"Besides, the Spirit Pagoda produced such a monster, yet we knew nothing about it until we were publicly slapped in the face."
"This matter is one for which whoever selected the candidates cannot escape responsibility."
Zhuo Shi's expression darkened further.
He raised his head and looked coldly at the Sea God Pavilion elder who had spoken, his tone carrying obvious displeasure.
"I chose the candidates, and Shen Yi is my disciple."
"Elder Ye, you seem quite dissatisfied with my arrangements."
The elder Zhuo Shi had called Elder Ye remained calm, as though he had expected this response.
Leaning back in his chair, he spoke in an indifferent tone.
"Dissatisfied?"
"How would I dare be dissatisfied?"
"It's just that this defeat..."
"Someone has to step forward and take responsibility."
"Zhuo Shi, who do you think should bear that responsibility?"
His words were calm, without the slightest hint of anger, but every word pointed in the same direction—
Zhuo Shi.
Shen Yi was your disciple, and you chose the competitors. Now that they had made such a fool of themselves, if you did not take responsibility, who would?
The entire room fell silent.
The Sea God Pavilion elders seated on both sides of the long table quieted down, their gazes converging on Zhuo Shi.
Zhuo Shi's face shifted from green to white. His fingers repeatedly loosened and clenched around the armrest.
He stared at Elder Ye for several seconds before finally gritting his teeth and forcing out a few words through them.
"I will take responsibility."
Seeing this, the elders did not pursue the issue any further.
Some nodded faintly, some lowered their eyes and stopped asking questions, while others quietly let out a breath.
Since Zhuo Shi was willing to take responsibility, the matter had an explanation. There was little point