Tian Songshi's words stunned not only the people in the two fleets, but those in the other small fleets as well.
As a Great Scholar, Tian Songshi must have had some extraordinary purpose in saying such a thing at a time like this.
For a while, no one answered. Everyone tried to fathom Tian Songshi's intentions, overlooking the Spring-Autumn Accumulated Sequence Literary Heart Fish in his hand.
After a moment, Grand Academician Lei Mo asked, "May I ask, Master Pine and Stone, why do you wish to join the race?"
"This old man is far too dull-witted and finds fishing in the Sea of Learning somewhat difficult. After some thought, I felt that passing up such a great bargain would leave me at a loss, so I decided to join the race."
Lei Mo's face lit up with delight. "The Sea of Learning Race has already begun, so no one can join now. However, we can establish a gentlemen's race, bound only by a verbal agreement and not by the Sea of Learning. On behalf of the Zong-Lei Fleet, I agree. As long as Void Sage Fang agrees, you may join the race. So long as you choose the winning side, you will certainly receive the Literary Heart Fish you desire."
Tian Songshi looked at Fang Yun and smiled. "Young County Magistrate Fang, do you agree to let this old man join the race?"
Fang Yun had been practicing his fishing all along and had no idea what Tian Songshi meant. He nodded and said, "Since Master Pine and Stone wishes to join, I naturally agree."
Tian Songshi smiled. "Does anyone object?"
No one spoke. The man was a Great Scholar, after all.
The people in the Zong-Lei Fleet began to smile. Having a Great Scholar join would greatly enhance