Chapter 853: Thank You for the Praise

The Dragon Phoenix Academy had survived for tens of thousands of years. During the period, they’d had numerous principals. Mo Xiaoqing's ancestor was one of these ex-principals who had died due to some accident. Even so, the Mo Clan still wielded a great influence in the academy.

Because of that, regular disciples would show some respect the moment they discover Mo Xiaoqing's background. Otherwise, Mo Xiaoqing could very well use his influence to make cultivating difficult for the disciples or even outright expel them.

Sure enough, some Overlord Legion members had a change of expression when they heard of his background.

Situ Yan pushed on, "If you don't involve yourself in this and stay clear of Xiang Shaoyun's affair, I believe Brother Mo will not trouble you as well."

Mo Xiaoqing said, "That's right. Those standing by his side will be considered the Mo Clan's enemy. You better weigh your options carefully."

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"I see. So it turns out the academy is run by your clan?" said Han Chenfei with a sneer.

At Han Chenfei's words, Mo Xiaoqing's expression changed greatly. The expressions of the other members of the local faction also shifted subtly.

"I never made that claim! But the influence I wield is enough to deal with the likes of you!" Mo Xiaoqing quickly argued.

These local faction disciples were all backed by different elders, some with backgrounds no weaker than the Mo Clan. Han Chenfei's words were clearly aimed at the local faction's internal friction.

Mo Xiaoqing was no fool. Of course he could see her aim.

"Hehe, you're denying it? There are hundreds of us here, and each of us has joined the academy after numerous tests. Feel free to expel all of us. I believe the future generations of our organizations will no longer enter the Dragon Phoenix Academy. After all, there is more than one ancient academy in existence," said Han Chenfei, still sneering.

She was right. If all of them were made to leave the academy at the same time, it would be a massive scandal. At that time, the Mo Clan would definitely suffer. Mo Xiaoqing had not expected Han Chenfei to have such a sharp tongue. He was infuriated, but he did not know what to say.

Beside him, Situ Yan shouted, "This is an affair between Xiang Shaoyun and us. It has nothing to do with all of you!"

"But he is our overlord, so this definitely has something to do with us," argued Han Chenfei unrelentingly.

Situ Yan couldn't win the argument with Han Chenfei, so she pointed at Xiang Shaoyun and scolded, "Xiang Shaoyun, you coward. If you have the guts, fight Brother Mo one on one!"

Right after she said that, Xiang Shaoyun turned into a gust of wind and approached her rapidly. Using the profundity of wind, footwork intent, and the Overlord's Nine Nether Steps, he pushed his speed to a level surpassing a Sovereign. Not even a third-stage Sovereign could compare with him in terms of speed. Before anyone could react, several slaps struck Situ Yan's face.

Pa! Pa!

Xiang Shaoyun left as fast as he had arrived. Before everyone even knew what was happening, he had returned to his original position. Situ Yan was completely dumbstruck, and the burning pain on her face caused her to tear up. She looked incredibly pitiful, but she couldn't even find out who had slapped her.

"Yes, I am a coward. I don't have the guts to fight him. What, you want to beat me up? Ask the brothers and sisters standing behind me, vixen," said Xiang Shaoyun nonchalantly.

Finally, Situ Yan realized that Xiang Shaoyun had to have been the one who had slapped her. Looking at Mo Xiaoqing, she demanded, "Brother Mo, kill him for me, and I will be yours."

But before Mo Xiaoqing could reply, Tang Longfei shouted, "If you want to touch the overlord, you have to go through the Overlord Legion!"

The others also shouted, "To touch the overlord, you have to go through the Overlord Legion!"

Their voices resounded in the air, their vigor overflowing. Those from the local faction were given a fright. They had never expected such cohesiveness in the Overlord Legion. Their unity was truly surprising.

Even Mo Xiaoqing and Situ Yan were greatly shocked. For a moment, they even had an impression that the Overlord Legion was already attacking. Under the suppression of their overflowing vigor, Mo Xiaoqing and Situ Yan would be akin to eggs clashing against stone if they continued challenging Xiang Shaoyun.

"I thought you were challenging me. If you insist, my brothers and sisters will face you together," said Xiang Shaoyun with a toying tone.

"You...you're shameless!" Mo Xiaoqing said sullenly.

"Thank you for the praise. If that is all, we will be taking our leave. You're more than welcome to come challenge us at any time," said Xiang Shaoyun.

Without bothering to say anything else, he then began to leave with the Overlord Legion.

"Brother, don't be in such a rush to leave," Lei Bao suddenly said.

"Anything I can do for you?" Xiang Shaoyun asked curiously.

"Do you have any stone keys in your possession?" Lei Bao asked.

Xiang Shaoyun nodded. "Yes. Do you?"

"Haha, I have one," said Lei Bao with a hearty laugh.

Hearing that, a complicated expression formed on Xiang Shaoyu’s face. There were five stone keys in total. The one that could assemble all five would be able to open the secret door. The battleground's most valuable treasure was definitely waiting there.

The reason Xiang Shaoyun had spread the news regarding the stone keys was so other key holders would show up and he could in turn snatch those keys. Little had he imagined that the first opponent he encountered would be those from the local faction. It was not good news.

He did not fear them, but they were definitely no easy opponents. Moreover, offending the local faction would only bring them more trouble in the future. Lei Bao seemed to have seen through Xiang Shaoyun as he asked, "Brother, are you planning to snatch the key?"

Xiang Shaoyun rubbed his nose and said, "Yes, that was my plan. But it seems like I have no choice but to change my plan."

Lei Bao had not expected such a frank reply. His respect for Xiang Shaoyun increased.

"The secret door is not something that can be monopolized by a single person. In fact, it is enough for everyone to share. I advise you to forget your plan. The best method is to work together," suggested Lei Bao seriously.

Xiang Shaoyun gave it some thought and said, "I don't mind a cooperation, but how are we supposed to split the gains?"

"Simple. After opening the door, we can compete. What one can get will depend on one's capabilities," said Lei Bao.

After giving it more thought, Xiang Shaoyun agreed. Since Lei Bao was from the local faction, he definitely had a deep understanding of the battleground's secrets. He wouldn't have made such a proposal otherwise.

Perhaps the difficulty of getting the treasures behind the secret door was much greater than he had imagined.