I Can Extract Divine Power

Chapter 183 - 116: Eve of the Prefecture Celebration

"Disappear on their own?"

Shen Bai frowned. "This is the first I’m hearing of it."

"A wraith born of resentment will naturally disappear after it has killed a certain number of people," Long Yan said slowly. "We’re about to get very busy. The Shadow-Dressing Wraiths are going to break out on a massive scale. Any commoner experiencing hardship could give rise to one. On top of that, the Fenglin State celebration is coming up soon. Things are looking complicated."

The state celebration was Fenglin State’s grand annual festival. No matter how complex the situation became, it had to proceed.

After all, if Fenglin State were to ever cancel the celebration, its people would surely fall into a panic.

Shen Bai stroked Amber’s head. "Looks like we’ve just finished with the Upper Evil Sect, and now new trouble is here."

With that, Shen Bai turned to take his leave from Long Yan.

He understood the situation. He would act once the mission was officially assigned.

For now, he was going to the Martial Arts Arena to continue grinding his Skill Levels.

「 」

After leaving the registration room, Shen Bai first went to chat with Elder Mu for a bit over a cup of tea. He then returned to the Ding Twenty-Third Division to speak with Huang Guang and the others before heading to the Martial Arts Arena alone to grind the Skill Level for his Divine Hundred Miles.

Because his Evil Qi had not yet undergone a qualitative transformation, his Casting Technique remained at Level 2.

But Shen Bai wasn’t worried in the slightest. He had plenty of Divine Powers, and the amount of grinding required for all their Skill Levels was already mind-numbing.

He spent the entire morning grinding.

It wasn’t until noon that Shen Bai finally left the Observatory to get a meal on the streets outside.

In the shops along the street, many commoners were gathered, excitedly discussing the upcoming state celebration.

They knew nothing of the Shadow-Dressing Wraiths, and so they remained immersed in their festive joy.

Watching the smiles on their faces, Shen Bai gently shook his head as a saying came to mind.

’The apparent peace is only maintained by those who cut a path through the thorns. The towering waves of disaster are simply being held back by someone else.’

「 」

After his meal, with nothing else of note occurring, Shen Bai returned to the Observatory, carrying Amber and holding Cold Moon.

He didn’t expect that just as he got back, he would see Huang Guang and Kong Fang searching frantically around the courtyard, as if looking for someone.

Shen Bai considered for a moment, then walked over. "What are you two looking for?"

Startled by his voice, Huang Guang jumped. Upon seeing Shen Bai, he rushed forward. "Lord Shen, a mission has come in."

Having just eaten his fill, Shen Bai was slightly taken aback. "What mission? Tell me. Is it for our division?"

But the moment he asked, Huang Guang shook his head.

"It’s related to the state celebration."

’The state celebration?’

Shen Bai stroked his chin. "Aren’t those missions always coordinated by the Fenglin State Governor? The Observatory doesn’t get involved with that sort of thing."

The State Governor was another official position in Fenglin State, much like the County Magistrate of the former Shengyun County. The division of authority was very distinct.

The State Governor managed the livelihood and major civic affairs of Fenglin State.

This position was one of the most powerful in Fenglin State, almost on par with State Governor Liu Wufeng. Even the Observatory typically had no jurisdiction over them, except during official inspections.

Normally, the state celebration was managed by the Fenglin State Government Office. Whether it was maintaining order or handling other matters, the Government Office had its own constables and Chief Constables. For such a mission to land on the Observatory’s shoulders made Shen Bai deeply suspicious.

Kong Fang, who had a more lively disposition, sidled up and said conspiratorially, "I heard it’s because of the Shadow-Dressing Wraiths. With the state celebration and this whole wraith business happening at the same time, they have to cooperate with the Observatory."

Upon hearing this, Shen Bai finally understood.

"If that’s true, then cooperation is indeed necessary."

After all, the state celebration wasn’t just an important annual festival for Fenglin State; it was also a prime opportunity to reassure the public. If something went wrong, not only would they fail to placate the people, but a massive hidden threat could emerge.

Just as they were speaking, Liu Wufeng emerged from the two-story building.

Simultaneously, members of the Observatory began to file out into the vast, open courtyard one by one.

Members from all four divisions—Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding—gathered. At least half of them were assembled in the courtyard.

Even when coordinating with the Government Office, the Observatory always kept half its personnel in reserve. Leaving their headquarters undefended could invite other troubles.

Liu Wufeng walked out with a stern expression, holding four maps.

"Leaders of each division, step forward and receive your assignments."

At his command, the leaders of the Jia, Yi, and Bing divisions stepped out. Everyone from the Ding Division fixed their gazes on Shen Bai.

The current Ding Shou was Shen Bai, so it was his duty to step forward and accept the mission.

Shen Bai stopped speaking with Huang Guang and Kong Fang. He walked out from the crowd, came before Liu Wufeng, and took one of the maps.

Liu Wufeng clasped his hands behind his back and spoke slowly. "Most of you are already aware of this mission. The Shadow-Dressing Wraiths are no small matter. While each individual wraith is weak, they are likely to erupt on a massive scale. It is imperative that you treat this with extreme caution."

"I have divided Fenglin State into four sectors. You will coordinate with the personnel from the Government Office, and each division will guard one sector. If there is nothing else, head to the Fenglin State Government Office at once."

Shen Bai returned to the Ding Division’s area and unfolded the map. "Ten streets. That’s quite a large assignment."

The Ding Division had a good number of members, and they would be responsible for securing all ten streets.