Chen Xinjie had also backed down?
Not only Zhang Zhongli, but the other council leaders present also revealed looks of astonishment.
Among them, three council leaders who had previously maintained a good relationship with Shrek Academy quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
To be honest, aside from a few individuals within Shrek's Sea God Pavilion, no one else had anticipated Yun Ming's actions. Everything seemed to have come out of the blue.
And as for Yun Ming's purpose, only a handful of people were in the know.
Among them, Chen Xinjie was undoubtedly one.
Zhang Zhongli stared at Chen Xinjie's projection, his voice firm as he asked, word by word, "Chen Xinjie, why?"
If they truly followed Chen Xinjie's suggestion and waited for Shrek to issue their demands, it would undeniably represent a retreat on the Federation's part. For some time to come, the Federation would face restrictions in various areas.
Moreover, this single instance of weakness could lead to permanent decline.
Not only would they lose confidence in dealing with Shrek, but it might also trigger a chain reaction. If this precedent were set, what would they do if, in the future, the Spirit Pagoda also sought to dominate the Federation?
Zhang Zhongli wasn't questioning Chen Xinjie's judgment, nor did he doubt that Chen Xinjie hadn't considered these implications. He simply didn't want to bow his head without understanding the reason.
However, Chen Xinjie ignored him and instead turned his gaze toward the other projections. He focused intently on five specific individuals.
"This time, it is the Federation's responsibility. Whatever Shrek's demands may be, we will wait for their response. What I can remind all of you here is to prepare for an investigation," Chen Xinjie said coldly, his tone carrying an iron-blooded ruthlessness.
For decades, Chen Xinjie had appeared as a very mild-mannered figure. He had been cultivating himself, contemplating the laws of heaven and earth, and seeking opportunities for further advancement. This iron-blooded aura forged in the military had not surfaced for a long time.
At this moment, the council leaders in the meeting room were shaken.
Even Chen Xinjie's longtime rivals, the two military heavyweights Yu Guanzhi and Dong Zi'an, felt a strong sense of oppression.
Among them, Dong Zi'an was one of the five individuals Chen Xinjie was glaring at.
Dong Zi'an frowned.
"Chen Xinjie, you'd better explain yourself clearly!"
Chen Xinjie coldly stared at Dong Zi'an.
"Isn't my meaning clear enough? You are also among those under investigation."
"How dare you! Chen Xinjie, you're being too presumptuous!"
"Chen Xinjie, you don't have the authority to do this!"
"Chen Xinjie, are you planning a rebellion?"
"..."
The five council leaders targeted by Chen Xinjie erupted in anger, berating him one after another.
The remaining council leaders also glared at Chen Xinjie with fury.
What did this mean?
Are you daring to investigate even the council leaders?
"It's merely a heads-up. The specifics of the investigation will naturally proceed according to Federation protocols. Over the years, all of you have turned a blind eye to certain underhanded dealings, which is fine—but since you've allowed it and failed to rein it in, you must bear the consequences."
With a cold snort, Chen Xinjie abruptly ended the communication.
As Chen Xinjie's projection disappeared, the meeting room fell into a heavy silence.
What had just happened?
The council leaders present were completely baffled.
The five individuals singled out by Chen Xinjie furrowed their brows, reflecting deeply and reviewing their actions over the years. They couldn't pinpoint anything amiss.
---
Shrek Academy
Sea God Pavilion
"Little Long, how did it go?"
During the Sea God Pavilion meeting, Zhuo Shi casually addressed an elderly man with graying hair.
This elder, who was also Master Long from the Federation Parliament, didn't take offense at Zhuo Shi's casual address. Instead, he chuckled and replied, "The parliament has started to take notice, but in my opinion, the commotion isn't significant yet. The Pavilion Master can continue staying in the Star Luo Continent for a while longer."
He smiled warmly and added, "It's a pity we aren't terrorists. Otherwise, with the Pavilion Master's strength, it would be much simpler to directly deal with those few individuals."
The other Pavilion Elders rolled their eyes.
They knew it would indeed be simpler that way.
But this was about seizing the opportunity.
Initially, Yun Ming's plan really was to directly confront the parliament.
However, just before taking action, he received news about Xu Yuan entering the Dragon Valley and urgently headed to the Star Luo Continent.
Since he was already there, Yun Ming decided to adopt a more subtle approach, intending to intimidate the Federation's upper echelons and keep them uneasy for a while.
"The Pavilion Master's trip to the Star Luo Continent has yielded quite substantial results. He practically obtained ownership of the Dragon Valley from the Tang Sect," Zhuo Shi remarked with a look of surprise in his eyes.
He didn't know the details of what transpired during the Dragon Valley operation on the Star Luo Continent, but securing ownership of the Dragon Valley was clearly a major win.
Although Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect were closely aligned, they weren't entirely one entity.
As they developed, the Tang Sect established its own core leadership, including the Hall of Elders and the Hall of Douluo, which largely excluded the disciples of Shrek's Sea God Pavilion. Similarly, while the Pavilion Elders of Shrek were technically still members of the Tang Sect—some having even served in the Hall of Elders in their youth—they were tacitly removed from that status once they became Pavilion Elders.
Both sides needed to cultivate their own successors.
A secret realm like the Dragon Valley held immense significance for enriching Shrek's teaching resources.
"By the way, Brother Ming instructed us to conduct a detailed investigation into Tang Wulin's background," Ya Li recalled, reminding the other Pavilion Elders.
"Investigate Wulin's background?" Zhuo Shi reacted most strongly, as Tang Wulin was his grand-disciple. He hastily asked, "What about Wulin? Surely he hasn't done anything detrimental to the academy, has he?"
Ya Li shook her head.
"No, nothing like that. Brother Ming didn't specify the reason, but we'll proceed with the investigation as he requested."
"Alright, I'll handle it personally," Zhuo Shi declared.
---
Star Luo Continent
Xu Yuan remained unaware of the events unfolding in the Federation. By now, he had secured the Transforming Silver and also obtained a letter of recommendation from Changgong Yan. Without delay, he embarked on a "tour" of the major cities across the Star Luo Continent, gathering rare metals along the way.
Of course, this so-called tour didn't take long. From leaving the Five Elements Lake to returning, it took only a month.
---
Five Elements Lake
Mu Ye reflected on the sights and experiences of this journey. Xu Yuan had traveled city by city, collecting rare metals. Mu Ye had accompanied him along the same route, but in reality, he had been searching for opportunities nearby while Xu Yuan handled his tasks.
"Xiao Yuan, there are two months left before our return. At that time, follow my plan and cultivate on your own. I won't be returning with you."
"Teacher?"
Startled by Mu Ye's sudden announcement, Xu Yuan was taken aback.
"Don't worry. With Little Red and my four-word battle armor, crossing the sea won't be a problem."
After reuniting with Little Red, not only had Mu Ye broken through previous bottlenecks, but Little Red had also undergone a qualitative transformation.
Crossing the sea was no longer an issue.
Mu Ye didn't hold back.
"Half a month ago, I discovered a place suitable for intensive cultivation. After you return to the Federation, I'll go there to enter seclusion. Once I break through to the Limit, I'll return."
Breaking through to the Limit?
Xu Yuan's eyes lit up.
He looked at Mu Ye.
Mu Ye nodded, a joyful smile spreading across his face.
Indeed, he hadn't expected to find the opportunity to break through to the Limit so soon.
Of course, he had only glimpsed the path forward. How long it would take to actually break through remained uncertain.
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