Chapter 276: Who Can Tolerate a Traitor?
"Your Majesty! This matter… this matter has absolutely nothing to do with Dean Cai!"
Elder Li argued anxiously, "Dean Cai is devoted to the Academy; it's true she can be impulsive, but she has nothing to do with this ambush by the Evil Soul Masters! Chief Yun Ming restrained her only because… because the Academy needs unity and stability right now. We can't afford more turmoil!"
These words sounded extremely forced, but who else besides Cai Yue'er could serve as the Outer Court Dean of Shrek Academy?
Anyone else was either too young or too old, most preferring to stay within the Sea God Pavilion to cultivate near the Golden Tree.
Who wanted to be burdened with the Academy's trivial affairs?
After much deliberation, only Cai Yue'er was suitable.
Moreover, Shrek Academy had originally planned to pair Cai Yue'er and Yun Ming as a couple.
But then Ya Li appeared unexpectedly. Since Yun Ming had already secretly pledged himself to her, and given Ya Li's identity, she was brought into Shrek Academy.
Dai Tianling stared coldly at him, obviously unconvinced. "Is that so? You expect me to believe you just on your word? Li Changsheng, tell me—if this incident wasn't an accident but rather negligence or even treachery from within Shrek, colluding with Evil Soul Masters—then your so‑called promise of compensation would merely be a smokescreen to stall for time, concealing the truth, wouldn't it?!"
This accusation landed as heavily as a mountain. Collusion with Evil Soul Masters! A crime grave enough to drag Shrek into an abyss of eternal damnation.
Elder Li's face changed instantly. What was he trying to do?
He nonetheless rushed to retort, "Your Majesty, that accusation is far too severe! For ten thousand years, Shrek has stood to safeguard peace on the continent and eradicate the Evil Soul Masters! Even if we have our faults, we would never commit a lunacy such as destroying our own foundation or conspiring with Evil Soul Masters! That would be the greatest desecration to our martyrs and to every Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion throughout history! I… I swear upon my life—Shrek's honor will not tolerate such slander!"
A fierce resolve filled Elder Li's expression, as if he would sacrifice himself for the Academy's honor without hesitation.
Shrek Academy's honor must not be defiled.
Dai Tianling gazed silently at the nearly exploding Elder Li, as if ready to react to anything he might do.
He instinctively stepped back half a step, but quickly realized his folly. He was the Emperor of the Star Luo Federation — what could Elder Li possibly do? He wouldn't dare harm the emperor.
Impossible.
But Elder Li's fury, ignited by Dai Tianling's words, was blazing uncontrollably.
He was on the verge of giving the Emperor a lesson.
Yet Yun Ming's parting instructions echoed in his mind, forcing him to calm himself. Though rage still burned in his eyes, his reason worked furiously.
The likelihood of collusion with Evil Soul Masters was extremely slim, but internal disorder and incompetence within Shrek were undeniable.
This must simply have been an accident.
After all, who goes through life without accidents?
As for internal unity, other than Chief Yun Ming, nearly everyone in the Sea God Pavilion was of one heart—no problem there.
Dai Tianling took the letter in hand, falling silent for a moment.
Aside from some useless resources, the main offer was that the Star Luo Federation would be allowed to send two students each year into Shrek Academy—unconditionally.
Given how strict the Inner Court's admission was—barely a handful of students per generation—granting Star Luo two guaranteed spots was no small gift.
Under Shrek's meticulous training, even pigs could be nurtured into geniuses.
That meant, upon graduation, these students would likely provide Star Luo with titled-level power every year!
Yet Shrek's Inner Court students were loyal only to the Academy, not to any nation.
That was why so many Tang Sect members—though from the Douluo Federation—were branded traitors. Their loyalty lay with Shrek, not their homeland.
But now, this offer was unconditional—letting Star Luo cultivate its own talents through Shrek.
At this moment, Dai Tianling's heart wavered.
Still, he wanted more.
He couldn't simply accept a promise and let Shrek off. That would offend his people, dishonor the families of the dead, and excuse Shrek's wrongdoing.
"Very well," Dai Tianling's tone softened but grew even colder.
"I will temporarily believe your oath. Whether Shrek is innocent, evidence will decide. I have sent investigators, and the truth will come to light!"
He paced to the imperial window, gazing over the grand palace city, his back to Elder Li. "As for compensation—I care nothing for your so-called relief funds. Money cannot buy back lives. I want something tangible, something weighty."
He turned, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. "First, Shrek Academy must send a letter of apology to the Star Luo Empire, written and signed by Chief Yun Ming himself! It must publicly explain the incident and admit its gross negligence! That letter must be broadcast to every city and every soul master clan in Star Luo! This is your responsibility!"
Elder Li's heart sank. A public apology and confession of fault—this would tear away the last shred of Shrek's dignity, crushing its already fragile reputation.
He wanted to argue, but the sight of Dai Tianling's dark expression and the hostile looks from the court silenced him.
He realized then that this was not about satisfying the emperor—it was about appeasing the noble families of the Star Luo Federation.
He could not refute it. "...Yes, as it should be. But this matter still requires Chief Yun Ming's consent."
"Second," Dai Tianling's voice was resolute, "I want Shrek Academy to be Star Luo's Shrek."
Elder Li frowned. "But... Shrek Academy is already within the Star Luo Federation, isn't it?"
"You don't understand," Dai Tianling's expression finally softened slightly.
"I want Shrek to firmly stand within the Star Luo Federation, devoted solely to education. Best to keep its focus there, and not elsewhere."
"Lastly, I hope the Star Luo Federation can enter the Sea God Pavilion..."
"Impossible!"
Elder Li refused without a moment's thought.
To touch the Sea God Pavilion? Never!
Would that not make them subordinates to the Star Luo Federation?
"Your Majesty, Shrek will always appreciate Your Majesty's generosity and the Federation's support. The Academy will remember this debt, but allowing Star Luo officials into the Sea God Pavilion—absolutely impossible! It violates ancestral precepts!"
The ancestral decree clearly states—cough, cough—
Shrek Academy must remain neutral, never participating in power struggles.
Dai Tianling looked on with contempt. Hypocrites—wanting to act pure while playing both sides.
Shameless.
If Shrek were truly neutral, it wouldn't have secretly supported Star Luo and Heaven Dou in the past.
And it wouldn't have fallen so low today.
If he were in their place, he wouldn't tolerate such a group funding enemy nations. That was treason!
(END CHAPTER)
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