by Translator: Pokka; Author: 我本纯洁 (I Am Pure); Licensed From: Migu
"Overlord!" Han Chenfei, Tang Longfei, Xuan Yuantian, and Yuan Xuefen cried out in excitement.
When the True Martial Academy disciples heard them, one of them said in a displeased manner, "Who dares to address himself as Overlord in front of our Little Overlord? Is he courting death?"
The overlord was an overbearing title that many powerful youths loved to have. Thus, it was unavoidable that many people would use it as their own title. A top-10 disciple of the True Martial Academy was also a self-proclaimed little overlord, and the disciple who had just spoken was his loyal attendant.
Tang Longfei replied unyieldingly, “Your leader is the Little Overlord, while our leader is the Overlord. From that, it is obvious your little overlord is only fit to be our overlord’s little brother.”
"Haha, you're right. I believe our overlord won't mind that," said Xuan Yuantian as he roared with laughter.
"You're courting death!" shouted the furious True Martial Academy disciple.
"There is no need to get all worked up over the Dragon Phoenix Academy's abandoned disciple," said a young man from the True Martial Academy indifferently.
"Bastard, what did you just say?" Tang Longfei, Xuan Yuantian, and Yuan Xuefen were infuriated.
At this time, the True Martial Academy elder said to Shadowflash and Feng Huosuo, "This is the internal affairs of your Dragon Phoenix Academy. Deal with it quickly. Don't waste everyone's time."
"Don't worry. Since this is an expelled disciple, he no longer has anything to do with us. All disciples may enter. If he dares to get on the island as well, you are free to kill without mercy," said Feng Huosuo.
Everyone understood what Feng Huosuo meant. Evidently, the newcomer was not welcomed by the elders of his own academy. In fact, they were hostile toward him. In that case, this became much easier to solve.
"I would like to see who has the guts to kill my master's disciple," a voice suddenly rang out.
Chapter 927: Guardian Token
Xiang Shaoyun had arrived riding on the waves, or to be precise, he was riding atop a blue-scale jiao. The blue-scale jiao was sticking close to the sea surface, making it look like he was stepping on water.
He was heroic and noble; his young face, combined with his slender and slim figure, made him look like the child of a god. He looked every part an extraordinary young man. He stood tall with his hands clasped behind him, and his calm eyes seemed to contain a sense of spirituality that one couldn't describe with words. The female disciples were bedazzled by the sight of him, with some falling for him at first sight.
"What a handsome young man. How can the Dragon Phoenix Academy expel him? What a pity."
"Wouldn't it be great if he had joined our Sacred Deer Academy instead? I will definitely treat him with kindness."
"Maybe he only has looks without any talent? On top of that, he must have committed great crimes for the Dragon Phoenix Academy to expel him."
...
Most of the people speaking were Sacred Deer Academy disciples. After all, this was the academy with predominantly female disciples. They also had some good-looking male disciples in their ranks, but few of them were as extraordinary as Xiang Shaoyun.
Jiang Qi and her group also saw Xiang Shaoyun, and looks of astonishment flickered in their eyes. They had evidently not expected Xiang Shaoyun to really come. It turned out he was an abandoned disciple from the Dragon Phoenix Academy.
However, they had all heard what the Dragon Phoenix Academy elder had said. They felt that Xiang Shaoyun was unwise to come, but they were further surprised when a different expert came to defend Xiang Shaoyun. The newcomer was none other than the wolf guard. He had been waiting in hiding for Xiang Shaoyun's arrival before showing himself.
"Who are you?" questioned the elder of a different academy.
Unsightly expressions covered the faces of Shadowflash and Feng Huosuo. They had not expected to see the wolf guard here.
The wolf guard ignored everyone and landed before Xiang Shaoyun. He said respectfully, "Young master, congratulations on your arrival. Next, you will have to get through the furred claw crabs and arrive at the secret space on the island. You will enter and fight for what you need. Lastly, you will take part in the competition of the four academies and fight for first rank."
"Ok, got it," said Xiang Shaoyun with a nod.
When the others heard what the wolf guard said, they had clear expressions of displeasure. An elder from the Nine Palace Academy said, "Are you trying to spoil the competition between the four academies?"
"What's the point of wasting time talking with him? Just kick them away," said an annoyed True Martial Academy elder.
"Elders of Dragon Phoenix Academy, this is your internal affair. You guys should deal with it," said a gorgeously dressed female elder from the Sacred Deer Academy.
Shadowflash nodded and looked at the wolf guard with a sinister glint in his eyes. He said, "Elder wolf guard, what is the meaning of this? Are you creating trouble for our academy? Get him away already."
When the others heard Shadowflash addressing the wolf guard as an elder, they were stunned. An abandoned disciple and an elder. What was going on here?
The wolf guard looked at Shadowflash with disdain before sweeping his eyes over the elders from the other academies. A token appeared in his hand as he said, "This is my master's token. He is entitled to a quota in the competition of the four academies. My young master will represent my master alone instead of any of the academies."
The token was not a Dragon Phoenix Academy token. Rather, it was an ancient token exuding a primordial aura. It abruptly shone and formed an ancient symbol in the sky. A majestic aura rippled outward, reaching everywhere as it gave everyone the urge to kneel down in worship of the symbol. It was as though an ancient powerhouse had descended upon them, and the pressure emanating from the symbol was incredibly dreadful.
The elders of all four academies exclaimed in alarm, "Guardian token!"
"Are you not showing your respects before the guardian token?" snapped the wolf guard coldly.
The many elders hurriedly saluted and said, "Greetings, lord guardian."
The overseers and disciples were completely confused, but they followed suit when they saw their elders paying respects. Inwardly, they wondered, Who is this lord guardian? Why is he such a big deal that all the elders are showing him such respect?
"Do you have an issue with my young master getting a spot in this competition?" questioned the wolf guard haughtily.
"No, we have no issues," the elders hurriedly replied.
"Good. My master said that the young master is here to temper himself. You don't have to restrict your disciples and do not need to give him any special treatment. Anyone capable of defeating or robbing him may do so. My master will not retaliate. Of course, that is on the premise that you old guys don't get involved," said the wolf guard.
The smile on Xiang Shaoyun's face collapsed when he heard the wolf guard's words. He was still feeling all proud of his master's status, but the feeling did not last long, as he suddenly became all the disciples' target. Being their target was definitely not good news for him.
"We obey the lord guardian," answered the elders uniformly.
"Very well. You may start now," said the wolf guard as he put the token away. He looked at Xiang Shaoyun and said, "Young master, I hope you don't disappoint the master."
Without waiting for a reply, the wolf guard vanished into thin air. With his departure, everyone looked at Xiang Shaoyun in astonishment. Suddenly, Xiang Shaoyun seemed much more mysterious to them, and they couldn't see through him at all.
"It is a surprise that your academy still has a lord guardian. That has been disrespectful of us," lamented a True Martial Academy elder.
The so-called lord guardians were also known as the guardians. They were the strongest of the dominion and had once contributed greatly to the dominion's peace, which was how they had come to earn their titles. Someone like that commanded respect
and reverence wherever they went. As the disciple of one such guardian, it was more than acceptable for Xiang Shaoyun to be granted a spot in the competition.
Shadowflash and Feng Huosuo were speechless, their emotions complicated. One ought to know that they were the ones who had personally expelled Xiang Shaoyun from the academy. But now, Xiang Shaoyun's new identity was bearing down upon them to the point it was suffocating.
"Alright, stop wasting time. The lord guardian only requires a slot. This is not an issue at all," said a Nine Palace Academy elder.
"That's right. It is obvious what the lord guardian wants. Disciples, do not hold back and fight with all your strength for what you want," said a Sacred Deer Academy elder.
Just as everyone was about to set off toward the island, someone from the Sacred Deer Academy suddenly shouted, "Boss, you're absolutely amazing. You are indeed worthy of being my best friend! Haha!"
Chapter 928: Meeting Xia Liuhui Again
Xiang Shaoyun was stunned when he heard the voice. He spun around and looked over. A smile of pure joy bloomed on his face as he said, "Xia Liuhui, why are you here, kid?"
The voice belonged to a disciple from the Sacred Deer Academy, and that disciple was none other than Xia Liuhui, Xiang Shaoyun's good friend during his time at Martial Hall Palace. Many years ago, the two went their separate ways and had promised to meet at Xia Hamlet in seven years.
The period of seven years was going to end soon, so Xiang Shaoyun had planned to visit Xia Hamlet after the competition. But surprisingly, he met Xia Liuhui here instead, and it was completely unexpected.
Xiang Shaoyun was not the only one surprised—Xia Liuhui was just as surprised. Neither had expected that they would reunite in such a manner. Xia Liuhui charged from the Sacred Deer Academy's ship, and Xiang Shaoyun also rushed forward to meet him. The two stopped before each other and delivered the other party a punch. They still looked as close as ever.
"Not bad, kid. You actually got yourself into an ancient academy. Not bad at all," praised Xiang Shaoyun with heartfelt sincerity.
A few years ago, Xia Liuhui was a fresh Transformation Realm cultivator. At the time, Xiang Shaoyun was already a King. And now, Xia Liuhui had actually caught up with him and was already a fifth-stage Emperor, which was quite a remarkable advancement speed.
One ought to know that Xiang Shaoyun had reached his current cultivation level of seventh-stage Dragon Ascension Realm after numerous fortuitous encounters. Comparatively, Xia Liuhui's growth hadn't been any slower.
Many years ago, Xiang Shaoyun had placed Xia Liuhui under Duo Ji's care. So how had Xia Liuhui entered the Sacred Deer Academy?
"You're doing very well yourself, boss. I had thought that I could surpass you and give you a big surprise. Looks like I'm still far from reaching your level," lamented Xia Liuhui.
He still looked almost the same as in the past. With the face of a scoundrel and a slightly chubby body, he did not look like an expert cultivator at all.
Just as Xiang Shaoyun was about to speak, the gorgeously dressed elder from the Sacred Deer Academy said, "Alright, if you're done catching up, we need to get going. Xia Liuhui, you may invite your friend to set off with us."
"Yes, elder," Xia Liuhui answered in excitement before pulling Xiang Shaoyun toward the Sacred Deer Academy group.
At this time, a few people from the Dragon Phoenix Academy flew over and shouted, "Overlord!"
They were none other than Ouyang Chuanqi, Han Chenfei, Tang Longfei, Xuan Yuantian, and Yuan Xuefen.
"We'll talk on the island. We shouldn't hold everyone up," said Xiang Shaoyun.
"Dragon Phoenix Academy disciples, advance!" Shadowflash's voice rang out.
At his command, the Dragon Phoenix Academy disciples flew off the ship and started advancing toward Lonesoul Island.
The disciples of the other academies did the same. They were all young Emperors, and one could say they were the new generation of pillars that would prop up the dominion. Now was the time when they were brimming with vigor, having countless possibilities ahead of them.
Xiang Shaoyun followed Xia Liuhui to the Sacred Deer Academy's side. At this time, a few female disciples intentionally slowed down and gazed at him with looks of adoration. However, Xia Liuhui was the one to loftily say, "Senior and junior sisters, please don't look at me like that. I know I'm handsome, but I'm a shy person."
They collectively gave him their middle fingers. One of them said to Xiang Shaoyun, "Handsome, are you interested in becoming this big sister's partner? I'll take good care of you."
She was tall, slim, and seductive, with a charming mole below her lips. She was a beauty through and through.
"Senior Sister Wei, you can't hog him for yourself. We agreed to share him!" teased a different woman.
Another woman who was similarly alluring said with a sweet voice, "That's right. I am interested in this handsome boy as well. We should all share him."
When Xia Liuhui heard their words, he howled, "Heavens, strike me with a bolt of lightning already. I'm tired of living."
"Thank you for your good intentions, but shouldn't we focus on reaching Lonesoul Island first?" said Xiang Shaoyun.
At this time, terrifying sounds of explosions could be heard ahead of them. Evidently, the battle had started. The female disciples stopped messing around and charged ahead, working with their companions to attack the furred claw crabs.
There were many furred claw crabs on the island. Each was as large as a boulder, and together they seemed to fill the entire island. Their eight furry legs looked more like sickles that radiated a wild power than legs. Their pincers were incredibly sharp, capable of causing blood to flow the moment they latched on to someone.
It was unknown what had attracted them to the island, but they had fully occupied the island. To reach the center, the disciples would have to get through the crabs. When the 400 disciples neared the island, tens of thousands of crabs attacked together. Unlike other beasts that would battle separately, the crabs battled with great teamwork, and their coordination was quite surprising to see.
Streams of water shot out of their mouths and became thousands upon thousands of arrows flying toward the disciples. Their attacks couldn't be underestimated. Although many of the crabs were Demon Kings or of lower realms, there were still a considerable number of Demon Emperors among them. Attacks they launched with teamwork couldn't be easily stopped.
The numerous disciples displayed their strength and bombarded the crabs with powerful killing techniques.
Rumble! Rumble!
Sounds of explosions reverberated throughout the island, and the surrounding sea churned and turned. The disciples from the four academies worked with tacit understanding and attacked from different directions.
Of course, there were still some who had decided to work independently. Those without enough strength were seriously injured, but at the same time, the disciples killed many furred claw crabs.
"Brother, we finally have a chance to battle side by side again," said Xia Liuhui.
Xiang Shaoyun nodded. As he stood atop Money, the Shark Devourer Saber appeared in his hand. Then, as he braced himself for battle, he roared, "Kill!"
Since they were above the sea, Xiang Shaoyun had opted to use the Shark Devourer Saber. Using the power of water in his current environment would greatly boost his combat strength. He swung his saber several times in a row; each swing carried with it the power to smash through armies.
When Xia Liuhui saw how powerful Xiang Shaoyun was, he took a deep breath, and a pair of swords appeared in his hands. One was long while the other was short. One was blue, and one was red. The powers of water and flame swirled around him, and as he crossed both swords in front of him, the blue and red sword energies combined to form a single powerful sword strike that zoomed through the air.
Chapter 929: Gathering of Prodigies
Xia Liuhui only had a four-star physique, and he was once the Sacred Deer Academy's laughing stock. But now,
no one dared to laugh at him anymore. His dual cultivation of water and flame had granted him a combat strength no weaker than any of their other prodigies. It was unknown how he was able to overcome the disadvantage of his physique, but it was obvious he had had a massive fortuitous encounter that had allowed him to grow to the point of becoming one of the academy's top 100 disciples.
In the Sacred Deer Academy, Xia Liuhui called himself the Sun Moon Sword Emperor. And he was currently displaying a strength worthy of that moniker. The nearby Xiang Shaoyun could sense Xia Liuhui's strength. He was no longer the same weak and cowardly fatty of the Martial Hall Palace and Cloud Margin Pavilion.
Looks like Duo Ji had taught him well, lamented Xiang Shaoyun inwardly.
He did not stand around in contemplation. With the Shark Devourer Saber in hand, he started slashing as he advanced. His sole goal was to enter the secret space as soon as possible and snatch the fortuitous opportunities waiting inside.
The furred claw crabs were no pushovers. With their sheer numbers, they launched wave after wave of attacks toward the disciples. The disciples started hurting from the relentless assault, and even Xiang Shaoyun was forced into a defensive position to avoid further injuries.
The disciples all lived up to their names as prodigies. They started using their respective trump cards and blasted through the crabs' defensive perimeter. Of the disciples, the True Martial Academy disciples looked the most valiant. The furred claw crabs facing them were incapable of stopping their advance, and their defensive perimeter was the first to break as the True Martial Academy disciples blasted open a path of blood to the island.
The Nine Palace Academy disciples were the second group to break through, while the Dragon Phoenix Academy and the Sacred Deer Academy lagged behind. Just from this, one could see the true strength of the four academies.
"Looks like our disciples are still braver and better at fighting," said a True Martial Academy overseer smugly.