Divine Brilliance - Chapter 648

Chapter 648: Overlord Zong Shou

They were already close to Lianyun Island. Although the Grand Demon God Shuttle was traveling very slowly, they needed only thirty minutes to arrive.

Although they hung two hundred thousand feet above the island and used illusionary techniques to hide, Zong Shou was totally unafraid of people below noticing.

When Zong Shou looked down, his expression turned serious, and his face fluctuated between green and white. In the end he laughed out loud, “It was really true…”

At the edges of the floating islands, many black-armoured soldiers were busy at the work of beheading their victims.

Blood drained into the ground, and was instantly picked up by the spiritual formation.

When the blood within each head was sucked dry, it was thrown into the Cloud Ocean.

In the distance, there was a fleet of cloud ships which ferried more people to the island.

What surprised Zong Shou was that the people sent to the slaughter weren’t old and weak, but mostly strong men. They were all dressed in simple and cheap clothing, and their expressions were numb and filled with despair. Some wanted to rebel, but were slain on the spot by the surrounding soldiers.

Squinting, Zong Shou didn’t need to think hard to figure out that the blood of strong men would be much more effective.

To think that those Huizhou City Lords were willing to send over so much of their labor forces.

Those within the shuttle were all used to witnessing bloody scenes, and they quickly recovered from the initial shock at the sight before them.

Jingyin’s body shuddered in fury, her lips turning white as she gritted her teeth. She looked towards Zong Shou with a pleading expression.

She knew that Zong Shou was the only one who could save all these people now.

Although she wasn’t close to or comfortable with that fellow, it couldn’t be compared to her anger towards those beasts in black below.

Who could predict that that Zong Shou would offer praise? “What was the word? Ah, that’s right. Generals have to be unscrupulous. Commander Wei really understands that.”

Zhao Yanran also nodded. “The Night Demons are strong, so no wonder Weihai has to do this.”

Jingyin’s heart turned cold. She was about to stand up and leave the shuttle before Zong Shou let out a self-mocking laugh. “However, no matter what, I can’t tolerate this.”

If these ten million people were in his hands, who knew how much money they could make for him.

Yet Weihai threw them away just like that. If only he could seal up this region, then he would step in. But he was unable. He felt his heart twinge in pain…

These ten million lives were pitiful, but the billion people of Donglin and the troops under him were more important.

Kong Yao wasn’t surprised as she looked closely at her husband.

Although he was vicious and despicable, he was a kind ruler.

She shook her head. “Husband, if we can’t bear with this it will spoil the plan. If my lord really can’t take it, you can send an envoy to negotiate…”

She didn’t even believe the words even as she said them. That method would probably be useless, and Weihai wouldn’t listen at all. He might even think that Gantian Mountain had nefarious intentions. Who knows, he might even speed up the process and slice off ten million heads.

“Right now we need to work together against the enemy. Husband, don’t argue too much with him.”

She wanted to say something but she couldn’t. If one was a wise ruler, one would act like he didn’t see anything. The big picture was more important.

“Send an envoy to negotiate? Do you want Weihai to humiliate me again?”

Zong Shou chuckled coldly, feeling stunned as he looked into the sky. He became lost in deep thought.

Moments later, he laughed aloud again. It started low and soft, almost unable to be heard. Then, the clouds and the sky were shaken by his nearly maniacal laughter.

Just as the surrounding women started to look worried, Zong Shou suddenly stopped. He asked Kong Yao seriously, “If I let you command, with the four hundred thousand Gantian Mountain elite, how long do you need to take down Lianyun Island? How many casualties will you suffer?”

The question was too sudden and unexpected.

Kong Yao’s brow furrowed, and although she didn’t understand, she still took in a deep breath and replied, “If we catch them off guard, at most six hours. As for casualties less than half a town…”

Zong Shou nodded. Based on his predictions, it would take five hours and the deaths would be within two thousand.

Then he asked, “If you have a million troops can you defend it?”

Kong Yao was shocked. What did Zong Shou mean by these words?

She had never experienced a million-man war. She had also only recently been promoted to the role of Governor Commander.

She had been through ten wars in the past, but they were all on the scale of two to three hundred thousand.

Not to mention leading a million troops.

She recalled that the only person in Gantian Mountain with such an ability was the Left Pillar General Qiuwei.

Zong Shou had probably only asked for her opinion, and nothing else.

“If it was Commander Qiu, I don’t know. But if I was in charge, I would give this place up.”

Zong Shou sighed. Kong Yao continued, “This Island is hanging above the Cloud Ocean, there is no place to defend and nowhere to retreat to. If I was Prince Jia Mingluo, with just one hundred thousand troops, I can trap our army of a million here. Even our sailors won’t be able to remain. The only way is to retreat to the continent and fight back. Does Ruler want to get more troops from Gantian? That would be a bad idea…”

Zong Shou laughed softly, interrupting her before she could finish her sentence.

As expected from the invincible commander decades later. It was such a good deal.

Zhao Yanran was totally confused, frowning, “Zong Shou are you crazy? What are you doing?”

Even Xuan Yunlan felt that this great-great-great-great-great senior master was a little weird.

Zong Shou suddenly stretched. “Since we can’t talk sense into them, then let’s not! I can’t bear to watch these Huizhou people get killed, so I can only liberate them…”

Again, he had confused everyone.

Zhao Yanran was shocked. Was that fellow being serious?

She felt that she understood his intent when she heard those words. Wasn’t this the best excuse to occupy Huizhou Island?

Why didn’t this fellow look at the timing? Even if he could occupy it how could he block the Night Demons?

“What ‘big picture?’ What ‘enduring the little things so they don’t ruin the plan?’ Those excuses were all dogshit! Since Weihai can’t block those Night Demons, then I will take over…”

The moment he said those words, Kong Yao’s face flushed red and then she felt angry. She had said those things purely in consideration of Zong Shou.

The Central Continent had a phrase which was, ‘if you marry a chicken you will follow the chicken, if you marry a dog you will follow the dog.’ She had accepted her fate the day her father rushed over to Gantian Mountain.

Along the way, all the words she said were for Zong Shou.

However that person didn’t accept her kindness…

Forget it, she was simply too lazy to bother about him!

Zong Shou still felt nothing at all contradicting his wife, and he was still filled with pride as he scoffed, “Most people will probably say that we are taking advantage of the situation, not bothering about the big picture. But who cares, why do I need to reason with them? I am unrivalled so why should I bother what others do? A chaotic world is about to arrive, and acting with kindness will will get you nowhere. Since that is the case, I will be domineering. Hey! I should have thought of this long ago. With only a little effort, I can quash these people. Remember, in the future all of you will call me Overlord…”

In the future, there will be a rich person known as South Overlord. He was really domineering and never reasoned with people, bullying men and stealing women, doing all kinds of evil. Zong Shou had always admired his legacy.

A real man should behave like that…

The moment he said those words, the entire shuttle became so quiet that a pin drop would be heard.

Zong Shou’s dominance spread all over. Seeing all the woman stunned and unable to speak, he impatiently kicked Zhao Yanran, saying barbarically, “Remember to help me send this boat full of wood back to Gantian. I will question you if any is missing!”

After which he sped out of the shuttle on his own.

Only after a short while did Zhao Yanran come back to her senses. Following which she touched her bum and was shocked.

She gritted her teeth in rage. This Zong Shou actually dared to take advantage of her, he really wanted to die!

※※※※

Zong Shou took out the Teleportation Jade after leaving the flying shuttle. The spell activated and his surroundings started to fade.

Numerous different spaces and situations flashed before his eyes.

Maybe because his cultivation was much higher, this time he didn’t feel like vomiting.

The scene ahead of him finally settled. He was in the Common People Vast Habitat, within the Book Hiding Building.

As usual, it was quiet and cold. Zong Shou’s expression was also filled with a little darkness.

Although he was really jovial in front of Zhao Yanran and the others, even laughing, in reality his heart was so suppressed by the Night Demon army that he felt unable to breathe.

Closing his eyes, Zong Shou adjusted his thoughts before walking down.

By the time he reached the last few steps, he had already transformed his appearance to Tanqiu’s.

What surprised him was that Hanfang and Ruolan weren’t here.

Zong Shou’s brow furrowed as he stepped out of the building. He looked all around. It was currently morning. Most of the Common People Path disciples were walking about the corridors.

Everyone were shocked when they saw Zong Shou, following which they all saluted him.

At this moment, everyone recognized Tanqiu, and everyone respected him within the Common People Path Vast Habitat.

This was not only due to his shocking seniority, but also because of his sword.

However, when Zong Shou spread out his spiritual sense, he couldn’t find Hanfang and Shi Ruolan.

Were they outside of the Learning Palace? Or were they in one of the spiritual rivers?

Zong Shou didn’t hesitate, stepping onto a sword and he flying out.

Right as he reached the gate, a buzzing sound greeted his ears.

Zong Shou lifted his head in shock, seeing a light fly over. It struck the ground in front of him, burrowing into the rock at his feet.

It was a sword, around five feet long. It looked exceedingly simple and ordinary, and gave off a green glow.

Zong Shou looked in all directions, but he saw no one.

Although the sword was close to him, but it didn’t look like a sneak attack.

Reaching out, Zong Shou pulled the sword out in confusion. He was shocked.

… It was actually a Grade Four Magical Treasure!

Casually waving his hand without using much energy, a stream of sword energy shot out. Instantly it drew a thin and deep mark on the ground.

This sword was really sharp…

“What a good sword!”

Zong Shou’s eyes lit up. Although he didn’t know what kind of spiritual formation was within the sword or what kind of ability it had, its sharpness was enough to delight him.

What was surprising was that although it was an Intermediate Grade Magical Treasure, he could use it with his cultivation without any obstructions.

No weapon at his side had lasted over a year. Although he had a few reserves, they didn’t suit him.

The Green Dragon Hairpin Sword given to him by Tanqiu was good, but it still felt petty.

As for this sword, he loved it.

But where had it come from?

His spiritual sense was spread out to sense Hanfang and Ruolan.

However this sword just suddenly appeared from nowhere.

Had it been brought by a Common People Path senior? There was no way it had just been left here.

He looked at the sky, and then searched the sword’s body for a mark or name.

… This sword has no name? Then I will just call it Nameless!

Just as Zong Shou was ready to hang it at his waist, he felt the sword shake slightly.

He was slightly surprised. This Nameless Sword seemed to have a spirit. It seemed unhappy with the name Zong Shou had given it.

Moments later, it calmed back down.

Zong Shou’s eyes lit up. It was really an Artifact Spirit. He had really picked up a treasure.

As long as one was willing to spend money, one could create an Artifact Spirit. Even Celestial Artifacts and God Artifacts could be created.

Based on what he knew, all Celestial Artifacts had to have sentience. Most of them were developed from Magical Treasures.

There were many Celestial Artifacts in the world. However, no matter how good the Celestial Sword was, it couldn’t be compared to weapons one raised oneself.

Who knew which senior was so generous?

At this moment, Zong Shou didn’t know that at the same time within the Ancestral Temple of the Vast Habitat, a strange golden sword suddenly shone brightly, illuminating the entire room in purple and gold.

A moment later the light was retracted.

Then, the purple gold book above the sword changed. Its cover flew open and its pages were flipped incessantly.

One page suddenly moved forward. The book was opened from the 16th to the 15th pages, before it closed with a thump.

Hundreds of worlds away from the Cloud World, two women casually walking in the void frowned. They looked back towards the Cloud World.

Mysterious Life Golden Book?

Golden page shifting forwards, who had caused it?

※※※※

Zong Shou finally found his quarry within the Outer Region World River.

When Zong Shou rushed over, he saw Shi Ruolan holding a short knife, fighting a huge Golden Flame Wolf.

Intense flames hovered around its body, and it was also covered in golden spikes. Each strike from it was extremely quick and extremely dangerous.

It was only a grade-7 spirit beast. In Zong Shou’s eyes, it could be killed with a flick of the finger.

However, to Shi Ruolan, it was very dangerous. Her small body dodged and dove without rest, but each time she only barely avoided death. If she didn’t pay attention, her brain would be smashed, or her stomach cut right open.

Amazingly she was still able to retaliate. The short knife in her hands drew thin wounds on the body of the Golden Flame Wolf.

However, with its size, these blows were an itch at most.

Hanfang stood at the side, his cloud-like aura covering the area.

Originally, it would be difficult for him to see the scene, but with the Nine Tail Sky Fox blood and also the Illusionary Heart Mirror, this level of illusionary technique couldn’t hide anything from him.

Zong Shou’s heart jumped as he looked on. He stopped beside Hanfang and sighed.

“This is too cruel! Senior Brother, is this considered torture of a disciple?”

Hanfang frowned, and then laughed coldly. “The Snow Lion Race fight those beasts beneath the Cloud Ocean when they are twelve. Shi Ruolan is already fourteen! At this age, you were chased out by Lingyun Sect and left to die. Although my disciple can’t be on your level, I will not allow her to be weaker than others.”

Zong Shou thought to himself, How could we be similar? I have decades of experience from my last life!

Hanfang stood, watching the fight without even blinking. Just one look, and one knew how much importance he placed on her.

Hanfang said, “I am just joking! Junior Brother, don’t be angry. Without going through life and death battles, one’s martial path won’t be able to improve.”

Hearing these words, Zong Shou thought back to the past. In his last life, before he made some small improvements in his sword path, he spent his days killing and fighting. Following which he came to his senses, and said, “Why did Senior Brother call me back? Do you have anything good to give me?”

“Wishful thinking. Of course I called you back just for Ruolan!” Hanfang said, and then paused, before continuing, “You have something on your mind. Is it Huizhou?”

Naturally, everyone in the Cloud World knew about a matter as important as the Night Demons descending.

Zong Shou smiled and didn’t reply. Hanfang’s mind was really sharp.

“That Great Shang Emperor plans to wipe out the internal problems before focusing on the external. He wants to deal with the threats in the country and then the alien races. That Daoling Vast Habitat wants to keep its strength and is unwilling to help, and is actually preparing to leave Huizhou. Junior Brother, you need to be careful! Don’t get so deep in such that you can’t climb out. If you need help, just ask from the sect.”

Zong Shou shook his head. “How would I not know about their thoughts? This isn’t the stage to ask help from the sect. Isn’t it just some Night Demons? I am confident of my ability to clear them out with my sword!”

“What a thing to say, how domineering! As expected from my Common People Path First Seat! The head of the Cloud World Six Pinnacle Swords.”

Hanfang laughed. He knew that Zong Shou had other plans, and he didn’t bother trying to persuade him. His expression filled with melancholy. “Three months later, I will leave the Cloud World. This trip is unpredictable. You should bring this kid, Ruolan, away with you!”

Zong Shou was stunned, before he came back to his senses and bowed. “Junior Brother will congratulate Senior Brother early for reaching the Saint Realm!”

Hanfang shook his head when he heard that. “It is impossible to say whether or not I will fail or succeed!”

His words were filled with solemnity.

Zong Shou didn’t speak. It was the same case with Dragon Shadow a few months back.

Spirit Realm, Celestial Realm, God Realm, Saint Realm, each realm was a huge step for a cultivator who was about to reach the end of his lifespan.

He had never experienced such a thing, so he felt unable to judge and unable to comment.

Right as he was about to speak, his brow furrowed as he looked closely at the battle.

Shi Ruolan had been forced into a corner by the wolf, with no room to avoid its attacks.

However, her body now shot forward like an arrow, directly towards the throat of the wolf. Spiritual patterns appeared on her brow.

Her movements were swift, much faster than before. Her actions were really accurate, such that each bone and muscle was used precisely.

Like she had seen through the weaknesses of the Golden Flame Wolf, she easily sliced apart its claw strikes and then broke its energy at its weakest point. A shockingly bloody wound appeared at its neck.

Shi Ruolan was already a hundred feet away when blood began to spurt. As though the strike had used all of her energy, she could only half-kneel on the ground and pant.

The Golden Flame Wolf had suffered a lethal injury, but it was still alive. It was furious as it snapped at Shi Ruolan.

Zong Shou couldn’t take it anymore, and he flicked his finger. A sword-shaped energy bolt instantly blew the head and front of its body apart into dust.

Shi Ruolan had been calm, even at the sudden demise of the wolf, but when she turned and saw Zong Shou, her eyes lit up. She instantly pounced and hugged him.

Zong Shou laughed and patted her head. This little brat wasn’t the normal kind of small. He had left for several months, but she still hadn’t grown much taller.

She was already fourteen, but only reached his chest.

She lifted her head, eyes filled with joy and fear. “Brother Shou, do you not want me anymore?”

Her pupils were wet and filled with anticipation. Zong Shou felt like he was instantly slain by her gaze. He put the blame on himself. He was a beast, and couldn’t be forgiven.

This Ruolan was just too adorable.

“How is that possible? In the future, I will follow brother always, okay?”

He lifted her up and placed her on his shoulder. He then took out a sugar cube from his bag.

Only then did he remember that the brat wasn’t as ignorant as she had been when she first came out from beneath the Cloud Ocean.

He felt a little awkward. He then took out the Green Dragon Hairpin Sword, and stuck it into her hair. Only then did she smile.

Zong Shou turned and looked towards Hanfang with a questioning gaze.

Just now, that lethal blow from Ruolan was too weird!

“That was a natural ability of the Snow Lion Race—only the Emperor Race has it.”

Hanfang understood what he meant, and explained expressionlessly, “If she uses all her strength, in fifteen minutes her thinking and body reaction speed can increased by a hundred times! However, this is only one of the most simple bloodline abilities…”

Zong Shou was shocked as he looked at Shi Ruolan, who was playing with the hairpin.

Thinking and reaction speed increased by hundred times? What would happen?

It meant that anyone’s actions will he hundred times slower in her eyes!

Snow Lion of the Palm?

That Maniac Lion Snow Seal was actually so amazing?

This Ruolan was actually the same as him, Monster Race Emperor Blood.

And then, Hanfang frowned. “You told me to teach her the art of war because you wanted her to lead an army. I don’t think this brat has such a talent!”