Wu Zhenhai nodded. "I agree. This is too big. It concerns the empire's well-being and stability. We cannot act recklessly."
Mu Qingran couldn't help but agree. "This Princess also agrees. This Princess will personally report this to Imperial Father! Those Lingxu Sect lackeys have been trying to sneak into the Imperial Court. Hmph! This cannot happen! Cultivators are not allowed to have power in Court!"
Gu Tianzhu and his disciples were slightly surprised to hear this. They had assumed that Princess Shenxing was just another spoiled and arrogant royal child. But it turned out she wasn't as ignorant as they had thought. Their respect for the Princess rose slightly.
Bai Xunli spoke up. "Now that we agree on that, let's move to the next matter. Gu Zhenren, I understand that you will take all the awakened people to Ziyu Sect, but before that, we need to register them and inform their families of what happened."
Gu Tianzhu nodded. "Agreed. I will leave that to ICEB."
He continued, "There is also another matter—we cannot stay here any longer. Captain, can you help us relocate?"
Bai Xunli nodded. "Of course. How big of a residence do you need?"
"I need a residence with at least two courtyards. One should be large enough to accommodate twenty-one people. The other should be sufficient for the eleven of us."
"Consider it done. Yan Zhen, return to the city and make the arrangements. Also, check in with Luo Heng—I'm sure the doctors would appreciate being released from the infirmary."
She then turned back to Gu Tianzhu. "However, I cannot release Mo Chaoren just yet. I'm sorry, Gu Zhenren."
Gu Tianzhu was momentarily stunned, sensing that this could become a problem. Even though Mo Chaoren was involved and guilty, Xuan Tian had unofficially taken him under his wing.
Mu Qingran began counting on her fingers. "Eleven people? Gu Zhenren, you counted wrong. You plus four of your disciples, that's only five. Plus that doctor who left, that's six. Who are the other five?"
Bai Xunli glanced at Gu Tianzhu, waiting for his response. She was curious about the same thing. And she had a strong suspicion that among those eleven people was this mysterious Saint she had yet to identify.
Gu Tianzhu, unfazed, replied calmly, "No, Princess. Eleven is correct. Princess has met six of us. The other five are two doctors at the infirmary, Mo Chaoren, one injured comrade, and one victim whom this Zhenren intends to make this Zhenren's fifth disciple."
With that, Gu Tianzhu looked at Shen Qingyu, who immediately caught on and clamored excitedly, "Shizun! Really? We'll have Xiao Wu (Little Five)?"
The rest of the disciples joined in on cue.
"We will have Xiao Wu?"
"I won't be the youngest anymore?"
"Shizun! This is amazing!"
But Mu Qingran quickly put an end to their excitement. "But Mo Chaoren cannot be released yet! He's guilty! He has done wrong! He needs to be punished!"
"Princess, this Zhenren understands. However, the two doctors at the infirmary might not agree. While Mo Chaoren is guilty, it was Tie Yanfang who was the true mastermind. Mo Chaoren had no choice but to comply. This Zhenren is certain that Mo Chaoren has fully cooperated with Captain Bai."
Gu Tianzhu continued, "Besides, there are four other Lingxu Sect members involved in this as well—one of them being Elder Feng Hailin. From this Zhenren's understanding, Feng Hailin conducted most of the extractions, while Mo Chaoren only acted as his backup."
Bai Xunli turned serious. "Feng Hailin is still alive? Is he subdued? I don't doubt your abilities, Gu Zhenren, but Feng Hailin has the same level of cultivation as you…"
Her voice trailed off before rising again. "…So does Mo Chaoren. Gu Zhenren, you are amazing! You managed to defeat two High Immortal Stage Five cultivators! This is no easy feat!"
Gu Tianzhu stared at Bai Xunli, immediately understanding what she was trying to do. She hadn't let go of her curiosity about the mysterious Saint. She was merely taking a roundabout way to bring the matter back up. Gu Tianzhu knew she was sharp—he also knew he couldn't hide Xuan Tian forever.
But he certainly wouldn't make it easy for Bai Xunli.
Gu Tianzhu chuckled. "Captain, you think too highly of this Zhenren. This Zhenren thanks you. But, unfortunately," he sighed, putting on a mask of solemnity, "this Zhenren is not that powerful. It was a team effort. However, one of our comrades has been severely injured."
He stood up and saluted Bai Xunli. "This Zhenren will shamelessly ask Captain Bai to prepare several carriages for the victims."
Bai Xunli narrowed her eyes. She knew for certain that this 'severely injured' person was the one she had been searching for. But now that Gu Tianzhu had framed it this way, she had no choice but to step back. It's not over yet, Gu Tianzhu!
Gu Tianzhu raised an eyebrow, as if reading her thoughts. You are welcome to keep trying, Bai Xunli.
Mu Qingran nodded. "It's too bad. Captain Bai, make sure you prepare a proper carriage for this injured person."
She continued, "Now, Captain Bai, you can go ahead and start registering the victims. Enforcer Yan, didn't Captain Bai already ask you to return to arrange a residence? Then go! What are you waiting for?! Prepare a carriage too!"
Bai Xunli could only sigh. I'm sorry, Yan Zhen. Unfortunately, the Princess is right.
She signaled Yan Zhen to follow Mu Qingran's orders.
Gu Tianzhu knew he had won. For now.
He turned to Shen Qingyu. "Go with Captain Bai. Help her with the registration. Zhaoyun, you too. You know those people better than your Shixiong."
Both disciples responded in unison, "Yes, Shizun."
Shen Qingyu gestured toward Bai Xunli. "Please, Captain Bai. This way."
Bai Xunli followed, about to exit the stone chamber, before she halted, turned around, and spoke to Mu Qingran. "I apologize, Princess, but I do not have enough people. Do you mind if I borrow Captain Wu? I need him to check on Feng Hailin and his cronies and prepare them for transport."
Mu Qingran saw no harm in that. She nodded and turned to Wu Zhenhai. "Go. Help Captain Bai."
Wu Zhenhai saluted. "Yes, Princess." He left, following Bai Xunli.
Gu Tianzhu whispered to Lu Jianhong, "Go follow Captain Wu. Don't let him wander to Shengzun's room."
Lu Jianhong nodded and quickly scurried after Wu Zhenhai.