I Can Extract Divine Power

Chapter 184 - 116: Eve of the Prefecture Celebration

As far as Liu Wufeng was concerned, once the assignments were made, everything would be taken care of.

No one raised any objections. Soon after, the four divisions left in waves, heading for the Fenglin State Government Office.

After all, the Government Office was taking the lead this time. The Observatory was simply there to provide support.

Therefore, the Government Office would be the one making the arrangements.

Before long, half of the Observatory’s personnel were gone.

...

The Fenglin State Government Office, responsible for managing the livelihoods of all the people in the state, held a position of great importance.

At this moment, the area outside the Government Office was already packed with a dense crowd of constables and Chief Constables. A single glance revealed there were over a thousand of them.

They weren’t just from Fenglin State; many had been transferred from surrounding counties, all to maintain order within the state.

At the very front stood a middle-aged man in official robes. With his hands clasped behind his back, he surveyed his surroundings, exuding an air of scholarly refinement.

Liu State Governor was the head of Fenglin State, responsible for the people’s livelihoods and governing countless counties. He held a position of immense power and authority.

Years ago, Liu State Governor had risen from a humble Scholar to his current position, making him a role model for many from modest backgrounds.

The Liu State Governor was now waiting patiently, his gaze fixed on the far end of the street.

After a wait of about fifteen minutes, a group of people appeared at the end of the street, rapidly approaching.

Each person wore black official robes, with Tokens hanging from their waists, swaying with every step.

The leader of the Jia Division, a man named Ye Feng, walked to the front of the group. He came to a stop before the constables and bowed with cupped hands toward the Liu State Governor.

"Jia Shou Ye Feng, reporting to Lord Liu. All personnel from the Observatory have arrived. We await your orders, Lord Liu."

The Liu State Governor stroked his beard and nodded. "We have many constables. How about we assign them in a three-to-one ratio with your Observatory members?"

Ye Feng had no objection. "We will follow Lord Liu’s arrangements completely. We are only here to provide support."

Without wasting any more words, the Liu State Governor waved his hand.

Shortly after, the thousand-odd constables began to disperse, integrating into the ranks of the Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding Divisions.

In an instant, the four divisions seemed to swell in number.

Shen Bai watched as the men joined the Ding Division. He said nothing, only gently stroking Amber.

Once the ranks were more or less filled, the Liu State Governor didn’t issue his next command. Instead, he turned to look in Shen Bai’s direction.

Everyone else noticed the State Governor’s gaze and wondered what was happening.

Shen Bai asked, puzzled, "Is there something you need, Lord Liu?"

The Liu State Governor smiled. "I just wanted to get a look at you, the renowned young talent of Fenglin State."

Shen Bai rubbed his chin. "It’s just an empty title. A man of your status, Lord Liu, has no need to pay mind to such things."

’This man is a heavyweight on the same level as Liu Wufeng, one of the ultimate symbols of power in Fenglin State.’

So Shen Bai was speaking honestly.

The Liu State Governor shook his head. "I’m just like you. I also rose from the bottom. Back when I was a Scholar, I often couldn’t even afford to eat. That’s why I admire you. Keep up the good work. If you ever need my help with anything in Fenglin State, you can come to me at any time."

"There are some things Lord Liu can’t do that I can."

As soon as he said this, the way everyone looked at Shen Bai changed.

The significance of that statement, especially spoken in front of everyone, was immense.

It was tantamount to a promise from the Liu State Governor.

Imagine it—a promise from the most powerful man in Fenglin State. This meant that with his backing, Shen Bai could do almost anything he wanted in Fenglin State.

Shen Bai cupped his hands. "Thank you for your high regard, Lord Liu. When I have the time, I will certainly visit the Government Office for a long talk over drinks."

The Liu State Governor laughed heartily. "Of course! My Government Office is always open to you."

That’s just how it was. When someone had potential, great strength, and a decisive, genuine personality, powerful figures like him had the foresight to build a good relationship with them.

After that, the Liu State Governor said no more. The mission, after all, was urgent.

Shen Bai then led the members of the Ding Division to their assigned streets.

This time, Shen Bai was assigned to guard the most bustling street. After all, with the largest crowds, it was also the most likely place for trouble to erupt.

The entire morning passed by in a state of watchful waiting.

As time passed, the citizens began to adorn their homes with festive red decorations, preparing to welcome Fenglin State’s great annual celebration.

The fervent atmosphere only began to die down as night fell.

...

Huang Erniu was a commoner in Fenglin State who scraped by doing odd jobs for others.

It was now the most festive day of the year in Fenglin State, but for Huang Erniu, it was anything but.

Everyone else was celebrating, but he alone felt a bitter sting in his heart.

While working odd jobs at an apothecary, he had once heard that there is only one true illness in this world: poverty.

For him, this was the absolute truth.

His two children, dressed in tattered clothes, were fast asleep on the bed.

Huang Erniu turned his head to look at the ancestral tablets enshrined on a small table, and his anger flared.

’Other people’s children eat meat on any given day, but I can’t even afford it for mine during the festival.’

’I can’t even buy my kids a little treat during the state celebration. What kind of father am I?’

Huang Erniu walked up to the ancestral tablets. Staring at the yellowed, shriveled fruit offerings, the rage in his heart swelled.

He snatched up a tablet, slammed it to the ground, and stomped on it viciously.

"I have no money, yet I still have to worship you! It’s nothing but misery! What gives you the right?"

A faint, resentful energy began to emanate from Huang Erniu.

The emanating resentment flowed and converged into his shadow.