Chapter 248

Chapter 248: Desperate Battle

Over the next three days, Lou Yun and the others familiarized themselves with the island’s environment and conditions under Mei Yuanmu’s guidance.

Divine Weapon Island spanned several dozen li in area. Though surrounded by water, most of its coastline featured sheer cliffs where ordinary people couldn’t land undetected. Only two spots required guarding: the dock where Lou Yun’s group disembarked and the opposite side, called the back island by Mei Yuanmu.

Both locations had long been assigned guards on four-hour rotations. Additionally, watchtowers stood at the island’s four compass points. Sentries manned them day and night, scanning the surrounding seas.

In short, Mei Yuanmu had efficiently arranged most island affairs, sparing Lou Yun much worry. This naturally pleased Lou Yun, who now regarded Mei Yuanmu with greater respect.

After thoroughly understanding Divine Weapon Island’s setup, Lou Yun considered moving his family there. Yet he couldn’t decide alone. Generations of the Lou Family lived on land; suddenly relocating to a sea island might unsettle many. He shelved the thought until returning to Yulu Mountain Manor to discuss it with his father and Second Uncle.

As for Wen Hou, Tie Sha, and Shui Lingluo, Lou Yun didn’t treat them as Divine Weapon Alliance members. He asked them to stay, but all three declined.

Lou Yun understood. Wen Hou and Tie Sha needed to report back to Zhuge Mou, leader of Tianjiao, whose intellect far surpassed theirs. They pinned their hopes on him to control the power within them.

Shui Lingluo’s clan had just broken their water contract and urgently needed revitalization. As one of three contract-breakers—likely the strongest—she couldn’t stay idle instead of aiding her people.

Lou Yun didn’t realize Shui Lingluo was no longer her former self. Though clan loyalty partly motivated her departure, her greater aim was to scheme against him.

Despite refusing to stay, none left immediately. Since Lou Yun planned to return to Yulu Mountain Manor soon, they waited to accompany him to Binhai City before separating.

Three days passed swiftly. Early on the third day, as Lou Yun meditated to regulate his breathing, shouts suddenly filled his ears.

Mei Yuanmu’s voice sounded outside the door: personnel had gathered on the island to spar.

Lou Yun stood, pushed open the door, and walked with Mei Yuanmu toward the noise. Others, also roused by the commotion, curiously left their quarters to follow Lou Yun.

They arrived at the island’s most expansive clearing, now packed with magical weapons masters.

"Take this!"

One magical weapons master materialized twin blades and attacked his opponent fiercely. The latter instantly conjured a shield, blocking the strike.

Thud!

Both blades slammed heavily into the shield, the tremendous impact sending both fighters stumbling backward. Instantly, they clashed again.

Over three hundred magical weapons masters sparred one-on-one at full intensity. Each treated their opponent as a mortal enemy, striking ruthlessly as if craving a fatal blow. Several hovered airborne atop magical weapons, shouting guidance at those below.

These airborne fighters were Earth level or above, ranking among the island’s top experts. Temporarily exempt from the melee, they instructed others.

One burly, bearded man among them stood out—hot-tempered and stern. Whenever fighters below slackened, he’d swoop down, unleash furious curses, or even attack.

Lou Yun recognized him vividly: Cheng Kuang, the sole fighter who’d nearly aided the Qiu family when Lou Yun attacked Shuotai Island with his four leaders.

Cheng Kuang’s forthrightness appealed to Lou Yun, who’d asked Mei Yuanmu to recruit him then. Learning Cheng Kuang refused, Lou Yun ordered Mei Yuanmu to persuade him. Evidently, Mei Yuanmu succeeded.

But now, Lou Yun focused wholly on the fierce duels below, giving Cheng Kuang only passing notice.

He questioned Mei Yuanmu, puzzled. "I thought you arranged mutual sparring to improve their skills. Yet they fight as if holding deep grudges!"

Mei Yuanmu replied with a smile. "Island Master, you tasked me with incentives. My rule: winners gain rewards. That’s why they fight so fiercely—to win."

"Look how well it works! Earlier sessions were like lazy play. Today is totally different."

Though brutal, Lou Yun admitted the tactic’s effectiveness. Witnessing each fighter unleash their strongest weapon techniques without holding back, solely for victory.

Mei Yuanmu continued, "I paired them by comparable strength. The airborne ones uphold order. Island Master, only constant combat like this sharpens true power."

Lou Yun silently watched the near-death struggles over meager rewards, feeling an indescribable ache.

This compassion stemmed from his profound kindness. Yet he knew: such mercy should never extend to battle. Though pitying these fighters, as island master and their leader, he buried this sentiment to nurture their strength.

After nearly half an hour, the three-hundred-plus duelists finalized their outcomes. The scene was tragic—losers spat blood or suffered broken limbs; victors bled everywhere but wore joy at impending rewards.

"Enough!" Mei Yuanmu soared midair on his magical weapon. "Today’s duels end! Winners collect rewards later. First, greet our Divine Weapon Alliance leader and island master—Lou Yun!"

Everyone bowed. "Greetings, Island Master!"

Lou Yun inhaled deeply but stayed grounded. His gaze swept the assembly before he spoke. "I witnessed your battles. One word describes it: harrowing."

"But I noticed a flaw. You solely rely on magical weapons and weapon techniques to defeat opponents. This approach is fundamentally wrong."

His words provoked bewildered murmurs. Even Mei Yuanmu and Cheng Kuang frowned, baffled. They’d been taught since becoming magical weapons masters: strength depended on magical weapon realm and weapon technique mastery. Yet their leader declared this method invalid.

A smooth, ten-meter-high boulder stood behind Lou Yun. Glancing at it, Lou Yun said lightly, "You can’t comprehend yet? Let me demonstrate practically. Whoever climbs this boulder’s peak without magical weapons earns a third-tier spiritual crystal!"

With flicked fingers, he sent a spiritual crystal arcing onto the boulder’s summit.

The crowd exchanged uncertain glances. Unfamiliar with Lou Yun’s temperament, none moved.

Lou Yun’s authoritative stare swept them. "No courage? Or skill?" He suddenly pointed. "Cheng Kuang! I know you’re bold. Will you give it a try?"