Chapter 72: Shrek Doesn't Start Trouble, Nor Do We Fear It!
After finishing his tactical planning, Huo Yuhao followed Jing Hongchen and the rest as they left the hotel, heading towards Star Luo Plaza.
Today, they would continue competing in the academy round robin matches.
If they won, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy would advance to the next round.
Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy
Mu En lay back in his chair, gazing at the distant Sea God's Lake.
With a calm tone, he remarked,
"Shaozhe, do you think I've been too lenient with Xuan Zi?"
"Shrek Academy got caught cheating, and instead of taking responsibility, Xuan Zi withdrew the team to cover it up."
"Even in Shrek's long history, this is unprecedented."
"Frankly, I think he's gone too far."
Behind him, Yan Shaozhe wore a helpless expression.
Bracing himself, he responded,
"Teacher, Elder Xuan did it for the sake of Shrek's eternal glory…"
But deep down, Yan Shaozhe thought
Like hell he had a choice!
Xuan Zi was the second strongest person in Shrek Academy.
And one day, when Mu En passed away, Xuan Zi would be the Sea God's Pavilion Master the pillar that kept enemies at bay.
So even if Xuan Zi was a mess, he had to tolerate him.
Otherwise, with Xuan Zi's string of reckless decisions, Mu En would have dealt with him long ago.
Recently, news of Shrek's "unjust treatment" in the Soul Master Tournament had reached the academy.
Students were furious, demanding justice from Star Luo Empire.
Of course, Yan Shaozhe knew the truth
But he couldn't expose it.
If the truth came out, Shrek's reputation would collapse.
And that was unacceptable.
Mu En sighed.
"Eternal glory?"
"Eternal glory is nothing more than an invisible shackle that binds everyone in Shrek Academy."
"Compared to this so called 'glory' "
"I care far more about the growth of our students."
He lifted a finger and pointed towards a group of students near Sea God's Lake.
"Look at them."
"These children burdened by Shrek's 'eternal glory' have become what?"
Yan Shaozhe followed his gaze.
The students had raised banners.
The words were simple:
"We firmly oppose the injustice in this year's Soul Master Tournament!
Shrek doesn't start trouble, nor do we fear it!"
As they marched, their voices echoed through the academy:
"We will defend Shrek's honor to the death!"
Yan Shaozhe hesitated, then said,
"Teacher, these students love Shrek that's why they're doing this."
"Besides, according to Shrek's traditions, being afraid to cause trouble is the mark of a coward."
"I'll correct their thinking later."
Mu En shook his head and sighed deeply.
"Don't you see the irony?"
"It was Shrek that was in the wrong."
"But because you hid the truth, Star Luo Empire is the one taking the blame."
"Even though they found scapegoats, it still hasn't satisfied Shrek's students."
"These children have pure admiration for Shrek."
"But what happens when they one day learn the truth?"
"When they realize that the 'injustice' they protested against was Shrek's own fault?"
"At that moment "
"Shrek's grand image in their hearts will shatter."
"And once a lie is told "
"It must be covered up with more lies."
"But falsehoods can never last forever."
Yan Shaozhe was silent for a long time.
He knew Mu En was right.
But Shrek was already too deep in this mess.
They couldn't just expel Xuan Zi and publicly admit their guilt.
That would mean throwing all the blame on Xuan Zi.
And while it was his fault, Mu En would never abandon him completely.
Xuan Zi was the only person strong enough to protect Shrek after Mu En's death.
So even if Xuan Zi kept messing up, Mu En had no choice but to endure it.
Otherwise, with his track record, Mu En would have punished him long ago.
Yan Shaozhe could only bow respectfully.
"Teacher, I cannot see the far reaching future as you do."
"But I must do what I can to protect Shrek now."
"Even if this is a lie "
"For Shrek's sake, I must make it a reality."
Mu En was silent for a moment.
Then, he sighed.
"Very well."
"Shaozhe, you've grown and have your own convictions now."
"Before the tournament ends "
"I want you to visit Star Luo City."
"Negotiate with Sun Moon Empire about an exchange student program."
"Exchange students?"
"Yes."
"I once visited Sun Moon Empire."
"Their soul tool advancements shocked even me."
"They now possess soul tools capable of threatening my life."
"The era of soul tools is fully upon us."
"And even Shrek Academy cannot remain untouched by this tide of progress."
"I want Shrek's students to learn from Sun Moon's advanced knowledge."
Yan Shaozhe was stunned.
He had always looked down on soul tools
After all, they were external forces, not true strength.
But now, there were soul tools that could kill a Rank 99 Limit Douluo?
That was terrifying.
After a brief pause, Yan Shaozhe bowed.
"Understood, Teacher!"
"Good."
"I trust you, Shaozhe."
Star Luo Plaza
The spectator stands were packed with people, their voices buzzing with excitement.
Emperor Xu Jiawei raised an amplifying soul tool and addressed the crowd.
"Today, the Soul Master Tournament will proceed as scheduled!"
"This competition upholds the values of fairness and integrity."
"As such, we have added a new rule regarding soul tools!"
He then explained the soul tool restrictions.
Immediately, an uproar erupted.
Many spectators began whispering and complaining.
But Xu Jiawei remained calm.
He knew
These grumbles were temporary.
They wouldn't change the overall outcome.
Meanwhile, Xuan Zi stood beside him, sipping from his wine gourd.
His eyes narrowed, a smug smile on his face.
Of course, he wasn't here to protect the emperor.
He was here for the perfect vantage point.
From atop the imperial walls, he could see everything happening in the arena.
If Sun Moon cheated
He would expose them immediately!
Battle Stage
As team captain, Ma Rulong returned after drawing lots.
"Our opponent is Dou Ling Royal Advanced Soul Master Academy."
"They are Dou Ling Empire's top academy."
"They are a strong team, but against Sun Moon, they are not strong enough."
"Dou Ling Royal Advanced Soul Master Academy…"
Huo Yuhao recalled their tactics.
Their trump card was the Thunder Cannon
But in the original timeline, they never even got the chance to use it.
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