Chapter 473: Xuanzi's Plan
Based on the gathered opinions, Mu En assigned tasks to some of the elders. Then, his gaze swept across the room, and he said calmly, "Alright, if there are no other matters to be discussed in the Sea God's Pavilion, this meeting is now concluded."
"Mu Lao," Elder Song looked at Mu En, her face filled with indignation. "I have received news that Xu Tianran, the Regent of the Sun Moon Empire, has ascended the throne as Emperor and granted amnesty across the nation. However, he has placed the blame for the former emperor's death on Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire. Although we did attack the Sun Moon Palace, we never assassinated the emperor after all, such an act would bring no benefit to Shrek Academy or the Star Luo Empire. This is a blatant fabrication!
Moreover, the Sun Moon Empire has even gone so far as to forge evidence claiming that Shrek Academy's powerful soul masters slaughtered members of the imperial family, destroyed military soul tool warehouses, and caused the deaths of ordinary civilians and soul masters in the surrounding areas. If we had truly committed such crimes, that would be one thing, but we clearly did no such thing! Now, Shrek Academy's reputation in the Sun Moon Empire has plummeted. If they decide to march on Shrek City in the future, their soldiers will show no hesitation in carrying out their orders!"
Upon hearing this, several elders displayed expressions of disbelief, and then anger erupted as they began condemning the Sun Moon Empire's shameless lies.
For over ten thousand years, Shrek Academy had been revered as the sacred ground for soul masters, a belief deeply ingrained in the hearts of countless people. Even in the Sun Moon Empire, many still longed to study at Shrek Academy. The most favored princess of the imperial family, Xu Tianzhen, had even expressed a desire to study at Shrek instead of enrolling in the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. This alone proved the academy's immense influence.
This standing was also a key advantage for Shrek Academy in times of war. Even if the Sun Moon Empire launched a full scale invasion of the continent, crushed the three great empires, and besieged Shrek City, the academy itself might still survive. As long as its status as the pinnacle of soul master education remained unshaken, no ruler would dare to order its destruction for that would mean making an enemy of the vast majority of Douluo's people.
Mu En frowned slightly. Though he had always believed that the so called "ten thousand years of glory" had become a shackle for Shrek, his intent had never been for his students, teachers, or elders to disregard their reputation entirely.
Mu En wanted Shrek Academy to endure, no matter the cost even his own life. However, the Sun Moon Empire's fabricated accusations were now directly damaging the academy's standing, threatening its longevity.
Because of Xuanzi's past mistakes, Shrek Academy's reputation had already taken a hit. His own return had helped restore some of its lost prestige, given that, as an Ultimate Douluo, his presence carried immense weight. But if the academy's reputation continued to deteriorate due to these false accusations, Elder Song's concerns might actually become reality, which would severely harm Shrek's interests.
This was something Mu En could not accept. More than anyone, he wished for Shrek Academy to thrive.
Mu En said, "Elder Song, assign personnel to refute these rumors. Since Shrek Academy had no involvement in these incidents, we should not bear responsibility for them. The Sun Moon Empire's actions are clearly an attempt to incite public hatred against Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire, laying the groundwork for war and rallying their people."
Elder Song nodded solemnly. "Mu Lao, I will arrange for the necessary steps to be taken as soon as this meeting concludes."
After further discussion, the elders eventually dispersed. Xuanzi, however, chose to leave with Yan Shaozhe. As they walked, Xuanzi got straight to the point. "Shaozhe, Mu Lao has assigned you to collaborate with the Star Luo Empire, the Heavenly Soul Empire, and the Dou Ling Empire to rescue those captured during the tournament. I believe I should contribute to this mission as well.
I am a Rank 98 Super Douluo, and my strength will be invaluable in this rescue operation."
Xuanzi's objective was clear he needed to investigate whether Yan Shaozhe had truly colluded with the Sun Moon Empire. But to do so, he required an opportunity. Within Shrek Academy, such an opportunity was impossible to come by.
Yan Shaozhe was Mu En's student and the head of the Martial Soul Department. Investigating him within the academy would be extremely difficult. If he truly was a traitor, he would never expose himself here. However, if Xuanzi could accompany him on this mission, there was a chance to uncover evidence of his betrayal.
Yan Shaozhe was momentarily stunned, not expecting Xuanzi to make such a request.
Frankly, he did not trust Xuanzi. Xuanzi's past mistakes had tarnished the academy's reputation and harmed its interests. If he were to be included in the rescue mission, there was a real risk that the operation would fail entirely.
However, no matter how much he opposed the idea, he couldn't outright reject Xuanzi it would only raise suspicions. So, after a brief hesitation, he said, "Xuan Lao, but Mu Lao has forbidden you from leaving the academy. Even if I agree, Mu Lao won't."
"That's not a problem. As long as you agree, I will find a way to persuade Mu Lao," Xuanzi replied confidently.
Since Xuanzi had spoken so assertively, Yan Shaozhe had no choice but to reluctantly nod. "Alright, Xuan Lao. If you can get Mu Lao's approval, you may join us in rescuing Sanshi and the others."
Even as he agreed, doubts crept into Yan Shaozhe's mind. Xuanzi's eagerness seemed unnatural.
To this day, he still did not understand how Xuanzi had managed to return to the academy in the first place.
After Xuanzi had been captured, Mu Lao had ordered him to inform Elder Song and negotiate with the Sun Moon Empire for his release offering certain concessions in exchange. But before those negotiations had even begun, Xuanzi had already been freed.
When questioned about it later, Xuanzi had simply claimed that he had escaped while his captors were momentarily distracted.
Frankly, Yan Shaozhe found this explanation flimsy.
If he were in charge of the Sun Moon Empire's military, he would have ensured Xuanzi was under constant surveillance. A captured Super Douluo was an invaluable bargaining chip one that could bring significant benefits to the empire.
Yan Shaozhe's mind raced. "Could it be that Xuan Lao has already betrayed the academy? Thinking about it now… in some ways, the damage Xuan Lao has done to Shrek Academy is even greater than that of some evil soul masters."
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