Chapter 2240 - 1200: Returning Home

Taking advantage of the remaining time, Sheng Yanlin asked Yang Xiao to display the recently mastered magic artifacts and abilities, so he could offer some guidance. This was meant as an intensified special training before the great battle arrived.

This battle not only concerned his own honor and disgrace but also Yang Xiao’s future development.

He could clearly sense Yang Xiao’s ambition, as the latter aimed to make his mark through this battle.

Sheng Yanlin’s expression was serious as he earnestly reminded, "Little Yang, this time is different from before. There will be many high-rank apostles present, along with experts from your Patrol Defense Office. Many of the magical artifacts you possess should not be revealed, so keep this in mind."

"I understand. I’ll try to resolve the battle with this saber."

Yang Xiao drew the ring-headed saber with a reverse grip. The cold blade reflected Yang Xiao’s resolute face. After being reforged by the Esoteric Sect and guided by foster father Cannibal Buddha, Yang Xiao’s understanding of this saber had reached a new level.

At Sheng Yanlin’s request, Yang Xiao sparred with him using the saber, and, additionally, demonstrated the Heart Transfer Technique, which he had learned from the Great Protector of the Withered Bone Pavilion.

Back then, the Great Protector had his heart pierced by Wu Qingcang, yet survived by temporarily relocating the heart’s position using a space artifact’s ability. Yang Xiao, having a space-type magical artifact, had mastered this trick.

"A nice little maneuver, crucial for survival in critical moments," Sheng Yanlin said, stroking his chin and affirming Yang Xiao.

"There is one more thing, Little Yang, consider this my personal request."

After pausing, Sheng Yanlin continued, "This time, as you follow me to reclaim the academy, I understand your ambition to make achievements, but please refrain from indiscriminate killing."

"We must punish the culprits severely, but the many teachers and students in the academy are innocent. Do not involve them."

"They are unaware of the truth. These people are also the foundation for rebuilding the academy in the future, the roots of our Yiling Academy," Sheng Yanlin earnestly emphasized.

"Dean Sheng, what do you take me, Yang Xiao, for? I never harm the innocent. However, if they attack out of ignorance, don’t blame me."

Yang Xiao had his limits. He wasn’t there to play peacemaker; he staked everything on aiding Sheng Yanlin to reclaim the academy and achieve great accomplishments.

Director Nalan taught him that a man should act decisively. The game of the Patrol Defense Office was vast, and as part of it, he naturally prioritized its interests.

Those who advance prosper, those who oppose perish. Anyone obstructing Yang Xiao’s path shouldn’t blame his ruthless Ming Emperor heart.

Regarding this, his good brother Fu Qingzhu had the most to say. If their positions were reversed, given Fu Qingzhu’s character, he wouldn’t rest until all rebels were eradicated.

Leaving them would only cause trouble in the future; better to eliminate the evil completely.

On this point, Sheng Yanlin did not insist. He had no words, considering Yang Xiao had helped him plenty.

Though his reputation was excellent in the academy back then, and everyone respected him, ten years had passed. Things had changed, and during these years, Sheng Jingxuan wasn’t idle, clearing out many of his old allies. It was uncertain if today’s teachers and students would acknowledge him as the old dean.

In response to Yang Xiao’s words, Sheng Yanlin only said that he would try to placate the teachers and students when he emerged, hoping they would give up resistance.

Sheng Yanlin was most worried about losing control and a chaotic fight breaking out on the spot.

Both sides had many experts. Once fully engaged, everyone would use their divine skills. The teachers and students remaining in the academy would suffer, with countless casualties feared.

Even if he could take over the academy in the future, Yiling Academy’s foundation would be destroyed, and significant bloodshed would greatly damage his reputation as the old dean.

Those from the Patrol Defense Office wouldn’t consider this for him; they only cared about their interests.

It was a fight in Sheng Yanlin’s own home. Breaking any vase or jar caused him, the family head, heartbreak.

Seeing Sheng Yanlin’s concerns, Yang Xiao softly advised, "Elder Sheng, the arrow is on the bow, and we must release it. We’re just this close to the end, so don’t hesitate or be soft-hearted."

"In war, there’s no avoiding the undead. To act, one must not be indecisive, do you remember the suffering you’ve endured all these years?"

Sheng Yanlin seemed startled by his sore point. His eyes instantly turned determined: "I know what to do; I won’t be soft. All the pain and suffering I’ve endured, I’ll reclaim it. After reclaiming the academy, I’ll settle accounts with the Dharma Sect sooner or later!"

"That’s the spirit!" Yang Xiao encouraged Sheng Yanlin.

Before leaving, Yang Xiao controlled the samurai puppet to tidy up the Mirror Secret Room, cleaning up the bodies stuck to the ground.

The half-melted person’s face was stuck to the ground. After removing the body, the face skin stuck to the ground required a shovel to scrape off.

The blood and veins covering the walls like climbing plants made the scene eerily resemble the Otherworld.

Shortly after leaving the Mirror World, the Esoteric Sect people found them, and the two discovered that Cannibal Buddha had arranged a farewell for them.

During the banquet, both hosts and guests were joyous, with Sheng Yanlin repeatedly expressing his gratitude to High Priest Cannibal Buddha.

The martyr didn’t appear this time; besides the High Priest, Elder Kunpa and another young priest, Ye Yin, accompanied them from the Esoteric Sect.

Yang Xiao found his foster brother quite interesting, as this person was deeply favored by the High Priest due to his bravery and fearlessness.