I Am Overlord c1-962
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More importantly, the difference between the two races was too big. They really couldn't bring themselves to accept the two female goldmen. Fortunately, Edoli did not force it, which relieved them.
And thus, Xiang Shaoyun and Tang Longfei became temporary residents at the goldmen's place. For Xiang Shaoyun, he had already stored enough gold energy in his star, so he didn't really need to stay. But he needed to spend some time studying the broken stele he had just obtained.
As for Tang Longfei, he needed to use the resources he had just received to charge into the second stage of the Dragon Ascension Realm. Before he could get started, Xiang Shaoyun called out to him and handed over the vicious steel mist pearl. "Take this. Do well in your advancement!"
Tang Longfei was stunned. He had not imagined that Xiang Shaoyun would be so generous that he would give even the vicious steel mist pearl to him.
"Shaoyun, this is too valuable. I can't accept it. You need it for yourself as well!" rejected Tang Longfei without any hesitation.
If Xiang Shaoyun wasn't also a gold cultivator, Tang Longfei might have accepted the gift. But since Xiang Shaoyun cultivated nine powers, each power would help him, including the power contained within the pearl.
Xiang Shaoyun said seriously, "It is true this vicious steel mist pearl is somewhat useful for me, but it isn't as much as you think. In any case, the Overlord Legion is still growing, and it requires a higher leveled Dragon Ascension Realm expert to back up the legion. Although I am the overlord, without strong helpers, the legion won't be able to recruit too many people anyway. Big Brother Tang, you are the one I trust most. Your growth will only benefit our Overlord Legion."
When Tang Longfei saw that Xiang Shaoyun was speaking sincerely, he accepted the pearl and said solemnly, "Ok, brother. I will repay this favor even at the cost of my life!"
"You don't have to be so serious about it. Our fathers are brothers, and we are brothers as well. Let's grow strong enough so nobody can bully us anymore, and that will be enough," said Xiang Shaoyun.
Tang Longfei nodded and went into seclusion with the vicious steel mist pearl.
Inwardly, he thought, From now onward, I will be Shaoyun’s sharp blade!
With Tang Longfei gone, Xiang Shaoyun started going over the three treasures he had just received. The saint gold crystal was the easiest to make an arrangement for. He simply stored it with the saint lightning crystal, planning to wait until the time came when he needed it. As for the gold tree sapling, he needed to plant it in excellent soil in an environment with sufficient gold energy so it could grow.
Xiang Shaoyun had also obtained a large number of goldsteel stones from Edoli. Naturally, the goldsteel stones would serve as the soil the sapling needed. He then planted the sapling in his astral cosmos sea to observe whether the nine-colored fog could nourish it.
Soon, he found that the sapling underwent some minute changes. It started brimming with vitality, signifying that it had adapted to its new living environment.
Xiang Shaoyun smiled with joy as he muttered, "The nine-colored fog is indeed a power filled with life and destruction. The fact that the gold tree sapling can grow in an environment with only the nine-colored fog is proof of that."
He then moved the sapling beside the pool of gold lunar liquid. There were two more vicious tiger gold lotuses there. These vicious tiger gold lotuses were not the same as the gold lotus Xiang Shaoyun had given Edoli. They were much more valuable.
Initially, he only had one vicious tiger gold lotus planted in his astral cosmos sea. But with the inclusion of the nine-colored fog, an additional lotus sprouted. It seemed to be growing nicely, and in a few years, it would mature.
Planted beside the gold lunar liquid pool, the sapling brimmed with even more vitality as it quickly extended its roots to the pool and started absorbing the energy contained within the pool.
The sapling then started growing at a visible pace, and the gold lunar liquid in the pool started reducing at a slow speed. The sight stunned Xiang Shaoyun. He had not expected the sapling to be so smart that it could quickly find what it needed, or even devour it at such a speed. If he allowed the tree to continue, it was only a matter of time before he ran out of gold lunar liquid.
Just as Xiang Shaoyun was considering moving the sapling away, he found that the amount of gold lunar liquid stopped reducing. As for the sapling, it looked like a completely different tree. It seemed to be full and no longer needed any gold lunar liquid for now.
"Looks like I need to think of a way to increase the supply of gold lunar liquid in the future, or I won't be able to feed this young master," said Xiang Shaoyun helplessly.
He then ignored the sapling. After all, upon maturity, the tree would provide him with a steady supply of fruits comparable to the gold lunar liquid in value.
Finally, he focused on the broken stele. Once again, he scrutinized the words on it.
He memorized everything on the stele before comparing them with the mantra he had learned from the gravekeeper elder. He found that there were some differences between the two. The version he had learned from the gravekeeper elder seemed incomplete, while the version on the stele seemed more detailed. As for the missing parts on the stele, he could fill them in with the gravekeeper elder's version.
Ultimately, he managed to restore 90 percent of the contents on the stele. At the same time, he also noticed that at the very top of the stele, the word "Desolate" was carved. He did not know if it was someone's name or if it was the name of the mantra. But for now, he decided to tentatively name the mantra "Desolation".
Unfortunately, even the stele’s inscription was incomplete. The subsequent parts of the mantra were missing. Perhaps he could only get the complete version if he could find the missing parts of the stele. After memorizing the new Desolation mantra once again, he left the residence.
He did not leave the Vicious Steel Mist. Instead, he went to the top of a certain mountain. The peak was filled with a thick vicious steel mist and was a perfect location for cultivating. The mist there was filled with sharp energy that could instantly leave wounds all over the body of a regular person who dared to approach.
As for Xiang Shaoyun, he completely ignored the energy and sat down cross-legged, starting his session of comprehending the profundity of gold. At the same time, he chanted the Desolation mantra, sensing the power of gold in accordance to the mantra, and slowly blended into the mist.
Chapter 635: You Dare Lay Hands on My Woman?
Since obtaining the white tiger soul's power in the past, Xiang Shaoyun had gotten access to vicious gold energy and was basically immune to the regular variations of vicious energy. With his recent seclusion and his absorbing energy from the vicious mist in the independent space, his vicious gold energy had grown. Now, located amid such thick vicious mist, he could freely study and comprehend what he wanted to.
The power of gold signified absolute sharpness, and the saying "no stronghold is unbreakable" was the best way of describing the essence of the power of gold. It was sharp, violent, tough, and noble. These were its clear characteristics. The vicious mist in the independent space shared all these characteristics, allowing Xiang Shaoyun to slowly immerse himself with them. Of course, it wouldn't be that easy to understand the profundity of the power of gold.
First, Xiang Shaoyun put away all other energies in his body and completely screened them using his gold star's energy. He then adjusted the flow of his gold energy, moving his energy in accordance with the energy within the mist as if he had become one with the mist. He sensed every variation within the mist’s power of gold.
This cultivation session lasted seven days. He seemed to be completely immersed in his cultivation and couldn't pull away from it. In his brain, the Desolation mantra repeatedly rang, like the ancient bell of a monastery. Slowly, his comprehension grew deeper and deeper.
Abruptly, the mist converged around him, turning into an incredibly impressive, golden tornado. If someone else saw it, they woul
d definitely believe a natural disaster was happening.
Xiang Shaoyun stood up, and as he spread his arms, a large amount of vicious mist vanished from the air around him.
The profundities of earth and gold are completely different, but whichever power I try to comprehend, I need to first immerse myself and experience the power’s characteristics before I can exert my control over it and use it as I wish.That is the so-called profundity of elements. It seems simple, but one would only realize how difficult it is when actually attempting it, thought Xiang Shaoyun.
After a bit, he muttered, "The Desolation mantra details that the heaven and earth, the five elements, the yin and yang, and the numerous great daos are part of an all-embracing great dao. The mantra's role is to enlighten one on the comprehension of power, and it is also the reason why I can comprehend the profundity of gold."
The power of earth allowed one to borrow unendingly from the earth below and fight on forever without running out of strength. As for the power of gold, it allowed one to unleash a might capable of crushing everything, making one's attack sharper and harder to block.
With his comprehension of the profundities of both powers, Xiang Shaoyun's combat prowess benefited greatly. Done with comprehending the power of gold, Xiang Shaoyun did not intend to stay. He prepared to leave, but he did not forget to pay Prince Edoli a visit. Unfortunately, he was informed that the prince was in a secluded cultivation session and would not be able to receive any visitors.
Of course, the prince had also told the servants to pass on his sincerest greetings upon Xiang Shaoyun's return. He had even assigned some of them to personally escort Xiang Shaoyun back to the academy's side of the space.
As for Tang Longfei, he was similarly in a secluded cultivation session. He would probably take some time digesting the energy within the vicious steel mist pearl. Thus, instead of bothering him, Xiang Shaoyun left by himself.
After arriving at the border of the two territories, he sent the goldmen escorting him back before continuing on ahead. Prior to this, he had beaten up some people from the Flaming Sun. He wondered if they would do anything about it.
After leaving the Vicious Steel Mist entirely, he did not head into the next cultivation zone. Rather, he returned to his villa. As the leader of the Overlord Legion, he couldn't be missing all the time. A lack of leadership would only result in the departure of his members. When he arrived, he found that a large number of people had gathered at his villa.
Xiang Shaoyun's heart sank, as their gathering gave him a bad feeling. He quickly dashed into the villa and found Shang Jifeng, Zhuge Zhantian, Ma Qihao, and Li Haonan gathered in discussion.
They were overjoyed to see Xiang Shaoyun appear, and they quickly saluted him, "Greetings, Overlord."
"What happened?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.
"Overlord, you're back in time. The Di Alliance sent something here. Take a look," said Zhuge Zhantian as he handed Xiang Shaoyun a letter.
Xiang Shaoyun accepted the letter and opened the envelope. When he saw the contents of the letter, he furrowed his brows tightly. A clump of flame lit up from his hands as he burned the letter to ash.
"What nerves! He dares to lay hands on my woman?" Xiang Shaoyun clenched his teeth in anger.
The letter basically detailed how Lady Shura had been captured. If Xiang Shaoyun did not show himself at the appointed location at an appointed time, Lady Shura would suffer. Of course, the Di Alliance did not admit to being the kidnapper in the letter. Rather, they claimed to have obtained news about her kidnapping through coincidence and were kindly informing Xiang Shaoyun about it.
The words weren't believable at all, but nobody could say otherwise, anyway. After all, there was no proof that the Di Alliance was the culprit. Furthermore, the kidnapping had not happened within academy grounds, so they couldn't even investigate through the academy's surveillance system.
"Overlord, the letter was sent two days ago. We were talking about looking for you, but good thing you're back now. You need to decide what to do about this," said Zhuge Zhantian.
"Overlord, this is most certainly a trap. If you go, you will only face numerous ambushes," said Ma Qihao.
"But we can't ignore Lady Shura. Even if this is a trap, we still have to step on it," said Shang Jifeng.
After thinking about it for a bit, Xiang Shaoyun said, "You guys don't have to get involved. I'm their target."
"What are you saying, Overlord? With the establishment of the Overlord Legion, we are one. Since Lady Shura has encountered trouble, we will naturally help. If you have to do everything yourself, what is the point of establishing the Legion?" Zhuge Zhantian pointed out blatantly.
"That's right. What's the big deal about the Di Alliance? Let's go together. I doubt they can capture or kill all of us," said Ma Qihao, his battle intent surging.
Shang Jifeng and Li Haonan also made it known that they were willing to go as well. Xiang Shaoyun was touched to see them offering help. Only during moments of crisis like this would he know that they were worth recruiting in the first place.
However, he had a feeling it wouldn't be so simple. Otherwise, the Di Alliance wouldn't have bothered kidnapping Lady Shura to lure him out of the academy. Perhaps his display of power had caused the Di Clan to feel threatened, and they could no longer wait to eliminate him.
Chapter 636: I'm Right in Front of You
Xiang Shaoyun was gratified to see his companions supporting him, and he said, "Since everyone is of the same mind, let's make a plan. How should we rescue Lady Shura?'
He brought everyone to the main hall to discuss their rescue mission.
When everyone was seated, Xiang Shaoyun opened the topic, "All of you might not know this, but I am mortal enemies with the Di Alliance's Di Lin. He is most certainly aiming to kill me. It is likely that a large number of experts are hiding in ambush, including Soul Foundation Realm experts. That is one of the reasons I do not want you guys to participate. I wasn’t looking down on you."
The others were stunned when they heard the truth. They had believed that this was merely a minor conflict between the two factions, but surprisingly, there was much more at play.
"If Sovereigns are taking part as well, this will be a big incident. We are decently strong, but all of us are too young. And since we can't borrow the strength of external forces, the rescue mission will be hard to complete," said Zhuge Zhantian.
"But the Di Alliance members are also academy disciples like us. How had they obtained help from external forces, then?" Ma Qihao asked in confusion.
Xiang Shaoyun answered, "They have long been prepared. Otherwise, they wouldn't have bothered doing it far away from the academy. Brothers, since you wish to help me, then go and beat the Di Alliance members up. Beat them so badly they can no longer stand straight. Meanwhile, I will focus on the rescue mission."
But at this time, Shang Jifeng smiled. "Overlord, you don't know this, but the Nisha Range is actually not that far from my Shang Clan's territory."
"Is that so?" Xiang Shaoyun was overjoyed.
"Haha, I won't joke about things like this," said Shang Jifeng with a chortle. "We only have a few days left before the appointed time. If we rush over with a teleportation portal, we might be able to make it in time."
"Is your clan fine with this? This will have a far-ranging impact," asked Xiang Shaoyun, somewhat worried.
For a tier-7 organization, sending Sovereigns out on a mission was a big deal. Xiang Shaoyun could guess that a genius like Shang Jifeng definitely had a high status in his clan, but that did not guarantee help from his clan's Sovereigns.
"Don't worry. I still have some respect in the clan. Let's get going and not delay any further," said Shang Jifeng confidently.
Xiang Shaoyun replied gratefully, "Ok, I will remember this favor. Everyone, with Shang Jifeng's help, you guys don't have to come with me. Focus on growing stronger. A day will come when we eat up the entire Di Alliance!"
"Yes, Overlord. May you return
in triumph," said the others.
Next, Xiang Shaoyun and Shang Jifeng went to the Missions Hall to accept a random mission. To leave the academy, they required a proper excuse, such as a mission. Based on Zhuge Zhantian's report, Lady Shura's mission was to kill the sin dragons at the Nisha Range for their bones.
The evil dragons were a species of demonic beast that had inherited a tiny bit of the evil dragons' bloodline. Like the flood dragons, they possessed incredible combat prowess, and their bones were excellent materials for weaponsmithing.
Despite their strength, the sin dragons did not generally stick together. Lady Shura's initial intention of accepting the mission was to complete it as her strength allowed. She had never expected to be targeted and kidnapped. Of course, nobody would expect something like that, so she wasn't to be blamed for it. Besides, the actual target in the scheme was Xiang Shaoyun, not her.
Xiang Shaoyun and Shang Jifeng first teleported to Dragon Phoenix City before teleporting directly to a city near the Nisha Range. There, the two split off. In fact, the moment they left the academy, they had been followed. Xiang Shaoyun noticed their tail, but he did not say anything about it and allowed the tail to continue following them.
The tail was merely a small fry of the Di Alliance, so dealing with him wouldn't mean anything. The real show would begin at the Nisha Range. As Xiang Shaoyun traveled, he thought, Di Lin and his men will definitely go all out to kill me this time. I wonder if there will be an inescapable trap waiting there. I really need to be careful this time.
He was no longer as confident. Since everyone knew about his puppet, they would definitely be prepared for it. At the very least, three Sovereigns would be involved in the plan, as they did not intend to let him leave.
But since Lady Shura was his woman, he had to save her. And to do that, he had to place his hopes on the help Shang Jifeng was seeking. Upon his arrival at the Nisha Range, Xiang Shaoyun vanished right before the eyes of his tail, causing the person tailing him to be flustered.