On the VIP platform, Salas stood abruptly and declared in a low voice, "Since the inception of the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament, there has never been an incident of such disgraceful nature."
Then, he turned to Emperor Xue Ye, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, as one of the overseers, I have the authority to investigate this matter thoroughly. With your permission, I shall take my leave."
However, Salas had no intention of waiting for a response. Before the emperor could reply, he turned and strode away.
Emperor Xue Ye's expression darkened instantly—his earlier hesitation vanished. There was no need for speculation now. Even a fool could see who was behind this.
'Who else but Salas would act so boldly?'
'"The Spirit Hall's methods grow more despicable by the day!' the emperor inwardly seethed.
Yet, despite his contempt, he made no move to intervene.
Not because he lacked the authority—his status forbade reckless action.
Just as Liu Erlong had once said, Tang San and the others represented Shrek Academy in their conduct. But Emperor Xue Ye's words carried far greater weight—they symbolized the Heaven Dou Empire itself.
Every decision had to be weighed carefully.
Especially when dealing with the Spirit Hall.
The situation remained unclear, and acting rashly would be unwise. Moreover, he doubted that someone like Edward could be subdued so easily.
And if it was merely about repaying a favor…
To this emperor, it simply wasn't worth the risk.
As Xiao Tianyang had once said—potential is merely potential until realized.
Had this been the young Emperor Xue Ye, he might have taken the gamble. But age had tempered his boldness. Years of suppression by the Spirit Hall had instilled fear in his heart.
His choice was inevitable.
Yet, to his surprise, Ning Fengzhi rose beside him and spoke coldly, "Your Excellency, can you not see that this was a premeditated scheme from the start?"
His gaze sharpened as he added, "Or… are you complicit in it?"
Salas sneered. "Sect Master Ning, without proof, I advise against baseless accusations. My duty is investigation, not arrest. Why are you being so defensive?"
It was a deliberate provocation.
"Unless… you and Edward share a close relationship?"
The implication was clear.
Emperor Xue Ye's expression shifted. Though he remained silent, his questioning eyes flicked to Ning Fengzhi.
"Your Majesty," Ning Fengzhi replied calmly, "consider the source of these words. Moreover, a proper investigation would reveal Edward's records in multiple city arenas. Does the esteemed Bishop truly not know of this?"
"On the contrary, the Bishop seems overly invested—almost as if he seeks something from Edward."
Salas's face stiffened.
He had underestimated Ning Fengzhi.
At that moment, Emperor Xue Ye stood and declared sternly, "Bishop Salas, the Heaven Dou Empire is also a sponsor of this tournament. We share equal authority in this matter."
"I hereby grant Sect Master Ning full jurisdiction to handle this affair on behalf of the royal family. We will not tolerate any conspiracy within these grounds!"
The message was unmistakable—Emperor Xue Ye had chosen his side.
A single Edward might not have swayed him, but with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan involved…
The empire relied heavily on the sect's support to counterbalance the Spirit Hall's pressure. Even without Edward, the emperor would have stood with Ning Fengzhi without hesitation.
This swift response was also an unspoken apology for his earlier doubt.
…
Whitebeard Team – Rest Area
Four members of the Whitebeard team sat in the inner circle, while three other groups lingered on the periphery—Blazing Academy, Godwind Academy, and Tianshui Academy, the latter of which had yet to interact with Xiao Tianyang.
He couldn't fathom why Tianshui Academy was here.
'Was it pure curiosity?' Xiao Tianyang remained skeptical.
"Damn it!" Fei Xue slammed the table, her voice trembling with fury. "They can't beat us fairly, so they resort to underhanded tricks to disqualify us? I demand an explanation!"
"Anyone with eyes can see this is a setup!"
"Sit. Down." Xiao Tianyang's voice cut like ice.
Fei Xue flinched. "But—"
"Do my words mean nothing?" His tone darkened.
With no choice, she reluctantly returned to her seat.
In Miao Zhenshan's absence, Xiao Tianyang's authority was absolute.
And, of course, Fei Xue knew she stood no chance against him.
Huo Wu stepped forward, her bright eyes fixed on Xiao Tianyang. "What you need are witnesses. If public opinion favors you, no accusation will hold weight."
Fei Xue narrowed her eyes. "Why are you helping us?"
"Not 'us'—him." Huo Wu pointed at Xiao Tianyang. "We still have a match pending. I don't mind losing, but if he's forced out by foul play, neither of us will accept it."
"That's all?" Fei Xue pressed.
Huo Wu faltered, her cheeks flushing.
Her reasoning was sound—most wouldn't question it.
But Fei Xue wasn't most people.
As a girl herself, she noticed the way Huo Wu looked at Xiao Tianyang—her words were firm, but her eyes betrayed her.
Nearby, a Godwind Academy member whispered to Feng Xiaotian, "Captain, this doesn't look good. Lady Huo Wu seems—"
"Enough." Feng Xiaotian's voice was sharp. "We're here to repay a debt, not stir conflict. Understood?"
The subordinate retreated hastily.
Feng Xiaotian's irritation was palpable, but jealousy wasn't the cause.
Like Oscar with Ning Rongrong or Dai Mubai with Zhu Zhuqing, their paths had never truly aligned for romance. At best, they'd remain comrades.
But Xiao Tianyang's arrival had changed everything.
Once, Feng Xiaotian had considered himself a prodigy—unrivaled among his peers. That arrogance had led him to prioritize fleeting infatuation over cultivation.
Yet after Xiao Tianyang's brutal lesson and unexpected acknowledgment, his ambitions had shifted.
Now, power was his goal.
As for Huo Wu?
If fate allowed, he wouldn't let go.
But if not, he wouldn't cling.
…
If you'd like to support me and gain access to advanced chapters, you can follow the link:
patreon.com/DarkLord621