"I think I understand!"

Daoist Chongling’s voice broke the silence in the quiet room.

Daoist Chongling struck his left fist into his right palm, a look of sudden realization on his face.

Shen Bai picked up the teapot from the side and took a sip. He didn’t respond, waiting for Daoist Chongling to continue.

Once Daoist Chongling’s initial excitement passed and he had calmed down, he finally looked at Shen Bai.

"Lord Shen, if I’m not mistaken, the so-called Mirror World must have another meaning."

A sharp glint appeared in Daoist Chongling’s eyes, and his tone became incredibly excited. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Shen Bai said, "Please, Daoist, go on."

Daoist Chongling took a deep breath. "When the Temple Master was alive, his favorite pastime was fishing on the back mountain of the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple."

"There’s a lake on the back mountain that belongs to the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple. The Copper Mirror is related to water, and as you said, Lord Shen, the only thing related to water at the temple is that very lake on the back mountain."

"If that’s the case, then it’s highly likely."

Shen Bai stroked his chin. "But you previously said there was a world inside the mirror."

He remembered that just yesterday, Daoist Chongling had mentioned the clue was likely the mirror and that there was a world inside it.

But now he was saying it was the lake on the back mountain. There were many things that didn’t add up.

Daoist Chongling nodded. "That’s right. As you pointed out, Lord Shen, there are indeed many inconsistencies."

"But I was just thinking... perhaps the Temple Master’s words were a metaphor, meant to mislead those with ulterior motives."

"For example, if the Temple Master said the secret was the world inside the Copper Mirror, people would focus on trying to unlock the mirror’s interior."

"No one would ever guess that the Copper Mirror’s power is related to water, that the water is the lake, and that ’another world’ might refer to a hidden realm underwater."

As he spoke, Daoist Chongling became more and more convinced his theory was correct, unable to contain his growing excitement.

Even with his usual composure, he was finding it difficult to control himself at this moment.

After all, this was the only possible way to unravel the secrets of the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple.

Shen Bai pondered for a moment. "If it’s as you say, Daoist, then it might just be possible."

Looking at it from another angle, Daoist Chongling’s theory was sound.

The Temple Master’s misdirection was actually to ward off those with ill intentions, especially since the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple was at the peak of its influence back then.

Decline invites misfortune.

Misdirection, on the other hand, would give the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple a fighting chance.

Daoist Chongling’s expression suddenly turned incredibly solemn.

He faced Shen Bai and performed a Daoist Sect salute, clasping his hands. "Lord Shen, I’m afraid I will have to trouble you for this journey."

Shen Bai understood Daoist Chongling’s meaning and nodded. "Rest assured, Daoist. Since I’ve already agreed, there’s no possibility of me going back on my word. However, regarding the trip to the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple, I still need to inform my superiors."

He was a Ding Shou of the Observatory, so naturally, he had to report such matters, especially to Liu Wufeng.

In truth, Shen Bai was also very curious about what secret the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple’s lake held.

The Copper Mirror could grant him a new Divine Power. If by some chance the lake also contained a new Deceitful Object, then this trip would not be a waste for Shen Bai.

Besides, Shen Bai was a man of principle. Since he had already agreed, there was no harm in giving it a try.

Daoist Chongling clasped his hands in salute again. "In that case, my deepest thanks, Lord Shen. From this day forward, you will be an eternal friend of the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple."

To gain the approval of the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple in Fenglin State was an extremely rare honor.

If the people of the Jianghu knew of this, they would surely hold Shen Bai in even greater awe.

For in a short period, Shen Bai’s status had undergone a massive transformation.

From a mere martial artist from Shengyun County, he had become a new magnate in all of Fenglin State.

Shen Bai nodded. "The Observatory still has many important matters to attend to, so I can’t stay long. I’ll also speak with Lord Liu when I get back."

Daoist Chongling agreed.

Shen Bai didn’t linger and left the Yuelai Inn directly.

...

After leaving the Yuelai Inn, Shen Bai headed toward the Observatory.

Because of their long conversation, it was already Noon.

Shen Bai grabbed lunch at an outdoor stall before continuing on to the Observatory.

Inside the Observatory.

Everyone was still bustling about.

At every moment, new missions would arrive at the Observatory.

Aside from a select few, most of the members were in a constant state of busyness.

Shen Bai walked on without stopping, passing under the awed gazes of the Observatory members until he reached the two-story building.

The two-story building was the same as always, with few people around.

Liu Wufeng’s door was open, and he was inside, poring over documents at his desk.

As if hearing Shen Bai’s footsteps, Liu Wufeng looked up and glanced at him.

There was no surprise in his eyes, as if he had expected Shen Bai to arrive.

"Have a seat." Liu Wufeng gestured to a nearby chair.

Shen Bai didn’t stand on ceremony. He sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and asked, "Lord Liu, has the Ding Division had any large-scale missions lately?"

As the Ding Shou, Shen Bai also had his own missions on a regular basis.

Especially when there were large-scale missions, he was expected to lead the entire Ding Division.

This trip might take him away for some time, which was why Shen Bai asked.

Liu Wufeng put down the document in his hand and smiled. "You’re planning to go to the Celestial Purity Daoist Temple to resolve Daoist Chongling’s matter, correct?"

Seeing that Liu Wufeng was already aware of the situation, Shen Bai wasn’t surprised. He nodded. "That’s right."

This wasn’t Liu Wufeng spying on him, but rather the result of the Observatory’s daily intelligence summaries.