Chapter 186

Chapter 186: The Black Invitation of the Nine Families

As soon as Liu Feifan spoke, Lou Yun and Leng Cangqiong immediately turned to look at him simultaneously. Lou Yun was a bit better off; he’d already learned from Chang Xiang that the Liu family was also one of the Nine Families. Leng Cangqiong, however, had no knowledge of the Liu family’s affairs. Consequently, two sharp beams shot from his eyes, and killing intent stirred throughout his body as he stared coldly at Liu Feifan. His expression clearly conveyed that if Liu Feifan uttered even one wrong word, he would strike without hesitation!

Under the gaze of this legendary God of Death, Liu Feifan truly felt a bit unnerved. Instead of addressing Leng Cangqiong or Lou Yun, he turned towards Beichen Ming and said, “Brother Bei, perhaps we should conclude this forging conference first!”

His implication was obvious: there were far too many people in Yao Lin Valley right now, and what he needed to say next wasn’t suitable for such a large audience.

Beichen Ming had actually wanted to end the forging conference the moment he heard the first unfamiliar voice. The sudden appearance of Leng Cangqiong had prevented him from acting immediately. Now, hearing Liu Feifan’s suggestion, he hastily nodded. “Indeed. Please take a seat for a moment. I will end the conference immediately.”

As Beichen Ming made the announcement, Lou Yun took the black invitation and opened it. Throughout the process, Liu Feifan kept his eyes fixed on the invitation.

The content of the invitation was simple: it requested Lou Yun to journey to a place called Biko Island within the sea within three months. A small gift was mentioned as being enclosed with the invitation. The signature read: The Nine Families.

Lou Yun turned the black invitation over and over but found no sign of the gift. At his side, Leng Cangqiong spoke lightly, “Don’t bother looking. The gift is with me.”

“Oh? What is it?” Lou Yun didn’t actually care about the gift and merely asked casually.

“I’ll tell you later.”

Finally, under Beichen Ming’s closing remarks, the forging conference concluded smoothly. Though no one really wanted to leave, they also realized that some matters were better not heard. Thus, they departed reluctantly.

Unsurprisingly, Short Winter Melon and Fan Ruobing were the happiest, practically being the first to rush out of Yao Lin Valley.

In the end, the vast Yao Lin Valley was empty except for Lou Yun and his group, plus Lei Nu and Xu Yangteng. Beichen Ming glanced at Lou Yun, who nodded and immediately stood to beckon the two of them forward.

Standing there, however, the two clearly appeared extremely awkward and ill-at-ease. After all, almost everyone before them could be considered a top-tier figure on Spirit Weapon Star, especially Beichen Ming, seen as the king among skilled weapon makers. As weapon makers themselves, they could only feel profound respect.

Lou Yun did not treat the two as outsiders and warmly introduced everyone. The attitudes of Beichen Ming and Leng Cangqiong were consistent: as long as they were Lou Yun’s friends, regardless of their cultivation level or status, they were worthy of regard. They too treated the two with great warmth, which left Lei Nu and Xu Yangteng feeling utterly flattered.

After the introductions, Lou Yun looked at Liu Feifan and smiled faintly. “Sect Leader Liu, perhaps now you can tell me how you knew this letter is called the Black Invitation of the Nine Families?”

Liu Feifan sighed. “Judging by your tone, I believe you are already aware of the matters between your Lou Family and us, the Nine Families?”

Seeing the expression of sheer helplessness on Liu Feifan’s face, a flicker of thought passed through Lou Yun’s mind. Was the Liu family perhaps different from the other eight families?

Forgetting that others might be confused by this exchange, Lou Yun nodded. “I know. Please continue.”

“Hmm, this is a long story,” Liu Feifan said after a moment’s thought. “I’ll start with the Black Invitation of the Nine Families.”

“The Nine Families once agreed upon a pact. They could act collectively using invitations. There are only two colors for these invitations: red and black, representing good and bad tidings respectively. Simply put, receiving the Black Invitation of the Nine Families spelled misfortune for the recipient.”

Hearing this, Lou Yun, Leng Cangqiong, and Beichen Ming simultaneously emitted cold snorts of disdain. They refused to believe Lou Yun would face any misfortune!

Liu Feifan naturally understood the meaning behind their reaction but didn’t comment. He pointed to the black invitation in Lou Yun’s hand. “However, this black invitation you hold was definitely not drafted collectively by all Nine Families. At the very least, my Liu family had no part in it! Moreover, I have heard that the Huangfu Family has already extended an invitation to you. If true, they would never resort to this redundant gesture by joining other families in issuing a Black Invitation.”

Lou Yun raised the black invitation perplexedly. “Then you mean this invitation was actually sent jointly by only a few families within the Nine Families?”

“Exactly!” Liu Feifan affirmed with a firm nod. “And I estimate no more than five families were involved. As for how I know this, I must regretfully decline to explain.”

Lou Yun didn’t press further. He toyed with the black invitation and asked, “And what would be the consequence if I decided not to go?”

Liu Feifan was momentarily stunned. “Not go? There might be consequences for others who refuse, but for you? It doesn’t matter. The consequence remains the same: the Nine Families would unite to eradicate your entire Lou Family!”

Upon hearing this, Lou Yun burst into loud laughter. “Oh, like that? Indeed. It’s the same whether I go or not – after all, your Nine Families are determined to annihilate my Lou Family regardless!”

Just then, Leng Cangqiong, standing beside him, spoke up. “Brother, you must go.”

Those words abruptly cut off Lou Yun’s laughter. He looked at Leng Cangqiong in confusion. “Why?”

Leng Cangqiong flipped his wrist and pressed something into Lou Yun’s hand. “This is the gift enclosed with the invitation.”

Lou Yun felt a lock of hair suddenly materialize in his palm. The strands weren’t long, but they were exceptionally fine – unmistakably the hair of a woman.

“What is this?” Lou Yun asked, bewildered.

Leng Cangqiong shook his head. “I don’t know. I actually thought you might. Seeing as you don’t, I can only surmise. The meaning behind enclosing this lock of hair is likely to warn you: if you don’t go, a certain female friend near you might meet with misfortune. It’s even possible… they have already taken her.”

These words instantly caused Lou Yun to recognize the likelihood. He froze, momentarily stunned.

“Brother, think carefully. Who among your female friends could they have possibly taken?” Leng Cangqiong prompted Lou Yun.

Lou Yun focused hard, mentally running through the women he knew. There weren’t many, and right now, he couldn’t think of anyone specifically who had attracted the attention of the Nine Families or who might have been captured.

Leng Cangqiong patted Lou Yun’s shoulder. “Since you can’t recall who it could be, the only option left is to make the journey. I vaguely recall Biko Island. With your speed, reaching it within three months should be feasible. That’s precisely why I came to deliver this invitation to you.”

With matters at this point, Lou Yun had no choice but to go. He simply couldn’t take the risk. He valued his friends above all and would never gamble with a friend’s life.

Liu Feifan’s voice sounded again. “Lou Yun, if you go alone, it’s utterly impossible. Since they dare to counterfeit the name of the Nine Families to summon you to a meeting, they have undoubtedly prepared thoroughly. If you go, you won’t return alive!”

Leng Cangqiong let out a cold laugh. “And if I go with him?”

Liu Feifan glanced at Leng Cangqiong, discreetly swallowing a mouthful of saliva. He still shook his head. “Elder Leng, I respect you, hence addressing you as Elder. Your strength is indeed formidable. However, think it over: you are well aware of the gap between your cultivation methods and those practiced by the Nine Families. Among the Nine Families, there are practitioners far stronger than you! Therefore, even with you accompanying him, there is no guarantee both of you will return alive.”

A fierce light flashed in Leng Cangqiong’s eyes, and he seemed poised to unleash his anger. At that very moment, however, an oddly mild voice sounded from beside the group. “And what if we two join them as well?”

This sudden, unexpected voice caused everyone’s body to jolt simultaneously. None of them had detected the presence of an outsider! Considering the assembly present—Leng Cangqiong, Beichen Ming, Liu Feifan, and even Lou Yun himself—all were powerful experts. Yet, this newly arrived person had successfully evaded the notice and spiritual senses of all these individuals, appearing like a ghost. This level of capability sent a chill down Leng Cangqiong’s spine. Could it be someone from the Nine Families? he thought immediately.

Lou Yun, however, found that gentle, spring-breeze-like voice intensely familiar. Following the sound, his eyes searched for the speaker. A moment of stunned silence was swiftly replaced by pure excitement as he yelled out, “It’s you!”