Chapter 153

Chapter 153: The Elder’s Fear

Lou Yun froze. The Elder froze. Every member of the Han family froze!

That immense sword light, as if descending from the highest heavens, carried with it a violent force that crashed directly upon the chains of books unleashed by the Elder. Accompanied by a sharp, terrifying explosion, it ruthlessly shattered every wildly dancing chain of books into countless pieces, vanishing them into nothingness!

What just happened?

The Elder’s might was beyond question—not only by the Han family, but even Lou Yun could affirm it was incredibly profound. Otherwise, how could the sheer aura emanating from him have so thoroughly paralyzed Lou Yun? Yet, the weapon technique he unleashed was utterly dismantled by a single sword strike from an unknown source. Just how formidable must the strength of this wielder be?

Sensing that earth-shattering destructive force, every Han family member, except Lou Yun, felt deep dread welling from their hearts—even the Elder himself. This fear paled in comparison to their earlier apprehension towards Lou Yun; it was truly a minnow before a whale!

One could even say this terror instantly seeped into their very marrow, robbing them entirely of any courage to resist this power.

Lou Yun himself wasn’t frightened, only deeply puzzled. He glanced at the Xiang Tian sword in his hand, then looked towards the sky where both the sword light and the chains of books had disappeared. He truly couldn’t understand what had transpired. Where did that sword light come from? Who had unleashed it?

The Elder, belonging to the leadership tier of one of the Nine Clans—the Han family—rarely encountered people or events that could instill fear in him, if ever at all.

But now, like the other Han family members, he was likely experiencing fear for the first time in his life. And his dread was far deeper than what stirred within the others’ hearts!

For only he knew the true might of the First Layer of Book Prison he had just unleashed!

Much like Han Rui’s Nine Layers of Book Mountains, Book Prison itself possessed nine layers. Both were Kun-level low-tier weapon techniques, capable of resonating with the world’s energy. The difference lay in their functions: while one suppressed and attacked, the other restrained and confined. Book Prison utilized its books to form a prison, locking victims within its pages.

Earlier, when Han Rui had suppressed Lou Yun with Book Mountain, the Elder had instructed him to then bind Lou Yun with Book Prison, preventing any further action. Yet Han Rui didn’t know Book Prison, believing its function of confinement and detention less effective than the suppressive power of Book Mountain!

Though the Elder had only unleashed the First Layer of Book Prison, it would have been more than sufficient to bind Lou Yun—or even every Han family member present simultaneously!

Yet precisely this one layer of Book Prison had been effortlessly shattered by the power of a single sword strike!

Since the sword light came from above, everyone instinctively lifted their gaze skyward, searching aimlessly for its wielder. For a moment, they even forgot their original purpose here: to eliminate Lou Yun.

At that very moment, a strange "squeak-squeak" sound pierced the air. Immediately after, a streak of crimson light shot ferociously towards Lou Yun from mid-air.

Seeing the red light streaking towards him, Lou Yun was first stunned, then felt both joy and shock. He recognized it—this was no weapon of attack, but Xiao Huo, the little one he had thrown away earlier! Xiao Hui

At Xiao Huo’s return, Lou Yun felt happiness mixed with concern. He desperately wished the little creature had saved its own life instead of coming back. Yet he couldn’t fathom it—just moments ago, Xiao Huo had clearly understood his gesture and fled under the pursuit of several Han family members. So why was it back?

Before Lou Yun could unravel these thoughts, Xiao Huo had already "whooshed" right to him, landing on his face and eagerly licking his cheek with its tiny tongue.

Lou Yun hastily tugged it off his face, holding it as he spoke, "Why did you come back? Didn’t I tell you to escape? To get as far away as possible?"

Xiao Huo couldn’t speak, of course. But then, a voice answered for the little creature: "I brought it back. Brother, how you’ve made this elder brother search for you!"

Though the speaker remained unseen, that familiar voice and affectionate address instantly told Lou Yun who it was—he knew at once!

Naturally, all the Han family members heard this voice too. A blur flashed before their eyes, and a figure abruptly materialized right beside Lou Yun!

This man wore white robes and white shoes. Even his hair was pure white. His handsome features held a cold, stern demeanor—but that expression instantly softened as his eyes fell upon Lou Yun, touched by a faint smile.

"Elder brother!"

Lou Yun cried out with rapturous surprise upon seeing the man!

This was naturally none other than Lou Yun’s sworn brother: Leng Cangqiong, the White-haired God of Death!

Originally, Lou Yun and Leng Cangqiong had arranged to meet at the border of the Gu Feng Nation. However, because Lou Yun had delayed for three days rescuing Ge Jianfeng, they missed their rendezvous.

Yet Lou Yun could never have imagined in his wildest dreams that his sworn elder brother, Leng Cangqiong, would appear right here, at this precise moment!

Evidently, that sword light which crossed the sky moments ago and effortlessly shattered the Book Prison… had undoubtedly come from Leng Cangqiong himself!

Though Lou Yun had heard countless tales about Leng Cangqiong and carried the unexpected reality of being his sworn brother in his heart, truth be told… he had never once witnessed Leng Cangqiong actually wield his blade or reveal his true strength!

Finally having the honor to see him today made him comprehend somewhat why Leng Cangqiong was acclaimed as the one most likely to become the Weapon Emperor on Spirit Weapon Star—a status absent for many, many years!

This level of strength was truly unmatched to the extreme!

Though the Elder and others had long lived in seclusion and rarely appeared, being inhabitants of Spirit Weapon Star, they were still aware of relatively famous figures, especially super masters like Leng Cangqiong!

Moreover, Leng Cangqiong’s appearance was the best identifier of his identity. So, upon seeing him, despite their reluctance to believe it, the name "White-haired God of Death" instantly flashed through all their minds!

Leng Cangqiong’s defining characteristic was his mercilessness. Yet, he genuinely cherished his bond with Lou Yun. Thus, only when facing Lou Yun did he offer a rare smile. "Brother, daring to stand me up the very first time we agreed to meet — I’ll settle this with you later!"

Witnessing this, the Han Family members were utterly astonished. Could this possibly be the legendary ruthless, cold-blooded White-haired God of Death? He could smile?

Hearing his elder brother’s reproach, clearly light-hearted, Lou Yun smiled knowingly in return. "Elder Brother, my bad. But my tardiness wasn’t without reason. I’ll explain it to you properly later!"

Changing topic, Lou Yun asked with some confusion, "But, Elder Brother, how have you come to be here?"

Leng Cangqiong gestured towards Xiao Huo perched on Lou Yun’s shoulder. "Thanks to this little one. He’s highly intelligent. He recognized me and seemed to know I’m your elder brother. He latched onto my sleeve and insisted I follow him. So I came."

His tone shifted. "Alright, Brother, our matters can wait. Tell me first — who are these people? What is it they seek to do to you?"

Leng Cangqiong’s initial speech was calm, but the final two sentences dripped with a bone-chilling coldness.

The surrounding listeners couldn’t help but exchange glances. Leng Cangqiong was Lou Yun’s elder brother? What an unthinkable notion!

Before Lou Yun could respond, the Elder, emerging from his shock, spoke first. "By your visage, you must be Leng Cangqiong, the White-haired God of Death?"

Though trembling with fear of Leng Cangqiong, and knowing his earlier sword strike had been deeply intimidating, a flicker of confidence returned to the Elder. Chang Xiang had indeed spoken of the immense hidden power within the nine families. Backed by the might of the entire Han family, and despite knowing he likely stood no chance, the Elder mustered his courage.

Upon hearing the Elder’s words, Leng Cangqiong slowly shifted an utterly icy gaze onto the Elder’s face. "Among them all, you possess the highest cultivation," he stated coldly. "The attack aimed at my brother earlier doubtlessly came… from you?"

Under the direct, frozen stare of Leng Cangqiong, the Elder felt his fear surge anew. The courage he’d just painstakingly gathered vanished. Still, forcing himself to endure, he managed a nod. "Indeed, it was me. Leng Cang…"

Before the Elder could finish his sentence, a dazzling white light swooshed past. Sharp agony erupted at his right ear. His hand flew to it—only to find his ear cleanly sliced off!

Leng Cangqiong’s glacial voice rang out simultaneously. "I haven’t yet learned the details of this affair," he declared. "But since you dared raise your hand against my brother—that alone was an offense. I remove a single ear now… as a mere warning."

In an instant, Leng Cangqiong had struck, severing the Elder’s ear with such blinding speed the Elder himself saw nothing before it was done!

Staring at his own ear lying on the ground, the Elder’s face displayed terror, pure and unmasked.

Yes… terror!

Although born on Spirit Weapon Star, his status as an Elder, coupled with learning the true, exalted origins of his Han family, had instilled in him a profound sense of superiority. The prestige of being part of one of the legendary nine families naturally filled every member with pride.

Since that revelation, true fear had become a stranger to the Elder. He regarded other natives of Spirit Weapon Star with arrogant disdain.

But now, facing Leng Cangqiong, the White-haired God of Death — a man solely of Spirit Weapon Star — the Elder tasted genuine terror for the very first time.

His ear had been severed, yet he hadn’t even glimpsed Leng Cangqiong’s blade!

This was the strength unique to a true super-expert!

It seemed Leng Cangqiong’s power was transcending the seemingly insurmountable chasm between Spirit Weapon Star and "that world"… stepping forth towards the truest, ultimate peak!