I Am Overlord c1-962

by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu

  After washing up, Xiang Shaoyun went with them to the side hall. Following behind them, he looked at their swaying rears. He was no longer as stimulated as before, and he now treated them as mere beautiful and pleasing scenery. Of course, it was undeniable that being attended to by two beauties like them was pleasing.

  He soon arrived at the side hall. Tuoba Wan'er was already waiting there.

  Tuoba Wan'er gave Xiang Shaoyun a slight salute as she said, "Good morning, holy son-in-law."

  Xiang Shaoyun quickly saluted her back and said, "Young lady, you treat me with too much courtesy."

  "Holy son-in-law, you should start calling me wife, now," said Tuoba Wan'er.

  Chapter 807: Candid Honesty

  Xiang Shaoyun's mouth was wide agape, and he didn't know what to say. They had had an amiable conversation yesterday, but they were conversing as ordinary friends. However, from her current expression, it seemed like she was starting to take their relationship seriously.

  "What? Am I wrong?" Tuoba Wan'er asked, somewhat unhappy with Xiang Shaoyun's response.

  Xiang Shaoyun smiled helplessly. "Yes, you're right, wife."

  Since even she didn't mind being called that, what was there to hesitate for him?

  Tuoba Wan'er had not expected Xiang Shaoyun to change his attitude so fast, and she laughed a laugh so beautiful the world around her seemed to dim.

  Xiang Shaoyun sat down and started having breakfast with Tuoba Wan'er. As for the others, they tactfully withdrew from the room. The breakfast was extremely exquisite, consisting of some pastries, bland congee, and fresh tea. This was quite a unique combination of flavors that was enjoyable in its own way.

  For high-level cultivators like them, they could go more than 10 days without food. Of course, they still enjoyed the feeling of having a meal, especially when surrounded by such a serene environment.

  Xiang Shaoyun chewed his food in silence, thinking of a way to handle his relationship with Tuoba Wan'er. He found it hard to believe that Tuoba Wan'er had truly taken a liking for him. Perhaps he had merely sparked her curiosity, and she would get tired of him in a few days.

  At this time, Tuoba Wan'er reached for his face with a towel in hand. He instinctively wanted to move back, but she said, "Don't move. You have something on your mouth."

  Xiang Shaoyun stopped moving and allowed Tuoba Wan'er to gently wipe his mouth. Her face nearer to his than ever, he felt his heart thumping as an odd emotion started rising within him.

  "Done. You need to be careful when eating this pastry, or you will make a mess out of yourself," said Tuoba Wan'er.

  Xiang Shaoyun nodded. "Thanks."

  "There is no need for so much politeness between us," said Tuoba Wan'er with a smile. She lowered her head and resumed eating, but a blush had crept onto her cheeks. That was the very first time she had been so intimate with another man apart from her grandfather.

  When breakfast was over, the first elder appeared before them. A rare smile formed on his face as he said, "Greetings, young lady, holy son-in-law."

  "First grandpa, you are too courteous. Do you need anything?" Tuoba Wan'er asked.

  "I'm here to talk about the parade, to see if you want anything changed," said the first elder. He took out a book and handed it to Tuoba Wan'er.

  To his surprise, Tuoba Wan'er handed the book to Xiang Shaoyun and said, "Let the holy son-in-law deal with this. I'm fine with anything."

  The first elder's eyes lit up as he said, "You’re right. Take a look, holy son-in-law."

  Xiang Shaoyun blanked out momentarily before saying, "I don't really know much about this. First elder, just do as you see fit. I believe you can arrange it nicely. However, my parents are not around. Should we not delay this matter somewhat?"

  "The parade is not the wedding ceremony itself, so it doesn't matter if your parents aren't around. In any case, we will only hold the ceremony after the hall master leaves seclusion. It won't be too late to invite your parents then," the first elder gave an impeccable reply. It left Xiang Shaoyun with nothing to say and could only allow them to do as they wished.

  After the first elder left, Tuoba Wan'er proposed that Xiang Shaoyun play the zither for her. He had no reason to reject, so he did as told. Tuoba Wan'er was completely engrossed in the music, and her gaze when looking at Xiang Shaoyun became increasingly gentle.

  After playing a few songs in a row, Xiang Shaoyun stopped. He looked at Tuoba Wan'er with a solemn expression and asked, "Is this really how you want to live the rest of your life?"

  He had decided to lay all his cards on the table. He needed to have a proper talk with her before he could decide on his next course of action.

  Tuoba Wan'er's clear eyes blinked as she asked, "Don't you want this?"

  "No," Xiang Shaoyun replied firmly. The moment he said that, Tuoba Wan'er's eyes dimmed. Her face also paled somewhat, and just as she was about to say something, he spoke again, "I want to take you away and show you the world. I thought we had agreed on that yesterday? Why must we limit ourselves to only this place?"

  Color returned to Tuoba Wan'er's eyes as she said, "You're serious?"

  Xiang Shaoyun nodded. "Of course. Although our meeting is by sheer coincidence, if you don't mind having me around, I will also be willing to be your man and spend a lifetime caring for you. I can show you the world and give you a happier life. Naturally, you might think that this is merely a lie I cooked up in my attempt to escape. But I want you to know that I mean every word I said. How will I be willing to give up on a wife as beautiful as you? Of course, if you're unwilling to be with me, I won't force you either. But I still hope you can allow me to leave."

  Xiang Shaoyun had thought up many excuses and lies, but he ultimately decided that the truth was the best. That way, he would also be able to show Tuoba Wan'er just what kind of a man he was, letting her understand what he wanted to do. As for her choice, that would be up to her.

  Tuoba Wan'er stared at Xiang Shaoyun blankly, evidently not expecting him to suddenly say all that. For a moment, she was at a loss for words.

  The two looked face to face for a while before she looked away and sighed, "Actually, the moment you passed the three trials and obtained my grandfather's acknowledgment, our marriage became inevitable. It won't change unless I can persuade my grandfather to change his mind, but he never changes his mind easily. Before this, I did have the thought of persuading him after he left seclusion. But after our talk yesterday, I found myself unable to dislike you, even if your cultivation level is lower than mine and you are younger than me. You have seen much more of the world, and you have far greater ambitions. You can also play the zither well. I think I can try being with you. Perhaps we can really spend a lifetime together.

  "Nevertheless, you are right. You will leave this place sooner or later. That is something I need to face. Will you leave alone, or will I go with you? I also don't want to make things hard for others. This is a hard choice. Can you give me some time?"

  Xiang Shaoyun smiled. "Of course. I’m just glad I got to be honest with you."

  Chapter 808: Shameless Old Urchin

  After the talk, the two smiled gladly. They were akin to old friends who had known each other for a long time. The relationship between them had not cooled from the conversation. Rather, it became much more candid, and the initial barrier between the two had vanished.

  In the coming few days, they continued staying together all the time. Their relationship improved quickly, as though both were doing their best to adapt to their new identities.

  One day, Old Urchin finally showed himself.

  He brought Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun with him. As for Yang Lingdong, who had fallen under Xiang Shaoyun's control, he was left behind. Both Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun were still completely confused, not understanding what was going on.

  When they saw Xiang Shaoyun walking out with Tuoba Wan'er, their eyes lit up. When they saw Tuoba Wan'er, both were stunned by her captivating beauty.

 
"Big brother, sister-in-law, you're here," said Xiang Shaoyun happily.

  These days, he had been thinking of leaving the palace to visit them. But he was afraid of attracting trouble to them and had been conflicted as to what to do. Now that Old Urchin was bringing them here, he was very happy. But he also knew that he had most likely gotten Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun involved with his affairs once again.

  "Brother Yun," Liang Zhuangmin said, but he did not know what else to say. He had a lot of questions, but before outsiders, he couldn't voice them.

  "Holy son-in-law, I did a great job, right? Look how I brought your brother and sister-in-law here!" said Old Urchin smugly.

  "Thank you, Senior Urchin," said Xiang Shaoyun with a smile. He said to Tuoba Wan'er, "Wan'er, can you take care of my big brother and sister-in-law for a bit? I need to have a talk with Senior Urchin."

  Tuoba Wan'er nodded and smiled. "Big brother, sister-in-law, please come with me. I'll show you around."

  Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun still didn't know the relationship between this woman and Xiang Shaoyun, but they could only do as told.

  After they left, Xiang Shaoyun said, "Senior Urchin, I already completed your mission. What do you think you should do now?"

  "Mission? What are you talking about?" asked Old Urchin shamelessly.

  Xiang Shaoyun finally learned the extent of Old Urchin's shamelessness. He said, "Senior Urchin, you said yourself that you would help me leave after I complete your mission. What is the meaning of you bringing my big brother and sister-in-law here? Are you reneging on your words?"

  "Hey, hey, you're now the holy son-in-law. You can naturally leave any time you want. Nobody is stopping you," replied Old Urchin after taking a sip of tea.

  Xiang Shaoyun sank into a momentary silence before he said, "You're saying I can leave any time I want?"

  "Yes, you can leave this palace any time you want," answered Old Urchin.

  Xiang Shaoyun said gloomily, "Senior Urchin, can you be serious for once? If I really go ahead and complete the act of a man and woman with Wan'er, it will be too late to change anything."

  "Haha, that's even better! Excellent! That way, there will be some babies for me to look after. No, wait. Babies will shit and piss everywhere. I won't be able to look after them. Yes, this is a job for someone else," said Old Urchin, seemingly amused by his own ramblings.

  Xiang Shaoyun was speechless. He cursed inwardly, Why did I even let myself fall for this old bastard's scheme?

  Looking at how Old Urchin was behaving, it was clear Old Urchin didn't intend to fulfill his promise. There was nothing Xiang Shaoyun could do about it.

  Looking at Xiang Shaoyun's troubled expression, Old Urchin said unhappily, "Kid, learn to appreciate what you have. Our young lady is an unrivaled beauty. No men would dislike her. You're actually being all grumpy here? Do you want me to teach you a lesson? You think I won't dare to touch you now that you're the holy son-in-law?"

  Xiang Shaoyun laughed, "Hahaha. Come, then. Beat me up if you have the guts. Just watch out for what I will say in front of the hall master and first elder."

  "Kid, you think your position is all stable now?" said Old Urchin with a frown.

  "You're the one forcing my hand," said Xiang Shaoyun, assuming an equally shameless stance.

  "You think I'll be afraid of your threats? I, Old Urchin, am not afraid of anything! Nobody can scare me! You, kid, need to be taught a lesson," said Old Urchin as he pressed forth toward Xiang Shaoyun, preparing to attack.

  As a response, Xiang Shaoyun stood there, looking every bit someone willing to take everything coming his way.

  Old Urchin ultimately did not attack for real. Rather, he smiled. "Kid, you have backbone. But you're quite stupid. With your current identity, so long as you complete the marriage with the young lady and obtain a Holy Hall Token for yourself, you can easily leave anytime you want. What is the point of going against me?"

  Xiang Shaoyun had naturally thought of that solution long ago, but he did not wish to wait that long. He wouldn't have wasted his breath talking with Old Urchin otherwise.

  "Forget it. Seems like you're really an unreliable geezer. I'll have to think of something else," said Xiang Shaoyun as he shook his head.

  Old Urchin said unhappily, "Are you looking down on me?

  "Exactly. You don't seem that big of a deal in the Holy Earth Hall, after all."

  "Kid, you think you can make me work by reverse psychology? Dream on."

  "You think too highly of yourself. As you said, I am now the holy son-in-law. It won't be hard for me to leave this place in the future. Furthermore, Wan'er seems to like me as well. What are you for me? I was merely testing you earlier. You are as disappointing as I thought you would be."

  "Hahaha, I can take you out right this moment, and nobody will find out!"

  "What's so amazing with taking me out? If you're really so amazing, take my big brother and sister-in-law along as well."

  "You think I can't do that?"

  "Of course you can't."

  ...

  The two bickered endlessly, neither willing to back off. They looked more like two street thugs engaged in a shouting match.

  "If you can really bring us out before the engagement, I will acknowledge that you're amazing," said Xiang Shaoyun after ensuring that Old Urchin had properly taken the bait.

  Alas, Old Urchin seemed to have smartened up at this moment as he said, "Kid, you really are treacherous. I nearly fall for your scheme! Since the young lady has fallen for you, just stay here obediently and wait until she willingly lets you go!"

  He then ignored Xiang Shaoyun and left the palace. Watching Old Urchin depart, Xiang Shaoyun shook his head helplessly as he thought, This old geezer is really quite smart.

  He then returned to the backyard, preparing to update Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun on what had happened. At least he could alleviate their worry that way.

  Chapter 809: A Conspiracy Appears

  Xiang Zixuan and his men were still residing within a certain guest residence. After challenging the three trials, he had sustained some injuries. He was thus forced to recuperate in silence, temporarily setting everything else aside.

  Today, he was finally done with recuperating and was prepared to leave. He couldn't accept his defeat, and he couldn't turn back time. Thus, his indignation no longer mattered.

  He left the room and said to the Black and White Guardians, "Let's go back."

  "There is no rush, young master. Hu Yanbo informed us that he has something to tell you after you have recovered," said the White Guardian.

  "What's the point? The marriage is no longer possible," said Xiang Zixuan as he shook his head in a dispirited fashion.

  "Don't rush to a conclusion, young master. Perhaps there is still a chance to change things," said Black Guardian.

  Xiang Zixuan looked at the two guardians. Seeing the odd expressions they had, he realized that they must have learned something. He nodded. "Fine, I'll meet the third elder."

  They thus went to pay the third elder a visit. When they arrived at the third elder's place, they found the seventh elder, Sha Hanbiao, there as well. Evidently, the two had been waiting for them.

  Xiang Zixuan saluted them politely. "Greetings, seniors."

  "Zixuan, are you fine?" Hu Yanbo asked.

  Xiang Zixuan answered, "I'm all fine now. Thank you for asking."

  "That's good to hear. If anything bad happens to you, I wouldn't know what to tell your grandfather," said Hu Yanbo. "Are you feeling discouraged right now?"

  Xiang Zixuan nodded. "Yes, it is quite a hard defeat to swallow. Look at that kid's cultivation level. He had only been able to get through the trials through sheer luck."

  "You're right. He had merely gotten lucky, but he won't stay lucky forever. Zixuan, you can't give up," said Hu Yanbo.

  Xiang Zixuan's eyes lit up as he asked, "Senior, do you perhaps have a way to salvage this? I really like Lady Wan'er. I believe you don't wish to se
e a flower like her be matched with a pile of manure, right?"

  "Of course. The young lady is talented and beautiful. Only a young hero like you is a worthy match for her," said Sha Hanbiao. "Based on what we know, that kid has offended the Coiling Snake, an organization within our city. The Coiling Snake is really nothing in our eyes, but they are more than enough to deal with that kid. We only need to watch on as they exact their revenge on him. With his death, you will naturally be the new son-in-law."

  Xiang Zixuan was overjoyed. He thanked gratefully, "I will have to thank you for your assistance, then."

  "Haha, just wait for a good show to unveil before us," said Hu Yanbo as he roared with laughter.

  ...

  Within the palace, Xiang Shaoyun had given Liang Zhuangmin and Wu Zhijun a rough description of all that had happened. Both were filled with disbelief after listening to his story.

  A look of envy covered Liang Zhuangmin's face as he said, "Brother Yun, you really have great luck with the ladies. What you get here will allow you to shave hundreds or even thousands of years of hardship. How enviable."

  He spoke the truth, as anyone managing to get someone like Tuoba Wan'er as wife would obtain both her person and her wealth. He would no longer need to seek out cultivation resources alone, and there would no longer be any need for him to build an organization to prove himself. He could obtain everything here through marriage alone. There was no one who would not be envious of him.

  Xiang Shaoyun smiled helplessly. "Be that as it may, it won't be easy for us to just leave. In any case, I don't want to be tied down by this identity."

  Although he definitely had feelings for Tuoba Wan'er, taking her as his wife would turn him into a member of the Holy Hall. His responsibilities and duties would change, and he could no longer be free to act as he wished.

  Of course, the Holy Hall would be a great help in his endeavor to reclaim his sect, but what he wanted more was to do the reclaiming with his own strength. One could say that this was one of the few principles he upheld, his value as a person.