Chapter 633 201: Qualitative Change in Spirit Forging, Qin Shuang's Innate Wisdom (Part 2)

To be precise, it wasn't just overpowered—it was completely outrageous.

To be capable of Overcoming Adversity and Attacking Upward against an opponent two full Grand Realms higher—if you said that wasn't due to Innate Wisdom from a past life, no one would believe you.

As the Dean of the Academy, while his goal was to seek the ultimate truths within books, he was, first and foremost, a citizen of the Great Zhou Country.

Alleviating the suffering of the common people was their natural duty, one that took precedence even over their search for ultimate truth.

It was for this very reason that the Academy existed. Otherwise, why would the Saint Martial Emperor bother funding such an institution? It's not like he had nothing better to do.

The Dean said slowly, "Would you allow me to conduct an investigation? I know it is a bit presumptuous of me to ask, but I have no other choice."

The first thing he had to do was investigate whether Shen Bai was susceptible to such a possibility.

If he was, the Dean would help Shen Bai eliminate the Ten Thousand Cities Remnant—which would, in fact, be for Shen Bai's own good.

Shen Bai asked, "What sort of investigation?"

The Dean produced a sheet of paper and said, "Just write a single character, and I will be able to investigate using the methods of a Scholar."

'Writing a single character is no big deal,' Shen Bai thought.

'To be blunt, the Dean's intentions are good.'

'If I really am in danger of being possessed, he can step in to eliminate the Ten Thousand Cities Remnant and preserve my innate talent.'

After a moment's thought, Shen Bai said, "Fine."

He casually wrote the character for "Shen."

The Dean picked up the paper and closed his eyes.

Characters materialized and swirled around the Dean's body, a countless stream of text pouring into the single "Shen" character on the paper.

A moment later, the Dean opened his eyes, his expression complicated.

"Well?" Shen Bai asked curiously.

The Dean shook his head. "It's nothing. There's no possibility at all. That talent is all your own."

At this, the Dean suddenly seemed to be in a great hurry.

"Er... Shen Bai, something's come up today. You should head back for now. You need some rest, too."

Shen Bai: "?"

'What's going on? He just looked at one character. Why is he suddenly in such a rush?'

'Man, even a speedrunner isn't this hasty.'

The Dean waved his sleeve and said sternly, "This matter of possession—I must report it to His Majesty immediately. When I have some free time, I'll invite you over to appreciate some calligraphy."

"Oh, and to thank you for your cooperation, take this."

The Dean held out a single bead to Shen Bai.

The bead emanated a chilling aura.

When Shen Bai saw the bead, his eyes lit up. "A Deceit Transformation Pearl."

'I can't believe the Dean had something this good stashed away.'

'I don't get why the Dean is in such a hurry, but there's no point in asking about things people don't want to talk about.'

After a moment of thought, Shen Bai put away the Deceit Transformation Pearl and said, "Then I'll be taking my leave."

The Dean stood up. "I'll see you to the door."

For someone of his station to personally see a guest to the door was an honor many Jianghu People and Scholars could only dream of.

Shen Bai nodded and, escorted by the Dean, walked out of the room.

The Dean watched Shen Bai's receding figure for a moment before closing the door with a grave expression.

A moment later, the Dean returned to his chair and sat down.

"Can't hold it in any longer."

PTOO!

A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed from the Dean's mouth.

The Dean's face turned pale.

After several deep breaths, he finally recovered from his injuries.

'With a terrifying power that even I cannot probe, it's absolutely impossible that he's been possessed,' the Dean thought to himself.

He had just used a Scholar's method to investigate the character Shen Bai had written.

But unexpectedly, he had seen a terrifyingly dense fog.

A hand had reached out from the fog, given him a little wave, and then... he'd coughed up blood.

The Dean knew full well that if the remnants from the Era of Ten Thousand Cities possessed such power, would they even need to bother with all their troublesome conspiracies?

They could just crush everything in their path.

Therefore, there was no way Shen Bai was possessed.

'Then what, exactly, is his background?'

The Dean didn't know, but he did know that Shen Bai had been born in the Great Zhou Country. For Great Zhou, this could only be a good thing.

'I need to tidy up and see His Majesty. This business of possession needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.'

Having made up his mind, the Dean began to get ready.

The room quickly fell silent.

...

After leaving the Academy, Shen Bai went to find Qin Shuang.

"Come on, let's get something to eat."

The two of them headed to the military barracks and happened to find Zhou Qing there.

As for Ouyang Sword, he had, rather tragically, already left Xuanjing City today.

Apparently, he had to leave in a hurry because of some business with his master.

The group found a private room, and once all the dishes had been served, they began to eat.

"Lao Shen, I'm leaving tonight," Zhou Qing said.

He had obtained a Treasure Saber from the Celestial Pride Hall this time, which was a significant upgrade for him.

In the military, things are done swiftly and decisively. If you say you're leaving tonight, you leave tonight.

Besides, Zhou Qing wasn't meant to stay in Xuanjing City for long anyway.

Shen Bai pondered for a moment, wondering if Zhou Qing might be in the same situation as Qin Shuang.

'If he really does have this so-called Innate Wisdom from a past life, and the accompanying risk of possession, I should probably have Old Zhou go see the Dean and get this danger taken care of first.'

"Old Zhou, before you leave, make a trip to the Dean's office. Just tell him I sent you," Shen Bai said.

Although Zhou Qing didn't know why, he trusted Shen Bai unconditionally. If Shen Bai said to do it, he would.

The meal lasted for an hour before the three of them finally left.

Shen Bai returned to the inn.

The moment he got back, Amber and Red Makeup emerged from his body, staring at him with glittering eyes.

Needless to say, it was for the Deceit Transformation Pearl.

To a Deceitful Beast, that thing was an unparalleled delicacy.

Just look at the two beauties—they looked positively ravenous.

Shen Bai considered for a moment, then said, "We'll give it to Red Makeup."

Originally, Shen Bai had intended for Amber to undergo her third evolution.