I Am Overlord c1-962
Page 322
From Liang Zhuangmin, Xiang Shaoyun learned about what had happened to Gong Qinyin, Hua Honglou, Zi Changhe, and the others.
Gong Qinyin was a woman he had known during his time at the Martial Hall Palace. There was initially a misunderstanding between them, but they eventually grew to become close friends. He had also given her a promise that if she could enter the Emperor Realm in 10 years, he would allow her to become his woman.
Before Liang Zhuangmin left the Cloud Margin Pavilion, Gong Qinyin had started cultivating the dao of the zither. She was holed up in seclusion, and he did not know much about her progress.
However, she had an excellent master, Hua Cheng, so she had most likely entered the Skysoar Realm by now.
As for Hua Honglou, she had successfully entered the Skysoar Realm after returning to the Cloud Margin Pavilion from the Land of Soul Springs. However, she had been depressed due to Xiang Shaoyun's departure, and before Liang Zhuangmin left, she even reminded him that if he encountered Xiang Shaoyun during his travels, he should tell Xiang Shaoyun to return and visit her. Otherwise, she would give him a hard time when they met in the future.
As for Zi Changhe, he was now an elder of Cloud Margin Pavilion. He seemed to have decent prospects, but since Liang Zhuangmin wasn't close with Zi Changhe, he only knew that Zi Changhe had received the care of the pavilion master. Thus, Zi Changhe would probably live a good life in the pavilion.
Those three were the only ones Xiang Shaoyun cared about in the Cloud Margin Pavilion. After all, Xia Liuhui and Lu Xiaoqing had both already left the pavilion. Liang Zhuangmin had no news about them.
When thinking of Gong Qinyin and Hua Honglou, Xiang Shaoyun had a gentle smile on his face. He looked forward to seeing them again. Perhaps he was now stronger than them, but they still had a significant status in his heart.
Xiang Shaoyun also told Liang Zhuangmin about what he had encountered in recent years, causing Liang Zhuangmin to lament that Xiang Shaoyun's life was much more exciting.
"Big brother, you don't seem confident about sister-in-law? This is not like you!" Xiang Shaoyun shifted the topic.
Liang Zhuangmin had a bitter smile as he said, "Zhijun is much stronger than me. I'm not a worthy partner for her."
Xiang Shaoyun could sense that Wu Zhijun was a fourth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, while Liang Zhuangmin was only a peak King. The gap between the two was rather large. Liang Zhuangmin's lack of confidence was understandable. He could also guess that Wu Zhijun probably had a prominent background.
"Even if you're not worthy of her now, it will not stay that way forever. In any case, she does not seem to have the intention to reject you. I believe she likes you as well, and she's only afraid that you will be pressured, so she hasn't said anything. If you can catch up with her, she will definitely become my sister-in-law for real," Xiang Shaoyun consoled.
"I don't even know how long it will take for me to become an Emperor. I really don't have any confidence," said Liang Zhuangmin gloomily.
"Don't worry, big brother. With me here, I will help you catch up to her in the shortest time possible," Xiang Shaoyun encouraged.
"You have a way to help me enter the Dragon Ascension Realm?" Liang Zhuangmin asked curiously.
"Of course, but I suggest that you not be in a rush to break through. Suppress your cultivation for a bit and take the opportunity to comprehend the profundity of earth first. Here at the Holy Earth Hall, the power of earth is thick. This is a suitable place for you to cultivate," said Xiang Shaoyun. He took out a storage ring and handed it over. There were some gleamstar water, dragon liquid, and emperor-grade earth elemental materials inside. These items would be enough to help Liang Zhuangmin enter the Dragon Ascension Realm in a short time frame.
Liang Zhuangmin was overjoyed when he saw the contents of the ring. A somewhat embarrassed look covered his face as he said, "Brother Yun, these treasures are too valuable. I can't accept them."
"We are brothers. Don't worry. I have plenty more," said Xiang Shaoyun nonchalantly.
Liang Zhuangmin did not stand on ceremony and engraved his gratitude in his heart, hoping to one day repay Xiang Shaoyun. While the two chatted, Old Urchin returned.
This time, he was here with a task for Xiang Shaoyun.
Chapter 792: Lawless and Unbridled
"Come on, kid. Time to get my task for you done," said Old Urchin.
"Senior Urchin, can you tell me what the task is now?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.
"You will know when you're there," said Old Urchin.
When Xiang Shaoyun saw that Old Urchin was still unwilling to tell, he was helpless. After telling Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun about it, he left with Old Urchin. As usual, Old Urchin had Xiang Shaoyun drive the donkey carriage while he rested inside.
Filled with shame, Xiang Shaoyun sang the Great Donkey Driving Technique song, not daring to meet anyone's gaze. Old donkey knew where Old Urchin wanted to go, so Xiang Shaoyun did not even need to point the direction. In a leisurely fashion, he pulled the carriage to their destination.
Before long, Xiang Shaoyun saw the Holy Hall. Inwardly, he was alarmed, What a majestic palace. Is this the main base of the Holy Hall?
Unsurprisingly, the old donkey headed straight to the palace's entrance. The imposing aura surrounding the palace gave Xiang Shaoyun a shock.
This palace was even more majestic than many buildings in the Dragon Phoenix Academy. It also had a simple yet ancient aura around it, as if this palace was a product of the long passage of time.
Xiang Shaoyun immediately recalled the flawless young lady he had met before. He was confident she was an important individual residing in the palace. Ignoring the strict security, the old donkey strode right inside. In fact, the guards were even deferentially saluting the carriage. Old Urchin's status here was evident.
After entering, they first arrived at a garden courtyard. Numerous side palaces of different styles could be seen, with the main palace located right in front of them. The perfectly straight stone pathway connecting to the main palace was framed on two sides by 108 guards, giving it a solemn and dignified feeling.
Here, the old donkey was finally stopped by the guards.
"Entry into the Holy Hall is not allowed!" a guard shouted.
Old Urchin sat up and shouted, "You bastard, do you not recognize this elder?"
The guard saluted Old Urchin and pointed at Xiang Shaoyun, saying, "Elder, you may enter, but he can't."
"Audacious! He is my honored guest. Why can't he enter?" Old Urchin roared as a powerful aura crushed forth at the guard.
Like a kite with a broken string, the guard was sent flying. This was an important location of the Holy Hall. Combat was prohibited, more so for anything that could cause injury. Breaking this rule was punishable with death, yet Old Urchin had ignored the rule and had injured a guard directly.
Even Xiang Shaoyun was having an odd feeling as he thought, Is Old Urchin here to create trouble?
The other guards became nervous, not knowing what to do.
At this time, a voice rang out from above them, "Old Urchin, you're going overboard."
A figure appeared before the carriage like a phantom. Xiang Shaoyun was unable to see how the person had arrived. It was as though he had appeared out of thin air.
"Hehe, who do you think you are? It's not your place to criticize me. I, Old Urchin, have only left for a few years. The moment I come back, you try to give me a show of power? You're really capable, number seven," said Old Urchin with a disdainful smile on his face.
The old man before them was the seventh elder, responsible for the security of the Holy Hall. He had 18 commanders under him.
The seventh elder's face contorted as he said, "Old Urchin, you are disregarding the Holy Hall's rules. You have committed the crime of disrespect toward the hall master!"
"Ok. You may piss off now. I'll go inside right now and see if the hall master is of the opinion that I have committed a crime," replied Old Urchin unyield
ingly.
At that, the old donkey continued walking forward. Fury was apparent in the seventh elder's eyes. He had never expected that the Old Urchin would show him so little respect before so many guards.
Old Urchin met the seventh elder's gaze and said, "What? Are you thinking of having a spar with me? Just with that tiny strength you have, you want to pick a quarrel with me?"
After a slight hesitation, the seventh elder snorted, "This is an important place. I won't fight recklessly here."
He then turned and left without looking back.
Old Urchin sneered, "Hah, you think I, Old Urchin, is a wimp? When I was peeing in the Holy Hall, you were still playing with mud!"
Xiang Shaoyun stealthily gave Old Urchin a thumbs up as he thought inwardly, Truly a lawless and unbridled individual. If I have his strength, I can act so fearlessly as well!
Old Urchin looked at Xiang Shaoyun and said smugly, "What do you think, kid? Don't you think I look so cool?"
Xiang Shaoyun laughed dryly, "Indeed."
"Then you need to learn from me. Don't embarrass me," said Old Urchin proudly. By this time, they had arrived right in front of the main palace.
The old donkey stopped there, not daring to step inside. Xiang Shaoyun got off the carriage and followed Old Urchin inside. Old Urchin walked with his head held high and an air of arrogance around him, as though he was afraid nobody would notice him.
As for Xiang Shaoyun, he tried his best to maintain a low profile. He would occasionally steal glances at his surroundings, and what he saw greatly shocked him.
The palace was extremely expansive and luxurious. The walls were decorated with numerous sparkling and translucent mineral statues. The statues were dazzling, ancient, and filled with a sense of mystery. More than ten pillars of over 100 meters in height formed the skeleton of the palace, while tens of majestic golden seats were spread on the left and right sides of the hall.
The main hall was already filled with a large crowd, and seated beside the main seat at the middle of the hall was a noble woman with a veil. Only her eyes were revealed, and her amber pupils seemed capable of pulling everyone in. Her tall, slim, and curvy figure was flawless.
Many of the golden seats were occupied, their auras undetectable. At this moment, their gazes landed on Old Urchin and Xiang Shaoyun.
"Grandpa Urchin, you're here," greeted the woman seated beside the main seat before Old Urchin could say anything.
Without a doubt, this woman was the same woman Old Urchin had brought back some time ago. She was Tuoba Wan'er, the sole granddaughter of the current hall master.
"Um. If I'm still not here, some people will start bullying you," said Old Urchin gently.
"Old Urchin, what is the meaning of this?" asked the third elder, who was seated at the second seat of honor to the left side of the hall.
Chapter 793: War of Words
"Hehe, I haven't even mentioned any names, yet someone is already jumping out? Excellent!" Old Urchin laughed. He gave the third elder his middle finger and said, "Hu Yanbo, who do you think you are? I am precisely speaking of you. You dare force the young lady to get married? Are you eying the hall master's position since he is in seclusion?"
Hu Yanbo stood up and roared indignantly, "Old Urchin, don't you dare slander me!"
"Why are you in such a rush to speak out, then? And if you aren't feeling guilty, why is your reaction so intense?" questioned Old Urchin.
"I merely cannot stand your crazy antics. I heard you even harmed a guard on your way in. You are truly lawless! Elders, please execute judgment for his actions!" Hu Yanbo demanded loudly.
The seventh elder, Sha Hanbiao, agreed, "That's right. He is completely disregarding the rules. He needs to be heavily punished."
A few other elders also voiced their agreement. Obviously, Old Urchin did not enjoy much popularity. Xiang Shaoyun could also see that Old Urchin was in a bad position. He started getting nervous as he thought, If this geezer is here to create trouble, he shouldn't have brought me with him!
Old Urchin scanned the elders before roaring with laughter, "Hahaha, you cowards. If you are really that capable, come arrest me. All of you can come together. You think I'm afraid of you guys?"
He stopped laughing, and an insanely terrifying aura erupted from his body. A heavy pressure fell upon everyone present, making them suffocate. The elders all had extraordinary strength, but by himself, Old Urchin was actually capable of suppressing them. It was evident how terrifying his strength was.
"Enough, we still have honored guests here. Are you not embarrassed to get into an internal conflict before them?" an aged voice rang out.
The speaker was the person seated on the first seat to the right. He looked like a senile old man, yet his eyes exuded a sharp glint. With a snake staff in hand, he exuded a dreadful aura.
This person was the first elder of the Holy Hall, number one beneath the hall master in authority. As for Old Urchin, he was in truth the second elder. His position was lower than the first elder, and from that, one could see just how strong the first elder was.
Old Urchin also withdrew his aura and sat down in his seat. He crossed his legs, looking rather lackadaisical. Xiang Shaoyun tried to follow, but he had only taken two steps when someone asked, "Old Urchin, who is this kid? Why are you bringing him to the hall?"
It was unknown who had asked the question, but it was enough to fill Xiang Shaoyun with nervousness. He couldn't even sense the strength of most of the people present. They were definitely freakishly strong experts. Any carelessness and he would be easily pinched to death.
"He is my honored guest. What are you waiting for? Offer him a seat," said Old Urchin unhappily.
"Old Urchin, what kind of honored guest can a mere third-stage Dragon Ascension Realm kid be? Are you joking with us?" said the third elder, Hu Yanbo.
"Only you can invite guests, and I can't? Are you stupid?" Old Urchin scolded. He looked at the first elder and said, "Boss, I'm not kidding. This kid is my candidate to challenge the three trials. Even if you are unwilling, you will have to allow this. Without the hall master around, both of us have the authority to do some things for the young lady."
"With his strength, aren't you being too casual about this?" said the first elder unhappily after shooting Xiang Shaoyun a glance.
"We'll let the young lady decide, then," said Old Urchin.
Tuoba Wan'er hesitated slightly before she said, "I'll follow Grandpa Urchin's suggestion."
Of the many elders present, she was the closest with Old Urchin. Although she had no idea what he was trying to do, she was confident he wouldn't harm her.
"I knew it. The young lady is wise," said Old Urchin. He then shouted at the guard, "What are you waiting for? Get a seat for him!"
The guard did not dare to tarry and quickly carried a golden seat over for Xiang Shaoyun. A table was also placed before the seat, and the guard only left after serving some spirit fruits on the table.
The moment Xiang Shaoyun sat down, he sensed a pair of sharp eyes focusing on him. He raised his head and found that a handsome purple-haired youth was looking at him. That person's face was filled with haughtiness, and his eyes were filled with enmity.
Xiang Shaoyun had no clue what was happening, but he did not show any weakness. He glared back at him before he started eating the fruits on the table.
"Ok. Let's return to the topic. This time, all the elders are summoned so we can talk about the Holy Hall's son-in-law. Based on our past experiences, the son-in-law would usually be the most talented youth of the Holy Earth Hall. But before the hall master entered seclusion, he told us to form more connections with the outside world to build a network of beneficial exchanges with outside organizations. Thus, this time, we will be selecting the son-in-law from the outside world as well," said the first elder solemnly.
He looked at the young man opposite Xiang Shaoyun and said, "The third elder and many other elders had discovered an outside genius, Xiang Zixuan. He hails f
rom the ancient Xiang Clan of the Western Desert. Does everyone agree with this?"
Xiang Zixuan stood up and saluted the elders present, "Xiang Zixuan greets the lords."
He was neither servile nor overbearing, showcasing the grace of someone from a major clan. Xiang Shaoyun had not expected that this young man was actually someone from the Xiang Clan. His gaze turned cold.
His father once told him they were the descendants of the Xiang Clan as well. But due to some unique reasons, his father had to leave the clan, and because of that, Xiang Shaoyun never had a favorable opinion of the clan.
"Xiang Zixuan is a young genius I had personally tested. He is not even 40 years old yet, but he is already a Soul Foundation Realm cultivator. Not only is he brave and good at combat, he is also wise and resourceful. He will be the perfect match for the young lady," said Hu Yanbo.
Sha Hanbiao added, "That's right. Xiang Zixuan is also capable of fighting those three stages above him. This is a rare talent, and both he and the young lady are akin to a match made in heaven."
The other elders looked pleased as well, seemingly finding this future son-in-law agreeable to have.
At this time, Old Urchin said, "This kid looks fancy on the outside, but he is spoiled on the inside. How is he worthy of the young lady?"
Chapter 794: This Has Nothing to Do With Me
"Old Urchin, what exactly are you trying to do?" Hu Yanbo shouted gloomily.
"I'm not trying to do anything. I simply don't think this kid is a good match for the young lady. Am I not qualified to voice my objections?" replied Old Urchin.
"You are obviously trying to create trouble," said Hu Yanbo furiously.
"Say whatever you want. You guys brought a kid here out of nowhere. Are you not afraid of leading a wolf into the house? What you did is against the hall master's original goals," said Old Urchin with a sigh. He looked at Tuoba Wan'er and said, "The young lady has the right of opinion in regard to this as well, yet all of you came to this decision without even consulting her. You are treating the young lady with complete disrespect!"