Di Lin and company who had fled far away looked extremely sorry. They had begun the trip with over 30 people, but fewer than 10 had survived. Their loss was disastrous. They would definitely receive strict punishments from the academy after news of their loss spread. After all, each disciple was considered the academy's treasure. A death or two could be overlooked, but over 20 deaths would cause rather big consequences.

Although the academy would temper their disciples harshly, they wouldn't accept their disciples dying for no apparent reason. Di Lin did not seem to mind. He called his elder brother Di Shang to his side and spoke through voice transmission, "You should return to the Ziling Sect immediately and tell Father everything. As for what will happen next, it no longer has anything to do with us."

"Little brother, what if the others spread the news of what happened?" Di Shang asked with a frown.

"Don't worry. They won't have the chance," Di Lin said with a sharp glint in his eyes.

...

Xiang Shaoyun and company did not spend a second longer at the valley filled with poisonous miasma. They started their return journey to the academy. On their way back, they did not forget to gather some more treasures in passing. One could say that they were returning from a rewarding journey.

When they neared the academy, Shou Xie said solemnly, "Young Master Xiang, from today onward, we will be following you. I hope you can take care of us!"

Although Shou Xie was also a special recruit and was not lacking in talent, there was still a big gap between him and the many genius disciples. He might be able to control demonic beasts, but it did not seem possible to obtain power in the academy relying on that alone. After more interactions with Xiang Shaoyun, he had a feeling it was time he made a choice.

He was confident Xiang Shaoyun would not be willing to keep a low profile forever. Sooner or later, he would unite a group of people under his lead. Taking the chance when Xiang Shaoyun had yet to do that, Shou Xie decided to join. That way, he would be considered a senior figure in Xiang Shaoyun's faction in the future. It would give him a status that was entirely different from being an ordinary member.

Xiang Shaoyun did not reject the offer. He smiled and said, "Feel free to look for me if you have any issues in the future. I won't dare to promise I can solve everything, but I won't have a problem solving anything that isn't too big of a deal!"

"Allow me to thank you in advance, then!" said Shou Xie with joy. "In truth, with your strength, you can totally start your own faction!"

Tang Longfei nodded and joined in, "That's right. Shaoyun, it is something worth considering. This is a good opportunity for you."

The academy was filled with the geniuses of the dominion. It would be very beneficial for Xiang Shaoyun's future power if he could recruit them. That was the reason why many geniuses had established their own factions in the academy.

Prior to this, Xiang Shaoyun had been focused on cultivating and hadn't gotten the chance to properly consider forming a faction. Now that they were talking about it, he was tempted. He was clear that one person might be powerful, but many people together would be even more powerful.

Now, a perfect opportunity lay before him. Since he was already a Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, it wouldn't be hard for him to proclaim his own hegemony within the academy. Now was the perfect timing for him to rise.

"Let's do it! Together, we will shake the world!" Xiang Shaoyun clapped his hands and agreed in a straightforward manner.

The others were filled with excitement upon hearing his agreement. At present, they were still independent disciples in the academy. With Xiang Shaoyun stepping up as the leader, it signified that their position in the academy would stabilize. People would no longer dare to easily create trouble for them.

"If we're forming a faction, we need to think of a proper name, then," said Lady Shura.

Without taking any time to think, Xiang Shaoyun said, "Let's call it Ziling Sect."

Tang Longfei quickly objected, "Shaoyun, you shouldn't act on your emotions. We know what you're thinking, but it's not a proper name. Even your father won't agree to it. He would instead hope for you to surpass him!"

Tang Longfei understood what Xiang Shaoyun was thinking. He merely wanted to rebuild Ziling Sect and reclaim everything his father had built. But Tang Longfei did not wish to see him do that in the academy.

After all, if the disciples knew his actual intention of establishing the faction, not many would be willing to join. After all, a disciple would only join a faction in the hope of gaining some companions that would watch each other’s back in the academy. Having companions would help them grow better and obtain more cultivation resources.

After graduating and returning to where they came from, they might not necessarily be willing to share the task of reclaiming a sect alongside Xiang Shaoyun. Tang Longfei did not say all that, but Xiang Shaoyun understood what he meant.

"There's no rush. So long as you have the intention to do so, all is fine," said Shou Xie.

Xiang Shaoyun nodded, and the group continued heading back to the academy. Along the way, he continued thinking of a name and a goal for his faction. Slowly, a clear idea formed in his mind.

Before they reached the academy, Xiang Shaoyun declared, "I am a self-proclaimed overlord. Let's call our faction the Overlord Legion. As for our motto, it will be, 'Don't mess with us, and we won't mess with you. Mess with us, and we will return it 10 times over.' "

"Overlord Legion, that's a good name. And the motto, it's good too. Mess with us, and we will return it 10 times over! It practically radiates dominance!"

Shou Xie also agreed, "I think so as well. In the future, you will be our overlord, Young Master Xiang!"

As he said that, he bowed deeply to Xiang Shaoyun, formalizing his status as Xiang Shaoyun's follower.

Jin Shi and Ling Li did the same as well, and they called out, "Overlord!"

Tang Longfei, Lady Shura, and Ning Wenhuang quickly followed suit. Xiang Shaoyun wanted to stop Tang Longfei from bowing as well, but after giving it some thought, he decided against it. Although he addressed Tang Longfei as his big brother, the dignity of an organization's overlord needed to be preserved.

"Very well. You are all the faction's senior members. From now on, Shou Xie will be in charge of information gathering. Big Brother Tang and Big Sister Ning will be in charge of recruitment. Lady Shura will be in charge of communication between members. I don't care about the strength of our members. Loyalty is my only priority. Those unwilling to obey will not be accepted regardless of strength. All members shall help each other, and we shall never abandon a member in need. Those who betray their fellow members shall be expelled for light offenses. As for serious offenses, do not blame me for being ruthless," declared Xiang Shaoyun solemnly.

"Yes, Overlord!" the others answered.

"Very good. After we return, I shall fight the first battle on behalf of our Overlord Legion and spread our name throughout the academy!" said Xiang Shaoyun with thick battle intent. He already had a target to challenge. By defeating that person, not only could he vent his anger, he could also spread the fame of the Overlord Legion throughout the academy.