Every major faction present inwardly exclaimed in shock: 'Good grief, Ning Fengzhi's schemes are laid bare for all to see!' He claimed no repayment would be required, but this "no repayment" was clearly the costliest price of all!
After all, the Medical Alliance's resources and influence were plain for everyone to see. If the new academy used the Medical Alliance as its core for nurturing students, its outstanding graduates would undoubtedly rank among the top-tier genius soul masters on the continent.
Realizing this, many of the major factions began offering their own financial support, hoping the Medical Alliance would grant them a spot to recruit graduates.
At this moment, Ye Wen couldn't help but reflect: if college students from his previous life had been so highly sought after, how many problems could have been solved?
In the end, however, Dugu Bo turned his gaze toward Ye Wen, seeking his decision.
Ye Wen gave a slight nod of approval. After all, it wouldn't cost him any resources, and he could gain some reputation in the process, which would also aid in collecting faith energy for his future plans.
Having received Dugu Bo's affirmative response, Qian Renxue said, "Since that's settled, I'll leave the matter of the new commoner academy to Lord Dugu. If anyone dares to interfere or sabotage your efforts, you can report it to the Spirit Hall at any time. Such an initiative, beneficial to all commoner soul masters across the continent, must not be disrupted by anyone."
With such noble words, coupled with Bibi Dong's high charisma and striking appearance, the entire audience erupted into enthusiastic cheers.
At this moment, Liu Erlong finally breathed a sigh of relief. The loss of the academy didn't matter to her as long as Yu Xiaogang was safe.
However, just then, Yu Xiaogang regained consciousness thanks to his robust physique as a soul master. He overheard Qian Renxue's announcement about the academy.
The loss of Shrek Academy didn't bother him—he had always intended to use it as a stepping stone, much like how he had once convinced Flender to join Tian Dou Academy to "borrow chickens to lay eggs." Now that Tang San had already gained fame across the continent, his goal had been achieved.
But as his memories became clearer, Yu Xiaogang's face turned pale and distraught. Trembling, he asked:
"E-Erlong… what happened while I was unconscious?"
Liu Erlong, completely absorbed in her love for Yu Xiaogang, was delighted by his awakening. She casually recounted the students' misfortunes and Flender's humiliation without giving it much thought.
Unlike Liu Erlong's love-struck mindset, Yu Xiaogang immediately realized the gravity of the situation.
As a teacher and as an academy, nothing was more taboo than the phrase "misleading students."
Now, upon reflection, Yu Xiaogang realized that he had not only been betrayed by his disciple but had also, because of his disciple, betrayed the talented students who had come to compete under the academy's banner. And now, he was publicly exposed, unable to clean up the mess.
"No… no, it shouldn't have ended like this…"
Yu Xiaogang's already pale and haggard face took on an even more lifeless hue as he muttered incessantly, denying the harsh reality before him.
This sight broke Liu Erlong's heart. She consoled him, saying things like, "You still have me. At worst, we can retreat to the mountains and live our own quiet lives together. We don't need to care about others' opinions. Let's just be spiritual partners."
At this moment, Qian Renxue cast her gaze over, thinking it was time to deal with this last remnant.
As Qian Renxue's gaze fell upon them, everyone else redirected their attention to the main characters of the moment.
Qian Renxue calmly said, "Liu Erlong, forgive me for interrupting your sweet talk, but what you're suggesting is impossible."
Liu Erlong's expression instantly changed. Baring her teeth, she snapped, "What more do you want? Xiaogang has suffered enough! Are you really going to kick him while he's down?
"Or is it because I offended you earlier that you're tormenting us like this? If that's the case, then kill me! As long as you spare Xiaogang, I'll do anything you ask!"
The harsh realities of the moment had finally stripped Liu Erlong of her former arrogance.
Qian Renxue looked at Liu Erlong with pity.
This woman's love-addled brain was beyond saving. Besides, Qian Renxue had spent so much time reversing the humiliation the Spirit Hall had suffered at the hands of Tang Hao. How could she possibly punish someone just for speaking out against her?
Thus, Qian Renxue donned a serene and elegant smile and gently said:
"Liu Erlong, Soul Sage, you're overthinking this. The Spirit Hall has always upheld freedom of speech; no one will be punished for their words.
"Moreover, although you and Flender both belong to Shrek Academy, you were still a competent principal before resigning. Additionally, your years of dedication to nurturing commoner soul masters—whether through merit or effort—make it impossible for me to punish you."
The audience nodded in agreement. Though this woman had spoken rashly earlier, she hadn't done anything morally wrong.
Qian Renxue's approachable demeanor won over many in the crowd, including some major factions. They even began to feel that the Spirit Hall was no longer the same ambitious entity that might go to war with the two empires at any moment.
And indeed, their perception was correct. With her knowledge of the storyline, Qian Renxue naturally wouldn't repeat the mistakes of the past. For now, she simply wanted to quietly grow her power, avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Her plan was to first win over the vassal states, then seize control of Tian Dou before finally annihilating Star Luo to unify the continent.
As for the future issue of Tang San ascending to godhood and leading the Hao Tian Sect to war—
Qian Renxue subtly glanced at Ye Wen.
No matter what, her parallel-world mother surely stood by her side, and her parallel-world younger brother was also on her side. With these advantages, why should she worry? Victory would undoubtedly belong to the Spirit Hall. Long live the Spirit Hall! Long live the Angel God!
Liu Erlong, relieved that Qian Renxue hadn't targeted her, failed to notice that Qian Renxue had only mentioned sparing her alone.
At this moment, Qian Renxue turned her gaze toward Yu Xiaogang.
Even someone as slow as Liu Erlong realized that the next topic would concern Yu Xiaogang.
Liu Erlong's neck trembled, her eyes pleading for mercy as she tried to beg Qian Renxue. But Qian Renxue showed no mercy as she delivered the final verdict:
"Yu Xiaogang, do you know your crimes?"
Yu Xiaogang was completely lost in his own world, showing no intention of responding to Qian Renxue.
Inside, Qian Renxue sneered. 'Is this really the so-called Grandmaster? Does he think such a childish tactic will help him escape punishment?'
Qian Renxue continued, "It doesn't matter if you don't speak. Allow me to announce your crimes. In the past, you were exiled from your family for stealing secret texts from the Spirit Hall and disseminating your sect's inherited knowledge across the continent. At the time, I showed leniency and didn't pursue the matter further."
Qian Renxue dropped this bombshell, and Yu Xiaogang instantly snapped back to reality. His eyes filled with desperation as he silently begged Qian Renxue to stop.
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