I Am Overlord c1-962
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When he was at the Transformation Realm, he was already capable of lifting items weighing tens of thousands of catty. Now that he was at the Skysoar Realm, a weight of 500,000 catty was nothing for him. But it was clear this armor had a weight surpassing 500,000 catty. That made it obvious it was no regular armor.
"To be precise, it has a weight of one million catty," said Ugly Gambler.
"One million catty?" Xiang Shaoyun was overwhelmed with shock. He would understand if a tiny mountain had this weight, but this broken armor was actually that heavy as well? That was hard to believe.
"Your strength right now is decent, but you still have a lot of room for improvement. As long as you wear this armor everyday, by the time you get used to its weight, your combat prowess would have increased by at least 50 percent," said Ugly Gambler. "So do you want this pretty sovereign armor or the broken armor?"
"Uh, can I have both?" Xiang Shaoyun asked after some hesitation.
Ugly Gambler's face fell as he said, "No."
"Lord, you are wise and brilliant, handsome and heroic, a person of immense fortune, the gambler who never loses, a divine gambler. Would someone like you care about these useless items? That is not the kind of stinginess someone with your exalted status should have," fawned Xiang Shaoyun.
Ugly Gambler felt like he was in cloud nine hearing the flattering words to the point he slightly lost his bearing. He then tossed the sovereign armor over as well.
Only after Xiang Shaoyun happily wore the broken armor and stowed the sovereign armor did Ugly Gambler wake up from his bliss. He grumbled, "You are too wily."
However, giving away two armors really wasn't a big deal for him. It was more important for Xiang Shaoyun to discover the divine site. That was his main focus. He believed that Xiang Shaoyun would do as told. Otherwise, there was no way Xiang Shaoyun could keep his life. It was curious what expression Ugly Gambler would have if he knew that Xiang Shaoyun had long cured himself of the poison.
"Alright, you have been rewarded. Remember to work hard. If you can get the location of the divine site's entrance, you can get even more benefits," said Ugly Gambler before he prepared to leave.
Xiang Shaoyun quickly called out, "How should I notify you after finding it?"
"Don't worry. I will visit you occasionally," said Ugly Gambler before vanishing from the hall.
After Ugly Gambler left, a smirk appeared on Xiang Shaoyun's face as he thought, Old man, you want to control me? Not so easy!
He then patted his armor and started walking around. When he took the first step, he felt like his legs had become exceedingly heavy, causing him extreme discomfort. The weight of the armor gave him a pressure comparable to the hundredfold gravity room he had been in before. Even walking was hard, to say nothing of flying. Of course, if he erupted with his full power, he could still forcefully fly, but that would consume a massive amount of energy.
Instead of turning anxious, he was overjoyed. "This armor is heavy, but it is perfect for me. Perhaps I can use it to temper my speed and further stabilize my foundation."
He then sat down on the throne and called Du Xuanhao over. When Du Xuanhao arrived, Han Pojun was actually by his side.
"Big Brother Han, I thought you were supposed to be in a seclusion?" asked Xiang Shaoyun. After obtaining the icesouls heart, it was logical that Han Pojun would have gone into seclusion to try to enter the Soul Foundation Realm.
"I don't want to hide this. My initial plan was to return to the clan and enter seclusion there. But since there is also a suitable place for me to enter seclusion here, I decided to stay. I doubt you would mind me staying here a little bit longer, right?" said Han Pojun.
"You are being too polite, Big Brother Han. It will be our honor to host you while you break through," said Xiang Shaoyun with a smile.
"Thank you!" said Han Pojun. "This time I'm here to request a favor. I hope you can agree, Young Master Xiang."
"What is it?" Xiang Shaoyun had a guess what Han Pojun was about to say, but he still feigned ignorance.
"What do you think about Han Qianwei and Han Xuewei, Young Master Xiang?" Han Pojun asked.
"They are not bad," Xiang Shaoyun answered casually.
"Who do you think is the better of the two? I mean, which of the two do you prefer?" Han Pojun continued.
"Big Brother Han, just say what you have in mind. Do you want me to take one of them with me to the Dragon Phoenix Academy?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.
Han Pojun laughed dryly and said, "Hah, Young Master Xiang is wise. Yes, that's what I have in mind. I hope you can give them a chance."
Chapter 532: He Is a Hidden Dragon
Xiang Shaoyun did not give an immediate response. Instead, he sank into thought. Han Pojun quickly added, "I know this is an excessive request, but I hope you can give them a chance. Both of them have the Yin Frost Physique, and they are excellent ice cultivators. Furthermore, I can promise that whoever you select will also be your lover."
Numerous young geniuses dreamed of entering the Dragon Phoenix Academy, even with the identity of a follower. After all, a genius capable of being a special-recruit disciple would definitely become a core disciple directly after joining. The followers of a core disciple would enjoy the benefits of regular disciples and would be able to utilize the resources of the academy.
One should never look down on the benefits a regular disciple could get. Anyone graduating from the Dragon Phoenix Academy wouldn't have a cultivation weaker than the Soul Foundation Realm. If one was talented enough, one could even go beyond that realm.
As for one with both talent and luck, there was a chance to even advance to the position of core disciple as well, and there was also a chance that one could be accepted as a personal disciple of an elder. Such a person would have a bright future.
That was why the young geniuses of the tier-6 and tier-7 organizations were willing to lower themselves and become a follower in order to enter one of the four academies. After all, proving themselves during the entrance test would be difficult with the sheer number of participants that would be there.
As for Han Pojun's offer, it wasn't even worth anything for a vast majority of people. After all, the Han Clan was merely a peak tier-5 organization. Although the Han Clan sisters were exceptionally beautiful with decent talents, there was no shortage of people like them in tier-6 and tier-7 organizations.
Han Pojun was nervous, and he hoped that Xiang Shaoyun would agree out of respect for Du Xuanhao. They might have to give up a woman of their clan, but if this woman could become a Sovereign in the future, the Han Clan would be able to grow to a brand new level. They could also form a connection with a genius who possessed a bright future like Xiang Shaoyun through her. Thus, they could only benefit from this arrangement.
Xiang Shaoyun finally replied, "In truth, they are still quite lacking."
A bitter look appeared on Han Pojun's face as he said, "You are right, Young Master Xiang. But I would still wish to beg for one spot. Our Han Clan will forever remember this favor."
He spoke softly, having zero confidence that Xiang Shaoyun would select his nieces.
Inwardly, he sighed, It's a pity that their Yin Frost Physiques are flawed. Otherwise, Young Master Xiang would definitely not reject them.
But what Xiang Shaoyun then said gave him hope.
"Calm down, Big Brother Han. If possible, they can come with me. But I can't guarantee they will be able to enter. Only if those other two are able to get through the test will they be able to join with me. Otherwise, I can only apologize in advance," said Xiang Shaoyun honestly.
" 'Those other two'?" Han Pojun blanked out.
"My friends. Both of them are qualified to take part in the test, and there is a high chance both of them will make it through the test. But of course, I can't be 100 percent sure," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"In other words, if your friends can get through the test themselves, Qianwei and Xuewei will be able to enter the academy with you?" Han Pojun said with
disbelief.
"Exactly. But when a day comes where I need your help, I hope you won't reject me. As for the sisters, there is no need for them to become my lovers. I only need their loyalty," Xiang Shaoyun named his conditions. He added, "Of course, if I eventually fail to bring them in with me, forget everything I've said here."
"Haha, sure, sure, not a problem at all!" Han Pojun agreed immediately.
How could he disagree with such conditions? Just a single spot was enough for him to offer even the entire Han Clan, not to mention two spots. That gave him a feeling Du Xuanhao's friendship was really worth a lot.
Meanwhile, Du Xuanhao was thinking inwardly, Why is the young master doing this? It's such a waste!
He had once mentioned Han Pojun's request to Xiang Shaoyun, but he had also reminded Xiang Shaoyun to not do it out of respect for him. It would be much better to select those with better talents as followers.
He had not expected that Xiang Shaoyun would ultimately agree to Han Pojun's request and even offer both spots. That was too big of a waste! But at the same time, he was moved that Xiang Shaoyun was willing to do so for his sake. Little did they know, Xiang Shaoyun had his own reasons for doing so.
Firstly, he did not want to recruit outsiders he couldn't trust as followers, even those with excellent talents. He also couldn't believe in the loyalty of those people. Secondly, the Han Clan sisters could still be molded. If he could improve their talents, he was confident they wouldn't be any weaker than any talented genius. Thirdly, he had also taken in consideration the friendship between Du Xuanhao and Han Pojun.
Those were the reasons why Xiang Shaoyun had selected the sisters. He was confident he would be able to earn their loyalty. After some idle chatter, Han Pojun impatiently left to look for his two nieces. At present, the two sisters were chatting in their room. Both of them were frowning, as if they were filled with worries.
"Big sister, Shaoyun is going to enter the Dragon Phoenix Academy soon. Does that mean we won't have much of a chance to see him again in the future?" asked Han Xuewei.
Han Qianwei sighed, "I guess so. He is a hidden dragon. A day will come when he soars above the skies. We are only commoners. How can we soar alongside him?"
Evidently, the two were feeling sad over their parting with Xiang Shaoyun. He had already occupied both their hearts. At this time, Han Pojun's voice rang out from outside the room. "Qianwei, Xuewei, come out."
The sisters left the room. Han Qianwei asked, "Uncle, is there anything? Why do you look so happy?"
"Haha, something great has happened! Something excellent has happened!" Han Pojun roared with laughter. He went straight to the point, "Young Master Xiang has agreed to bring you two along to the Dragon Phoenix Academy."
"What? Are you sure?" the two asked at the same time.
"Of course. It took me great effort to beg for this opportunity. You must not let it go to waste!" Han Pojun said seriously. The sisters were overjoyed, their eyes sparkling.
"But don't be too happy first. Young Master Xiang mentioned that the two of you will only have the chance if both his friends manage to get through the test. Otherwise, the spots will be taken," said Han Pojun.
Chapter 533: Random Invitation
Han Pojun told the sisters the conditions raised by Xiang Shaoyun, and they agreed to it without hesitation. That offer was akin to a free gift that had fallen into their laps out of nowhere. How would they reject a free gift?
"I can see that both of you like Young Master Xiang. My original intention was to have one of you become his lover. However, he did not agree to it. The only thing he wants is loyalty," said Han Pojun, somewhat regretful.
If he could marry one of the Han Clan sisters to Xiang Shaoyun, with the backers Xiang Shaoyun had, the Han Clan would benefit greatly. A gloom fell over the sisters' faces as slight sadness gripped their hearts.
Han Pojun consoled them, "Don't be too disheartened. You will be spending plenty of time with him in the future. So long as you perform well, I believe he won't remain indifferent. As the saying goes, a man's pursuit of a woman is blocked by a mountain while a woman's pursuit of a man is only blocked by a layer of cloth. What happens in the future will rely on your own doings."
"Xuewei, you are gentle and caring. I believe he will like you in the future," said Han Qianwei.
"No, big sister. I'm too stupid. You're smarter. I think he will like you," said Han Xuewei.
"Have you not noticed that Xiang Shaoyun doesn't really care much for me? He likes you more."
"That's definitely wrong. Big sister, you are able to provide him with great advice, but I know nothing. He won't like me."
...
The sisters started praising the other and belittling themselves.
Han Pojun couldn't help but to interject, "Alright, stop this. Don't you understand what I was trying to say? He is currently uninterested in both of you. To earn his favor, you will have to work hard to prove yourself. As for who he will end up liking in the end, we can only leave that up to fate. But no matter what, remember, do not let it affect the relationship between the two of you."
"Yes, uncle," the sisters answered at the same time.
"Good. At the Dragon Phoenix Academy, work hard at cultivating. Try to keep up with Xiang Shaoyun's paces instead of getting left further behind. Even better if you can find those odd materials capable of repairing your physique. Only they will help you grow stronger," Han Pojun advised. He handed two storage rings to the sisters and continued, "There are some cultivation resources in these rings. Use them accordingly. The Han Clan's future will lie on your shoulders."
The sisters nodded resolutely.
Meanwhile, Xiang Shaoyun was telling Du Xuanhao about the things to take note of after his departure. He hoped that Du Xuanhao could work with Devouring Ghost to discover which individuals from the Skeleton Gang would be useful. They would be the ones doing his biddings in the future.
As for the territory and wealth under their control, he was planning to have the people under Tang Zhan or Green Ghost to help manage it all. He did not have the time to deal with it, so he could only let Du Xuanhao take care of everything on his behalf. As for whether anything would actually come of it, he really couldn't be bothered to give it too much thought. The only thing he could do was increase his strength as quickly as possible.
Xiang Shaoyun called over the three Skeletons and had a long talk with them as well. Naturally, the three agreed to everything he said. The three weren't exactly weak, and he hoped that Devouring Ghost would be able to help them reach the Sovereign Realm in the future.
He originally wanted to use the ghostbloom to help Celestial Skeleton forge his soul foundation, but upon some thought, he decided against it. The Noxious Blood Gang was no more. There was no need for Celestial Skeleton to rush into the Soul Foundation Realm.
Xiang Shaoyun did not want to use the ghostbloom yet. After all, he had already awakened his imperial nether bloodline. He knew very well that the Nether Soul Domain required the help of the ghostbloom to grow stronger.
The following day, when Xiang Shaoyun was about to leave for the governor, he received a report that a lot of people were requesting to meet him. They were the people with both power and status in the city. Evidently, they were there for his follower spots.
Left with no choice, Xiang Shaoyun released news that his follower spots had been filled up and he no longer needed any followers. Only then did they leave grudgingly. Finally, he found the chance to visit the city hall. He was no longer afraid that the Rat Assassins would come looking for him.
Both the city hall and the Ghostface Sect had declared that any member of the Rat Assassins daring to step into the city would be killed. The people in the city were confused as to why the two organizations had made such a decision, but they all knew that the Rat Assassins wouldn't dare overlook the warning issued by these two organizations despite their might.
Walking along the path, Xiang Shaoyun felt as if he was bearing th
e weight of a mountain. Each step he took was extremely heavy, forcing him to constantly use his astral energy to neutralize the pressure, but it did not make him unhappy. Rather, he was in a good mood and was even observing the pedestrians around him.
He was rejoicing in the great gains he had obtained after arriving at this city. Not only had his cultivation level grown, he had also learned a lot of information relating to his birth. He had also gained more understanding on the various questions he had after his bloodline awakened. The things he had learned gave him a better direction in his future path of cultivation and planted in him a desire to find out more about his mother.
As he walked, Xiang Shaoyun was deep in thought and completely oblivious to the gazes the many women were throwing his way, filling those eyes with bitterness. It was rare for them to see a young man so elegant and handsome, yet the young man was actually viewing them with complete disregard.
When Xiang Shaoyun neared the city hall, someone blocked his path.
"Young Master Xiang, our Young Master Qing would like to invite you to the Yu Moon Pavilion," an old man said with a beam on his face.
"You are?" Xiang Shaoyun asked in confusion. He was sure he had never seen the old man before, yet the old man could actually recognize him, and he had even invited him to the Yu Moon Pavilion. He was probably someone from the Yu Clan.
Sure enough, the old man replied, "I am Ye Ye, a butler of Yu Province's Ye Clan. My young master is hoping to meet you after hearing of your fame. I hope you'll do me the honor of accepting this invitation."
"Ye Clan? I've never heard of it. I'm busy," Xiang Shaoyun rejected without any hesitation.
"Don't be too fast to reject, Young Master Xiang. My young master is a relative of the Yu Clan and can be considered a part of the Yu Clan as well. As for you, you're a son-in-law candidate of the Yu Clan. I am confident you and my young master will get along fine!" said Ye Ye in an unhurried manner.
Xiang Shaoyun frowned. "I don't have the time for that right now."