It wasn't long before the Dean of Yun Luo Academy entered the grand hall.
The newcomer was an old man in a black robe with a kind-looking appearance.
"Your Majesty."
The old man bowed deeply.
"Dean Zhang, there's no need for such formalities."
"Just speak your mind."
Xu Jiawei was no longer in the mood for pleasantries.
All he wanted now was to deal with things quickly and have peace of mind.
Bear in mind, he had arranged for Dai Hao to wait somewhere for him to deal with.
"Your Majesty, I have come today to return something to you."
"What is it?"
Dai Hao already had a bad feeling in his heart.
The Dean of Yun Luo Academy took out two gold cards worth over a million from the Spatial Soul Guidance Device, holding them carefully in his hands, and lifted them above his head.
"Your Majesty, please take back your command."
There was a pleading tone in the voice of the Dean of Yun Luo Academy.
This was the bribe Xu Jiawei had given him before, to go easy on Shrek Academy during the tournament.
He had accepted it before.
Because, in his mind, Shrek Academy was invincible, how could their own academy possibly stand a chance against Shrek Academy?
He thought Xu Jiawei had made such arrangements, hoping that Shrek could conserve some strength and take the championship in one fell swoop in the finals.
So he agreed.
Since they were going to lose sooner or later, why not take the 2 million golden soul coins and be happy?
As for why Xu Jiawei would announce they'd face Shrek before the tournament even started, that was something everyone tacitly understood...
But on the day the tournament began, he was taken aback.
The combat power of Shrek Academy... was shockingly weak.
Forget about those top-tier teams; even their Yun Luo Academy could easily crush them.
From that moment, he realized there was a conspiracy at play.
Moreover, considering the precedent set by Sky Spirit Academy, he didn't dare to throw the match.
"Explain your reasons, why go back on your word?"
Xu Jiawei sat on the throne, his indifferent voice spreading through the great hall.
"Your Majesty, I don't know if you have investigated the current plight of Sky Spirit Academy.
In just a few days, the reputation of Sky Spirit Academy has plummeted drastically.
Now, anyone associated with Sky Spirit Academy is pointed at and criticized.
Many students who have not yet finished have dropped out, and some graduates have even issued statements disavowing any connection with Sky Spirit Academy from now on.
Looking at the current situation, it's likely that Sky Spirit Academy is finished. They will probably close down within a year."
The Dean of Yun Luo Academy was very anxious, fearing that the fate of Sky Spirit Academy today would be Yun Luo Academy's tomorrow.
Thus, he felt he must renege on his word.
Even if he were to be heavily punished by Xu Jiawei, he had to return the bribe and earnestly compete in a fair match.
Xu Jiawei said nothing, as if carefully considering the situation.
"Your Majesty, if you think I am disloyal and unfaithful, you may punish me in any way. But Sky Spirit Academy has existed for over 200 years in my hands, and it must not be allowed to wither away from me."
As the Dean of Yun Luo Academy spoke, his eyes had already reddened.
If Yun Luo Academy ended up like Sky Spirit Academy, he would have failed all his ancestors.
"Dean Zhang, you're worrying too much."
"It was unexpected that such a trivial matter would turn into the current situation," Xu Jiawei said with a light sigh, "In actuality, our Xingluo Empire is also a victim.
I accept your proposal. It's getting late, you should return home and rest."
With that, he gestured slightly with his hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Dean of Yun Luo Academy was overjoyed as if reprieved, and left hurriedly after handing the two golden cards to Xu Jiawei's trusted Gold Armored Guard.
Meanwhile, Xu Jiawei's expression gradually turned gloomy.
"Your Majesty..."
"Enough, don't say anymore. If Yun Luo Academy is unwilling to cooperate, we cannot force them."
"And as for the Shrek Academy, how should you explain?"
The Gold Armored Guard asked.
At these words, Xu Jiawei frowned and shot a cold glance at the Gold Armored Guard, "Are you trying to teach me how to handle my affairs?"
"No, not at all."
The Gold Armored Guard's expression suddenly turned anxious as he knelt on the ground with a thud, hastily kowtowing to Xu Jiawei, "Please forgive my impudence, Your Majesty."
"Hmm, let's not have a repeat of this."
Xu Jiawei snorted coldly and then ordered: "Go to the hotel where Shrek Academy is staying right now and find Xuan Zi for me.
I've already helped as much as I could. The Xingluo Empire has paid a great price for this, and I have done all that is both humane and righteous.
For what follows, let him worry about it himself."
"By your command."
Not daring to say more, the Gold Armored Guard respectfully left the Imperial Palace Hall.
Xu Jiawei didn't remain seated on the throne any longer but stood up and headed towards a side hall.
There was still Duke Baihu Dai Hao waiting to be dealt with.
What a headache.
...
"Clink."
Inside the side hall, Dai Hao filled his cup with wine and downed it in one gulp before casting a nonchalant glance at Xu Jiawei as he entered the side hall.
But he showed no intention of getting up.
"Ha ha, Duke, you certainly can hold your liquor," Xu Jiawei commented as he looked at the dozen or so empty wine jugs on the table and chuckled dryly.
He did not show anger at Dai Hao's rudeness because he knew he was in the wrong.
"Even the finest wine tastes bland to me now, just like water. Do you know why that is, Your Majesty?"
"Brother Dai, it seems you have something on your mind."