Chapter 158

Chapter 158: Conditions to Become Clan Head

Lou Tianming watched his second son with equal parts confusion and resentment. To say he had selfish motives was certainly true, but those motivations weren’t directed at himself—they were directed at his son, Lou Yun.

After such a long period living as a cripple, he placed no importance on the position of clan head himself. What he knew very well, however, was that the clan headship was indeed a heavy burden, and he didn’t want his son shouldering that weight prematurely!

Watching Lou Yun fall deep into thought, Lou Tianzhi encountered his elder brother’s complex gaze and soberly tucked away his smile. His abrupt move to install Lou Yun as clan head stemmed from his naturally sensitive nature. The recent incident where the entire Lou Family was taken away by the imperial family, only to be rescued suddenly by Lou Yun, had stirred a faint awareness in him. He sensed that dark clouds seemed to have already gathered over the Lou Family, presenting all the ominous signs of an impending storm!

The Lou Family had lived peacefully and securely in Lingjiang City for such a long time, yet such days might well vanish before long!

Adding to this, Lou Yun’s newly sworn elder brother—Leng Cangqiong, the White-haired God of Death—was indeed as cold, ruthless, and solitary as legend portrayed him. Yet everyone could see he genuinely regarded Lou Yun as a true younger brother. If Lou Yun became clan head of the Lou Family, should any crisis befall them, Leng Cangqiong would absolutely not stand idly by!

Weighing all these factors together, Lou Tianzhi had arrived at this decision: to have Lou Yun become the clan head of the Lou Family.

Most members of the Lou Family reacted to Lou Tianzhi’s proposal with deep confusion, naturally peppered with strong opposition—like the family members of the Third Elder. But upon catching sight of Leng Cangqiong seated cross-legged in mid-air nearby, eyes closed, they felt compelled to swallow their words.

Fortunately, at this moment, Lou Runhuo, the Grand Elder of the Lou Family and also Lou Yun’s birth grandfather, cleared his throat softly. "Tianzhi," he offered, "while you’ve nominated Yun’er as clan head, none of us know his current level within the magical weapon realm. Therefore, I believe Yun’er should first demonstrate his abilities himself, so we may see whether he truly meets the qualifications."

The instant Lou Runhuo spoke, Leng Cangqiong’s eyes snapped open nearby. However, recognizing the speaker as Lou Yun’s grandfather, his eyes promptly closed again. In his time here, Leng Cangqiong had become aware that Lou Runhuo was the birth grandfather, and strictly speaking, Lou Runhuo’s words made perfect sense. After all, the leadership of a family clan was no trifling matter; it was imperative that clan members acknowledged the leader willingly, otherwise, it would genuinely hinder the family’s growth.

Unsurprisingly, Lou Runhuo’s proposal immediately met with approval from Lou Tianlei and others, who nodded vigorously in agreement. "The Grand Elder speaks wisely," Lou Tianlei echoed. "Although the clan head believes Yun’er currently possesses the highest level among us, one must see with one’s own eyes to believe it. If it proves true, we can then discuss his fitness for the role of clan head."

All eyes shifted back to Lou Yun. He had carefully followed the recent exchange and, after considerable thought, had already formed an answer within his heart.

Lou Yun raised his head, meeting both Lou Tianzhi’s gaze brimming with anticipation and his father’s expression heavy with concern. He offered a slight smile. "Very well," he declared. "I shall first demonstrate my strength, so you might judge whether I possess the qualifications to serve as clan head!"

While Lou Yun hadn’t explicitly stated it, his words signaled his stance clearly: he intended to heed his Second Uncle’s counsel and take on the role of Lou Family clan head.

Lou Yun’s statement sent a ripple of excitement through the gathered Lou clan members. The last time they saw him demonstrate his strength was over two years ago! After such a protracted absence, everyone buzzed with curiosity and anticipation for this youth hailed as the Lou Family genius.

Surrounded by the crowd, Lou Yun proceeded towards the back mountain of the Lou Family estate. There, the platform constructed for his "changing ceremony" years ago still stood.

Standing beneath the high platform, Lou Yun mused on the strange twists of fate. Over two years ago, standing right here, he’d stunned everyone present in a single, resounding act, reclaiming his lost honor. Today, he would stand here again, before the entire Lou Family, showcasing his strength—though the stakes this time were nothing less than the position of Lou Family clan head.

Composing himself, Lou Yun slowly ascended the platform and took his place at its center. The Lou Family members encircled the platform below, every face alight with excitement. Even Leng Cangqiong stood beneath a nearby large tree. Though his expression remained impassive, a look of keen focus was unmistakable in his gaze fixed on Lou Yun.

On the platform, Lou Yun contemplated how best to demonstrate his capabilities. In terms of actual magical weapon realm cultivation level, he was only Advanced One-Star. He couldn’t even match his father or Second Uncle. Yet, when it came to true combat strength, he could easily defeat a magical weapons master of Mystery Rank One-Star!

Complete silence reigned beneath the platform now. Whether it was Lou Tianming and Lou Tianzhi, who cared deeply for Lou Yun, or Lou Tianlei and Lou Fei, who harbored resentment, every single person watched Lou Yun with intense concentration.

Reflecting for a moment longer, Lou Yun formulated a plan. He gave another slight smile. "Fellow clan members," he addressed everyone confidently, "I believe you recall my previous fighting style. My cultivation method is somewhat atypical. While you cultivate purely the magical weapon art, I cultivate both magical and ordinary skills!"

Of course the Lou Family remembered! Back then, wielding a Stone Sword gifted by Xu Yangteng, Lou Yun had shattered Lou Fei’s arm with a single strike!

Lou Yun then flipped his wrist. The Dream Emperor Sword materialized in his grasp. Raising it high, he announced, "This is my magical weapon—the Dream Emperor Sword. Its current level: Advanced One-Star!"

A chorus of derisive jeers, varying in pitch and volume, immediately rose from the assembly below. Clearly, a magical weapons master at the Advanced One-Star realm could hardly be considered the strongest in the Lou Family, nor did he remotely qualify for the position of family clan leader!

Unperturbed by the mockers, Lou Yun maintained his smile. "Indeed," he acknowledged, "an Advanced One-Star level in magical weapon art ranks is far from the strongest among our Lou Family members. However, this level merely reflects my magical weapon cultivation; it does not represent my true strength. Behold again!"

As his words faded, light suddenly burst from the Dream Emperor Sword in his hand. Within that radiant glow, the blade rapidly changed form. An instant later, it had transformed into a long spear—the Dream Emperor Spear, Lou Yun’s magical weapon!

Witnessing a magical weapon shift its entire nature—from a sword into a spear—utterly flabbergasted the Lou Family members assembled below. Every single person gaped in shock at the Dream Emperor Spear in Lou Yun’s hand. The shock wasn’t limited to Lou Tianming, Lou Tianzhi, and others; even Leng Cangqiong, who stood nearby, had two radiant glints shot from his eyes upon seeing this. His figure flashed instantly to the very edge of the crowd, fixing his gaze unwaveringly on the Dream Emperor Spear in Lou Yun’s grasp. Unnoticed even by himself, a flicker of excitement and expectation surfaced in his stare!

For any magical weapons master, once their magical weapon solidifies into its physical form, its outward appearance might alter with advancement through the realms, yet changing its fundamental category remained utterly impossible! For a magical weapon to transform from a sword into a spear was unheard-of. Scanning the entire history of Spirit Weapon Star, such a feat was not only unseen, it was likely inconceivable—unthinkable!

Yet this absolute impossibility manifested unmistakably before their very eyes. Denial proved impossible!

The universal astonishment on every face fit perfectly within Lou Yun’s expectations. He refrained from speaking, calmly holding his Dream Emperor Spear aloft, allowing everyone time to absorb this impossibility.

After a long silence, Lou Fei was the first to regain his composure enough to blurt out his disbelief: "Lou Yun! I refuse to believe it! What you hold cannot possibly be your magical weapon! How could a magical weapon possibly change types?!" His tone was deeply skeptical.

No one spoke up in response to Lou Fei’s challenge, not even Leng Cangqiong. Everyone waited silently for Lou Yun’s explanation.

Lou Yun simply smiled. "This is indeed my magical weapon," he stated firmly, "completely condensed from spiritual energy. If not, what do you imagine it could be?" He paused deliberately. "My common weapon?" His retort was sharp and pointed.

Indeed, one could discern at a glance that the Dream Emperor Spear in Lou Yun’s hand was formed entirely of pure spiritual energy—it categorically could not be a common weapon!

Lou Yun’s effective rebuttal left Lou Fei momentarily open-mouthed and speechless. Capitalizing on this opportunity to intimidate the wider audience, Lou Yun continued with an easy smile, "As I stated earlier, my cultivation approach differs from yours." He elaborated smoothly, "Beyond cultivating both magical and ordinary skills, my magical weapon possesses the unique ability to alter its specific type!"

Lou Tianlei, quick to latch onto this, pressed further with urgency in his voice: "Then change its type once more! Right now! Show us!"

Lou Yun cast a brief glance towards this Third Uncle before nodding calmly. "Very well."

No sooner had the word left his lips than fierce flames suddenly erupted from the surface of the Dream Emperor Spear! Enveloped in fire, the spear drifted slowly upwards into the air!

A magical weapon spear wreathed in roaring fire!

At this sight, every jaw below the platform collectively threatened to hit the floor. A magical weapon not only changing type but channeling potent flames? Such a notion surpassed imagination itself—it was unthinkable!

This display deepened the smoldering mix of excitement and anticipation already visible in Leng Cangqiong’s gaze.

Another prolonged silence stretched. Predictably, it was Lou Fei who finally broke it, voicing another skeptical challenge: "Lou Yun, I admit your magical weapon can change types and generate flames. Yet that doesn’t prove your actual combat prowess is high. Isn’t it possible," he insinuated, glancing meaningfully towards Lou Tianming, "that these abilities are merely the result of some special, unknown cultivation techniques secretly bestowed by your father?"

Lou Fei’s insinuation struck Lou Tianming like a physical blow. His eyes widened instantly, blazing with suppressed fury as he glared at Lou Fei. His voice dropped dangerously low. "Fei’er," he said, each word sharpened, "you are no longer a child. Consider your words carefully before speaking." His tone was icy. "Is this truly how you perceive your Elder Uncle—a man capable of such deception?" He drew himself up, his gaze unwavering on Lou Fei. "I swear upon my very magical weapon: I have never provided Yun’er with any special assistance or advantages! Today is the first time I myself have laid eyes on Yun’er’s magical weapon! My astonishment stands no less than that of anyone here today!"

This unwarranted attack on his father finally ignited the smouldering anger within Lou Yun. As if responding to his surge of emotion, the Dream Emperor Spear still hovering in mid-air instantly shot back into his waiting hand. Simultaneously, the flames engulfing the spear raced along Lou Yun’s arms with terrifying speed!

In the blink of an eye, tendrils of fire snaked up his arms and leapt across his torso. Within a single heartbeat, the flames engulfed his entire body! Lou Yun stood transformed—a figure blazing defiantly against the sky, a silhouette of pure fire against the platform backdrop!