I Can Extract Divine Power-Chapter 82: Qin Shuang’s Invitation

An angry voice echoed through the room.

The Dark Venerable Envoy strolled leisurely over to Magistrate Li. She extended a pale finger, lifted his chin, and giggled. "Don’t be angry, Lord Li. I actually know everything already."

"Before Zhang Chun died, he sent a message to the Upper Evil Sect. We came to deal with these matters. But... does Lord Li really want to kill that State Official from the Observatory?"

Magistrate Li took two steps back and frowned. "Don’t use those frivolous tricks on me. I know full well who I want dead."

The Dark Venerable Envoy retracted her hand. "Killing Shen Bai is one thing, but if you kill someone from the Observatory, do you think you can get away, Lord Li?"

Magistrate Li looked up. "I hear the Light Venerable Envoy came this time as well."

The seductive look on the Dark Venerable Envoy’s face vanished completely. "What do you mean?"

"If I kill an Observatory official, the Observatory will definitely investigate. But what if I capture the culprit?"

Magistrate Li paced slowly, his hands clasped behind his back.

The Dark Venerable Envoy shook her head. "Just catching a few small fry won’t be enough."

"What about capturing the Light Venerable Envoy?" Magistrate Li continued. "I hear you and the Light Venerable Envoy have never gotten along in the Upper Evil Sect. If that’s the case, why not help me achieve my goals? It would also help you get rid of a rival within your sect."

"Killing an Observatory official is no small matter, but capturing a Venerable Envoy from the Upper Evil Sect might just be enough to weather the storm."

The Dark Venerable Envoy fell into contemplation. "This is a risky move. Are you sure about this, Lord Li?"

Her words implied that if Magistrate Li was truly determined, she might be willing to help.

Magistrate Li shook his head. "Qin Shuang is already investigating me. If she finds anything, I’m a dead man either way. Why not take the chance?"

"I’m just wondering what method you’ll use to kill those two. I’ve been gathering information on Shen Bai recently and found that many people from your Upper Evil Sect have fallen at his hands. He’s very strong. I’m afraid you won’t be able to handle him."

"We gathered plenty of information before coming." The Dark Venerable Envoy found a place to sit, crossing her long, slender legs. "Shen Bai’s sudden rise, his explosive growth in strength—we know all about it. We have a foolproof plan to eliminate him."

"What kind of plan?" Magistrate Li asked.

The Dark Venerable Envoy shook her head. "I can’t reveal that, of course. But rest assured, Lord Li, Shen Bai won’t be alive for much longer."

"But before that, we need you to do us a favor, Lord Li."

Magistrate Li asked, "What do you want my help with?"

The Dark Venerable Envoy stood up, her long legs hidden by her black robes. "Soon, a large group of unfamiliar commoners will enter Shengyun County. They’ll be selling some vegetables brought in from out of town. We hope you’ll be... accommodating, Lord Li."

Magistrate Li’s brow furrowed. "What exactly are you planning?"

"You don’t need to worry about that," the Dark Venerable Envoy said with a shake of her head. "You only need to know that this is the best way to kill Shen Bai."

Magistrate Li sank into thought, and the room fell silent.

The Dark Venerable Envoy said nothing more, waiting for his answer.

After a moment, Magistrate Li looked up.

"Fine. I’ll help you. Killing those two won’t just be revenge—it will also secure me a promotion. That’s what’s most important."

"Then we’ll be counting on you, Lord Li." The Dark Venerable Envoy turned and quickly vanished into the shadows.

Watching her disappear, Magistrate Li wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. ’The Dark Venerable Envoy specializes in assassination,’ he thought. ’That Shadow Technique is truly formidable. If she didn’t want to be seen, even I would have a hard time finding her.’

He glanced at the mess behind him, a cold light in his eyes. "Shen Bai, you’re as good as dead. And you, Qin Shuang—you dare to investigate me? You’ll die too."

...

「The next day.」

As the first rays of morning sun shone in, the world began to stir.

Shen Bai stood in the courtyard and let out a long breath.

Before his eyes, a line of smoke materialized, gradually coalescing into text.

[Mystic Heart Spell +300]

Another 300 Skill Level points acquired.

After returning, Shen Bai had chatted with Qin Shuang for a while before starting to grind the Skill Level for his Mystic Heart Spell.

Qin Shuang, meanwhile, had left on her own, saying she was going to gather clues.

Shen Bai didn’t know the details of the Observatory’s business. He only knew that Qin Shuang had confidently guaranteed she would get Zhou Qing released today.

By now, it was daytime, and Shen Bai was feeling a bit hungry again.

After taking a Qi Blood Medicine, Shen Bai stretched, decided not to continue grinding, and went out alone.

Outside, the same bustling scenes greeted him.

The streets, brimming with worldly energy, made the whole of Shengyun County feel like a living city.

Shen Bai ate breakfast at his usual stall before heading back to his house.

The entire trip was uneventful; nothing strange happened.

Back home, Shen Bai kept the pawnshop closed as usual, planning to continue grinding his Mystic Heart Spell’s Skill Level.

This was the life of a Gan Di—relentless daily grinding in exchange for massive Skill Level gains, which brought a deep sense of accomplishment.

But just as Shen Bai was about to start grinding, the pawnshop door was pushed open from the outside.

Qin Shuang, dressed in black, walked in.

Behind her were Zhou Qing and Xiaoxue.

"All taken care of?" Shen Bai asked, pouring a few cups of tea.

Qin Shuang nodded. "With the Observatory’s intelligence, it was easy to resolve."

Although he had been through the ordeal of imprisonment, Zhou Qing wasn’t physically harmed. But at this moment, holding Xiaoxue’s hand, his spirits were low.

Shen Bai sighed, walked over, and patted Zhou Qing’s shoulder without a word.

Even Shen Bai felt saddened by what had happened to Granny Zhang.

But people have to move forward; they can’t wallow in grief.

He didn’t know how to console him, so he could only wait for his brother to find his own way through it.

Shen Bai then crouched down and gently pinched Xiaoxue’s cheek.

Xiaoxue was also in low spirits. She kept her head down, refusing to speak. Only when Shen Bai crouched down did she reach out with her one and only left arm, wrap it around his neck, and begin to sob. "SOB... SOB..."

Shen Bai patted her shoulder and comforted her in a soft voice. After a good while, Xiaoxue finally started to calm down.

Qin Shuang lowered her gaze. "Shen Bai, have Zhou Qing take Xiaoxue outside for a moment. There’s something I need to talk to you about."

Shen Bai nodded and gave Zhou Qing a meaningful look.

Zhou Qing immediately led Xiaoxue into the adjacent room.

Only after they had left did Qin Shuang speak.

"I’ve contacted a family. They will arrive in Shengyun County shortly to take Xiaoxue in and care for her."

"Xiaoxue won’t have to live such a hard life anymore."

She was an extremely considerate person; she hadn’t said anything while Xiaoxue was present for fear of hurting the child’s feelings.

Shen Bai stood up. "Given Xiaoxue’s background, someone is willing to adopt her?"

Qin Shuang nodded. "The family adopting her were once outcasts themselves. They joined the Observatory by chance, which cleansed their status. The husband was severely injured during a battle with a Deceitful Object and retired with a chronic condition. He feels a kinship with Xiaoxue, so there’s no issue."

"Besides, he’s one of the Observatory’s own. I can guarantee you that Xiaoxue will live a life free of worries."

Shen Bai nodded. "In that case, that’s for the best, of course."

Granny Zhang was already dead, leaving only Xiaoxue behind. Shen Bai naturally hoped that Xiaoxue could live without worrying about food or clothing and feel more warmth in her life.

As for keeping her with them, it was impossible. It wasn’t that Shen Bai was heartless, but because neither he nor Zhou Qing were ordinary people. The things they faced were not something a normal person should ever encounter.

Xiaoxue was just a child. Staying with them would be the real danger.

After getting Shen Bai’s approval, Qin Shuang went into the room where Zhou Qing was.

About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Xiaoxue came out, followed by Qin Shuang and Zhou Qing.

"Brother Shen, thank you."

Although Xiaoxue was young, she was a sensible child.

She didn’t refuse when someone offered to adopt her; she was just sad.

Reality was harsh. For a child from a difficult background, finding a stable family was the greatest happiness imaginable.

Shen Bai turned his head. "Remember what you promised me. Xiaoxue won’t be bullied again."

Qin Shuang nodded. "If she is, you can come to me at any time."

Shen Bai said, "I owe you one for this. I’ll repay you if I get the chance."

Zhou Qing took Xiaoxue’s hand. "Lao Shen, I’ll take Xiaoxue to meet the family and wait over there. You two go ahead and talk if you have things to discuss."

Qin Shuang had just told them the specific person and location. Zhou Qing felt that staying here would only prolong Xiaoxue’s sadness, so he was ready to leave with her.

Shen Bai agreed. After watching Zhou Qing and Xiaoxue leave, he turned his gaze back to Qin Shuang. "How is your plan coming along?"

"I pretended to go out and investigate today, but the target is holding back."

Qin Shuang sat in a chair, picked up the tea on the table, and took a delicate sip with her red lips.

Shen Bai said, "He is the County Magistrate, after all. He’s bound to have some patience. You’re the angler, and if you want to catch this big fish, it’s going to take some effort."

"Maybe if you leak some of the clues you’ve ’found,’ he’ll be more likely to take the bait."

Qin Shuang nodded. "I’ve already spread more information, saying I’ve found useful clues and am digging deeper. I think he’ll bite."

Shen Bai got up and started toward the back courtyard. "Let me know if there’s any news. If I can help, I will. After all, this Magistrate Li is no saint."

Since he was waiting, he planned to continue grinding his Mystic Heart Spell’s Skill Level.

Qin Shuang had long been aware of Shen Bai’s routine, but just as he was about to leave, she reached out a small, pale hand and grabbed his arm.

Shen Bai turned his head, confused. "Is there news?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Qin Shuang glanced left and right, looking mysterious. "Didn’t you say before that you wanted to know why I’m helping you so much?"

Shen Bai was puzzled. "Didn’t you say you’d tell me after this whole thing was over?"

Qin Shuang shook her head. "I can’t wait."

Shen Bai smiled. "Alright, then. Tell me. What’s the reason?"

"Part of it is because we’ve been through life and death together, but there’s another reason: my master really admires you."

Qin Shuang stood up, a trace of seriousness in her eyes. "Shen Bai, are you willing to join the Observatory?"