Chapter 2289 - 1211: Master Above

With Sheng Jingxuan’s death, the battle for Yiling Academy came to a definitive close, leaving no room for reversal.

Yang Xiao swiftly moved to Sheng Yanlin’s side, arriving at the focal point of the scene, and proclaimed loudly: "The chief culprit Sheng Jingxuan has been executed, let us welcome back Dean Sheng to the Academy!"

Following Yang Xiao’s declaration, the crowd erupted into cheers akin to a tidal wave, "Welcome back Dean Sheng to the Academy!"

Seeing that the tide had turned, Gu Ji from Bone Painting Tower also retreated to his own camp, now with only a dozen or so remaining members, all wounded and completely surrounded.

Those skilled martial artists who had been temporarily recruited by Sheng Jingxuan also ceased resisting, dropping their weapons one by one and surrendering.

However, despite the revenge being exacted, Sheng Yanlin, who should have been the happiest in that moment, was instead fixated on Sheng Jingxuan’s corpse on the ground, his lips quivering slightly, eyes red-rimmed, his whole being seeming drained of life.

Yang Xiao could sense Sheng Yanlin’s agony at that moment; though he loathed Sheng Jingxuan’s deeds, publicly stating more than once that he wanted him dead, when it came to actually killing his own brother with his own hands, it plunged him into deep distress. After all, this was his only relative in the world.

Scenes from the past surfaced in his mind; back when their father was on his deathbed, he held his hand earnestly reiterating that he must take care of Sheng Jingxuan and ensure he did not stray onto a wicked path.

Now, with the brothers at each other’s throats and him killing his own sibling, he had failed his father’s trust.

Seeing Dean Sheng’s emotional turmoil, barely able to stand even with his Wisdom Staff, Yang Xiao quickly came to his side and grasped his arm firmly, urgently whispering:

"Elder Sheng, you must hold on, everyone is watching you!"

At that moment, Sheng Yanlin represented the dignity of the Academy. This was a noble cause against treachery—a matter of restoring order and righteousness and should not be tainted with personal emotions.

To help him regain the Academy, everyone had made great sacrifices; those lives could not be weighed against one traitorous villain who rose to power by betraying his brother.

After a brief emotional upheaval, Sheng Yanlin soon regained his composure; lifting his gaze, his expression was filled with determination, showcasing the demeanor of a grandmaster.

In an unexpected move, Sheng Yanlin reversed his grip on Yang Xiao’s wrist, raising it high, which once again elicited cheers from the crowd akin to roaring waves.

"Su Jingyuan, Sun Liang, Jiang Xi, Guan Yan—where are you?" Sheng Yanlin called out loudly.

"Here!"

Several individuals promptly emerged from the crowd, standing before Sheng Yanlin—a lineup covered in blood yet with clear, bright eyes, evidently loyal allies of Sheng Yanlin.

"Elder Su, immediately tally the Academy’s losses from this battle, clean up the battlefield, and gather the bodies by sunset into a record for my review," Sheng Yanlin commanded.

"Yes!" Su Jingyuan promptly accepted the order and departed.

"Sun Liang, Jiang Xi, Guan Yan—you three are now promoted to elders of the Elder Council."

"Sun Liang, head to the congregating area for teachers and students, reassure the Academy’s members, and inform everyone that tonight I’ll hold an assembly to clarify the matter’s details to all."

"Jiang Xi, select reliable people, immediately take control of the Academy’s Scripture Pavilion and Treasure Vault, seal them off without my orders, and allow no entry."

"Guan Yan, take your team and swiftly take charge of all Academy-affiliated branches within Yiling City; if confronted, be unrestrained, you may act before reporting."

"Yes!" They all accepted the orders and left.

"Little Yang," Sheng Yanlin addressed Yang Xiao, his tone easing considerably, "I need your help to notify the city guards to continue the lockdown on Yiling City; no one belonging to the Academy is allowed to leave until all rebels within the city are fully cleared."

"Understood." Yang Xiao clasped his hands in salute, giving Sheng Yanlin due respect.

Sheng Yanlin, being a veteran Dean, quickly reassumed his role, methodically delivering orders that covered all aspects seamlessly.

Soon, under Sheng Yanlin’s directive, the entire Academy began to function like a precision instrument bit by bit.

The experts from Bone Painting Tower, including their leader Qian Gu Shou, Gu Ji, were all detained but under Sheng Yanlin’s order, not to be harmed.

Of those recruited martial artists, except those with close ties to Sheng Jingxuan, the others received reasonably good arrangements.

It is an ancient rule to take money and resolve misfortunes; they bore no personal vendettas against Sheng Yanlin. This was clearly understood by Sheng Yanlin, who therefore did not make things difficult and even ordered their injuries treated.

Witnessing Sheng Yanlin’s benevolence, those martial artists who were earlier engaged in deadly battles were deeply moved; initially, they thought their fate was sealed today.

The Mo Family and Southern Border Liu Family were also tasked by Sheng Yanlin with their respective duties, as they commenced handling various aftermath affairs.

Regaining the Academy did not mean the end of his mission; it was now a cluttered mess, and revitalizing it required great management skills and personnel management from Sheng Yanlin.

However, according to Yang Xiao, this wasn’t difficult for Sheng Yanlin.

He could tell that Sheng Yanlin’s prestige in the Academy remained high, and even in this short time period, more than ten people had been promoted. Since ancient times, promising positions has always been an excellent method for the powerful to win over hearts.