I Can Extract Divine Power

「Inside the quiet, magnificent hall of the Imperial Palace.」

Shen Bai was slightly taken aback when he heard how the middle-aged man before him introduced himself.

Among the many powerful and noble figures in the Great Zhou Country, there were only a few major factions.

There was a faction within the military, a faction in the Imperial Palace with the Observatory, and also a faction from the Academy.

Besides these, there was one other important faction: the Prime Minister’s.

In this faction, the Prime Minister was the head of all civil officials. His position was lofty and his power immense; one could say he was second only to one man and above all others.

He was also one of the top experts in the Great Zhou Country.

Furthermore, because of his high position, he wielded immense authority, causing all the civil and military officials to fear him.

There was a rumor in the Jianghu that the Prime Minister was an exceptionally cultured man, embodying all the best qualities of a Scholar.

He normally put on no airs, and interacting with him felt like bathing in a spring breeze.

This brings us to another force of Scholars: the Academy of the Great Zhou Country.

Some Scholars chose to become officials, while others preferred to study the classics, histories, and philosophies at the Academy, immersing themselves in a sea of books.

The Dean of the Academy and the Prime Minister of the Great Zhou Country were both Scholars of equal standing.

Shen Bai didn’t understand why he had suddenly run into Prime Minister Cao of the Great Zhou Country at a time like this.

However, the Prime Minister’s surname reminded Shen Bai of a meme from his past life.

A certain prime minister with the surname Cao was a figure of great interest in his past life.

And the most amusing meme was the phrase people would say when they saw pretty girls dancing on their phones or online—"I am no different from Prime Minister Cao."

’Of course, this Cao isn’t *that* Cao,’ Shen Bai snarked internally.

Seeing Shen Bai remain silent, Prime Minister Cao’s calm brow furrowed slightly. "I get the feeling you’re thinking about something inappropriate," he said.

He couldn’t read minds, but after so many years as an official—even helping to overthrow the previous dynasty to become the head of all officials—Prime Minister Cao had perfected the art of reading people.

With a single glance, he could tell that Shen Bai was definitely thinking about something very offensive.

Shen Bai snapped back to reality and shook his head. "May I ask what important matter brings you to me, Lord Prime Minister?"

He was, of course, thinking of something very offensive, but he wouldn’t dare say it out loud. If he did, he’d probably get a beating right here in the Imperial Palace. After all, it really was a very offensive thought.

Although Prime Minister Cao had his suspicions, he saw that Shen Bai was changing the subject and didn’t press the matter. Instead, he looked Shen Bai up and down and said, "You’re much calmer and gentler than the rumors in the Jianghu suggest. Not nearly as cruel and violent as they say."

Upon hearing this, Shen Bai felt a wave of exasperation.

’Good heavens,’ he thought. ’I have no idea what they’re even saying about me in the Jianghu anymore.’

’First, the Saint Martial Emperor of the Great Zhou Country said I was unpredictable, and now Prime Minister Cao is calling me cruel and violent.’

’I consider myself to be anything but a cruel person; in fact, I can be quite gentle and easygoing at times.’

Shen Bai could only say helplessly, "Prime Minister, rumors in the Jianghu have always been half-truths. Most of the time, you can’t believe them."

Prime Minister Cao nodded. "I’m naturally aware of that. I was merely using the rumors from the Jianghu to form an image of you in my mind. The reality, I find, is quite different."

Shen Bai narrowed his eyes and asked, "And is this difference for the better or for the worse?"

’I can’t figure out why Prime Minister Cao sought me out, but from the looks of it, it seems to be for an important matter.’

’He couldn’t have come all this way just to see me.’

Prime Minister Cao nodded. "For the better, of course. If you were a cruel and violent person, I would not have come to meet with you."

"Enough idle talk. Let’s get to the heart of the matter."

Shen Bai didn’t reply, instead waiting patiently for Prime Minister Cao to continue.

Prime Minister Cao tucked his hands into his sleeves, clasped them behind his back, and began to pace slowly.

His every step was filled with a scholarly air.

Even a simple gesture like raising a hand or taking a step, in Shen Bai’s eyes, was full of refined elegance.

The Prime Minister organized his thoughts. After nearly the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he finally turned back and said calmly, "I’d like you to do me a favor. You’re entering the Celestial Pride Hall this time, are you not?"

Shen Bai nodded. "That’s right, I am entering the Celestial Pride Hall. I wonder what favor you require of me, Lord Prime Minister? As long as it is within my power, I will certainly do my utmost to accomplish it."

’It doesn’t matter yet whether I can actually do it. The important thing is to say the right pleasantries first. If I can’t even get the polite words out, the rest of this conversation will be very awkward.’

Shen Bai had already made up his mind: once Prime Minister Cao stated his request, if it was something he could do conveniently, he would agree to it.

If he really couldn’t do it, he would just say he didn’t have the time or the ability.

The main thing was to avoid getting saddled with anything troublesome.

Prime Minister Cao thought for a moment, then said, "Inside the Celestial Pride Hall, there is an item called the Ten Thousand Ancient Books. That book is extremely important to Scholars. So, if you happen to find it, I would like you to bring it out for me. I will provide a corresponding reward."

"This is just a personal request of mine. It has nothing to do with His Majesty’s plans."

Hearing this, Shen Bai stroked his chin. "What does this Ten Thousand Ancient Books look like?"

’If it’s just a matter of casually bringing an item out, it shouldn’t be a problem,’ Shen Bai thought. ’After all, it’s just something to do on the side.’