Chapter 397: Xu Sanshi Admits Betraying the Academy
After speaking, Elder Xuan immediately retrieved a pile of torture instruments from his storage soul tool. These devices were still stained with fresh blood and bits of hair, as if they had just been used moments ago.
Of course, Elder Xuan rarely used these tools. The fresh blood and hair were intentionally placed there to intimidate Xu Sanshi, making him fear torture and confess everything willingly.
Elder Xuan had known Xu Sanshi for a while and had some affection for him as a junior. He was giving him a chance if Xu Sanshi cooperated and confessed, there would be no need for these torture devices.
Xu Sanshi turned pale at the sight of the tools. He instinctively swallowed hard, thinking, If these are used on me, the pain will be unbearable.
As the second young master of the Black Tortoise Clan, he had always enjoyed a high status and had never been subjected to torture. However, he had witnessed traitors in his clan being tortured, screaming in agony as they were punished.
His voice trembled. "Elder Xuan, I have shed blood for Shrek. In my heart, Shrek Academy is my only guiding light how could I be a traitor? You must be mistaken!"
Even now, Xu Sanshi had no idea why Elder Xuan believed he had betrayed the academy. He had done no such thing!
Elder Xuan frowned. Xu Sanshi was still playing innocent despite the chance he had been given. Annoyed, Elder Xuan said coldly, "Xu Sanshi, you're still pretending? Fine, let me remind you. Shrek Academy's battle team lost to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, and you are responsible!
As team captain, you immediately used your Mysterious Underworld Displacement to switch places with Huo Yuhao. At first glance, this strategy seemed reasonable removing the strongest opponent first would make defeating the rest easier.
But your tactics led to all six Shrek team members being quickly defeated by Huo Yuhao alone! This brought unprecedented humiliation to Shrek Academy! Throughout history, Shrek Academy has never lost a team battle where a single enemy took down six of our members!
And do you really think you alone could hold back six members of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy? I may look down on those soul engineers who rely entirely on soul tools, but even I must admit that before reaching Soul Saint level, soul engineers of the same rank typically surpass soul masters in combat power. You are not strong enough to fight six of them!
Furthermore, every member of your team suffered severe injuries except Jiang Nannan. Are you telling me that Huo Yuhao spared her because he likes her?
That's why I strongly suspect that you colluded with Huo Yuhao and the Sun Moon Empire to ensure Shrek Academy's defeat. Otherwise, with our team's overwhelming coordination, there's no way we should have lost to anyone in this tournament!"
Xu Sanshi was stunned and fell into deep thought.
Elder Xuan's words actually… make some sense. It really does look like I betrayed the academy.
But he hadn't!
He quickly defended himself. "Elder Xuan, this is all just coincidence! How could I possibly be colluding with Huo Yuhao and the Sun Moon Empire?"
"Still denying it? You'd rather suffer than confess?" Elder Xuan's voice turned cold. "Hurry up and admit your betrayal! Otherwise, I'll have to use force.
I warn you, I don't hold back. If you resist, you might not leave this place alive."
He deliberately put on a fierce expression, stepping closer with a torture instrument in hand.
The overwhelming stench of blood assaulted Xu Sanshi's senses. His face contorted in fear.
But what could he even confess?
He had never betrayed the academy!
Yet if Elder Xuan continued pressing for a confession, would he really end up dead in this underground prison?
Elder Xuan had thrown him in here based on mere suspicion if he truly wanted him dead, he could easily frame the Sun Moon Empire or the Evil Soul Masters for it. Even his parents would never suspect that the esteemed Elder Xuan of the Sea God's Pavilion would resort to such despicable methods.
No, I can't die here! If I die, I'll never see Nannan again!
He still hoped for Jiang Nannan's forgiveness. He wanted to spend his life with her.
There was no other choice. To survive, he had to adapt.
"Elder Xuan, please don't! I admit it I betrayed the academy!" Xu Sanshi cried out in desperation.
Elder Xuan halted, looking satisfied. He crossed his arms behind his back and said calmly, "At last, you admit it. Now tell me why you betrayed the academy. Also, reveal the names of your co conspirators.
Rest assured, I swore upon the Golden Ancient Tree if you cooperate, I won't kill you."
Xu Sanshi wasn't sure he could trust Elder Xuan's promise. He hesitated. "Elder Xuan, if I confess everything, what if you decide I'm no longer useful and kill me anyway?"
"Hmph! You dare question my integrity? My word is absolute," Elder Xuan said impatiently. "Spit it all out, or I'll have to use these tools."
Xu Sanshi closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Elder Xuan, then just use them. I won't say a thing."
His heart pounded. Would this bluff work?
Elder Xuan hesitated. Xu Sanshi's resolve seemed firm.
After a moment of contemplation, Elder Xuan sighed. His priority was uncovering other traitors within the academy.
"Fine, Sanshi. I won't press you for your personal motives," Elder Xuan said reluctantly. "Just give me the names of your co conspirators."
Xu Sanshi opened his eyes. His mind raced.
But I don't know any traitors!
Randomly naming people wouldn't work Elder Xuan would definitely investigate. If he just threw out names, he'd only dig himself into a deeper hole.
He needed to turn the situation to his advantage.
"Elder Xuan, I don't know many co conspirators," Xu Sanshi said carefully. "To avoid making myself disposable, why don't you give me a list of suspects? I'll point out the real traitors from there. This way, it benefits both of us."
He threw the problem back to Elder Xuan.
Elder Xuan frowned slightly. If he weren't searching for other traitors, he wouldn't have entertained any negotiation.
After a pause, he turned to Teacher Tang. "What I'm about to say is classified. Leave the prison."
"Yes, Elder Xuan." Teacher Tang nodded and left.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1