Mu Wansu had clearly also sensed the unfairness in the list. After briefly hesitating, she spoke up to point it out, “Principal Yu, Lin Xun seems to also fit the passing criteria.”
Her words were sufficiently courteous and she believed Yu Canglin could tell.
However, Yu Canglin’s expression turned strange. He glanced at Mu Wansu and said, “I know.”
Mu Wansu was taken aback. A sliver of unease rose in her heart as she observed Yu Canglin’s expression.
Her gaze scanned the surroundings and immediately discovered that there was something off about Wu Qun’s and some of the nearby influential figures’ expressions. They seemed to gloat as if they had long waited for this moment.
Mu Wansu’s heart sank, realizing she had not only failed to help Lin Xun but instead caused some trouble for him.
Sure enough, Yu Canglin’s expression turned solemn and cold as he said in a deep voice, “I believe everyone is curious about why Lin Xun is not on the list despite his notable results.”
The other VIPs on the stage silently nodded.
Seated at the center, Yao Tuohai displayed an interest in hearing the reason.
On the plaza, the waiting participants could not help but be stunned and puzzled by this development. What is going on with this Lin Xun person?
They did not understand the reason behind this.
However, Lian Fei, Yao Susu, Yang Qun and the others instantly knew, causing them to feel a surge of excitement. They looked toward Lin Xun with pleased gazes as if waiting for the show to begin.
Lin Xun inwardly sighed. Sure enough, his enemies’ revenge had begun!
He did not blame Mu Wansu and even felt a little happy when she tried to stand up for him. Although she detested the sight of him, it was still rare for her to do such a thing when it came to a matter of principles.
At this time, Yu Canglin had already stood up and righteously said, “I shan’t hide the truth from everyone. Although Lin Xun is pretty talented, he has numerous questionable qualities. Not only does he have bad conduct and no sense of morality, but his methods are also vicious and sinister. Someone as evil as him does not deserve to participate in the district exam!”
Yu Canglin’s words were blunt. Although no foul language was used, these words seemed especially biting and oppressive when they came from the Donglin Academy Principal.
The entire place erupted.
The bigwigs of Donglin City were not the only ones who were present, there were also numerous academy instructors and the two thousand remaining participants. It was easy to imagine how shocked they were upon hearing Yu Canglin say such atrocious things about a mere youngster.
This must be true. Why would someone of Yu Canglin’s status and position need to slander a mere youngster?
No sense of morality; vicious and sinister methods? What an excellent choice of words!
If not for the inappropriateness in this setting, Lian Fei would have praised the principal out loud. It was as if Yu Canglin had taken the words straight from Lian Fei’s mouth, nearly making him pump his fist in excitement.
Yao Susu also had a wide grin on her face. She said in a low voice, “I did say there was a lingering darkness between his brows and disaster will definitely befall him today!”
Lian Fei could not help but laugh, feeling extremely pleased with this development. As the Donglin Academy Principal, Yu Canglin’s words were worth their weight in gold while Lin Xun was merely a small fry from the slums. This was basically akin to the death penalty for him in the district exam.
Lin Xun did not say anything and ignored the uproar around him. He looked towards the tall stage and could not help but seethe with hatred upon seeing the loathsome appearances of Yu Canglin and the other influential Donglin City figures around him, who were showing various expressions. Using these pathetic excuses to tag me with unfair labels, these old bastards are vicious!
Once these insidious comments spread, Lin Xun’s image would be affected even if he manages to participate in the prefectural exam in the future!
In other words, if he failed to debunk the slander, even if he achieved success in the future, others would use this slander to mock and ridicule him. He would have to carry these vile labels for life!
“Principal Yu, what do you mean by these words? It is inappropriate to so harshly criticize a participant in this public setting.” Mu Wansu could help but question before Lin Xun could react. She had already made a mistake earlier and naturally refused to make a second one.
However, Yu Canglin merely waved his hand and said, “Miss Wansu, please calm yourself.”
His sharp gaze scanned the crowd and ultimately locked onto Lin Xun, “Since I dare to make such statements, I have sufficient evidence to prove them. Someone of my status has no need to frame a mere youngster.”
The noise immediately died down. From the crowd’s expressions, they seemed to be convinced even before Yu Canglin brought out any evidence.
This was the power of influence. Unlike Lin Xun, who was not known by many, Yu Canglin was one of the most well-known figures in Donglin City. He was not only the Donglin Academy Principal but also one of the city’s few Spirit Sea stage experts!
Who would dare to doubt the words of such a person?
“Lin Xun, let me ask you this. Are you the boss of the Chopsticks Gang?” Yu Canglin’s shout boomed like thunder.
Chopsticks Gang?
Many people were bewildered but those who knew the name felt their hearts shake and quickly spread the information. Everyone was quickly made aware that it was a gang in the slums. Moreover, the Chopsticks Gang had become rather famous recently because it had successively devoured a dozen underground societies!
These underground societies were usually known to engage in activities which could not see the light of day and they were naturally not good people.
Several people present understood how chaotic and dirty the slums were. Although everyone was aware that there were many of these underground societies, there was a difference when the topic was openly talked about.
Under the crowd’s eyes, Lin Xun was silent for a moment before he nodded, “Indeed.”
The entire place stirred as if unable to believe that Lin Xun had actually admitted it! Wasn’t this proof of Yu Canglin’s words?
Even Yu Canglin had not expected Lin Xun to admit it so easily. However, Yu Canglin did not give this much thought.
In his view, Lin Xun was far too young and naive. He had responded truthfully because he had been intimidated and no longer dared to resist. At least the kid understood his current circumstances.
“Then let me ask you again, were you the one who secretly instigated those gang members to cause a huge ruckus in front of Donglin Academy yesterday?” Yu Canglin loudly shouted again. His piercing stare and oppressive aura made it seem as if he was questioning a criminal.
Numerous people, who had not known the truth, could not help but gasp. Yesterday’s commotion in front of Donglin Academy had spread to the entire city. Who could have imagined that the mastermind was such a young boy?
If this was true, didn’t it mean that the charade was actually part of a ploy?
No panic was visible on Lin Xun’s face. He looked Yu Canglin in the eye and said, “That’s right.”
Upon seeing Lin Xun admit again, even Mu Wansu could not sit still any longer and became very worried. The punk is usually so cunning, why has he suddenly become such an idiot today? Doesn’t he know that once he admits to everything, let alone passing the exam, he won’t even be able to walk out of Donglin Academy today!
The flustered Mu Wansu did not know what to do. There were many influential figures present, making it impossible to suppress the situation even with Stone Cauldron Alms’ backing.
In contrast to Mu Wansu, although Wu Qun’s expression was still strict and serious, there was an unconcealable look of satisfaction in his eyes. Lin Xun was still far too young, how could he possibly match wits with veteran individuals like them?
Yu Canglin withdrew his gaze from Lin Xun and said, “Everyone, I believe all of you now understand why I said those things earlier. This is why I objected to putting his name on the passing list.”
The other influential figures with the exception of Yao Tuohai in agreement. Although he did not express anything, his silence was in itself a form of acknowledgement.
Yu Canglin suddenly sighed deeply, “Originally, Lord Yao and I were going to allow Lin Xun to participate in the additional round, and would have given him a chance if he performed well. After all, he is still young and has a chance to repent in the future. Regretfully, I think many people present will no longer agree.”
A strong feeling of disgust rose in Mu Wansu’s heart. Yu Canglin had clearly planned everything but was now acting as if he was so magnanimous and righteous. The fakeness of it all was just too nauseating. She honestly never expected the Donglin Academy Principal to be such a person.
It didn’t matter what Mu Wansu thought. After Yu Canglin’s speech, an angry clamor burst from the crowd.
“Absolutely not! He clearly has no morality and is full of evil thoughts. We cannot allow him to continue participating in the district exam!”
“That’s right! What an evil imp. To think he’s already so vicious at this age. If he grows up, he will definitely spread his poisonous influence and bring disaster to everyone!”
“We cannot let him continue participating in the district exam. In fact, we should capture him and make him pay for his crimes to set an example for others!”
The young were easily incited after all. Their shouting grew increasingly bold and unrestrained since it was someone who had no relation to them.
Endless curses and scolding flooded the plaza.
The youths in the plaza quickly moved away from Lin Xun as if they found it disgraceful to be anywhere near him, creating an empty space where he stood all alone.
At this sight, Mu Wansu felt both powerless and hopeless as she inwardly sighed. Why has Lin Xun become so stupid today?!
What should have originally been a district exam had devolved into an angry mob. Who would believe that this was a coincidence?
It must have been all planned in advance. How could someone as smart as Lin Xun not see this?
Lian Fei laughed excitedly while Yao Susu proudly stuck out her chest. This outcome is far too perfect.
On the stage, Wu Qun and Yu Canglin looked at Lin Xun as if he was already dead. Yao Tuohai remained silent and stoic, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
On the plaza, the angry mob continued to lash at Lin Xun.
It felt as if the world was against him.
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