Chapter 99

Chapter 99: A Lavish Gift of Revenge

Lou Yun and Yi Jin Guan had just returned. Because they were preoccupied with Wan Huier’s situation, neither had informed Zuo Mingyang about the matter of the Wu family. When Zuo Mingyang woke up in Yi Jin Guan’s care, he absolutely refused to accept the fact that his band of brothers had died. If he hadn’t also been worried about Wan Huier, he would have left long ago.

Zuo Mingyang was someone who treasured emotions and brotherly loyalty deeply; otherwise, so many people wouldn’t have followed him with unwavering devotion. Yet while his brothers all perished, he still survived, so it was imaginable how intense the anguish was in his heart over these days. However, for the sake of Wan Huier, he hid it diligently. Now that Lou Yun had returned, he could finally take vengeance for his brothers.

Lou Yun looked at Zuo Mingyang and said softly, "Bro, sit down. I’ve already avenged them for their sake, and I believe they can rest in peace now!"

This statement made Zuo Mingyang’s eyes widen suddenly; he even didn’t grasp what Lou Yun meant!

Yi Jin Guan sighed lightly and said, "Yes, Bro Zuo, what Lou Bro said is correct. The reason I encountered him today was precisely because he was helping you avenge your brothers!"

"What exactly happened? Who really killed my brothers? Tell me quickly, Bro, what did you do?"

Lou Yun stood up, walked over to Zuo Mingyang, pressed down on his shoulders to reseat him in the chair, and poured another cup of wine into his glass. "Bro, don’t get agitated yet. Drink this wine, and hear me out!"

"Fine, you talk, I’ll listen!" Zuo Mingyang raised his cup and downed the wine in one gulp.

Then Lou Yun briefly recounted everything: how, after descending from Chiyan Mountain, he rushed to Zuo Mingyang’s residence; how he dug up and reburied the ninety-seven corpses; how he sought out Wu Shaopin; and then how he killed people of the Wu family.

Though Lou Yun described it lightly, Zuo Mingyang and the others listened with hearts racing in shock. Finally, Zuo Mingyang asked in a trembling voice, "Bro, how many people of the Wu family did you kill?"

Lou Yun didn’t speak, but lifted the wine cup before him and tipped it into his mouth. Yi Jin Guan beside him answered instead, "All of them, except for the elderly, weak, women, and children!"

"Entire family!"

At these words, everyone present was stunned. Zuo Mingyang, Wan Huier, including Yi Xuan and Yi Ru, all stared at Lou Yun with faces showing disbelief.

Others didn’t know the specific strength of the Wu family, but Zuo Mingyang did. Even with nearly a hundred men under him, he had dared only to cause minor trouble for Wu Shaopin, knowing his group could never rival the Wu family. Yet now, Lou Yun had solely killed all the magical weapons masters of the Wu family—an absolutely terrifying level of power!

Only now did Lou Yun set down his wine cup, smiling lightly. "Yes, originally, I intended to wipe out the Wu family completely. But later, thinking it’d be wrong to harm the wives and children for their sins, I spared the old, young, women, and offspring. Bro, I apologize—this vengeance should have been taken by you personally."

Zuo Mingyang stood and walked over to Lou Yun, suddenly kneeling before him. This move was even more abrupt than what Yi Xuan and Yi Ru had done before, leaving Lou Yun utterly unprepared. After a moment of surprise, Lou Yun tried to dodge away, but Zuo Mingyang seized his leg firmly. "Bro, I’m thanking you on behalf of my ninety-seven departed brothers, so you must accept this bow!"

After saying this, Zuo Mingyang lowered his head. Lou Yun gently lifted him with both hands. "Bro, they were your brothers, and I’m your brother too. Avenging them was what I ought to do, so I can’t receive this gift."

Zuo Mingyang stayed silent, head still bowed, but suddenly emitted muffled sobbing sounds. This man, who never shed tears in blood, was crying for the second time today!

His first weeping was for rescuing Wan Huier, whose face was disfigured while she saved his life. This time, it was for his ninety-seven departed brothers.

Listening to Zuo Mingyang’s childlike cries, everyone’s heart stirred with sorrow and sadness. Who said men don’t weep? It’s only when sorrow hasn’t pierced deep. Far from mocking him, all looked down. Soon after, Wan Huier also burst into soft weeping; she was equally tormented, for despite her best efforts, she could save only Zuo Mingyang while disfigured. The agony of feeling powerless lingered unforgettably.

Lou Yun steadied Zuo Mingyang but didn’t stop him. Instead, he let him cry out. This grief of parting in life and death had been buried too long!

Yi Xuan and Yi Ru dutifully hurried to Wan Huier’s side. Their four small hands gently patted her back as they soothed like tiny caregivers. "Aunt Huier, don’t cry, stop weeping, please!"

As a man, Zuo Mingyang wept for a while, then expressed his inner pain. Wiping away tears, he said, "Alright, Bro, I’m fine now!"

"Mmm."

Lou Yun trusted Zuo Mingyang spoke truthfully. A man must be capable of lifting burdens and letting go; weep when needed, then rise again as a true hero.

Once everyone’s emotions calmed, they resumed eating. Yi Jin Guan eyed Lou Yun and said, "Lou Bro, are you about to take Miss Huier to treat her injuries?"

"Mmm, I plan to escort Huier to Cang Lan Nation to seek out Granny Bai Cao!"

"Granny Bai Cao? Do you know her? They say she’s very hard to convince, and she has three odd rules for requests! Can it work?" Yi Jin Guan and Zuo Mingyang naturally knew of Granny Bai Cao’s reputation, so they voiced their worries.

Lou Yun nodded. "Likely so. Granny Bai Cao has ties with a senior I’m acquainted with. Out of respect for that elder, she’ll likely agree."

Actually, Lou Yun harbored some doubts himself—Granny Bai Cao’s rules included one request per person and that seeking medicine for the opposite sex required marriage. But he couldn’t speak honestly now; Wan Huier had barely gained confidence, and he couldn’t let her lose it at this point.

"Oh!" The others didn’t grasp the details, assuming Lou Yun was fully assured.

To avoid revealing too much by continuing, Lou Yun hastily changed the subject: "Brother Zuo, what are your plans now?"

Zuo Mingyang’s house was burned down, his brothers were all dead, and he genuinely had nowhere left to go!

Zuo Mingyang sighed and said: "I’m going to visit my brothers first. Anyway, I can’t continue being a bandit—I’ll just take things as they come!" After this ordeal, Zuo Mingyang truly felt somewhat disheartened.

Yi Jin Guan said: "Brother Zuo, how’s this? You’ve got no place to stay, and I’ve got a few empty rooms here. Why not come over after seeing your brothers? It’ll be good company for us two old friends."

These words sparked an idea in Lou Yun: "Gentlemen, I actually have a thought—but I don’t know if you’d be willing?"

"What idea?" Both looked at Lou Yun, puzzled.

"If you both don’t mind, how about going to the Gu Feng Nation and settling at my home?"

Lou Yun reflected that since these two had no relatives or ties here, it was better for them to join his family. For one, no matter how busy he became, he’d always return home, allowing them to gather in idle times. For another, though the Lou Family wasn’t powerful, supporting two wasn’t hard—especially with Yi Jin Guan’s mystery rank cultivation, which would surely earn him respect there.

After sharing his views, Yi Jin Guan and Zuo Mingyang exchanged a glance. Clearly, both were tempted: Lou Yun was right—Zuo Mingyang was utterly alone, and Yi Jin Guan had avenged his grudge, so lingering here was pointless. Their hesitation stemmed only from how abrupt it seemed and the awkwardness of being fully supported by the Lou Family long-term.

"This might not be appropriate?"

Lou Yun saw their concerns and smiled slightly: "The Lou Family has a few enemies locally. Having you two gentlemen stationed there would ease my mind while I’m away."

At this point, Lou Yun glanced at Yi Xuan and Yi Ru and added: "Besides, they’re my disciples—almost like half Lou Family members now. Staying at our place suits them perfectly!"

Inspired by Lou Yun’s words, Zuo Mingyang and Yi Jin Guan exchanged looks once more and nodded firmly: "Very well! Then we won’t stand on ceremony!"

Lou Yun laughed heartily: "Of course! I’ll write a letter now. Just take it straight to my home and hand it to my Second Uncle—that is, the clan head of the Lou Family."

"Good!"

With the move settled, Yi Jin Guan ordered his servants to pack quickly. Yi Xuan and Yi Ru were ecstatic—changing surroundings and visiting their master’s home was bliss—so they joined the bustle, leaving the four others chatting idly.

Suddenly remembering something, Lou Yun closed his eyes and rummaged in his ring before pulling out a ten-foot-long greatsword. He handed it to Yi Jin Guan, saying: "Brother Yi, since your common weapon has served its duty, stop using it—it isn’t right for you anyway. This blade of mine was forged by my master. Take a look—I think it’ll work!"

Yi Jin Guan froze, stunned that Lou Yun would gift him a common weapon after taking in his adopted children. To pretend he didn’t want it was false, but accepting felt deeply awkward.

Lou Yun said with a laugh: "Brother, don’t be polite with me. You’re still guiding Yi Xuan and Yi Ru in their training! Take it!"

Blushing, Yi Jin Guan clenched his jaw: "Then I won’t hold back!"

Reaching out, he eagerly snatched the sword and studied it at once.

The reason Yi Jin Guan hadn’t replaced his common weapon was partly for revenge and partly unaffordability—a good one, especially at mystery rank or above, cost far beyond ordinary reach!

The blade Lou Yun gave, named "Slash Moon", was top-tier among mystery rank pieces: exceptionally sharp, embedded with sun-rank low-level weapon techniques, and—crucially—possessing flight like a magical weapon of equal rank.

Such a common weapon surely priced over a hundred thousand gold on the Spirit Weapon Star, and to Yi Jin Guan, its worth was beyond money!

Lou Yun beckoned to Zuo Mingyang. Approaching suspiciously, Zuo Mingyang started as Lou Yun pressed a finger to his temple. But a white glow at Lou Yun’s fingertip transfixed him—Lou Yun was imparting weapon techniques!

Zuo Mingyang’s magical weapon, a flail, was uncommon and needed rare techniques. Luckily, Mr. Commoner owned a set of sun-rank low-level ones, so Lou Yun passed them on!

After the transfer, Zuo Mingyang was speechless with joy. Lou Yun patted his shoulder, smiling, then summoned Yi Xuan and Yi Ru and taught them the same cultivation method.

Lou Yun’s gifts were grand gestures indeed, leaving everyone thrilled!

After a night’s rest, early the following morning, Lou Yun’s group prepared to depart—in different directions. Lou Yun and Wan Huier went to the Cang Lan Nation with Xiao Huo, while Zuo Mingyang, Yi Jin Guan, and their party headed for Lingjiang City in the Gu Feng Nation.

Lou Yun pushed the letter into Yi Jin Guan’s hands and said: "Brother Yi, I ask you to safeguard the Lou Family. After I return, we’ll hold a proper reunion!"

"Young brother, such courtesy speaks for itself! Rest assured, Brother Zuo and I know our duty."

"Haha, good! Wish you a smooth journey!"

"And you! Huier, when we meet again, you’ll be radiantly restored!"

They bid warm farewells. Amid Yi Xuan and Yi Ru’s tearful cries, Lou Yun and Wan Huier watched Yi Jin Guan’s group leave—little knowing Lou Yun’s kindness would plunge them into peril!