Xuan Tian looked at her again. And nodded. "Yes, I do." Then he looked at Gu Tianzhu, "Looks like we need to catch up. Then we can decide how we move forward."
Inwardly, Thank you, Little Chaos. I got my focus back.
Gu Tianzhu nodded, "I agree, Shengzun. But I want to say something before we exchange news."
"Go ahead Gu Zhenren."
Gu Tianzhu bowed slightly to Xuan Tian, and faced Han Zhaofeng, "Whatever we decide later, moving forward, me, Gu Tianzhu, would follow Xuan Tian Shengzun's orders."
Han Zhaofeng was visibly startled. Xuan Tian only raised his eyebrows.
Four disciples saluted in sync, "We are too."
Ling Yu smiled, and saluted, "Count me in."
Gu Tianzhu smiled broadly and proudly, "We can continue the discussion."
Han Zhaofeng couldn't handle it anymore, "Why, Gu Zhenren? What do you mean? Are you saying you are no longer a member of Ziyu Sect? Is this how Ziyu's way of saying that they are not going to get involved?"
Han Zhaofeng realized what he had just said might offend Gu Tianzhu, Ziyu, and Xuan Tian. But he really couldn't wrap his head around Gu Tianzhu's behavior and decision. And… he had to admit that he was a little bit envious. Envious of how easily Gu Tianzhu could openly say he was one of Xuan Tian's men. He wished for that as well, but he couldn't.
"I apologized if I was not clear, Han Zhaofeng Shengzun." Gu Tianzhu replied. He didn't seemed to be offended.
"I will make it clear. I was, am, and will always be a member of Ziyu's Sect. I will not betray them. That being said, from now on, I am also going to follow Xuan Tian Shengzun. His wishes are my command. To put it bluntly, I am now serving two masters." Gu Tianzhu said firmly.
To swear loyalty to another was both a privilege and a chain. Gu Tianzhu knew it more than anyone. But he missed his chance five years ago and hadn't stopped thinking about it. He even sought advice from the Head of Ziyu Sect, Mu Xuanyuan, who told him to follow his heart.
From the moment Gu Tianzhu kneeled before Xuan Tian moments ago, he had already made his decision. The only thing he regretted was not having time to inform his disciples—tell them to follow their hearts, not merely follow his lead.
Gu Tianzhu's declaration was a wake-up call to Han Zhaofeng and the three Enforcers—especially Han Zhaofeng.
"Two… two masters?" he muttered.
Xuan Tian was visibly surprised. Gu Tianzhu was someone very loyal. He would never even consider betraying his sect. On the other hand… Xuan Tian was not entirely surprised. He had felt Gu Tianzhu had changed during their short stay in Qinglan Residence. However, he never expected Gu Tianzhu would go this far.
"Gu Zhenren…" Xuan Tian started, wanting to ask him to reconsider.
Gu Tianzhu immediately stood, turned to Xuan Tian, and kneeled.
"Shengzun, please. I've made my decision. My heart is firm. Even if you say 'No,' in my heart, I am one of your followers. Please, Shengzun."
Seeing Xuan Tian a little hesitant to speak—and sensing he wasn't as opposed to the idea as he expected—Gu Tianzhu continued, "If Shengzun worries about what the Head of Ziyu Sect might think, please don't. He knows. And he approves."
Before Xuan Tian could respond, Gu Tianzhu bowed deeply, his forehead touching the floor three times.
The silence that followed was deafening.
The four disciples looked at each other and nodded firmly.
"Don't!"
They froze, faces shocked.
Gu Tianzhu, still kneeling with his hands out in salute, said, "Don't follow me because I am your Shizun."
"I will not allow you to do it just because I do it."
He lifted his head and looked straight at Xuan Tian. "If you're doing it, do it because your heart tells you to. Don't do it now. Think about it. Really think about it."
His gaze didn't falter.
Xuan Tian saw the same look in Gu Tianzhu's eyes as he'd seen in One's—and in his other Shadow Blades.
He sighed deeply, stood, and placed his hand on Gu Tianzhu's saluting hands.
"Thank you for your trust in me, Gu Tianzhu."
Xuan Tian helped Gu Tianzhu to his feet. "I would never abuse that trust. If you feel I do, do not hesitate to reprimand me."
Gu Tianzhu smiled, tears welling in his eyes. He felt relieved—and strangely… free.
He scanned around the room, happy. Content.
On the contrary, Han Zhaofeng felt ridiculed. Not because of Gu Tianzhu – although he played a part, but not his fault – but because of himself. He had once sworn loyalty to Wusheng Empire. And yet, when Wusheng Empire needed him, he almost went dark.
"Hahaha," he laughed bitterly. I am a fool. Two centuries ago I swore my allegiance. I felt the same thing Gu Tianzhu felt today. But look at me now, just a few words from Jian Wushuan nearly gave me a heart demon. Wusheng Empire is in danger now! I need to protect Wusheng Empire from evil!
Han Zhaofeng's aura slowly changed. The whole room noticed it. They looked at Han Zhaofeng. They saw a man, sitting on a wheelchair, with the same expression as Gu Tianzhu. Freedom.
His aura rippled outward, gently. Sending fresh, comfortable feeling to those with lower cultivation.
Gu Tianzhu quickly moved toward Ling Yu and Li Ran, and said in low voice, "Remember this feeling. Aura can also do this. When your mind is in chaos, your aura will hurt others. But when both your mind and heart are clear, your aura can help others."
Both Mid Immortal 1 cultivators nodded their heads. They then closed their eyes and basked in the feeling.
Wu Zhenhai was elated. Han Zhaofeng Shengzun is back! He's truly back! He turned around and hid his tears.
Yan Zhen and Luo Heng were no different. They felt a weight in their hearts had been lifted. The past few months had been hard on them. When Bai Xunli was arrested, they were shattered. They knew what waited their Captain behind the prison walls.
Xuan Tian smiled lightly. Looks like Han Zhaofeng had received a little epiphany.
Han Zhaofeng opened his eyes, looked around the room, smiling. Even though he was sitting down, his presence had changed. It became bigger, closer to Xuan Tian's.
He waved his hand, spirit energy surged out. The room slowly expanded, the table got bigger, more chairs appeared.
"Welcome to my humble house. Everyone, please sit down!"