Chapter 184

Chapter 184: Unmistakably Rude

Every time Beichen Ming uttered one identity, everyone in Yao Lin Valley, including Liu Feifan, Liu Ruyan, and even Lou Yun himself, felt a slight jolt!

By the time Beichen Ming finished listing Lou Yun’s three identities, Yao Lin Valley plunged into absolute silence once more, so quiet that not even a loud breath could be heard.

These three identities were truly staggering. First, Beichen Ming’s adopted son—which essentially meant he was the successor of Beichen Ming’s lineage. Second, Yulu Mountain Manor—no skilled weapon maker was unaware that this was Beichen Ming’s residence, a place not only vast and luxurious but also one that no faction on Spirit Weapon Star dared approach casually. The final identity, however, was what shocked everyone the most!

The future leader of the forging community meant the leader of all skilled weapon makers, someone who could command every skilled weapon maker on Spirit Weapon Star. Such authority was immense!

Skilled weapon makers already held a uniquely elevated status, zealously courted by almost every magical weapons master and common weapons master. The leader of such a group possessed everything imaginable, a thought alone enough to make others drool with envy!

Though envious, most felt genuine admiration for Lou Yun from the depths of their hearts, especially after witnessing his Forging Skills. Beichen Ming himself had openly admitted that Lou Yun’s formidable forging abilities were not taught by him. Thus, most silently accepted Lou Yun’s three new identities.

The small minority who couldn’t accept it were naturally driven by jealousy. Yet, though resentful, they dared not voice any objection.

Among this small, resentful group was Lou Yun himself!

Lou Yun had long known Beichen Ming wanted to adopt him, but he had never agreed. Now, Beichen Ming had declared it publicly before so many people. Refusing outright would shame Beichen Ming and leave him unable to back down.

Accepting, however, was also something Lou Yun was reluctant to do. He truly didn’t want to become anyone’s adopted son, especially since his own father was still alive. How would his father feel if he suddenly gained an adopted father?

Beyond this, Lou Yun had another consideration: he wanted to relocate the entire Lou Family to Yulu Mountain Manor. The manor was not only vast but also strategically defensible, significantly enhancing their safety.

This, of course, required Beichen Ming’s consent. Weighing everything, Lou Yun decided to silently accept these three new identities for now. He resolved to discuss these matters with Beichen Ming at a later opportunity. For the moment, the forging conference needed to conclude.

Beichen Ming turned and patted Lou Yun’s hand. “Come, Yun’er, follow me.”

Lou Yun couldn’t refuse now. He could only follow behind Beichen Ming, heading towards the exclusive area designated for seventh-grade skilled weapon makers.

As they walked, all the skilled weapon makers remained kneeling on the ground, not one daring to stand. Yet, one pair of eyes remained fixed intently on Lou Yun—Liu Ruyan’s.

With Lou Yun’s keen senses, he naturally felt Liu Ruyan’s gaze. That gaze felt as intense and familiar as it had during his changing ceremony back at the Lou Family years ago.

However, Lou Yun now harbored hatred for Liu Ruyan. He didn’t even glance her way, walking tall and proud behind Beichen Ming until they entered the designated area.

Lou Yun’s icy indifference struck Liu Ruyan’s heart. From their first meeting until now, her fondness for Lou Yun stemmed not only from his abilities but, most importantly, from the perpetually carefree smile that graced his face year after year.

But now, there was no trace of that smile. Instead, Lou Yun’s face was cold as frost, radiating an aloofness that kept others at a distance.

Liu Ruyan didn’t know what level Lou Yun’s strength had reached after their two-year separation, but she was certain he had felt her gaze. Why then did he utterly ignore her? She had never wronged him. Even when he was wanted by Gu Feng Nation, she had wholeheartedly helped and defended him. Even if he was unaware of her efforts, such cold treatment was unjustified.

For the first time in her life, Liu Ruyan tasted the bitterness of confusion.

At that moment, Beichen Ming’s voice rang out. “Very well, all rise!”

At his command, all the skilled weapon makers finally stood up and returned to their respective areas. Fan Ruobing and Short Winter Melon, like stray dogs, slunk back with their tails between their legs. Though they longed to flee immediately, they dared not leave without Beichen Ming’s permission.

Seeing everyone back in place, Beichen Ming nodded. “Good. The forging conference shall now proceed!”

Despite this dramatic interlude, the spirits of the many skilled weapon makers remained undampened. Following the conference schedule, the remaining events unfolded step by step. Lou Yun, however, no longer needed to participate in any forging; his prowess was now undeniable.

As the forging continued fervently, Beichen Ming signaled Lou Yun to accompany him to the VIP area to greet Liu Feifan and the others.

Though Lou Yun was extremely unwilling, he couldn’t defy Beichen Ming’s wish. He followed him once more towards the VIP area.

Upon arrival, Beichen Ming, beaming with warmth, introduced Lou Yun to Liu Feifan. Lou Yun, though aware Liu Feifan was one of the nine clans that had sought the Lou Family’s annihilation, had to maintain a polite facade as he greeted the other party.

“Senior Liu, thank you for extending aid to my Lou Family during our crisis. I will repay this kindness in the future.”

Liu Feifan laughed heartily. “We are all comrades; lending a hand is only right. Repayment is unnecessary! However, my granddaughter Ruyan contributed the most in safeguarding your esteemed family. By the way, you two are classmates, long acquainted. Come, Ruyan, greet Young Master Lou.”

Now, Lou Yun finally understood: the true force secretly aiding his family had been Liu Ruyan. This was genuinely unexpected.

Yet, another possibility quickly surfaced in Lou Yun’s mind. He recalled Liu Feifan had previously intended to betroth Liu Ruyan to him. Given Liu Feifan’s status as one of the nine clans, this act was undoubtedly premeditated!

This thought hardened Lou Yun’s heart once more. Watching Liu Ruyan approach him, her face also frosty, he merely said lightly, “Then I truly must thank Miss Liu.”

Liu Ruyan was no fool; like Lou Yun, she was a genius. She instantly recognized the coldness in his words. Accustomed to pride, how could she accept this? She shot Lou Yun an even icier glare. Without a word or gesture, she turned and walked straight back to her seat, sitting down again.

This was unmistakably rude behavior!

Liu Ruyan’s reaction naturally puzzled Liu Feifan and Beichen Ming greatly. Beichen Ming, in particular, had been secretly observing Liu Ruyan’s demeanor since noticing Lou Yun’s arrival. His prolonged observation convinced him that Liu Ruyan held considerable affection for Lou Yun. How then could her attitude be so cold?

Though perplexed, Beichen Ming and Liu Feifan couldn’t interfere in matters between the young pair. Beichen Ming swiftly changed the subject to dispel the awkward atmosphere.

The forging conference continued at full steam. After two more days, all events concluded. Winners in the competitions received generous prizes from Beichen Ming, while victors in challenges collected their respective wagers.

In short, the forging conference drew to a close. Every attending skilled weapon maker gained something they desired—be it status, rank, or prizes. Their greatest reward, however, was witnessing the diverse array of Forging Skills, especially the common weapon forged by Lou Yun that triggered a strange phenomenon—a truly eye-opening spectacle!

According to the conference’s tradition, Beichen Ming was to deliver a concluding review. After that, the event would officially end, and everyone could depart.

Seeing the satisfied expressions on all faces, Beichen Ming stood up, smiling. “Esteemed guests, this forging conference is nearing its end. However, before we conclude, I have one more announcement to make!”

Truthfully, Lou Yun’s appearance had already brought several surprises to this conference, making it arguably the most thrilling one yet. Beichen Ming’s revelation of Lou Yun’s three identities had particularly stunned and envious the attendees. Hearing Beichen Ming had another announcement piqued their curiosity. They wondered inwardly: Could something even more significant than the previous events warrant being saved for last?

What Beichen Ming intended to announce was, of course, his long-conceived plan: the formal unveiling of the Divine Weapon Alliance, an organization he had secretly established over the years, and the installation of Lou Yun as its Alliance Leader.

However, just as he prepared to make the announcement with a smile, a cold, male voice suddenly whispered in his ear: “If I were you, I would never announce the existence of the Divine Weapon Alliance to the world!”