"You want us to be direct with you? Fine, listen carefully. You cheated from the very beginning, Emrys Valestron. You did not reveal your true cultivation level. You are a liar and an abusive cultivator, unworthy of this institution. You violated the rules, so you will be expelled immediately-bringing shame upon your entire clan. Your behavior is not fitting for an adventurer who should serve as an example to others.
So I am also ordering that wherever you go, you will never be allowed to enter any institution to become a true adventurer or even receive that title.
And one more thing: if you are ever caught using magic, you will be arrested by the authorities of any kingdom, imprisoned for seven years, and then executed in a public square with a sign around your neck declaring you a filthy cultivator."
Emrys clenched his fists as his red eyes glowed brighter while staring at the king.
Because of this, King Sauro glanced at King Xien, thinking that Xien was letting his emotions take over and that his judgment on the boy was becoming excessive.
But what could he do? He was also one of the judges, and it seemed that the decision of just one of them was enough to condemn the boy.
King Xien stared proudly at Emrys.
"Because of you, my children were humiliated in the competition. Do you realize that?"
"And how is that my fault?" Emrys replied in a deep voice, not showing the slightest fear as he held the king's gaze.
The king's jaw tightened as he answered,
"If you hadn't hidden your true rank, they wouldn't have been careless in their fight against you."
"I'll repeat, Your Majesty-how is that connected to any wrongdoing on my part?" Emrys shot back, trembling with anger.
"I am a king! What right do you have to raise your voice at me, boy!"
Emrys was about to reply, but the doors of the hall suddenly burst open, drawing everyone's attention.
Headmaster Hanzuo stood up immediately upon recognizing the person who had just arrived.
King Sauro swallowed hard. King Walder felt his heartbeat quicken, and the same was true for Headmaster Hanzuo.
King Xien felt a rush of fear, panic, and anger all at once.
He sat down, staring at the elderly man walking toward Emrys.
The guards instinctively stepped aside as the old man stopped beside Emrys. He bowed slightly to the judges-and the judges bowed back.
This left Emrys confused. He turned to the man beside him, and his eyes widened in shock as his mouth fell open.
"E-Elder Morem?! How...?"
The old man looked back at him with a gentle smile.
"How are you, Emrys? I'm sorry I arrived only now."
"Why are you here? And how did you get in?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm here to save you."
All the judges looked at one another. King Xien seemed like he wanted to speak, but Headmaster Hanzuo gave him a meaningful look-polite, but firm-so Xien held his tongue.
Elder Morem faced the judges again, smiling warmly.
"Forgive my sudden visit. But whatever this boy has done, I ask that you forget all of it. I will personally take responsibility for giving him the proper punishment. May we leave now? I cannot stay long-I left our village just to come here."
Hanzuo swallowed and nodded nervously, forcing a smile.
"No problem, Elder Morem. Y-you may take the boy out of the hall."
King Sauro let out a heavy breath. King Walder looked away. King Xien crossed his arms and shut his eyes tightly, his teeth grinding.
Elder Morem removed the restraints from Emrys' hands and guided him out as if nothing serious had happened.
After they left, Desmond approached the judges, shocked.
"That's it? Just because that old man arrived, Valestron's crimes will disappear like nothing happened?"
"Silence, Desmond. Don't tell me you don't recognize Elder Morem of the Death Lotus Clan?" Headmaster Hanzuo said, collapsing into his seat. He looked at Desmond and continued,
"That old man was the original owner of the Sage Temple Institute back when he was young."
Desmond frowned.
"Sage Temple Institute? What does that have to do with all this?"
Headmaster Hanzuo lowered his head, forcing a weak smile as he replied softly,
"Before this school was called the White Temple Institute, it was known as the Sage Temple Institute. And Elder Morem was the sole founder before he mysteriously disappeared, leaving the place to the three High Elders-who were said to be his students back then. And from that point on, it was renamed the White Temple Institute."