Chapter 11

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/

Chapter 11: The Hunt

Amid Lou Yun\’s diligent cultivation, two months passed swiftly. Tomorrow was the day the Lou Family members who had turned fifteen would depart for the hunt.

Today, concluding the final drill of his weapon techniques, an utterly exhausted Lou Yun collapsed onto his bed. His body felt as if it no longer belonged to him; he couldn\’t move a muscle.

This hunt also counted as a rehearsal leading up to the coming-of-age ceremony. Over these two months, Lou Yun had practiced day and night, completely absorbed, training hard in the mind-based weapon techniques Chang Xiang had taught him. His persistence bore fruit—he could now execute the entire set of techniques completely.

Throughout these two months, Chang Xiang, to help Lou Yun master the weapon techniques swiftly, shed his usual laziness. He actively materialized frequently to spar with Lou Yun. In the end, the result left Chang Xiang very satisfied.

After Lou Yun fell into deep sleep, his room door quietly and soundlessly swung open. Two figures stood at the threshold.

\"Elder Brother, Yun\’er has been practicing day and night with that common weapon on the back mountain. I see he’s thoroughly exhausted. Should I wake him?\"

\"No need. Let him rest properly.\"

Had Lou Yun heard these voices then, he would certainly have leapt up immediately. The speakers were his father, Lou Tianming!

Lou Tianming, after lying unconscious for four months, had finally woken up that very day. His condition was exactly as everyone had anticipated: his magical weapon severely damaged, his cultivation base almost entirely lost. By all logic, he was utterly unsuited for getting out of bed and walking around. Yet, his thoughts were entirely consumed with his son. Supported by his younger brother, Lou Tianzhi, he had come quietly to see Lou Yun.

Lou Tianming entered the room, moving as lightly as possible. He picked up the quilt from the bed and gently draped it over Lou Yun. In Lou Yun’s hand lay the Stone Sword.

Lou Tianming reached out, intending to move the Stone Sword. Yet, clasping it, he could not lift it. This made him pause slightly. Exerting strength with both hands, he finally managed to raise the Stone Sword. Holding it under the moonlight filtering in from outside, he examined it closely, an expression of surprise crossing his face before he placed it on the floor. He then sat down by the bed, gazing at the deeply sleeping Lou Yun. His eyes brimmed with affection and concern.

A murmur escaped Lou Yun\’s lips: \"Father… I will restore your Magical Weapon… Soon… very soon…\"

These words warmed Lou Tianming’s heart. His eyes slightly moistened. Gently stroking Lou Yun’s head, he stood up after a moment and quietly left.

Only after walking some distance away did Lou Tianming speak: \"Second Brother, have you seen Yun\’er’s sword?\"

\"I have. Yun\’er calls it the Stone Sword. Xu Yangteng gave it to him. He claims it\’s ungraded and unclassed—no ordinary item—but astonishingly heavy. An ordinary person would likely struggle to lift it. Yet Yun\’er actually uses it as his common weapon for training. Elder Brother, I believe you needn\’t worry about Yun\’er anymore. Even if he can\’t condense a magical weapon, relying on his common weapon, he should still become a formidable expert.\"

Lou Tianming nodded, sighing. \"Yun\’er lost his mother young. And this father of his… has little capability. I couldn’t help him on his cultivation path at all. Ai. He’s had to rely entirely on himself… He has suffered.\"

\"Second Brother, now that you are clan head, I know I shouldn\’t make this request. But still, in my capacity as your elder brother, I hope that during tomorrow\’s hunt, you will deploy formidable experts to protect Yun\’er. Ideally, ensure he isn\’t harmed.\"

Lou Tianming, having been clan head himself, naturally knew the role forbade favoritism. Yet, for the sake of his son, he set aside such considerations.

Lou Tianzhi smiled faintly, reaching out to pat his elder brother\’s shoulder. \"Elder Brother, Yun\’er is my nephew! How could I let him be hurt? Besides, it was at your instructions that I became clan head—otherwise, I couldn\’t be bothered with so many trivial matters! Once your magical weapon is restored, you shall naturally resume the position of clan head.\"

After saying this, Lou Tianzhi suddenly lowered his voice: \"However… Elder Brother, your suspicion was correct. Third Elder and his kin indeed…\"

Lou Tianming raised a hand, stopping him. \"We\’ll discuss that matter later. You attend to your duties. I will go accompany Yun\’er.\"

…

Early the next morning, Lou Yun opened his sleep-bleary eyes. Lifting his head, he looked around dazedly. Suddenly, his eyes flew wide open. Stunned for nearly a full minute, he finally snapped to awareness. Like a young leopard, he shot straight out of bed and lunged towards Lou Tianming, who sat smiling on a chair.

\"Father!\"

Lou Tianming wrapped his arms around Lou Yun. Lou Yun clung to his father tightly, terrified it might be a dream, refusing to let go.

A long while later, it was Lou Tianming who, as usual gently stroked Lou Yun’s head, who spoke: \"Alright, Yun\’er. Time passes. Today, you have the hunt.\"

Lou Yun took a deep breath, forcing back his tears. Releasing his hold, he scrutinized his father carefully, head to toe. Only then did he say, \"Father, don\’t worry. I…\"

Lou Tianming, still smiling, interrupted him: \"I know, Yun\’er. I already know. I await you restoring my magical weapon.\"

\"Mm!\" Lou Yun nodded firmly, making a vow to his father and to himself.

Lou Tianming\’s sudden awakening was, for Lou Yun, akin to receiving the ultimate motivation and spiritual support. He felt brimming with confidence for the upcoming hunt.

Just then, a clear, crisp voice sounded from outside the room: \"The sun is scorching your behind! Time to get up!\"

A faint smile touched Lou Yun\’s lips. He called out loudly, \"Got it, Sis! Coming now!\"

Lou Qian naturally arrived.

After simple washing, Lou Yun changed into a fitted outfit. He inserted the Stone Sword at his back. For easier access, he had specially made a black fabric scabbard to hold it.

Preparations complete, he said, \"Father, let’s go!\"

\"Alright!\"

Lou Tianming stood up, instinctively reaching for Lou Yun\’s hand as before. Yet his hand froze mid-air—during his four-month coma, his son had nearly caught up in height. And what was once a slender frame now, in the fitted clothes, revealed explosive, streamlined muscles.

Still lost in thought for a moment, Lou Yun had already turned, pushed open the door, and stepped out. Watching his son\’s back, Lou Tianming’s face bloomed with a proud smile. Truly, his child had grown.

Lou Qian knew of Lou Tianming’s awakening. Smiling, she greeted him, then playfully raised a finger to poke Lou Yun’s forehead as always. Only now she discovered: he stood half a head taller than her. Stunned briefly, she recovered.

She still tapped his forehead lightly. \"You’d have been late if I didn’t call. Remember, you owe me another favor!\"

Lou Qian had bartered countless small favors this way since childhood. Lou Yun, unfazed, replied with a grin, \"Got it.\"

\"Let’s hurry. Can’t actually be late now!\"

Walking shoulder-to-shoulder to the Lou Family gates, Lou Yun squinted at the rising sun. An unspeakable exhilaration filled his chest. Today was the test for his four months of relentless training.

Outside the gate, the Lou clan members gathering for the hunt had already assembled. Including Lou Yun, six boys were set to participate. Besides Lou Yun, the main lineage’s heir, there was Lou Tianlei’s youngest son—Lou Fei’s full brother, Lou Chong. The other four belonged to collateral branches.

Lou Runshui’s family stood by the entrance. Their faces registered surprise upon seeing Lou Tianming appear with Lou Yun. Recovery, however, swiftly gave way to mocking sneers creeping onto the faces of Lou Runshui and his descendants. Lou Tianlei stepped forward cheerfully. \"First Brother! Second Brother had just notified me you awoke. I meant to visit!\"

Ignoring the forced smile, Lou Tianming replied neutrally, \"Thank you for your concern, Third Brother. Upon waking, my priority was to see Yun’er.\"

Lou Tianlei turned to Lou Yun. \"Yun’er. I heard you’ve practiced diligently recently. Significant progress, I trust?\"

Lou Yun responded politely, \"Third Uncle flatters me. Unable to conjure a magical weapon, I merely honed skills with a common weapon—nothing compared to Cousin Chong.\"

At the confirmation that Lou Yun still couldn’t manifest a magical weapon, suppressed snickers rippled through the crowd. Before Lou Tianming, however, they dared not be overly brazen.

After exchanging a few more civilities, the group departed Lingjiang City under Lou Tianlei’s lead.

Demon beasts inhabited domains distant from humans. The stronger they were, the more remote their dwellings.

Near Lingjiang City lay Tianliang Mountain and its forest. Though not vast, its dense canopy choked sunlight. Untrodden paths vanished under ancient trees. Over time, the wilderness became the exclusive territory of low-level demon beasts.

The city’s three great families knew this. But the forest’s weak demonic inhabitants posed no serious threat, so instead of cleansing it, they divided it into three zones—each designated as a training ground for their younger generations. Hunting now meant venturing into the Lou Family’s allotment to hunt demon beasts.

Approaching Tianliang Forest’s edge, Lou Yun caught the scent of blood drifting ahead. A chill wind swept past them. The woods beyond held little light, radiating an eerie gloom capable of unnerving even at the fringe.

Lou Tianlei moved near Lou Tianzhi, whispering, \"Second Brother, you’ve swept it, right?\"

Though low-level beasts dwelt within, powerful stragglers were sometimes found. For safety, the Lou Family always swept their sector prior to any hunt—killing or driving threats into other family’s territories.

Lou Tianzhi nodded confidently. \"Security confirmed entirely. Moreover, guardians shadow them covertly. Rest easy, Third Brother.\"

He turned to the six youths. \"You all know this hunt’s purpose and importance—a rehearsal for your changing ceremony half a year hence. Your future depends greatly on this trial. Rules are straightforward: enter the forest, claim a beast soul to complete the trial. For surrender or emergency, strike the fluorescent stone provided. Assistance will arrive immediately. Time limit: one day. Regardless of success, depart before sunset. Any questions?\"

\"None!\"

\"Very well. Exercise caution. Pursue excellence. Begin preparations now.\"

\"Preparations\" merely meant brief familial farewells and last-minute guidance for increased success odds.

Lou Tianming patted Lou Yun’s shoulder. \"Yun’er. Do your utmost, but take no unnecessary risks.\"

\"Understood, Father!\" Lou Yun flashed Lou Tianming a luminous smile.

…

\"Hunt commence!\"

With Lou Tianzhi’s order, the six youths burst into Tianliang Forest from six distinct points. Simultaneously, Lou Fei, Lou Qian, and four other unseen protectors flowed in after them.