Soon, the sounds of fighting grew louder.
Over the clash of spirit energy and weapons, Elder Mo's voice rang out, desperate and pleading. "Please, Xianren! Please listen to me! It's over!"
A second voice, sharp with accusation, snapped back, "Hmph! Excuses! You despicable wretch! Zhaoyun, keep attacking!"
A third voice, younger yet filled with unwavering determination, responded immediately. "Yes, Shizun!"
Elder Mo was struggling against two people—one stronger than him. He didn't want to die. He needed to escape, to return to Xuan Tian. But these two cultivators were relentless, refusing to let him go.
I have to go back quicker!
With a burst of speed, Elder Mo rushed into the stone bed chamber. His panicked eyes immediately landed on Xuan Tian, who stood in the center, composed and ready. Relief flooded through him. His new master had not abandoned him.
"Shengzun! Please help this lowly Immortal!" Elder Mo darted behind Xuan Tian, seeking refuge.
Two cultivators entered the chamber. One older, one younger. Both stopped, scanning the chamber, their stances guarded and ready for anything.
Xuan Tian studied them. They both wore white and grey robes. The older one's cultivation was at High Immortal Stage 5—he must have been the one who broke the barrier. He looked exhausted now. That explains why Mo Chaoren is still alive.
The younger one's cultivation was at Mid Immortal Stage 3—the disciple.
Both had a different sect token on their waists. Xuan Tian recognized it immediately—Ziyu Immortal Sect.
His mind flickered back to Lingxiao's report when he was in Tianjun's study. Ziyu and Lingxu were fighting at Bai Mountain. What are they fighting for? Lingxiao believed it was for resources. Do they also want the cores? Or the pills? Are they involved?
The older cultivator pointed his sword fingers at Xuan Tian. "You are the one he called 'Shengzun'? Are you the leader here? I've caught you red-handed! Surrender now!"
The doctors exchanged glances before turning to Xuan Tian.
Xuan Tian met the speaker's gaze, his voice sharp, cold, and powerful. "It's only polite to introduce yourself first before asking someone else's identity."
The disciple lunged forward, attacking. "How dare you speak like that to Shizun!"
"Zhaoyun, don't!"
It was too late. Chen Zhaoyun had already launched an attack with his sword fingers toward Xuan Tian.
Xuan Tian did not move. His arms remained behind his back, his stance completely unshaken. He simply stood there, facing the attack head-on.
Zhaoyun sensed something was wrong, but it was too late to withdraw. He could only commit and press forward.
His sword energy reached Xuan Tian, his sword fingers touched Xuan Tian's chest… and nothing. As if the sword energy had never existed in the first place.
Xuan Tian looked at Zhaoyun, unimpressed. "Is that it?"
Zhaoyun froze, stunned. His strongest attack had done nothing. He immediately flipped backward, retreating to his Shizun's side.
Gu Tianzhu's expression darkened. He had underestimated Xuan Tian. This man was far stronger than he had initially thought. He adjusted his approach and bowed slightly. "I apologize, Xianren. My name is Gu Tianzhu. I am from Ziyu Sect. This is my disciple, Chen Zhaoyun."
Chen Zhaoyun bowed as well, following his Shizun's lead.
Xuan Tian returned the bow. "My name is Xuan Tian. These three are my colleagues, Dr. Lei Wen, Dr. Zhao Zhi, and Dr. Lin Qian."
He then gestured toward Elder Mo. "This is Mo Chaoren from Lingxu. What are you two here for?"
Gu Tianzhu's eyes remained cautious. "Xianren, we have been investigating rumors that claim Baishan City has discovered a way for regular humans to form a core. Do you know anything about that?"
Xuan Tian's gaze was unreadable. "We have also heard that rumor. What are you two going to do about it?" He was still undecided about Ziyu Sect's involvement, so he chose not to reveal any information.
Gu Tianzhu's gaze sharpened. "We Immortals must help humans. We do not exploit them. Forcing regular humans to form a core will kill them eventually if proper care is not taken. We came here to stop it from happening."
His posture shifted again, his stance more resolute. "And if you are helping Mo Chaoren and his people, I, Gu Tianzhu, and the rest of Ziyu Sect will stand in your way!"
Xuan Tian didn't even flinch. "What proof do you have that you are here to stop Mo Chaoren and not to take the cores yourselves?"
Both Gu Tianzhu and Chen Zhaoyun looked deeply offended that Xuan Tian could even think that.
Gu Tianzhu lifted his fingers. "I, Gu Tianzhu, make an oath. If I am involved in any way in forcing regular humans to form a core or in harvesting those cores, the heavenly thunder will strike me dead!"
He looked at Xuan Tian. "Is that enough?"
Xuan Tian gave him a slight nod. "My colleagues and I are here to stop it. Those over there are the victims. We've managed to save them this time."
Gu Tianzhu looked relieved. "Thank you, Shengzun. I apologize for accusing you."
Xuan Tian smirked. "And you just believe me? You don't need me to make an oath?"
Gu Tianzhu shook his head. "No, Shengzun. You are an Immortal Saint. If you wanted to, you could kill us anytime."
Chen Zhaoyun stepped forward and saluted Xuan Tian. "Thank you for your mercy before, Shengzun. This disciple apologizes for attacking Shengzun."
Xuan Tian nodded slightly. "No need to apologize. I understand your caution."
Gu Tianzhu hesitated before speaking. "If you don't mind me asking, is Lingxu Sect really behind this, Shengzun?"
Xuan Tian's gaze flickered to Elder Mo. "Apparently so. Although it is still unclear if the entire Lingxu Sect is involved. Mo Chaoren cannot answer that question."
Elder Mo bowed. "Yes, Shengzun. This lowly Immortal cannot answer that because this lowly Immortal doesn't know if all peaks in Lingxu are involved. This lowly Immortal only knows for sure that Divine Elixir Peak and Bewitching Lotus Peak are involved."
Elder Mo continued, his voice trembling slightly. "Also, Shengzun, this lowly Immortal must inform Shengzun that now that the barrier at the cavern entrance is broken, Tie Yanfang is likely to head here to investigate."
Everyone, especially Gu Tianzhu and Chen Zhaoyun, visibly tensed at Elder Mo's last sentence. Everyone except Xuan Tian.
He smirked. "Let him come."