Inside the quiet room of the Sea Gods Pavilion, the atmosphere had already dropped to the freezing point.
Xuan Zi's expression turned extremely unsightly in an instant, his sharp gaze scraping toward Bei Bei like a knife, the fury and killing intent within almost condensing into substance.
If Mu En hadn't been here, he probably would have lashed out on the spot.
Fearing that Bei Bei would reveal more unfavorable details and completely expose the "evil deeds" he had committed against Liu Yuan, Xuan Zi practically preempted Bei Bei from speaking again. In a high-sounding tone, he spoke the charges he had previously laid upon Liu Yuan in a deep voice:
"Elder Mu, I personally oversaw this matter. Although that Liu Yuan has some talent, his Heart-Nature is improper. He was eager for quick success in his cultivation and repeatedly took unknown Medicinal Pills to seek a rapid Breakthrough, severely overdrawing his own potential."
"Such behavior not only corrupted the cultivation atmosphere of the academy but was also irresponsible toward his own future! Furthermore, after this boy was discovered, instead of reflecting and repenting, he contradicted his elders with a terrible attitude. To rectify the academic spirit, I decided to expel him to serve as a warning to others!"
He spoke these words with righteous indignation, as if he were incredibly selfless and acting solely for the public good.
After Mu En finished listening, those eyes that seemed able to see through everything narrowed slightly, and his brow furrowed accordingly.
He didn't state his position immediately, but simply asked a faint question in return: "Is that so?"
These four words were light as a feather, yet they carried the weight of a thousand tons.
Bei Bei could no longer hold back and hurriedly took a step forward, defending his friend: "Progenitor Xuan! It is absolutely not like that! Based on my understanding of Liu Yuan, his Heart-Nature is resilient; he would never do something as stupid as destroying his own future by taking pills to overdraw his potential!"
"I met him a few days ago on the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest and personally asked him the reason for his expulsion. He said it was because that morning, he explicitly rejected the invitation you, Elder Xuan, extended to him to join the Shrek Supervisory Group!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Xuan Zi's face instantly turned ashen, looking unsightly to the extreme.
The aura around him fluctuated uncontrollably, and a terrifying pressure belonging to a Level 98 Super Douluo subconsciously tried to press down toward Bei Bei.
But he immediately realized who was standing opposite him.
That was Bei Bei! Mu En's most beloved great-great-grandson!
Fury billowed in Xuan Zi's heart, yet he forcibly suppressed that pressure.
He could disregard the life or death of any student and could ignore Yan Shaozhe, but he alone did not dare to lay a hand on Bei Bei in front of Mu En.
If the person saying this had been anyone else, he would have slapped them long ago, but it happened to be Bei Bei, and he really had no way to deal with him.
Forcing down the anger in his heart, Xuan Zi knew now was not the time to lose his temper; he had to defend himself immediately.
Otherwise, once the charge of "abusing public office for private revenge and deliberately suppressing a Genius" was characterized by Elder Mu, the consequences would be unimaginable.
If Elder Mu truly blamed him, even as the number two figure in the academy, he would definitely not have an easy time!
"Nonsense!" Xuan Zi immediately retorted sharply, "Bei Bei, how can you listen to his one-sided story?"
"He was expelled by the academy and harbors resentment, so naturally, he picked a narrative favorable to himself to slander me!"
"You are still young; do not be deceived by the flowery words of such an ill-intentioned person!"
Bei Bei met Xuan Zi's gaze without yielding and said categorically, "I believe in his character!"
"You..." Xuan Zi's beard trembled with rage. He was about to say more, but an old and weary voice sounded at that moment, interrupting him.
"This matter ends here."
The one who spoke was Mu En.
He slowly opened his eyes, his calm gaze sweeping over the emotional Bei Bei and the ashen-faced Xuan Zi.
As an old man who had lived for centuries and was the pillar of Shrek Academy, how could he not understand the personality of this Junior Brother of his?
Xuan Zi was a man of supreme talent and great strength, but his weaknesses were equally obvious: he was vainglorious, narrow-minded, and acted overbearingly, demanding absolute obedience.
Combining Bei Bei's firm attitude with Xuan Zi's current reaction, Mu En had already guessed the truth of the matter in his heart.
In all likelihood, things were exactly as Bei Bei said: after his invitation was rejected, Xuan Zi became angry and deliberately fabricated charges to retaliate against Liu Yuan.
This was something Xuan Zi was absolutely capable of doing.
If this were back when his body was intact and Shrek was at its Peak with plenty of talent, he would surely punish such behavior of suppressing geniuses and corrupting the academy's spirit without leniency.
But... today was different from the past.
Ever since that earth-shattering battle with the Body Sect Master, Du Bisi, he had been burdened with irreversible heavy injuries, his lamp was running out of oil, and his life was nearing its end.
The current Shrek was in an awkward period of transition; the powerhouses of the older generation were gradually withering away, and the elites of the new generation had not yet fully matured.
Looking across the entire academy, besides himself, the only top powerhouse who could hold the fort and deter petty criminals was Xuan Zi.
Juniors like Yan Shaozhe and Xian Liner, though excellent, were ultimately a level below and found it difficult to shoulder such a heavy responsibility.
Therefore, even if Mu En had the heart to pursue this matter for the child named Liu Yuan and seek justice, he had to prioritize the overall situation of Shrek.
He could not fall out with Xuan Zi at this critical moment over a student who had already been expelled.
Thinking of this, Mu En sighed inwardly; this was the helplessness of being in a high position.
He looked at Xuan Zi. Although his tone was flat, the underlying warning made the latter's heart shudder.
"Xuan Zi, I do not wish to see this kind of thing a second time."
"The future of Shrek lies with those Genius students full of infinite possibilities."
"In the future, you must be more prudent in your treatment of them. I hope you understand my meaning."
Xuan Zi hurriedly bowed and replied, "Yes, Elder Mu, I have taken it to heart."
"Mm." Mu En nodded and then waved his hand, "You and Shaozhe step back first. I wish to speak a few words with Bei Bei."
"Yes." Xuan Zi and Yan Shaozhe did not dare to say more. After bowing respectfully, they exited the quiet room.
As the door closed, only the grandfather and grandson, Mu En and Bei Bei, remained inside the Sea Gods Pavilion.