"Well said. Now that our Hudao Academy is the hegemon of Tianxuan Continent, we should establish the corresponding prestige. This will only benefit our long-term rule over the continent," a slightly stooped old man with eyes as piercing as cold lightning also spoke up indifferently.
"I agree with Elder Mo and Elder Miao's sentiments."
"I agree as well."
...
The dozen or so other Grotto-Heaven Realm experts also nodded in succession.
"Elder Miao, it seems you've misunderstood the founding principle of our Hudao Academy," Xie Changkong said, looking at the stooped old man. "When the founding dean created Hudao Academy, the primary goal was to cultivate outstanding young geniuses for Tianxuan Continent, and to unite the martial artists of the entire continent to resist foreign invaders and defend our homeland. Hudao Academy has never sought to be the continent's hegemon, much less command other powers and martial artists on the continent to do things for us."
"Haha... Dean Xie, I say, must one be so hypocritical? According to you, Hudao Academy was founded to unite the continent's martial artists to resist outsiders and defend our homeland. Then I ask you, all the passages for external enemies to enter our Tianxuan Continent are now sealed off. Tianxuan Continent has entered an era of peace and prosperity, with no more worries of foreign threats. So, what is the point of Hudao Academy's continued existence? We might as well dissolve it." Elder Miao scoffed.
Hearing this, the expressions of Xie Changkong, Elder He, Dean Shangguan, and others drastically changed.
"Elder Miao! Our Academy's founding purpose has been passed down from generation to generation, starting from the Founding Dean himself! How dare you question it!" Xie Changkong was furious.
"Miao Tianfeng, I think you are no longer suited to remain in Hudao Academy. Please leave," Elder He stood up on the spot, glaring angrily at Elder Miao.
"Elder He, what do you mean by that? My rank in the academy is no lower than yours! What gives you the right to make me leave!" Miao Tianfeng flew into a rage and also stood up.
Boom!
A violent wave of spiritual pressure erupted from his body—he was at the Tenth Level of the Grotto-Heaven Realm! Elder He's face paled, and he retreated more than a dozen steps.
"Miao Tianfeng, do you wish to fight?!" Cui Tianguo and Gu Chengzhu simultaneously stepped forward, placing themselves before Elder He.
Before Ye Yunfei departed, he had left a batch of precious Pills. After consuming them, Xie Changkong, Elder He, and the six Guardian Elders, among other high-ranking members, all achieved breakthroughs. Xie Changkong, Elder He, and the six Guardian Elders were at the Eighth Level of the Grotto-Heaven Realm. Dean Shangguan and Dean Zhou were at the Fifth Level. With Ye Yunfei's help, Gu Chengzhu and Cui Tianguo had broken through to the Tenth Level. However, the newly recruited batch of Hudao Academy leaders was even stronger. There were three experts at the Tenth Level alone!
"Let's talk this out calmly. Everyone should cool down," the green-robed elder flashed, appearing beside Miao Tianfeng, speaking casually.
Boom!
A violent spiritual pressure surged from his body like an erupting volcano—another Tenth Level!
"We are all on the same side, why be so angry? Different perspectives can be communicated slowly," a seemingly refined middle-aged man also stood up, stepping next to Miao Tianfeng.
Rumble!
Rolling spiritual pressure burst from him. Another Tenth Level expert! Now, Cui Tianguo and Gu Chengzhu faced off against three Tenth Level experts!
"Miao Tianfeng, don't forget, you are newly recruited to Hudao Academy. In less than a year, you dare question the purpose left by the Founding Dean. Since you do not agree with it, do you still have the right to remain?" Gu Chengzhu fixed a sharp gaze on Miao Tianfeng, speaking coldly.
"Heh... City Lord Gu, don't forget you're newly recruited too. What right do you have to decide my departure?" Miao Tianfeng sneered.
"Everyone, calm down. Let me speak fairly," the refined middle-aged man said. "We are all high-level members of the academy, all prominent figures on Tianxuan Continent. We must never fight among ourselves and become a laughingstock. Moreover, I think while the founding purpose left by the Founding Dean is important, it can also adapt as circumstances change. For Hudao Academy to develop and grow, making some changes is only natural."
It was clear to everyone he was siding with Miao Tianfeng.
"Miao Tianfeng, Mo Wenjun, Liu Bai. In our academy, the Founding Dean is sacred and inviolable. The purpose he left behind cannot be changed! If you do not agree with it, please leave Hudao Academy immediately!" Xie Changkong's gaze swept over the three Tenth Level experts as he spoke slowly.
"So it seems Dean Xie plans to rely on seniority and bully with force," Miao Tianfeng retorted. "We may be newly recruited, but since joining, we have worked tirelessly for the academy's affairs. If not for merit, there is at least toil. For you, Dean Xie, to repeatedly tell us to get out, I'm afraid that is somewhat improper. Over these two years, the academy has recruited extensively and expanded its scale; nearly half the members are newcomers. Dean Xie, by looking down on us newcomers like this, aren't you afraid of disheartening everyone? Besides, does Dean Xie truly think Hudao Academy is your family property? If you tell us to leave, we must leave? Hmph!" Having said this, Miao Tianfeng flicked his sleeve angrily and stormed out of the meeting hall, vanishing in an instant.
"Hehe... Dean Xie, your authority is truly impressive," the green-robed elder named Mo Wenjun gave a cold laugh, also turning to leave the hall.
"Dean Xie, everyone, I shall take my leave as well," the refined man named Liu Bai cupped his hands before departing.
"We should leave too."
After the three Tenth Level experts left, another dozen or so Grotto-Heaven Realm experts in the hall stood up and filed out. Nearly half were gone! These departing experts were all newly recruited Hudao Academy leaders who had already been won over by Miao Tianfeng, Mo Wenjun, and Liu Bai, forming a faction.
In the hall, Xie Changkong, Elder He, the six Guardian Elders, Dean Shangguan, and the others watched the departing experts with extremely gloomy expressions.
"We truly brought wolves into our house! Had we known this, we should never have allowed them into Hudao Academy in the first place!" Xie Changkong suddenly sighed.
"We must drive them out. If this continues, they will usurp the nest, and Hudao Academy will become theirs," Dean Shangguan said.
"They have three at the Tenth Level, five at the Ninth, and they've already cultivated a large group of confidants within the academy. If a fight breaks out, we are no match," Xie Changkong shook his head with a bitter smile. Back then, when so many powerful experts requested to join, he was overjoyed and eager for talent. Little did he know he was recruiting nothing but ungrateful villains!
"Are we to just stand by and watch as Hudao Academy gradually falls into their hands?!" Dean Zhou said indignantly.