The disciples were completely confused when they received the order to welcome the holy maiden.

They were all geniuses hailing from different parts of the world. They also originated from powerful organizations. Thus, they couldn't understand why the academy would make such a big deal out of some holy maiden visiting.

"The primary-grade Dragon Phoenix Battleground is opening soon. Why is this random holy maiden appearing at this time? Something seems fishy."

"Is the visitor a Saint Realm cultivator, and that's why we need to welcome her? But a person at that level shouldn't care about such mortal formalities, right?"

"I heard the holy maiden is as beautiful as a fairy. She is here to look for a lover. I'm so handsome. What am I to do if she decides to pick me?"

"Why don't you look at yourself in the mirror? She would need to be blind to pick you. Even a masculine man like me does not dare to say that she will pick me. But of course, if she has good eyes, she will most certainly pick me."

...

The many male disciples were filled with excitement, talking about the visit nonstop. They were all hoping that this sudden visit would bring them a nice surprise. Of course, there were also many disciples who were completely indifferent. They cared more about what they could gain from the primary-grade Dragon Phoenix Battleground.

The academy's many overseers started decorating the academy lavishly, finishing the welcoming arrangements. The many disciples were also given their respective tasks to gather in an orderly fashion to show off the academy's splendor.

As the Overlord Legion's military genius, Zhuge Zhantian was also recruited to act as the temporary commander, shocking many disciples. He was merely a brand new fourth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. How was he worthy of that position?

As everyone voiced their doubts, a formation grandmaster of the academy personally took Zhuge Zhantian as his disciple. With Zhuge Zhantian's high attainment in formations, arranging the disciples' formation for the welcoming ceremony was a piece of cake.

When the many disciples heard, envy filled them. Many even cursed, saying, "That damn fatty has gotten lucky."

If Zhuge Zhantian heard those words, he would probably spit blood from sheer rage. Sure, he was somewhat chubby, but he definitely didn't consider himself fat! While the academy's preparation for the holy maiden's visit was in full swing, the holy maiden in question was leisurely traveling in the embrace of a handsome young man.

This time, she was no longer traveling on Old Urchin's shabby donkey carriage. Rather, she was seated on a carriage pulled by eight dragonblood horses. The curtain around the carriage, surrounded by maidservants, gently rippled about. A hundred and eight mounted guards were also traveling alongside the carriage. It was quite a luxurious and high-profile procession.

It was a shame that right in front of them was a shabby donkey carriage, completely destroying the procession's image. It was as if an entire pot of fine porridge had been spoiled by a clump of rat feces.

"Holy son-in-law, won't going to the academy in this manner be too high profile? Why don't we send them all back? Just Grandpa Urchin alone is enough," said Tuoba Wan'er while feeding Xiang Shaoyun some spirit fruits.

The pair was displaying the scene of a loving couple that could invite jealousy everywhere they went.

Xiang Shaoyun smiled and replied, "You are the holy maiden, and this is your first visit to the Dragon Phoenix Academy. Only by being high profile can you show how extraordinary you are. If you go on Senior Urchin's carriage, I bet you won't even get through the academy gate."

"No wonder the first elder made it clear that I should bring all these guards with me. So that was why," said Tuoba Wan'er.

"Yes. As the holy maiden, you need to show the splendor of a holy maiden," said Xiang Shaoyun. Inwardly, however, he thought, Shit, this is too high profile. How am I supposed to explain this if Caidie saw this?

Although it was normal for a man to have multiple wives, Yu Caidie and Tuoba Wan'er were the type of women that would take a man all his luck to get. No men would reject them even if the cost was a reduction of their lifespan by 100 years.

Meanwhile, Xiang Shaoyun had two of them for himself. But he was afraid that the two holy maidens would clash with each other, causing him to suffer.

Suddenly, a large group appeared and surrounded the procession. The newcomers were bandits, and there were more than 500 of them. They did not look weak.

"Audacious criminals! You dare block the Holy Hall's procession? You are courting death!" shouted the commander.

Instantly, the guards assumed a battle stance. Their weapons were drawn as they braced for battle. As for Old Urchin, he was still humming his Great Donkey Driving Technique song, completely disregarding the bandits.

"I don't care who you are. Kill all the men and capture all the women. We will properly taste them later. Brothers, go!" commanded the bandit leader.

The pitiful bandit leader did not seem to have good eyes. He was unaware of the scariness of the group before him. He thought he would have the advantage due to his superior numbers, and he was completely oblivious to the fact that he was akin to a lamb that had stumbled right into a tiger's den.

As Xiang Shaoyun looked at the bandits, his battle intent soared. He charged out of the carriage and shouted to the guards, "Protect the holy maiden. These bandits shall serve as my target practice."

The guard commander naturally did not wish to see Xiang Shaoyun endanger himself. But Old Urchin suddenly said, "Listen to the holy son-in-law. Let us witness the holy son-in-law's splendor as he fights a multitude of enemies all by himself."

His words rendered the commander helpless. The commander looked at Tuoba Wan'er, waiting for the holy maiden's decision.

"Follow the holy son-in-law's command. If things get dangerous for him, it won't be too late for us to help," said Tuoba Wan'er after some hesitation.

At this time, Xiang Shaoyun had already arrived before the bandits. He shouted, "Bandits, prepare to die!"

A powerful gravity field broke out and enveloped the bandits. The heavy pressure instantly caused their mounts to collapse, and numerous palms that looked more like slabs slammed down at the bandits.

At the same time, the bandit leader roared, commanding the bandits to attack Xiang Shaoyun, "Kill, kill him!"

The bandit leader was merely a peak Emperor. Although there was a decent number of Emperors among them, they were nothing in Xiang Shaoyun's eyes.

Xiang Shaoyun was simply unstoppable. As he sent forth Major Slab Palms, he smashed dozens of bandits into mincemeat. Wails rang out repeatedly, and the desert was dyed red with blood.

The guards were overwhelmed with shock as they witnessed Xiang Shaoyun's might. They found it hard to believe that the holy son-in-law was only a sixth-stage Dragon Ascension Realm cultivator. In fact, they felt like this was the kind of strength that belonged to a Sovereign.

They sighed, "The man that has caught the holy maiden's eyes is indeed extraordinary."