Bibi Dong continued, "However, if Yu Tianheng is no longer part of Thunder Academy, and if two-thirds of those present support you in eliminating him, I, as the Pope, will have no choice but to respect the majority's wishes."
Yu Tianheng: What???
He stared blankly at Bibi Dong, dumbfounded. Shouldn't the Pope simply deny Su Ming's request outright? And yet, she's actually providing a way to make it happen?
Su Ming raised an eyebrow, contemplating Bibi Dong's proposal. No longer part of Thunder Academy, huh? How should I make this happen?
Suddenly, Su Ming turned to Yu Xiaogang in Thunder Academy's rest area, an idea forming. "Yu Xiaogang, announce that Yu Tianheng is expelled from Thunder Academy, and I'll agree to restore that for you. How about it?"
Su Ming's words whispered in Yu Xiaogang's ear like the tempting words of a devil.
Yu Xiaogang thought it over: After the competition, Yu Tianheng's survival is questionable anyway. Why not exchange his life for my happiness?
"Alright! Su Ming, I hope you'll keep your word!" Yu Xiaogang turned to Yu Tianheng. "Tianheng, you're already on the verge of madness, and your survival after the tournament is uncertain. Sacrifice yourself for my happiness!"
Then, addressing the audience, he declared, "As Thunder Academy's team leader, I hereby announce that Yu Tianheng is expelled from Thunder Academy!"
Someone in the crowd questioned, "You're just a team leader. Do you have that authority?"
Yu Xiaogang immediately took out a badge. "Look, this is the Thunder Academy principal's emblem. In unexpected situations, I have the authority to act on the principal's behalf!"
The crowd: Wow. This Yu Xiaogang is really something.
Su Ming wasted no time. With a flick of his soul skill, Yu Xiaogang's "issue" was "restored"—though Su Ming limited it to a mere centimeter of flesh without any functionality.
Ignoring the stares, Yu Xiaogang turned away and discreetly checked. It's back! Finally!
Unaware of the truth, Yu Xiaogang was moved to tears, oblivious to the realization that awaited him. Meanwhile, Yu Tianheng, stunned by his uncle's betrayal, stood silent. Uncle, I didn't expect this from you! I went to great lengths to play mad, and you really thought I was crazy?
No way Su Ming can get two-thirds of the crowd's support. There are too many people here, after all!
Standing in the center of the arena, Su Ming addressed the crowd, "To all academies gathered here, please cast your votes. If you're willing to give me, Su Ming, this support, please vote for me. As for the spirit masters and citizens outside the academies, I hope you'll follow your hearts. Thank you."
"Oh, one more thing. I am also from a humble background. Yu Tianheng wanted to kill me simply because I possess something he desired. Is it fair for commoners to be condemned to die?"
"No, it's not. Although not every commoner can change their fate, I have a chance now for revenge. To those like me, I ask for your support."
"If I achieve any standing in the future, I will not forget my roots. 'If poor, look after yourself; if successful, help the world.' I swear that if I gain power, I will do my best for all of you."
The speech moved the commoners in the crowd, and every one of them raised a hand in support. They made up half of those present.
Su Ming, knowing this was part appeal, also felt genuine in his words. If he reached a position of influence, he did want to help others in his situation.
"I, Blazing Academy, support!" Fire Dance declared without hesitation. Her loyalty to Su Ming, combined with her knowledge of his hardships, left no question in her mind.
"We, Tianshui Academy, support!" Shui Yue'er's relationship with Su Ming meant her academy's support was unsurprising.
"I, Star Luo Royal Academy, support!" Dai Weisi suddenly announced, surprising Su Ming slightly. The two had only cleared up misunderstandings between him and the Zhu sisters, but he still chose to stand with him.
"I, Botany Academy, support!"
"I, Beast Academy, support!"
As time passed, nearly ninety-eight percent of the academies voiced their support for Su Ming. The remaining ones were either hostile to Heaven Dou Academy or chose to remain neutral, but it didn't matter—those in favor far exceeded two-thirds.
Seeing the overwhelming support, Bibi Dong declared, "Very well, the minority obeys the majority. Su Ming, do as you wish; Spirit Hall will not interfere."
Bibi Dong couldn't help but recognize Su Ming's charismatic appeal. If he were to join Spirit Hall in the future, his influence might bring better lives to the commoners.