Chapter 161

Chapter 161: Leng Cangqiong’s Perplexity

The Han family now knew the Lou Family resided within Lingjiang City. Though they had been forced to temporarily halt their pursuit of the Lou Family this time due to Leng Cangqiong’s presence, they definitely wouldn’t just let the Lou Family go easily; they would inevitably devise other means to deal with them.

Although Lou Yun knew he was now far stronger than before, relying solely on himself to lead the current Lou Family in resisting the Han family was simply like eggs striking stones; there was absolutely no chance of victory!

Since fighting was impossible, the only option was to find a way to escape. Leaving Lingjiang City, a home where the Lou Family had lived for centuries, was undeniably heartbreaking. But the crucial question remained: where should they flee?

The Lou Family currently comprised hundreds of members. Where could accommodate so many people? And relocating such a vast number anywhere would be an arduous task!

Staying in Lingjiang City meant certain death. The only path to survival was to leave Lingjiang City!

But where could he take the Lou Family? The best option was to leave Gu Feng Nation entirely. After all, the Han family was the hidden ruler of Gu Feng Nation. Staying within its borders meant it wouldn’t be long before they were discovered!

Lou Yun racked his brain, mentally reviewing every place he had ever been, searching for a suitable haven for the Lou Family.

Suddenly, Lou Yun’s eyes lit up. He recalled Beichen Ming’s Yulu Mountain Manor!

The Yulu Mountain Manor was located north of Bei Xiong Nation, near the Great Snowfield. It was an absolutely perfect place for seclusion. Most importantly, Beichen Ming held Lou Yun in great affection. Unable to take him as a disciple, he had even offered to adopt him as a foster son, wishing to pass his entire legacy onto Lou Yun.

Lou Yun had flat-out refused back then without a second thought. Yet now, the idea appealed to him. Moreover, Beichen Ming had indeed been exceedingly kind to him, practically answering any question and fulfilling any request.

Lou Yun still hesitated, though. He couldn’t shake the feeling that if he approached Beichen Ming now, ostensibly to protect the Lou Family by agreeing to be his foster son, it would blatantly signal impure motives—a calculated move solely to inherit all Beichen Ming had painstakingly built as a haven for the Lou Family. This was something Lou Yun couldn’t stomach.

Finally, Lou Yun managed to persuade himself: he was already planning to attend the Forging Conference. He would use that opportunity to lay out his family’s dire predicament before Beichen Ming and seek his consent.

Having made this decision, Lou Yun’s heart settled somewhat. Yet a new concern arose: how could he ensure the Lou Family’s safety while he was away at the conference?

After much pondering, the only solution Lou Yun could think of was to seek out his elder brother, Leng Cangqiong! However, he had little confidence; even though Leng Cangqiong treated him well, asking him to remain at the Lou residence as a full-time bodyguard seemed incredibly presumptuous!

But it was the only recourse he had. Gritting his teeth, Lou Yun knocked on Leng Cangqiong’s door.

Leng Cangqiong smiled faintly. "Brother, finished with the clan matters?"

Lou Yun scratched his head. "Not exactly finished, but I’ve got some leads!"

Leng Cangqiong turned and sat down on a chair, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Got some leads? Shouldn’t you be hurrying to deal with them? What brings you here looking for me?"

Lou Yun sat down opposite Leng Cangqiong and grinned slyly. "Elder Brother, you’ve been at our Lou Family home for some days now. I imagine you have some understanding of our situation. Sigh, it’s not easy being this clan head! You’re my sworn elder brother. Can you really bear to just stand by and watch me struggle like this?"

Leng Cangqiong pretended to shake his head. "And here I thought you came to see me because you missed your elder brother. Turns out you have urgent matters requiring my assistance? Well then, out with it. How can I be of service?"

"This is how it stands, elder brother," Lou Yun began. "That Han family you confronted in the imperial palace… they bear a deep grudge against my Lou Family. As for the exact nature of the enmity, even I don’t know. Furthermore, besides the Han family, there are eight other major families on the Spirit Weapon Star who all want our Lou Family dead. So, our situation is extremely perilous."

Leng Cangqiong nodded. "Hmm, continue."

"I want to lead our Lou Family away from Lingjiang City, to find somewhere safer. However, I must depart soon to attend a Forging Conference, and I won’t be able to return for a while. So…"

Lou Yun started stammering here. Leng Cangqiong simply watched him. After a long moment, Leng Cangqiong suddenly burst out laughing heartily. "Haha! So, you want me to stay here and protect your Lou Family while you’re away, is that it?"

Having his thoughts read so effortlessly, Lou Yun felt a pang of embarrassment, but he didn’t attempt to hide it. He chuckled sheepishly. "Yes. I know this is really placing you in a difficult position. But… I truly couldn’t find any other way!"

Leng Cangqiong shook his head with a smile. "Brother, it seems you still don’t regard me as your true elder brother. Since you are my sworn brother, your family is also connected to me. Protecting them could be considered my duty. There’s no need for such politeness. I’ll pardon you this time since it’s your first offense. But if there is a next time… Hmph!"

Leng Cangqiong’s last words completely eased Lou Yun’s tension. They echoed exactly what Leng Cangqiong had said to Lou Yun when they first met!

"I was wrong, Brother! I guarantee there won’t be a next time!"

Leng Cangqiong could never truly hold it against Lou Yun. With a smile, he asked, "When are you planning to depart?"

"Hmm, I’ll need to stay home another three or four days."

"In that case," Leng Cangqiong said decisively, "stay home five more days. I’ll use them to go fetch your sister Qianrou!"

Lou Yun was stunned for a second before delight flooded him. "Really? That’s fantastic! Brother, go swiftly! Once you fetch Sister Qianrou, no need to rush back. I don’t mind waiting a few more days."

Lou Yun knew Leng Qianrou’s strength wasn’t particularly high. Fearing Leng Cangqiong would rush and make the journey uncomfortable for her, he added this last part.

Naturally understanding that Lou Yun was concerned for Leng Qianrou’s well-being, Leng Cangqiong smiled gently. "Hmm, I’ll bear that in mind."

Lou Yun then pressed further: "Brother, once you bring Sister Qianrou back… why don’t you both just stop moving around? Stay properly at our place! We’ll move when we have to move, and you come with us. That way, we won’t have to be separated anymore!"

Leng Cangqiong gazed back at Lou Yun with a warm smile. "Heh. Why else do you think I want to bring your sister Qianrou here?"

"Uh!" Understanding dawned on Lou Yun, followed by excitement. "Brother! So that’s what you were thinking too!"

"Hmm!"

This was indeed Leng Cangqiong’s intention. Since gaining consciousness, he had never known the warmth of a family. Finding his sister and having this tentative home was a rare comfort, yet that fragile peace shattered when his sister fell victim to an insidious plot within days, slipping into unconsciousness for over fifty years.

Now, with his sister finally safe, and having gained a precious younger brother, Leng Cangqiong felt something new. These past few days in the Lou Family home, amidst its simple, quiet, yet warm atmosphere—especially how the young Lou Qian clung to him, calling him "Brother" this and "Brother" that—had unexpectedly kindled a true sense of belonging within him. This was why he wanted to bring Leng Qianrou here: to immerse themselves permanently in this familial warmth. Naturally, it also meant he could readily help Lou Yun protect his family.

Admittedly, he had felt a little awkward about bringing such a request to Lou Yun. But seeing Lou Yun equally hesitant to broach his own needs dissolved that hesitation instantly. Between sworn brothers, such proprieties were unnecessary. He believed Lou Yun would gladly welcome him and his sister embracing the Lou Family as their own home.

Suddenly, Leng Cangqiong fixed his gaze on Lou Yun. "Brother, there’s another matter I’d like to ask your advice on."

Lou Yun jumped, hastily waving his hands. "Brother! Don’t tease me like that! Asking advice? I’m utterly unworthy!"

Leng Cangqiong shook his head, his expression turning serious. "This is something I genuinely need your insight on. It’s perplexed me for a very, very long time. Don’t rush, listen carefully."

Seeing Leng Cangqiong’s earnestness, Lou Yun knew this was a serious topic. He nodded. "Alright, brother. I’m listening."

Leng Cangqiong pondered for a moment before speaking: "I began cultivating alone at the age of six. It took me nearly one hundred years to cultivate my magical weapon to the emperor rank. However, upon reaching that realm, I sensed something was wrong!"

On the Spirit Weapon Star, those capable of cultivating to the emperor rank were incredibly rare as it was. Achieving it within a mere century was especially remarkable—his pace was frighteningly fast!

Lou Yun felt admiration but also intense curiosity. "What was wrong?"

"After reaching the emperor rank, the next step should be the pinnacle realm—Weapon Emperor. Yet, after attaining emperor rank, I discovered my cultivation stagnated completely. No matter how much spiritual energy I absorbed, no matter how I drove my magical weapon, my magical weapon realm could no longer advance!"

Lou Yun actually knew the reason. It was because, despite Leng Cangqiong’s monstrous strength, his cultivation method was fundamentally incomplete. He had only cultivated the magical weapon, neglecting the common weapon. Naturally, he could never truly reach the Weapon Emperor realm!

However, Lou Yun didn’t speak immediately. He listened carefully. Even within him, Chang Xiang listened raptly. Chang Xiang had long been deeply perplexed: through his spiritual sense, he perceived Leng Cangqiong’s magical weapon realm as merely mystery rank one star. Yet, his true level should have been emperor rank. If he had an energy barrier inside him like someone from the Nine Clans, that would explain it. But he didn’t! Chang Xiang had pondered this endlessly and still couldn’t unravel the mystery.

After a brief pause, Leng Cangqiong spoke again. What he uttered next struck Lou Yun and Chang Xiang like a thunderbolt, shocking them absolutely senseless.