I Am Overlord c1-962

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

  Right after that person spoke, Zhan Wushuang shot him a sharp gaze. The speaker had an illusion that a barbaric dragon was pouncing on him. He was sent flying away, spewing blood from his mouth. By the time Xiang Shaoyun realized what was happening, the one who had spoken up was already seriously injured.

  "Trash," said Zhan Wushuang, his voice laced with contempt. He refocused on Xiang Shaoyun and said, "Sure, you have decent combat strength, but it's still not enough to be my enemy. You should be honored to be my deputy."

  At this time, An Lulu chipped in, "Xiang Shaoyun, what are you waiting for? Kneel down and thank the chief!"

  Xiang Shaoyun roared with laughter, "Haha, bold words. However, I don't have the habit of being someone else's subordinate. This time, we are here to seek cooperation. Me and Brother Lei have a stone key each. You have one as well. We only need two more to open the secret door. This is our common goal."

  Xiang Shaoyun's actions were befitting of someone who had awakened the Light of Wisdom. In a pragmatic way, he changed the topic back to what they had come for.

  "Why should we work with you? Hand over your keys, and I will spare you. Otherwise, our Crushing Sky will trample over you," said Zhan Wushuang with contempt.

  In his eyes, Lei Bao and Xiang Shaoyun were unworthy of his attention. Perhaps only that sword-wielding fellow could stimulate the fighting intent within him.

  "Zhan Wushuang, you are too arrogant," Lei Bao said unhappily.

  Xiang Shaoyun persuaded, "Brother Lei, calm down. Let me have a talk with him."

  He looked at Zhan Wushuang and said, "Zhan Wushuang, you are strong. That is publicly acknowledged. But have you thought about it? Even if you manage to open the secret door alone, with just the Crushing Sky, can you handle all the dangers hidden within? Even if you are confident, the brothers and sisters behind you definitely aren't capable of that. Or perhaps you're confident you can take care of everyone? Or are you planning to keep everything there for yourself?"

  "With our strength, we can deal with any danger thrown our way. The treasures inside are enough for us, so we don't need too many people sharing them with us. Trying to sow dissent like this is pointless," replied Zhan Wushuang with no trace of politeness.

  "Yes, you're right. Looks like all my words are pointless," said Xiang Shaoyun with a sigh. He could see that Zhan Wushuang was an incomparably stubborn person. He had thought that he could convince him with his glib tongue, but he was mistaken.

  "It's good that you're aware of your limits. Now, time to hand over your keys," demanded Zhan Wushuang with a tone that allowed no refusal.

  "Haha, since we can't work together and chances are slim that we will be able to snatch your key, I will just destroy my key. None of us will get anything," said Xiang Shaoyun as he laughed with insanity. He took out a key, and it looked like he was really going to destroy it.

  "You dare?" Zhan Wushuang roared and dashed at Xiang Shaoyun.

  Zhan Wushuang had terrifying speed. He moved like a barbaric dragon and instantly reached Xiang Shaoyun, trying to snatch the key.

  Alas, Xiang Shaoyun was not as weak as he had expected, and it was especially true in terms of speed. Xiang Shaoyun was confident he wouldn't lose to anyone when it came to speed. Before Zhan Wushuang could even get near him, he moved hundreds of meters away.

  "Your combat strength might be greater than mine, but it definitely won't be easy to catch me," said Xiang Shaoyun with a sneer.

  At this moment, Lei Bao seemed to have understood Xiang Shaoyun's intention. He voiced his agreement, "That's right. Since we can't cooperate, everyone shall end up with nothing!"

  Zhan Wushuang was placed in an awkward position. He knew that behind the secret door were great treasures that could help him enter the Soul Foundation Realm. If the stone keys were destroyed, he would need much more time to reach the Soul Foundation Realm.

  Left with no choice, his tone softened as he asked, "How do you want to cooperate?"

  Even if he was confident he could capture Xiang Shaoyun relatively quickly, he had no confidence he could do the same for Lei Bao. After all, Lei Bao had the same cultivation level as him and cultivated the power of lightning. If Lei Bao decided to destroy the stone key with lightning, Zhan Wushuang would have no hope of saving the key.

  Although he could see that Xiang Shaoyun and Lei Bao were merely boasting, it was still better to be safe. Even a cornered dog would jump over the wall. If he pushed them too hard, things would be troublesome.

  Hence, he had no choice but to concede. After all, he was confident he would hold the advantage over others after opening the secret door.

  "You should say it, Brother Lei," said Xiang Shaoyun. He did not wish to waste his breath speaking to someone that so obviously looked down on him.

  Lei Bao repeated what he told Xiang Shaoyun to Zhan Wushuang, who then agreed when he found the plan feasible.

  And thus, an alliance of three parties was formed. They continued their search for the remaining stone keys. Of course, they still killed a large number of devilish plants during their search to increase their points, and they gathered any rare materials they found.

  It was practically impossible for the three parties to actually work together. They maintained a certain distance from each other. That way, they could avoid friction between their members.

  After a few days of searching, the fourth key revealed itself. This time, the key holder was also heading toward them. Thus, they were able to quickly meet the holder. The holder was none other than Yu Ziyang from the Flaming Sun. Behind him was a group of Flaming Sun members, and they looked as impressive as the Crushing Sky.

  When Yu Ziyang saw that the keys he detected were actually held by three different parties, he realized that things did not look well for him. Once again, Lei Bao acted as the ambassador and proposed his plan to Yu Ziyang. Without any hesitation, the decisive Yu Ziyang agreed.

  After the agreement, Yu Ziyang gazed at Xiang Shaoyun and said, "After the door is opened, I will personally teach you a lesson."

  Xiang Shaoyun smiled. "I'll be waiting."

  Xiang Shaoyun had noticed that Yu Caidie wasn't with the Flaming Sun's group. Perhaps she was still hiding somewhere and had yet to gather with the Flaming Sun people. The thought of her made him recall his previous life's memories.

  Yu Caidie looked exactly the same as the woman he loved most in his past life. It was no wonder that he had the feeling of love at first sight the moment he had first seen her. In his past life, she was fiercely loyal to him. During the great war, they fought side by side. Ultimately, they died together. He still remembered how she had promised to still be with him in the next life.

  "Are they really the same person?" Xiang Shaoyun couldn't help wondering.

  Chapter 856: News of the Fifth Key

  After Xiang Shaoyun, Lei Bao, Zhan Wushuang, and Yu Ziyang gathered four keys together, locating the final key was supposed to be much easier. But when they tried detecting the final key with their keys, they received no response, unlike their previous attempts.

  While everyone was confused, Lei Bao said with a frown, "The final key has either been destroyed or sealed by someone using a unique method. This is troublesome."

  "Wait, so we won't be able to gather all five keys because of this?" Zhan Wushuang asked.

  "If we keep failing to get a response, finding the fifth key will be harder than scaling the sky," said Lei Bao.

  Everyone's expression turned ghastly. It hadn't been easy for them to gather four keys. They had thought that the final key would come easily, but they were disappointed. It was understandable that they would be upset.

  While everyone was at a loss, a small group of people suddenly appeared near them. This group wasn't big, and they had about 20 people. However, they were extremely conspicuous since they were led by the only twin sisters in the academy, He Yuyuan and He Ziyuan.

  The two were great beauties as pretty as the Han Clan sisters. Some would even say that the twins w
ere prettier. Of course, they were still somewhat lacking compared to Yu Caidie and Han Chenfei. But when the seductive identical twins were standing side by side, they could still make one's imagination run wild.

  They were dressed in fine satin outfits, showcasing their perfect figures well. Each had a sword hanging on her back, looking rather carefree. Both were tested to have eight-star physiques during the academy's test. It was clear they had excellent cultivation talents, but they had always maintained a low profile in the academy. No breaking news about them had ever spread in the academy.

  Everyone knew that they had joined the Sword Society early on, and with the Sword Society's protection, nobody dared to mess with them. It seemed like the twins were currently approaching the alliance of four.

  "He Yuyuan (He Ziyuan) greets the senior brothers," said the two as they cupped their hands in greeting.

  "Where is Baili Yixiao? What is the meaning of sending you two to us?" asked Zhan Wushuang with a frown. Among all the disciples, Baili Yixiao was the only one he had attached any importance to. Nobody knew that he had known Baili Yixiao long ago, and the two were long-time rivals. In fact, it was Baili Yixiao who had left the scar on his face during the only defeat Zhan Wushuang had ever suffered.

  Zhan Wushuang had also received special recruitment from the True Martial Academy, but upon finding out that Baili Yixiao had selected the Dragon Phoenix Academy, he had decided to join the Dragon Phoenix Academy as well. He hoped that he could wash his previous shame clean in the academy.

  But over the past few years, Baili Yixiao had been completely focused on swordsmanship. Both of them were advancing as fast as the other, and because of that, Zhan Wushuang had never found the confidence to challenge Baili Yixiao again.

  However, he knew very well that if he met Baili Yixiao in the battleground, a victor would be decided between them once again.

  "The society master is inviting everyone to meet," said He Yuyuan.

  "What is the meaning of this?" questioned Lei Bao.

  "Our society master holds the fifth key," said He Ziyuan.

  Everyone stirred. Just earlier, they were still all vexed over the location of the fifth key. And now, it was revealing itself before them. However, all of them were arrogant individuals. It might seem fine for them to follow He Yuyuan and He Ziyuan to meet Baili Yixiao, but in truth, it would give the impression that they were all answering his summons. The thought of it was hard for them to swallow.

  Since Baili Yixiao could seal the stone key and make it undetectable, it proved he had extraordinary tricks up his sleeve. They had no choice but to go with the twins unless they were willing to give up on the key.

  The twins could see their unhappiness, but they were acting on orders. Thus, they did not bother giving any other explanations and stood silently, awaiting their reply.

  "Since we have no other choice, lead the way," said Xiang Shaoyun, breaking the silence.

  The others were too arrogant to say yes, but Xiang Shaoyun did not care. It wasn't that he did not have a spine, but he was more pragmatic. He knew it was not the time to act according to their emotions. Their priority should be in opening the secret door. Everything else could be set aside for now.

  By speaking, Xiang Shaoyun was giving them a chance to alleviate their embarrassment. After all, it was someone else who had agreed, not them.

  "Fine. Let me see how amazing this Smiling Swordsman is to be acting so arrogantly," said Lei Bao.

  With Xiang Shaoyun and Lei Bao agreeing, Zhan Wushuang and Yu Ziyang gave their tacit agreement as well. The group thus followed the twins toward Baili Yixiao's location. But before they arrived, they encountered the Royal Army.

  When Huang Tianji saw all those people gathered together, he immediately guessed that they might be planning something. Thus, he decided to stick with them. Of course, he first needed an excuse.

  "Xiang Shaoyun, I have yet to settle the issue of you bullying my little sister," said Huang Tianji as he took large strides toward Xiang Shaoyun.

  Xiang Shaoyun shot him a glance and said, "Your Highness, you sure have balls. You think with the few people you have, you can fight the Overlord Legion?"

  Huang Tianji ignored Xiang Shaoyun and said to Yu Ziyang, "Brother Ziyang, we previously agreed to work together. I now invite you to work with me and eliminate Xiang Shaoyun. I will definitely repay you handsomely after this."

  Yu Ziyang hesitated for a bit and said, "Your Highness, we need to set that aside for now. We can talk about it later."

  Huang Tianji said, "If that is the case, I will travel with you. When you're done with your business, we'll deal with him together."

  "Haha, the great prince is actually playing a petty trick like this? How laughable," Xiang Shaoyun roared with laughter.

  "Hmph. Your turn to suffer will come," said Huang Tianji without shame.

  Yu Ziyang wanted to say something, but he ultimately decided to shut his mouth. He still wanted to befriend Huang Tianji, so he decided to let Huang Tianji stick with him. They would decide on what to do if Baili Yixiao disagreed later. In any case, Lei Bao and Zhan Wushuang had not objected to it.

  With the inclusion of the Royal Army, the group grew larger. The devilish plants they encountered along their way were no longer a threat. After about half a day, they reached their destination.

  This was the very first time Xiang Shaoyun was meeting the Dragon Phoenix Academy's number one disciple, Baili Yixiao.

  Chapter 857: Baili Yixiao

  Under a tall tree, a youth in gray was seated cross-legged. His black hair was tied up neatly, with some strands drooping on the sides of his face. He radiated elegance, his temperament nicely matching his handsome face. His skin was as fair as a baby's, making him look only 15 or 16 years old. His eyes were shut in rest, and a crude sword lay on his legs. No sharp aura could be detected from him. He looked like a completely ordinary sword cultivator.

  This was Baili Yixiao, the Dragon Phoenix Academy's number one disciple, the Smiling Swordsman.

  He had a good reputation in the academy. He was always polite, and he had a mild temper with a kind heart. Because of that, the moment he founded the Sword Society, numerous disciples joined him, making the Sword Society the biggest faction in the academy.

  In truth, establishing the Sword Society was not his idea in the first place. Rather, he did it under the persuasion of his best friend, Long Shi. Like Wang Yufeng, Long Shi had a high-grade eight-star physique. He had impressive combat strength, and he practically ran the Sword Society.

  Long Shi was a tall and buff male; his body was sturdy while his face was firm. He somewhat resembled Zhan Wushuang physically, but he was slightly less muscular. He was clad in high-grade armor and wielded a massive sword in his hand. His eyes constantly radiated arrogance, as if he disdained the entire world.

  Long Shi was already an eighth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, comparable to Han Chenfei. He occupied the ninth spot on the Dragon Phoenix List and was only weaker than the academy's eight freaks. He was much stronger than Green Youth Ye Linshan, Lady Violence An Lulu, and the others on their level. He wouldn't be qualified to become the Sword Society's deputy master otherwise.

  Currently, he was leading a group of 500 who were standing on guard around Baili Yixiao. Although a majority of the Sword Society members were sword wielders, some wielded other weapons. They weren't so inflexible that they would only recruit sword wielders.

  When the twins arrived with the others, Baili Yixiao slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were slightly curved, akin to a pair of crescent moons. His lips were slightly curled as a genial smile formed on his face. The moment he smiled, the world around him seemed to come alive. The change was extremely striking.

  "Human heaven unity!" the many disciples cried out in alarm when they saw that.

  Only upon reaching the human heaven unity would one be able to influence one's surroundings with one's emotions, and it was something all cultivators pursued. It was completely
different from the profundity of power that focused on the manipulation and control of powers.

  On the other hand, the human heaven unity focused on one's comprehension of the dao, and it was a state rarely seen in a cultivator. Even if one managed to enter this state, one would only be able to stay in it for a limited period of time. If one was interrupted, it wouldn't be so easy to enter the state another time. Everything relied on one's fortune and perception.

  Baili Yixiao had not only entered the state in front of so many people—he could also enter and leave it as he wished. It was clear how proficient he was at it.

  When He Yuyuan saw that Baili Yixiao had awakened, she quickly stepped forth and said, "Society master, they are here."

  Baili Yixiao waved his hand at her and stepped forward. He cupped his hands in greeting and smiled as he said, "Thank you for coming, fellow disciples. My apologies for troubling you all to make this trip."

  Xiang Shaoyun had never imagined Baili Yixiao to be such a polite person. He looked completely sincere, as though he fully meant each word.

  "Baili Yixiao, your politeness is always annoying," said Zhan Wushuang, showing no politeness. Of the people present, Zhan Wushuang was the only one who dared to speak like that to Baili Yixiao.

  Baili Yixiao did not mind. He replied, "Brother Wushuang, looks like I have embarrassed myself before you. There must be some misunderstanding. I don't want to slow everyone's search down. That was why I had Yuyuan and Ziyuan invite you all here. This place happens to be closer to the secret door."

  "What? You already found the secret door?" Lei Bao asked in shock.

  Lei Bao and the others had the keys in their possession, but they still had no idea where the secret door was. And yet Baili Yixiao had found it before them. It was truly shocking.

  "I don't know the exact position, but my instincts are telling me it is near," said Baili Yixiao with a calm tone.

  Although he used an uncertain tone, everyone found his words believable.

  "Since that is the case, please take your key out," said Lei Bao.