The title "Shengzun" in the Wusheng Empire was not just for show. It denoted absolute superiority in power, status, and wisdom. It was a title that commanded immense respect and was usually reserved for figures regarded as nearly untouchable in both combat and influence.
It literally meant "Holy Revered One" or "Sacred Exalted One," signifying a legendary cultivator, a figure of immense power, or an authority at the peak of cultivation society.
One did not simply claim the title of 'Shengzun' by demanding it or declaring oneself as such. It was a title that had to be earned.
A Saint was typically addressed as Shengzun, acknowledging their absolute power and status. Saints were revered and worshiped, and one of the ways this devotion was shown was by addressing them as Shengzun. There were only a handful of Saints in the Wusheng Empire, making the title even more prestigious and rare. In the history of the Wusheng Empire, no one but Saints had ever been called Shengzun.
Hearing someone like Gu Tianzhu, a High Immortal Stage Five and an Elder in the second-largest Immortal Sect, address a Mid Immortal Stage One as 'Shengzun' defied everything they knew.
Bai Xunli and Wu Zhenhai felt their brains were about to explode.
Mu Qingran addressed him calmly. "Captain Wu, you were there too. Surely, you heard it?"
Wu Zhenhai offered a stiff nod. "Forgive me, Princess. I was present, but my attention was momentarily… diverted."
Bai Xunli interjected. "There's no use for us to keep thinking about this. We won't get the answer like this."
Wu Zhenhai frowned. "What are you planning to do, Captain? We can't just ask them outright."
Bai Xunli smirked. "Why not? I, for one, am going to ask them directly."
Wu Zhenhai chuckled. "I forgot that I'm talking to the most straightforward Enforcer."
Mu Qingran scoffed. "Your straightforwardness, Captain? This Princess doesn't believe he would succumb to it."
Bai Xunli turned to her. "Princess, I'm merely curious about this injured man Gu Zhenren called 'Shengzun.' Aren't you curious as well, Princess? Someone with that low of cultivation being addressed as 'Shengzun' by someone of Gu Tianzhu's caliber?"
Mu Qingran met Bai Xunli's gaze without hesitation. "No, this Princess isn't. Do you know why, Captain?"
She smiled so widely and sincerely that Wu Zhenhai stood stunned—he had never seen Princess Shenxing smile like that before.
With complete confidence, the Princess declared, "Because someone of Gu Tianzhu's caliber holds no candle to him."
Bai Xunli blinked, momentarily taken aback. "This, I have to see for myself, Princess."
Back in Xuan Tian's room, Gu Tianzhu had finished filling Xuan Tian in on everything he knew. Xuan Tian was deep in thought.
He sighed. "I guess it can't be helped. Mu Chaoren did extract the cores. He had done it for a few months. And Feng Hailin—you said he survived?"
Gu Tianzhu nodded. "Yes, Shengzun. Despite his heavy injuries, in the end he managed to survive, but he won't be able to cultivate anymore. His core is permanently damaged."
"Serves him right!" Ling Yu gritted her teeth.
Then she looked at Xuan Tian. "Iron Wall, I want to find Xu Yun Jie-Jie and Lin Qian Jie-Jie."
"I know," Xuan Tian nodded. "It's better you do it after we move and settle into the new residence."
"Yes, I was planning on doing that."
"Then I'll go and see if everything is ready," Gu Tianzhu said, saluting and turning to leave.
"I'm coming with you, Gu Zhenren," Xuan Tian said, following behind him.
"Iron Wall, you're not well yet." Ling Yu grabbed his sleeve.
"My strength may not be back yet, but that's all. I'm strong enough to walk around. I certainly do not want to spend more time in here." With that, Xuan Tian exited his bedroom.
"Iron Wall, wait!"
Gu Tianzhu smiled. All is well. He exited the room trailing behind them.
Shen Qingyu and his three shidis were already in the stone bed chamber, conversing with Bai Xunli, Wu Zhenhai, and Mu Qingran, when Xuan Tian, Ling Yu, and Gu Tianzhu entered.
Shen Qingyu and his shidis immediately saluted Xuan Tian and Gu Tianzhu. "Shengzun. Shizun."
Both nodded in acknowledgment.
This was the first time Bai Xunli had seen Xuan Tian. She instantly agreed with Wu Zhenhai—this man was dangerous. I wouldn't want to be his enemy.
And she now perfectly understood why someone as young as Mu Qingran had become infatuated with Xuan Tian. He exuded power. He stood out in a crowd—not just because of his height, but because of the way he carried himself. This was a man people would instinctively turn to for strength, for protection.
His gaze was cold, sharp, and calculated. He took in everyone and everything in the room. He was alert and ready for battle at any moment. It would be nearly impossible to take him by surprise.
Bai Xunli's breath hitched as a wild, inexplicable thought crossed her mind: I want to pledge allegiance to him.
It was insane. She was not someone who would easily change her allegiance. She was deeply loyal to Han Zhaofeng. Why am I having this thought? Am I also infatuated like Mu Qingran? Pledging allegiance to a Mid Immortal One? That's crazier!
Xuan Tian had been watching her the entire time. He already knew who she was from Gu Tianzhu's account. He had taken in everyone in the room.
Wu Zhenhai, who was standing near Bai Xunli, heard her breath hitch. He couldn't blame her. He knew exactly what she was feeling—because he was feeling it too. This was the first time he had truly seen Xuan Tian. Before, he had acted on instinct, never having the chance to actually observe him.
Now that he had, the impression was overwhelming. Mid Immortal One? Not possible! He must be hiding his true power. Wu Zhenhai didn't know just how close he was to the truth.
"You must be Captain Bai Xunli of ICEB. Gu Zhenren has told me about you." Xuan Tian's cold voice cut through the air.
The room fell silent.
Bai Xunli visibly swallowed before she saluted. "I am." She hesitated, then braced herself. "And you are…?"
"I am Xuan Tian." He didn't elaborate. There was a finality in the way he said it—as if daring Bai Xunli to ask further.
Bai Xunli hesitated again. Her curiosity met a wall. She felt the weight in his tone. Should I continue?
She inhaled, fought her inner hesitation, and continued, "I am sorry, but I have a few questions for you, Xuan Tian Xianren."
Gu Tianzhu lifted his eyebrows—he had to applaud Captain Bai for her bravery.
Xuan Tian was unfazed. "Ask away."
Bai Xunli exhaled. "Were you the one who killed Tie Yanfang?"
"Yes," Xuan Tian confirmed.
This time, Bai Xunli wasn't the only one shocked. Wu Zhenhai and Mu Qingran were equally stunned. How could they not be? Tie Yanfang was a Saint! This man, albeit his presence was impressive, couldn't possibly have done it—not with his current cultivation.
Wait—current cultivation?
Bai Xunli had a thought and quickly pursued it. "Xuan Tian Xianren, I heard you were injured. Is your current cultivation the result of that injury? Was your original cultivation level higher than Mid Immortal One?"
Gu Tianzhu flared up. "Captain Bai!"
Xuan Tian said calmly, "It's okay, Gu Zhenren. Captain Bai is only doing her job." Then he added, "And satisfying her curiosity."
He stared straight at Bai Xunli. "Yes. I am currently injured. And yes, my original cultivation level was higher than Mid Immortal One."
Bai Xunli grew bolder. "Then may I be presumptuous to say that your original cultivation was a Saint?"
Gu Tianzhu couldn't hold back anymore. "Captain Bai! That is enough. I will not tolerate anyone disrespecting Shengzun." He moved to stand in front of Xuan Tian in a protective gesture. His disciples immediately followed suit.
Gu Tianzhu added, "Even if it was just a guess, Captain, you should have addressed him as 'Shengzun!'"