A Top Scholar in Everything

The Nanmu Count is a stabilizing force among the nobility of Zenith City, highly respected, with seniority, connections, and status that are undisputedly at the top.

Due to his exceptionally unique position.

The Count of Nanmu generally does not see outsiders during the week, valuing his reputation and cherishing his standing.

He rarely participates in political activities.

Yet this time, at the baron's ceremony, Baiyu's status as the top scorer in the national examination, along with his decisive role in the Black Moon Simulation Realm in Linjiang City.

This makes the presence of the Count of Nanmu hosting this reception reasonable.

However.

The attitude demonstrated by the Count of Nanmu is seriously questionable.

The political signals conveyed have led many to speculate. Baiyu being favored by the Count of Nanmu, doesn't it signify that Baiyu is at least approved by him?

Or does it mean.

There is something behind the scenes that is worth a count's engagement.

For a count who never reveals his political stance to show closeness, it's very hard not to overthink.

The Qiong Family, though large.

Is not worthy of such favor from the Count of Nanmu.

All of a sudden.

The noblewomen present cast their eyes on Baiyu, their gazes burning as if drooling wolves haven't eaten for over ten years eyeing fresh meat, wishing to pounce immediately.

And the veteran aristocrats of Zenith City, who had just come for the sake of the Qiong family's face, now began to genuinely value Baiyu.

The Count of Nanmu did not display any of the noble pretenses.

In conversation, he was more like a benevolent and kind elder neighbor.

His discussions with Baiyu were mostly domestic trivialities, asking about study and life matters.

Of course.

Baiyu never forgot that the other party was a supporter of the Third Prince, meticulously hidden.

To maintain such influence at his position and age, to regard him as merely an old fuddy-duddy would be the utmost folly.

...

Afterward, there was a tedious and dull recognition ceremony.

There were special cameras to film the video, and Baiyu had to wear clothing representing the Imperial nobility, allowing the Count of Nanmu to personally pin the baron's insignia on him.

Then there were Imperial-issued documents.

Since Baiyu's baron between the ranks of the pioneer nobility did not come with land, he retained the right to choose when suitable conditions were met, with rights to govern, collect taxes, and various entitlements on the estate.

This is also an advantage of Imperial noble status.

Both the Third Prince and Baiyu need not ponder when selecting a baron's domain, they both know which one to pick.

Linjiang City's Shelter!

However.

The difficulty in obtaining such a shelter is undoubtedly immense, requiring heaven's timing, geographical advantage, and harmony.

The banquet continued.

During the dance's midway point, servants of the Qiong family successively served dishes displayed on gigantic rectangular tables on each side of the hall.

Each dish emanated abundant Spiritual Qi, evidently all made from Exotic Beast meat and special ingredients from the Spirit Realm.

The Count of Nanmu, Qiong Wencai, and Baiyu essentially met the entirety of Zenith City's nobility.

This is the most basic social procedure.

Qiong Xue, nearby, yawned casually blocking many of the noble maidens and young men approaching Baiyu for connections.

Finally, after making such a round.

Baiyu finally found a chance to slip away, heading to a sofa to rest, Qiong Xue stayed nearby closely to guard against any unexpected incidents.

At this moment, a familiar face sat next to him.

Wearing a black robe, emblazoned with gear insignias, remarkably noticeable.

Steam and Mechanical Church.

One of the Three Holy Swords, August Cavendish the Silver Blade.

The two met once before in Linjiang City, and the interaction wasn't particularly congenial.

Today.

He represented the Steam and Mechanical Church, attending the banquet.

"Baron Baiyu, we meet again."

August sat next to the sofa, smiling, "I didn't expect such powerful forces behind you, it's truly eye-opening."

Baiyu replied, "Lord Augustus, you must be joking. I'm just a minor character."

August shook his head, with a touch of a smile in his eyes, his tone turned: "Your teacher at Celestial South Martial Arts University, it's Yi Xian, right?

She's a remarkable teacher.

Her research is also quite profound.

Of course.

She is also able to control herself as a Black Moon Apostle, which is rare.

Did you choose her to gain access to the power of the Black Moon?

I hear Black Moon Apostles can sense each other, forming special connections between them."

August's voice was calm and measured.

Lacking the initial aggressive stance, yet inherently sharp, making him feel even more dangerous compared to their meeting back in Linjiang City.

The opponent had not given up.

Of course.

Baiyu wasn't sure where his animosity came from, there could be deeper underlying issues, but what Baiyu knew for sure was one thing.

August could cause some trouble.

If the opportunity arose.

A real solution would need to be devised.

Their conversation ended with the arrival of Yuwen Yundie. The silver-haired girl routinely stopped by to greet Baiyu, but their interactions weren't deep.

But being from the same school.

They would see each other often, and Baiyu and Yuwen Yundie's relationship was considered amicable.

The ball continued through the afternoon.

Followed by various social activities until night fell when the guests dispersed.

Most then headed to entertainment venues arranged by the Qiong family.

By now.

The Count of Nanmu finally found some spare time to meet with Baiyu in a secret room.

He had two bodyguards evidently Extraordinaries.

And the sequence abilities of both tended toward reconnaissance.

They surveyed the room, once making sure the surveillance equipment was off, they closed the door, stepping out to guard the entrance.

The Count of Nanmu sat on a chair, his cloudy eyes scanning Baiyu up and down.

This gaze made Baiyu feel slightly anxious.

This fellow, surely he isn't, right?

Thankfully.

Soon, the Count of Nanmu chuckled, opening: "I didn't expect His Highness the Third Prince would entrust such an important mission to you.

It seems you have talents unknown to me.

Younger generations will surpass us in time.

Old as I am, with one foot half in the grave, there's not much help I can offer you, especially in the Spirit Realm, where you depend solely on yourself.

This is what the Third Prince asked me to hand over to you."

He says,

taking out a box made of pure gold from his bosom.

Inside the box,

a blue diamond stone faintly glowed.

"This is the Boundary-breaking Stone, to enter the Spirit Realm tides, you must use this stone with the help of the spirit of the Shelter.

It will navigate you to the precise location.

Remember, never take it out unnecessarily; only when housed in the pure gold container, its power won't diminish."

The Count of Nanmu placed the box on the table, gently pushing it forward.

Baiyu took it in his hand, the box cold to the touch, feeling no anomaly.

Placing the box in his pocket, Baiyu asked, "What does the Third Prince want me to do in the Spirit Realm tides?"

The Count of Nanmu gave a soft smile, lowering his voice: "You have two tasks, first, preserve your life, withdraw immediately if there's danger.

Secondly.

While ensuring safety, obtain the life-extending elixir."