"Now let's put that aside. We'll go over Captain Bai's rescue mission. Xuan Shengzun, please."
Han Zhaofeng gave the floor to Xuan Tian.
Xuan Tian bowed slightly to Han Zhaofeng before addressing the room.
"First, let me thank Han Shengzun for the trust in me. I will not abuse it."
Xuan Tian paused a beat before continuing. "I am glad Han Shengzun said it first, and I will say it again. I absolutely do not tolerate treason."
He paused for effect.
Xuan Tian looked around the room before continuing. "Insubordination to a certain degree, I can tolerate. But treason—I do not care the reason behind it—I do not tolerate it."
The three Enforcers responded in unison, "Yes, Shengzun!"
"I need updates on the prison. You have it?"
Wu Zhenhai answered, "We do, Shengzun."
Xuan Tian nodded, satisfied. "I will read the details later, now just give me a summary."
Wu Zhenhai nodded. "Yes, Shengzun. Captain Bai is currently being held in the dungeon of the Imperial Prison. It used to be guarded only by Imperial soldiers, but now it's a joint task force with the Alliance. But after Captain Feng's execution, Jian Wushuan suggested that the Alliance volunteer to help guard as well. The excuse they gave was that they were afraid ICEB would attempt to rescue Captain Bai. Imperial soldiers wouldn't be enough."
Han Zhaofeng's face darkened. He knew about it too. It was the reason why he wrote a formal protest to Mu Cangtian and presented it this morning in Court, causing chaos.
"Okay. My plan is pretty simple and straightforward. I will infiltrate the prison and rescue Captain Bai. I'd need a detailed map of the prison."
Wu Zhenhai said, "We do have it, Shengzun. But…"
Xuan Tian looked at him. "Speak. It's okay. Share your thoughts."
Wu Zhenhai looked hesitant before he decided to speak. "Will you have enough time? What I meant is, infiltration missions like this need a lot of preparations and manpower. Captain Bai will be executed tomorrow at noon. The best time to rescue her is tonight. But tonight, I believe the men will be doubled, even tripled, because it will be the last opportunity to rescue her. The Alliance wouldn't risk it. We do not have time or manpower."
Xuan Tian nodded, "I agree. Tonight is the best time, and it would also be the worst time. But since we're running out of time, I'm doing it tonight."
"But I don't agree about manpower. I alone am enough."
Realization went around the room. Yes, Xuan Tian Shengzun is powerful enough to pull a one-man rescue mission. Captain Bai is saved!
"No, it won't work."
Mu Qingran suddenly spoke.
All heads turned to her.
"I'm not saying this because I do not believe in Xuan Tian Shengzun," Mu Qingran began her explanation. Even though she often came across as a spoiled princess, she is still Princess Shenxing, trained in cultivation by Han Zhaofeng. She didn't falter, even though she was surrounded by powerful auras. She knew how important her news was.
"I'm saying it because as of a few hours ago, Captain Bai was moved to a new location, chosen by the Alliance."
Everyone was waiting for her to elaborate.
"Right after this morning Court, Jiang Wushuan went to Imperial Father and requested the relocation. One of the maids who was serving Imperial Father is my personal maid's long-lost sister. They had recently reunited, and now are inseparable. This news is reliable."
Running steps were heard outside the room. Then—
"Urgent report!"
Luo Heng instantly went out to get the report. He returned and gave the report to Han Zhaofeng.
Han Zhaofeng opened it, read it quickly, and passed it to Xuan Tian.
Xuan Tian read it and turned to the room. "This report confirms what the Princess had just said. Captain Bai had been moved to a new location of the Alliance's choice. It doesn't say where."
Everyone in the room had grim expressions. They were running out of time, and another obstacle emerged. Was Captain Bai truly beyond saving?
Mu Qingran was inwardly happy. She was useful. Xuan Tian Shengzun must feel grateful to me, right?
Yan Zhen clenched his jaw. He couldn't believe it. They were so close.
"Why do you all look so gloomy?" Xuan Tian suddenly asked.
They were all looking at him.
He waved the report in the air. "This won't stop me."
The paper suddenly burst into flame and disappeared.
"Bring me a map of the Capital and the area surrounding it."
Yan Zhen stood up and went out.
Wu Zhenhai was confused. "Xuan Shengzun, what do you need the map for?"
Xuan Tian replied mysteriously, "I'll show you."
He leaned back and crossed his arms. "While we're waiting, we need to decide how we're going to do the rescue mission. Now that the location has changed, I'm sure the Alliance will pull no stops in guarding it."
Han Zhaofeng nodded. "It serves as both bait and taunt. Jian Wushuan is openly challenging ICEB—and me—to attack him."
"And what are you going to do about it?" The challenge was clear in Xuan Tian's voice.
"Your answer will determine how we're going to move forward."
The room was waiting for Han Zhaofeng.
Han Zhaofeng was looking at Xuan Tian, struggles swirling in his eyes. He didn't hide anything. Xuan Tian could see it as clear as day.
Xuan Tian didn't say anything. He appreciated Han Zhaofeng openly struggling in front of him. It showed how much Han Zhaofeng trusted him. In return, Xuan Tian trusted him to make the right decision for ICEB—and for himself.
It only took Han Zhaofeng a few breaths before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, they were filled with determination.
"I will answer that challenge."
A beat.
"For the last three years, Lingxu has stepped on ICEB's head too many times. They've used the Alliance as a cover, but it was obviously Lingxu. We at ICEB have one priority and one only: to keep cultivators in line. Lingxu has stepped out of line."
Wu Zhenhai and Luo Heng felt it in their hearts. Their Head of ICEB had returned. He was here, with them. Standing together with them.
"ICEB needs to keep them in line."