Chapter 157

Chapter 157: Lou Tianzhi’s Proposal

Finally, everything settled down. Under Lou Tianzhi’s leadership, the Lou Family returned to normalcy. Lou Yun’s arm injury had fully healed, and he inquired with Lou Qian about the Ancient Weapon Academy. He learned that shortly after he escaped with Wan Huier, Han Tianxiao had led the group back.

After returning, both Liu Ruyan and Cun Yan remained silent. No matter who asked about the mission, they refused to speak. It was unclear whether their silence stemmed from disbelief that Lou Yun could commit such acts or simply their usual reticence.

As for Han Tianxiao, he left not long after returning. Whether he had gone back now remained unknown!

Lou Yun speculated that Han Tianxiao was likely at the Han family’s perennial residence. Since he hadn’t appeared at the imperial palace during recent events, the Han Family probably feared Lou Yun’s retaliation and hid him away for protection.

But Lou Yun wasn’t worried about finding him. The conflict between the Han and Lou families wouldn’t end here. One day, he would face Han Tianxiao again!

With family matters resolved, Lou Yun immediately began preparing to restore his father’s magical weapon.

Leng Cangqiong had long noticed Lou Tianming’s damaged magical weapon. As an imperial-level magical weapons master, repairing a high-level magical weapons master’s weapon would have been effortless for him. But Lou Yun insisted on doing it himself, so Leng Cangqiong stepped aside.

Having previously restored Ge Jianfeng’s magical weapon, Lou Yun knew the Fusang Fire repair process caused excruciating pain. His father’s weapon was far more severely damaged than Ge Jianfeng’s. Lou Yun’s greatest concern was whether his father could endure it—after all, years of magical weapon impairment had left his body frail.

After much thought, Lou Yun still hadn’t devised a concrete solution. He could only explain the general situation to his father.

Upon hearing this, Lou Tianming smiled affectionately, patting Lou Yun’s head as he had in childhood. "Yun’er, I know you’re thinking of me and worried. But rest assured, I’m not so weak that I can’t withstand a little pain. Restore my magical weapon quickly—I’ve waited far too long for this day!"

Feeling the warmth in his father’s words, Lou Yun smiled and nodded firmly.

Leading his father into the prepared chamber, Lou Yun asked him to summon his magical weapon—the Sky Crystal Spear.

Gazing at this weapon he’d once admired so deeply in his youth, now nearly transparent and on the verge of dissipating after years of damage, Lou Yun’s heart ached. How much suffering had his father endured all these years?

The physical pain paled beside the psychological torment of loss—far harder to bear!

Seeing Lou Yun’s silence, Lou Tianming asked concernedly, "What’s wrong, Yun’er? Is it difficult to repair? If it truly can’t be fixed, don’t force yourself. I’ve grown accustomed to being an ordinary man."

His father’s words snapped Lou Yun from his thoughts. He smiled slightly. "It’s nothing. It should be repairable. Father, I’ll begin the restoration now. Please endure the pain."

"Alright. Remember what I said—don’t push yourself."

Lou Yun took a deep breath, focused his mind, and summoned Fusang Fire in his right palm. Slowly, he brought the flames toward his father’s Sky Crystal Spear!

ЖЖЖ

Five days later, the chamber door opened. Lou Yun emerged, beaming with an arm around his father’s shoulder.

Lou Yun appeared somewhat fatigued but wore an excited smile. Lou Tianming, however, now radiated vigor and vitality, his former frailty utterly vanished.

To everyone’s astonishment, Lou Tianming’s magical weapon realm had actually risen by two stars compared to before its damage—now reaching High-Level Five Stars!

This defied all logic. After such prolonged impairment, how could restoration possibly make him stronger than before?

It was like a severely ill person recovering—they’d surely need convalescence to fully heal. Yet Lou Tianming completely overturned this expectation!

To an uninformed observer, present-day Lou Tianming showed no trace of the man who, just five days prior, had been on the verge of becoming a cripple from magical weapon damage.

This transformation was entirely Lou Yun’s achievement. Drawing on past experience and improved control over Fusang Fire, he’d proceeded slowly and meticulously. Not only did he successfully restore the weapon, but Lou Tianming also gained unexpected benefits—his magical weapon realm elevated, as if those lost years hadn’t been wasted!

Regardless, Lou Tianming’s restored magical weapon and enhanced realm brought immense joy to the entire Lou Family. Well-wishers flocked to congratulate him, including several clan elders. Some enthusiasts even clamored for Lou Tianming to demonstrate his weapon.

Lou Tianming, invigorated, obliged without hesitation. In the courtyard, he freely wielded his Sky Crystal Spear. Though years had passed since he last used weapon techniques, his movements flowed without the slightest hesitation.

After the demonstration, Lou Tianming stroked the Sky Crystal Spear, his face lit with a gratified smile.

Then Lou Tianzhi’s voice rang out: "Everyone, I have an announcement!"

The crowd quieted, all eyes turning to their clan head in anticipation.

Lou Tianzhi smiled faintly. "Since nearly all clansmen are gathered today, I wish to discuss a matter with you."

Murmurs spread: "What matter?"

"You all know the Lou Family tradition: the clan head has always been the strongest cultivator. But now, I no longer hold that position. Thus, I propose resigning as clan head, passing the role to someone far more suitable."

This announcement stunned everyone! Yet upon reflection, it made sense. Though capable as clan head, Lou Tianzhi disliked being constrained. Had his elder brother Lou Tianming not suffered his accident, he’d never have accepted the position. Now that Lou Tianming’s magical weapon was restored and his realm elevated to high-level five-star—indeed the highest—Lou Tianzhi’s proposal was logical.

After a thoughtful pause, the Grand Elder looked at Lou Tianzhi. "Tianzhi, do you intend for Tianming to resume as clan head?"

Lou Tianzhi shook his head. "No. Though Brother’s magical weapon is restored, the strongest in our clan is certainly not him now."

"Then who?"

Puzzled glances were exchanged until Lou Qian suddenly spotted Lou Yun looking around like the others. Realization struck. She cried out: "I know! It’s Lou Yun!"

All eyes instantly fixed on Lou Yun, who stood dumbfounded. Truthfully, he’d never imagined his Second Uncle would nominate him as clan head!

Lou Yun had only shared his experiences of the past two years with his father, Second Uncle, and a few elders. Most clansmen knew nothing of his rapid advancement. Hearing Lou Qian declare him the strongest now, many wore skeptical expressions.

Of course, it was merely skepticism. At his coming-of-age ceremony years prior, Lou Yun had already shattered the "waste" label that haunted him for nine years, reclaiming his title as a genius.

But just two years later—could this genius truly be the Lou Family’s strongest?

Beyond requiring the highest magical weapon realm, becoming clan head demanded approval from over half the clan and the elder council.

Even with Lou Tianzhi’s endorsement as clan head, Lou Yun still needed to meet other criteria. But clan leadership was the last thing Lou Yun wanted! Flustered, he waved his hands. "I’m not qualified! My strength is still lacking. How could I be clan head? Second Uncle, don’t tease me!"

Lou Tianzhi smiled gently. "Yun’er, the clan head position isn’t something you accept or decline at will. As a Lou clansman, if you possess the qualifications and capability, it becomes your duty to lead. You must protect our family and guide the Lou Family toward growth and prosperity!"

His words carried solemn conviction, leaving Lou Yun speechless and bowed. He acknowledged his current strength—even including the Great Grandfather who gave him Fusang Fire—was indeed the clan’s highest. His reluctance stemmed from fearing constraint.

Reflecting now, this selfishness considered only himself, not the clan’s welfare. Moreover, only he knew their family faced its greatest threat in history: nine families poised to annihilate the Lou Family!

Saving the clan couldn’t be achieved alone—yet he truly owed it his efforts.