Bonus Chapter. Enjoy!
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At this moment, many people had already gathered around the small courtyard, all of whom were Students and teachers from the Inner Court who had rushed over.
They stood far outside the courtyard wall, watching the activity inside with bated breath, not daring to even breathe loudly.
They had all clearly seen the scene of the Fire Phoenix blotting out the sky just a moment ago, and Leng Yaozhu's words made everyone present tremble, their Faces filled with undisguisable shock.
Even with the pride of Shrek Academy, they could not help but be moved at this moment.
A Limit Douluo is the destination that all Spirit Masters on the continent yearn for but struggle to reach throughout their entire lives, a Peak existence standing above the common masses.
In the entire Shrek Academy, only Elder Mu had reached this level.
And now, standing behind Huo Yuhao was actually another Limit Douluo, and it was his teacher. If this news were to spread, the entire continent would be shaken.
However, upon second thought, everyone felt that this did not seem so difficult to understand.
After all, Huo Yuhao's talent was clear for all to see; for such a Prodigy Genius, it would be unreasonable if he did not have a top-tier powerhouse guiding him from behind.
Leng Yaozhu glanced at Elder Mu, then turned her gaze back to Yan Shaozhe.
Her expression remained cold and stern. Although her tone was not aggressive, it carried an unquestionable air: "Even if it is an apology, it should be said by the person himself."
Upon hearing this, Elder Mu said nothing, merely frowning slightly as he turned his gaze toward the Disciple beside him.
At this moment, Yan Shaozhe's Face was as pale as paper, cold sweat trickling down his forehead, and he kept his head lowered, hardly daring to look into Leng Yaozhu's eyes.
He had lived for so many years and held the position of Dean of Shrek Academy; when had he ever suffered such humiliation?
But the person he was facing now was a Limit Douluo, and he knew that he had no choice but to "yield" today.
After a long silence, Yan Shaozhe finally raised his head slowly.
His gaze toward Leng Yaozhu trembled slightly, his lips moved a few times, and finally, he spoke in a hoarse voice: "Your Excellency Heavenly Phoenix, I was rude before; please forgive me."
Leng Yaozhu snorted coldly, her tone indifferent and merciless: "I know you are unconvinced in your heart, but since your strength is inferior, you must endure it."
She had lived for so many years and seen so many people; she could see the unwillingness and humiliation in the depths of Yan Shaozhe's eyes clearly.
This person had not realized his mistake at all. What he regretted was not his act of forcibly detaining a Student, but that he had kicked an iron plate and lost Face in full view of everyone. For a person like this, Leng Yaozhu did not even have the interest to waste more words, directly trampling his dignity underfoot with a single sentence.
Upon hearing this, Yan Shaozhe clenched his hands hanging at his sides into fists, gritting his teeth tightly, desperately suppressing the surging humiliation and anger in his heart, not allowing his expression to reveal even the slightest bit of dissatisfaction.
As the Dean of Shrek Academy, what kind of status did Yan Shaozhe have?
Usually, even when facing a sovereign of a nation, he could hold his head high and maintain that detached posture.
But now, he had to lower his head and admit his mistake in front of everyone; to him, this was simply an utter humiliation!
But besides enduring it, what else could he do?
The strength of a Limit Douluo was right there; even his teacher had to treat her with courtesy. As a Level 95 Super Douluo, what qualifications did he have to not endure it?
After saying this, Leng Yaozhu ignored Yan Shaozhe and shifted her gaze to Elder Mu, the person who could truly make the decisions.
She looked at Elder Mu, her tone softening slightly: "Your Excellency Dragon God, Yuhao wants to apply for graduation and leave the academy now; there shouldn't be any problems, right?"
Elder Mu sighed inwardly and replied: "Naturally, there is no problem."
After speaking, Elder Mu raised his withered, stick-like hand and beckoned gently to Huo Yuhao behind Leng Yaozhu.
Seeing this, Huo Yuhao did not hesitate in the slightest and walked to Elder Mu's front in a few steps. He bowed slightly and called out respectfully: "Elder Mu."
A kind smile squeezed onto Elder Mu's furrowed Face, a smile mixed with a bit of apology and helplessness. Looking at the youth before him whom he both admired and felt regret for, he said slowly: "Yuhao, what happened just now was Shao Zhe's fault."
Through Leng Yaozhu's rebuke just now, plus his understanding of his own Disciple, Elder Mu had already roughly deduced everything that had happened.
Elder Mu continued: "As his teacher, I did not teach him well, causing you to be wronged. I only hope that you will not hold a grudge against the academy because of this."
Huo Yuhao looked into the old man's cloudy yet sincere eyes and shook his head.
A gentle smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Rest assured, Elder Mu. I walked out of Shrek Academy; I have always remembered this point, and I will not forget it in the future."
Yan Shaozhe's behavior just now had indeed caused his image to plummet to the bottom in Huo Yuhao's heart. But that was all. One person could not represent the entire academy, even if he was the Dean.
Over these years at Shrek, he had also had many precious memories and had made many friends who treated him with sincerity.
Those days of fighting side by side and growing up together were real and would not be erased because of one Yan Shaozhe.
Finally, there was Elder Mu. Huo Yuhao knew clearly in his heart how this old man, who was in the twilight of his years, treated him.
From their first meeting to the various forms of care he received later, Elder Mu's concern for him never contained any utilitarian motives; he truly cherished him as a Junior. Therefore, even if only for the sake of Elder Mu's Face, Huo Yuhao was willing to give Shrek Academy a chance.
Of course, he would not act as a pushover.
This meant at most that he would not resent the academy because of today's incident, but if Shrek Academy were to cause any more trouble or use any underhanded tactics in the future, he would absolutely not be polite.
Elder Mu looked at Huo Yuhao's clear and firm eyes and nodded slowly: "With your words, I am relieved."
After saying this, Elder Mu's expression suddenly became solemn. A gentle Spirit Power diffused from his aged body, brushing over his hunched back like a spring breeze. Supported by the Spirit Power, his body, which was bent at nearly ninety degrees, actually straightened up inch by inch.
The moment he stood completely straight, everyone suddenly realized that this old man, who seemed to be on the verge of death, was actually so tall, half a head taller than Yan Shaozhe behind him.
Elder Mu looked at the high-spirited youth opposite him, the sunlight passing through the thin mist remaining after the Fire Phoenix dissipated, shining on Huo Yuhao's still youthful but already sharp-featured Face.
The light held in those eyes made Elder Mu trance-like, recalling a long, long time ago, the appearance of his own youthful, frivolous self roaming the continent.
He suddenly laughed, then solemnly said one sentence: "Yuhao, congratulations, you have graduated!"
Huo Yuhao was stunned upon hearing this; he had originally thought that the graduation matter would require more twists and turns, but he had not expected Elder Mu to announce it directly here.
A moment later, Huo Yuhao took a deep breath, bowed deeply to Elder Mu, his voice carrying a hint of suppressed emotion: "Thank you, Elder Mu."
Elder Mu smiled, raised his withered hand, and waved it at him: "Go, while you are young, go and roam. If you have time, remember to come back to the academy to visit."
Huo Yuhao nodded heavily, straightened his body, took one last look at Elder Mu, then turned around decisively and met Leng Yaozhu's gaze for a fleeting moment.
The two did not speak, only nodding slightly at each other.
Immediately, Huo Yuhao strode out, walking toward the outside of the small courtyard without looking back.
Leng Yaozhu also smiled, that smile changing from the coldness she had shown when facing Yan Shaozhe just now, carrying a hint of the softness unique to an elder.
She did not say anything more, only turned gracefully, following behind Huo Yuhao unhurriedly.
The figures of the two, one in front and one behind, passed through the Inner Court Students and teachers at the courtyard entrance who automatically made way for them, walking further and further away, and finally disappeared into the depths of the lush, tree-lined path of Sea God Island.
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A/N:
5 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter
2 Reviews = 1 Extra Chapter
I hope all of you are enjoying this story so far. I would appreciate some Power Stones if you can spare any. Leave a review if you like the story. Thank you.