Chapter 1447: Battle
Standing in the Dragon Gazing Pavilion, Xiang Shaoyun gazed at the Dragon Society and muttered, "Nine dragons surrounding a single pearl. What a clever design for the headquarters."
In the past, the Ziling Sect's headquarters would definitely be incomparable to the Dragon Society's headquarters. But after the Ziling Sect's formations were redesigned by Xiang Shaoyun and Purple Lightning Marquis, it had changed completely. In terms of design, their headquarters was already comparable with the Dragon Society's headquarters. The only thing their headquarters lacked was more time to give the place more history.
"Before long, this place will also fall under the Ziling Sect's jurisdiction," said Green Ghost.
Green Ghost was only a step away from entering the Rebirth Realm, but he had been stuck at the same cultivation realm for about 3,000 years. If he remained stuck any longer, he would probably be stuck until the day of his death.
Now that he had submitted to Xiang Shaoyun, he was waiting for an opportunity to break through. He believed that Xiang Shaoyun would allow him to reach an even higher height.
"Yes. After today, this place will fall under the Ziling Sect," said Xiang Shaoyun as a powerful aura erupted from his body.
His divine dao eyes appeared, instantly allowing him to see a large group of people heading in his direction from the Dragon Society. The Dragon Society had sent about 3,000 people out, each of them an expert. When moving together, the 3,000 assumed a powerful battle formation that radiated an aura similar to the flower of incorporeal power the Ziling Sect had recently formed.
That was the aura formed through the Dragon Society's 10,000 years of history. The loyalty they had enjoyed from their people for the past 10,000 years wasn't something that could easily be broken.
Long Jun, the old lady, Long Qianqiu, Jin Junyi, and the others all stood atop a chariot pulled by a nine-headed jiao. The combination of their auras made their approach seem like the approach of a dragon, presenting a shocking scene to all onlookers.
"Guests from the Ziling Sect, please excuse my tardiness," Long Jun's voice rang out from far away. With his powerful cultivation, his voice seemed to strike deep into the hearts of all the Ziling Sect members. With this move, he attempted to plant the seed of fear in all of them and cause their confidence to waver.
"You're too polite. We should be the ones apologizing for intruding upon you," said Xiang Shaoyun.
His voice washed over all the Ziling Sect members like a spring breeze, cleansing their hearts of Long Jun's voice.
This young man is indeed strong, thought Long Jun when he found that his move had been countered.
Soon, the 3,000 Dragon Society members arrived before the Dragon Gazing Pavilion. The two parties differed widely in numbers, but neither seemed weaker than the other.
"I wonder what you're here for? If you're here as guests, you're most definitely welcomed. But if you're here to create trouble, don't blame me for showing no mercy," questioned Long Jun with his hands clasped behind him.
Xiang Shaoyun stepped forth and said, "Long Jun, what's the point of saying all that? Today, this overlord is here to make the Dragon Society submit. It doesn't matter if you agree or not. This will happen."
"How boastful. Are you not worried that you would be made to swallow your own words?" said Long Yu, the Dragon Society's young master.
"That's right. The Ziling Sect should be the one to submit, not us," said Jin Junyi.
"Stop wasting time. Make your choice, Long Jun," said Xiang Shaoyun nonchalantly.
"Looks like you won't give up, Xiang Shaoyun. Fine, let's proceed with the match of five rounds as we agreed. The loser shall submit. What do you think?" asked Long Jun.
"Sure," Xiang Shaoyun agreed confidently.
"Let's start with the weakest one first," said Long Jun. "Long Xing, step forth."
At his command, an incredibly pretty young man stepped out. In fact, he looked even prettier than many women. One might truly assume that he was a woman if one did not look at him carefully.
Long Xing was the Dragon Society's previous crown prince, someone who had reached the fifth-stage Soul Foundation Realm before 100 years old. Back then, both he and Long Yu were popular candidates to inherit the Dragon Society. However, Long Yu descended from the same family branch as Long Jun. Furthermore, Long Yu was also younger than Long Xing yet had the same strength. Naturally, Long Yu eventually won the race.
With one glance, Xiang Shaoyun saw that Long Xing was not weak at all. His opinion of the Dragon Society's strength improved considerably. He turned around and pointed at one person as he said, "Fang Hong, you're up."
"Yes, young sect master. I'll win the fight," answered that person.
Fang Hong was a Soul Foundation Realm expert who had recently risen in power in the Ziling Sect. He was also a peak fifth-stage Soul Foundation Realm cultivator, but he was much older than Long Xing at over 200 years old.
In truth, even reaching the Soul Foundation Realm at 200 years old was considered a rather impressive feat. With a sword in hand, Long Xing charged toward Fang Hong, who was wielding a halberd. Immediately, an intense battle broke out between the two.
Long Xing displayed the strength worthy of being the Dragon Society's previous crown prince. With enough strength to punch above his class, he displayed a strength comparable to a sixth-stage Sovereign. Furthermore, he had even comprehended the sword intent that caused his attacks to be incredibly sharp. His combat style was completely unlike his gentle and reserved appearance.
Fang Hong was a general Xiang Shaoyun had personally appointed. He had a thick cultivation base and rich combat experience. Thus, he was able to match Long Xing evenly.
After exchanging hundreds of moves, Long Xing finally decided to release the draconic battle aura unique to the Dragon Society upon realizing that Fang Hong held the advantage in a prolonged battle. With one ultimate attack, he defeated Fang Hong.
"Haha, looks like the Dragon Society is going to take the first win," said Long Jun in a pleased manner.
The Dragon Society members started shouting, "The Dragon Society will be victorious! The Dragon Society will be victorious!"
Fang Hong, seriously injured, struggled back on his feet and said, "Young sect master, I've let you down!"
He then raised his palm and slammed it toward his head, attempting to pay for his defeat with his own life. However, an incorporeal force stopped his palm before his palm could reach his head.
"Victory and defeat are commonplace in wars. There is no need to be too disheartened over a single defeat. Instead, you should contemplate on your defeat and think of how to do better in your next battle. If you kill yourself after one defeat, others will only look down on us more," said Xiang Shaoyun.
In truth, it wasn't surprising at all for Fang Hong to be defeated. He might be as strong as Long Xing, but he lacked a secret technique. Otherwise, he might have been the one to emerge victorious.
Of course, Xiang Shaoyun was also at fault. He decided that he should really start looking for some secret techniques for his sect members. With the addition of secret techniques, the core members of the sect would grow even stronger.
"Yes, young sect master. I was wrong," said Fang Hong with great shame. He retreated into the group and vowed inwardly, I'll definitely grow even stronger in the future!
"For the next round, we get to make the first pick, right?" said Xiang Shaoyun. "Lady Shura, you're up."
Xiang Shaoyun picked his woman as the next participant. He believed that Lady Shura would be able to pick up a victory for their side. Lady Shura had grown much stronger than when she had first left the Devil Domain. With a cultivation level of third-stage Sovereign Realm, it was clear she had been growing rapidly.