Chapter 185

Chapter 185: Become Lou Yun’s Elder Brother

The voice that suddenly rang in his ears startled Beichen Ming, causing his expression to drastically change. His spiritual perception instantly opened and rapidly spread out in all directions!

His spiritual perception covered nearly a ten-mile radius around him, but to his dismay, he couldn’t locate the speaker at all!

Given Beichen Ming’s status and level of cultivation, someone capable of speaking directly into his ear without being discovered indicated this person’s strength far surpassed his own!

What surprised Beichen Ming wasn’t the person’s sudden speech, but the content of their words!

The Divine Weapon Alliance was something Beichen Ming had been secretly building. Apart from Dai Rong, even the members of the Divine Weapon Alliance itself didn’t know he was the true leader. Yet now, this person actually knew about it!

Since he couldn’t find them, Beichen Ming gave up the search. Having survived many storms, he wasn’t about to abandon his long-pondered plan just because of one sentence from a mysterious expert. Unable to locate the speaker, Beichen Ming couldn’t engage in dialogue; he could only passively receive the information. He couldn’t even ask why he shouldn’t make it public.

Beichen Ming thus resolved to announce the Divine Weapon Alliance as planned. However, at that moment, the voice spoke again: "You can let Lou Yun take the position of Divine Weapon Alliance leader, but you absolutely must not publicize the Alliance. You don’t know the strength of the enemies Lou Yun faces. Your Divine Weapon Alliance might serve some purpose in the shadows, but if revealed openly, its only fate is extinction!"

This statement struck Beichen Ming’s heart like a heavy blow. Knowing about the Divine Weapon Alliance was one thing, but the other party also knew his plan to appoint Lou Yun as leader! Beichen Ming was certain this decision was known only to himself and Dai Rong.

Had Dai Rong betrayed him?

Beichen Ming’s gaze naturally fell on Dai Rong, who looked back at him with complete confusion. Beichen Ming shook his head inwardly. It absolutely couldn’t be Dai Rong. They had grown up together since childhood, master and servant yet also close friends – Dai Rong was the one person he could absolutely trust.

The voice sounded once more: "Enough. Don’t waste time on baseless suspicion. Rest assured, I am not your enemy and mean no harm. I am Lou Yun’s friend. If you truly have Lou Yun’s best interests at heart, you would do well to heed my words. After this forging conference concludes, I will naturally enlighten you on some matters."

Lou Yun’s friend?

After a long internal struggle, Beichen Ming finally stomped his foot resentfully and made his decision. Given everything this person knew and such unfathomable cultivation, he would listen. What was another three years of waiting? They could unveil the Divine Weapon Alliance at the next forging conference in three years!

Meanwhile, everyone gathered in Yao Lin Valley was watching Beichen Ming, their minds buzzing with curiosity. Wasn’t he going to announce something? Why was he standing there silently, his complexion changing?

Regaining his composure, Beichen Ming cleared his throat. "My announcement is this: Lou Yun as my adopted son…"

But before he could finish the sentence, another cold voice rang out. This time, however, it wasn’t confined to Beichen Ming’s ears; it echoed throughout the entire Yao Lin Valley!

"Beichen Ming! How dare you take my brother as your adopted son!"

This new, unexpected voice ignited a surge of anger in Beichen Ming. What was happening? People kept appearing left and right to oppose him! This person even dared address him by his full name? Had he been secluded for so long that everyone thought him easy to bully?

A sharp gleam flashed in Beichen Ming’s eyes, his hands clenched into fists as he looked towards the source of the voice. Everyone else naturally looked upwards as well.

There, standing in midair above Yao Lin Valley, was a man dressed in white with pure white hair. Treading on the void, hands clasped behind his back, his face held an indifferent expression. His eyes held an unparalleled arrogance as they cast a cold gaze upon the crowd below.

Seeing the man’s features and form, the anger in Beichen Ming’s chest instantly transformed into shock. His eyes widened, and he murmured, almost unconsciously, "White-haired God of Death, Leng Cangqiong!"

Despite his muttering, Beichen Ming’s voice was loud enough to be heard clearly by everyone in Yao Lin Valley.

The reaction of the crowd was singular: utter shock, shock beyond measure!

Among everyone present, not one hadn’t heard the infamous name of the White-haired God of Death. Yet none had ever laid eyes on the man himself. Hearing Beichen Ming utter those seven words, the sheer shock within their hearts was unimaginable.

A figure almost legendary, almost mythical, now stood palpably real before their very eyes!

It was indeed Leng Cangqiong. Seeing him, Lou Yun felt a surge of dread in his heart. Before leaving, he had entrusted Leng Cangqiong with protecting the Lou Family in Lingjiang City. Leng Cangqiong’s character guaranteed he would take this duty seriously and fulfill it completely. Yet here he was, having left the Lou Family and come to this place, seeking Lou Yun out. Moreover, Leng Cangqiong loathed such high-profile appearances. That he had chosen to reveal himself like this, before so many skilled weapon makers, surely meant something serious had happened to the Lou Family!

Leng Cangqiong stared icily at Beichen Ming. "Beichen Ming, Lou Yun is my brother. How dare you try to make him your adopted son!"

Anyone else on Spirit Weapon Star, including the universally recognized top expert, Ao Wushen, would treat Beichen Ming with deference and respect. Yet here was Leng Cangqiong, acting as if Beichen Ming were nothing, scolding him publicly in front of so many onlookers – likely the only person on the planet bold enough to do so!

But Beichen Ming truly dared not lash out. Firstly, Leng Cangqiong was Lou Yun’s sworn brother – a fact he already knew. Secondly, Leng Cangqiong’s fiercely stubborn and cold nature was infamous; provoking him risked entirely unpredictable consequences!

Faced with Leng Cangqiong’s question, Beichen Ming opened his mouth but found no words. His desire to adopt Lou Yun stemmed from an old, deep affection formed well before he knew of Lou Yun’s connection to Leng Cangqiong.

Seeing the tense standoff and consumed by worry over his family, Lou Yun quickly interjected, "Elder Brother! Why are you here?"

The moment Lou Yun called out "Elder Brother," the valley erupted once more. Lou Yun truly was Leng Cangqiong’s brother!

Everyone already harbored deep envy over the three extraordinary identities Beichen Ming had bestowed upon Lou Yun. Now, an even more stunning identity emerged – brother of the White-haired God of Death, Leng Cangqiong!

Henceforth, their admiration and envy for Lou Yun were joined by a profound sense of reverence. While they might dare slight Lou Yun, angering Leng Cangqiong himself was utterly unthinkable.

No one was more terrified now than Short Winter Melon and Fan Ruobing. They shuddered to imagine the consequences if Leng Cangqiong ever learned of how they had bullied Lou Yun.

Only when facing Lou Yun did Leng Cangqiong let his coldness thaw. In a flash, he appeared right before Lou Yun. A rare hint of a smile touched his lips as he said, "Little Brother, I need to speak with you."

Hearing this, Lou Yun’s mind buzzed – confirming his worst fears. His body swayed uncontrollably. He had to take a deep breath to steady himself before asking, "Elder Brother, what is it?"

Leng Cangqiong shot a glance at Beichen Ming and Liu Feifan beside them, his brow furrowing slightly. Clearly, he did not wish to discuss whatever it was in front of so many people. Lou Yun understood this. He was about to immediately pull Leng Cangqiong aside to a private place to get the full story. But then, Leng Cangqiong turned his gaze back to Beichen Ming with chilling intensity. "Beichen Ming!" he repeated, his voice sharp as frost, "I have said it once: Lou Yun is my brother!"

Evidently, in Leng Cangqiong’s mind, he could relinquish status and formalities to become Lou Yun’s sworn brother, but he would absolutely tolerate no one else claiming the role of Lou Yun’s father.

Beichen Ming felt utterly flustered, torn between tears and laughter, unsure how to respond to Leng Cangqiong. Scratching his head awkwardly, he lowered his voice. "Leng Cangqiong… the reason I wished to adopt Lou Yun was… well, I couldn’t take him as a disciple, yet I hold immense fondness for him. I hoped he could inherit my legacy."

Leng Cangqiong’s voice remained icy. "Then why not follow my example? Become his elder brother. That… I might allow."

"Ah!" Beichen Ming froze, speechless.

Having spoken, Leng Cangqiong completely ignored Beichen Ming. He turned back to Lou Yun and transmitted his voice exclusively to him: "Little brother, don’t fear. Your family is safe. Someone merely sent you an invitation. I deemed it necessary to bring it to you personally, as time is short. That’s why I came."

Hearing his family was unharmed, enormous relief washed over Lou Yun. Still curious, he asked, "What kind of invitation? Who sent it? And why bother you, Elder Brother, to deliver it yourself?"

Leng Cangqiong produced a sheet of black, paper-like material from his palm, offering it to Lou Yun. Before Lou Yun could take it, Liu Feifan, who stood nearby, abruptly shot to his feet. Pointing a trembling finger at the dark object, he exclaimed in shock, "The Black Invitation of the Nine Families!"