I Can Extract Divine Power

Shen Bai was rendered speechless by what he heard.

As everyone knew, you could only believe half of the rumors circulating in the Jianghu.

As for the other half, you had to analyze it word by word to even gauge its credibility.

He truly hadn’t expected his title to transform again, going from the Eight Extremes Young Master to the Nine Extremes Young Master.

He had actually considered this possibility before, and it did make sense.

But the analysis of his personality that followed was simply outrageous.

’What do they mean, "temperamental and unpredictable, liable to fly into a murderous rage at any moment"?’

’He was just a perfectly ordinary Prefecture Chief. How could he be that terrifying and arrogant?’

Shen Bai shook his head. "Your Majesty, the rumors in the Jianghu have always been nothing more than idle gossip to pass the time. They can’t be trusted."

The Saint Martial Emperor smiled, then pointed to the tea on the table. "Would you like some tea?"

Shen Bai shook his head. "No, thank you. I had breakfast before I came and I’m still quite full. Your Majesty, perhaps we should get down to business."

The Saint Martial Emperor nodded, poured himself a cup of tea, and took a small sip while watching the steam rise from the cup.

The moment he swallowed, he began to cough violently.

The only sound in the entire Imperial Study was the Saint Martial Emperor’s coughing.

Shen Bai circulated the Qi in his body, using his Poison Avoidance and Spirit Recovery Skill, and then inwardly shook his head.

The Saint Martial Emperor suffered from a severe, chronic illness, but it was something even Shen Bai’s Poison Avoidance and Spirit Recovery Skill couldn’t fix.

’This illness is terrifying, even more so than the diseased husks I’ve encountered before.’

’Just a single wisp of its aura leaking out would be enough to overwhelm a crowd.’

After coughing for some time, the Saint Martial Emperor finally composed himself. His complexion returned to normal, and he continued speaking.

"You seemed to be probing my condition just now. It’s useless. Even the most brilliant healers in the Great Zhou Country can’t cure this chronic illness of mine. Don’t waste your efforts."

"Earlier, you saw my second son outside. What were your impressions?"

Shen Bai considered this for a moment before replying, "It is not my place to comment on matters of the Royal Family."

The Saint Martial Emperor’s expression was calm. "I have kept this charade up well; even the First and Third Princes are unaware. The Second Prince has no desire for the position of Crown Prince. It’s not that I don’t want him to pursue his own interests, but as a Prince of the Great Zhou Country, his duty is to the realm, not to his own selfish whims."

"The Royal Family has given him an unparalleled station, and with it comes immense responsibility. I will not permit him to ignore the realm and its people to chase after some baseless fantasy."

’Everyone has their own perspective,’ Shen Bai thought. ’It all just depends on where you stand.’

Shen Bai understood this clearly.

’Not to mention, the Second Prince’s circumstances simply didn’t allow him the freedom to choose.’

’At least, in his view, the Saint Martial Emperor must have already considered all the future ramifications.’

’That must be why he was so strict with the Second Prince.’

After finishing his words, the Saint Martial Emperor spoke again, his voice measured. "Seeing you today, you are indeed as the rumors describe—a rare genius in the Great Zhou Country. I had Eunuch Chen inform you about joining the Celestial Pride Salvation Society, a matter you are now aware of. I am not a man who likes to repeat himself, so I summoned you today for another purpose, one that does not concern the Celestial Pride Salvation Society."

"Can you guess what it is?"

Shen Bai mulled it over briefly before answering, "If it is not about the Celestial Pride Salvation Society, then it must be about the Celestial Pride Hall."

Since coming to Xuanjing City, Shen Bai couldn’t think of any other business he had here besides those two things.

The Saint Martial Emperor nodded as soon as Shen Bai finished speaking.

"Correct. It is indeed about the Celestial Pride Hall. But this time is different from the past. This time, there will be people from other countries attending."

"People from other countries?"

Shen Bai frowned slightly. "Why would people from other countries be participating in the Celestial Pride Hall?"

Typically, it would be impossible for foreigners to take part in the affairs of the Celestial Pride Hall.

’It’s practically one of Great Zhou’s national treasures. How could they possibly share it with outsiders?’

The Saint Martial Emperor’s eyes sharpened. "Some decisions are made out of necessity. Otherwise, I would never have agreed to this. My body is failing me; I am a shadow of my former self."

"As for why I invited people from other countries, I naturally have my own plans."

Though it was only a few simple and vague sentences, a theory had already begun to form in Shen Bai’s mind.

"Are other countries putting pressure on the Great Zhou Country?" Shen Bai asked.

The Saint Martial Emperor nodded, not bothering to hide it. "Yes, that’s correct. If I were in my prime, how would they ever dare?"

"They wish to test my resolve. Since that is their aim, then I shall let them."

"It is only the Celestial Pride Hall, after all. How much could they possibly take? Of course, that was my original line of thinking."

Shen Bai pressed on, "And what are your thoughts now, Your Majesty?"

’In truth, none of this was hard to guess.’

’After all, the Great Zhou Country hadn’t been established for very long, and it was forged in the flames of war. Though its people were formidable fighters, the Saint Martial Emperor was now afflicted with a severe illness, and the Dukes were growing restless.’

’Faced with threats both internal and external, it was only natural that the Celestial Pride Hall would attract covetous gazes.’

’And it was for this very reason that the prodigies of other nations would be attending the Celestial Pride Hall this time.’

The Saint Martial Emperor’s gaze fell upon Shen Bai. "In the past, I would have simply tolerated this and let it pass. When I first conquered this realm, I did it to end the suffering of the people. Tolerating a little more now for their sake is of no consequence. But you are here now," he said. "And I feel I no longer need to tolerate it."