by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
With Xiang Shaoyun admitting defeat before so many people, Xiao Xie had no reason to keep bothering him. Thus, he could only watch as Xiang Shaoyun left for the teleportation formation.
That kid is still hiding his trump cards, Xiao Xie thought to himself with an incomparable certainty.
He was supposed to be happy due to his victory, but he couldn't bring himself to feel any sort of joy. His entire mind was filled with the sight of Xiang Shaoyun being chased by the dark bats before they all mysteriously vanished. How had Xiang Shaoyun been defeated without even using an ability that powerful?
"No, I need to fight him again. But I'll wait until he catches up with me in terms of cultivation level," decided Xiao Xie. As for the other disciples, a huge commotion had arisen.
"Xiang Shaoyun has conceded! Is nine powers a joke?"
"The hell do you know? Xiang Shaoyun is only a second-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. Xiao Xie is at least a fifth-stage. The gap between them is too big. For him to have such a close fight, the defeat was glorious."
"That's right. If Xiang Shaoyun's cultivation level was a stage or two higher, this battle would probably have a different result. Moreover, Xiang Shaoyun is a few years younger than Xiao Xie. His potential is practically boundless."
"Looks like the Di Alliance is going to be in trouble. They had provoked the Overlord Legion, and now, their overlord has returned. I wonder if that Young Master Di from the Di Alliance can suppress Xiang Shaoyun."
"With this battle, Xiang Shaoyun is already qualified to enter the top 20 of the Dragon Phoenix List."
Chapter 674: I'll Remember the Humiliation Today
Xiang Shaoyun couldn't be bothered about what others thought of him. His only goal was to return to the academy as quickly as possible. He had been away for too long. He needed to find out what had happened during his absence.
As for the result of the battle earlier, he would treat it as a lesson. It wouldn't be too late for him to get back at Xiao Xie after he caught up in strength.
When Xiang Shaoyun neared the teleportation formation, someone came for him.
The newcomer was an inconspicuous old man. He was dressed in a black robe, and his hands were clasped behind his back as he studied Xiang Shaoyun with a pair of cold eyes. The old man was Yu Yuchen, the elder in charge of guarding the Castle of Darkness.
In the Dragon Phoenix Academy, those capable of becoming an elder were all in the Heaven Battling Realm. Thus, it was obvious this elder had a deep and unmeasurable strength. From the symbol on Yu Yuchen's clothes, Xiang Shaoyun could see he was an elder. He quickly saluted and offered his greetings, "Xiang Shaoyun greets the elder."
"Come with me," Yu Yuchen said expressionlessly before walking in a different direction.
Xiang Shaoyun did not dare to tarry and quickly followed. Soon, they arrived at an inconspicuous building.
There, Yu Yuchen turned back and looked at Xiang Shaoyun, "How had you appeared in the ancient castle? And how had you left?"
He stared at Xiang Shaoyun with a pair of oppressive eyes, seemingly intent on making him speak the truth.
Xiang Shaoyun did not know what to say. Even if he exposed his chakram, was he supposed to talk about the Scarlet Flame Monarch as well?
After a short thought, he said, "Elder, can I not answer that question?"
Everyone had their own secret, and since he couldn't think of an excuse, he might as well not say anything. Sure, thoughts of telling a lie crossed his mind. But would this person before him be someone who would fall for lies easily? He might as well be direct and show his reluctance.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Yu Yuchen released a powerful pressure that wrapped around Xiang Shaoyun. The pressure gave Xiang Shaoyun a suffocating feeling, as if a mountain was bearing down on him. He was forced to bend, and even his flow of blood turned chaotic.
Yu Yuchen said, "Do you know that I have many methods to make you tell the truth? Which of my methods do you want to try?"
His words were laced with threat, and the oppressive force he emanated was dreadful, as if he was going to break Xiang Shaoyun's spine with the pressure.
Sphhlt!
Finally, Xiang Shaoyun couldn't hold it anymore and coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Inwardly, he lamented, What a terrible life I have.
He had been very unlucky as of late. First, he was set up by the Di Alliance. Next, he was threatened by three of the Seven Villains. And then, he was trapped in the space of endless darkness. With great difficulty, he escaped only to be injured by the Scarlet Flame Monarch. And then, he was challenged by Xiao Xie. Now, even the academy elder was here to bully him. How unfair were the heavens?
In his bitterness, Xiang Shaoyun shut his eyes, deciding to just accept whatever fate had in store for him. He was completely helpless against the elder anyway.
Yu Yuchen had expected that Xiang Shaoyun would struggle unyieldingly. He had intentionally controlled his strength, not intending to kill. To his surprise, Xiang Shaoyun had simply accepted his fate. Where was the unyielding character a genius was supposed to have?
"You think I wouldn't dare to touch you?" Yu Yuchen asked, his tone turning sinister.
Xiang Shaoyun gave no reply. It was pointless to say anything. He might as well not waste his breath.
When Yu Yuchen saw how Xiang Shaoyun behaved, he was at a loss as to what to do. Although he had threatened to kill Xiang Shaoyun, he still had his misgivings. In fact, what he was doing now was already against the academy's principles. Elders were not supposed to interfere in the affairs of disciples, barring special circumstances that allowed interference.
He hadn't been able to keep himself in check and had violated the rule mainly because Xiang Shaoyun had been able to escape the keep unscathed. Yu Yuchen himself had personally checked the keep earlier, but he had found nothing, which made him curious.
"Good. Very good. Scram, and don't let me see you here again. Otherwise, I will make sure to search your soul and cripple you," said Yu Yuchen with an annoyed tone as he kicked Xiang Shaoyun away.
Bang!
A massive force rippled within Xiang Shaoyun's body as he coughed a copious amount of blood. He crashed heavily about 100 meters away, cutting a miserable figure. The pain placed him in intense suffering. He could sense that his organs were cracking apart, and half his ribs had broken.
The kick hadn't killed him, but he was not far away from death. Without wasting any time, he refined a drop of lightning liquid and an emperor-grade spring liquid to heal his injuries.
He struggled back onto his feet, and without even looking at the elder, he swore inwardly, I'll remember the humiliation today.
He had not imagined that an elder of the academy would wantonly act in accordance to his own wishes. Xiang Shaoyun felt a great sense of injustice. He was clear that only strength speaks. Without strength, everything else meant nothing. If Xiang Shaoyun was a Heaven Battling Realm cultivator, that elder probably wouldn't even dare to raise his voice before him.
Looking at Xiang Shaoyun wobbling away, Yu Yuchen suddenly felt a sense of remorse. He had the sensation that offending Xiang Shaoyun just then was extremely unwise, and he was vexed that he hadn't finished off the young man.
Forget it. I have been too rash today, Yu Yuchen sighed inwardly.
Xiang Shaoyun finally arrived at the teleportation formation, and he used it to leave. By the time he arrived at the Dragon Phoenix Academy, he was relieved. Even so, his footing wasn't stable, and he nearly collapsed to the ground. He clenched his teeth and forced himself to remain standing as he slowly walked away.
The overseer on duty was flabbergasted. "Why is that fellow not coming to retrieve his jade plate?"
Only when Xiang Shaoyun left did the overseer realize something, "No, when did that fellow enter the Castle of Darkness? Why am I not aware of it? I don't have his jade plate with me!"
He hesitated for a bit but ultimately decided not to pursue the matter. Since so
meone could enter the Castle of Darkness without him realizing it, it was a testament to that person's capability. On the other hand, it was also a sign that the overseer had not performed his job well. If he made a fuss, he would be punished for it. That wasn't worth it, so he might as well pretend he hadn't seen anything.
And thus, Xiang Shaoyun escaped further trouble. But before he could return to his villa, he encountered Huang Xiaoyue. She was still dressed in the same luxurious outfit that would attract gazes everywhere she went.
When she saw Xiang Shaoyun, she immediately rushed over and shouted, "Xiang Shaoyun, this princess has been looking for you for a long time! Come, become my number one guard already!"
Chapter 675: Let Me Help You Back
Huang Xiaoyue was innocent and adorable and was born with an innate noble disposition. Thus, she was one of the most popular young ladies in the academy. In fact, her popularity was second only to Yu Caidie and Han Chenfei.
One could say that numerous academy disciples wished to have a beautiful romance with this princess and eventually obtain the backing of a super organization like the Dusk Dynasty.
Alas, Huang Xiaoyue only looked innocent, but she was actually unruly and willful. Her temper was not one any man could stand. More importantly, she had never shown any man interest.
However, she seemed to favor Xiang Shaoyun. The moment she saw him, she rushed to his side.
Xiang Shaoyun felt his head ache when he saw her, but he couldn't even run if he wanted to.
"Princess, please stop joking with me," said Xiang Shaoyun, his face pale.
It was unknown if Huang Xiaoyue was merely unobservant, but she had not noticed Xiang Shaoyun's abnormality. The moment she arrived before him, her fist shot toward his chest as she said, "If you don't agree to be my number one guard today, I will teach you a lesson!"
The force behind her punch was not small, and with Xiang Shaoyun completely defenseless, he was sent flying. Crimson blood trailed down from the corner of his lips, making him look incredibly miserable.
"What's wrong with you? Just that light punch is enough to injure you? Are you pretending in front of me?" shouted Huang Xiaoyue unhappily.
Xiang Shaoyun did not say anything. Instead, he silently struggled back to his feet, his face grave.
Only then did Huang Xiaoyue notice his true condition. An anxious look covered her face as she said, "Y-you were injured! I-I didn't mean it..."
"Enough. Just get out of my face," Xiang Shaoyun said furiously.
He had always been considerate when it came to Huang Xiaoyue, but this time, he couldn't hold his anger. The fury in his eyes caused Huang Xiaoyue to shiver, and she quickly took several steps back.
A white knight by her side stepped forth and shouted, "You dare raise your voice at the princess? Are you tired of liv—"
Before he could finish his words, Xiang Shaoyun vanished. By the time he reappeared, his hand was already wrapped around the man's throat.
"Piss off!" Xiang Shaoyun roared and flung him away.
That person was also a second-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, yet he was completely helpless before a gravely injured Xiang Shaoyun. That person had completely underestimated Xiang Shaoyun before he showed his might.
After tossing the man away, Xiang Shaoyun ignored Huang Xiaoyue and continued his journey back to his villa, stumbling ahead with great difficulty.
When Huang Xiaoyue saw his unsteady steps, a sense of sorrow arose within her. Without any hesitation, she chased after him and said, "Let me help you back."
A person of her nobility was actually taking the initiative to help someone walk.
But since Xiang Shaoyun was still in a bad mood, he rejected her without hesitation. He avoided her hands and said, "No thanks."
Then, he hastened his steps. Huang Xiaoyue's eyes grew misty as she gazed at his back. This was the very first time she had been rejected in this manner.
"Princess, why waste any time on someone who has destroyed his own future like that?" someone stepped forth and advised.
"Scram! All of you, scram!" Huang Xiaoyue flipped out at the people around her. She then stomped off.
...
When Xiang Shaoyun arrived near his villa, someone from the Overlord Legion finally noticed him. They quickly helped him back. The Overlord Legion members grew excited upon learning of his return. But when they learned of his injuries, they couldn't bring themselves to feel any joy.
Zhuge Zhantian immediately emptied the cultivation room and let Xiang Shaoyun recuperate inside. Before long, a majority of the Overlord Legion members were gathered at 1 Dragon Villa. Tang Longfei, Shang Jifeng, Lady Shura, Zhuge Zhantian, Ma Qihao, Li Haonan, Shou Xie, Yan Gang, Zhong Xia, and the others arrived one after another.
"Zhantian, how is the overlord's situation?" Tang Longfei asked.
Of these people, only Zhuge Zhantian and Ma Qihao were allowed to reside within 1 Dragon Villa. Both were handpicked by Xiang Shaoyun himself, and they were the ones who knew Xiang Shaoyun's current condition best.
"I don't know either. When the overlord arrived, he was already badly injured, so I sent him right into the cultivation room to recuperate," said Zhuge Zhantian.
"When I came, I heard that Huang Xiaoyue was the one who had injured the overlord," Li Haonan said.
"Impossible. With Huang Xiaoyue's strength, how can she even harm the overlord?" Shang Jifeng was the first to voice his doubt.
"That's right. I don't believe that either," Lady Shura added.
"I think everyone should calm down first. Just wait until the overlord is done recuperating. We will then know everything," Zhuge Zhantian said calmly.
The others nodded in agreement. Instead of leaving, they stayed and waited. About half a day later, an Overlord Legion member arrived in anger.
"Brothers, the overlord was defeated by Xiao Xie at the Castle of Darkness," said that person the moment he stepped into the villa. When the others heard his words, they finally understood the reason for Xiang Shaoyun's injuries.
"So Xiao Xie was the one who had injured the overlord. No wonder...," said Ma Qihao with a sigh.
Xiao Xie was one of the top 10 disciples on the Dragon Phoenix List. Few could match him in the academy.
"Wu Dong, tell us more. What happened exactly?" Tang Longfei asked.
Wu Dong then narrated everything he had heard from those in the Castle of Darkness. He wasn't there during the battle. When he had arrived, the battle was already over. After gathering news from the other disciples in the Castle of Darkness, he quickly left and returned to the Overlord Legion. In truth, he was here to personally bear witness to their great overlord. He was one of the newly recruited members and had never met Xiang Shaoyun.
"You're saying the overlord was matched evenly with Xiao Xie but eventually conceded?" asked Zhuge Zhantian.
"Yes. That was what everyone told me. They actually fought to a standstill, but the overlord seemed to feel lacking in strength to continue the fight, so he conceded. Even though it was a defeat, it was a glorious defeat," said Wu Dong in excitement.
"If that was the case, the overlord shouldn't have suffered such heavy injuries," Shou Xie said.
"Can it be that he had only been suppressing his injuries, and Huang Xiaoyue's attack had exacerbated his injuries, causing them to turn serious?" Yan Gang guessed.
"That's possible! Damn that Huang Xiaoyue!" Tang Longfei said furiously. It was at that moment that Huang Xiaoyue arrived with Huang Tianji.
Chapter 676: Beauties Arriving in Succession
The arrival of Huang Xiaoyue and Huang Tianji caused the Overlord Legion members to rush toward the entrance.
Tang Longfei pointed at Huang Xiaoyue and scolded without holding anything back, "You dare show your face here?"
Tang Longfei and Xiang Shaoyun were akin to brothers. Hence, his anger over Xiang Shaoyun's injuries was understandable.
Huang Tianji frowned before saying, "Put your hand down. We're here to apologize
."
A mighty aura unfurled from Huang Tianji, suppressing Tang Longfei's momentum. Everyone there had a feeling that a massive dragon was coiled above them, causing them to suffocate. That was the strength belonging to one of the top 10 freaks. In fact, Huang Tianji was ranked higher than Xiao Xie, and his strength was evident.
"The Overlord Legion can not be lacking in manners. Both guests, please enter," Zhuge Zhantian said, displaying his skills as a butler.
At that, the Overlord Legion people moved aside, allowing the two to enter. Huang Xiaoyue showed no fear and entered with Huang Xiaoyue in tow. Inside, Huang Xiaoyue looked around without stop, as if she was looking for someone.
After getting someone to serve them tea, Zhuge Zhantian asked, "What brings you to 1 Dragon Villa, I wonder?"
"I'm here to apologize to Xiang Shaoyun. I wasn't aware that he was injured and had added to his injuries. It wasn't deliberate," said Huang Xiaoyue.
She spoke with a pitiful look on her face, a look capable of evoking others' sympathy. When the people there heard her apology, the anger on their faces eased. After all, she hadn't deliberately exacerbated Xiang Shaoyun's injuries and had even come to apologize. It wouldn't be proper if they kept pressing her.
"Only the overlord can give an answer to your apology," said Zhuge Zhantian.
"Is he recuperating in seclusion? We'll wait here, then," said Huang Tianji.
He was showing a lot of sincerity, and it made the Overlord Legion members feel much better. After all, Huang Tianji was a top 10 genius on the Dragon Phoenix List. It was rare for someone like him to display such humility. Of course, it also showed how much he cared for his little sister.
And thus, Huang Tianji and Huang Xiaoyue joined the ranks of those waiting for Xiang Shaoyun's recovery at 1 Dragon Villa. But before long, others arrived to visit Xiang Shaoyun as well. The newcomers were Han Chenfei, Han Qianwei, and Han Xuewei from 2 Phoenix Villa.
Han Chenfei was as graceful as a snow lotus. Her fair skin, which was sparkling and translucent, evoked a sense of closeness in anyone who laid eyes on her. But at the same time, she also emanated a frosty aura, one that seemed to be constantly pushing others away.