Chapter 856: News of the Fifth Key
After Xiang Shaoyun, Lei Bao, Zhan Wushuang, and Yu Ziyang gathered four keys together, locating the final key was supposed to be much easier. But when they tried detecting the final key with their keys, they received no response, unlike their previous attempts.
While everyone was confused, Lei Bao said with a frown, "The final key has either been destroyed or sealed by someone using a unique method. This is troublesome."
"Wait, so we won't be able to gather all five keys because of this?" Zhan Wushuang asked.
"If we keep failing to get a response, finding the fifth key will be harder than scaling the sky," said Lei Bao.
Everyone's expression turned ghastly. It hadn't been easy for them to gather four keys. They had thought that the final key would come easily, but they were disappointed. It was understandable that they would be upset.
While everyone was at a loss, a small group of people suddenly appeared near them. This group wasn't big, and they had about 20 people. However, they were extremely conspicuous since they were led by the only twin sisters in the academy, He Yuyuan and He Ziyuan.
The two were great beauties as pretty as the Han Clan sisters. Some would even say that the twins were prettier. Of course, they were still somewhat lacking compared to Yu Caidie and Han Chenfei. But when the seductive identical twins were standing side by side, they could still make one's imagination run wild.
They were dressed in fine satin outfits, showcasing their perfect figures well. Each had a sword hanging on her back, looking rather carefree. Both were tested to have eight-star physiques during the academy's test. It was clear they had excellent cultivation talents, but they had always maintained a low profile in the academy. No breaking news about them had ever spread in the academy.
Everyone knew that they had joined the Sword Society early on, and with the Sword Society's protection, nobody dared to mess with them. It seemed like the twins were currently approaching the alliance of four.
"He Yuyuan (He Ziyuan) greets the senior brothers," said the two as they cupped their hands in greeting.
"Where is Baili Yixiao? What is the meaning of sending you two to us?" asked Zhan Wushuang with a frown. Among all the disciples, Baili Yixiao was the only one he had attached any importance to. Nobody knew that he had known Baili Yixiao long ago, and the two were long-time rivals. In fact, it was Baili Yixiao who had left the scar on his face during the only defeat Zhan Wushuang had ever suffered.
Zhan Wushuang had also received special recruitment from the True Martial Academy, but upon finding out that Baili Yixiao had selected the Dragon Phoenix Academy, he had decided to join the Dragon Phoenix Academy as well. He hoped that he could wash his previous shame clean in the academy.
But over the past few years, Baili Yixiao had been completely focused on swordsmanship. Both of them were advancing as fast as the other, and because of that, Zhan Wushuang had never found the confidence to challenge Baili Yixiao again.
However, he knew very well that if he met Baili Yixiao in the battleground, a victor would be decided between them once again.
"The society master is inviting everyone to meet," said He Yuyuan.
"What is the meaning of this?" questioned Lei Bao.
"Our society master holds the fifth key," said He Ziyuan.
Everyone stirred. Just earlier, they were still all vexed over the location of the fifth key. And now, it was revealing itself before them. However, all of them were arrogant individuals. It might seem fine for them to follow He Yuyuan and He Ziyuan to meet Baili Yixiao, but in truth, it would give the impression that they were all answering his summons. The thought of it was hard for them to swallow.
Since Baili Yixiao could seal the stone key and make it undetectable, it proved he had extraordinary tricks up his sleeve. They had no choice but to go with the twins unless they were willing to give up on the key.
The twins could see their unhappiness, but they were acting on orders. Thus, they did not bother giving any other explanations and stood silently, awaiting their reply.
"Since we have no other choice, lead the way," said Xiang Shaoyun, breaking the silence.
The others were too arrogant to say yes, but Xiang Shaoyun did not care. It wasn't that he did not have a spine, but he was more pragmatic. He knew it was not the time to act according to their emotions. Their priority should be in opening the secret door. Everything else could be set aside for now.
By speaking, Xiang Shaoyun was giving them a chance to alleviate their embarrassment. After all, it was someone else who had agreed, not them.
"Fine. Let me see how amazing this Smiling Swordsman is to be acting so arrogantly," said Lei Bao.
With Xiang Shaoyun and Lei Bao agreeing, Zhan Wushuang and Yu Ziyang gave their tacit agreement as well. The group thus followed the twins toward Baili Yixiao's location. But before they arrived, they encountered the Royal Army.
When Huang Tianji saw all those people gathered together, he immediately guessed that they might be planning something. Thus, he decided to stick with them. Of course, he first needed an excuse.
"Xiang Shaoyun, I have yet to settle the issue of you bullying my little sister," said Huang Tianji as he took large strides toward Xiang Shaoyun.
Xiang Shaoyun shot him a glance and said, "Your Highness, you sure have balls. You think with the few people you have, you can fight the Overlord Legion?"
Huang Tianji ignored Xiang Shaoyun and said to Yu Ziyang, "Brother Ziyang, we previously agreed to work together. I now invite you to work with me and eliminate Xiang Shaoyun. I will definitely repay you handsomely after this."
Yu Ziyang hesitated for a bit and said, "Your Highness, we need to set that aside for now. We can talk about it later."
Huang Tianji said, "If that is the case, I will travel with you. When you're done with your business, we'll deal with him together."
"Haha, the great prince is actually playing a petty trick like this? How laughable," Xiang Shaoyun roared with laughter.
"Hmph. Your turn to suffer will come," said Huang Tianji without shame.
Yu Ziyang wanted to say something, but he ultimately decided to shut his mouth. He still wanted to befriend Huang Tianji, so he decided to let Huang Tianji stick with him. They would decide on what to do if Baili Yixiao disagreed later. In any case, Lei Bao and Zhan Wushuang had not objected to it.
With the inclusion of the Royal Army, the group grew larger. The devilish plants they encountered along their way were no longer a threat. After about half a day, they reached their destination.
This was the very first time Xiang Shaoyun was meeting the Dragon Phoenix Academy's number one disciple, Baili Yixiao.