In the quiet Observatory courtyard, Liu Wufeng was not the only one lingering. A number of Observatory members had gathered to watch the events unfold, their faces full of curiosity.

In a corner of the Observatory courtyard, a willow tree swayed in the wind, occasionally shedding a leaf. In the deep autumn season, it added a touch of desolate solemnity.

Qian Wu stood in the courtyard, hands at his sides, back straight, and gaze fixed forward. "Lord Shen, I have a few questions that I need you to answer for me."

Qian Wu’s voice was calm, yet it held no trace of arrogance. Instead, he addressed Shen Bai as an equal.

Even as a prominent figure in the Xuanjing City Observatory and a trusted confidant of the Yin General Department, Qian Wu’s attitude toward Shen Bai was completely different from how he treated Liu Wufeng.

He addressed Shen Bai as an equal—something truly rare and commendable for a genuine top-tier expert.

If word of this were to get out, many of the higher-ups in the Observatory would likely be shocked beyond belief.

Although Shen Bai could now achieve Overcoming Adversity and Attacking Upward and was known in the Jianghu as one of the Eight Extremes Young Masters, he still had a long way to go before he could be considered Qian Wu’s equal.

"What is your question, Lord Qian? If I am able to answer, I will certainly do so," Shen Bai said, leaning against the door with his arms crossed.

While Qian Wu had been speaking with Liu Wufeng, Shen Bai had already figured out the man’s identity. He also knew Qian Wu was here to deliver his reward for the internal examination.

However, Shen Bai hadn’t expected such a major figure to arrive personally.

The fact that Qian Wu, a long-time resident of Xuanjing City, had personally traveled to Fenglin State must have already caused a stir in the Jianghu.

He just didn’t know if the news had actually leaked out or not.

But what made Shen Bai more curious was what questions Qian Wu actually needed him to answer.

After Shen Bai posed his question, Qian Wu nodded slightly and then spoke slowly. "Lord Shen, can you truly achieve Overcoming Adversity and Attacking Upward?"

Shen Bai nodded. "I can."

’It’s not a secret anymore, so there’s no need to hide it,’ he thought. ’After all, plenty of people in the Jianghu already know. Whether they believe it or not is their own business.’

Qian Wu nodded slightly. "If Lord Shen says so, then it must be true," he said slowly. "Now for my second question: what is your assessment of the current situation?"

’The situation?’

Shen Bai stroked his chin, falling into deep thought.

Standing nearby, Liu Wufeng broke into a cold sweat upon hearing the question.

The question seemed simple, but how one answered it was a critical test.

The current situation in the Great Zhou Country was one of turmoil and instability.

If Shen Bai replied that all was peaceful, it would sound disingenuous.

But if he replied that there was turmoil, there was no telling what questions might follow.

Liu Wufeng didn’t know Qian Wu’s true purpose, but he knew he couldn’t speak up to help Shen Bai now, as interfering could easily backfire.

Although Liu Wufeng had risen through the ranks of the Jianghu, after so many years as a State Governor, he understood many things with great clarity.

Elder Mu also emerged from the resource room. He strolled leisurely over to Qian Wu and cupped his hands in a salute. "Lord Qian, asking a junior such a question is perhaps a bit inappropriate."

Qian Wu shifted his gaze to Elder Mu and shook his head. "Mu Jianlin, by age, I am your senior. By rank, I am also above you. Your teacher and I are the closest of friends, and you know my character well. I will not make things difficult for Shen Bai. These are questions I genuinely wish to have answered. There are not as many traps as you imagine."

At these words, Liu Wufeng actually let out a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

From what he knew of Qian Wu, though the man was a confidant of the Yin General Department, he was also remarkably straightforward.

If he said there were no traps, then there were truly no traps.

Elder Mu frowned, then lowered his hands and walked to Shen Bai’s side, preparing to speak.

His teacher was a Landlord in a Capital City, a naturally noble status. With such a powerful backer, the exchange between Elder Mu and Qian Wu was actually more relaxed than one would expect.

Although Qian Wu was the senior in rank, Elder Mu appeared to be older. However, for Cultivators, appearance does not necessarily change much with age.

Take Qian Wu, for example. Though he currently had the appearance of a middle-aged man, he could have chosen to lock in a youthful appearance long ago if he had so wished.

But some people had their preferences; after reaching a certain age, they might feel their appearance no longer matched their disposition and thus let nature take its course.

It was common knowledge in the Jianghu that one never judged a person’s age by their looks.

Just as Elder Mu was about to speak, Shen Bai shook his head and smiled.

"There’s no need. I already have an answer."

When he said this, everyone present turned to look at him. This was especially true for Qian Wu, whose calm eyes now held a glimmer of curiosity.

Shen Bai spoke slowly. "The dynasty is in turmoil. That is the current situation, and it is the trend everyone under heaven believes to be true. However, in my opinion, there is another possibility."

Qian Wu’s brow furrowed slightly. "And what possibility is that?"

Shen Bai considered for a moment before speaking. "His Majesty is a hero who fought his way up through an era of war. It’s impossible that he hasn’t taken note of the current turmoil. Even if he is plagued by a chronic illness, I believe His Majesty still has a way to resolve the situation."