Chapter 160: Furious Outburst At Yu Xiaogang

After listening to Ning Rongrong, Gu Yi's gaze darkened.

"They're truly asking for it!"

"Go back and rest for now," he instructed. From Zhu Zhuqing's description, it was clear that the attacker had mastered a highly advanced footwork technique, and also possessed exceptional control over vine manipulation. The attacker was most likely Tang San. Gu Yi couldn't think of anyone else in this world with such abilities.

However, since things had turned out this way, Gu Yi decided to have a little fun.

As the competition progressed, Tianwen Academy continued to dominate, crushing strong teams one after another, eventually emerging as the strongest among all the teams.

By the final rounds, only two relatively unremarkable teams had achieved an undefeated record.

"Today, I am truly pleased to witness such strong and outstanding young talents from our Heaven Dou Empire. It is a blessing for the empire, and a fortune for the world," Emperor Xue Ye said, looking down at the three teams with satisfaction. These were the pillars of Heaven Dou Empire's future.

Just as Emperor Xue Ye was about to leave, Salas stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, please wait a moment." Emperor Xue Ye paused, turning to Salas.

"Is there a problem, Bishop?"

"I simply wish to relieve your worries, Your Majesty," Salas said, approaching the railing and looking towards the Shrek Academy team.

"Citizens of Heaven Dou City, I am pleased to announce that the Spirit Hall has identified the murderer responsible for the recent serial killings of spirit masters in the city. Today, under the eyes of all, we shall bring them to justice. Spirit Hall warriors, assemble!" Salas shouted.

Ten Spirit Hall warriors leapt forward, loudly and firmly responding, "Present!"

"Arrest Tang San!" Salas commanded.

Immediately, Flender, Liu Erlong, and the other Shrek Academy teachers released their martial spirits. Flender, in particular, being a Spirit Douluo, released eight spirit rings, causing even the Spirit Hall warriors to hesitate. Clearly, their strength was lacking in comparison.

"Bishop Salas, there must be some misunderstanding. How could you falsely accuse my student?" Flender defended, uncertain of the situation but resolute in protecting Tang San.

Salas, being somewhat respectful to Flender as a fellow Spirit Douluo, explained, "Based on reliable information and our thorough investigation, Tang San is the prime suspect in these serial killings."

Before Flender could react, Yu Xiaogang, standing nearby, erupted with anger.

"What proof do you have that Xiao San is the killer? If you don't have evidence, I will personally take this matter to the Pope!" Yu Xiaogang knew how to use authority, threatening to bring up the matter with Bibi Dong, despite their strained relationship. At the same time, Yu Xiaogang took out a token from his spirit tool and tossed it to Salas.

The ten Spirit Hall warriors, now emboldened, surrounded Flender and the others.

"Stop!" Salas shouted as he caught the token, his eyes widening.

He recognized the item—it was a Pope's decree! This decree was a symbol of status, granting the bearer the same privileges as an elder of the Spirit Hall. Even a platinum bishop like Salas had to respectfully bow and address Yu Xiaogang as "Elder."

Salas, though a veteran in his position, was well aware of Yu Xiaogang's past entanglement with the current Pope, Bibi Dong. While there were officially only three Pope decrees in circulation, it wasn't impossible that a fourth existed.

"Greetings, Elder," Salas said, dropping his high-handed attitude.

"If you have no evidence, you will not take my student!" Yu Xiaogang declared, taking full advantage of the situation.

Salas was now sweating, fearful that he might have accidentally offended someone with close ties to the Pope. While his position sounded prestigious, his actual authority within the Spirit Hall was quite limited.

Moreover, they truly had no solid evidence that Tang San was the killer, only strong suspicions.

With that, Salas somersaulted off the platform, landing lightly on the ground before hurriedly handing the decree back to Yu Xiaogang.

"Please, Elder, take it."

All eyes were on Yu Xiaogang, who, having established his dominance, continued to assert his position. "I did not take out the Pope's decree to shield my disciple. If he is indeed the culprit, I will personally deliver him to you. But right now, without any evidence, you cannot arbitrarily accuse my student of murder!"

As Yu Xiaogang reached out to take the token from Salas, a light chuckle broke the silence.

"Salas, that's not how you treated me before," came Gu Yi's voice, shattering the tension. Yu Xiaogang instinctively turned toward Gu Yi, as did Salas.

"As far as I know, only three Pope's decrees have ever been issued, correct?" Gu Yi asked, smiling.

Salas reflexively nodded, but even he wasn't sure if a fourth decree might have been privately issued by the Pope.

"In that case, Elder Yu, could you explain where this decree of yours came from?" Gu Yi's gaze locked onto Yu Xiaogang, smiling.

Salas felt a wave of relief—since Gu Yi had taken over, it was no longer his problem. He might even salvage some face from this situation.

"This has nothing to do with you," Yu Xiaogang snapped, forgetting how Gu Yi had once left him battered and humiliated.

"Pope's decrees confer the status of an elder, but if your decree comes from a traitor to the Spirit Hall, what right do you have to enjoy that privilege?" Gu Yi pressed on, intent on publicly exposing Yu Xiaogang. Everyone present watched the two men intently, sensing the deep-seated animosity between them.

"Gu Yi, stop this!" Flender whispered urgently, but Gu Yi wasn't about to listen. From the moment he left Shrek Academy, their bond had been severed.

"I'm guessing that the Pope's decree in your hand was given to you by Tang Hao, wasn't it?" Gu Yi said, his words striking like a hammer. Yu Xiaogang's face turned ashen, his eyes filled with cold fury.

(End Of Chapter)