Chapter 554: Shrek, Refund Our Money!
In Elder Xuan's mind, if Yan Shaozhe had passed on the Sea God Pavilion's plan to Zhongli Wu, then Zhongli Wu would have acted exactly as expected falling into the trap and getting eliminated.
In that case, the White Tiger City massacre would never have happened.
Therefore, Yan Shaozhe also bore some responsibility for the tragedy and should be held accountable.
This outrageous claim made Yan Shaozhe furious.
Even now, Elder Xuan was still trying to smear him?
He immediately stood up, turned to Mu En, and said loudly:
"Teacher, please judge fairly!
"I have never been a spy!
"Elder Xuan's accusations against me are baseless lies!
"And I believe Elder Xuan, just like Zhongli Wu and his men, bears an undeniable responsibility for what happened in White Tiger City!
"Teacher, I ask that Elder Xuan be punished first!"**
Yan Shaozhe no longer even bothered to address him as 'Elder Xuan'.
He had had enough.
Even though he had once respected Elder Xuan, the repeated false accusations had pushed him to his limit.
"That's right! Shaozhe is correct!"
Cai Meier stood up immediately, her voice filled with righteous indignation.
As Yan Shaozhe's wife, she naturally stood by his side.
She turned to Mu En, bowed slightly, and said:
**"Elder Mu, please punish Elder Xuan!
"Many students lost their families because of the White Tiger City disaster, and they are heartbroken and furious.
"If Elder Xuan is not punished, how can the Academy justify itself to them?**
"The students are the foundation of Shrek Academy.
"Even we, the elders of the Sea God Pavilion, were once Shrek students.
"But now, the students are losing faith in the Academy.
"If they choose to drop out, and if parents outside no longer trust Shrek Academy to protect their children, then what will happen to Shrek's legacy?
"Yes, for now, Shrek can rely on its alumni network to fight the Sun Moon Empire.
"But as time passes, our graduates will age and die!
"Without new students, what will be left of Shrek Academy's 10,000 year foundation?
"Elder Mu, please make a decision!"**
Other elders stood up as well, all turning to Mu En with grim expressions, demanding that he punish Elder Xuan.
In the past, they hesitated to confront Shrek's second strongest powerhouse.
But Elder Xuan's reckless actions had pushed the Academy to the brink of disaster.
They could not stay silent any longer.
Elder Xuan looked around at them, his expression dark.
Why… did the atmosphere in the Sea God Pavilion feel so different today?
Even when he had made mistakes before, he had never faced this level of condemnation.
His intentions had always been good.
Yes, his plans had flaws…
But was he really deserving of this much blame?
Mu En let out a long breath.
Then, he spoke firmly:
**"Very well. Today, I will announce two punishments.
"First Elder Xuan has repeatedly made grave mistakes, each time causing significant damage to the Academy.
"And this time, he has committed a colossal blunder.
"Therefore, I have determined that he is no longer fit to be my successor.
"From this moment forward, Yan Shaozhe will be the next leader of the Sea God Pavilion.
"And I will personally use special means to help him improve his strength."**
The elders exchanged glances but did not object.
After all, Yan Shaozhe was originally meant to inherit the position.
Under normal circumstances, Elder Xuan was supposed to succeed Mu En first, and only after his time would he pass the role to Yan Shaozhe.
But now, Mu En had skipped Elder Xuan entirely and given the position directly to Yan Shaozhe.
This was merely a change in sequence not something to argue over.
Elder Xuan's eyes widened in shock.
Unbelievable!
No matter how many mistakes he had made in the past, Mu En had never revoked his successor status.
But now, Mu En had handed everything to Yan Shaozhe whom he believed to be a spy!
This was a disaster waiting to happen!
He had always worked tirelessly for Shrek's future.
Yes, he had made mistakes.
But did that justify stripping him of his rightful position?!
He wanted to beg Mu En to reconsider, but when he opened his mouth, no words came out.
Mu En had already made up his mind.
There was no point in arguing.
So, he remained silent.
Mu En continued:
**"Second word of the White Tiger City disaster has spread to the Academy.
"Many students have lost their families.
"They are outraged and heartbroken many are even threatening to drop out.
"And I understand their pain.
"Elder Xuan, you must publicly apologize to the students.
"This is the only way to ease their anger and prevent further unrest in the Academy."**
Elder Xuan nodded heavily.
This time, he did not object.
He knew he had failed those students.
Mu En waved a hand:
**"That's all.
"Elder Song, you are the fastest travel to Star Luo City and work with the three empires' officials to address the White Tiger City crisis.
"As for everyone else, gather the students in the square Elder Xuan will issue a public apology."**
"Yes, Elder Mu!" The elders responded in unison and left.
Mu En leaned back in his chair, feeling utterly exhausted.
His fury toward Elder Xuan had not lessened.
But what could he do?
Unless he executed or crippled Elder Xuan, no punishment would truly matter.
And he could not afford to weaken Shrek's forces.
With his own health deteriorating, Shrek needed every powerful warrior it had.
Even a flawed Rank 98 Douluo was still an asset.
Shrek Academy Square.
A massive crowd of students had gathered, all staring at the Sea God Pavilion elders standing atop a raised platform.
Their expressions were filled with rage.
Their anger was justified.
The Academy had promised to protect their families
Yet most of their loved ones had been massacred by the evil soul masters.
They had been betrayed.
Many students had never even seen Elder Xuan before.
The Sea God Pavilion elders rarely interacted with the Outer Court, so most students only recognized a handful of figures.
Among them were Yan Shaozhe, Cai Meier, Xian Lin'er, and Qian Duoduo.
The first two were the Dean and Vice Dean of the Martial Soul Department.
The latter two were the Dean and Vice Dean of the Soul Engineering Department.
These were familiar faces.
Elder Xuan stepped forward, taking a deep breath.
His eyes were filled with tears, and his voice trembled as he began:
**"Everyone, I am Elder Xuan, the one responsible for planning the protection of your families.
"I deeply regret what happened in White Tiger City.
"I failed to deliver the outcome you deserved.
"I am here today to sincerely apolo "**
Suddenly, a furious voice erupted from the front row.
A red clad male student shook his fist in the air, roaring:
**"Does the Academy even care about us?!
"Rnm! REFUND OUR MONEY!"**
BOOM!
The students exploded in fury, like a powder keg ignited by fire.
Their bloodshot eyes filled with rage, they cursed the Academy and Elder Xuan, demanding refunds and withdrawals.
Shrek Academy was in complete chaos.
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