly during this time; it must have been hard for you."

Granny Bai Cao felt warm satisfaction hearing Huier’s words. Her heartfelt effort for her disciple hadn’t been in vain.

Lou Yun nodded emphatically. "Huier is right, Granny," he said earnestly to Granny Bai Cao. "I truly need to express Huier’s gratitude to you. Please accept my bow!"

With that said, Lou Yun knelt down prostrate on the ground to kowtow. Although Granny Bai Cao reacted quickly, her robe snapping out instantly to stop his descent, Lou Yun’s already descending body only paused for the briefest instant before continuing downwards to kneel respectfully and complete the ceremonial bow.

Impressive lad!, Granny Bai Cao thought inwardly, slightly amazed. Only half a year, and it seems his strength has surged notably again!

"Alright, alright! Huier isn’t just your sister," Granny Bai Cao said, her voice still wry, "She’s also my treasured disciple! There’s no need for you to thank me, hurry up and get up!"

"Heh heh, thanks should still be said appropriately." Lou Yun grinned as he stood up.

Granny Bai Cao gave a nod of approval. "Enough. Come inside the cottage. There are some things I wish to ask you."

The three of them entered Granny Bai Cao’s small thatched cottage in turn. Lou Yun and Granny sat first. Wan Huier, brimming with excitement, busied herself running around energetically to prepare and serve tea.

This time, Granny Bai Cao didn’t launch into her usual lengthy rambling and came straight to the point. "Elder Beichen Ming said you had settled down at his place, focused on solitary cultivation. Why, then, have you rushed over here? You weren’t… driven out by him, were you?"

"Haha, no, not at all," Lou Yun chuckled. "I made an agreement with a friend to meet in Gu Feng Nation. Seeing as it’s almost time now, I informed Elder Bei I was heading back first to fulfill the appointment. I happened to be passing by, so I intended to pay my respects to you, Granny, and to check on Huier."

Granny Bai Cao rolled her eyes mockingly. "Tsk! Stopping to see Granny? That’s just a pretext! The real reason was coming to see your Huier!"

Lou Yun and Wan Huier exchanged another glance and a shared smile at the Granny’s teasing.

The Granny, however, was just jesting. Abruptly changing tack, her tone turned more serious. "Well, regardless, your return is timely. Old Man Feng came by just last month. He said even though your family hasn’t regained their freedom, they are living lavishly in luxury. With the combined protection guarantees from the Ancient Weapon Academy, the Spirit Weapon Sect, and Beichen Ming, their safety is unquestionable. Furthermore, I had Huier write a letter back personally. I entrusted Old Man Feng to deliver it to the King of Gu Feng Nation. That letter also incorporated some distinctive hidden language terms specific to the Royal family. So, upon reading the letter, the King will know it is truly from Huier. Thus, your accusation of kidnapping Princess Huier… simply vanishes."

"Do the math now," Granny Bai Cao concluded with finality. "That old monster must have delivered the letter to the King long ago. So, returning to Gu Feng Nation now shouldn’t carry any great risk for you. You might as well return to your family home!"