Chapter 23: The Terrifying Power of the Magic Weapon Longsword

After arriving at the courtyard, Fang Yun didn't rush to rest. Instead, he intended to use the few remaining days to study combat techniques, even if it meant gaining a little more experience. However, as talismans were one-time-use items, Fang Yun was hesitant to waste them on experiments. Thus, he pulled out the magic longsword, eager to see its true power.

He drew the blade and casually tossed aside the scabbard. The magic longsword appeared similar to an ordinary longsword, but its blade was covered in mysterious and intricate patterns. These must have been seals or formations, the true source of the sword's power.

After examining the sword closely, Fang Yun channeled his magical energy from his dantian, sending it through the meridians in his hands and into the sword. Under the influence of the magic, the sword began to glow with a bright yellow light, starting from the hilt and flowing toward the tip of the blade. Once the light enveloped the entire sword, Fang Yun swung it toward a nearby rockery. A blade of energy, several meters long, shot out toward the rockery.

The energy blade sliced through the rockery like a knife through tofu, silent and effortless. It continued forward, cutting through the pavilion behind it, and only stopped after splitting the corridor in two.

Moments later, with a loud rumble, the rockery split in half, the pavilion collapsed, and the corridor was severed into two sections. Staring at the devastation he had caused, Fang Yun was shocked by the power of the magic longsword in his hands. Was the high quality of magical energy responsible, or was it the sheer strength of the weapon?

Regardless, both the power of the weapon and his own magical energy were part of his cultivation strength. No wonder the clan elders had reacted so strongly when he broke through to the second layer of Qi Refining—such destructive power was truly overwhelming.

Fang Yun then checked his magical energy and found that the strike had consumed about one-tenth of his total power. In other words, he could swing the sword roughly ten times with his full reserve of energy. The consumption was indeed significant.

However, with a mere thought, Fang Yun activated his life essence, using three points to rapidly replenish his magical energy, instantly restoring it to its peak.

He glanced at his status panel:

Cultivation Level: Second Layer of Qi Refining

Magical Power: 32

Life Essence: 20

Controlled Plants: Spiritual Rice (320), Astragalus (2536)…

Spells: Earth Empowerment (Proficient 6%), Spirit Rain (Beginner 30%)

With 20 points of life essence remaining, a smile appeared on Fang Yun's face. With these life essence points, he could regularly use the magic longsword without much concern. His safety seemed more assured now.

At that moment, a loud noise came from the gate as Fang Lin kicked it open and rushed in.

"Clan Leader, what happened?"

Fang Yun glanced at him, then at the fallen rockery and the damaged structures behind it. Hearing the approaching footsteps of many others, Fang Yun realized that the commotion he'd caused had been misunderstood.

He quickly explained, "Elder, it's nothing. I was merely testing the sword. Tell everyone not to panic! Let them disperse."

Fang Lin looked at the magic longsword in Fang Yun's hand and then at the wreckage of the rockery and pavilion. He swallowed hard, initially wanting to advise Fang Yun not to waste his energy in case it affected their upcoming battle. But then he reconsidered—Fang Yun, as a cultivator, surely knew better about such matters. It wasn't his place as a mortal to interfere.

"Understood, Clan Leader!"

With that, Fang Lin turned and left to explain the situation to the others who had gathered outside.

Satisfied with the longsword's power, Fang Yun decided not to continue testing it. Instead, he pulled out the dozen or so talismans he had, carefully studying them.

Among the talismans, there were five fire-type, three wind-type, three earth-type, two metal-type, and two wood-type talismans.

Fang Yun could only vaguely identify the attributes of these talismans, but as for their specific types, he had never seen them before and lacked the necessary knowledge to distinguish them. So, he sorted the talismans by their attributes. In the upcoming battle, he decided to use the fire-type talismans first, assuming they were most likely offensive and thus suitable for war.

With everything prepared, Fang Yun spent the next few days peacefully staying in the courtyard, cultivating and waiting for the impending battle.

Five days later, a knock on the courtyard door signaled to Fang Yun that the pirates had likely arrived. He went to open the door and found Fang Lin standing there with a serious expression. Even though they had already devised strategies days ago, the sheer number of enemies made this battle anything but easy.

Fang Yun nodded to him and then led the way toward the central hall of the town. Upon arriving at the hall's entrance, all the clan elders except Fang Yong were already waiting.

"Clan Leader, the pirates have reached Ling Shui Island and are preparing to land! Please give the order!" reported Fang Hao, who was in charge of intelligence, stepping forward.

Holding his magical longsword, Fang Yun raised it high. "Alright, I won't say much more—let's go!"

At his command, all the elders, except for Fang Jianting, who was too old to fight, used their lightness skills and sped toward the eastern shore, where the pirates would likely land. It was the only suitable beach for them to disembark.

Watching the elders swiftly move with their lightness skills, Fang Yun couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. It seemed he needed to prioritize learning lightness skills soon, or it would greatly undermine his dignity as the clan leader. But now wasn't the time for such thoughts. Nodding to the remaining Fang Jianting, Fang Yun activated his magical energy and chased after the others.

Fang Jianting didn't notice Fang Yun's somewhat awkward running form. Instead, he watched the group leave and sighed softly, "May the ancestors bless the Fang family, and may we successfully repel the pirates. At the very least, let nothing happen to the clan leader—he's the Fang family's hope."

Fang Yun soon arrived at the eastern beach with the others. By now, nearly a thousand guards from the island had donned armor and held spears, standing in formation under Fang Yong's command, ready for battle behind the shore. In the distance, a dozen large ships were faintly visible.

As time passed, the outlines of the ships became clearer. It wouldn't be long before they reached the shore, and the battle would begin. Feeling the tension in the air, Fang Yun couldn't help but grow nervous.