Chapter 97: Clinging to a Straw

Ye Hao cleared his throat, facing the simmering hostility of the Shrek group, and continued:

"Rongrong, Zhuqing, your days at Shrek Academy weren't exactly pleasant, were they?"

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a knowing look.

Ning Rongrong stepped forward, her voice trembling as she said, "I hadn't planned to talk about this, but… Shrek Academy was my first school, and while it didn't treat me fairly, I have no choice but to speak up now."

She turned to her father and Bone Douluo, her tone filled with grievance, "Father, Grandpa Bone, Zhuqing and I were treated terribly at Shrek Academy. They isolated us."

As she finished speaking, a single tear slid down Ning Rongrong's cheek.

That tear acted as the spark to ignite a powder keg.

"Boom!"

Bone Douluo's aura surged wildly, enveloping the room in a chilling atmosphere. Rising from his seat, his eyes fixated on the entrance, his voice icy and stern.

"Old Poison, since you're here, there's no need to keep lurking outside. Come in."

"Old Poison"?

On the Douluo Continent, there was only one person who could be addressed with such a title—Dugu Bo.

At the entrance, rows of imperial guards stood at attention, their steel spears glinting in the light. Their disciplined posture spoke of their readiness for battle.

At the front, Prince Xue Xing and Dugu Bo strode forward with measured steps, their expressions cold and indifferent. The two had heard a summary of the accusations against Shrek Academy, and their initial impressions were far from favorable.

The three teaching committee members rose to greet them, clearly surprised by their arrival. The involvement of both Prince Xue Xing and Dugu Bo elevated the situation significantly.

After all, while the Heaven Dou Royal Academy was nominally managed by the emperor, it was Prince Xue Xing who oversaw day-to-day affairs in the emperor's absence.

"Your Highness, Your Excellency Poison Douluo," the three committee members greeted in unison.

Prince Xue Xing acknowledged them with a nod before turning his attention to Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo. With a polite bow, he said, "Lord Ning, Your Excellency Bone Douluo, it is an honor to see you here."

Ning Fengzhi returned the courtesy with a smile, "Your Highness, you are too kind. May I ask if your visit today concerns the matter of Shrek Academy?"

At this, Prince Xue Xing's temper flared. His voice thundered with indignation, "You must be the so-called Shrek Academy? How audacious! A group of hypocrites, cloaked in virtue but steeped in disgrace. Over the years, how many despicable deeds have you committed under the guise of righteousness?"

Turning to the teaching committee, he added harshly, "Meng Shenji, next time, use better judgment. Don't admit any riffraff into the academy and tarnish the royal family's reputation!"

Meng Shenji bowed his head in deference, "Your Highness, you are correct. Had it not been for Qin Ming's personal guarantee, we would never have considered admitting them."

Speaking of Qin Ming, he arrived moments later, accompanied by Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling. They had rushed over upon hearing that Ye Hao had returned.

"Xiao Hao?" Qin Ming was visibly stunned, his surprise evident.

"You're… alive?"

Ye Hao offered a faint smile and nodded, "Teacher Qin, Sister Yan, Sister Lingling, it's been a while."

After exchanging greetings, Ye Hao glanced coldly at the Shrek group, who had remained silent under the weight of the accusations.

"Now is not the time for pleasantries," he said. "Let's catch up later."

Flender, seeing Qin Ming as his last hope, quickly approached him.

"Xiao Ming, thank goodness you're here! Our Shrek Academy's reputation is on the line. You must help us!"

Qin Ming frowned in confusion, looking around at the gathering.

The presence of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan Master Ning Fengzhi, Bone Douluo, and Poison Douluo made it clear that this wasn't a simple matter.

"Your Highness," Qin Ming addressed Prince Xue Xing, "What exactly happened?"

Prince Xue Xing sneered, "Teacher Qin, you're a senior teacher now, but it seems your judgment is lacking. Just look at these Shrek Academy people—what kind of unworthy scoundrels have you brought to our royal academy?"

Qin Ming opened his mouth to defend Shrek Academy, but Ye Hao stepped forward before he could speak.

With measured steps, Ye Hao strode to the center of the room, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the furious glares of the Shrek contingent.

"Back in Soto City," Ye Hao began, his voice steady, "I once had the misfortune of encountering students from Canghui Academy. They told me about a group known as the Shrek Seven Monsters, who beat them up for no good reason. Their justification? 'Only cowards avoid trouble.'"

Tang San's cold voice rang out, "They brought it upon themselves. They provoked us."

Ma Hongjun chimed in, "Exactly! Those people deserved it!"

"Silence!" Ye Hao's shout echoed through the hall, silencing the room.

The sharp rebuke left Qin Ming stunned.

What on earth was happening here?

Tang San and the others clenched their jaws, their anger barely contained. Meanwhile, the rabbit hiding behind Tang San should have counted herself lucky.

"Shall I continue, or would you prefer to explain?" Ye Hao demanded.

He pointed an accusing finger at Ma Hongjun, "From what I've heard, your group harassed Canghui's female students because you found them attractive. Who wouldn't retaliate in such circumstances?"

Ma Hongjun, red-faced, stammered, "That's not how it happened—"

"Enough!" Qin Ming's voice cut through the tension, his tone low and stern.

"Ye Hao, what's going on? I invited Shrek Academy here for the sake of the royal academy. Why are you doing this?"

Ye Hao turned to Qin Ming, his gaze unwavering.

"Teacher Qin, I'm doing this for the academy's future. Letting Shrek Academy in will only bring ruin. You were once a part of that academy, and I understand your loyalty. But people change."

"If these people are admitted, the royal academy will follow in Shrek's footsteps—into disgrace."

At that moment, Ning Rongrong stepped forward. Her gaze pierced through the Shrek group.

"Xiao Wu," she called, her voice cold. "Stop hiding. Come out now."

Tang San's eyes darkened as his killing intent flared. She had sealed her fate.

Meanwhile, Xiao Wu, trembling behind Tang San, prayed fervently.

With two Titled Douluo present, her true identity as a soul beast might soon be revealed—and if that happened, the consequences would be unthinkable.