I Am Overlord c1-962
Page 258
Di Lin looked down at the beautiful face resting on his chest, and an urge came over him to lean over and give her a kiss. Xia Yunxi played along. She shut her eyes and slightly parted her lips, awaiting Di Lin's lips. At this time, a coquettish voice rang out from outside the room, "Junior Di Lin, your senior sister is here. Why aren't you out here welcoming her?"
The voice caused the two to jump off from each other in shock.
Next, a fiery figure strode into the room. The newcomer was a woman about 25 years old. She was beautiful but lacking in comparison with Xia Yunxi. However, she was much stronger than Xia Yunxi, as she was a third-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator like Di Lin. Her name was Situ Yan, the granddaughter of Di Lin's master. His master greatly doted on her.
"Senior sister, why are you here?" Di Lin stepped forth and smiled.
Situ Yan jumped into Di Lin's embrace and said, "Why? Don't you want to see your senior sister?"
Xia Yunxi withdrew her gaze when she saw that, feeling like a hand was gripping her heart, and her face turned pale. Di Lin did not see that coming, and a blank expression covered his face.
Of course, he did not dare to push Situ Yan away. Instead, he lightly held her shoulders and said, "Senior sister, is Master summoning me back? If so, we better get going."
He had no interest in setting a fire on his proverbial harem.
Chapter 621: Nine Great Unique Zones
1 Dragon Villa.
After listening to Zhuge Zhantian's report, Xiang Shaoyun sneered, "He is as cautious as ever. Sure, we'll put our fight on hold, then."
Di Lin knew Xiang Shaoyun well, but it was the same the other way around. One could say that the two knew each other like the back of their hands. Xiang Shaoyun had not challenged Di Lin just for the sake of venting his anger. He also wanted to gain some fame for his Overlord Legion. But now, Di Lin had only sent an underling to deal with him. It was a gesture of contempt and signified that Di Lin held a cautious attitude over facing him in a fight.
Xiang Shaoyun had no interest in fighting Zhu Changchuang. It was not that he had no confidence in winning, but he did not want to waste any time on a lackey. Thus, he decided to enter the nine unique zones and increase his cultivation level before doing anything else.
Before he could set off, Shou Xie arrived with three other people. The three were his old acquaintances. They were Yan Gang, Zhong Xia, and Li Haonan. Xiang Shaoyun was rather astonished by their visit, especially by Li Haonan's. After all, there was a conflict between them prior to this.
"Overlord, they wish to join our Overlord Legion as well," said Shou Xie with the smile of someone asking to be praised for the merit he had rendered.
Yan Gang, Zhong Xia, and Li Haonan all spoke at the same time, "We hope Young Master Xiang can agree!"
Xiang Shaoyun looked at them and asked, "Are you sure?"
Li Haonan took the lead. "Young Master Xiang, I apologize for what I did. I hope you can forgive me for overestimating my capabilities."
He then gave Xiang Shaoyun a sincere bow. Xiang Shaoyun had not imagined that Li Haonan would be able to let go of his pride and apologize. From that, it showed that at least his frame of mind was remarkable.
"I accept your apology, but I want to know your reason for joining the Overlord Legion. You need to know that we are the newest faction in the academy and are lacking in number. It will be hard for everyone to receive the assistance they need," said Xiang Shaoyun. He had to first make it clear how things were. He also hoped to hear their real thoughts.
Yan Gang said, "I am Shou Xie's friend. I heard that you are Beauty Yu's husband candidate, Young Master Xiang. Just that alone is enough to fill me with admiration toward your strength. I believe that by joining you, we can rise together, eventually creating the strongest legion! Also, your faction will need a crafter like me. At the very least, I am already an Emperor crafter. I can prioritize members of the legion when taking orders."
Zhong Xia was next to speak, "I am an alchemist, capable of attracting many new members for the legion. I hope to have priority for any new materials you gather so I can refine them into medicines. I will also prioritize members of the legion when refining medicines. Also, I am confident you will be a good leader, Young Master Xiang."
Finally, it was Li Haonan's turn. "I fully accept my defeat in your hands, Young Master Xiang. If you don't mind, I wish to become your follower."
Xiang Shaoyun was someone capable of invisibility. That was not necessarily an ability that would make him undefeated, but it would certainly give him a major advantage over any sort of opponent. It would be hard for someone with this ability not to accomplish something great in life. Furthermore, he was the holder of a nine-star physique.
"Very well. Welcome to the Overlord Legion, everyone," said Xiang Shaoyun as he stood up with a solemn expression on his face.
The Overlord Legion was merely a faction within an academy. One day, all these people would return to the organizations they came from. Sincere or not, he did not have any reason to reject those who had come voluntarily. More importantly, them joining would benefit the faction. After all, crafters and alchemists were rare and popular. A lot of people would find themselves in need of the help of one.
"Haha, I told you the overlord is a magnanimous person. Let's work hard to grow the Overlord Legion. I believe the legion will one day grow to become the strongest faction in the academy!" said Shou Xie with a hearty laugh.
The others nodded their heads in excitement, hoping that what he said would really happen. After all, that would be a glorious accomplishment. Of course, all of them also had a sliver of doubt in their hearts. Could Xiang Shaoyun accomplish that when cultivating nine different powers?
After getting Zhuge Zhantian to spread the news of Yan Gang, Zhong Xia, and Li Haonan joining them, Xiang Shaoyun set off toward the academy's unique zones. He had long heard that the nine zones were not located within the academy. Rather, they were in independent spaces created by the academy and could only be reached through the teleportation formations in the academy.
The teleportation formations were all laid at a spacious and empty location in the academy. The location was named the Entrance of Cultivation Zones. One could only enter after paying sufficient contribution points, and each day one spent within, more points would be deducted. The longer one stayed, the more points one would spend.
When Xiang Shaoyun arrived, he found that the place was bustling, with streams of disciples entering and leaving unendingly. Nine steles could be seen; each stood beside a teleportation formation. Names of the nine zones were carved into them: Vicious Steel Mist, Forest of Antiquity, Deep Tidalwave, Flame Mountains, Desert of Despair, Sinister Wind Den, Purple Lightning Pool, City of Light, and Castle of Darkness.
Each unique zone corresponded to astral energy of a different element. So long as one could cultivate in one of the zones, one could reap great benefits. Naturally, these unique zones were also dangerous. If one was careless enough to believe that the zones were safe, one would suffer.
When Xiang Shaoyun read the introduction of the zones, he found himself speechless. Staying a day in a zone would cost him 10,000 contribution points. It was really expensive. After all, when a cultivator focused, a single cultivation session would probably last months or even years.
Cultivating in the unique zones would be extremely expensive. More importantly, contribution points weren't easy to earn. With how expensive the zones were, it was understandable why so many disciples would go mad over contribution points.
Xiang Shaoyun rejoiced at the fact that he had accumulated a decent amount of contribution points. Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to enter all nine zones. During his duels, he had won about one million contribution points. Selling the dragon liquid, he had earned about the same amount as well. In total, he had about two million points, enough to last him for about half a year. Sure, half a year seemed long, but for a cultivator, it would be over in the blink of an eye.
"I wish to enter the Purple Lightning Pool," said Xiang Shaoyun as he handed his jade plate to the overseer in charge.
Chapter 622: Lightning Explosion
Just because the zone's name was Purple Lightning Pool, it did not mean that the entire independent space consisted of a lightning pool. Rather, it was a place rich in lightning, and it just so happened to have a purple lightning pool. In fact, the pool only occupied a small part of the space, but it was the spot where lightning energy was most dense. A regular person wouldn't be able to approach the pool, and most would die on their way.
The moment Xiang Shaoyun entered the space, his lightning bone started stirring with a tinkling sound, radiating thick joy.
"What dense lightning energy," muttered Xiang Shaoyun as he swept his gaze at the sky dotted with black clouds.
He scanned his surroundings and found that the land was uneven and that pits with crushed stones were everywhere. Scorched marks decorated the ground, as if were the result of frequent lightning strikes.
Just as Xiang Shaoyun was about to step forward, lightning bolts gathered in the sky above him and rained down. He summoned Money without a moment of hesitation.
Before coming, he had brought Money with him, hoping that the zone could help Money reach the Demon Emperor realm as quickly as possible. That way, he would be much more helpful.
The abrupt summon confused Money, and he was instantly struck by the lightning bolts, his body smashing into the ground. A regular demonic beast would have died. However, Money merely shook his head for a bit before bouncing off the ground, appearing completely unharmed.
He then enlarged his body before soaring to the sky, saying joyfully, "Boss, what is this place? I can sense powerful and pure lightning energy everywhere! I love this place!"
"Let's go, then. This is a rare opportunity," said Xiang Shaoyun with a smile.
And thus, the two started heading to the zone's center, with Xiang Shaoyun standing on Money. Along the way, they found numerous lightning elemental plants of different grades, each of them incredibly valuable. Money almost charged toward the plants and ate everything up.
Fortunately, Xiang Shaoyun had been paying attention and was able to stop him in time. "Calm down. This place cost me a lot of contribution points."
"What are contribution points? I don't care; I need to eat," said Money as he tried charging toward the plants again.
Xiang Shaoyun stopped him and said, "Just don't eat. There will be plenty of lightning for you to devour when we arrive at the Purple Lightning Pool."
Money was left with no choice but to obey and continue traveling forward. Before long, Xiang Shaoyun discovered that there were some lightning elemental demonic beasts in the space as well. The demonic beasts weren't exactly high-level beasts, but they had excellent bloodlines and a lot of potential.
One ought to know that lightning elemental beasts were extremely rare. Upon maturity, each would possess an amazing combat prowess. That was why Xiang Shaoyun had decided to tame Money back then.
At the same time, he had also discovered some disciples of the academy moving about in the space. Some were returning, and some were heading toward the Purple Lightning Pool. Those on a return trip looked incredibly sorry, as if they had all undergone a desperate battle. Even so, smiles hung on their faces, as if they had reaped a bountiful harvest. Xiang Shaoyun had just gotten Money to move faster when someone blocked them.
"Brother, is this snake for sale?" asked a sloppy person with a sinister look on his face.
His clothes were worn-out, revealing the purple armor he wore inside his outerwear. His purple hair cascaded down his face, showing only half his face. From the revealed portion of his face, one could see that he was a handsome man.
Before Xiang Shaoyun could answer, Money rebuked furiously, "You're the snake! Your entire family is filled with snakes! I am a noble one-horned purple silver draconic snake!"
"What an interesting snake. Although your realm isn't high, your bloodline is pure," said the purple-haired man. "Come with me. I will transform you into a draconic snake or even a true dragon!"
Lightning power then rippled out of his body, and he released a domineering might that caused even Xiang Shaoyun to feel great pressure. Money hissed unhappily, ruthlessness slowly creeping into his eyes.
"Friend, you seem to be completely disregarding me," said Xiang Shaoyun coldly. He could sense that this person was strong, but he had no fear.
The man lifted his head to look at Xiang Shaoyun and smiled. "Your strength is decent, but not enough to attract my attention. Of course, if you manage to enter the top 10 of the Dragon Phoenix List, you will then be worthy of my attention."
His words were arrogant, but there was no arrogance on his face, as if he was merely stating a fact. When Xiang Shaoyun sent his senses out, he confirmed that the man was a fifth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. Xiang Shaoyun was slightly astonished.
The man was only about 30 years old, yet he already possessed such a cultivation level. He was right, as in he could really compete against the geniuses on the Dragon Phoenix Academy's top 10. In fact, Xiang Shaoyun started wondering if the man was one of those on the top 10, but he couldn't figure out which of them he was.
"Even without being in the top 10, I have the strength to stand before you," declared Xiang Shaoyun as his competitiveness was riled, a thick and heavy power radiating out of him.
His draconic aura, which was 19 percent formed, projected a vivid dragon behind him, signifying his cultivation level of peak first-stage Dragon Ascension Realm. With his combat prowess, he could battle even fifth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivators. But there was still quite a gap between him and the genius before him. However, he possessed unique trump cards that gave him the confidence to meet the man in battle.
The man raised his brow and smiled. "What dense energy. If we have the same cultivation level, you will be my match. But you are not yet an opponent of me, Lei Bao." He glanced at Money and said, "Forget it. You already acknowledged him as your master. Even if I snatch you, I won't get your loyalty. I'll spare you."
He then flung his hair before leaving for the entrance. The sudden departure came unexpectedly, and Xiang Shaoyun heaved a breath of relief. With his current strength, he shouldn't be provoking someone like that. He might not fear such an opponent, but it was never a good thing to have too many enemies.
"After I'm done here, I need to find out more about that Lei Bao," decided Xiang Shaoyun before he continued on with Money.
The deeper they delved, the more concentrated the rain of lightning became. Each individual bolt was also becoming stronger and stronger, and not even an Emperor could easily withstand them. Many disciples no longer dared to enter, and they stuck to the center area's fringes where they cultivated in peace after finding a suitable spot. For them, the lightning energy there was good enough for their absorption and increasing their cultivation level.
Chapter 623: Money Bullied
The Purple Lightning Pool was filled with concentrated lightning bolts that rumbled on and on, its surroundings shaking repeatedly. After Xiang Shaoyun and Money arrived at the pool's fringe, they no longer dared to go any deeper. Even at the fringe, the lightning power was powerful enough. With their current strength, it would be very difficult to actually go into the pool.
In fact, even a Soul Foundation Realm expert could cultivate using the pool since the lightning power within was dense enough. Xiang Shaoyun was only a fresh Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. Entering the pool wouldn't be an easy feat. Even Money, who stubbornly charged inside, was forced to leave after being struck badly by lightning bolts.
Thus, Xiang Shaoyun and Money selected a spot each and started their cultivation session. Each second spent in this space cost contribution points. Xiang Shaoyun would not let even one second go to waste.
Releasi
ng the power of his lightning bone, Xiang Shaoyun attracted bolt after bolt of lightning to his body. It was unknown if it was his lightning bone or his environment, but the lightning energy he absorbed was much more abundant and powerful than regular lightning bolts.
"Ouch! Why are these lightning bolts so scary?" Xiang Shaoyun cried out.
On the other hand, Money dashed about repeatedly amid the rain of lightning and swallowed lightning energy with his mouth opened wide. His demonic core started accumulating lightning energy without end, his cultivation base growing rapidly.
Xiang Shaoyun delayed no longer and resisted the pain as he started absorbing a large amount of lightning energy into his body. His lightning bone shone brightly as his other bones started slowly turning purple as well. At the same time, his lightning star grew as he transformed the absorbed lightning into lightning elemental astral energy.
He could not directly transform the absorbed energy into draconic aura. He had to first convert it into his own energy before transforming it into draconic aura and pushing himself to the second-stage Dragon Ascension Realm.
After cultivating in this manner for a bit, Xiang Shaoyun's lightning star had grown greatly even though his cultivation base remained the same. His combat prowess had most definitely grown considerably as well. More importantly, the transformation of his bones allowed his body to receive a new round of cleansing, further enhancing his flesh.
While Xiang Shaoyun was busy compressing and accumulating lightning energy within himself, Money, who had gradually gotten used to this place, delved deeper toward the pool. He had a vague sensation that something at the pool was summoning him. This was a temptation he couldn't resist.
As Money moved, his strength continued growing rapidly. In half a day, he reached peak seventh-stage Demon King realm. It wouldn't be long before he reached the eighth-stage. Demonic beasts were different from humans; they only needed to accumulate enough energy, and they would automatically advance. Not much comprehension of the power they cultivated was required.