Free Web NovelChapter 389: Chapter 160: Blood Sword Dance Level 6
The street was wide, but since the Observatory occupied it, few common folk passed this way. freewebnøvel.com
The carriage came to a smooth stop before the gates of the Observatory.
Leaves drifted down on the wind, swirling across the ground before the carriage.
All eyes were fixed on the carriage, filled with such anticipation and excitement it was as if they were trying to see right through it.
Under the crowd’s expectant gaze, Shen Bai lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down via the small stool the driver had placed, his foot landing squarely on the fallen leaves with a CRUNCH.
"Everyone, I’m back."
Though just a few simple words, they caused the crowd to erupt in thunderous cheers.
Applause rolled through the crowd as the members of the Observatory clapped nonstop, their faces flushed with excitement.
He was the pride of Fenglin State, their Observatory’s very own Lord Shen.
He was also the most breathtakingly talented person in all of Fenglin State, known throughout the Jianghu as the Eight Extremes Young Master.
During this internal examination, Shen Bai had made a spectacular showing, building a reputation for Fenglin State and making every member of the Observatory swell with pride.
When they went about their duties outside, they felt they could hold their heads a little higher.
Among all the State-level Cities, Fenglin State could only be considered lower-middle tier in both prosperity and strength. But this time, upon seeing them, even those from the upper-class State-level Cities had to mutter that it was a place of outstanding people and a blessed Earth Spirit.
The Earth Spirit arose because of the outstanding person, and that outstanding person was Shen Bai.
This was the first time Shen Bai had ever received such an enthusiastic welcome, but fortunately, he was quite adaptable. After dismissing the driver, he walked over to Liu Wufeng and cupped his hands. "Lord Liu, I have fulfilled my duty. Elder Mu, I’m pleased to report that Cold Moon and I have both made a name for ourselves in the Jianghu. Landlord Long, it’s been a while. You’re looking more captivating than ever."
Shen Bai made sure to greet everyone, each compliment perfectly tailored. This was the art of navigating social intricacies.
Liu Wufeng cared about the examination rankings, Elder Mu about Shen Bai’s prodigious talent, and Long Yan about her own beauty.
His words landed perfectly, leaving all three of them immensely pleased.
Long Yan covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes sweeping over Shen Bai with a playful glint. "Lord Shen, it seems this examination didn’t just improve your strength. You’ve gotten quite the silver tongue as well."
Shen Bai laughed. "I’m only speaking the truth. It’s only natural for my words to be sweet."
Elder Mu sighed with emotion. "These days, I doubt I could even last a single strike against you. Truly, the new generation surpasses the old. Seeing you reach this level, I can finally rest easy."
Shen Bai took the Sword Token from his robes, the one Elder Mu had given him. "I’ve kept what you gave me, Elder Mu. Though I have no use for it now, it will serve as a memento of you when I travel the Jianghu in the future."
Liu Wufeng glanced at the lingering crowd and clapped his hands. "What are you all still doing, crowding around here? The Observatory is a busy place. Get back to your duties."
"Shen Bai has had a long and arduous journey. Let him get some proper rest."
Many of the Observatory members had been eager for a chance to greet Shen Bai and become a familiar face to him. That way, in the future, when they were surrounded by their own children and grandchildren, they could boast about how they had once met such an important figure.
But Liu Wufeng’s admonishment instantly quelled their excitement, and they scurried away with their tails between their legs.
They had no choice. In the Observatory, following orders was the top priority.
Once the crowd had dispersed, the space felt considerably more open.
Shen Bai asked, "How come I don’t see Huang Guang and Kong Fang?"
He had carried out missions with them when he first arrived at the Observatory, but now they were nowhere in sight.
Liu Wufeng explained, "The two of them have been temporarily reassigned elsewhere. It will be quite some time before they return."
Such reassignments were a common practice among the various branches of the Observatory.
When a branch was short-handed, they would naturally borrow personnel from a neighboring city to serve as reinforcements.
"You must be exhausted from your journey," Liu Wufeng said. "I’ve already had a banquet prepared on the second floor. Come on, let’s go inside for a feast to wash away your fatigue."
Shen Bai nodded.
He had been subsisting on dry rations for the whole trip. Too eager to get back, he hadn’t lingered at any of the post stations, so he was indeed craving a decent meal.
With that, the group entered the Observatory and headed for Liu Wufeng’s two-story building. freewёbnoνel.com
Along the way, Elder Mu returned to the resource department, and Long Yan went back to her duties in the records room.
Only Shen Bai and Liu Wufeng continued on to the office.
Inside the room, a round table had been set, laden with an array of dishes and fine wine.
"I had it catered by the finest restaurant in Fenglin State. Given the weather, it should still be warm."
Liu Wufeng sat down and gestured for Shen Bai to join him. "Have a seat. Tell me about the internal examination."
Shen Bai nodded, sat down, and helped himself to a few bites of food.
’It really is the best restaurant in Fenglin State,’ he thought. The spread was perfectly to his taste.
Liu Wufeng knew Shen Bai was weary from his journey, so he didn’t interrupt. Only after Shen Bai had eaten enough to take the edge off his hunger did he pour him a bowl of wine.
They touched their bowls together and downed the wine in one gulp.
Shen Bai smacked his lips, wiped the corner of his mouth with his sleeve, and set the bowl aside. Only then did he begin to recount the events of the internal examination in detail.
Though rumors had already spread throughout the Jianghu, they only painted a vague picture. No one knew the specific details.
Liu Wufeng listened to Shen Bai’s brief explanation, but his heart was in turmoil.
Shen Bai’s retelling was calm and understated, but one only had to imagine the events to feel the immense danger he had faced.
"Wang Tianxing truly is a once-in-a-generation genius from Xinhua Academy," Liu Wufeng sighed. "If it hadn’t been for you, I fear no one could have unraveled his scheme."
