Xiang Shaoyun was not bothered about the many rumors circulating in the academy. After returning to his villa, he spent some time listening to the Overlord Legion's latest updates from Zhuge Zhantian before secluding himself in his cultivation room once again.

The Overlord Legion had recently recruited over 100 ex-members of the Di Alliance. Including other disciples they had also recruited, they now had over 1,000 members, including a decent number of those on the Jiao Luan List. The Overlord Legion's strength had reached a brand new height.

Xiang Shaoyun did not have the time to be bothered with the expansion, so he had Tang Longfei and Zhuge Zhantian be fully in charge. He also believed there would be more people joining in the near future. His confidence stemmed not only from the fact that he was now an overseer but also from the fact that he was going to advance into the third stage.

In recent days, the many disciples had been growing in strength. Most had surpassed the second stage, while those on the Jiao Luan List had even reached the fourth stage or higher. As for those on the Dragon Phoenix List, someone below the fifth stage could hardly be seen.

In other words, each disciple was advancing at a rapid rate. Hence, Xiang Shaoyun's preparation to enter the third stage this late wasn't anything special at all. But for someone with incredible combat prowess like him, an advancement signified a further increase in his strength.

He had comprehended the profundity of eight powers, with wood being the only profundity he was missing. Even so, it did not hinder the accumulation of his wood star; neither would it hinder his advancement to the third stage.

As someone who had refined a certain amount of gleamstar water, his stars had expanded by about 50 percent. Thus, his stars that had initially been full now required more energy. Using a large number of spirit crystals, he filled the stars as quickly as he could.

While filling them, he used the profundity of powers to absorb all the natural energy around him, quickening his accumulation of energy. The profundity of powers allowed one to have full affinity with its respective powers. Not only would one's absorption speed increase, but one would also be able to manipulate the said powers like they were an extension of one's body.

That was why the profundity of powers was something many cultivators pursued. Xiang Shaoyun had comprehended the profundity of eight powers so far. This was definitely something that would shock many people.

After all, he could definitely qualify as one who had comprehended the most profundities, and perhaps he was the first of his kind in history. This session of cultivation lasted two months before he was finally able to fully fill his nine stars, convert his astral energy into draconic energy, and break through into the third stage.

During the two months, the Overlord Legion had grown to about 1,500 members. At such size, the Overlord Legion was now one of the top five factions, and above them were only the Sword Society, Crushing Sky, Flaming Sun, and the Royal Knights. The other factions were not comparable to them.

This change was brought about by Xiang Shaoyun's appointment as an overseer. He was the first of his batch to be appointed overseer. Thus, there was a much bigger significance to his appointment.

Zhuge Zhantian had also tasked someone to produce a badge for the Overlord Legion. Each member would be issued a badge, and that helped increase the members' morale. Wherever they went, other disciples would have to show them some respect.

Of course, apart from the good news, there was also bad news. The Crushing Sky members had provoked the Overlord Legion again and again, resulting in numerous conflicts. Naturally, the grudge An Lulu held for Xiang Shaoyun was the main reason for the conflicts.

Apart from that, the Squall members were also hostile toward the Overlord Legion. They would frequently fight the Overlord Legion members when they were outside the academy on missions.

If it wasn't for the legion's speedy expansion, the Squall members would have likely been more overbearing in their approach. Now, since the deputy commander, Ouyang Chuanqi, was not bothering with the affairs of the legion and Tang Longfei was not enough to stabilize the situation, morale was starting to stir.

Suddenly, Xiang Shaoyun ended his seclusion with a breakthrough, giving the members a new dose of confidence. Because he had reached the third stage, his combat prowess had improved, and his senses had become much more sensitive. One could say that he was now truly capable of contending against peak Emperors. 

After Xiang Shaoyun left his seclusion, the main members of the Overlord Legion came to congratulate him. It had been a while since he had reached the second stage. Now that his cultivation level was finally increasing again, it was excellent news for the members.

Xiang Shaoyun decided to make an exception and bring the main members to Dragon Phoenix City for a celebration. He now possessed numerous unimaginable trump cards. Thus, he started seeing hope in regaining what he once lost. Hence, he was no longer as stressed as before.

As he brought along Tang Longfei, Lady Shura, Shang Jifeng, Zhuge Zhantian, Ma Qihao, and a few others, the group of over 20 people headed toward Dragon Phoenix City. These disciples spent a majority of their time in cultivation and rarely spent any time relaxing. Hence, they were also taking this chance to sightsee and take a well-deserved break from cultivation.

At the city, Xiang Shaoyun selected the most popular place, known as the Music House, as the venue of the celebration. The Music House wasn't one of the academy's businesses. Rather, it was a business run by outsiders.

There, numerous delicacies and fine liquor were available. More importantly, there were beautiful attendants, gambling services, fighting stages, and many other entertainments inside. And naturally, the expenses were much higher than at any other restaurant. However, Xiang Shaoyun did not mind so long as everyone could have some fun.

Xiang Shaoyun booked a room and gathered with his subordinates, taking this chance to deepen their relationship with each other. After all, they hadn't spent much time together even if they were part of the same organization. Occasional gatherings like this would be beneficial for the legion's future development. 

As they drank and ate, the room bustled with noise and excitement.

"Overlord, I have a proposal, but I don't know if I should voice it," Zhuge Zhantian suddenly said.

"Everyone is here. Say what you have in mind," said Xiang Shaoyun in a carefree manner.

"The Overlord Legion is expanding rapidly, but our cohesiveness is still not good enough. Although you're now an overseer and Deputy Commander Ouyang has an illustrious reputation, we still can't fully unite all members. I am thinking of accepting some missions together, with you and Deputy Commander Ouyang leading us on those missions. With that, not only can we earn contribution points, we can also train everyone. More importantly, it will allow everyone to come to know each other, increasing our unity. At that time, no factions would dare disrespect us!" said Zhuge Zhantian.

Xiang Shaoyun clapped and praised, "Excellent idea!"