I Am Overlord c1-962
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There were a few freaks whose reputation had spread before the test had even started. Among them, eight particular freaks attracted the most attention, and all eight were acknowledged as the strongest special-recruit disciples this batch.
One of them was Baili Yixiao the Smiling Swordsman of Eastern Pass's Baili Clan, a true genius in swordsmanship. He had comprehended sword intent before 16 years old, killing nine powerful Kings with a single slash, stunning the world with his brilliance. He was currently in his early twenties, yet he had slain a number of Emperors. It was rumored that the Smiling Swordsman had a compassionate heart and those he killed were all criminals who deserved death.
One of them was Zhan Wushuang, a genius of a top organization from the Southern Wasteland, League of War. With his two fists, he fought numerous cultivators of the same cultivation level at the Southern Wasteland and had never suffered defeat. He was known as the Fist Emperor and was 25 years old this year, yet he was already a Dragon Ascension Realm expert. He was a person of dreadful talent.
There were also the two geniuses of the ancient Yu Clan from the Western Desert, Yu Ziyang and Yu Caidie. The former was the clan's Holy Son, and he was also an Emperor below 30 years old. The latter was the clan's Holy Maiden, and she possessed remarkable talent and was a true Super War Emperor. She was breathtakingly beautiful and was known as the prettiest disciple of this batch.
There was also Han Chenfei, the Holy Maiden of Northern Border's top organization Glacier Palace. She possessed a natural Icefrost Physique with extreme talent in cultivation. Her beauty was comparable to Yu Caidie's, and she was known as the number two beauty of this batch.
There was also Huang Tianji from the Central Region's Dusk Dynasty. He was born with an innate draconic aura and was heralded as the new generation's Imperial Son. Not much of his battles were known, but all the known opponents he had defeated were Dragon Ascension Realm experts.
Finally, there were ancient Ouyang Clan's Ouyang Chuanqi and Severing Saber Manor's young master, Xiao Xie. The former was near 30 years old and had been an Emperor for a few years. It was clear how great his talent was. The latter was a self-proclaimed descendant of the Saber Devil, a remarkable saber user no weaker than Baili Yixiao.
For now, the eight were not ranked in any particular order, but it was undeniable that each of them was an exceedingly outstanding talent in cultivation. Apart from them, the other well-known freaks were Ye Linshan the Green Youth, Feng Xiaosha the Squall, An Lulu the Lady Violence, Gui Mochou the Young Master Ghost, and so on.
These were all the freaks among the young geniuses here. Of course, there were also a lot of hidden freaks whose strength was still unknown. Nobody dared to proclaim the title of the strongest among these young freaks. Perhaps more would be known after the test.
Apart from all that information, Xiang Shaoyun had also heard that a lot of young geniuses had already started pursuing Yu Caidie, trying to become the Yu Clan's son-in-law. One could say that before he had even reunited with Yu Caidie, he had gotten himself a large number of love rivals. It gave him a sense of pressure.
Although he was confident he could capture Yu Caidie's heart, he was still worried that someone else would do it before him. No matter what, he had to distinguish himself as quickly as possible and do the deed with Yu Caidie so it would be too late for others who wanted her as well. Only then would he feel safe. If others found out he had such thoughts, he would most likely invite a massive amount of hatred.
The agreement between me and Caidie is for me to become a core disciple before I am qualified to be her man. Although I am a special-recruit now, that only guarantees my entry. It won't help me become a core disciple. Looks like I have to try my best during the test, thought Xiang Shaoyun.
Chapter 547: Start of Test
In the blink of an eye, the day of the test arrived. Over 100,000 young geniuses had arrived in the city, filling the city with bustle and excitement. A majestic voice rang out, "Everyone that is here for the test, gather outside the north gate."
At that announcement, young geniuses flew out from everywhere in the city and started heading toward the north gate. The entire city was filled with youngsters flying or riding on powerful mounts. All of them were brimming with excitement, filled with hope that they could get through the test.
Soon, the geniuses arrived at an empty space outside the north gate. The originally empty land instantly became crowded with people. Xiang Shaoyun, Tang Longfei, and the others were naturally present as well, awaiting for the test to start.
In the sky above the young geniuses, a luxurious wagon dragged by eight demonic beasts appeared, with several figures standing within the wagon. Obviously, these were either the elders or the overseers of the Dragon Phoenix Academy responsible for the test.
"The Dragon Phoenix Academy will only open the door of recruitment once every 100 years. A total of 888 batches of recruitment have been held thus far, and some remarkably talented disciples have emerged from each batch. I hope this batch will not disappoint either," said a crudely dressed old man with a crew cut. He was on the luxurious wagon. "Most of you are still in the Skysoar Realm. To reach the Dragon Phoenix Academy from here, you will require seven days. Those who are able to reach the academy within seven days will be considered to have passed the first round of examinations. Special-recruits, step forth. The others, prepare yourself."
At that, a number of figures moved forward. Since Xiang Shaoyun was also a special-recruit, he moved forth as well. To his surprise, Shou Xie moved forward as well, causing him to be astonished. Shou Xie was decently talented, but his combat prowess did not seem too impressive. Thus, him becoming a special-recruit was quite a surprise.
When Shou Xie sensed Xiang Shaoyun's gaze, he smiled and explained, "I'm not that good at fighting, but I'm good at dealing with demonic beasts. I have an innate closeness with them, and because of that, I was lucky enough to become a special-recruit as well."
His explanation hit Xiang Shaoyun with a sense of realization. Shou Xie was a special-recruit that possessed a talent unique only to him, one that set him apart from the other young geniuses. Of the over 100,000 youngsters present to take the test, about 1,000 of them were special-recruits.
That might seem like a large number, but in comparison to the test candidates numbering over 100,000, it was a pitifully small number. It was evident how harsh the requirements to be a special-recruit were.
"Excellent. Special-recruits do not need to take the test and can come straight to the academy with us. Of course, you can also opt to take the test. Those wishing to take the test may step back right now, while those wishing to come with us can stay," said the old man with a crew cut hair.
At that, Xiang Shaoyun stepped back. Apart from him, there were about 100 special-recruits who had similarly retreated. The rest remained where they stood. Those who had retreated naturally shared the same thoughts as Xiang Shaoyun. They wanted to validate their capabilities by going through the entrance test. As for those who had remained, they were the ones who wanted to join the academy without going through further hassle.
"Alright. Those who are here need to reach the academy in seven days or you will be disqualified, even if you're a special-recruit," said the crew-cut old man. "There might be some dangers during the test, so you will have to react accordingly. The test commences now."
At that announcement, the young geniuses started flying toward the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range ahead of them. Like a swarm of locusts, they flew forward, blanketing the sky with a massive cloud of people. Xiang Shaoyun's group was doing the same.
Beside him, Tang Longfei asked, "Shaoyun, why did you give up on entering the academy straight away?"
"Someone told me that going through the test will bring me some benefits, so I stayed," said Xiang Shaoyun. He had not expected that the academy would announce that the special-recruits who failed the test would be disqualified.
Inwardly, he cursed, This can't be a scam, right?
"Don't worry, I know what to do," said Xiang Shaoyun.
Apart from him, only Tang Longfei, Lady Shura, Ning Wenhuang and the Han Clan sisters were left in their group. As for Jin Shui and Ling Lin, they had already followed Shou Xie to the academy with the identity of followers.
As for the Han Clan sisters, since Xiang Shaoyun was participating in the test, they had to do the same. Otherwise, they wouldn't have the chance to enter the Dragon Phoenix Academy.
At this time, Xiang Shaoyun had already summoned Money out. Money was no slower than an average late-stage Skysoar Realm cultivator. With him ferrying the Han Clan sisters, the group would be able to travel faster.
Money was now a peak fourth-stage Demon King and would be able to advance anytime soon and become a fifth-stage Demon King. None of the people there knew how Xiang Shaoyun had conjured Money out of thin air. Thus, they were all astonished to see Money's sudden appearance.
Xiang Shaoyun had to make an explanation, "This is Money. He has a demonic ability allowing him to perform invisible latching. Therefore, you won't be able to see him normally."
The others wore a look of realization after hearing his explanation. They were all aware that demonic beasts would have some unique abilities, so they did not think too much into it. Like everyone else, they started traveling at a rapid speed.
In the beginning, nothing special happened. But after about half a day, trouble finally started coming. A massive swarm of locusts flew out from the mountain range below them, forming an overwhelmingly dreadful sight. The bugs were as big as half an adult, and most of them were Demon Kings. Furthermore, at the middle of the swarm, there were dozens of Demon Emperors.
An ear-piercing screech resounded everywhere, causing the young geniuses to assume ghastly expressions. Without any hesitation, they unleashed their might and charged the swarm.
Rumble! Rumble!
Instantly, numerous explosions of varying colors erupted midair as the geniuses clashed with the swarm. The swarm of locusts spat a large amount of corrosive venom from their mouths. Anyone who as much as touched the venom had a bad time.
To make things worse, although the cultivation levels of these locusts were lower than the geniuses, there were too many of them. They greatly outnumbered the young geniuses. Thus, in the chaotic battle, apart from locusts, many unlucky young geniuses fell as well.
Chapter 548: Seven Golden Lotuses
With the massive number of locusts assaulting them, Xiang Shaoyun's group couldn't avoid the battle either. Tang Longfei, punching repeatedly, took the lead and opened a path of blood for the group. As for Lady Shura and Ning Wenhuang, they took care of the flanks, helping the group advance. Xiang Shaoyun stayed with the Han Clan sisters and Money as they took care of the rear.
"Both of you, focus on defense. Money, focus on offense. I will open a path with Big Brother Tang," said Xiang Shaoyun after a while. He felt like he couldn't allow this to continue on. Thus, he flew forward and helped Tang Longfei to fight the locusts.
With the heavy armor on him, he could only move as fast as a regular peak King. However, that much speed was enough to deal with his current situation. He slammed out his palms everywhere, sending out numerous tongues of flame to burn all the locusts around them.
He attacked using the power of Yun Flame, which was a high level flame. Each locust was immediately ignited the moment the flame touched it. The large number of the locusts provided them both advantages and disadvantages. One of the disadvantages was that the moment they were burned, they started fleeing in disarray, spreading the flame to the other locusts. In a way, they would harm their own companions, allowing flame attacks to be even more destructive.
With Xiang Shaoyun's help, the pressure on the group reduced as they quickly carved a way through the locusts around them. At this moment, a Demon Emperor locust appeared before them and attacked. It spewed a massive clump of green venom that enveloped the group. It was a terrifying attack an ordinary person would not be able to resist.
"Big Brother Tang, bring them away first. I'll deal with it," said Xiang Shaoyun as he erupted with the power of flame, surrounding himself in a clump of raging fire.
At the same time, he clawed with both his hands and ripped the curtain of venom apart. Yun Flame was worthy of being a high-level unique flame, as its destructiveness had reached an exceedingly dreadful level. Instantly, the curtain of venom evaporated. Even the Demon Emperor locust did not dare to approach them.
A flame at that level was enough to threaten any Emperor. At that moment, Tang Longfei and the others quickly flew away. As for Xiang Shaoyun, he protected the rear before quickly leaving, not willing to waste too much time fighting the locust. As for the locust, it could sense that Xiang Shaoyun was a difficult opponent, so it did not give chase. Instead, it moved on to the other young geniuses in the area.
After about half a day of continuous battle, Xiang Shaoyun and company were finally free of the locusts. They were about to continue traveling when they noticed that the young geniuses ahead of them were suffering the attacks of other groups of demonic beasts, causing them to halt.
"Sure enough, this is not an easy test," Tang Longfei sighed.
"We shouldn't waste any time. Let's charge through, or we won't make it in time," said Ning Wenhuang anxiously.
"There's no rush. You guys should take a small break to recover your energy. I will scout ahead and see what we should do next," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"Yes, listen to Shaoyun," Tang Longfei said.
And thus, the group landed on the mountain range below them and took the chance to rest. As for Xiang Shaoyun, he extended the senses granted to him by his Nether Soul Domain and started scouting ahead, trying his very best to figure out the situations ahead of him so he could pick the most suitable path for their travel.
Soon, he discovered the direction with the lowest number of demonic beasts. Furthermore, the demonic beasts there were also the weakest compared to the other directions. Thus, he led the group in the direction he had discovered.
This time, they opted to travel on foot so as to prevent being discovered by more demonic beasts. Although their speed dropped as a result, it was much better than being constantly under the assault of demonic beasts.
With the senses of Nether Soul Domain, Xiang Shaoyun was able to clarify the situations ahead of them in advance. That granted him an advantage over many of the test participants. In this manner, the group traveled for three days straight.
Over the three days, they had suffered numerous demonic beast attacks as well, but they had encountered a relatively smaller number of demonic beasts. Moreover, they had not encountered a single Demon Emperor. Thus, they were able to take the lead among all the test participants. To be precise, they were among the fastest, even if they weren't the fastest.
That day, they had arrived at a certain lake. They had not discovered anything around them, but the silence had caused them to be extremely tense.
After all, this was a mountain range filled with beasts. For this place to be in such tranquility, it could only mean that a powerful fellow was hidden. And that was actually a powerful fellow Xiang Shaoyun couldn't even detect. It gave him a bad feeling.
"Look, there are seven golden lotuses here," exclaimed Ning Wenhuang as she pointed at the middle of the lake.
The seven golden lotuses flickered with gold radiance, looking incredibly conspicuous. They also emanated a certain fragrance that filled the lake's periphery.
"Emperor medicine! These are definitely emperor medicines! They are treasures!" Tang Longfei exclaimed joyfully.
Although he had seen a fair share of treasures at the Bloodsin City he came from, personally discovering these treasures in the wild still brought him more excitement. More importantly, these golden lotuses were a match for the power he cultivated. They would greatly help him enter the Dragon Ascensio
n Realm. In his excitement, he impatiently charged toward the lake. It was at that moment that the surface of the lake started rippling, and a massive head rose from it.
"Roar!"
A dreadful roar sounded and reverberated throughout the area. The demonic beasts in the vicinity quickly fled in panic. Tang Longfei suffered the direct impact of the roar and was jolted back. He coughed blood, and Xiang Shaoyun quickly rushed ahead and caught Tang Longfei before rapidly retreating.
"Leave immediately!" Xiang Shaoyun shouted at the women behind him.
The massive head that had come out of the lake was actually the head of a turtle. A pair of sinister eyes could be seen on its head, eyes that could strike fear in anyone's heart. It was most definitely a late-stage Demon Emperor turtle. Otherwise, its head wouldn't be that big, and it wouldn't be so dreadfully powerful.
Lady Shura, Ning Wenhuang, and the others quickly flew away. Unfortunately, the turtle emperor had been angered. It opened its mouth and attacked, spitting water at them. The water bullet was akin to a massive waterfall crashing down from the heavens, bringing with it a destructive might that these War Emperors would have no way of resisting.
With zero hesitation, Xiang Shaoyun tossed Tang Longfei to the side and released his Nether Soul Domain, enveloping everything in the area. The instant the Nether Soul Domain was released, its chains destroyed the water bullet.
At the same time, several chains whipped at the turtle emperor. Feeling threatened, the turtle quickly tried withdrawing into the lake. Xiang Shaoyun took the chance to grab the seven lotuses before quickly fleeing with his companions.
Chapter 549: Final Moment
Xiang Shaoyun's soul power had already reached a level comparable to a top Emperor's due to his bloodline awakening, his growth in strength, and the soul raising stone. Thus, it wouldn't be difficult for him to suppress the turtle emperor.