by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
In truth, the goldmen possessed the bloodline of the gold giants. However, their bloodline wasn't pure, resulting in their bodies being much more lacking compared to true gold giants. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been suppressed so badly by the academy.
One ought to know that the gold giants possessed extraordinary strength, granting them a dreadful combat prowess that few could compare with. To put matters in perspective, even these goldmen with an incomplete gold giant bloodline were already strong enough to be comparable to the geniuses among humans.
When Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei arrived at the border of the two territories, they did not find any goldmen. Xiang Shaoyun flew up and stared at the goldmen's territory curiously, only to be dragged down by Tang Longfei.
Tang Longfei was terrified that Xiang Shaoyun would actually attract some goldmen over. Xiang Shaoyun had no choice but to stop spying on the goldmen and instead started cultivating silently with Tang Longfei.
One ought to admit that their new spot was much better than their previous spot. The dense vicious mist around them was filled with vicious energy and the power of gold. The vicious energy could even increase the offensive power of gold elemental attacks. The energy contained within the mist was perfect for gold cultivators.
Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei each dug their own cave and then focused on absorbing the energy around them. With his high absorption speed, an unending stream of energy poured into Xiang Shaoyun's gold star.
Although he was only using one star to store the gold energy, he had a high storage capacity capable of storing twice or triple what the star of a regular cultivator could hold. With his remarkable talent and the expansions he had done to his stars, it wasn’t surprising that he had a higher storage capacity.
With his heavy armor on him, when he circulated his cultivation method, he could further purify and compress the energy he was absorbing, gradually filling his gold star with energy. After seven days, Xiang Shaoyun's gold star was completely filled. One ought to admit that the vicious mist was really rich with gold energy. His vicious gold energy had grown greatly as a result.
Right as he felt that he could no longer cram any additional energy into his gold star, he sensed some intense energy undulations outside his cave.
Chapter 629: Lending a Helping Hand
Unable to continue meditating in peace, Xiang Shaoyun left his cave. At the same time, Tang Longfei flew out of his cave as well. The two looked toward a certain direction at the same time, finding two golden figures engaged in an intense fight. With a glance, Xiang Shaoyun could see that the battle was between a goldman and a gold snake.
The goldman was about four meters tall with a humanoid body. In fact, his only difference from a regular human was his skin, which was pure gold in color. He looked more like a puppet made of gold than a living being. However, his motions were smooth and nimble, making it clear he was a living being.
From his appearance, he looked rather young, his aura strong with a cultivation level of fourth-stage Emperor Realm. Someone like him was strong enough to crush a regular sixth-stage or seventh-stage Dragon Ascension Realm human.
The goldman's opponent was a gold python that was even stronger. Its entire body shone with a brilliant gold radiance, and it was over 20 meters long, thick and powerful as it whipped its tail at the goldman repeatedly.
Initially, they were equally matched. But as the fight dragged on, the goldman started edging toward defeat. Eventually, the python managed to wrap its body around the goldman, who roared and punched the snake repeatedly to no avail. If this continued, the goldman would probably be squeezed to death.
"Their attacks are so rough," exclaimed Tang Longfei.
The battle had destroyed their surroundings, displaying the two's overwhelming offensive prowess. Tang Longfei knew that he wouldn't be able to block even one of their attacks. It was clear how dreadful the offensive power of the two was. Xiang Shaoyun gave no reply. Instead, he flew straight toward the battlefield.
"Shaoyun, what are you doing? The python is still in peak condition!" Tang Longfei cried out in alarm.
"Wait here, Big Brother Tang. I'll be fine," said Xiang Shaoyun without looking back. With a few jumps, he arrived beside the goldman and the gold python.
Hiss! Hiss!
When the gold python discovered Xiang Shaoyun's arrival, it spat out clumps of vicious gold energy toward him. The clumps of vicious gold energy were extremely sharp, capable of grinding regular Emperors into mincemeat with a hit.
White Tiger Manifestation!
Activating the power of his gold star, Xiang Shaoyun formed a white tiger as an abundant amount of white tiger vicious energy spread around him and crashed into the energy released by the gold python.
Surprisingly, Xiang Shaoyun's energy eruption was unable to destroy the gold python's energy. Instead, a large amount of the python's energy continued crashing toward him. He quickly moved to the python's side and threw out a punch.
Xiang Shaoyun's punch was terrifyingly powerful, yet it actually failed to damage the python despite landing. The gold python was infuriated, and it shot its head toward Xiang Shaoyun, trying to take a bite even as its body remained wrapped around the goldman. The python might be large in size, but it was still incredibly fast.
Fortunately, Xiang Shaoyun's fast reaction saved him from being bitten. As he stepped back, he jabbed with his finger multiple times, sending numerous beams toward the python's jaws. Even the beams failed to damage the python despite entering its mouth.
At this point, it was obvious vicious gold energy was not capable of harming the python. Infuriated, the python swiped the ground with its tail, sending a large number of rocks flying toward Xiang Shaoyun.
He was forced to dodge again and again, but there were too many rocks for him to evade them all. Many struck him, opening numerous wounds on his body as he clenched his teeth in pain. It would seem the python possessed incredible physical strength as well.
Taking advantage of the distraction, the goldman broke free as the python loosened its body around him. At the same time, he landed a heavy punch on the python, hurting it enough to enrage it.
Rumble! Rumble!
Once again, the goldman and the gold python engaged each other in an intense fight. The goldman's punch seemed to be boundlessly powerful, and the gold python was incredibly impressive as well. The impacts of their battle further destroyed their surroundings.
As for Xiang Shaoyun, after retreating, he muttered, "That fellow is really stubborn. Why isn't he taking the chance to flee? Why is he continuing the fight?"
The only reason Xiang Shaoyun had attacked was to help the goldman escape. Why? It was because he had once read about the gold giant in the Book Pavilion. It was a race that might look ferocious but was actually incredibly kind. Generally, they wouldn't create trouble for anyone who hadn't provoked them.
As the descendants of the gold giants, the goldmen had naturally inherited that trait as well. It gave Xiang Shaoyun a good impression of them. As for the conflict between the goldmen and the academy, it was only the result of the academy taking away their living necessities.
Of course, Xiang Shaoyun had no intention to change that; he was only following his heart when he decided to help this goldman. The battle continued on, and the goldman was still not the python's match. The gap of their cultivation levels was not something that could be easily bridged.
Finally, the python whipped the goldman and sent him crashing into a mountain. The mountain collapsed, creating a cloud of golden dust. The python shot forward and appeared before the goldman. Its jaws opened wide, trying to swallow the goldman alive.
The goldman was already completely helpless and could do nothing but shut his eyes and await his death. At the final moment, Xiang Shaoyun dropped from the sky as numerous brilliant stars formed around him. An incomparably domineering fist shot out, accompanied by a nine-colored radiance.
A world-shaking explosion erupted. Tang Longfei, who
was observing the battle from far away, opened his eyes wide, his eyeballs almost popping out of their sockets. He hadn't gotten a good look at how Xiang Shaoyun had defeated Jin Yanyan's group, but he now finally had a clear look.
"Shaoyun is too damn domineering! The title Overlord really suits him well!" Tang Longfei exclaimed in astonishment.
As an elder brother, he was completely convinced by Xiang Shaoyun's strength. He had been the number one young master during his time at the Bloodsin City, but since arriving at the Dragon Phoenix Academy, his confidence had been completely shattered, and he lost the pride he once had. When he witnessed Xiang Shaoyun's might, his heart surged with excitement, and he had the urge to shout that Xiang Shaoyun was his brother!
Chapter 630: Goldman Prince's Invitation
The Cosmos Dao Destroying Fist was most certainly an exceptional punching technique, and coupled with the prowess of the nine-colored fog, it was capable of unleashing an extremely destructive force.
It enabled Xiang Shaoyun, who was only a peak first-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, to release the combat prowess of a seventh-stage or even eighth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, helping him punch way above his weight. It was quite simply a terrifying technique.
Unlike the previous attacks, the gold python failed to withstand this attack. Blood sprayed everywhere as it wailed endlessly. If it wasn't for the python's freakish physique, the python would have been killed by the punch. Finally knowing fear, the python quickly escaped with its badly injured body.
Xiang Shaoyun landed and heaved a breath of relief. He had exhausted quite a lot of energy himself, so he did not bother giving chase. The nine-colored fog had been accumulating in his astral cosmos sea all this while. After each exhaustion, he needed to replenish it by fusing the nine energies in his body instead of replenishing it by absorbing the spiritual energy of the world, which would work for any other energy.
He still had a decent amount of nine-colored fog in his astral cosmos sea, but that was because he had crammed his body full with the fog during his physique assessment when nine stars had appeared in the sky. He had been using it sparingly, not wanting to waste the fog away.
After all, it was an extremely destructive power, a trump card of his. He wouldn't use it unless absolutely necessary. Despite how powerful it was, using the fog was unlike using the Nine Overlord Skyslaying Saber Technique which would cause a certain amount of backlash. Thus, he could also use it without fear.
When Xiang Shaoyun walked over to the goldman, he found that the goldman's body was filled with cracks, as if he was going to explode soon. Golden liquid ceaselessly flowed from the cracks, making quite an odd sight.
As the goldman absorbed the vicious energy and gold energy from his surroundings, his wounds slowly closed up. He looked at Xiang Shaoyun cautiously, as if he would fight back the moment Xiang Shaoyun tried anything.
At this time, Tang Longfei arrived. After throwing the goldman a look, he said, "Shaoyun, th-this goldman is injured!"
A look of greed flashed past Tang Longfei's eyes. He knew very well that killing the goldman and harvesting his gold heart would bring great benefit to a gold cultivator. Furthermore, the liquid from within the gold heart could also be fed to newborns to get a chance at creating a Gold Physique. Of course, that was something he had learned from books. As for whether it was true, he had no idea.
"Human, are you going to attack me?" asked the goldman with a sharp glint in his eyes.
Although Xiang Shaoyun had helped him, he still wasn't sure if Xiang Shaoyun was targeting him as well.
"Just concentrate on healing. I'm standing guard for you," said Xiang Shaoyun. He then turned and walked away, using action to show his intention.
Tang Longfei did not know what Xiang Shaoyun was thinking and could only go with him.
He said through voice transmission, "Shaoyun, this is a rare opportunity—"
Xiang Shaoyun interrupted him before he could finish. "The goldman race is a kind race. I have saved him from danger and have never intended to harm him."
His words left Tang Longfei speechless. Of course, they also increased his evaluation of Xiang Shaoyun's character. In the past, he had a bad impression of Xiang Shaoyun, thinking of him as a useless young master without learning and skills, one that would throw away everything his family had built.
But the more he interacted with Xiang Shaoyun, the more extraordinary he found Xiang Shaoyun. He believed that it was only a matter of time before Xiang Shaoyun reclaimed the Ziling Sect.
The goldman stared at Xiang Shaoyun with an indescribable expression that did not betray what he was actually thinking at the moment. While he was focusing on healing, about a dozen goldmen appeared, flying in their direction.
"Prince! Prince!" Each member of the group wielded a golden trident, shouting as they traveled, anxiety plastered all over their faces. Soon, they discovered the injured goldman and rushed over.
"Vile humans, you dare harm Prince Edoli? This is an unforgivable offense!" said the leader furiously when he noted the injuries of the goldman on the ground.
The group focused on Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei, seemingly ready to attack.
Fortunately, Prince Edoli opened his mouth, "Don't worry. They are not the reason for my injuries. They are the ones who have saved me."
At that, the group of goldmen calmed down. They returned to Edoli's side and knelt down before saluting the prince. Xiang Shaoyun was surprised to find that the goldman he had rescued randomly was actually a prince. That was quite a high status.
One ought to know that each generation of goldmen would only have a single prince that would be the sole heir to their throne. No other competitors would appear. In other words, this Edoli was the second most powerful person among the goldmen, with great authority in his hands.
The group of goldmen started offering the prince some healing items, but Edoli did not take any of them. After all, he was almost fully healed. He obviously had an impressive self-recovery ability.
At this time, Xiang Shaoyun said to Tang Longfei, "Let's go."
Tang Longfei nodded and followed behind Xiang Shaoyun.
It was at this time that Edoli strode forth and said, "Savior, please wait."
The prince spoke with the sonorous voice each goldman was born with.
Xiang Shaoyun stopped, pointed at his face, and said, "You're talking to me?"
"Yes, savior. Thank you for saving my life," said Edoli as he rested one hand on his chest and bowed at Xiang Shaoyun.
The goldmen behind him did not dare to stay standing, and they quickly gave Xiang Shaoyun the same bow. "Thank you for saving our prince."
The bow was how the goldmen showed their respect. It could be seen that they were really quite grateful for what Xiang Shaoyun had done.
Xiang Shaoyun waved his hand and said, "You're welcome. It's nothing difficult, really. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."
"Savior, you are one who helps without expecting a reward. This is very rare among humans!" said Edoli straightforwardly. "Savior, if you are willing, would you like to visit my clan? Give me a chance to repay you to show my gratitude!"
Xiang Shaoyun hesitated for a bit before saying, "Sure, I'm quite curious about the goldmen, anyway."
"We are honored to have you as a guest," said Edoli as he made an inviting gesture.
And thus, Xiang Shaoyun followed Edoli back to where the goldmen resided. As for Tang Longfei, he wanted to say something, but even toward the end, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
Chapter 631: Goldmen Guest
Tang Longfei wasn't originally invited by the goldmen, but when Xiang Shaoyun turned his head back and called out to him, he followed. And since Edoli did not say anything about that, the other goldmen kept silent as well. Just like that, the group entered the goldmen's territory.
The goldmen’s headquarters was located somewhere opposite the human territory. There, numerous massive buildings constructed with gol
d stones dotted the landscape. The architecture was crude, yet it had a unique flavor of a different culture to it.
A large number of goldmen resided there. As they looked almost the same as humans, it was easy to determine their genders, as the only differences between them and humans were skin color and height.
Everyone was wearing the same thing: golden battle armor. That was because they were born with the armor on them, and the armor was both a defensive item and an item with inconceivable powers.
Their weaponry was more varied, but all the weapons were forged from goldsteel stones. The goldmen revealed unfriendly expressions when they saw Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei.
Although a large-scale war had not happened between the goldmen and the academy, there were still many grudges between the two. More importantly, the academy had occupied a large part of the goldmen's original territory. Therefore, none of them had a good opinion toward humans.
If Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei had intruded upon this place by themselves, they would have likely gotten themselves killed. Fortunately, they were here with Edoli, saving them from any sort of trouble.
Edoli brought Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei straight to a massive building built from gold stone. The building was shiny and dazzling, with odd symbols carved on the walls. Golden pearls acted as the building’s light source, and a massive jade chair stood facing the entrance. The entire building was crude yet luxurious.
"This is my imperial residence. Take a seat," said Edoli as he sat down on the jade chair before having the servants serve his guests some fruits.
Even the fruits they served were gold and shiny. Each fruit was the size of a watermelon, exuding an intoxicating fragrance that made it clear they were no regular fruits. These were actually primegold fruits, and they were king medicines.
For Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei, the fruits were amazing for increasing their strength. The mere sight of the fruits caused Tang Longfei to start salivating. But since Xiang Shaoyun had not taken any of the fruits, he was too embarrassed to start eating first.