Han Zhaofeng, his face full of gratitude, said, "Jian Wushuan Shengzun! You are the epitome of what a Saint should be! I cannot believe that I have been feeling resentful toward you and the Alliance for what happened to ICEB! You… You really are someone we should follow!"
Han Zhaofeng glanced at Luo Heng, who was looking at him with his jaw dropped and eyes wide open, dumbfounded. Han Zhaofeng winked at Luo Heng, praying that he would understand. Fortunately for Han Zhaofeng, Luo Heng, although he didn't understand why, was loyal enough to Han Zhaofeng that he would follow any order he was given.
The next thing Jian Wushuan saw was Luo Heng dropping to his knees with a bang, hitting his forehead to the ground and shouting, "Thank you for saving our Shengzun, Jian Wushuan Shengzun!"
Just like that, a wave of genuine gratitude erupted from all able-bodied Enforcers in the area. The scene looked so ridiculous that Gu Tianzhu had to cough out his tea.
"Well, the ICEB Enforcers are loyal and obedient, I'll give you that," Gu Tianzhu murmured.
"Yes, they are. But loyalty and obedience without brains is not a good thing," Xuan Tian replied.
Gu Tianzhu looked at Xuan Tian and made a mental note to himself. His admiration for Xuan Tian grew. I am very lucky that I am allowed to follow him.
Han Zhaofeng didn't share Xuan Tian's indifference. He was happy that the Enforcers were loyal and, more importantly, had absolute trust in him. He watched Jian Wushuan bask in the newfound gratitude from his enemies.
Meanwhile, the Lingxu disciples couldn't believe their eyes or ears. Their Shizun was standing tall among the dead and wounded, and the survivors who were bowing and worshiping him. They shared their Shizun's values, but they had never seen Jian Wushuan lift his chin so high—it might as well touch the sky.
In Lingxu, although Jian Wushuan was among the strongest, like all other members, he was terrified of Xu Ming. No one in Lingxu was allowed to receive this bone-deep, absolute, blind worship except Xu Ming.
After a few moments of enjoying the gratitude, Jian Wushuan cleared his throat and tried to return to the original reason he had come. He extended his hand, palm facing up. "The Imperial Edict."
Yan Shujin, who had the edict, immediately placed it in Jian Wushuan's hand.
Jian Wushuan cleared his throat again. "ICEB, receive the Imperial Edict!"
The Enforcers' eyes turned to where Han Zhaofeng was.
Han Zhaofeng lifted his arm, and Luo Heng instantly went to help him sit up. Once he was seated, with Luo Heng behind him supporting his back so he wouldn't fall, Han Zhaofeng bowed and saluted. The rest of the ICEB followed.
"This humble servant of the Empire, Han Zhaofeng, is here."
Jian Wushuan smiled and continued, "By the Mandate of Heaven and the Supreme Will of His Majesty, Emperor Mu Cangtian:
Let it be proclaimed to all cultivators of the Wusheng Empire:
The Imperial Cultivation Enforcement Bureau (ICEB) is henceforth to be established as a separate and honored division within the Alliance of Cultivators.
ICEB shall report directly to the Head of the Alliance, Jian Wushuan. The headquarters of ICEB shall now be the headquarters of the Alliance itself.
All duties, powers, and responsibilities held by ICEB are to be fully absorbed into the Alliance. From this day forward, the name of the Alliance shall always include the Imperial Cultivation Enforcement Bureau as an inseparable part.
So decreed by the Emperor. Let all under Heaven obey."
Murmurs of disbelief were heard among the Enforcers. They were still on their knees, hands still saluting, but their heads were turned, all facing in the direction of Han Zhaofeng.
Han Zhaofeng kept his head down and his hands in salute. Nothing seemed amiss—except his jaw was clenched so hard it hurt, his body tense. Han Zhaofeng's knuckles had gone white from the pressure.
Luo Heng felt his Shengzun's body tense. He kept his head bowed, but his hands stayed on either side of Han Zhaofeng. He heard a long exhale from Han Zhaofeng, then—
"His Majesty the Emperor is wise!" Han Zhaofeng shouted his answer. He then extended his arm to accept the Imperial Edict.
The Enforcers were stunned, but they were loyal to Han Zhaofeng. Now that their leader had accepted the obvious demotion, they would too.
Wu Zhenhai was also stunned, and he couldn't believe it. He couldn't. How could he?! He remembered what became of Bai Xunli after being taken by the Alliance. He remembered how they had humiliated Han Zhaofeng.
Jian Wushuan was happy hearing Han Zhaofeng's response. He felt he had succeeded in his assignment. Xu Ming Shengzun is wrong. Han Zhaofeng is not dangerous at all.
He cleared his throat again. "Han Zhaofeng Shengzun, although the edict states that this place is now the Alliance's headquarters, I understand that it is difficult for the Alliance to just occupy it."
He paused and looked around.
"And judging by the state it is currently in, this place is not a representation of what the Alliance is. I will give you three days to clean and prepare it before the Alliance moves in."
Han Zhaofeng's breath hitched. He was struggling to control his anger.
He managed to squeeze out, "You are wise, Shengzun. I will make sure that this place is ready in three days."
Jian Wushuan nodded in satisfaction, his face full of mockery. He flicked his sleeve, turned around, and walked away.
"We are leaving this place and will be back in three days," Jian Wushuan shouted as he was walking away.
Yan Shujin immediately followed behind Jian Wushuan. So did the rest of the disciples. Some of them kicked debris on their way out; some spat at the Enforcers.
Once the last disciple disappeared, the Enforcers were in an uproar.
Xuan Tian sighed, "Jian Wushuan is arrogant, power hungry, and stupid."
He turned to look at Gu Tianzhu. "And that is perfect for us."
"Idiots!" Jing Xue commented, unclear who he meant. He had been watching from the shadows, ready to swoop in and save the day.
------------------------------
Han Zhaofeng was still in the same position when the Enforcers surrounded him. The rain, which hadn't stopped, seemed to become harder. The Enforcers were drenched, but they didn't care. All they wanted was information or denial or something from Han Zhaofeng.
This was the first time in the history of ICEB that they were under another's command. And it didn't sit well with the Enforcers—especially since they knew how much ICEB and the Alliance hated each other.
Han Zhaofeng's saluting hands slowly came down. He lifted his head to the sky. He felt the rain on his face. He let the cold seep into his bones. He was hoping the rain would swallow his tears so no one could see them.