Manyi stepped forward at just the right moment, her voice calm yet carrying the weight of a thousand mountains. "Dean Yan, heaven and earth can bear witness to Youheng's heart. Having completed his studies, he wishes to return and serve the homeland that raised him. This is only human nature, and the righteous path as well. Shrek Academy upholds neutrality and welcomes all rivers into its sea. Surely it would not obstruct a student's pure-hearted desire to serve his country? If word of this spread, how would the world view the academy?"
Yan Shaozhe was instantly at a loss for words. Shattered Star Douluo's personal presence represented the national will of the Star Luo Empire. Dai Youheng had made up his mind to leave, and his reasons were unimpeachably proper. If Yan Shaozhe continued to forcibly obstruct him, he would have no ground to stand on, whether in sentiment, principle, or practical interest. Worse, it would gravely damage Shrek's reputation for standing above worldly affairs.
Outsiders would say that any genius who entered Shrek belonged wholly to Shrek from then on. What faction would still dare send its children there to study, without fearing they would never return?
In the end, he could only heave a long sigh, seeming to age several years in an instant, and wave his hand weakly. "Enough, enough-everyone has their own aspirations. I'll have someone process your graduation immediately."
With his permission, the graduation procedures were completed exceptionally quickly. When the badge signifying graduation from the Shrek Outer Court landed in Dai Youheng's hand, he felt an invisible set of shackles quietly fall away.
At the academy gates, it was time to part.
Confusion and a trace of barely concealed disappointment lingered in Huo Yuhao's eyes. In the end, he merely clapped Dai Youheng firmly