Chapter 233: Fifty Steps Laugh at a Hundred Steps

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 The Shui Family, Clan Leader's Hall.

 Shui Wuya had initially believed that Shrek Academy would never yield to him, or to the Shui Family.

 After all, as Tang San's masterpiece and the top academy for spirit masters on the continent, Shrek Academy surely had its own pride.

 This left Shui Wuya somewhat disappointed.

 No matter how many forces had bowed to him, none were as significant as Shrek Academy.

 After all, Shrek Academy held an irreplaceable status in the hearts of spirit masters.

 If he could make Shrek Academy submit to him, to kneel at his feet, it would be immensely beneficial to his plans.

 Only by subjugating Shrek Academy could the other hesitant forces realize how powerful and invincible the Shui Family had become.

 Now, Yan Shaozhe, arriving late on the final day, had completely alleviated Shui Wuya's last regret!

 With Shrek Academy joining, the prestige of the Shui Family would reach new heights!

 In the hall, Ji Juechen and others were also present.

 "Shrek Academy, the continent's top spirit master academy, boasts a long history, claiming it accepts only monsters."

 "From its humble beginnings in a small village with a few extraordinarily talented students, it has now become a household name across the continent."

 "I really want to see it for myself!"

 Shrek Academy's history continuously flashed in Ji Juechen's mind. He had heard about this top academy for a long time but had never had the chance to see it.

 Before encountering the Shui Family, this was one of Ji Juechen's greatest wishes.

 Now, that wish could be discarded!

 Immediately, a hint of disdain appeared in Ji Juechen's eyes.

 "To think that the esteemed Shrek Academy would also submit to the Shui Family. Truly unexpected!"

 Upon hearing that Yan Shaozhe had arrived, Dai Yueheng couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

 As a former student of Shrek Academy and a descendant of the Evil-Eyed White Tiger Dai Mubai, Dai Yueheng had always been proud of being one of the Shrek Seven Devils.

 However, circumstances were stronger than people. Now, the Shui Family was at its peak, while Shrek Academy was in decline, gradually fading away.

 As the saying goes, a wise bird chooses a tree to nest in, and a wise minister chooses a master to serve.

 Moreover, there was the ancestral motto passed down through the ages.

 Dai Yueheng felt that leaving Shrek and embracing the Shui Family was a forced decision.

 The only discomfort Dai Yueheng felt was the awkwardness he would face when meeting people from Shrek Academy.

 After all, the reputation of a traitor was not pleasant.

 Especially since his ancestor Dai Mubai was one of the earliest and most outstanding students of Shrek Academy. As Dai Mubai's descendant, he had defected to the Shui Family.

 No matter how one looked at it, this was not a matter to be proud of.

 Now, none of that mattered.

 Yan Shaozhe's submission to the Shui Family made him part of the family too.

 As a Shui Family envoy, Dai Yueheng thought it should be the Shrek Academy members who felt awkward now.

 After all, who had the right to look down on those who defected earlier than they did?

 Isn't it just a case of the pot calling the kettle black?

 Moreover, having joined the Shui Family early, he was now an envoy with considerable power. In the future, those from Shrek would be eager to curry favor with him rather than dare to cause him trouble.

 Thinking this, Dai Yueheng felt much better.

 The guilt of betraying Shrek Academy was greatly diminished.

 At this moment, Yan Shaozhe slowly walked into the hall.

 Dressed in a white robe, his expression was solemn and expectant, as if he had made a significant decision.

 Even his face seemed much older, no longer carrying the pride and confidence it once had.

 As he entered the hall and met Dai Yueheng's gaze, he gently nodded.

 Dai Yueheng, who had felt a bit guilty before, felt a sense of calm wash over him after seeing Yan Shaozhe. He no longer felt awkward.

 From today onward, he would be an official envoy of the Shui Family, a position that would allow Dai Yueheng to forget all previous unpleasantness.

"Shrek Academy's current headmaster, Yan Shaozhe, greets the Shui Clan Leader."

Yan Shaozhe stood still, bowed respectfully towards Shui Wuya, and spoke with sincerity in his voice.

"Clan Leader Shui, Yan Shaozhe extends his respects. I deeply regret the previous discourtesy shown by Shrek Academy towards you. I have come today to seek your forgiveness and to express our academy's willingness to submit to the Shui Family."

Seated at the head of the grand hall, Shui Wuya scrutinized Yan Shaozhe with a piercing gaze.

He did not respond immediately. Instead, he spoke slowly, his voice carrying an air of authority.

"Headmaster Yan, do you know why the Shui Family has stood strong for thousands of years, even able to suppress many powerful forces?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Shaozhe respectfully replied, "The Shui Family's reputation is renowned. With its profound heritage and thousand-year legacy, it naturally possesses unique qualities. Though I am not particularly talented, I am willing to dedicate myself to the Shui Family and help protect this honor."

Shui Wuya nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes as he observed his former teacher's current demeanor.

Bowing down showed that Shrek Academy's attitude of submission was sincere.

With Yan Shaozhe's capabilities and influence at Shrek, bringing him into the fold would be a great advantage in securing Shrek Academy's full allegiance.

"The previous matters were Shrek Academy's fault. I ask for your magnanimity, Clan Leader Shui."

"Yan Shaozhe is willing to lead Shrek Academy in submitting to the Shui Family."

Yan Shaozhe's tone was humble and exceptionally respectful.

"Very well. Since you have submitted before the deadline, I accept Shrek Academy's submission."

"From now on, you are part of the Shui Family and must contribute to its prosperity."

Shui Wuya's expression was indifferent, but the implied warning in his words was clear to everyone present.

Yan Shaozhe's expression relaxed slightly as he continued, "Clan Leader Shui, there is one more request I have."

"We at Shrek Academy wish to redeem Elder Xuan and are willing to compensate the Shui Family for any losses incurred."

"Elder Xuan? I never thought even he would become a prisoner," Dai Yueheng remarked with a sigh.

The gluttonous bull, an Ultimate Douluo—these were realms Dai Yueheng had never imagined reaching!

But now, he possessed the potential to break through to the level of an Ultimate Douluo himself!

Dai Yueheng's eyes sparkled, and he felt a surge of excitement.

From his high seat, Shui Wuya's expression remained cold.

There was no way he would release Elder Xuan. Shrek Academy had yet to fully earn his trust, and keeping Elder Xuan captive allowed him to control Shrek Academy.

Elder Xuan was Shui Wuya's bargaining chip.

Although Yan Shaozhe had submitted to the Shui Family, he couldn't fully represent Shrek Academy.

If Elder Xuan were freed and returned to Shrek, he might incite opposition within the academy against the Shui Family.

Elder Xuan's authority at Shrek Academy far exceeded Yan Shaozhe's.

Shui Wuya needed to strengthen Yan Shaozhe's influence at Shrek, not allow Elder Xuan to undermine it.

"No."

Shui Wuya waved his hand dismissively, his tone chilling.

"Elder Xuan is still useful to me and cannot be returned to you."

(End of chapter)