Seeing Xu Yuan's expression, Yun Ming already knew that Xu Yuan had pieced together the full story.
With a sigh of resignation, Yun Ming opened his mouth to comfort Xu Yuan but found no words to offer.
The Federation had become so corrupt.
For a young person, this might be the greatest blow imaginable.
On the surface, society appeared harmonious, and the living standards of ordinary people were gradually improving. In reality, however, the lives of civilians had never truly mattered to some.
Two Godslayer Missiles—even if they were intended to target Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect—what kind of catastrophic disaster would their detonation bring to the entire city of Shrek?
It could be said that the Federation's population wouldn't drop by more than ten percent, but the Federation's elite talents would suffer a loss of nearly twenty percent.
Of course, if the Spirit Pagoda played a significant role behind the scenes, the area where they were located might suffer minimal damage, preserving many elites.
But no matter what, the impact of the Godslayer Missiles would result in millions, if not tens of millions, of casualties—a terrifying calamity.
Xu Yuan's face twisted in anguish as he struggled internally.
His expression changed repeatedly, his mind clearly caught in a fierce internal conflict.
Slowly, Xu Yuan's expression hardened, and the flickering light in his eyes steadied.
"Teacher, is the crisis of the Godslayer Missiles why you've delayed your own cultivation?"
Yun Ming wore an expression of helplessness.
"We've already held the Federal Parliament accountable, and they've made adjustments."
"Teacher, do these adjustments by the parliament really address the root of their mistake? This isn't just a mistake—it's a blatant extermination plan targeting Shrek Academy."
Yun Ming remained silent.
The fact that the Godslayer Missiles had been smuggled out spoke volumes about their intentions.
"Teacher, even if those parliament members are investigated and held accountable, it's still the Federation handling it, right?" Xu Yuan said calmly.
Yun Ming understood what Xu Yuan was implying and reminded him.
"Xiao Yuan, remember, our Shrek Academy is—"
Xu Yuan cut him off directly.
"Teacher, this so-called neutrality, staying out of politics, is nothing but a self-imposed shackle." Xu Yuan stared at Yun Ming. "If we were truly upright, even without the label of neutrality, as long as Shrek doesn't meddle in Federation affairs or politics, why should we care about such a title or reputation? Why does it matter?"
"In this world, strength ultimately reigns supreme. Why do we need such a pretense?"
Yun Ming shook his head and sighed. "You don't understand. Shrek is, after all, just an academy."
"No, Teacher, I understand perfectly well. Shrek is the strongest force in the soul master world. Why should we yield? I don't believe those parliament members were elected based on anything other than power."
Xu Yuan snorted coldly and added, "Moreover, even when considering contributions to the Federation, how many of Shrek's elders and inner court students lack the qualifications?"
All these constraints were nothing more than self-imposed limitations.
"Xiao Yuan, what you're saying now, every generation of Sea God Pavilion masters understands." Yun Ming shook his head, allowing Xu Yuan to vent his anger fully before slowly explaining.
"I've thought about it too—I've had the same ideas as you. But you must understand that in a world where the strong reign supreme, the strong can do as they please. Just look at the Holy Spirit Sect's evil soul masters—they indulge in atrocities once they gain power."
"In fact, this is a common flaw among the powerful."
"Evil soul masters act without restraint, posing the most direct threat to ordinary people."
"The Spirit Pagoda's strong individuals, obsessed with power and manipulation, can cause harm to the lower classes when their control goes unchecked. Of course, once their excesses reach a tipping point, they can cause the most severe disasters for ordinary citizens."
"The War God Hall operates through strict constraints—pure, systematic constraints—which pose the least threat to the populace and minimize the risk of accidents. However, it also shows the greatest disrespect to the powerful. If resentment builds, the parliament will bear the consequences."
"Our Shrek, on the other hand, is known for its eccentricity. Under the influence of Shrek's style, many of the Sea God Pavilion's elders are simply considered eccentric. Isn't this another form of self-restraint?"
As Xu Yuan listened to Yun Ming's explanation, his emotions gradually calmed.
Was this true?
Was this the reason why his teacher continued to manage Shrek according to its longstanding traditions?
"The parliament holds great power but also bears immense risks." Yun Ming looked at Xu Yuan and elaborated further. "Once soul masters reach a certain level of cultivation, their will becomes pure. Especially for those striving to break through to the Spirit Domain Realm, they must wholeheartedly believe in their own ideals. Enduring humiliation and burdens may cost them the opportunity to break through forever."
"In other words, every Limit Douluo from the War God Hall has genuinely upheld the principles they believe define the War God Hall. If the upper echelons of the parliament violate the constraints placed on the War God Hall, the parliament will face backlash."
"Do you think this change in the parliament was initiated by us at Shrek? No, it was Chen Xinjie who did it—Chen Xinjie, the former Lord of the War God Hall."
"Yes, you imagine us taking action, using extreme measures to extract the truth. But do you think Chen Xinjie's methods would be merciful?"
A cold smile crossed Yun Ming's face.
To achieve the rank of Limit Douluo, one couldn't afford to be soft-hearted.
Especially when dealing with non-vulnerable groups.
"Chen Xinjie is also the commander of the Sea God Legion."
The changes in the parliament weren't just about the number of seats but also about the forces behind the parliament members.
Those parliament members implicated in this incident, along with the forces supporting them, faced execution if they had any past misconduct. These served as justification for Chen Xinjie's actions.
No confession?
No problem. If you're suspected, it's assumed your past wasn't clean anyway.
"As you said, this is a world where the strong reign supreme. Chen Xinjie is the strongest in the War God Hall, and almost all of this generation's War Gods have been trained by him. He also commands the Sea God Legion—no one can stop him."
Everyone views issues from different perspectives.
"To have others carry out these actions on our behalf is ultimately frustrating," Xu Yuan said bitterly.
Yun Ming didn't continue to guide him.
At the very least, Xu Yuan seemed to have grasped the key points of what he was trying to convey.
Shrek's adherence to its principles might seem hypocritical, with its proclaimed neutrality, but it was already a stable constraint on the many powerful individuals under its banner.
Eccentric, but not malicious.
"Teacher, are you really going to let the Godslayer Missile crisis prevent you from secluding yourself to cultivate?"
Xu Yuan was growing anxious.
The Abyss posed a direct threat.
Especially since the Holy Spirit Sect was aligned with the Abyss; if Yun Ming were constrained by them, he might not make effective progress in the coming years.
Yun Ming's gaze flickered.
Xu Yuan's urgency was evident—his desire for Yun Ming to grow stronger was clear.
And Elder Tree had also urged him to grow stronger…
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