Chapter 320: Because of Your Loyalty
"Why did Elder Xuan admit to his crimes?" Cai Mei'er's face was filled with disbelief. "Shrek Academy's reputation will be ruined because of his words. After all, he is publicly recognized as Shrek's number one powerhouse. He should know how much influence his status holds in the Three Empires of Douluo."
Xian Lin'er, standing beside her, had a complicated expression as she looked at Xuanzi. She couldn't understand why he would do this. He seemed to have changed no longer the man wholly devoted to Shrek Academy.
"Mother, do we still need to negotiate with the Sun Moon Empire to exchange benefits and rescue Elder Xuan?" She forced a bitter smile. Given his actions, he had practically become a traitor. Was he even worth saving?
Elder Song's face darkened. "There's no need for that right now. Lin'er, return to the academy immediately and inform the other elders of this matter. I will remain in Mingdu to protect the students. Everything else will be decided by Elder Mu. After all, he is our pillar of support."
"Understood, Mother." Xian Lin'er nodded in agreement.
Shrek Academy
Mu En sat in his chair, his aged eyes filled with doubt as he listened to Xian Lin'er recount Xuanzi's actions.
To be honest, having known Xuanzi for many years, he understood where his bottom line lay.
Yes, Xuanzi had made many mistakes. But his loyalty to Shrek Academy had never wavered of that, Mu En was certain.
So how could he possibly do something like this?
Admitting to his crimes? Explaining his motives? Even exposing the Sea God Pavilion's protection of him?
What was next? Would he reveal Mu En's ailing condition and call for the Evil Soul Masters to attack Shrek Academy once he was dead?
Of course, that was merely speculation things would never go that far.
Mu En turned his gaze to Yan Shaozhe, who stood nearby, his expression twisted with anger.
"Shaozhe, what do you think?"
Since Mu En had already chosen him as his successor, he needed to test his judgment. The next Pavilion Master had to possess extraordinary insight.
Yan Shaozhe clenched his fists, his voice filled with rage. "Elder Xuan's actions are a betrayal of the academy. If this spreads, the damage to our reputation will be catastrophic.
"Teacher, I believe we should station Soul Masters at the borders between the Three Empires of Douluo and the Sun Moon Empire, screening anyone who enters. Only those who pass the inspection can be allowed in.
"This way, we can prevent news of Xuanzi's confession from reaching Douluo Continent. Since this has already happened, all we can do is contain the damage. As long as people don't hear about it, then it's as if it never happened."
Mu En was briefly stunned, then chuckled.
"Shaozhe, at best, that would delay the spread of information, not prevent it. The only way to truly stop it would be if the continents separated again but we both know that's impossible."
Yan Shaozhe's expression darkened. "But, Teacher, Shrek's reputation is at stake!
"For ten thousand years, the honor of our predecessors has built up our prestige. Thanks to this, Shrek Academy commands absolute authority across the Three Empires.
"If this scandal gets out, all of that will be destroyed.
"If the Sun Moon Empire launches a war, how will we rally support like we did four thousand years ago?
"Back then, when the Sun Moon Empire waged war, the Three Empires were on the brink of defeat. It was only because the head of Shrek Academy issued a call to arms that so many Soul Masters gathered to fight back.
"But now? If our number one powerhouse is branded a shameless villain, who would still trust an academy led by such a man?"
"I understand," Mu En sighed. "But what's done is done. For now, we need to bring Xuanzi back, question him, and have him clarify the truth.
"As for our reputation… I will step forward once more as the Dragon God Douluo to divert public opinion and restore Shrek's name."
If this had been just about losing their "ten thousand year glory," Mu En wouldn't have cared much. After all, Shrek's prestige had always been a burden, forcing students, teachers, and even elders to act a certain way.
But their reputation was different it directly impacted the academy's survival.
When the Sun Moon Empire invaded in the past, it was Shrek's reputation that summoned countless Soul Masters to fight for them.
But if their name was tarnished, how could they inspire the next generation?
If Shrek became a laughingstock, would students still see the academy as their home?
And if they lost their influence, how could they rally allies when war came?
Mingdu Prison
Huo Yuhao smiled as he looked at Xuanzi.
"Well done, Xuanzi. Since you performed so well, I have good news for you you're free to go!"
Xuanzi blinked, confused.
"Just like that? You're letting me leave? You're not going to use me as a bargaining chip to gain something from Shrek?"
"I have no need for such petty exchanges," Huo Yuhao waved his hand dismissively.
In truth, Shrek had nothing valuable to offer him.
The Golden Tree? Already belonged to him.
Mu En's Dragon Core? Not worth it Yuhao had already dug out Dragon King remains with far better cores.
His real goal was to sow discord within Shrek Academy.
By releasing Xuanzi without conditions, he could let paranoia and suspicion fester among Shrek's leadership.
And thanks to Yi Lao's seal, he didn't have to worry about Xuanzi betraying him.
"Why?" Xuanzi hesitated, still wary of a trap.
Huo Yuhao smirked. "Because you are loyal.
"You have dedicated your life to Shrek Academy, working tirelessly for its benefit.
"Even if your actions resulted in student deaths…
"Even if your confession turns all of Douluo against you…
"You still put Shrek first.
"A man as loyal as you does not belong in a prison cell."
Xuanzi's breath hitched.
For a long moment, he was silent.
Then, in a low voice, he muttered, "I never thought… you would understand me.
"I truly do care for the academy. Huo Yuhao… you know me well. If only you had joined Shrek Academy… we would have nurtured you into a legend."
Huo Yuhao mentally shuddered. Absolutely not.
If he had ended up in Shrek, he would have fallen under Tang San's control just another puppet of the Sea God.
No thanks.
"By the way," Xuanzi said, "you really can't tell me who the traitor in Shrek Academy is?
"I'll offer a hundred thousand year Soul Bone as payment."
Huo Yuhao put on a hesitant expression, glanced at the prison door like a thief, then whispered:
"I can't say… but I'll give you a hint.
"Yan Shaozhe's Martial Soul is the same as the Holy Spirit Cult's Grand Elder's second Martial Soul."
Xuanzi's eyes widened in shock.
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