by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
After a long while, the shouting finally stopped. Xiang Shaoyun heaved a long breath and calmed himself before striding into the villa. The disciples split apart to open a path for him as he stepped through like a ruler surveying his subjects, looking incredibly domineering.
At the center of the villa, a seat had been prepared for him. He sat down and scanned the crowd before saying, "Brothers and sisters, I am very happy to have had the opportunity to work alongside all of you and establish the Overlord Legion. I was planning to dissolve the legion today, but I've changed my mind. The legion will stay, and Ouyang Chuanqi will replace me as the overlord. I hope everyone can still work together with one heart, continue growing the legion's strength, and dominate the academy."
"Overlord, we hope you can stay," shouted the Overlord Legion members, eyes brimming with tears.
Chapter 904: Saying Goodbye to the Legion
Xiang Shaoyun saw the expecting expressions everyone had, and he was incredibly moved. He was also reluctant to part with them, but his master was right. The academy granted him too much comfort and too many benefits, making life too easy for him. If all the support was cut, he would have to work hard to search for his own resources.
He would encounter many setbacks, but he would be tempered well. Only then could he forge himself the physique and confidence of the strong. Thus, he had decided to leave the academy and roam the world, walking the path to his own dao.
"Everyone, calm down and listen to me," Xiang Shaoyun placated everyone before his tone turned serious. "I have really been expelled from the academy. Do not be worried over my matter. I am not destroying my future prospects. This is the start of my tempering. In the future, you will hear my name all over the world. I am a self-proclaimed overlord. I will never fail that title. I hope all of you can be the same. In the future, we will all surpass the Sovereign Realm, reaching the Heaven Battling Realm, or even higher realms."
When the Overlord Legion heard the seriousness in Xiang Shaoyun's tone, they had nothing left to say. Although they were unwilling to see him leave, they could not go against the academy's decision. And Xiang Shaoyun himself was optimistic about it and was not distressed at all, making them feel much better.
"Overlord, if you are interested, I can welcome your membership on behalf of Eastern Pass' Seven River Sect. The Seven River Sect is a top tier-7 organization. We have rich cultivation resources as well," offered one of them.
A different person said, "The Seven River Sect won't do. Overlord, you should join the Southern Wasteland's Celestial Saber Society. It is a tier-8 organization, and I am the young society master. If you join, I can let you have a free pick at all the resources we have in the society."
The others also started making their offers, hopeful that Xiang Shaoyun could join their organizations. If Xiang Shaoyun was willing to join, it would be the same as adding a valiant general to their organizations.
At this time, Han Chenfei said, "Stop wasting your time. The overlord is heroic and talented. He will definitely be able to create his own organization instead."
Tang Longfei said, "That's right. Your organizations are decent, but the overlord is not someone that will be another person's subordinate. If you still see the overlord as your leader, just give him some identity tokens the overlord can use in case he needs the help of your organizations in the future. I believe the overlord will repay you generously for your help."
"I thank everyone for the offers, but I have my own path to walk. I hope we have a chance to meet again in the future—to drink and have a good time together. That's all for now. Everyone should leave," said Xiang Shaoyun.
They knew it was pointless to continue persuading him, so they did what Tang Longfei suggested. Many of them gave Xiang Shaoyun identity tokens unique to them, informing him about their organizations. If he needed their organizations' help in the future, he only needed to open his mouth.
Xiang Shaoyun did not reject. He accepted all the identity tokens solemnly. Even if he wouldn't use them, they would still serve as reminders of a beautiful memory. The Overlord Legion members left one after another. In the end, only Ouyang Chuanqi, Han Chenfei, Tang Longfei, and Lady Shura were left.
"Overlord, what happened exactly? Can't this be reversed?" asked Han Chenfei.
Xiang Shaoyun smiled and replied, "There is no reversing this. Stop worrying about it. I hope you can work together to develop and strengthen the Overlord Legion in the future."
"You are leaving in such a carefree manner and throwing the burden to me. Do you think that is fair?" asked Ouyang Chuanqi lazily.
Ouyang Chuanqi knew that with Xiang Shaoyun's capabilities, even after leaving the academy, he could still walk a path toward becoming strong. Therefore, he wasn't too sad about Xiang Shaoyun's departure. He was merely unhappy that he was now the leader. He hated leading and preferred cultivating by himself.
"The world is unfair," said Xiang Shaoyun. "Brother Ouyang, it hasn't been easy for the Overlord Legion to reach its current status. Only you can keep everyone united. I hope you don't reject this. This is my final request. I hope you can agree to it."
Ouyang Chuanqi said, "Sure, I can agree. But you need to complete our agreement first."
"Sure, when I leave, we can have a spar at the mountains outside the academy," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"Ok. I'm leaving. Notify me when you're about to leave," said Ouyang Chuanqi as he left after waving his hand.
"Overlord, which elder is targeting you?" asked Tang Longfei.
"It's the old bastard behind Di Lin, the Mo Clan, and the Feng Clan," said Xiang Shaoyun, his eyes flickering murderously. "Big Brother Tang, remember this. After I leave, do not do anything against them. They are far from what you guys can handle. Focusing on cultivating and growing strong is the only correct path. Sooner or later, I will settle this with them."
Tang Longfei and the others remaining saw the murderous glint in Xiang Shaoyun's eyes, so they decided not to say anything else.
"Since the overlord is leaving, let's get drunk tonight. Consider this a send-off to the overlord. May he soar above the Nine Gods Dominion and reign over the world," said Zhuge Zhantian.
"Well said. That's what we should be doing," said Tang Longfei as he slapped his thigh.
Xiang Shaoyun smiled and said, "Ok. We won't stop before everyone is drunk tonight."
Numerous delicacies were arranged on the table, consisting of meat, fruits, and spiritual drinks. Everyone started drinking and feasting joyfully. They toasted Xiang Shaoyun one by one, including Han Chenfei and Lady Shura. They all greatly treasured this little time they had together.
After an indeterminate amount of time, the tipsy Han Chenfei confessed to Xiang Shaoyun, "Overlord, you are the first man to have ever caught my eyes. You will also be the last. Do not forget me. I will look for you."
"Well said. You have my support, Deputy Commander Han," Zhuge Zhantian piped in.
"A beauty like Deputy Commander Han is indeed a good match for the overlord," Tang Longfei agreed.
"Nobody knows what will happen in the future," replied Xiang Shaoyun indifferently. He looked at Lady Shura and said, "Lady Shura is my woman. I hope you guys can take care of her in the future."
He was tactfully rejecting Han Chenfei's confession.
Chapter 905: Seeing the Goldmen Again
Han Chenfei downed one bowl of liquor after another, and her face was flushed red from all the alcohol. She looked incredibly alluring, and her eyes were incredibly charming. No man would be able to stay calm after seeing her current appearance. Was Xiang Shaoyun truly so cold to reject her?
If this was in the past, Xiang Shaoyun would not mind having another woman by his side. But after the emotional stress he had suffered previously, he had been intentionally staying away from romance. He wanted to focus fully on cultivation. For matters involving the heart, he would let it all happen naturally and see if time could bring his heart out of the shackles he had built around it.
Han Chenfei was completely drunk, and anyone who saw her now would feel sympathy for her. Lady Shura couldn't bear watching her like this, so she brought her into a room to rest. As for Tang Longfei and the others, they left one after another.
Xiang Shaoyun was left alone in the courtyard. Looking at the empty courtyard, he lifted his head and gazed at the crescent moon hanging in the starry sky. An indescribable sense of loneliness welled within him.
Since young, he had been an optimistic and carefree person. He had never lacked friends. But after the betrayal of his brother and woman, he had built a mental barrier against any new people he knew. But now, in the moment of separation from the Overlord Legion, he was turning melancholy.
"All things come to an end. The separation today is for a better reunion in the future," Lady Shura's gentle voice rang out from behind him.
Xiang Shaoyun replied, "You're right. I was getting too emotional."
Lady Shura hugged him from behind and said, "No, you merely care too much for those around you, which is why you're feeling emotional. If you were cold-blooded, wouldn't you feel nothing?"
"True. Perhaps I should become colder," said Xiang Shaoyun with a sigh.
"I want to leave with you," offered Lady Shura.
"No. You're even more talented than Big Brother Tang. I hope you can one day enter the Dragon Phoenix List's top 10," Xiang Shaoyun rejected firmly.
Lady Shura had an eight-star physique. She also had the Shura Physique. With Xiang Shaoyun's help, she was now at the fifth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm. Her cultivation speed was not slow by any means, and she only lacked some fortuitous encounters. If she obtained those fortuitous encounters, her cultivation speed would only soar.
She nodded and said, "I'll listen to your arrangements."
"Um. I'll take you to one place. Cultivate there in the future. It will be much more efficient," said Xiang Shaoyun before heading toward the teleportation formation at the academy's main square.
The moment Xiang Shaoyun left the villa, the wolf guard followed behind him. Soon, they arrived at the teleportation formations connected to the nine great cultivation zones. Using a teleportation formation, they entered the Vicious Steel Mist zone.
The overseer there wanted to stop Xiang Shaoyun from using the formation, but he immediately shut his mouth when he saw the wolf guard. In the Vicious Steel Mist, Xiang Shaoyun brought Lady Shura straight to the goldmen territory.
The academy disciples did not dare to approach the goldmen territory for fear of offending the goldmen, but it was not a concern for Xiang Shaoyun. He had long befriended Prince Edoli, and the goldmen were all aware of him. As a friend of the race, he would not be hunted down.
Unsurprisingly, when Xiang Shaoyun and Lady Shura reached the border of their territory, a goldman discovered them. Instead of attacking, the goldman cheered, "Respected guest of my race, you're finally visiting again. It will be our honor to host you."
"Haha. Hello! How is Prince Edoli doing?" asked Xiang Shaoyun as he greeted the goldman that looked more like a miniature mountain.
"The prince is doing very well. He will be happy to see you. Let me show you the way," said the goldman.
His entire body was shining with a brilliant gold radiance, and he possessed an intimidating physique. Both Xiang Shaoyun and Lady Shura looked like midgets standing by his side. With a goldman leading the way, the two entered the goldmen territory easily. They started heading toward Prince Edoli's place.
Along the way, they met a lot of goldmen. Xiang Shaoyun greeted all of them with a smile on his face, and they all responded amicably. Lady Shura was completely astonished.
It was not that she had never entered the Vicious Steel Mist before. She had even heard of disciples being killed by the goldmen after intruding into their territory in search of primegold fruits. And yet, Xiang Shaoyun was actually completely fine when he entered the goldmen territory, and he even looked very friendly with them. She couldn't understand what was happening.
Xiang Shaoyun once said that he had a decent relationship with the goldmen. At that time, Lady Shura did not think much of it, but now, she truly believed him. Traveling across the goldmen territory, she saw many gold elemental herbs and materials. This place was like a paradise for her.
Before long, they arrived at Edoli's place. The prince personally came out to greet Xiang Shaoyun when he heard of their arrival. "My dear friend, you're finally here to visit your old pal."
Edoli was much larger than a regular goldman, and his entire body shone with a majestic gold radiance, giving one an impression that this was how a true gold giant should look like. That was the truth, as Edoli had upgraded his bloodline and returned to his roots, becoming a gold giant. That was all thanks to Xiang Shaoyun's gold lunar liquid.
Back then, Edoli had offered the gold tree sapling and the Desolation mantra to trade for the liquid, and he was still filled with gratitude toward Xiang Shaoyun.
Xiang Shaoyun laughed heartily and said, "Haha, my apologies, prince. There are too many things I need to do, and I really have no choice. Am I not here now?"
"It's great to see you. Please come in. We have some catching up to do," said the friendly prince.
With his status, when Edoli welcomed guests, precious fruits and drinks would naturally be served.
Xiang Shaoyun did not hold back and started eating the spirit fruits while circulating his cultivation method to dissolve the energy in the fruit. He even invited Lady Shura to do the same, "Lady Shura, you don't have to be polite. Just eat whatever you want. This will greatly help your cultivation."
"Brother Xiang, is this your wife?" Edoli asked.
"That's right. I'm bringing her here to see you, prince. I hope she can stay in your territory and cultivate for a period of time. Are you fine with that, prince?" Xiang Shaoyun went straight to the point.
"Haha, of course I'm happy. I'm more than happy to play host. My sister-in-law is welcome to visit at any time," agreed Edoli in a carefree manner.
Chapter 906: Three Moves to Determine the Victor
Xiang Shaoyun's trip to the goldmen territory had proceeded smoothly. He managed to introduce Lady Shura to Prince Edoli, getting the prince's promise to look out for her. Moving forward, she would be able to freely cultivate here.
The goldmen territory was much better than the territory controlled by the Dragon Phoenix Academy in the Vicious Steel Mist. Moreover, many gold elemental resources grew in their territory, and it was a paradise for any gold cultivator.
Xiang Shaoyun left immediately after he was done. Lady Shura wanted to follow him back, but he insisted that she stay. In any case, he was going to leave soon. It did not matter if she stayed with him for a few more days.
She accompanied him all the way until the teleportation formation. As he was leaving, she shouted, "Overlord, you must wait for me. I will forever be yours!"
He turned around, hugged her, and gave her a long, suffocating kiss. The kiss seemed to reach for the depths of her heart, giving rise to an intense desire to give all of herself to him.
He let go of her and said, "Don't think too much about this. This is only a momentary separation. We will meet again soon."
He then entered the formation and returned to the academy with the wolfman.
Instead of returning to the academy, he visited the angels next. He met the high priest and had a short chat with the priest before leaving. Next, he headed for the Castle of Darkness. The overseers in the academy ignored him. They knew that he was given half a month to wrap things up in the academy. Once the time was up, he would have to leave.
Many in the academy were still feeling regretful for him. Someone with such an excellent physique and had successfully fused nine powers would definitely become a top expert in the future. Nobody knew if expelling someone like that would be a boon or bane for the academy.
Xiang Shaoyun returned to the Castle of Darkness, and he could still sense the power of darkness everywhere. However, the ambient dark ene
rgy was far inferior compared with the dark origin energy in his body.
As the astral cosmos sea was slowly turning corporeal, the clump of dark origin energy in it stopped degrading, allowing him to periodically extract some of it to strengthen his dark star. He would have no lack of dark energy before reaching the Soul Foundation Realm. The clump of dark origin energy provided an energy that was much purer than what he could get from herbs and spirit crystals.
While Xiang Shaoyun was on his way to the Castle of Darkness, he encountered Xiao Xie, who had once challenged him there. Back then, Xiao Xie was a peak fifth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. Now, he was already at the mid eighth-stage. His advancement speed was impressive, and it was obvious he had been suppressing his breakthrough before this. He had only resumed his advancement after entering the primary-grade battleground.
One should never look down on his strength as an eighth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. Apart from him being able to punch above his weight, the black qilin serving as his mount was also a capable combatant. When the two worked together, they could unleash terrifying might. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been known as one of the freaks.
Seated atop his handsome mount, Xiao Xie asked, "Xiang Shaoyun, I heard you had been expelled?"
"That's right. I'll be leaving in a few days," answered Xiang Shaoyun.
Although the two had fought before, Xiang Shaoyun held no enmity for Xiao Xie. As far as he was concerned, their fight was merely a competition between youngsters. There was no grudge between them. In truth, that was how Xiao Xie felt as well. In fact, the two seemed to have a certain level of understanding of each other.
"Since that is the case, why don't we have a spar here and decide a victor between us?" said Xiao Xie, his battle intent surging.