Douluo Dalu 3: Legend of the White Fox

It was still Shrek Academy, still the inner courtyard, but this time it was inside the Sea God Pavilion.

Not only did Ya Li's expression look unpleasant, but even Yun Ming's face was somewhat grim.

"Who did it? Own up now." Yun Ming's voice was low and heavy.

Today, multiple TV stations were broadcasting the event live.

Yun Ming believed that any powerful soul master who watched the live broadcast or the replay could see the problem.

The reason no one had publicly accused Shrek Academy yet was simply because there was no concrete evidence.

But in everyone's hearts, the truth was as clear as day.

No matter what, Shrek Academy had to provide an explanation this time.

The Sea God Pavilion fell into a heavy silence; no one spoke.

No one dared to admit it because this matter affected the reputation of Shrek Academy.

If someone confessed, they would have to bear the responsibility.

And this responsibility could mean expulsion from Shrek Academy.

Even for a member of the Sea God Pavilion, doing something like this and admitting to it would leave Shrek Academy no choice but to expel them. The public would never accept it otherwise.

"I know your intention was to prevent Xia Yi from winning. A four-on-one loss would have been humiliating for Shrek Academy. But do you really think doing this isn't shameful?" Yun Ming asked coldly.

"If you hadn't done it, with Xia Yi's personality, he probably would've camped out at Shrek Academy's gate, refusing to leave. Today he defeated four opponents alone, tomorrow he could continue to challenge the other geniuses of Shrek Academy. If he blocked the gate and we didn't have anyone who could beat him, wouldn't that be even more humiliating?" Ya Li scoffed. "It seems like you've all been carrying the weight of Shrek's honor for too long and have lost the courage to face defeat."

Yun Ming raised his hand to stop Ya Li from continuing. "Since no one wants to confess, and considering all of you have dedicated yourselves to Shrek Academy, I'll let it slide this time. But let me be clear: this is the first and last time. If this happens again, don't blame me, Sky Sovereign Douluo, for getting to the bottom of it."

"That settles it then. Let me remind you all, Shrek Academy's strength depends on the cultivation of our students, not on foolishly thinking that killing all the young soul masters who are stronger than ours will make our students the best in the world. If all the older generation of soul masters did this, how could our students walk proudly in the world?" After Yun Ming spoke, Ya Li had nothing more to say. She turned and left.

Both Yun Ming and Ya Li knew who was responsible.

But they had worked together for many years, and all had devoted most of their lives to Shrek Academy. Considering this was the first incident of its kind, Yun Ming didn't want to push anyone into a corner.

Watching Ya Li's departing figure, Yun Ming sighed and waved his hand. "Dismissed, everyone."

Spirit Transferring Pagoda

Leng Yaozhu listened to Xia Yi's account, her eyes turning cold.

"So, Shrek Academy secretly adjusted the level of the protective shield in the Douhun Arena?" Leng Yaozhu's delicate brows furrowed.

"Yes. It was first raised from level one to level two, which I think was done by Holy Spirit Douluo. The second time was during the fight when Tang Wulin and Yang Nianxia launched a lethal attack. The protective shield suddenly dropped from level two to level one for just an instant before returning to level two. But in that moment, my mind went blank. If I hadn't used Fox Mind Technique to stabilize Tang Wulin and Yang Nianxia, I would have died or been severely injured." Xia Yi's voice was heavy.

"Just as I suspected." Leng Yaozhu nodded. "Shrek Academy carries too much honor; they couldn't afford to lose. Some people were afraid that you'd camp out at Shrek's gate indefinitely, so they shamelessly attacked you like this. You were wise to come to the Spirit Transferring Pagoda. If you had stayed at the hotel, they might've made you disappear without a trace."

"I never imagined Shrek Academy would stoop so low," Mu Xi interjected, unable to hold back.

"When the forest is big, there are all kinds of birds. It's just a few extremists who did this. They don't represent Shrek Academy as a whole," Leng Yaozhu shook her head. "Just wait. Sky Sovereign Douluo will definitely investigate this thoroughly and give the world a proper explanation."

She still believed in Shrek Academy's integrity.

"Do you think Shrek Academy will cover up for the culprit?" Xia Yi asked curiously.

He wasn't afraid of honorable enemies, but deceitful cowards lurking in the shadows were another matter.

"Absolutely not. I trust that Sky Sovereign Douluo won't allow people like that to stay at Shrek Academy," Leng Yaozhu said firmly, her faith in Yun Ming unwavering.

"I hope so." Xia Yi nodded.

At first, he had considered seeking out Zi Ji and the others to lure out the mastermind.

But he worried it would expose them, which wasn't worth the risk.

So, he decided to hide at the Spirit Transferring Pagoda instead.

"You can stay at the Spirit Transferring Pagoda for now. I'll keep you updated on any news from Shrek Academy," Leng Yaozhu said.

"I'll stay tonight, but tomorrow at noon, I'm going back to Shrek Academy to continue challenging them," Xia Yi said coldly.

"No way!" Before Leng Yaozhu could respond, Mu Xi immediately refused.

She had initially thought the incident at the Douhun Arena was an accident.

But after hearing Xia Yi's story, she realized just how dangerous the situation had been.

Shrek Academy had clearly tried to kill Xia Yi, yet he still wanted to go back and provoke them.

Wasn't that like a lamb walking into a lion's den?

There was no way she'd allow Xia Yi to risk his life again.

"Don't worry. It won't happen again. Unless Shrek Academy is willing to lose all honor, they won't try anything like that a second time," Leng Yaozhu reassured her.

At this point, no one among Xia Yi's peers could defeat him at Shrek Academy.

Just then, a middle-aged female staff member entered Leng Yaozhu's room. "Your Eminence, Holy Spirit Douluo from Shrek Academy requests an audience."

"She's here!" Leng Yaozhu looked at Xia Yi and asked, "Do you want to avoid this meeting?"

"Why would I? I did nothing wrong," Xia Yi replied calmly.

"Fair enough." Leng Yaozhu nodded and said to the staff member, "Invite Holy Spirit Douluo in."

Soon, Ya Li was led into the room.

Her face was grim, and her mood visibly foul.

"Ya Li, what brings you here at this hour?" Leng Yaozhu greeted her with a bright smile and a light hug.

"I'm here to apologize." Ya Li knew Leng Yaozhu was mocking her.

At this time, Shrek Academy should have been investigating the culprit and deciding on a punishment.

But Yun Ming forbade it, leaving her no choice but to visit Leng Yaozhu and Xia Yi first.

After everything that happened, Shrek Academy wasn't even willing to investigate the culprit. They couldn't provide the world with an explanation, let alone give justice to Xia Yi and Leng Yaozhu.

All Ya Li could do was come and apologize.

(End of Chapter)