Chapter 18

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Chapter 18: Condensation

Liu Chi’s proposal at this moment truly took everyone by surprise. What was even more unexpected was that he voluntarily offered to vouch for Lou Yun, allowing him to bypass the Ancient Weapon Academy’s entrance tests. All Lou Yun needed was the Lou Family’s approval to gain direct admission!

In simpler terms, as long as the Lou Family agreed, Lou Yun could enter the Ancient Weapon Academy in just half a year!

Everyone knew the Ancient Weapon Academy’s tests were notoriously varied and difficult, with extremely strict admission standards. Even for those who qualified to take the tests, the pass rate was barely one in ten or lower. Exemption from testing—this was a dream opportunity countless people could only wish for!

Given Liu Chi’s status and reputation, his words carried weight. Such a chance to send a clan member into the Ancient Weapon Academy was too good for Lou Tianzhi to pass up.

After a brief moment of shock, Lou Tianzhi understood: Liu Chi’s request for Lou Yun to undergo the clan’s test now was merely to further gauge his strength. Though the true purpose behind Liu Chi and his niece Liu Ruyan’s visit remained unclear, one thing was certain—it revolved around Lou Yun.

But Lou Tianzhi couldn’t afford to overthink it. Sending Lou Yun to the Ancient Weapon Academy would benefit not just Lou Yun and his father Lou Tianming, but the entire Lou Family. Without hesitation, he nodded immediately. \"Master Liu’s high regard for Yun’er is deeply appreciated. I accept your terms on his behalf. Please wait while I make arrangements.\"

After speaking, Lou Tianzhi excused himself and hurried to the elders’ seats, consulting the three elders and other leading figures of the Lou Family’s branches.

As discussions unfolded, Liu Chi sat back down with a smile. He gave Lou Yun, who was watching him, a slight nod before quietly conversing with Liu Ruyan. Others pondered the day’s events, their attitudes a mix of curiosity and concern.

Members of the Lin and Wang families wore troubled expressions. It seemed the Lou Family’s standing in Lingjiang City would soon rise dramatically. Not only had they gained Xu Yangteng, a skilled weapon maker, as an ally, but they had also secured the backing of the Spirit Weapon Sect.

Lou Qian darted over to Lou Yun. Disregarding her height, she jumped and poked his forehead hard, feigning anger. \"Since when did you get so strong? I had no idea! What have you been doing these past six months?\"

Rubbing his reddened forehead, Lou Yun replied innocently, \"Nothing different. Same as always.\"

\"Hmph!\" Lou Qian planted her hands on her hips. \"You’re such a liar. But I always knew you’d make it to the Ancient Weapon Academy—just not this soon. Don’t rush, though. As your elder sister, I’ll scout it out first. That way, when you arrive, I can back you up. Haha!\"

\"Haha, yes! You’ll have to look out for me then!\"

The siblings bantered freely, drawing amused glances from those nearby.

Since this was a tremendous boon for the Lou Family, consensus was quickly reached: a \"test\" would be arranged immediately for Lou Yun. Not everyone agreed, however. Third Elder Lou Runhuo remained silent throughout, neither supporting nor opposing. For now, his opinion was overlooked.

This \"test\" bore no resemblance to previous internal selections for Ancient Weapon Academy recommendations. In essence, it was a mere formality—a chance for Lou Yun to display his abilities.

Lou Tianzhi returned to the arena and announced, \"The Lou Family’s internal test begins now! Lou Yun, step forward!\"

Lou Qian gave Lou Yun’s shoulder an encouraging pat. He responded with a bright smile and calmly walked onto the arena, standing before Lou Tianzhi.

The test requirements were brief and straightforward, understood by all. To satisfy Liu Chi as guarantor, Lou Yun was asked to demonstrate his skills once more.

After the test, Lou Tianzhi glanced at Liu Chi, who nodded slightly. Lou Tianzhi then declared, \"The Lou Family internal test concludes! Lou Yun has earned the clan’s recognition and is recommended for admission to the Ancient Weap—\"

\"I object!\"

The sudden interruption stunned everyone. All eyes turned to the source—Third Elder Lou Runhuo!

Though surprising, the reason was clear: Lou Runhuo bore a grudge over Lou Yun injuring his grandson earlier. This was deliberate obstruction.

Lou Tianzhi’s gaze turned icy as he stared at Lou Runhuo. \"Third Elder, state your objection.\"

Grand Elder Lou Runshui glared fiercely at Lou Runhuo, hissing, \"Third brother, what are you doing? Sit down! If Yun’er misses this chance because of you, don’t blame me for what follows!\"

Lou Runhuo, despite his age, knew the consequences of opposing Lou Yun now. Yet, he couldn’t bear to see Lou Yun’s triumph. Confident in his stance, he ignored his brother’s warning and declared, \"Elder brother, our Lou Family may not be a great sect, but we’ve always acted with integrity. Forcing Lou Yun into the Ancient Weapon Academy when he’s unqualified—I cannot stay silent, even if it costs me your favor.\"

\"Our clan rules explicitly state: those without a magical weapon cannot even enter the Elite Hall, let alone earn a recommendation to the Ancient Weapon Academy. Therefore, Lou Yun is ineligible!\"

Lou Runhuo shrewdly invoked clan regulations as a shield. Faced with this, Lou Runshui and Lou Tianzhi were momentarily cornered—the rule did exist.

Though everyone recognized Lou Runhuo’s obstruction, this was an internal Lou Family matter. Even Liu Chi couldn’t intervene—meddling in another clan’s affairs was forbidden.

Most spectators, having no direct stake, watched with amusement. To them, Lou Yun’s strength was already exceptional. Entry into the Ancient Weapon Academy would make him even more formidable through advanced weapon techniques and manuals. If barred now, it would be a pity.

Watching Lou Runhuo’s smug expression, Lou Tianzhi and Lou Tianming seethed silently but saw no recourse. After a pause, Lou Tianzhi said, \"While the rule exists, Yun’er’s case is special—\"

Lou Runhuo cut him off. \"Clan Head, you may lead us, but you cannot defy our laws! Special or not, his lack of a magical weapon is undeniable!\"

\"This… this…\"

Lou Runhuo’s rebuttal left even the quick-witted Lou Tianzhi speechless.

Lou Yun himself glared at Lou Runhuo, understanding his elders’ dilemma but powerless to prove himself.

Then, Chang Xiang’s voice whispered in his ear: \"Ask him: if you manifest a magical weapon, will he shut his foul mouth?\"

Lou Yun’s heart stirred. Before he could question further, Chang Xiang urged him to speak. Compelled, Lou Yun addressed Lou Runhuo: \"Third Elder, if I can condense a magical weapon, would that qualify me?\"

Lou Runhuo believed Lou Yun’s strength came solely from the Stone Sword. He never imagined Lou Yun could manifest a magical weapon now. Snorting dismissively, he retorted, \"Obviously! If you can condense one, it wouldn’t violate clan rules. I’d have no grounds to object.\"

\"Good!\" Lou Yun smiled faintly. \"Then keep your eyes wide open, Third Elder!\"

Not just Lou Runhuo—everyone froze in disbelief. Even Liu Chi leaned forward intently, wondering: Had Lou Yun already condensed a magical weapon and hidden it all along?

But it seemed impossible. Liu Chi had detected no trace of a magical weapon within Lou Yun. Moreover, anyone who’d condensed one would never wield a common weapon—it was counterproductive and hindered cultivation.

Regardless, Liu Chi watched with keen anticipation. This visit had been full of surprises. If this young man truly possessed a magical weapon…

Lou Yun, of course, had none. Chang Xiang had instructed him to speak. Now, bewildered, he asked inwardly, \"Brother Chang, what do you mean?\"

Chang Xiang’s voice lost its usual teasing edge, turning solemn. \"Condense your magical weapon now, using your clan’s method!\"

\"Now?\" Lou Yun couldn’t believe his ears.

\"Stop wasting time! Do it!\"

Since meeting Chang Xiang, Lou Yun had abandoned attempts to condense a magical weapon, focusing entirely on body refinement and weapon techniques instead.

Taking a deep breath, Lou Yun closed his eyes. For the first time in nine years, he guided his spiritual energy toward his dantian, just as he’d done countless times before. But after executing the spirit-draining \"Sword Piercing Cloud Shadows,\" only a meager egg-sized wisp of energy remained.

Suddenly, an immense surge of spiritual energy flooded into his dantian—Chang Xiang’s doing.

With this boost, a nine-colored light erupted from Lou Yun’s body, vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

Lou Yun spread his hands before his chest. A soft white glow blossomed at his dantian, piercing through his body to radiate between his palms.

All watched as a white, misty sphere formed between Lou Yun’s hands. Within it, crimson and golden currents swirled like twin dragons. The sphere rapidly expanded, solidifying into a gleaming white longsword.

Under the collective gaze of the assembly, Lou Yun, at sixteen, had finally condensed his magical weapon.