An Important Figure from the Capital!

As Lu Feng's strength stunned everyone, he had already begun striding toward the third floor.

Upon successfully entering the third floor of Baiyue Tower, the scene before him underwent another major change.

The vast third floor held only a sparse dozen or so people, among them some maidservants and government guards.

If those were removed, the entire third floor would be left with just seven people.

Seated at the very top was a slightly plump middle-aged man, whose face carried an imposing air without needing to show anger—clearly someone in a position of high authority.

Based on Lu Feng's guess, this slightly plump middle-aged man should be Prefect Xu of Baiyue County City.

Seated on either side were also middle-aged men, exuding an official aura, presumably other county officials.

Finally, below these three officials sat three young people—two men and one woman.

Though Lu Feng couldn't discern their identities, he could tell that all three had already reached the Martial Master Realm.

Just as he was observing the situation on the third floor, the slightly plump middle-aged man at the head suddenly noticed him.

"Hm?! Someone actually managed to reach this floor—this official didn't expect that!"

As the slightly plump middle-aged man finished speaking, everyone immediately turned their gazes toward him.

Seeing this, Lu Feng stepped forward a few paces and cupped his hands in a salute to the group. "Greetings to all. This Humble One is Lu Feng, here to participate in the Martial Examination's Youth Elite Competition!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd showed contemplative expressions; none of them had any memory of a person named Lu Feng.

Seeing him announce himself, the slightly plump middle-aged man smiled and said, "So it's Young Hero Lu. Since you've made it to the third floor, you've already proven your ability. Have a seat."

With that, a few maidservants set up a new table at the lowest seat.

Lu Feng didn't mind and sat down directly.

Then, the slightly plump middle-aged man continued, "Everyone, although this Martial Examination has been moved up by a month, this official has added a new event to the competition."

At these words, the three young people below showed surprise in their eyes.

One of them, a man in fine robes, cupped his hands and asked, "May we ask what new event Prefect Xu has added? Could you enlighten us a little?"

The fine-robed man's words confirmed that the slightly plump man was indeed Prefect Xu of Baiyue County—Lu Feng's guess had been correct.

At this, Prefect Xu gave a faint smile. "Heh, the three of you are the strongest of this generation from Baiyue County City's Three Great Noble Families. This new event of mine is merely a trial experience for you. As for the content, you'll know when the time comes."

With that, the three seated below didn't press further.

From their exchange, Lu Feng also picked up on the background of these three young people.

So the three youths sitting ahead of him were disciples of Baiyue County City's Three Great Noble Families.

And they were the strongest of their generation.

Just as the group was chatting enthusiastically, a maidservant hurried over to Prefect Xu and whispered a few words in his ear.

Hearing this, Prefect Xu's eyes flickered, and he raised a hand to dismiss the maidservant. "Everyone, this official has good news to share with you!"

The fine-robed man asked again, "Prefect, what good news might that be?"

"This official has just received word that an Important Figure from the Capital has arrived in our Baiyue County City. This person has come specifically regarding the Northern Wei Invasion. Since Baiyue County City happens to be hosting the Martial Examination, this Important Figure wished to come and observe."

At this news, everyone was slightly taken aback.

Anyone the prefect would call an Important Figure was certainly of no ordinary status.

But Prefect Xu hadn't mentioned this person's official rank, so this Important Figure from the Capital was most likely not a government official.

Lu Feng, seated at the very back, wasn't particularly surprised after hearing this. Even if such a big shot came here, it had nothing to do with him.

However, the others present had expectant looks in their eyes, as if this Important Figure from the Capital might bring them some benefit.

The fine-robed man immediately stood up and asked, "Prefect, may I ask who exactly this Important Figure you speak of is?"

Before Prefect Xu could answer, the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs came from the third-floor entrance.

At that, Prefect Xu smiled and said, "Heh, Young Master Zhou, the Important Figure you wanted to ask about—here they come!"

As he spoke, three women slowly ascended to the third floor.

But their attire left everyone momentarily stunned, as all three had something covering their faces.

The woman standing in the middle was presumably the Important Figure from the Capital.

She was tall, with fair skin, wearing a Purple Gold Neon Dress and a white veil over her face. Though her true features were hidden, anyone with eyes could tell she was undoubtedly beautiful.

The two women behind her wore form-fitting outfits, carried Long Swords at their waists, and had Ghost Masks on their faces.

Their appearance clearly marked them as guards for this Important Figure from the Capital.

As the three women reached the third floor, Prefect Xu, along with the other two officials, took the initiative to greet them.

"Miss Shangguan, this official failed to welcome you from afar—please do not take offense!"

Prefect Xu's attitude had become extremely fawning, completely lacking his earlier authoritative demeanor.

The Veiled Lady merely nodded slightly in response. "Prefect Xu is too kind. I am merely passing through—how could I blame you?"

"Heh, in that case, please take the seat of honor, Miss Shangguan. This official would be delighted to introduce you to the outstanding talents of Baiyue County City."

With that, Prefect Xu guided the Veiled Lady to the seat of honor, while he himself took a subordinate seat.

Seeing this, Lu Feng felt a flicker of doubt in his heart. After all, a prefect was already a fourth-rank official of the Imperial Court, yet when facing the Veiled Lady, he behaved like a subordinate—a situation truly hard to fathom.

Once everyone was seated, Prefect Xu raised his hand to indicate the three below and introduced them.

"Miss Shangguan, these three are the outstanding disciples of the Three Great Noble Families of Baiyue County City, and also the seeded candidates for this Martial Examination."

As his words fell, the young man in ornate robes, Young Master Zhou, rose first, then cupped his hands in a salute toward the Veiled Lady.

"This Humble One is Zhou Yonghua, the eldest legitimate son of the Zhou Family of Baiyue County City. I pay my respects to Miss Shangguan!"

The Veiled Lady merely glanced at Zhou Yonghua before losing interest.

"Mm, noted."

Although the Veiled Lady's attitude toward Zhou Yonghua was rather cold, her languid, alluring voice left a deep impression.

Seeing this, Zhou Yonghua felt somewhat displeased inside, but dared not show it when facing the Veiled Lady.

Then, another young man among the three also rose and cupped his hands.

"This Humble One is Li Yi, the legitimate son of the Li Family of Baiyue County City. I bow to Miss Shangguan!"

The Veiled Lady again only glanced at him, then hummed an acknowledgment in response.

Such an attitude, if directed at anyone else, would surely invite resentment, but when displayed by the Veiled Lady, it seemed perfectly ordinary.

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