Chapter 196

Chapter 196: Water Spirit Soldier

Chang Xiang did not speak the rest of that sentence. No one knew what he was going to say, nor could anyone guess what connection Shui Lingtong and Lou Yun might share in the future!

Yet his analysis was spot on. Despite his young age, Shui Lingtong possessed a remarkably sharp mind. He had deduced from the mist summoned by Shui Lingluo being burned away by the heavenly flames on Lou Yun’s body that his clan’s ability to control water was utterly useless against Lou Yun. It could be said that Lou Yun was precisely the natural nemesis of their family!

Hence, the little boy made his declaration first, with the sole purpose of currying favor with Lou Yun. After all, having an extra friend was definitely far better than having an extra enemy!

Now that everything concerning the Shui family had finally settled, whether they could revitalize their former glory depended entirely on themselves!

Auntie was bright herself and recalled Lou Yun’s reason for coming. Consequently, before Lou Yun could open his mouth, she took the initiative: "Young Master Lou, I recall you mentioned you came here to find Lingluo for a matter. May I ask what it is?"

"Oh! That’s right. I’ve made an appointment to go to the sea district, but those of us who live inland year-round don’t understand aquatic matters at all. In case any unforeseen incidents occur, I fear we wouldn’t know how to handle them. Therefore, I wish to bring Miss Shui with me, to assist me when needed. Auntie, rest assured, I will ensure Miss Shui returns completely unharmed!"

Auntie remained silent and looked directly at Shui Lingluo. How could she possibly decline? She promptly nodded. "Young Master Lou has aided our clan immensely and even saved my life. It is an honor to be of service to him!"

Lou Yun smiled faintly. "Then I must thank you, Miss Shui!"

Auntie also broke into a smile. "Since Lingluo herself has consented, I naturally have no objections! However, I wonder if her going alone is sufficient? Would it be better if I accompanied you as well?"

Although Lou Yun had no precise knowledge of Shui Lingluo’s current water control prowess, the sight of her stepping down from the well amidst blossoming water splashes moments earlier had been genuinely impressive. Furthermore, he felt it too rude to impose on Auntie further. Thus, he hastily declined, "Auntie, Miss Shui’s presence alone will suffice."

Auntie nodded in agreement. "Very well, then, Young Master Lou, I entrust Lingluo to you. I hope you take good care of her."

This statement carried a clear double meaning, and Lou Yun naturally grasped the implication. Yet he could only pretend ignorance, quickly assuring her with nods, "You have my word, Auntie. Whatever condition Miss Shui is in when I bring her, that’s exactly how I shall return her. If even a single strand of hair is missing, you come straight to me!"

"Hmm! I trust you, Young Master Lou. When do you plan to depart?"

Lou Yun glanced at Tie Sha and Wen Hou. "Shall we go now, perhaps?"

Truth be told, Lou Yun was rather anxious. He urgently wanted to reach Biko Island to ascertain the identity of the person whose lock of hair had been sent to him in that Black Invitation of the Nine Families!

Tie Sha and Wen Hou naturally voiced no objections. Lou Yun then turned to Auntie. "Auntie, if there is nothing else you require, we shall take our leave immediately. Time is pressing."

"Good, I won’t keep you further!" Auntie faced Shui Lingluo. "Lingluo, remember, Young Master Lou is a great benefactor to our Shui family. Obey his instructions along the journey and assist him!"

"I understand, Auntie!"

Thus, Lou Yun, accompanied by Shui Lingluo, along with Tie Sha and Wen Hou, the four bid farewell to Auntie and Shui Lingtong. Shui Lingtong specifically reminded Lou Yun once again: "Brother Lou, whatever you do, don’t forget! If ever there is anything you need our help with, just send word!"

"Understood!" Lou Yun replied with a smile.

Journeying to Biko Island again relied on Tie Sha and Wen Hou taking turns controlling their magical weapons for flight. The addition of Shui Lingluo made no difference to their capabilities; Lou Yun remained a passenger, traveling without cost.

Yet Lou Yun was not idle. He meticulously studied the map Beichen Ming had gifted him, identifying the approximate route to Biko Island: a continuous flight eastward, beyond the mainland, deep into the sea district.

Wen Hou carefully calculated the time required: roughly half a month just to reach the coastline. This meant both he and Tie Sha would need to pilot their magical weapons non-stop, day and night. Lou Yun felt deeply apologetic, yet there was no alternative—he still couldn’t control a magical weapon himself!

This slight blow to his pride spurred Lou Yun to dedicate every moment of the fortnight’s travel to rigorous cultivation. He urgently pushed to elevate his capabilities and break through to the Mystery Rank sooner rather than later!

Initially concerned Shui Lingluo might feel lonely, Lou Yun was surprised to find her dedication surpassing his own. Feeling both admiration and intense curiosity, he pondered her situation. Before their departure, she had been an ordinary girl without any abilities. Yet with his assistance in breaking the water contract, she not only gained the power to control water but also directly became a cultivator!

But she had no prior experience with cultivation. No one had taught her. Crucially, she possessed no cultivation techniques. How, then, could she embark on this path so effortlessly?

After observing Shui Lingluo cultivate for several days, Lou Yun seized a moment when she opened her eyes to ask, fueled by irresistible curiosity: "Miss Shui? May I ask what you are experiencing? Where does your cultivation technique come from? And… within your body, do you also possess something we call a magical weapon—just like us?"

Because the moment Shui Lingluo’s water contract was dissolved, an energy barrier seemingly formed of water materialized within her body, rendering Lou Yun’s spiritual sense useless in perceiving her cultivation state.

At this moment, Tie Sha was piloting the magical weapon while Wen Hou sat nearby regulating his breath. Hearing Lou Yun’s questions, Wen Hou also opened his eyes, clearly intrigued by Shui Lingluo’s circumstances.

Caught off guard by the sudden interrogation, Shui Lingluo initially seemed flustered. Yet she quickly regained composure, pondered seriously for a moment, and replied: "Young Master Lou, I don’t really understand the concepts behind your questions. But I can share what I experienced."

"While submerged in that water well—even during unconsciousness—I felt water distinctly penetrating my pores, pouring ceaselessly into my body. It flowed throughout me, circulating in a continuous cycle, almost like… it was cleansing me. Washing away impurities from my body, granting me a purified vessel!"

"Then I woke up. And I knew with absolute certainty I could control water. Simultaneously, a great deal of information surfaced unbidden in my mind. I was too overwhelmed then to assimilate it all. These past few days, I’ve actually been carefully reading through that information. I believe this likely includes what you refer to as a ‘technique.’ It’s teaching me how to cultivate, how to manipulate water, what I can achieve with water control, and more."

Here Shui Lingluo paused, lifting her right hand.

A wondrous spectacle unfolded. Water droplets began to seep slowly from Shui Lingluo’s right palm, increasing in number and speed until they merged into a small sphere. Inside this orb, the droplets churned as if alive.

As the water churned, the sphere’s shape mutated. Within moments, it transformed into an inch-long dagger. Crafted entirely of liquid, it was utterly transparent and incredibly beautiful.

"Young Master Lou, is this… what you call a magical weapon?"

Water Spirit Soldier!

This term surfaced instantly in Lou Yun’s mind.

"Yes, this should indeed be your magical weapon. A Water Spirit Soldier!"

The world was vast and truly full of marvels! The magical weapons of Lou Yun and all magical weapons masters were forged from concentrated spiritual energy. Yet Shui Lingluo’s weapon was sculpted purely from water. Had he not witnessed it himself, Lou Yun would have found it impossible to believe.

Concerning the Water Spirit Soldier’s might, Shui Lingluo herself could not articulate its strength, and Lou Yun found it inappropriate to ask for a demonstration. Nonetheless, his intense curiosity was satisfied for now.

Naturally, the group resumed their previous routine, each immersed in individual cultivation. Half a month elapsed swiftly.

This day, Wen Hou was controlling the magical weapon. He suddenly declared: "Brother Lou, that’s the sea district ahead. But… I sense an extremely turbulent energy over the waters. It seems magical weapons cannot enter!"

The others immediately ceased their cultivation trances, rising to their feet. Releasing their spiritual senses toward the front, they probed the distance.

Indeed, a vast expanse of seawater stretched ahead. This was Lou Yun’s first sight of the ocean; its sheer immensity and grandeur stirred an unexpected sense of awe. Indeed, the sea district presented a landscape entirely distinct from the mainland, offering a far more visually overwhelming impression.

Immediately afterward, his spiritual sense confirmed countless chaotic energies swirling above the sea district—akin to the disarray near the palace in the ancient Gu Feng Nation. Such turbulent energy made aerial entry via magical weapon utterly impossible. Whether it was Wen Hou or Tie Sha, no matter their level of cultivation, they could not possibly contend against these primal, violent forces of nature. Forcing an entry would spell certain doom: the group torn to shreds by the chaotic energy!

Having reached the coast only to find themselves barred from entry was a situation Lou Yun hadn’t foreseen. Resigned, he thoroughly reviewed the map once more before addressing the others: "If we cannot fly by magical weapon to Biko Island, our sole remaining option is to journey by sea."

Wen Hou smiled, nodding. "I’ve long heard tales of the sea’s volatility—apparently serene surfaces masking unthinkable dangers. I yearned to experience it but never had the chance. Now this sea voyage offers the perfect opportunity. Fulfills a wish of mine!"

Shui Lingluo naturally voiced no dissent. Lou Yun’s decisions were her wishes.

"Very well. We shall head first to the coastal Binhai City below. Firstly, to inquire about ships bound for sea. Secondly, to grant you and your companion," Lou Yun gestured toward Tie Sha and Wen Hou, "some well-deserved rest after these demanding days."