Chapter 319: Did Elder Xuan Betray Shrek?!
The next day, in the southern outskirts of Mingdu, a towering platform stood high above the crowd. Below it, a massive gathering of people looked up, their faces filled with curiosity.
The Sun Moon Empire had officially announced that today was the day Xuanzi's crimes would be revealed to the world.
Truth be told, the audience had a deep interest in Xuanzi. After all, he was recognized as the strongest powerhouse in Shrek Academy today.
As for Mu En, the previous number one of Shrek, most people believed he had already passed away.
Yet now, Xuanzi a Rank 98 Super Douluo had been captured by Sun Moon experts. This outcome felt almost surreal to many in the crowd.
In their eyes, Shrek Academy had always been the number one force on the continent, far surpassing the Sun Moon Empire.
But if even Shrek's strongest fighter had been captured alive, what did that say about the power of the Sun Moon Empire?
Could it be that the title of "Strongest Power on the Continent" was about to change hands?
The atmosphere grew tense as countless people whispered among themselves, their murmurs filling the air like a buzzing swarm of bees.
In Douluo Continent, becoming a student of Shrek Academy was no easy feat. This naturally meant that Shrek students were a minority among Soul Masters.
Even so, Shrek Academy had always been regarded as a sacred land not just because of its long history, but because of its unrivaled strength.
In the world of Soul Masters, power reigned supreme.
Even those who relied on backgrounds and influence to suppress others ultimately depended on the raw strength of those backing them.
At its core, this was a deep rooted admiration for strength a fundamental principle of survival in Douluo Continent.
Even Yu Xiaogang, son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's patriarch, had suffered scorn and humiliation simply because of his low innate Soul Power.
At that moment, Kong Deming descended onto the platform, bringing several people with him.
His piercing gaze swept over the crowd like a blade, exuding an overwhelming pressure.
The chaotic murmurs immediately died down the once buzzing discussion instantly silenced.
Kong Deming spoke calmly yet firmly:
**"Now that everyone has quieted down, I will speak.
*"I know you are all here for one reason to confirm whether Xuanzi has truly committed any crimes.
*"I can assure you his crimes are real.
"Hongchen, bring Xuanzi forward."*
With that, he clasped his hands behind his back, waiting.
Jing Hongchen hurriedly led Xuanzi onto the platform, bowing respectfully.
"Elder Kong, I have brought him."
The crowd gasped.
Jing Hongchen was the Master of Mingde Hall, one of the most renowned Rank 9 Soul Engineers on the continent.
Yet here he was, standing before this elderly man with the utmost humility, his posture utterly submissive.
High above in the sky, Elder Song observed the scene, her expression thoughtful.
**"So this is Kong Deming? His status seems far higher than Jing Hongchen's.
*"Before Xuanzi's capture, Kong Deming was not widely known.
*"But now, the Sun Moon Empire is emphasizing his role in capturing Xuanzi, meaning he must be an incredibly talented Soul Engineer.
"Powerhouses like him often spend their time focused on research, rarely appearing in public."*
Beside her, Cai Mei'er wasn't interested in listening to Song Lao's analysis.
Song Lao, as Xian Lin'er's mother and a supporter of Shrek's Soul Engineering Department, was always analyzing Soul Engineers.
Cai Mei'er had heard enough of her insights over the years.
"Elder Song, do you think they will actually present evidence proving Xuanzi's crimes?"
Despite everything, she was still deeply concerned about Xuanzi's well being.
After all, Xuanzi was Shrek's second strongest fighter, the future pillar of the academy. If he fell here, it would be a devastating blow to Shrek Academy.
Song Lao pondered for a moment before replying:
**"I believe they can prove that Xuanzi attacked the Snow Demon Sect's lodging.
*"That incident happened recently, and there are witnesses from the Snow Demon Sect who can testify.
"However, this won't significantly damage Shrek's reputation after all, the academy can simply issue a statement denying it."*
**"Our main student base is in the Three Empires of Douluo, where the Sun Moon Empire has an incredibly bad reputation.
*"Meanwhile, Shrek Academy has maintained a positive reputation for over ten thousand years.
"Many people grew up hearing stories of the Shrek Seven Devils, so they are naturally inclined to trust the academy."*
"As long as the academy refutes the accusations, people in the Three Empires won't believe the Sun Moon Empire."
**"As for other alleged crimes, the Sun Moon Empire shouldn't be able to find any solid evidence.
*"We may not have the power to rescue Xuanzi, but we can negotiate an exchange to get him back.
"This is Elder Mu's decision."*
Then, she chuckled lightly.
**"Of course, if Xuanzi betrays us, then Shrek Academy's reputation will take a major hit.
*"But that's completely impossible.
"Even if I were to betray Shrek, Xuanzi never would."*
Hearing this, Cai Mei'er felt slightly relieved.
Although Xuanzi had made many mistakes, his loyalty to Shrek was absolute.
She looked back at Xuanzi, his clothes soaked in blood, and felt a surge of anger.
This was Shrek's second strongest fighter, yet he was being humiliated like this.
It was an insult to Shrek Academy itself.
Clearly, the Sun Moon Empire had become arrogant beyond measure.
On the platform, Xuanzi looked down at the crowd, took a deep breath, and clenched his fists.
His fingernails dug into his palms, drawing blood.
But the pain in his hand was nothing compared to the pain in his heart.
He knew exactly what would happen once he admitted his crimes.
If he had a choice, he would have never agreed to this.
But he didn't.
Struggling, he forced out his words:
**"Everyone, I am Xuanzi, known to most of Shrek Academy as Elder Xuan.
"Today, I stand before you to voluntarily confess my crimes…"*
He then detailed his crimes one by one
Attacking the Snow Demon Sect's lodging
Ambushing the Sun Moon Empire's exchange students
Helping Shrek Academy's team cheat in the last tournament
He explained his motivations for each crime and even revealed how the Sea God Pavilion had protected him.
When he finished speaking, Xuanzi turned around, closed his eyes, and waited for judgment.
Above the platform, Elder Song stood frozen in shock.
She felt betrayed a deep sense of disappointment washing over her.
Just moments ago, she had confidently declared that Xuanzi would never betray Shrek.
And yet, here he was confessing his crimes of his own free will.
It was as if fate itself was mocking her.
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