I Am Overlord c1-962
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"Talk about that when we catch up with the kid. He managed to tear space apart when he had suddenly widened the distance between him and us. With our speed, we need at least half an hour to reach them. If they are able to remove the seal in time, I don't think we will be able to find them anymore," said Summer Flame. They wasted no time and moved at their top speed toward Xiang Shaoyun.
As for Shang Jifeng, he had just arrived at Nisha Range with his men, but Xiang Shaoyun was nowhere to be found. The only thing he found was a frozen nether prison devil puppet.
His face turned ashen as he said, "Has something happened to the overlord?"
The old man beside Shang Jifeng scanned the area before stroking his beard. "Someone was killed here, his corpse completely destroyed. However, he was a few hundred years old. He is not the person you're looking for, young master."
"Uncle Chen, help me retrieve that puppet first," said Shang Jifeng as he got the others to spread out and search for trails of Xiang Shaoyun.
They did not find Xiang Shaoyun, but they did manage to find Zhu Changchuang who was in the midst of healing himself. He was in terrible shape, with one of his arms severed and a heavy injury that prevented him from leaving before he healed himself. After sitting him down somewhere random, the ninth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator had abandoned him and left with the excuse of chasing after Xiang Shaoyun.
The moment Zhu Changchuang was brought over, Shang Jifeng grabbed his collar and asked, "Answer me, how is Xiang Shaoyun?"
A timid look appeared on Zhu Changchuang's face as he answered, "I...I don't know..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he was slammed onto the ground, causing his wounds to burst open once again.
"You really don't know?" Shang Jifeng asked with a sinister look on his face.
After a painful yelp, Zhu Changchuang said, "Uh, h-he left after rescuing the girl, and the two Sovereigns are chasing after him. I really don't know his current situation. Release me. I will swear my loyalty to your Overlord Legion."
Shang Jifeng was overjoyed. He had a feeling Xiang Shaoyun was still alive. After getting someone to finish off Zhu Changchuang, he left with his men to look for Xiang Shaoyun. Zhu Changchuang was killed with his eyes wide open in indignation. He was a genius of his generation with a bright future, but because he had served a wrong master, everything ended for him.
Meanwhile, Xiang Shaoyun finished fully refining the ghostbloom's power. His soul power had grown, his Nether Soul Domain had expanded, and his overall condition had improved considerably.
Lady Shura said, "You should put me back in your astral cosmos sea. The seal on me is probably what they are using to trace us."
That reminded Xiang Shaoyun, and he said, "You're right. Ok, wait in my astral cosmos sea for now. I'll look for someone to remove the seal."
After saying that, he placed both Lady Shura and Money back in his astral cosmos sea. He then landed on the ground before turning invisible and changing his direction. Fortunately, he had acted just in time and avoided being captured by Winter Frost and Summer Flame, who were no longer far from him.
While staying invisible, Xiang Shaoyun ran as fast as he could, trying his best to find a city so he could teleport back to the academy. Two days later, he arrived in a small town. He found out where he was after a bit of asking around. He had actually arrived at a town under the Shang Clan's direct rule.
Shang Jifeng and his helpers have probably arrived and found nobody. They will likely think that something bad has happened to me. Looks like I need to pay Shang City a visit and see if I can meet up with him there instead, thought Xiang Shaoyun as he set off toward Shang City.
Shang City was also the Shang Clan's headquarters. Although the city wasn't as majestic and big as Dragon Phoenix City, it was much larger than Ziling City, which Xiang Shaoyun once stayed at. The place had unique architecture, and powerful cultivators were roaming the streets. An endless stream of people could be seen moving about, presenting the sight of a flourishing city.
Since Xiang Shaoyun had no idea where the Shang Clan's residence was, he had to find a place where he could look for more information. He selected the restaurant nearest to him. There, he ordered a feast for himself. He would start his work after filling his belly.
After the meal, he waved at a waiter, handed over a spirit crystal, and asked, "Waiter, do you know where the Shang Clan's residence is?"
The waiter quickly returned the spirit crystal and answered nervously, "I can't help you with that. Ask someone else."
He then quickly left.
Xiang Shaoyun was somewhat gloomy, wondering, I'm only asking for an address. Why are you so scared?
Instead of staying in the restaurant, he left. His next plan was to explore the city for a bit. He believed he could find the Shang Clan that way. But he found that the moment he stepped out of the restaurant, someone tailed him. He could sense that the tail was only a King so he wasn't bothered. His guess was that the tail was the result of questioning the waiter.
Even better if I can bait some Shang Clan members out this way, thought Xiang Shaoyun inwardly as he started strolling around randomly. Before long, a large group of people surrounded him.
"Young lady, this is the one who had asked about us. Look at his appearance—a shifty-eyed person like him is obviously a bad person. He definitely harbors evil intentions toward us," said a person while pointing at him.
When Xiang Shaoyun heard the evaluation, he nearly coughed up blood in fury. This was the very first time someone had ever called him a shifty-eyed person.
Chapter 643: Shang Jifeng's Sister Shang Yafang
Xiang Shaoyun had always been very confident in his looks. Growing up, he might not have had a face loved by all, but still, he had a face that had been praised by many. The number of women pursuing him at Martial Hall Palace, Cloud Margin Pavilion, and Dragon Phoenix Academy was proof of that.
He had merely been too busy for romance, which was why he did not have many women by his side. This was the very first time someone had called him shifty-eyed. But when his gaze landed on the person calling him that, he finally understood why.
That person was the actual shifty-eyed person, with long and perky eyelashes and a tiny pair of eyes. In fact, it was like his eyes were always shut. They were so small one could hardly get a clear look of his eyes. His face was as slim as the face of a monkey, and he had a whisker-like mustache above his lips. The mustache was extremely comical, looking more like eyebrows than a mustache.
That guy is jealous of my looks! Xiang Shaoyun thought to himself.
His gaze then landed on a young lady seated on a handsome steed. The young lady wore a light muslin outfit. The outfit was thin, showcasing her nicely matured bosom and her slender waist.
She had an hourglass figure, and with her long, slender legs resting on both sides of the horse, she exuded a bewitching allure. On top of all that, she also had a charmingly beautiful face. She was most certainly a beautiful young lady.
Around her were several Kings and an Emperor. From that, it could be seen that she most likely was a woman of considerable status. Holding a whip, she pointed at Xiang Shaoyun and shouted, "Who are you? Why are you asking about our Shang Clan?"
Due to Xiang Shaoyun's good looks and his pair of bewitching eyes, the young woman's heartbeat accelerated, and she was behaving in a much less unruly manner than she usually would. Usually, in a situation like this, she would have whipped Xiang Shaoyun before asking anything.
Xiang Shaoyun flashed a warm smile and said, "I am Xiang Shaoyun, and I know Shang Jifeng. I'm here looking for him."
"Audacious! How dare you address the young master by his name? You must be trying to die!" berated the shifty-eyed guy.
But as soon as he said that, the young lady's whip struck him.
Pa!
He wailed in pain.
"Young lady, why did you hit me?" asked the shifty-eyed guy sullenly.
"You have no place to spea
k. Piss off," said the young lady with a look of loathing.
With his hand on his face that had just been whipped, the shifty-eyed guy quickly stepped back and inwardly cursed, The heavens must be blind! Why is the young lady hitting someone as handsome as me? I should just die!
"You know my big brother?" asked the young lady.
"Shang Jifeng is your big brother?" Xiang Shaoyun blurted in astonishment.
He had never imagined that he would meet Shang Jifeng's little sister here on the street. That was quite lucky of him.
"Of course. Did my big brother not introduce his adorable little sister that is loved by all, Shang Yafang?" said the young lady as she pouted resentfully.
She then hopped off the horse, stepped forward, and asked, "Are you lying to me? My big brother is not home."
Although she was somewhat smitten by the handsome young man, she still maintained her reason and knew to question his words. Xiang Shaoyun met Shang Yafang's gaze with his unblinking eyes and said, "I know your brother has joined the Dragon Phoenix Academy, but he should have returned recently, right?"
Shang Yafang opened her mouth in shock before exhaling and said, "Looks like you're really my big brother's friend. You wouldn't have known otherwise." She smiled. "Since you're my big brother's friend, let me invite you to our home. What is your name?"
Since young, Shang Yafang had idolized her big brother. Not only was he talented, he was also a person of sound judgment. Thus, his friend would most certainly be an outstanding individual as well.
This handsome man standing before her was proof of that. He was even more handsome than her big brother, and he exuded a certain charm that made it hard for one to stop thinking about him.
"I am Xiang Shaoyun, and since your big brother is a brother of mine, I'll just call you Sister Yafang," said Xiang Shaoyun with a genial smile.
"Um. I'll call you Big Brother Shaoyun, is that fine?' Shang Yafang asked bashfully.
"Of course! I'm happy to meet you!"
"Same here. Well, I'll take you home first. My big brother has left, and I don't know when he'll be back."
And thus, Xiang Shaoyun followed Shang Yafang to the Shang Clan's residence. Along their way, Shang Yafang talked without end, like a happy bird. She was busy introducing the local traditions and customs to Xiang Shaoyun, displaying her vivacious and adorable side.
Xiang Shaoyun responded accordingly, and with the occasional humorous reply, he rapidly increased Shang Yafang's impression of him.
Inwardly, she thought, Wouldn't it be good if I could be his lover?
As she thought of that, her face blushed, and she thought herself too shameless to be thinking that way. After a while, they reached the Shang Clan's residence. The Shang Clan was the biggest clan in Shang City, and they ruled the more than 10 cities in the surrounding area and the tens of organizations of differing sizes. Naturally, their residence looked imposing and incredible.
Numerous gorgeous and ancient buildings dotted the landscape, decorated by lush vegetation, rock gardens, bonsai plants, and picturesque streams of water. The residence was luxurious yet refined, soothing the heart of all who walked the residence grounds.
As the patriarch's granddaughter, Shang Yafang was actually returning with a young man, attracting many gazes. Some elders even looked at them with ambiguous gazes, assuming that Xiang Shaoyun was the husband Shang Yafang had picked for herself. Their gazes made Xiang Shaoyun somewhat uncomfortable.
Soon, Xiang Shaoyun was settled in a guest house.
"Big Brother Shaoyun, stay here for now. I'll talk to my father about this. Otherwise, they will be worried sick that I'm suddenly bringing a man back," said Shang Yafang.
"Yes, that is only proper. Go ahead," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"Ok. If you need anything, just call for the servants. I'll be back soon," said Shang Yafang. After giving him a wink, she turned and strode away, moving like an elegant little fairy, her clothes trailing behind her.
Xiang Shaoyun was unaware of the feelings she harbored for him. He just assumed that as a young lady of a big clan, she knew how to carry herself with proper etiquette. If the Shang Clan members knew his evaluation of her, they would probably laugh so hard they would lose their breath. In the clan, Shang Yafang was known for being fierce and unruly. Many clan members had suffered from her doings.
Chapter 644: Young Shaoyun, Are You Married?
Shang Yafang went straight to her father, Shang Yuanlan.
Shang Yuanlan saw the wide smile on Shang Yafang's face. Before she could say anything, he smiled genially and said, "Little girl, why are you so happy? Have you found your father a son-in-law? That's why you're in such a good mood?"
Shang Yafang blushed and said, "What nonsense are you saying, Father? Big Brother Shaoyun is big brother's friend. I was only bringing him back to wait for big brother."
She knew that few things in the clan could be kept from her father. Someone had long reported to her father about the man she had brought home.
"Shaoyun? Xiang Shaoyun?" Shang Yuanlan asked in astonishment.
"Yes, him," Shang Yafang replied.
"That doesn't make sense. Your brother left with some men to help him up, so why is he here alone?" Shang Yuanlan muttered doubtfully. "Bring him to me."
"Yes, Father," Shang Yafang agreed, not daring to question her father.
But before she could leave, Shang Yuanlan stopped her. "Wait."
"Is there anything else, Father?" Shang Yafang asked.
"You're already 19. It's time you found yourself a husband," Shang Yuanlan brought up a completely random topic.
Shang Yafang's face turned unsightly as she said, "Father, are you chasing me out of the clan?"
The moment the words left her mouth, tears trailed down her cheeks, making her look incredibly pitiful.
Shang Yuanlan did not see that coming. He quickly explained, "What? So you don't like Xiang Shaoyun? Fine, forget it then. Just pretend I hadn't said anything."
Shang Yuanlan had heard of Xiang Shaoyun's freakish physique from his son. Coincidentally, his daughter had suddenly brought that freak back home. He had assumed that his daughter had actually taken a liking to Xiang Shaoyun. It would seem like he had been making his conclusion too early.
Shang Yafang stopped tearing and asked, "Father, y-you're going to match me with Xiang Shaoyun?"
"Hehe, that was the plan. I heard from your big brother that Xiang Shaoyun is an outstanding young man. But since my daughter doesn't like him, for you, I won't," said Shang Yuanlan.
A bashful look covered Shang Yafang's face as she said softly, "Father, i-if it's him, I c-can give it a try."
By the time she finished her sentence, her face had turned completely red, and she no longer dared to meet her father's eyes.
When Shang Yuanlan saw his daughter's expression, he laughed heartily and said, "Haha, very well. Bring him to me. Let me see just what's so special about this kid to be able to attract even my daughter."
At that, Shang Yafang jogged away, her heart thumping heavily with embarrassment as she thought to herself, What is wrong with me today? Have I gone mad?
After calming herself down, she returned to Xiang Shaoyun's guest house. She found that Xiang Shaoyun had already taken a bath and was dressed in a new clean outfit. Looking at the clean and smart Xiang Shaoyun exuding a graceful temperament, she could almost picture a halo hovering around him. She stared at him in a daze.
His long hair drifted about freely, his person radiating confidence and a carefree bearing. His eyes were bright, and his perfectly proportionate figure seemed to contain boundless power, making him look incredibly noble and handsome. He was the kind of man that women of all ages would love.
"Why? Is there something on my face?" asked Xiang Shaoyun as he rubbed his face.
Only then did Shang Yafang recover from her daze. Too shy to meet his eyes, she said, "My father is inviting you over."
"Sure. That's what I have in mind as well," answered Xi
ang Shaoyun. He then left with Shang Yafang.
Along the way, Shang Yafang grew more and more nervous until she finally said, "Whatever my father is going to say later, please don't take him seriously."
Xiang Shaoyun had no idea what she was talking about, so he nodded. "Alright."
Soon, they reached Shang Yuanlan's place, and Shang Yuanlan was personally waiting at the door. The sight shocked many Shang Clan members, piquing their curiosity as to who Xiang Shaoyun was. After all, he was a young man whom their future patriarch was personally receiving.
"This must be young Xiang Shaoyun. You are indeed an outstanding individual. I am Shang Yuanlan, Shang Jifeng's father," greeted Shang Yuanlan the moment he saw Xiang Shaoyun.
Somewhat shocked by the politeness, Xiang Shaoyun quickly offered a salute and said, "This kid is Xiang Shaoyun. Sorry for keeping you waiting, uncle."
"Haha, I am the host, and you are the guest. There is nothing to be sorry about. Come, let's have a talk. I heard that Shang Jifeng had gotten himself a boss. He has the utmost respect for you, you know?" said Shang Yuanlan with a chortle.
The amount of politeness Shang Yuanlan was showing a junior displayed his strong frame of mind, and it earned Xiang Shaoyun's respect.
After entering the building, Xiang Shaoyun said, "Jifeng has been too polite. It's just some minor conflicts between us fellow disciples of the academy. You don't have to take the stories too seriously, uncle. By the way, Jifeng should have talked to you about the trouble I was in, right?"
"Yes. I was just about to ask why you two didn't come back together," asked Shang Yuanlan with a nod.
An awkward look covered Xiang Shaoyun's face as he answered, "I didn't manage to wait until he was there. Something changed, so I was forced to make a move first. I was then forced to leave Nisha Range, so I might have missed Shang Jifeng's group. That is why I came straight here, so he wouldn't get too worried about me."
"I see. Well, just stay here for a couple of days. Get Yafang to show you around," said Shang Yuanlan. "Young Shaoyun, are you married?"
The completely random question caught Xiang Shaoyun by surprise. He answered honestly, "No."