Han Zhaofeng was sitting on a wheelchair behind a large desk in his study. In front of him was Xuan Tian, also sitting. Yan Zhen and Luo Heng were sitting uncomfortably around the table as well.
It was sitting on the same table with two powerful figures that made them kept fidgeting in their seats. Adding the fact that they never held a position high enough to be sitting with Han Zhaofeng.
No one said anything. The silence was loud.
Xuan Tian didn't care, he sat there comfortably, looking at Han Zhaofeng and the two fidgety Enforcers alternately.
Han Zhaofeng was also silent. But he was thinking of what happened after the cheers erupted.
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After the cheers erupted, Han Zhaofeng sat there, trying to control his emotions and thoughts. He had almost lost himself twice—once due to his inability to endure humiliation, resulting in qi deviation, and the other to his insecurities. Both were his own faults.
But that didn't dampen the Enforcers' support for him. They were always with him, not ICEB. ICEB was just an organization. But he and they—they were family. And nothing could change that.
And it took a complete stranger to show him the value of family. He was ashamed of himself. He deserved to be crippled.
But he no longer let insecurities hold him hostage or fill his mind with negative, destructive thoughts.
He was beyond exhausted, but he couldn't rest. Not yet.
Han Zhaofeng turned to Luo Heng. "Let them return to their duties. ICEB may be under scrutiny, but that doesn't mean they can slack off."
Luo Heng grinned widely and saluted. "Yes, Shengzun!" He turned and left.
Then he turned to Wu Zhenhai. "Go and get me a wheelchair. Being carried around by you won't be comfortable."
Wu Zhenhai smiled and saluted. "Yes, Shengzun!" He immediately turned and left, limping.
Finally, he turned to Yan Zhen. "Help me inside."
He turned to Xuan Tian. "Shengzun, please follow me. We have a lot to discuss."
Yan Zhen helped Han Zhaofeng settle comfortably on a chair inside his room.
Han Zhaofeng waved his hand. "Leave us."
Yan Zhen saluted. "Yes, Shengzun." He glanced at Xuan Tian and left, closing the door behind him.
Two Saints were now sitting alone.
Han Zhaofeng took this time to observe Xuan Tian. To really look at him. What he saw confirmed his initial thought. This man was dangerous. He was powerful, but gentle. His words were harsh and cold, but necessary. His aura… His aura was not like a Saint.
Han Zhaofeng was almost 250 years old. He had met quite a number of Saints. And Xuan Tian's aura wasn't like any Saint he had ever met.
He had the aura of someone beyond a Saint. And his presence was like a king. No, that wasn't quite right. A ruler. Yes,Han Zhaofeng inwardly thought. This man had the aura and presence of a true ruler.
Han Zhaofeng bowed and saluted deeply. "I, Han Zhaofeng, am forever indebted to you, Shengzun."
He continued, "I am ashamed of myself. If it wasn't for you… ICEB would be no more."
Han Zhaofeng straightened up. He didn't know what else to say. He had a lot he wanted to say, but he found himself unable to speak them aloud. He realized he was waiting for Xuan Tian's response. It was important for Han Zhaofeng to receive Xuan Tian's validation. This thought surprised him.
Xuan Tian returned the bow and salute. "I also apologize for what I did, Shengzun. I should've done it sooner."
Han Zhaofeng was confused. "Sooner? I'm afraid I don't…"
"The fight," Xuan Tian replied simply. "I should've ended it sooner. If I had, you might not have ended up crippled."
Han Zhaofeng was taken aback. He had thought Xuan Tian was apologizing for his brutal intervention, but he was apologizing for the prolonged fight!
Some tension left Han Zhaofeng. He felt relieved. And he showed it.
Han Zhaofeng chuckled. "It's not your fault, Shengzun. I enjoyed it. The fight, I mean. Even though I wasn't in my right mind, I still remember. You fought really well."
Silence fell again. But this time, both sides had bonded a little. Xuan Tian even had a glint of amusement in his eyes.
"Then I won't beat around the bush. I haven't introduced myself properly."
Xuan Tian got up and bowed slightly to Han Zhaofeng. "My name is Xuan Tian. And I am here to rescue Bai Xunli."
For the second time, Han Zhaofeng was taken aback. Bai Xunli? He's here for Bai Xunli? Why?
"May I know why Shengzun wants to rescue my student?"
"I can't? You don't want to rescue her?"
"No." Han Zhaofeng shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I was surprised that you want to rescue Bai Xunli. How do you know her?"
Xuan Tian took a seat. "I met her five years ago, during the core extraction case."
Realization dawned on Han Zhaofeng. "It was you? You were the one who killed Tie Yanfang?"
Xuan Tian nodded. "I was away for five years. And when I returned, I heard about ICEB, the Alliance, and Captain Bai's execution."
Han Zhaofeng exhaled loudly. "After reading Xunli's reports, I've always wanted to meet you. Such a shame that I met you under these circumstances."
"Why?" Xuan Tian prodded. "Are you ashamed that ICEB is in such a situation?"
Han Zhaofeng turned solemn. "Yes, I am. We have worked very hard these past few years, trying to bring Lingxu down. And yet…"
"But I'm also enraged. The Alliance got to where they are now because they've used underhanded means. This cannot go on. They must be held accountable. Justice must be served." Han Zhaofeng's eyes filled with determination.
The corners of Xuan Tian's mouth curled up a little. He was satisfied with what he saw in Han Zhaofeng. "Then let's bring them down. First step, rescue Captain Bai."
Han Zhaofeng looked at Xuan Tian.
His mouth slowly went upward.