I Am Overlord c1-962
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"You may all leave," Elder Zhen Peng said after scanning the crowd below him. The current Elder Zhen Peng no longer appeared like the senile old man earlier. In fact, he looked to be nearly 20 years younger now, regaining his looks during his middle age. His entire body rippled with an abundant power.
"Elder Zhen Peng, please—" Yang Gaochuan was about to say something, but his words were interrupted by Elder Zhen Peng shouting in a certain direction.
"Stinky brat! Stand right there!"
Chapter 62: Please Allow Me This, Young Master
Nobody had a clue what Elder Zhen Peng was up to, and they all looked in the direction the elder was flying. There, a young man could be seen coming out of a limit room and trying to sneak away. The young man was clearly Elder Zhen Peng's target.
"Shit! Even after I did you a favor, you're still not willing to spare me?" the young man cursed to himself.
The young man was none other than Xiang Shaoyun. He had just come out of the sixth limit room. He planned to sneak off while Elder Zhen Peng was celebrating his breakthrough and had not expected to be caught. At present, Elder Zhen Peng was already before him, sealing his path of escape. Elder Zhen Peng was now a second-stage Skysoar Realm cultivator, and his new cultivation level granted him an incredibly fast movement speed.
"S-senior, w-what do you want? Fine, fine, I'll surrender," Xiang Shaoyun, raising his hands, said nervously. He was scared the old man would kill him in a fit of anger.
Elder Zhen Peng's eyes rested on Xiang Shaoyun, a complicated expression on his face. He was conflicted about what he should do to this kid. At this moment, Yang Gaochuan, Qing Xiuhe, and the other elders arrived.
Yang Gaochuan quickly said, "Elder Zhen Peng, please have mercy. I was the one who sent this child into the sixth limit room. He owns a five-star physique and has a bright future ahead of him."
Yang Gaochuan was begging for leniency on behalf of Xiang Shaoyun as he believed that Elder Zhen Peng was blaming Xiang Shaoyun for disturbing his peace during breakthrough. Although the others did not know what had happened, when they heard Yang Gaochuan speaking for Xiang Shaoyun, they had their own guesses.
"Palace master, what is going on with Xiang Shaoyun? How can you allow him to enter Elder Zhen Peng's sixth limit room?" Qing Xiuhe asked probingly.
Yang Gaochuan replied, "Now is not the time for that. Let's deal with this first."
It was also at this time that Li Xuemeng suddenly shouted at Xiang Shaoyun from among the group of elders, "Impudent! Xiang Shaoyun, quickly kneel down and apologize for your offense! Disturbing Elder Zhen Peng's breakthrough is a crime punishable by death!"
Li Xuemeng's words came at the perfect time to ignite the fury in all the other elders. It had always been a taboo to disturb someone’s breakthrough, not to mention something as major as Elder Zhen Peng's ascension into the Skysoar Realm.
A single King Realm expert signified the prosperity of the Martial Hall Palace as a whole. If the breakthrough failed, Xiang Shaoyun would not be able to make up for it even if he was to die 10 times over, even if he had a five-star physique.
"For daring to disturb Elder Zhen Peng's breakthrough, this kid can't be spared!" said an elder.
"That's right. Regardless of why he was in the limit room, he can't be spared from punishment."
"Damnable brat, does he really think he can do anything just because he has a five-star physique? I say we cripple his cultivation and expel him from the Martial Hall Palace!"
"I think we should just kill him to prevent future problems."
...
A few elders echoed Li Xuemeng's sentiment. Some were close to Li Xuemeng while others were simply trying to get on Elder Zhen Peng's good side.
As for the other elders who had not said anything, they all revealed complicated expressions. They still did not have a clear idea on what had happened, so they did not make any decisions.
Zi Changhe couldn't help but say, "Fellow elders, I think we should let Elder Zhen Peng make the decision here. If Xiang Shaoyun has indeed committed any wrongdoing, he should be punished. But if this is merely a misunderstanding, I beg Elder Zhen Peng and palace master to spare him out of respect for my master."
"Zi Changhe, don't forget that disturbing Elder Zhen Peng’s breakthrough is a crime punishable by death. Even your master won’t protect him in this situation. Elder Zhen Peng's breakthrough into the King Realm is no trifling matter!"
"You are clearly abusing your official position to avenge your private grudge! I believe Elder Zhen Peng has his own thoughts on this. The final say is not up to you!" Zi Changhe stood his ground.
Li Xuemeng was about to argue back when Yang Gaochuan bellowed, "Enough. Stop bickering. Just listen to Elder Zhen Peng's arrangement."
With that, everyone sank into silence.
At this time, Xiang Shaoyun said meekly, "S-senior, d-don't keep staring at me like this. I-I'm shy." After saying those words, his neck shrunk further. His current look gave one the urge to rush forth and give him a good beating.
"Sigh. I, Zhen Peng, have spent my life in cultivation yet my clarity of mind is not even comparable to a youth," Elder Zhen Peng sighed and proceeded to do something that shocked everyone there.
He gave Xiang Shaoyun a deep bow. "Young master, please allow me to stay by your side and guard you from now onward."
Bang!
Those words slammed into everyone’s minds, sending them into a daze. A King Realm cultivator was an existence high above many others. He was the strongest in the Martial Hall Palace, also the most powerful in Wu Town.
But this King was currently swearing his allegiance to a tiny Astral Realm young man? It turned their world upside down. They wondered if everything was merely an illusion. Even Xiang Shaoyun was stunned.
"Please allow me this, young master!" Elder Zhen Peng begged when he received no reply.
At this time, Yang Gaochuan licked his lips and said, "E-Elder Zhen Peng, d-do y-you want to think this through? This kid is only at the Astral Realm. Even if he has a five-star physique, he is not worthy enough for this! If you really think so highly of him, you can just give him some guidance in his cultivation."
"That's right, Elder Zhen Peng. I think you should first focus on consolidating your cultivation," Qing Xiuhe chimed in.
Li Xuemeng also couldn't resist speaking up, "Elder Zhen Peng, h-have you been tricked by this brat? I'll kill him for you!"
"Bastard!" Elder Zhen Peng turned his head and cursed Li Xuemeng. His single word rumbled out like an all powerful thunderclap, and an aura of kings flowed out, instantly sending Li Xuemeng flying and coughing out blood. The sight of this shocked the elders.
Elder Zhen Peng scanned the crowd then said with an unprecedented seriousness, "I, Zhen Peng, am not yet senile. I know what I'm doing. From today onward, he is my young master. I will stand guard by his side as he grows. Laying even a finger on him will be tantamount to attacking me!"
Elder Zhen Peng spoke with such resolution that it did not seem he would change his mind. Yang Gaochuan, Qing Xiuhe, and the others once again revealed complicated expressions on their faces.
When Li Xuemeng heard those words, he was so enraged he spat out another mouthful of blood. After all, he had already included Xiang Shaoyun in a list of people he must kill. But now, Elder Zhen Peng had taken on the role of Xiang Shaoyun's guardian. No, to be precise, Elder Zhen Peng had become Xiang Shaoyun's follower! Would he still have a chance to do anything to Xiang Shaoyun? What if Xiang Shaoyun turned around to make a move against them instead? Not a single one of them could resist a King Realm's wrath!
At this thought, Li Xuemeng’s entire body grew cold.
Chapter 63: Forget It
"Please allow me that, young master!" Elder Zhen Peng repeated his request.
By this point, everyone was staring at Xiang Shaoyun, their eyes filled with all sorts of emotions such as envy and doubt.
Xiang Shaoyun coughed before finally giving a reply. "Fine, in
view of the sincerity you've shown, just follow me around in the future. Your aptitude is really nothing special, but I suppose you can improve with some guidance. It won't be difficult for you to reach the peak of Skysoar Realm. But of course, you need to work hard if you want to reach an even higher level."
Bang!
The words slammed into the minds of the others, giving them a sensation that they were going to faint soon. A tiny Astral Realm cultivator was going to guide a new King Realm cultivator? Shouldn't it be the other way round? That was no different than a tiny brat claiming to teach an adult, something that completely toppled common sense.
"Many thanks, young master!" Elder Zhen Peng replied deferentially.
The people were now even more stunned. They were even starting to wonder if Elder Zhen Peng had been possessed or something. Why was he listening to this kid?
Xiang Shaoyun glanced at the crowd and said with a shrug, "Alright, alright, don't look at me like that, guys. Your aptitudes are even worse. I won't even accept you fellows as my underlings. Forget it."
Everyone's faces darkened.
What the hell is this? Screw this kid! everyone cursed inwardly.
They were elders of the Martial Hall Palace, experts at the Transformation Realm. And a kid was speaking to them with such contempt? That was an insult!
"Elder Zhen Peng..." Yang Gaochuan did not know what to say anymore.
Elder Zhen Peng waved his hand and said, "Leave, all of you. Don't spread the news that I've broken through. Deal with the aftermath as you see fit." He paused slightly before adding, "Of course, the matters of Martial Hall Palace will still be of my concern."
He only added the final sentence to placate these people. Sure enough, everyone heaved a breath of relief when they heard his guarantee. They were worried that Elder Zhen Peng would focus on being this kid's underling and ignore everything about the Martial Hall Palace from then on.
After Elder Zhen Peng said all he had to say, they saluted him and left one after another. It was at this moment that Xiang Shaoyun called out to Yang Gaochuan, "Palace master, please stay."
"Oh, ki—uhm. What do you need?" Yang Gaochuan asked. He no longer dared to call Xiang Shaoyun "kid".
"Where are my rewards? I've passed the sixth limit room! Don't leave without giving me my rewards!" Xiang Shaoyun said, stepping forth.
"Sure, sure, I won't skimp on your rewards. Just go take whatever you need from the Weapon Hall and Medicine Hall. I will also get someone to pass 100,000 points to you as reward," Yang Gaochuan quickly said.
Xiang Shaoyun now had the backing of Elder Zhen Peng. Where in the Martial Hall Palace couldn't he go? And what in the Martial Hall Palace couldn't he enjoy?
"Oh, nice. That's it, then," Xiang Shaoyun said in satisfaction. He indeed needed a large amount of resources for his cultivation. If the Martial Hall Palace was able to fully open up to him, he would be able to at least triple his cultivation speed. To the side, Zi Changhe smiled helplessly as he watched on. He did not even know what he should say about this Xiang Shaoyun anymore.
Freak?
Yes, that was the most fitting description for Xiang Shaoyun. Zi Changhe still remembered how Xiang Shaoyun had bragged about what an incredibly talented genius he was when he first joined. Now, he finally believed that Xing Shaoyun hadn't been bragging. What he had said was the utter truth. That much was obvious after Xiang Shaoyun reached the second stage of the Astral Realm.
And with some unknown method, Xiang Shaoyun had even managed to trick Elder Zhen Peng into becoming his underling. But no matter what, that still proved how extraordinary Xiang Shaoyun was. Zi Changhe now deeply believed that Xiang Shaoyun was an extraordinary person. He even started to feel as if Xiang Shaoyun no longer needed him as a senior brother.
Right this moment, Xiang Shaoyun walked toward Zi Changhe and said, "If there's nothing else, let's go, senior brother. I'll demonstrate the Lightning Spear Technique once when we get back. I think I'm already at the level you requested."
Zi Changhe blanked out when he heard that. He had never expected that Xiang Shaoyun would still call him senior brother.
"Why are you blanking out? Are you nervous because Old Peng is here? Don't worry, just pretend he's an ordinary elder," Xiang Shaoyun consoled.
Zi Changhe cursed, Kid, even if you know that, you shouldn't have exposed me like that!
He immediately recovered and shouted, "Go back and show me!"
"Haha, don't be like that, senior brother. I was just kidding. Look at me, I'm wounded all over! We have to at least wait for my wounds to heal, right?" Xiang Shaoyun said as he pointed at his wounds.
"How did you get those wounds? Limit room?" Zi Changhe asked.
At this time, Elder Zhen Peng interjected, "Young master, have you challenged all the limit rooms before the sixth limit room? I mean, have you passed all the challenges?"
Xiang Shaoyun smiled. "Of course. Why else would the palace master allow me to enter the sixth room?"
Elder Zhen Peng's pupils shrank, and a look of admiration covered his face. "Young master is indeed a giant among men, able to reach the sixth limit room I guarded with only the strength of first-stage Astral Realm. I thought you'd entered through the back door or something. Looks like I had merely been too ignorant."
Even as a King Realm cultivator, Elder Zhen Peng was still completely astonished by Xiang Shaoyun's accomplishments. With the strength of first-stage Astral Realm, he charged all the way to the sixth limit room. This was definitely a first in the history of the Martial Hall Palace.
In the past, only those at the fourth rank and above had ever reached that far. From this, it was obvious how remarkable Xiang Shaoyun was. When Zi Changhe heard their conversation, he was shocked once again. He suddenly felt extremely ignorant in the face of this junior brother.
In the past, he had seen Xiang Shaoyun as an unpolished gem who needed some time to temper his character. When he grew more mature, it would be the perfect time to nurture him, helping him reach an even higher level in the future.
But now, Xiang Shaoyun displayed a monstrous cultivation talent even without Zi Changhe teaching him anything.
Xiang Shaoyun no longer bothered with anything else and started heading back to his residence. Before leaving, he did not forget to remind Elder Zhen Peng to have a talk with Yang Gaochuan about the incidents today. He did not want any unnecessary trouble for himself. He only wanted to cultivate peacefully.
This young master is truly mighty. With a wave of my majestic hand, my august presence is revealed. And with that, a King Realm immediately begs to come under my wing! My charm is indeed irresistible! Xiang Shaoyun mused to himself narcissistically.
Chapter 64: The Child of Heaven Has Descended Upon the Mortal World
Wu Estate.
Martial Hall Palace's thirteenth elder, Li Xuemeng had arrived to meet with Wu Clan's patriarch, Wu Fuxiang.
"Town Head Wu, I've arrived at a decision on your proposal. I will be helping you with it!" Li Xuemeng said seriously.
"Oh? Why did you change your mind?" Wu Fuxiang asked, surprised.
"Are you aware of the incidents yesterday?" Li Xuemeng asked instead of answering.
"Are you referring to Elder Zhen Peng reaching the King Realm?" Wu Fuxiang said, a longing look on his face.
"Yes," Li Xuemeng answered.
"How is that related to this business between us?" Wu Fuxiang asked.
"After my explanation, you will understand," Li Xuemeng said before telling Wu Fuxiang everything that had happened the day before. Li Xuemeng's words sent Wu Fuxiang into a long daze. A King Realm expert had actually bowed to an Astral Realm kid? That was simply ludicrous! But he knew Li Xuemeng would never joke around about something like this.
"I now understand why you’ve changed your mind. You do not want the Martial Hall Palace to lose Elder Zhen Peng, right?" Wu Fuxiang said.
Prior to this, Wu Fuxiang had invited Li Xuemeng to collaborate with them and kidnap Xiang S
haoyun. Li Xuemeng, however, had not immediately agreed. He only gave some noncommittal response, most likely because he had his own misgivings about it.
But now, Li Xuemeng had come to a decision. Perhaps the incident yesterday was the reason for that change of mind. But of course, there was also a possibility that there were some other factors at play.
Li Xuemeng nodded. "Yes, but apart from that, you should be aware that I am not on friendly terms with that Zi Changhe. Otherwise, you wouldn't have looked for me in the first place." After a slight pause, he continued, "I have a clue as to why you want that kid, just be sure to not skimp on what you promised me when the job is done."
"Don't worry, this old man will not go back on his words. But the kid now has Elder Zhen Peng by his side. It won't be easy to touch him anymore," Wu Fuxiang said.
"Well, I'll need Town Head Wu's help with that. If you can go pay Elder Zhen Peng a formal visit and distract him, I will be able to kidnap that kid," Li Xuemeng suggested.
Wu Fuxiang gave it some thought before saying, "Ok. I'll pay this new King a visit today. It'll be too impolite for us Wu Clan to not do so."
The two discussed further in detail, and Li Xuemeng left once they were done.
...
Today, the Martial Hall Palace was much more lively than usual. Any person with status in town came to pay Elder Zhen Peng their respects. In Wu Town, the birth of every new King Rank cultivator was a major event.
Elder Zhen Peng did not like dealing with such social events, but Xiang Shaoyun told him to go deal with it. Otherwise, those people would continue visiting endlessly, and that would ultimately disturb his cultivation.
Elder Zhen Peng could only helplessly promise to finish dealing with this as soon as possible before focusing on standing guard for Xiang Shaoyun. As for why Elder Zhen Peng had decided to follow Xiang Shaoyun, even he himself found it a radical idea. But he did not regret his decision as he could clearly sense how extraordinary Xiang Shaoyun was. Perhaps this choice would be the turning point of his life.