I Can Extract Divine Power

He had to report the ambush he’d encountered to the General Department. Besides, the head of the General Department wanted to see him, so of course, he had to go meet his top superior.

Then there was the matter of Eunuch Chen.

Back in the underground world of Nanxing Prefecture, Eunuch Chen had made a move to help him out of a tight spot.

He had also said that Shen Bai could come for a chat after arriving in Xuanjing City.

Shen Bai had many questions about the Era of Ten Thousand Cities, so he wanted to go and get some clarity from Eunuch Chen.

Zhou Qing’s face changed the moment he heard Shen Bai say the two words, "Eunuch Chen." He looked utterly terrified.

Shen Bai noticed, of course. "Old Zhou, what’s with that look? Eunuch Chen isn’t some man-eating beast. Why are you acting like this? Did you offend him somehow? I can put in a good word for you."

From his previous interactions, Shen Bai felt that Eunuch Chen rather appreciated him. He figured that unless it was something major, a simple word would smooth things over.

Unexpectedly, after he said this, Zhou Qing just shook his head.

"No need, Lao Shen," he said. "I’ve never had any dealings with Eunuch Chen, so I haven’t offended him. I’m just worried about you."

Shen Bai was puzzled, not understanding what Zhou Qing meant.

Beside them, Qin Shuang also looked concerned and explained, "In the Jianghu of the Great Zhou Country and other nations, Eunuch Chen has a title: the Profound Yin King."

"The Profound Yin King? What does that mean?" Shen Bai asked, his expression one of confusion.

Qin Shuang slowly explained, "Although Eunuch Chen is just a eunuch, he possesses the power to be called a king. There are legends in the Jianghu that he is ruthless, cruel, and utterly capricious. Most people who offend him meet a terrible end. Leaving behind an intact corpse is considered a great mercy."

Shen Bai was slightly surprised.

’Eunuch Chen had seemed so gentle to me,’ he thought. He never expected him to have such a title and story in the Jianghu.

Of course, Shen Bai didn’t think it was a major issue for him.

He had no conflict of interest with Eunuch Chen. Besides, he was just going to inquire about the secrets of the Era of Ten Thousand Cities.

This was also a matter of social etiquette. After all, a person of Eunuch Chen’s status had personally invited him. It would be rude not to go.

"Just be careful, Lao Shen. Even though Eunuch Chen rarely leaves the Imperial Palace, it’s not just Great Zhou—other nations also keep a close watch on him here in Xuanjing City."

Zhou Qing thought for a moment, then said, "I heard Marshal Yang say that a long time ago, Eunuch Chen left the Imperial Palace once. He was ambushed by a group of mysterious experts. Their identities have never been discovered, but every single one of the assassins was torn limb from limb."

Since Shen Bai was going to see Eunuch Chen, Zhou Qing, as his good brother, naturally had to give him a warning.

’After we finish drinking,’ he thought to himself, ’I should go find Marshal Yang and see if I can find out what Eunuch Chen is really thinking.’

Shen Bai clapped Zhou Qing on the shoulder. "It’s fine, don’t worry. The three of us are here today, so let’s just eat and drink for now."

They had talked about what needed to be talked about and said what needed to be said. Now, Shen Bai drank his wine while telling Qin Shuang and Zhou Qing all about his various adventures in Nanxing Prefecture.

At the most exciting parts, both of their eyes lit up with fascination.

This drinking session lasted for nearly an hour and a half.

When they finally left the restaurant, Zhou Qing had to head to the military barracks, and Qin Shuang had to return to the Academy.

Given their current statuses and power, they both had their own duties to attend to.

Shen Bai naturally didn’t keep them. He set off alone with a cheerful spring in his step, heading for the Observatory’s headquarters.

「...」

Ahead, an enormous tower loomed, standing tall within Xuanjing City.

The tower was only slightly shorter than those in the Imperial Palace, but from its top, one could still survey the entire expanse of Xuanjing City.

When Shen Bai arrived, he studied the entrance and couldn’t help but remark, "This place is certainly more impressive than the Observatory in Nanxing Prefecture."

Two members of the Observatory stood guard at the entrance. Their power was as deep as an abyss, completely unfathomable.

Even Shen Bai couldn’t discern what realm they were in.

This was Xuanjing City, after all—the most important city in the entire Great Zhou Country.

Any random person from the Observatory headquarters could likely sweep through a vast area with ease.

When Shen Bai approached, one of the guards, a middle-aged man, turned his gaze on him. He seemed startled for a moment but quickly composed himself.

"Brother Shen, just head right in. No need to talk to us," the middle-aged man said.

He naturally didn’t address him as "Lord Shen." This was the Observatory’s headquarters, after all.

The people here were treated like honored guests whenever they visited the Observatory branches in lower-tier cities.

Of course, the middle-aged man showed no arrogance toward Shen Bai.

He knew that a young man like Shen Bai was destined for great things, so there was no reason to offend him.

Don’t assume that powerful people are brainless. On the contrary, their minds are very sharp; otherwise, they never would have reached such a high level of Cultivation.

Shen Bai cupped his hands in a salute, said his thanks, and then stepped inside the tower.

The moment he entered, he felt countless eyes on him.

Inside the tower, everyone was busy, but Shen Bai could sense that if an unauthorized person were to walk in, every single one of these busy people would instantly transform into a terrifying force.

A member walked up, looked Shen Bai up and down, and then pointed to a nearby staircase. "Brother Shen, take these stairs to the top floor. You’ll find the head of the General Department there. No one will stop you on your way up."