As one genius after another showed up, the Overlord Legion's overlord was nowhere to be seen. According to the Overlord Legion members, Xiang Shaoyun had gotten himself killed at the Desert of Despair, and this news spread after they returned from their expedition.

At that time, the entire Overlord Legion had gone to the Desert of Despair on a bandit extermination mission. After completing the mission, they encountered a super sandstorm, and Xiang Shaoyun attempted to stop it but was torn into shreds.

News of this filled the other disciples of the academy with regret. Xiang Shaoyun was the owner of a nine-star physique, the strongest physique in existence. Although he had selected a path of cultivation that did not seem to have a future, he had still displayed a talent that was among the top in the academy.

That was especially true for his accomplishment of charging into Feng Xiaosha's villa and defeating various opponents alone, which was also his most tyrannical feat. Furthermore, Ouyang Chuanqi was his willing subordinate. All of this showed just how extraordinary he was.

It was such a genius who could no longer participate in the primary-grade Dragon Phoenix Battleground competition, unable to represent the academy against the other academies' geniuses. It was quite a regret.

The Overlord Legion did not collapse because of his absence. Instead, it seemed much more united than any other faction in the academy.

The Overlord Legion's deputy commander, Ouyang Chuanqi, was there to stabilize the morale. Coupled with the increased unity from the expedition, their members had a high sense of belonging. Thus, anyone who dared to provoke the Overlord Legion would face their full wrath. Nobody dared to easily provoke them nowadays.

Currently, Ouyang Chuanqi, Tang Longfei, Zhuge Zhantian, Shang Jifeng, Ma Qihao, and the other main members of the Overlord Legion had been gathered at 1 Dragon Villa.

This was their first gathering at the villa after their return from the Desert of Despair. Prior to this, they had kept the villa empty, with Lady Shura occasionally coming over to keep it clean.

They were now here to talk about the primary-grade Dragon Phoenix Battleground that would start in half a month.

"I believe everyone is clear about the primary-grade Dragon Phoenix Battleground in half a month. Brothers and sisters of the Overlord Legion, we need to prepare ourselves. Only then will we be able to gain more from the battleground and reduce our casualties," said Tang Longfei.

"What instructions do you have, deputy commander?" Shang Jifeng asked.

"No instructions, but I just want to remind everyone to tread lightly. Also, the captains need to take charge of their own people. At the battleground, we will probably be separated. The moment that happens, the leaders need to do their part and lead their people well. We must uphold the Overlord Legion's prestige," said Tang Longfei. He continued speaking about some other topics, all in preparation for entering the battleground.

Of course, most of what he said was common sense, but he still needed to do his part as the deputy commander.

Tang Longfei was under great pressure. He was already a fifth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator, but it felt increasingly hard for him to advance further. As for the others, they were still growing rapidly. If it wasn't for Ouyang Chuanqi's presence, he would probably not be able to command enough respect to continue leading.

In the Overlord Legion, there were already four other fifth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivators. Each was appointed captain. Since they were not from the first batch of members, they could not replace Tang Longfei. However, that did not mean they lacked the ambition to do so.

Naturally, if they wanted to replace Tang Longfei, they had to first seek Ouyang Chuanqi's approval. Without Xiang Shaoyun around, Ouyang Chuanqi had the greatest prestige.

"Deputy Commander Ouyang, do you have anything to add?" Tang Longfei asked when he was done talking.

Ouyang Chuanqi sank into momentary thought before saying, "I have nothing to add. Everyone, just work hard. We will depend on our own capabilities to earn our worth during the competition. However, remember not to turn on each other. If any of you turn on your fellow brothers and sisters for wealth, do not blame me for being merciless."

Everyone nodded in agreement. At the primary-grade Dragon Phoenix Battleground, there would be many opportunities. Anyone inside was a potential competitor. Thus, it was very possible that brothers might turn on each other. That was something they needed to watch out for.

"Right, is there any news about the overlord?" Shou Xie suddenly asked. He had remained silent throughout the entire meeting.

Everyone shook their heads, their expressions dimming.

Lady Shura said, "Don't worry, everyone. I have a feeling the overlord will be fine. He will return soon."

"I have the same feeling. Too bad he won't be able to enter the battleground and will lose his chance to compete against the other academies," said Tang Longfei with a sigh.

"There are things that were just not meant to be. If he is fated to miss this, there is nothing we can do. But I am confident he can return in time," Ouyang Chuanqi said. "Alright. There is still half a month left. Everyone, cultivate hard in this remaining time."

He then left the meeting. The others did not stay long and dispersed as well.

...

Meanwhile, the academy received the letter informing them of the holy maiden's visit. The principal was forced to personally deal with the matters of welcoming the guest. He gathered the numerous elders and informed them of the visit, allowing them to prepare for it.

"Everyone, why do you think the Holy Earth Hall's holy maiden is visiting? How should we express our friendliness?" the principal asked the elders.

"The Holy Earth Hall has always isolated themselves from the world. They won't easily contact other powers. However, their strength can't be neglected. Furthermore, the Desert of Despair is their territory. We need to welcome the visitor grandly," said an elder.

A different elder said, "The Holy Earth Hall has suddenly decided to visit us. Is this their signal that their isolation is ending? If that is so, there is a need to maintain a friendly relationship with them. In the future, we might even be able to recruit their geniuses as well. That way, things will be even safer for our disciples out training at the Desert of Despair."

Other elders also spoke their minds, unanimously agreeing to welcome the visitor grandly. An elder even proposed to gather all the disciples, making them part of the welcoming crew as well. The Holy Earth Hall would be allowed to witness the might of their new disciples. That same elder believed that the holy maiden was probably visiting to find a lover. What if a disciple of the academy was selected?

The suggestion obtained the support of the principal and the other elders. Thus, orders were sent to the disciples to welcome the holy maiden.