Chapter 549: Final Moment
Xiang Shaoyun's soul power had already reached a level comparable to a top Emperor's due to his bloodline awakening, his growth in strength, and the soul raising stone. Thus, it wouldn't be difficult for him to suppress the turtle emperor.
However, he still did not want to expose his Nether Soul Domain yet. Thus, after stopping the turtle and stealing the golden lotuses, he fled. If he really wanted to fight, he would even be able to kill the turtle emperor.
After losing the golden lotuses it was guarding, the turtle emperor started roaring madly in fury. It rushed out of the lake, revealing its dreadful body that was akin to a mountain. Unfortunately, before it could fly away, it was pressed back down into the lake by a certain incorporeal power. Naturally, that was a power originating from Xiang Shaoyun's Nether Soul Domain. He had no intention to allow the turtle emperor to catch up with Tang Longfei and the others.
"Don't create trouble, or I'll take your life," threatened Xiang Shaoyun before he left toward Tang Longfei and the others.
The turtle head came out of the lake again, and its eyes were filled with confusion. Why would a King Realm human possess such a terrifying pressure? A short while later, Xiang Shaoyun caught up to Tang Longfei and company.
"Are you fine? That fellow sure is scary," said Tang Longfei. Earlier, he had been jolted to the point of coughing blood. Even now, his face was still ghastly and pale.
"I'm fine. It won't be chasing us any longer. Take some time to recover before we continue traveling," said Xiang Shaoyun.
Tang Longfei nodded and consumed some healing king medicines as he started recovering as quickly as possible. He did not want to delay everyone due to his injuries. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he caused others to fail the test. After he sat in meditation for less than an hour, he woke up. His face seemed to have regained some of its colors.
"This place is really laden with dangers. Looks like I can't get too greedy," said Tang Longfei, somewhat dispirited.
After he said that, seven golden lotuses appeared on Xiang Shaoyun's palm as he said, "I have them."
Everyone's eyes lit up, and Xiang Shaoyun's image became even more enigmatic in their hearts. Of course, if he wasn't that powerful, how would he have been able to steal from the turtle emperor?
Joy covered Tang Longfei's face as he said, "Nice one! What are you waiting for? Let's split the loot!"
Since Xiang Shaoyun had taken the lotuses out, it was clear he had no intention of keeping them for himself. He gave each of them one. Ning Wenhuang felt somewhat embarrassed to receive her share, and she said, "Young Master Xiang, th-this is something you've gained alone. H-how can I take it?"
"Just accept it. Since we are taking the test together, we are friends. Each of us are entitled to the loot," said Xiang Shaoyun nonchalantly.
Ning Wenhuang glanced at Tang Longfei, and when she saw that he showed no response, she accepted the lotus. Lady Shura and the Han Clan sisters also received their shares. Lady Shura cultivated the power of gold. Thus, the lotus was extremely beneficial to her.
On the contrary, the lotus wasn't that useful for the Han Clan sisters, but Xiang Shaoyun still insisted they receive their shares. In the future, they could use them to trade for emperor medicines that could aid them in cultivation. And thus, only two of the lotuses were left. Naturally, Xiang Shaoyun kept both for himself.
The group then set off again. Xiang Shaoyun displayed his scouting prowess as usual, allowing them to avoid many formidable demonic beasts. Gradually, they approached the academy. In that manner, they traveled for two days. Now, they were near their destination.
But at this point, they could no longer avoid getting into intensive battles with the powerful demonic beasts nearby. The area was filled with demonic beasts, including a large number of Demon Emperors. Fully avoiding them was no longer possible. This could be considered the final trial of the first round of the test. If they couldn't get through the demonic beasts, they would all be reduced to beast fodder.
Presently, they were facing about a dozen demonic lions. The strongest of the lions was a third-stage Demon Emperor. There were also three first-stage Demon Emperors, with the rest being peak Demon Kings. They surrounded Xiang Shaoyun's group and charged them repeatedly. It seemed like they would not stop before ripping the group apart.
At this point, Tang Longfei, Ning Wenhuang, and Lady Shura no longer held anything back and fought with all their strength. As for the Han Clan sisters and Money, they were temporarily unable to provide any help. Only now did they realize how generous it was for Xiang Shaoyun to bring them along during the test.
If they had joined the test independently like the other participants, they would have been eliminated when they encountered the swarm of locusts. Currently, Xiang Shaoyun was standing before them, providing them with protection. His saber exuded a sharp aura as he repeatedly slashed and engaged the strongest lion in an intense battle.
"Piss off if you don't want to die. Otherwise, your entire clan will die here," said Xiang Shaoyun as he erupted with his presence of dragon and tiger. His domineering aura swept over his surroundings, and combined with the might of his Overlord Skyslaying Saber, his opponent started having the thoughts of fleeing.
Since Xiang Shaoyun was still under the suppression of the heavy armor, he had yet to unleash his full power. Thus, he hadn't been able to harm this third-stage Demon Emperor lion.
"Roar! Repulsive human, don't even dream of getting through my clan's territory. Obediently become our food!" the lion roared, a sound wave rumbling out.
The lion pounced forward and attacked with sharp claws. His demonic aura spread out, turning everything in his surroundings into fine powder. Xiang Shaoyun had long activated his gift of instincts. Thus, he was aware of the lion's attack trajectory. Even so, due to his slow movement speed, the attack still managed to strike him.
Cling! Clank!
The claws landed, creating a series of sparks on his armor. The attack had failed to deal any damage! One ought to know that this was an attack capable of ripping even emperor armors apart. The broken armor Xiang Shaoyun wore was still completely fine and had suffered zero damage. After landing on the ground, Xiang Shaoyun erupted with the power from his lightning bone and lightning star before swinging his saber, sending out a dreadful lightning ray.
On top of that, 49 silver lightning bolts formed in the sky above and rained down, submerging the lion in a storm of lightning. The silver lightning bolts bombarded the lion emperor relentlessly, causing him to repeatedly roar in pain. However, the attack was not enough to kill him.
Xiang Shaoyun took the chance to jump into the air before using the second stance of the Nine Overlord Skyslaying Saber Technique, Changing Weathers, and he slaughtered his opponent.
Although the lion emperor had a tough body, the Overlord Skyslaying Saber had been restored to the level of peak emperor weapon. It didn't have any problem slicing the lion apart.
After killing the third-stage Demon Emperor lion, Xiang Shaoyun had exhausted about 70 percent of his energy. The remaining 30 percent was barely able to sustain his exhaustion while wearing the armor. He landed heavily on the ground to catch his breath. As he rested, Tang Longfei and company assaulted the remaining lions and made them retreat. At this time, a different group of people suddenly charged toward them.