The power of Dragon Phoenix Hall, the hypocrisy of Shrek, and the casual intervention of War God Hall members all became major topics of public discussion.
The Tang Sect received comparatively less attention. Many people sympathized with them, believing that they had been dragged down by Shrek Academy.
Everyone knew the relationship between these two forces—it was like that of brothers. If it hadn't been for helping Shrek, how could Tang Sect have suffered such casualties?
Supporters of the Tang Sect began openly cursing online, blaming Shrek for dragging Tang Sect into trouble and begging them to stop harming others.
Of course, there were also people who believed the two forces were cut from the same cloth, suspecting that Tang Sect might also have been a mastermind behind the whole incident.
The Federal Government held an emergency meeting to discuss the matter.
The core issue was how to deal with the War God Hall.
As for the casualties suffered by Tang Sect and Shrek Academy, they were actually not closely related to the federal government.
These two forces had no direct affiliation with the Federation. From the government's perspective, the deaths of their strongest experts might even be beneficial rather than harmful.
They could even take advantage of this opportunity to reorganize Shrek and the Tang Sect. If they could bring them under direct federal control, that would be even better.
Not every council member thought this way, but at least the Federal Chairman did—or rather, every Federal Chairman had thought so.
Within the government, hawkish members were secretly delighted, while dove and neutral members felt uneasy, sensing that the situation was very bad.
The meeting lasted more than an hour. After it ended, the Federal Chairman immediately held a press conference.
"I represent the Federal Government in declaring that this incident is merely a conflict between Dragon Phoenix Hall, Shrek Academy, and Tang Sect. It has nothing to do with the government."
The Chairman stated clearly, showing that the government had no intention of getting involved in their conflict.
A reporter asked:
"Chairman, are you aware that War God Hall experts also participated in this incident?"
He continued:
"War God Hall is a force directly under the Federation. In a sense, they represent the Federation. Since they joined the battle, doesn't that mean they represent the Federation's stance?"
The Chairman looked at the reporter and explained seriously:
"They indeed participated in the battle."
"But that was their personal action, unrelated to War God Hall and unrelated to the Federal Government."
"The government never authorized them. The six individuals who participated did so in their personal capacity to assist Shrek."
Another reporter asked:
"Chairman, does that mean that during the battle they did not count as members of War God Hall?"
"...Yes," the Chairman replied after thinking for a moment.
The purpose of this press conference was precisely to separate War God Hall from the incident.
He was deeply saddened by the deaths of Guan Yue and the other five War Gods, but there was nothing he could do.
For the sake of the War God Hall and the fairness of the government, he could not interfere in this matter.
War God Hall clearly needed internal reforms, but externally, its reputation had to be protected.
However, another reporter stood up and said:
"Chairman, according to my information, War God Hall members' actions only count as personal behavior when they are on vacation."
"This was not a vacation period. That means when they joined the battle, they represented the Federal War God Hall."
The entire conference hall fell silent for a moment.
The Chairman's expression stiffened briefly.
How does he know this? the Chairman thought, glancing deeply at the reporter.
Everything about War God Hall was classified. Unless someone had deliberately leaked information, a reporter should not know about such vacation rules.
This question instantly exposed a flaw in the Chairman's earlier statement.
The reporters became excited and pressed for answers.
"Chairman, you must know they were not on vacation, yet you claim it was a personal action. Are you trying to cover up for War God Hall?"
"Did War God Hall actually participate in this matter? Did the Federal Government authorize it? Can you give a clear answer?"
"If they did participate, why? It's obvious Shrek was in the wrong. Is the government helping criminals?"
"Or just as the girl from Dragon Phoenix Hall said—has War God Hall already been infiltrated by Shrek, becoming their subordinate?"
"Or perhaps the Federal Government must also bow to Shrek and only mobilized War God Hall under their pressure?"
The conference hall suddenly descended into chaos.
Reporters fired off question after question, each more sharp and difficult than the last.
The Chairman didn't know which to answer first. Without careful thought, answering wrongly could cause huge problems.
"Alright, everyone, quiet down. I will answer your questions one by one. Please remain calm," the Chairman said sternly.
Federal police officers stepped in to maintain order, and the noisy hall gradually quieted.
The Chairman looked around and said solemnly:
"First, I want to say that the Federal Government is the government of the people."
"It is not the government of any particular power. Even Shrek cannot control it."
"The government does not follow Shrek's lead, nor are we coerced by them. The War God Hall incident truly has nothing to do with the government."
"Second, regarding the six War Gods. They were indeed official War Gods of the War God Hall, and Guan Yue was even the Vice Hall Master."
"He had the authority to grant leave to himself and other War Gods."
"When they assisted Shrek, they were temporarily granted leave."
"During that period, they were on vacation and acting as individuals, not as representatives of the Federal War God Hall."
Being able to sit in the position of Federal Chairman, he naturally possessed great intelligence.
He answered the tricky questions calmly and methodically, shifting away as much responsibility as possible.
Guan Yue became the primary person responsible for the incident.
It was said that he violated War God Hall rules due to personal relationships, leading to the deaths of five other War Gods.
The Federal Government would pursue accountability according to the law.
Even in death, Guan Yue would not retain a good reputation, and his family would also be affected.
"Finally," the Chairman continued,
"although this was their personal behavior, it also reflects a failure in the management of War God Hall."
"For this, I would like to apologize to Dragon Phoenix Hall on behalf of the Federal War God Hall."
With that, the Chairman bowed deeply, adopting a very humble posture.
This served two purposes:
To silence Dragon Phoenix Hall, preventing them from pursuing further accountability.
To show the public the government's attitude and restore the reputation of War God Hall.
"After this incident, we will certainly order War God Hall to strengthen its internal management and prevent similar events from happening again."
As far as the public was concerned, the War God Hall matter ended there.
Both the public and Dragon Phoenix Hall had received an explanation.
As for how things would be handled internally, that would never be made public. After all, family scandals should not be aired outside.
Next, the Chairman also mentioned accountability for personnel from the Federal Police Department and the Federal Medical Bureau.
These officials had abused their authority under Shrek Academy's instigation.
Those who were primarily responsible were dismissed, while those less involved received warnings and fines.