I Am Overlord c1-962
Page 228
"What if I say no?" said Tang Longfei with his eyes narrowed.
"Sure. I, Da Zixuan, hereby challenge you for a battle on the arena. Do you dare accept my challenge?" asked Da Zixuan with a toying look.
"Why not?" Tang Longfei agreed without hesitation.
Chapter 544: Chance
"Good. I will be waiting for you at noon tomorrow. See you at the arena. If you don't show yourself, I promise you will become the biggest joke of the academy," said Da Zixuan with a sneer. He then prepared to leave.
At this time, Xiang Shaoyun said, "Big Brother Tang, you don't need to bother yourself with a small fry like this. Let me deal with him."
Tang Longfei looked at Xiang Shaoyun in astonishment. He could see that Xiang Shaoyun wasn't joking, but he still refused, "No. Let me deal with this myself."
"That can't do, Big Brother Tang. You will be sullying your identity dealing with him personally," said Xiang Shaoyun resolutely.
Da Zixuan was infuriated as he roared, "Bastard, you're courting death!"
"You're the one courting death. I will fight you. You are not worthy of fighting my Big Brother Tang," Xiang Shaoyun shouted back.
"Very well. Since you want to die, I will fulfill your wish. You will die a horrible death tomorrow," said Da Zixuan before he left.
After Da Zixuan left, Tang Longfei looked at Xiang Shaoyun and said, "Shaoyun, is there a need for that? I know you're strong, but I'm no weakling. It won't be hard to defeat him."
"Big Brother Tang, if you agree to the fight, you will fall right into his trap," Xiang Shaoyun said. "The only reason he has challenged you is not to defeat you. Instead, he is trying to make it impossible for you to partake in the test."
Tang Longfei sank into thought before he was hit by a realization. "What a treacherous person. Fine, you have to watch out, and don't force yourself over your limits."
The purpose of the challenge was simple. On the arena, regardless of the final outcome of the battle, Da Zixuan only needed to inflict injuries on Tang Longfie severe enough that passing the test would be extremely hard. It would be different if it was Xiang Shaoyun accepting the challenge. Regardless of the result, he was already a special-recruit disciple.
Everyone returned to their rooms with mixed emotions. Xiang Shaoyun directly entered a state of meditation. The coming battle was one he couldn't be careless with, as he would use it to establish his reputation. It was not that he was vain, but he still needed to establish some dominance. Otherwise, everyone would think that they were weak and could be easily bullied.
Xiang Shaoyun had grown considerably in strength, but he had yet to reach the eighth stage of the Skysoar Realm. But he had already reached the peak of the seventh stage. It wouldn't be long before he could advance.
Prior to this, his second fusion with Yun Flame had caused his strength to skyrocket. In fact, he had had a chance to enter the eighth stage during the fusion, but he had forcefully suppressed it. As his stars had expanded in size, he would attempt advancement after accumulating more energy. In any case, further compressing his foundations would not bring him any harm. In the long term, this act would even bring him benefits. Strands of astral energy converged on him from the night sky at a speed more than five times faster than before. He had only noticed after a night of meditation.
So there is even an Astral Gathering Formation here? Looks like they are really treating us nicely!
In the morning, Xiang Shaoyun left the room and met up with Tang Longfei and the others before heading to the hall to have their meal. But when they arrived, they found that a lot of people were looking at them with odd gazes. When they sat down, they overheard sounds of discussions. It seemed like the people present had found out about the battle between Da Zixuan and Xiang Shaoyun.
"Looks like they intend to thoroughly turn me into a laughing stock," said Tang Longfei furiously.
"We still don't know who will end up as the laughing stock yet," Xiang Shaoyun sneered.
"Regardless, you have to be careful, Young Master Xiang," said Ning Wenhuang solemnly.
"Um. I won't underestimate any opponent," said Xiang Shaoyun.
After finishing their meal, they were about to head to the arena when someone suddenly rushed over, "Young Master Xiang, I've finally found you. This is great!"
Xiang Shaoyun was astonished to see that the newcomers were people he was familiar with. They were Shou Xie, Jin Shui, and Ling Lin.
"You're here as well?" Xiang Shaoyun smiled.
Xiang Shaoyun had helped them before, but he hadn't kept it to heart. In any case, the three had long left by the time he had returned from the Devil Domain. Seeing people who used to be his comrade-in-arms at a foreign land filled his heart with warmth.
"How have you been, Young Master Xiang? I haven't gotten the chance to thank you for saving our lives back then!" said Jin Shui and Ling Lin gratefully.
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it," said Xiang Shaoyun with a wave of his hand.
Tang Longfei said, "You guys have selected the Dragon Phoenix Academy as well? I had assumed that you would select a different academy instead."
Of the Four Great Ancient Academies, the Dragon Phoenix Academy was ranked third. For many geniuses, the True Martial Academy or Nine Palace Academy would be the better choice.
"Haha, we only decided to come because we were sure Young Master Xiang would come," said Shou Xie.
He still couldn't forget the devil taming technique he thought Xiang Shaoyun possessed. If he knew that Xiang Shaoyun had no such technique at all, his reaction would be amusing.
"Alright, let's catch up at a different time. I have an appointment," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"An arena battle appointment?" Jin Shui asked.
"Yes," Xiang Shaoyun replied.
"We should go cheer for Young Master Xiang!" Jin Shui proposed.
"Of course," Shou Xie and Ling Lin agreed.
And thus, the group headed toward the arena. Apart from them, a lot of people also followed them over from the restaurant. They wanted to personally witness the strength of the various geniuses. In a way, this was a method to collect more information.
A large arena could be found not far from the Dragon Phoenix Restaurant. Da Zixuan was standing on the arena, waiting. He was dressed in a different outfit this time. He had donned green armor, and he was standing straight with a green spear in hand, emanating a solemn and cold aura.
He was a peak King. As for the completion of his draconic aura, it would only be revealed during battle. However, Xiang Shaoyun could sense that he was not much weaker than Tang Longfei. It was obvious this person's young master, Feng Xiaosha, would be even more terrifying.
When Xiang Shaoyun arrived, he found that there was already a large crowd there. All these people were here to partake in the bustle of a match. When Da Zixuan saw Xiang Shaoyun, he pointed his spear at Xiang Shaoyun and said coldly, "Little bastard, come and die."
"We don't know yet who will be the one to die," said Xiang Shaoyun as he leaped onto the arena.
He landed on the arena in a carefree manner, his disposition instantly dazzling the hearts of many maidens. He was an elegant and handsome youth emanating a temperament that gave one an urge to submit to him.
Chapter 545: First Battle at Dragon Phoenix City
"Who is this young man? He looks so handsome! He’s making my heart beat faster!"
"I think he's called Xiang Shaoyun. Look, his name is written in front of the arena. Too bad he's quite weak. Otherwise, he will be a great option to be a lover."
"What a pity. He looks even younger than me. I reckon he will suffer on the arena. Oh, how my heart hurts for him!"
"The other person seems to be Da Zixuan, a follower of Young Master Feng? He is well known at the Eastern Pass! That Xiang Shaoyun actually dares to fight him? He's courting death!"
...
A lot of young maidens were talking about Xiang Shaoyun, and there was also quite a number of men talking about him with en
vy. Xiang Shaoyun ignored all the discussions and looked at Da Zixuan coldly, "We can start."
"You're brave, but too bad you're brainless. Even if you're a King of Kings, you are still a bug before me," said Da Zixuan scornfully.
"I am not interested in having a conversation with a mad dog," said Xiang Shaoyun as he moved.
He wasn't moving slowly, but he was still much slower than his usual speed. That was because of the heavy armor he was wearing. After many days of adapting to the armor, it no longer felt so heavy. Even so, it still greatly affected his speed in battle. One ought to acknowledge his bravery for keeping it on even during a battle of life and death like this.
Lightning Bolt Fist!
Rushing like the wind, punching like the lightning!
Xiang Shaoyun punched without holding anything back, not planning to give Da Zixuan any chances whatsoever.
"Power of lightning? No wonder you're so gutsy. Too bad what you have is not enough," said Da Zixuan with a sneer. He then stabbed at the incoming fist repeatedly.
Spike Forest!
Da Zixuan's attack appeared even more extraordinary. Each stab was accompanied by a rush of green that created a wave of green spear energies. The wave crashed down upon Xiang Shaoyun, creating a rumbling explosion.
When the impact from the collision settled, Xiang Shaoyun's clothes were in rags. Evidently, his opponent was the one who had gotten the upper hand in the first exchange.
Da Zixuan became even more haughty as he said, "You came here with just that much strength? Are you dumb?"
He then attacked at a crazier pace than before. A forest of green spears covered the arena, completely suppressing Xiang Shaoyun's lightning power. He appeared completely helpless, looking as if he was attacked to the point he did not have a single piece of skin left whole.
Ning Wenhuang exclaimed in alarm, "Young Master Xiang seems to be in bad shape!"
She had never seen Xiang Shaoyun's true strength. Thus, when she saw him being suppressed from the start of the fight, she started losing confidence in him.
Inwardly, she wondered, Why is he a special-recruit with only this much strength? Is this some sort of joke?
On the other hand, Tang Longfei, Lady Shura, and the others were relatively calm. They knew Xiang Shaoyun wouldn't be defeated so easily. Perhaps he was only feigning weakness so as to lure the opponent in. After a series of mad attacks by Da Zixuan, the sky suddenly changed color. Dark clouds gathered and rumbling thunders sounded. At the same time, a massive gale started blowing, causing the arena to shake.
Wind and Lightning!
The attack was akin to a natural calamity, an overwhelmingly dreadful calamity. The people around the arena were filled with shock. The wind and lightning had arrived so suddenly Da Zixuan didn't even have the chance to pull away from Xiang Shaoyun.
"Damn it! You think you can defeat me just like this? Impossible!" Not wanting to be defeated so easily, Da Zixuan erupted with all his strength. A 75-percent-complete draconic aura surged out of him and formed a roaring green dragon.
Forest Pile!
All and Everything!
He instantly used two powerful techniques, one defensive and one offensive. A forest formed around him, protecting him from the wind and lightning, and an even larger forest formed before a myriad of demons, devils, spirits, and beasts shot out toward Xiang Shaoyun.
One ought to admit that Da Zixuan truly possessed the combat prowess of a War Emperor. Even with his draconic aura only 75 percent completed, he could put up a fight against a first-stage, or even a second-stage, Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator.
That was proof that his strength was almost on par with Tang Longfei's. The Wind and Lightning attack Xiang Shaoyun had used was powered by the unique elemental energies within him, enhancing the destructiveness of his attack to directly blast the forest around Da Zixuan apart.
"This is impossible! Block it!" Da Zixuan was overwhelmed with shock when he saw his defense failing him. He quickly used his trump card. He became one with his spear, instantly multiplying the strength of his spear energy blocking the incoming attack.
Human weapon unity!
Da Zixuan had actually reached this level in his spear cultivation. It was no wonder he was so confident and arrogant. Just his attack alone would put him on par with true second-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivators.
If Xiang Shaoyun had not further deepened his fusion with Yun Flame three days prior, even he would have had a hard time dealing with this attack. He now had no fear of the attack. Instead of using his weapon, he continued powering his attack of wind and lightning. However, that wasn't his main attack.
While Da Zixuan was busy dealing with the storm of wind and lightning, Xiang Shaoyun flickered and appeared at the Da Zixuan's flank before chopping forth with the side of his palm, unleashing a breathtaking saber energy.
Devil Severing Edge!
It was an attack he had comprehended from the devil edge grass, a true mid-emperor-grade technique. He powered the attack with his devil blood and yin devil wind, perfectly unleashing its prowess. The saber energy shot forth along with the wind, moving in a way that was impossible to guard against.
Since Xiang Shaoyun was attacking from Da Zixuan's blind spot, it seemed impossible that Da Zixuan would be able to block the attack. The attack struck, and Da Zixuan staggered and collapsed, coughing blood without stop. If it wasn't for the high-grade armor he wore, the attack would have been enough to slice him apart. Naturally, Xiang Shaoyun pressed on without giving his opponent any chance of recovery. He used all his power and sent a finger beam toward his opponent.
Vicious Prison Finger!
The majestic beam swept forth with a torrential vicious energy that accurately shot toward Da Zixuan's forehead. When Da Zixuan saw the incoming beam, he wanted to move his head to the side. However, the beam had been fired too close to him and was moving too fast for him to be able to move away in time. With his eyes wide open, he watched on helplessly as the beam struck him.
Bang!
A massive explosion sounded as a head exploded like a watermelon, creating a disgusting rain of blood and brain matter.
Chapter 546: The Eight Great Freaks
The crowd sank into absolute silence. Everyone was blanking out as they stared at the arena, their hearts raging with shock at the sight of the blood, a chill creeping up their spines. They were all geniuses from all around the dominion, each possessing the combat prowess to battle someone of a higher cultivation level.
Even so, they were still filled with disbelief when they saw a seventh-stage Skysoar Realm youth kill a peak King with the combat prowess of a War Emperor. As for the youth on the arena, he behaved like he had done something negligible as he nonchalantly leaped off the arena. He then beckoned at his friends before heading back to the restaurant. Where he walked, the crowd split to open a path for him. Only when the youth and his friends vanished from the crowd's vision did a massive commotion erupt.
"Dead! Da Zixuan is dead! T-that Xiang Shaoyun is too scary!"
"With that strength, it is impossible he isn't a special-recruit!"
"Yet another freak has appeared! He is indeed worthy of being one of the geniuses here to join the Dragon Phoenix Academy. Just looking at him fills one with a sense of inferiority."
"That Da Zixuan is Feng Xiaosha's loyal follower. Feng Xiaosha will not let this matter rest. Looks like a massive conflict is about to erupt."
...
Many people present had suffered a blow to their confidence after witnessing that battle. Of course, there were also some who had secretly compared their strength with Xiang Shaoyun's and were still filled with confidence. Regardless, Xiang Shaoyun's name was starting to spread.
After all, he was only a seventh-stage Skysoar Realm cultivator. Since he could kill a War Emperor with his cultivation level, it only served to prove that he was a Super War Emperor. Someone with his strength would attract attention anywhere.
Within a c
ertain building in the city, when Feng Xiaosha heard what happened, his angular face turned gloomy. In his anger, wind energy spiraled out of his body and sliced everything in the room into powder.
"I will ensure they can't reach the academy's gates alive!" Feng Xiaosha declared coldly to his followers.
The followers nodded, thick murderous intent forming in their eyes. By the time Xiang Shaoyun's group returned to the restaurant, the gazes laced with mockery were gone, replaced by fear. As for Tang Longfei, he happily ordered some food and liquor from the waiter and started celebrating Xiang Shaoyun's victory. In the Dragon Phoenix Academy, apart from the medicinal cuisine, regular food and liquor were still available for sale.
"Come, come, Shaoyun, a toast to you!" said Tang Longfei as he poured himself a big bowl of liquor. He then downed it.
"You are too polite, Big Brother Tang. Since we arrived here together, it is natural that we need to help each other. In any case, I see you as my big brother!" said Xiang Shaoyun after downing a bowl of liquor as well.
"That's right. Working together, we will all be able to enter the academy," Ning Wenhuang agreed with a smile. She finally recognized how dreadful Xiang Shaoyun's strength was and no longer doubted him.
"Young Master Xiang, I wonder if we still have the chance to join your faction?" said Shou Xie longingly.
"Yeah, we will follow Young Master Xiang from now on!" offered Jin Shui as if they had known each other forever.
"If Young Master Xiang does not mind, we are willing to be your follower," said Ling Lin.
Xiang Shaoyun sank into a short thought before saying, "Since everyone is so passionate about it, let's work hard together from now on!"
Joyful smiles bloomed on the faces of Shou Xie, Jin Shui, and Ling Lin. They then started feasting on the food and liquor served. Time passed, and soon, there was less than a day before the test. During the previous two days, Xiang Shaoyun's group had spent most of their time in the restaurant, listening to the rumors and news the various young geniuses were talking about.