As they left the main hall, those who had come for interviews with the Evil Extermination Bureau were still waiting outside.

When Qin An stepped out, the crowd’s gaze turned towards him. Each face bore a hint of curiosity, while some showed expressions of defiance.

Everything Qin An did inside the hall went against the norm, and those defiant individuals believed Qin An’s success was sheer luck.

Thus, their eyes on Qin An were not only defiant but carried a trace of provocation.

As Qin An walked out, he was aware of the stares around him, especially those defiant gazes. His fingertips brushed the handle of Cold Star.

There remains a third challenge.

The first two challenges were resolved, but the third one lay ahead.

He must carve out his reputation in this capital full of talents, or face a fall from grace.

He said nothing, pondering how to tackle the third challenge.

At this moment, Yu Feng stepped forward, glanced at the hall with curiosity, then lowered his voice next to Qin An: "My lord, let’s discuss matters later; this is not a place to linger."

Yu Feng’s trip with Qin An was with a clear purpose: as per the order of the Celestial Cloud Path, to assist Qin An during this visit to the capital.

However, Yu Feng hadn’t managed to assist much along the way.

Therefore, he adjusted his stance appropriately.

Not aiming to aid Qin An directly, yet providing assistance when needed.

Thus, he timely reminded Qin An that this was not the place to stay.

Qin An returned to his senses and nodded, saying, "Alright, let’s leave first."

Then, he and Yu Feng headed towards the exit of the Imperial Palace.

This was the Imperial Palace; no matter how displeased the young talents from various Tao-level Cities were with Qin An, they refrained from showing much discontent here.

Soon, Qin An left the Imperial Palace and returned to the Evil Extermination Bureau’s quarters.

Upon returning, Yu Feng impatiently inquired about Qin An’s private meeting with Emperor Xuanwu.

Yu Feng was most curious about this, as no one had received a secret meeting with the Emperor after an audience, according to past customs.

Thus, Yu Feng was eager to know what transpired between them.

Of course, his inquiry wasn’t inappropriate.

If Qin An felt he could talk about it, he would naturally share.

If not, then he wouldn’t, and that was fine for Yu.

Qin An paused slightly, then shook his head: "Lord Yu, sometimes knowing less is safer for you; knowing too much can be detrimental."

He refrained from elaborating, considering Yu Feng’s position.

Yu Feng needn’t involve himself in these unwarranted disputes.

For Qin An, handling matters alone was more manageable due to his accustomed independence.

Yu Feng sighed, took a sip of the tea beside him, and chuckled: "Since Mr. Qin put it this way, Yu won’t inquire further."

He was a very astute person.

In these times, relying solely on martial prowess wouldn’t suffice in the Celestial Cloud Path.

Many experts were present on the Celestial Cloud Path.

Therefore, only smart individuals could reach Yu Feng’s current position.

He also understood Qin An’s reluctance to disclose, knowing Qin An has his reasons, so he refrained from pressing further.

Yu Feng contemplated briefly and then looked up, saying: "As per usual practices, we may need to stay half a month, during which Your Majesty will decide our future paths."

"Each will receive rewards and have their future paths decided by Your Majesty."

After an audience, rewards were typically given, and returning to their respective Tao-level Cities, they were promoted to Forbidden Land Golden Envoy, becoming prominent figures in their cities.

Thus, their task was to wait.

Under normal circumstances, after waiting, everything would be resolved.

However, Yu Feng knew this half-month could be arduous for Qin An.

During this half-month, those defiant young talents would inevitably challenge Qin An in various ways.

How would Qin An respond?

If it were Yu Feng himself, he couldn’t come up with a precise plan, but he believed Qin An had a solution.

With this thought, Yu Feng didn’t hesitate, asking Qin An directly to see how he intended to handle the situation.

Upon hearing Yu Feng’s inquiry, Qin An shook his head slightly: "I will counter soldiers with arms, cover water with earth. Over the next half-month, I’ll have my share of matters, but as long as they dare come, I’ll take them all on."

Indeed, when Qin An walked out of the palace, he had already devised a strategy.

If he must go all out here to overshadow the young generation, then that’s precisely what he’ll do.

This must teach those young talents a lesson, and thus Qin An planned for them to remember him distinctly when they challenged him.

Yu Feng, hearing Qin An’s straightforward approach, presumed Qin An had other methods as well.

Since Qin An was unwilling to share, Yu Feng didn’t ask further.

As the young talents came forth to challenge, Qin An would naturally respond, leaving Yu Feng to simply observe.