Chapter 133

Chapter 133: Chang Xiang’s Common Weapon

After Lou Yun had completely repaired all of Ge Jianfeng’s magical weapons, three days had unknowingly passed. Ge Jianfeng had long since lost consciousness from the extreme pain and still hadn’t woken up.

Lou Yun gazed at Ge Jianfeng’s magical weapons, now restored to their pristine, flawless state, and a strong sense of fulfillment washed over him. Yet, he simultaneously felt the repair process had been rather lengthy. He was unaware that having only recently ingested the Fusang Fire and due to his current cultivation level, he couldn’t fully unleash its curative power, hence the slowness.

Looking at the unconscious Ge Jianfeng, even though Lou Yun was in a hurry, he couldn’t bear to wake him. Over the past three days, while Lou Yun himself didn’t grasp the exact degree of agony involved in repairing magical weapons with Fusang Fire, the sight of Ge Jianfeng suffering torment worse than death—repeatedly passing out only to be wrenched awake by pain—made it clear enough. He decided to let Ge Jianfeng rest a bit longer. He himself would use this time to ask Brother Chang about that common weapon he had mentioned.

"Brother Chang, what exactly is this common weapon of yours? How come I’ve never heard of it before?"

Chang Xiang’s voice responded after a moment of silence. "It was the common weapon I used long ago. There was never an opportunity to use it, so it never came up. Since you currently have no common weapon and can’t find Divine Heavenly Weapons for the time being, I’ll lend you mine. You can return it once you’ve acquired a superior common weapon."

Lou Yun, still puzzled, asked, "But Brother Chang, you’re currently… in a spirit form, without a physical body. That sword is a genuine, tangible object. Where do you usually keep it?"

"No need for you to concern yourself with that," Chang Xiang replied clearly unwilling to address the query. "Just make good use of it!"

Lou Yun, ever tactful, didn’t press further and changed the subject. "So, what is its origin? What’s it called? Earlier, when I simply swung it, it left a black line in the air; its power is immense!"

"It’s named Xiang Tian," Chang Xiang explained. "It’s an ordinary common weapon. Remember when I told you that common weapons can also evolve and upgrade? Through continuous cultivation by its wielder, it gained its current power. That black line you saw was spatial tearing caused by the sheer force of your weapon spirit power. It was a spatial rift. Didn’t you perceive that strange energy fluctuation emanating from its midst?"

Long before Lou Yun formally engaged with common weapons, Chang Xiang had informed him that common weapons, like magical weapons, could evolve and upgrade. However, Chang Xiang hadn’t elaborated on the specifics. Later, as Lou Yun had too many disciplines to cultivate simultaneously, he hadn’t inquired further.

Hearing Brother Chang revisit this topic now, coupled with personally witnessing the power of the Xiang Tian sword, Lou Yun’s curiosity surged. "Brother Chang, how exactly do you cultivate a common weapon to make it evolve and upgrade? And what exactly is this spatial rift you mentioned?"

"A spatial rift," Chang Xiang began, "means this world is actually composed of countless overlapping spaces. Most run parallel, though some occasionally intersect. Spaces aren’t seamlessly fused; gaps—sometimes wide, sometimes narrow—lie between them. This is a spatial rift. Only when your power becomes strong enough to literally tear space itself, as you just did, can you produce one."

Seeing Lou Yun’s evident confusion, Chang Xiang pondered briefly, then offered an example. "Take that Thirteen Demon Banners ritual set of yours. Based on Beichen Ming’s explanation of their function, it seems to me they create distinct, isolated spatial realms. Different spatial dimensions are utterly invisible to those whose cultivation hasn’t reached its pinnacle. Therefore, hiding within the space created by the Thirteen Demon Banners, others naturally cannot perceive you."

After Chang Xiang patiently explained it several times, Lou Yun finally gained a rudimentary understanding of spatial theory. However, without personal experience or witnessing it firsthand, this comprehension remained vague and incomplete. He couldn’t truly grasp its essence.

Chang Xiang continued, "Cultivating a common weapon requires tempering it with your soul fire. Soul fire is an artificial flame cultivated by a practitioner. Although its might is incomparable to celestial flames, it’s indispensable for forging common weapons. The method involves merging the common weapon into your body and then continuously tempering it with your soul fire. As for the intricate details, we’ll discuss them once you succeed in cultivating your soul fire."

He paused briefly after this explanation, anticipating Lou Yun’s next questions. Resignedly, he proceeded without waiting for an inquiry. "To cultivate soul fire, you must first become aware of your own soul. I assume you’re familiar with the concept of the soul? It’s the fundamental essence enabling any living being to exist, though intangible and unseen. You need to personally perceive its presence. So, don’t ask anything else yet. First, focus on finding a way to perceive your soul."

Lou Yun had indeed heard various theories about souls. However, these were often conflicting, vague, and lacked detailed explanations on achieving awareness. Consequently, he’d remained skeptical about the very existence of souls. But hearing "soul fire" from Chang Xiang now cemented his belief.

Since Chang Xiang evidently didn’t want to elaborate further, Lou Yun knew prying would be futile. He stopped asking entirely and began carefully pondering everything Brother Chang had just revealed.

A long while later, Lou Yun shook his head in frustration. There was simply too much he didn’t comprehend. It seemed the higher his cultivation climbed, the more he realized how little he truly knew.

Since he couldn’t puzzle it out now, he decided to temporarily set it aside. His priority was to focus on improving his strength, striving to become formidable sooner. Surely then, he could begin to understand more.

Glancing at the time, Lou Yun knew he couldn’t delay any longer. Even if he rushed non-stop, reaching the border of Gu Feng Nation would still take three days. Two days had already elapsed beyond the deadline he’d agreed upon with Leng Cangqiong. His only hope now was that his sworn brother would wait for him a few extra days.

He sent a thread of spiritual energy through the air into Ge Jianfeng’s body, jolting him awake.

Ge Jianfeng’s eyes flew open. He immediately felt his body brimming with vitality. He sat up with an involuntary start, incredulous. He looked down at himself, then at his magical weapons, still propped nearby. Comprehension dawning, he scrambled to kneel before Lou Yun, overcome with gratitude for saving his life.

Lou Yun smiled and gently stopped him. "No need for such formality. Your magical weapons are repaired. Double-check closely; see if you feel any discomfort anywhere."

Ge Jianfeng vigorously shook his head. "Benefactor, none at all. More than that… I actually feel my cultivation level is higher than before! Thank you, Benefactor!"

"Your cultivation improved?" Lou Yun was genuinely taken aback. This outcome was unexpected. Clearly, the credit belonged entirely to the Fusang Fire’s profound healing capabilities.

Rising to his feet, Lou Yun said, "Since you’re recovered, I must be on my way. You should leave this place quickly too. The Spirit Snake Sect likely won’t rest in pursuing you. Take utmost care henceforth."

Ge Jianfeng looked suddenly anxious. "Benefactor! I still don’t even know your esteemed name!"

"My name I can certainly tell you," Lou Yun replied pleasantly. "But I can’t accept ‘Benefactor’. Our ages aren’t so far apart. If you think well of me, let’s simply be friends. I’m Lou Yun."

In Ge Jianfeng’s eyes, Lou Yun’s cultivation must be leagues ahead of his own. Yet not only had this man saved him, but he remained so approachable and utterly devoid of any pretentious airs. Ge Jianfeng found this temperament deeply admirable. Hearing Lou Yun propose friendship brought immense relief and happiness. "To become friends with you," he declared emphatically, bowing his head repeatedly, "would be the greatest honor! I am Ge Jianfeng, of the Ge family…"

He abruptly stopped speaking. At this moment, the devastating memory struck him anew: his entire family was gone.

Lou Yun, observing his expression, instantly understood Ge Jianfeng’s turmoil. A sigh rose unbidden within him. He reached out and rested a hand on Ge Jianfeng’s shoulder. "The departed have passed. Take it easy. Nevertheless, you survive. You must keep living, and live strongly, to one day avenge your kin."

Since the massacre, Ge Jianfeng had ruthlessly suppressed his grief, transforming the anguish into pure hatred. He’d hunted Spirit Snake Sect members solely for revenge. Lou Yun’s soft-spoken words shattered his restraint. He screwed his eyes shut as two hot tears traced paths down his cheeks.

The agony of losing one’s entire family, Lou Yun hadn’t tasted personally. Yet the collective demise of Zuo Mingyang’s close followers not long ago offered a painful parallel. He understood that more words held no power here; Ge Jianfeng needed this raw release. He needed to weep, to pour out the scalding pain within.

Therefore, Lou Yun couldn’t possibly turn and leave now. He simply stood there silently, offering his presence.

Fortunately, Ge Jianfeng’s sobbing lasted only a short while. He swiped the tears from his cheeks, giving Lou Yun an embarrassed, almost apologetic smile. "Sorry. You must have found me laughable."

Lou Yun offered a smile that held deep understanding. "Not at all. Now that we’re friends, there’s no need for such reserve. Alright, I truly have urgent matters calling me and must leave. Keep safe. Regarding your vengeance… remain cautious and measured. Don’t act rashly. Above all, protect yourself under any circumstance."

"Mm, I understand," Ge Jianfeng replied, his voice steadier now. "Then, Brother Lou Yun, please go quickly, handle your important affairs! I’ve already delayed you far too long… Thank you!"

As he uttered "Brother Lou Yun," Ge Jianfeng truly accepted Lou Yun as a friend deep within his heart.

Lou Yun smiled, giving a slight wave of his hand. He turned and strode out of the small cave, accelerating with incredible speed towards Gu Feng Nation!

Tomorrow was the very day he was supposed to meet Leng Cangqiong. As if sprouting wings on his back, Lou Yun knew reaching their meeting place in one day was physically impossible. Urgency drove him to push his movement technique to its absolute limit. Simultaneously, a fervent prayer echoed in his heart: Ah, Brother… please be patient. I beg you, wait for me just a few more days…