Han Zhaofeng was still looking at Jian Wushuan while saluting. He enjoyed watching Jian Wushuan's face change colors several times. Han Zhaofeng smirked. Serves you right!
But then his mind wandered off to the conversation he'd had a few hours ago at his house in the Siling Forest.
He was trying to recover from his second qi deviation. He was ashamed that it had happened twice—and both times were in front of Xuan Tian. The first time it happened, Xuan Tian gave him shock therapy, and he'd promised to do his best to lead ICEB.
But what did he do? Less than a week after that solemn promise, he broke it. He descended into qi deviation again. Even though Xuan Tian understood, Han Zhaofeng knew he had broken his own promise. He couldn't let Xuan Tian be disappointed in him again.
The second qi deviation showed Han Zhaofeng that his mind wasn't as strong as he thought. He hated himself for it—and he also hated the way he found out.
He couldn't do what Gu Tianzhu did, pledge allegiance to Xuan Tian, but he could damn well not disappoint the powerful Shengzun.
He made a bold move. He decided to accept the Imperial Edict and let the Alliance take command over ICEB—even if it meant officially putting Jian Wushuan above himself. He felt satisfied when he saw an appreciative glint in Xuan Tian's eyes.
Xuan Tian then said it would be the perfect opportunity to find out what really happened to the Crown Prince.
Han Zhaofeng remembered how his heart sank. He'd nearly forgotten about the matter of the Crown Prince.
When he first heard Xuan Tian's description of what he'd found beneath the Eastern Palace, he immediately denied it—even if only in his mind. But Bai Xunli had woken up, strong enough to share her nightmares from her kidnapping.
She hadn't seen the Crown Prince, but she'd overheard him talking to Jian Wushuan. The Crown Prince was definitely not kidnapped. Bai Xunli didn't know anything more; she was in and out of consciousness after that.
Han Zhaofeng had been in agony hearing Bai Xunli. The more he heard, the colder he felt. At the end, Dr Lin Qian had to examine him because he was pale and looked very unhealthy. It was Another embarrassing moment for Han Zhaofeng. He was a Saint, for Heaven's sake! How could he break out in a cold sweat and turn pale? As if being crippled wasn't enough. Han decided right there that he would find out the truth about the Crown Prince. And in order to do that, he was willing to bow to the Alliance, even if his pride took a big hit.
But now, watching Jian Wushuan struggle to control his rage gave him all the pleasure in the world.
Jian Wushuan was close to exploding. He couldn't believe what he was hearing—how easily Han Zhaofeng dismissed ICEB's insubordination as a misunderstanding.
He had successfully pushed Mu Cangtian to write an Imperial Edict, stripping ICEB of authority completely. He was also sure Han Zhaofeng had fallen into the trap he'd set. He'd marched to ICEB's headquarters feeling satisfied with himself. And now, this sorry excuse of a Saint was saying it was just a misunderstanding?
"A misunderstanding?!" Jian Wushuan couldn't help it—his voice rang out, echoing everywhere.
"ICEB has been operating for more than 150 years! How many Imperial Edicts has ICEB received during those years?! This Saint does not believe your incompetent Enforcers would misunderstand an Imperial Edict!"
Jian Wushuan finally exploded. His voice, laced with spirit energy, blasted through the surroundings and sent all the Immortals staggering backward. Some even had blood trickling from their mouths or ears.
Han Zhaofeng was the only one who didn't get pushed back. He was still saluting Jian Wushuan, his posture showing submission.
"I apologize, Jian Wushuan Shengzun." Han Zhaofeng's voice was polite, betraying none of the anger he truly felt.
"Thank you for acknowledging that ICEB has served this empire for over a century. While it is true, as you have kindly pointed out, that we have received many Imperial Edicts over time, every one of them has always been personally accepted by me. No Enforcer of ICEB has ever personally received an Imperial Edict."
Han Zhaofeng delivered his 'little speech' while still saluting. He then straightened his back, giving a slight nod to Jian Wushuan.
"Please, Jian Wushuan Shengzun. It's just a little misunderstanding."
While Han Zhaofeng was provoking Jian Wushuan, the surviving Enforcers were moving to help each other and check for casualties, while some slowly formed rank behind Han Zhaofeng. Han Zhaofeng noticed this from the corner of his eye and unconsciously clenched his jaw, then released it.
Jian Wushuan didn't notice. He was too busy seething at Han Zhaofeng. He felt humiliated. He was ambitious, but also vain and shallow. He always believed he was the strongest Saint after the Head of Lingxu Sect, Xu Ming.
Listening to Han Zhaofeng's logical explanation made him feel belittled by the crippled Saint.
Han Zhaofeng could see veins protruding on Jian Wushuan's temples and neck. He remembered what Xuan Tian had said to him: "You need to find a way to make Jian Wushuan so angry at you that he launches a full-on attack. Only then can the Black Worm 'inside' you die."
Han Zhaofeng had been shocked when Xuan Tian suggested he provoke a powerful Saint to attack him. After deciding to accept the Imperial Edict, he, Xuan Tian, and Gu Tianzhu had discussed the strategy extensively.
One of Xuan Tian's main concerns was the Black Worm. It was supposed to be in Han Zhaofeng. If Jian Wushuan tried to control Han Zhaofeng, he'd immediately find out the Black Worm wasn't where it was supposed to be.
So Xuan Tian came up with the accidental Black Worm-killing scenario. When Han Zhaofeng pointed out that Jian Wushuan might not be strong enough to kill it, Xuan Tian simply replied, "But he doesn't know that."
The matter of Black Worms was not common in the Human Realm, and Xuan Tian didn't believe that whoever gave Jian Wushuan the worm would explain to him in detail how to remove it.
Han Zhaofeng had to applaud Xuan Tian. The accidental-killing scenario would only work because Jian Wushuan was arrogant, vain, shallow, and prideful. Xuan Tian had never met him in person, but he had listened to Han Zhaofeng's rant about Jian Wushuan and then nodded. "That kind of arrogance is easy to use against him. If he believes he's killed the worm, he won't look any deeper."
He had to admit, the plan was brilliant—and he couldn't deny the joy he felt provoking Jian Wushuan.
I need to push him further, so he'll attack me. Don't disappoint me now, Jian Wushuan!
Jian Wushuan closed his eyes, visibly trying to calm down.
Han Zhaofeng saw this and refused to back down.
"Jian Wushuan Shengzun, thank you for your understanding. You are as the rumors said, a powerful Saint with a big heart and an even bigger brain. I would make sure all Enforcers apologized for this misunderstanding. I am ashamed to say that ICEB's Enforcers are not as smart as your disciples."
For others to hear it, it may sounded that Han Zhaofeng was deferring to Jian Wushuan, and they would see no flaw in Han Zhaofeng's words or demeanor. But for Jian Wushuan, who subconsciously felt inferior to Han Zhaofeng, all he hear was Han Zhaofeng mocking him. Saying he was shallow, stupid, and not a good Shizun.
The Lingxu disciples were all standing behind Jian Wushuan. They heard every word from Han Zhaofeng. One of them even shouted, "Yes! You ICEB are all fools! We're smarter!"
Enforcers, who were still trying to deal with the aftermath, could be heard murmuring disagreement, but they didn't dare shouted them because Han Zhaofeng was there.
Han Zhaofeng saw his chance to deliver the final blow and took it. He spoke towards the disciples.
"Yes, you are absolutely correct. We are all fools! Look at them. They don't dare to say or do anything without asking for my permission. While you! As disciples of Azure Mist Peak, you are all brilliant! You dare to take action on your own! Because all of you are smart! They must be truly fortunate to have a Shizun as… gifted as you, Jian Wushuan Shengzun."
Han Zhaofeng said the last sentence with a little bow and salute to Jian Wushuan. He was also preparing himself for the attack. During his last 'speech', he could feel Jian Wushuan's aura was in chaos. He was about to blow.
Han Zhaofeng lifted his head, looked at Jian Wushuan straight in his eyes and slowly smirked.