If you were asked to identify an item, would you choose to extract magical powers?

Chapter 117: State Celebration Eve (Subscription Request)

The morning in Maple Forest State is still as lively as ever.

There are various stalls on both sides of the street, and people are coming and going in front of the stalls.

The stall owners were bargaining with each other, each busy with their own business.

Shen Bai paced on the street, his right hand on the hilt of Han Yue's sword, and his left hand holding the straw clothes, walking on the street.

The common people passed by him, looked at the official uniform of the Tiantian Supervisory Bureau he was wearing, showed a trace of awe, and kept their distance from him.

However, Shen Bai really liked this bustling city atmosphere, just like when he was in Shengyun County in the past. He walked and looked around at the lively scenes around him.

Soon, Shen Bai arrived at the door of the Tianjiansi.

At the door, two members of the Ding Division were on duty.

When they saw Shen Bai, they immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Master Shen."

Before becoming the Ding Shou, you can call him Brother Shen, but after becoming the Ding Shou, according to the strict hierarchy of the Jiantian Division, all members of the Ding Department must call him Sir.

Shen Bai nodded: "I'll go in and report."

The two members of the Tianjian Division bowed again, slightly moved sideways, and made way.

Shen Bai walked in.

The yard was still bustling with people coming and going in a hurry.

Shen Bai's leisurely appearance formed a sharp contrast with his colleagues around him.

As Shen Bai walked in, many eyes fell on Shen Bai and then quietly left.

Now, everyone in the Tianjiansi also knew about Shen Bai's reputation. Coupled with the previous battle with Shang'emen, they admired Shen Bai even more.

Even the members of Division B looked at Shen Bai with admiration.

It's not just because of his strength, but also because of Shen Bai's courage to fight alone.

Shen Bai was used to these gazes, so he came to Long Yan's registration room and started to check in.

In the registration room, Long Yan was looking at the members of the Tianjian Division who were coming and going with her gentle eyes.

When she saw Shen Bai, her eyes lit up, and she came to Shen Bai, swaying her soft waist and moving her long legs.

He even wanted to lift Shen Bai's chin with his fingers, but Shen Bai dodged it.

Long Yan covered her mouth and chuckled softly, "Our Lord Ding Shou is really shy."

Shen Bai was helpless with this charming woman: "Master Long, I'll come to check in. After checking in, I'll go sit with Master Mu."

Long Yan stretched out her white fingers, brushed them across her eyebrows, returned to her seat, and rested her elbows on the table. "Come on, report in! You're as boring as the owner of the wooden house."

Shen Bai shook his head, had a fierce argument with Long Yan, and then completed the registration.

At this moment, Long Yan's eyes stayed on Shen Bai's left hand.

In Shen Bai's left hand, he was holding the straw clothes.

Long Yan frowned slightly and let out a soft exclamation.

Shen Bai was originally planning to walk back, but after seeing Long Yan's unusual behavior, he asked, "Master Long, do you recognize this thing?"

His original intention was to go to Mu Lao to ask, but now seeing that Long Yan seemed to know the answer, he asked casually.

Long Yan nodded gently and stretched out her fair hand to Shen Bai: "Let me see this dress."

Shen Bai handed over the straw clothes without hesitation.

Long Yan took it in her hand and looked through it carefully, her eyebrows furrowed even deeper: "It is indeed that kind of weirdness. Have you encountered weirdness like shadows?"

Shen Bai nodded and said, "Indeed, I encountered it, but it was very weak."

Long Yan handed over the straw clothes: "This is Shadow Clothing."

Shadow dressing?

Shen Bai touched his chin and said, "I have never heard of this thing. I would like to ask Mr. Long to help me understand it."

Long Yan pointed to the side and said, "Sit down first. I can explain it to you in detail. The appearance of this thing in Maple Forest State is not a good thing."

Shen Bai sat on the chair, put on a listening gesture, and waited for Long Yan to continue.

Long Yan organized her words briefly before continuing, "The story of shadow dressing comes from a folk legend that has been circulating for a long time. It's said that long ago, before the Great Zhou Kingdom was established, it went through a period of great hardship."

"Without food to eat and clothes to wear, the people are suffering from hunger and cold."

"As time went on, the hardship grew, and more and more people died. In that environment, the people began to seek spiritual sustenance."

"Shadow clothing was a tradition that was passed down during that time. They believed that their shadows were their own, and dressing their shadows in clothes was a symbol of a prosperous future. It sounds ridiculous, but in those difficult times, it was a way to survive."

After hearing this, Shen Bai had roughly understood the meaning of the story.

In various eras, there are many secular stories circulating, and these secular stories are also a kind of belief, or faith, of the people.

Shen Bai thought this was normal.

"Then why did it turn into something weird?" Shen Bai continued to ask.

Long Yan thought for a moment and said, "It is a spiritual sustenance that originated from the difficult and chaotic times. Do you think the resentment is sufficient?"

Shen Bai suddenly understood after hearing this: "So that's how it is."

The reliance during difficult times is inherently resentful, and when things like the shadow putting on clothes are added, the resentment is added to the shadow and the straw clothes.

Thinking about it this way, it seems normal to become weird.

But Shen Bai still didn't quite understand one thing.

"The weirdness is very weak, but why is it said to be a big deal?" Shen Bai continued to ask.

"That's because this weirdness can't be killed." Long Yan showed a hint of helplessness: "As long as there are people suffering in this world, resentment will continue. Because of this, this weirdness will continue to emerge. Once it appears, it will take root in the local area. After a period of time, the weirdness will naturally disappear."

"Disappear naturally?"

Shen Bai frowned: "This is the first time I've heard of this."

"Obviously, if you kill enough resentful monsters, they will disappear." Thick Smoke said slowly, "We might be busy these days. The shadow-dressing monsters will erupt on a large scale. Any civilians who are suffering may experience this kind of monster. Also, Maple Forest State's anniversary is coming up soon, so things seem to be getting complicated."

The State Celebration is Maple Forest State’s grand annual festival, and it must go on no matter how complicated the situation is.

After all, if one day, Fenglin State does not hold its state celebration, the people of the entire Fenglin State will probably be in panic.

Shen Bai touched Amber's head and said, "It seems that just after we solved the problem of the evil gate, new troubles have come."

After saying this, Shen Bai turned around and said goodbye to Long Yan.

Once he understands the situation clearly and assigns the task, he will do it.

Now, he is going to the training ground to continue improving his proficiency.

……

After leaving the registration room, Shen Bai first went to chat with Mu Lao for a while and drank a cup of tea. Then he returned to Ding Twenty-Three Department and chatted with Huang Guang and others for a while. Then he went to the martial arts field alone to improve his proficiency in the "Shen Xing Bai Li" skill.

Since there is no change in the evil spirit, the casting technique is still level two.

But Shen Bai was not in a hurry at all. After all, he had many magical powers and his proficiency was so high that it made his scalp tingle.

This liver takes a whole morning.

It was not until noon that Shen Bai left the Jiantian Division and had breakfast on the street outside.

Many people gathered in the shops on the street to discuss matters related to the state celebration.

They didn't know about Shadow's clothes, so they remained in the joy of the state celebration.

Shen Bai looked at the smiles on the faces of these people, shook his head slightly, and an idea unconsciously came to his mind.

Although it seems calm on the surface, there are always people who are cutting through the thorns and brambles in this calm. The so-called huge waves are just blocked by others.

……

After the meal, nothing else happened. Shen Bai held Amber and Hanyue and returned to the Tianjiansi.

I didn't expect that as soon as I came back, I saw Huang Guang and Kong Fang looking around in the yard, as if they were looking for someone.

Shen Bai thought for a moment and walked forward: "What are you looking for?"

Huang Guang was startled when he heard Shen Bai's voice. When he saw Shen Bai, he quickly walked up and said, "Sir Shen, the mission has arrived."

Shen Bai had just finished his meal, and after hearing this, he was slightly stunned: "What mission? Tell me, is it the mission of our department?"

Unexpectedly, as soon as he said this, Huang Guang shook his head.

"It's a mission related to the state celebration."

State celebration? Shen Bai touched his chin. "Hasn't this task always been coordinated and unified by the governor of Fenglin State? The Tianjian Division doesn't care about these things."

The state magistrate is another position in Fenglin State. Just like the county magistrate of Shengyun County in the past, the division of responsibilities and powers is very clear.

The governor manages the livelihood and major affairs of Maple Forest State.

The position of state magistrate is one of the bigwigs in Fenglin State, almost on the same level as the chief governor Liu Wufeng. Even the Tianjian Division has no control over it on weekdays, except during inspections.

Logically speaking, the state celebration has always been handled by the Fenglin State Yamen. Whether it is maintaining order or other matters, there are always constables and captains from the Yamen. But now this task has fallen on the head of Jiantiansi, which makes Shen Bai feel confused.

Kong Fang, who was a bit more outgoing, came closer, looking mysterious, and said, "It's said that it's related to the shadow dressing. This state celebration, coupled with the shadow dressing incident, means we have to cooperate with the Tianjian Division."

When Shen Bai heard this, he suddenly realized.

"If that's the case, we really have to cooperate."

After all, the state anniversary is not only an important annual festival in Fenglin State, but also a good opportunity to appease the people. If something happens at this moment, I am afraid that not only will the people's hearts not be appeased, but it will also create huge hidden dangers.

Just as the few people were communicating, Liu Wufeng walked out of the two-story building.

At the same time, in this empty and huge courtyard, members of the Tianjian Division walked out one after another.

All the members of the four groups A, B, C, and D gathered together, and at least half of them stayed in the yard.

Even if it is to cooperate with the government office, the Tianshi Division will leave half of its people behind, otherwise the base will be empty and there is a fear of other incidents.

Liu Wufeng walked out with a serious expression and four maps in his hands.

"Leaders of each department, please step out and take your tasks."

As soon as these words were spoken, the leaders of the three groups A, B and C came out one after another, and the people from group D all turned their attention to Shen Bai.

The current head of the Ding group is Shen Bai, so it was Shen Bai who took on this task.

Shen Bai didn't talk in detail with Huang Guang and the others. He walked out of the crowd, came to Liu Wufeng, and took a part of the map.

Liu Wufeng put his hands behind his back and said slowly, "As you all know about this mission, shadow dressing is not a trivial matter. Although each of the strange creatures is not very powerful, it is very likely to cause a large-scale outbreak, so it is most important to treat it with caution."

"I have divided Maple Forest State into four parts. You will cooperate with the people from the government office and each guard one part. If there is nothing else, go to the Maple Forest State government office immediately."

Shen Bai returned to Ding Bu's position and opened the map in his hand: "Ten streets, that's quite a lot of allocations."

Department D has quite a few members, who are responsible for the security of ten streets in total.

For Liu Wufeng, he only needs to make the arrangements and he will be worry-free.

No one had any objection, and then the four departments left in batches and headed towards the Fenglin State government office.

After all, this time, it was led by the government, and the main role of the Tiantian Division was just to cooperate.

So this time, the arrangements still have to be made by the government.

Before long, half of the people in the Tianjian Division were gone.

……

The Fenglin State Government Office, as the department responsible for managing the livelihoods of the people of the entire Fenglin State, plays a vital role here.

At this moment, the outside of the yamen was filled with dense crowds of constables and constables, and there were thousands of them at a glance.

These are not only from Fenglin State, but some have even been transferred from surrounding counties just to maintain order in Fenglin State.

And at the very front, a middle-aged man in official uniform, exuding a refined air, was looking around with his hands behind his back.

Liu Zhouling is the head of Fenglinzhou. He is in charge of the livelihood of the people of Fenglinzhou and the countless counties under his jurisdiction. He holds a high position and great power.

Many years ago, Liu Zhouling rose from a small scholar to his current position, and he is regarded as a role model by many children from poor families.

At this moment, Liu Zhouling was waiting patiently, looking at the end of the street.

After waiting for about an incense stick of time, a group of people approached quickly at the end of the street.

Everyone was wearing black official uniform, with a token hanging around their waist that kept swinging.

The leader of Unit A was named Ye Feng. He walked to the front, came in front of the group of constables, and bowed to Liu Zhouling.

"Captain Ye Feng, I'm honored to meet you, Lord Liu. All the personnel from the Heavenly Monitoring Division have arrived. Lord Liu, please give your orders."

Liu Zhouling stroked his beard with one hand and nodded, saying, "Since we have too many constables, how about assigning three constables to one member of the Heavenly Monitoring Bureau?"

Ye Feng did not have any objection: "It's all up to Lord Liu to arrange it. We are just cooperating."

Liu Zhouling didn't waste any words and waved his hand.

Soon, the thousands of constables gradually dispersed and joined the four teams of A, B, C, and D.

In an instant, the number of people in the four departments seemed to have suddenly increased.

Shen Bai also watched these people join the Ding team without saying anything, but just teased Amber gently.

When the number of people was almost the same, Liu Zhouling did not continue to give orders, but turned his head to look at Shen Bai's position.

Everyone also felt the gaze of Liu Zhouling, and didn't understand what was going on.

Shen Bai asked doubtfully, "I wonder what's the important matter, Lord Liu?"

Liu Zhou Ling said with a smile: "I really want to see you, the young talent from Fenglin State."

Shen Bai touched his chin and said, "It's just some empty reputation. As Lord Liu, why should you care about these empty reputations?"

The person in front of him is a big shot of the same level as Liu Wufeng, and is also one of the top symbols of power in Fenglin State.

So what Shen Bai said was true.

Liu Zhouling shook his head. "Like you, I also rose from the bottom. When I was a scholar, I couldn't even afford to eat enough. So I admire you very much. Do your best. If there is anything in Fenglin Province that requires my help, you can always come to me."

"Just because Lord Liu can't do something doesn't mean I can't do it."

When these words were spoken, everyone's eyes looking at Shen Bai immediately changed.

The significance of this sentence, especially when said in front of everyone, is enormous.

This represents a promise made by Liu Zhouling.

Just imagine the promise made by the most powerful boss in Fenglin State to Shen Bai. From this, we can see that Shen Bai has such a background that he can almost do whatever he wants in Fenglin State.

Shen Bai bowed and said, "Thank you, Lord Liu, for your consideration. If I have time, I will definitely come to the yamen to have a drink and a long chat with you, Lord Liu."

Liu Zhou Ling laughed and said, "Of course, my office welcomes you anytime."

The fact is that when a person has potential, strong ability, and a decisive and unpretentious character, these senior figures in high positions will have vision and will get along well with him.

Next, Liu Zhouling did not continue, after all, the mission was important.

Shen Bai took the members of Ding's team and went to their respective streets.

This time, Shen Bai guarded the most prosperous one. After all, there were the most people here, and danger was most likely to occur there.

The whole morning passed in this waiting.

As time passed, people began to decorate their houses with fiery red decorations, preparing to welcome the annual grand occasion of Fenglin State.

It was not until night that this hot atmosphere gradually subsided.

……

Huang Erniu is a commoner in Fenglin Prefecture. His daily tasks are to do odd jobs for others.

Now is the most festive day of the year in Fenglin State, but it is not an easy day for Huang Erniu.

Everyone was celebrating happily, but he was the only one who felt bitter.

When he was working as a handyman in a pharmacy, he heard that there was only one disease in the world, and that was poverty.

For him, that's it.

Two children, dressed in tattered clothes, were sleeping soundly in bed.

Huang Erniu turned his head and looked at the ancestral tablet on the table, feeling extremely angry.

"Other children eat meat on weekdays, but I can't even afford it during festivals."

"How can I be a father if I can't even buy my kids something delicious for the state holiday?"

Huang Erniu came to the ancestral tablet and looked at the yellow and wilted fruits in front of him, and his anger grew more and more.

He picked up the tablet, threw it hard to the ground, and stepped on it.

"I have no money but still have to support you. I am really suffering. Why do you deserve it?"

A trace of resentment gradually spread from Huang Erniu.

The resentment that permeated the air gathered towards the shadow.

(End of this chapter)