Dragon Phoenix Academy.

The Overlord Legion grew in a low-profile manner. During its founding, it only had about 20 members. But now, they had about 40 members. A small portion had joined due to Xiang Shaoyun's reputation, while the majority had only joined because of Yan Gang and Zhong Xia.

Yan Gang and Zhong Xia were respectively a crafter and an alchemist. Thus, they had a unique status in the academy, and that only improved after they entered the Dragon Ascension Realm and greatly expanded the list of items they could make.

Even with that many members, the Overlord Legion was still considered one of the weakest factions in the Dragon Phoenix Academy. Of course, with the likes of Li Haonan and Ma Qihao, who were Jiao Luan List experts, among their ranks made them a force not to be underestimated.

The Overlord Legion seemed to be growing fine, but due to the Di Alliance's sudden suppression, they seemed to be having a hard time. Li Haonan and Ma Qihao were the ones who had caused the suppression to happen.

In order to earn more glory for the Overlord Legion, they had challenged the Di Alliance members. Of course, they had done so due to their confidence in their strength.

Initially, the two had been able to obtain victory in their duels, causing their confidence to swell further. As a result, they continued challenging more Di Alliance members. Eventually, the Di Alliance deployed a person called Xia Qiuhua. He alone seriously injured Li Haonan and Ma Qihao.

Xia Qiuhua wasn't particularly famous in the academy. In fact, his previous rank was at the bottom of the Serpent Fowl List. And yet, he had displayed such remarkable combat prowess that made it entirely possible for him to enter the Dragon Phoenix List if he so wished.

Thus, his single brilliant feat spread his name far and wide within the academy and completely crushed the little momentum the Overlord Legion had gained since its establishment.

At that point, the Overlord Legion's butler, Zhuge Zhantian, no longer maintained a low profile. He challenged Xia Qiuhua and declared that he would regain the Overlord Legion's glory.

Zhuge Zhantian was quite an imposing name, with Zhantian meaning "Battling Heaven," but his appearance was that of a merchant's. Thus, when his actual person stood on the ring, he looked much less impressive than his name sounded.

On the other hand, Xia Qiuhua looked incredibly capable. His hair was straight, his face was steadfast, his martial attire was crude, and even the sword in his hand was makeshift. Everything about him looked crude and ordinary, yet he exuded an extraordinary temperament.

Many disciples were waiting around the ring, waiting to see if Zhuge Zhantian could really win glory for the Overlord Legion.

"You're not my match. Why, then, are you challenging me?" Xia Qiuhua asked expressionlessly.

Zhuge Zhantian smiled. "Since our overlord is not around, though I'm but a useless butler, I still can't allow our Overlord Legion to lose in spirit. Even when I'm not a match, I still don't fear any opponent. I believe our overlord will repay all our losses once he's back."

"Hehe, overlord, that is quite an imposing title. Unfortunately, his underlings really aren't anything special," said Xia Qiuhua with a contemptuous smile. He stepped forward, walking slowly even as a powerful pressure surrounded Zhuge Zhantian.

He was displaying the strength of a third-stage Emperor. As for Zhuge Zhantian, he was barely a second-stage Emperor. The gap between them was only one cultivation stage, yet the gap between their strengths was incredibly wide.

Zhuge Zhantian, with his intelligence, decided to attack before Xia Qiuhua could build up his momentum. Wielding a green feather fan, he channeled his energy into the fan and caused it to shine brightly. A green crane projection floated out of the fan, one that exuded an extraordinary presence.

The Crane Whistles Through the Nine Skies!

The lifelike crane soared to the sky, its cry reverberating far and wide as it charged toward Xia Qiuhua. The attack caused Xia Qiuhua to raise his brow. His hand flickered as he swung his sword, sending a swirling sword energy slashing toward the crane.

The attack contained a sensation of reducing complexity to simplicity, a concept that wasn't sword intent but was instead a concept surpassing sword intent. It was a concept of returning to one's true self.

One could say that Xia Qiuhua's attack not only displayed his understanding of the sword but also enhanced his battle technique. In theory, it was similar to the simplification of battle techniques Xiang Shaoyun had learned from the gravekeeper elder.

If Xia Qiuhua had learned that by himself without the guidance of a teacher, it would mean that he was someone with terrifying martial comprehension. The sword energy ripped through the air, separating the crane from its head.

Just when Xia Qiuhua was about to press on, Zhuge Zhantian retreated and shouted, "I surrender!"

Xia Qiuhua pointed at his opponent helplessly and said, "Y-you're too shameless!"

"What was I supposed to do? I am here to be defeated anyway. I'm only here to tell everyone that the Overlord Legion is not afraid of setbacks. We have the courage to face any opponent!" said Zhuge Zhantian, feeling no shame toward his defeat. Instead, he wore his loss like a badge of honor as he made a righteous declaration to the crowd around the ring.

It seemed to work, and some of the crowd raised their thumbs and praised, "Well said!"

Who never tasted failure before? Even the geniuses gathered around the ring had all suffered defeat before. To maintain courage in the face of defeat was a valuable mentality a martial cultivator should have. The words of Zhuge Zhantian seemed to have reintroduced the Overlord Legion to the people, even causing some of them to consider joining the legion.

From all that had transpired, one ought to admit that Zhuge Zhantian had a truly brilliant brain. Zhuge Zhantian then left the ring in a carefree manner. On the other hand, Xia Qiuhua was completely disgusted by the shamelessness and was prepared to leave as well.

"Hold on, your next opponent is me, Tang Longfei!" a loud voice rang out.

A golden figure flashed through the crowd before landing on the ring. The newcomer was high-spirited, and his battle intent was flaring. He was none other than Tang Longfei, who had just come out of the Vicious Steel Mist. He had reached third-stage Dragon Ascension Realm, and one could say that with his current cultivation level, he was qualified to enter the Dragon Phoenix List as well.

When Xia Qiuhua sensed Tang Longfei's strength, excitement flickered in his eyes as he said, "Finally, a decent opponent has appeared. I accept your challenge."

"Haha, let's battle then!" Tang Longfei howled with laughter as he slammed a golden palm toward Xia Qiuhua.

The palm swept forth like a dragon, shining with a brilliant golden radiance. As for Xia Qiuhua, his sword slashes sliced through the air like a majestic rainbow. Thus, the two geniuses engaged in a spectacular battle, one that caused the blood of all spectators to boil with excitement.

"Since when has that Tang Longfei become so powerful? He seems to have reached third-stage Dragon Ascension Realm!"

"He has obviously stumbled upon a fortuitous encounter. How would he have grown so fast otherwise? What a lucky fellow."

"Looks like the Overlord Legion is not completely useless after all. With someone strong enough to enter the Dragon Phoenix List like Tang Longfei, the legion's strength can be elevated to a brand new level. But I wonder if their overlord, Xiang Shaoyun, can actually control his subordinates."

"Well, we will know when he finally reveals himself. For now, let's enjoy this match."