Chapter 398: Shaozhe Also Colluding with Sun Moon?
After confirming that Teacher Tang had left, Elder Xuan studied Xu Sanshi carefully.
Within the academy, he had suspicions that He Caitou and Fan Yu were colluding with the Sun Moon Empire. As for Yan Shaozhe, his suspicion was limited to ties with the Holy Spirit Church.
The reason he doubted Fan Yu and He Caitou's loyalty was due to their arrest for stealing blueprints from Mingde Hall, which led to their forced return to Shrek Academy.
To be honest, Elder Xuan had no issue with them attempting to steal Mingde Hall's soul tool blueprints. After all, Shrek Academy's soul tool technology was far inferior to Mingde Hall's.
If they could obtain some of those blueprints, it would greatly advance Shrek's technological progress. A stronger Shrek Academy meant better protection for the peace of the Douluo Continent, whereas the Sun Moon Empire's technological advancements could only lead to disaster.
However, Fan Yu and He Caitou had been caught on their first attempt and sent back to Shrek Academy. While He Caitou was a novice, Fan Yu was known for his meticulousness. How could someone as careful as him be discovered on his very first attempt?
At the very least, they should have succeeded a few times, passed on some blueprints, and only then been caught!
Moreover, their forced return was what ultimately saved their lives. All the other exchange students who weren't sent back except for Bei Bei were slaughtered by the Evil Soul Masters.
Bei Bei was beyond suspicion. He was Elder Mu's great grandson and descended from Yu Xiaogang. He had an impeccable lineage. There was no way he was colluding with the Sun Moon Empire.
But Fan Yu had been the leader of the exchange student group, making him part of it. He Caitou was one of the most outstanding students in the exchange program. Both had studied at Mingde Hall and had a close master disciple relationship.
More importantly, He Caitou's skin was far too dark almost indistinguishable from some of the Sun Moon Empire's dark skinned nobles. He looked nothing like a native of the Three Kingdoms of Douluo.
At times, Elder Xuan even suspected that He Caitou might be a noble from the Sun Moon Empire who had infiltrated Shrek Academy. This naturally made him suspicious of both master and disciple.
With these thoughts in mind, Elder Xuan said indifferently, "I suspect Shaozhe, He Caitou, and Fan Yu. Point out which one is your accomplice."
Xu Sanshi hesitated for a moment before saying, "Among the three, only Dean Yan is a traitor he is my accomplice."
To be honest, he had no idea if any of the three were actually traitors. He singled out Yan Shaozhe only because He Caitou and Fan Yu were not strong enough to resist Elder Xuan. If he implicated them, Elder Xuan would certainly investigate, which could bring serious trouble to their lives.
Yan Shaozhe, however, was different. As Elder Mu's disciple, he held a high status and was quite powerful. He frequently met with Elder Mu, meaning even Elder Xuan couldn't touch him easily.
"I'm sorry, Dean Yan. I have no choice. If I ever get out of here, I'll find a way to make it up to you," Xu Sanshi sighed inwardly.
"Yan Shaozhe is colluding with the Sun Moon Empire? Do you have any evidence?" Elder Xuan frowned.
"Evidence?" Xu Sanshi thought. Since when did you need evidence to label someone a traitor? You've been convicting people based on gut feelings this whole time!
After pondering for a moment, he responded, "Dean Yan led the exchange student group, which was massacred by Evil Soul Masters. This caused immense losses to Shrek Academy.
Think about it how did the Evil Soul Masters know exactly when to attack? And why did they strike right when you were away? Someone must have leaked the information!"
Elder Xuan was silent for a moment before nodding. "I will investigate Shaozhe."
With that, he turned and left.
Of course, that was just what he said. In reality, he still intended to investigate Fan Yu and He Caitou. Who was to say that Xu Sanshi wasn't trying to shield them by shifting suspicion to Yan Shaozhe?
It was possible.
Still, his primary focus would remain on Yan Shaozhe. If Yan was truly colluding with both the Sun Moon Empire and the Holy Spirit Church, he was no ordinary traitor he would need to be dealt with severely.
Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy
Huo Yuhao gazed at the overcast sky, exhaling a breath of white mist.
Earlier, he had been absorbing the essence of the sun to enhance his body. But now that night had fallen, thick clouds obscured the moonlight, so it was time to turn his attention elsewhere.
"I need a spirit to become a Soul Sage… I should head to the Extreme North and persuade the Titan Snow Demon King. That way, I'll have all three Great Kings of the Extreme North gathered in my Spiritual Sea."
He was confident in his ability to convince the Titan Snow Demon King.
After all, under the current system, soul beasts were forbidden from becoming gods. The only way they could hope for ascension was through special methods that allowed them to benefit from a powerful ally.
Moreover, Snow Empress the "Supreme Emperor" of the Extreme North could help reinforce his persuasion.
Of course, removing the three Great Kings would leave the Extreme North's soul beasts vulnerable, which would be the main point of contention when negotiating with the Titan Snow Demon King and Snow Empress.
Since both of them ruled over the Extreme North, they had a responsibility to protect its soul beasts.
But Huo Yuhao had a solution.
If necessary, he could station some undead in the region. Unlike living beings, the undead were completely loyal and would follow his commands to the letter, ensuring the protection of the remaining soul beast tribes.
With that thought, he reached out to the golden light in his mind.
"Plane Will, I need to go to the Extreme North."
The Plane Will responded immediately.
"Understood."
A golden light enveloped Huo Yuhao's body, and in an instant, he vanished.
Extreme North, Howling Winds
The Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment was busy mining rare metals. The clanking of pickaxes echoed through the frigid air.
Normally, if humans mined here so recklessly, nearby soul beasts would have noticed and attacked.
However, Huo Yuhao had a good relationship with the soul beasts of the Extreme North. During his last visit, he had spoken with the Titan Snow Demon King, who knew that these people were under Huo Yuhao's command.
Thus, no soul beasts had disturbed the mining operation.
Among the workers, voices rose in conversation.
"I can't believe we've been mining here for so long without being attacked by soul beasts. It's really strange. I was ready for a fight."
"Maybe it's because of Tower Master Huo. Last time, he rode in on a hundred thousand year soul beast. He probably has a good relationship with the soul beasts here."
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