Chapter 308

Chapter 308: Starting Over

Lou Yun already held a clear understanding of the entire layout of formations within the Thousand Layer Cave. Therefore, under his leadership, the group finally successfully emerged from the depths.

The exit of the Thousand Layer Cave was located on another mountain within the Fei Xia Mountain range. Standing at the cave mouth, emotions welled up inside everyone. They had been trapped within the caves for nearly four months. Adding the encounter with Gui You Quan to that, they had truly believed they were doomed and could never leave that cavernous tomb. Yet, unexpectedly, not only had they survived with Lou Yun’s help, but they had also seen the sky again. This alone filled them with immense happiness.

As for Gui You Quan, who had been sealed in the cavern for thirty years, his feelings were beyond description now. Even his perpetually expressionless face showed distinct shifts of emotion.

With Gui You Quan’s matter settled, it was time for the others to leave. Every person present was a top figure in their own territory on the Spirit Weapon Star. Nearly four months of absence meant countless accumulated issues awaited them back in their domains, and chaos had likely already ensued among their subordinates.

Thus, Ao Wushen, Yu Xiaozi, and Wu Yang were the first to bid farewell to Lou Yun. Before leaving, all three earnestly invited Lou Yun to visit them when he had time, vowing that from that day forward, Lou Yun would be their eternal friend. Lou Yun readily agreed. Of course, the three also secretly cautioned Lou Yun never to trust Gui You Quan too much and to be constantly on his guard.

After seeing the three off, Lou Yun pulled Old Man Feng aside and briefly recounted the events at the Ancient Weapon Academy. Upon hearing this, Old Man Feng practically exploded. While he initially wanted to stay and catch up with Lou Yun, he was now terrified Tang Qianqiu and his cohorts might return to the Ancient Weapon Academy seeking revenge. He didn’t dare linger for even a moment. Hurriedly, he instructed Lou Yun to return to the Ancient Weapon Academy no matter how busy he was and promptly sped away.

Now only Lou Yun and his two sworn brothers, plus Gui You Quan, remained. The three brothers exchanged looks. Lou Yun coughed lightly and addressed Gui You Quan. "As I said earlier, though you insist on regarding me as your Young Master, I don’t intend to restrict your freedom. Do whatever you wish. Just remember my words: do not kill indiscriminately!"

Gui You Quan, however, shook his head. "Young Master, this old servant has nothing to do now and no desire but to follow you. Wherever the Young Master goes, this old servant shall be."

This declaration made Lou Yun frown deeply. He thought to himself: If I have to walk around constantly with such a fearsome killer beside me, what work could I possibly do? I’d spend all my time just guarding against him!

Yet, Chang Xiang offered the opposite counsel: "Lad, let him follow you. Firstly, across the entire Spirit Weapon Star, you’re the only one who can control him. Secondly, powerful enemies surround you now. That he acts as a bodyguard by your side will be an immense help. Thirdly, even if you tried to drive him away, he wouldn’t go. As he said earlier, his second trial, the suffering of the heavenly punishment, is nearing. If he doesn’t survive, death is his only path. Mr. Commoner stated only you can help him overcome this torment. Therefore, he will inevitably stay by your side."

Though Lou Yun vehemently disliked the idea of having Gui You Quan as a constant companion, he couldn’t deny the logic in Chang Xiang’s words. Internally, he sighed heavily with a feeling that hovered between fortune and misfortune. This mysterious old servant who dropped from the skies was incredibly powerful yet deeply bloodthirsty. It seemed the days ahead would be turbulent.

"Very well. You may follow me for now," Lou Yun conceded. "After I’ve helped you endure the heavenly punishment, you will leave."

Lou Yun deliberately voiced Gui You Quan’s hidden motive precisely to make it clear he wasn’t a fool — that the old servant’s game was transparent. Following was acceptable, but good conduct was mandatory.

Truthfully, Gui You Quan’s desire to stay was partly motivated by gratitude and wholly by needing Lou Yun’s aid against the heavenly punishment. He showed no surprise at having his thoughts unveiled, simply nodding. "This old servant obeys."

Since Gui You Quan obstinately insisted on staying with Lou Yun, Beichen Ming and Leng Cangqiong had little choice. Therefore, the four of them flew together towards Yulu Mountain Manor.

During the journey, Lou Yun recounted the events of the past months. Hearing that the Divine Weapon Alliance’s influence had extended to the sea territories, Beichen Ming was overjoyed, his face wreathed in smiles. Leng Cangqiong, however, remained expressionless, clearly preoccupied.

Lou Yun shared this news specifically to lift his brothers’ spirits, especially Leng Cangqiong, who had endured severe trauma. But seeing Leng Cangqiong’s expression, Lou Yun knew he still carried a heavy burden.

For now, Lou Yun saw no solution other than hoping time might gradually soothe Leng Cangqiong’s heart.

They arrived at Yulu Mountain Manor without incident. Seeing all three brothers return safely, the entire manor erupted. Everyone welcomed them back with unreserved joy.

As for Gui You Quan, Lou Yun dared not reveal his true identity. He concocted a cover story, which easily passed amidst the excitement. Everyone was far too happy to ask further questions.

Late into the night, after the bustle quieted and others had dispersed, the three brothers sat alone in a secret chamber. This room, specifically built by Beichen Ming with powerful energy barriers designed to block spiritual senses, ensured privacy. They chose this venue specifically to guard against Gui You Quan eavesdropping on their words.

Gui You Quan was quartered in a remote villa within the manor complex. At Lou Yun’s express command, a patrol of twenty estate guards surrounded it — ostensibly for security, but primarily to monitor Gui You Quan’s movements. Lou Yun made this surveillance overt, understanding covert observation was useless.

Once settled, Beichen Ming spoke first: "Third Brother, do you truly intend to keep Gui You Quan beside you?"

In the Thousand Layer Cave, Lou Yun had only provided the basics; now he recounted the details unreservedly. "Since we’ve formed a Soul Contract, I needn’t fear his disobedience. Having him stay beside me is actually the safest option. Truly, what alternative exists?"

"Oh…!" Beichen Ming nodded. "So a Soul Contract possesses such miraculous power? If a mere thought could truly slay him, fear is unnecessary indeed. But prudence remains advisable."

"Agreed. I understand."

"What are your plans next, then?"

Lou Yun pondered for a moment. "I wish to relocate the entire Yulu Mountain Manor to the Divine Weapon Island. The Illusory Heaven Formation crafted by the three brothers Lu provides excellent security there. What does Second Brother think? Once they are settled, I plan to attend to some private matters."

Lou Yun’s "private matters" concerned the bloody feud between the entire Lou Family and the Nine Clans. Following the sentiments expressed by Lou Tianming and Lou Tianzhi — both reluctant for Lou Yun to engage in ancient feuds and face the Nine Clans head-on — and Lou Yun’s own aversion to endless conflict and bloodshed, he intended to seek an opportunity for dialogue with the Nine Clans. Maybe the deep-seated hatred could be resolved peacefully, allowing everyone to focus on cultivation and peaceful lives.

Beichen Ming nodded readily. "Third Brother, I have already entrusted all my worldly assets and dependents to you; you are their Lord. Such decisions rest solely in your hands; my support is unconditional. Moreover, moving to Divine Weapon Island proves a sound plan. As for your private affairs… they remain yours alone. Rest assured, should you require aid, mobilize the Divine Weapon Alliance anytime."

"Hah!" Lou Yun chuckled and shook his head. "Hardly necessary, I should think. I already have myself quite the formidable bodyguard!

Beichen Ming paused briefly, then realized the implication. "Ah…! Indeed! With Gui You Quan at your side, you can stomp across the entire Spirit Weapon Star!"

Having personally crossed swords with Gui You Quan, Beichen Ming knew all too well the man’s terrifying might. Since even their combined strength had proven insufficient, no adversary on the Spirit Weapon Star stood a chance against Gui You Quan. Lou Yun could truly go wherever he pleased, assured his path would remain unimpeded.

It was then Leng Cangqiong, who had remained silent since their departure from the Thousand Layer Cave, suddenly spoke: "Third Brother… could you forge… a common weapon for me?"

This abrupt request shocked both Lou Yun and Beichen Ming. Lou Yun recovered swiftly. "Brother, do you wish to begin practicing both magical and ordinary skills?"

"Yes!" Leng Cangqiong responded with decisive weight.

Previously, Leng Cangqiong, stuck at the emperor rank within the magical weapon realm and unable to progress, had hastily forged another magical weapon. Though he’d conversed with Lou Yun (actually Chang Xiang) beforehand about the proper dual path of cultivation, his attachment to his second magical weapon — compounded by the Spirit Weapon Star’s deeply entrenched prejudice where magical weapons masters disdained common weapons masters — prevented him from starting that arduous dual cultivation.

Now, the second magical weapon was utterly gone. Decades of bitter training lay wrecked. The first remained trapped at the emperor rank, hopelessly blocked. Therefore, at last, Leng Cangqiong was ready to abandon everything. To embark anew… to practice both magical and ordinary skills. To start over.

There was no refusal; Lou Yun felt profound relief for Leng Cangqiong’s release from his inner torment. "Brother, rest assured. I shall forge you a common weapon straightaway!"