The Hanlin Hall stood on the western side of the Sacred Academy, a towering stone building more than ten zhang tall.
The entire Hanlin Hall was grayish white and utterly plain.
With the New Year approaching, only two Metropolitan Graduates stood on the steps leading to the main entrance. No Hanlin Academicians were entering or leaving; even if some were training inside, there were likely fewer than a hundred.
When the two Metropolitan Graduates saw Fang Yun, they first froze. Then a trace of anger flashed through their eyes. Their faces darkened as they raised their heads and thrust out their chests, looking down at Fang Yun from above.
Only when Fang Yun climbed the steps did the two Metropolitan Graduates respectfully bend at the waist to a full ninety degrees and salute him.
"This student greets Void Sage Fang!" the two Metropolitan Graduates called out loudly, their voices full and strong, yet nothing like a normal greeting.
Fang Yun gave a quiet hum of acknowledgment. He already understood.
Many sacred lands within the Sacred Academy needed guards, usually appointed by the elders of the Eastern Sage Pavilion. The pay was generous, and the posts offered access to the Human Race's finest scholars, making them consistently the most sought-after positions.
Judging by their accents, these two came from Fengzhou in the Qing Kingdom, where the Zong Family was also based.
Fang Yun stepped forward. The Metropolitan Graduate on the left said respectfully, "Void Sage Fang, I have never seen your name on the Hanlin Hall's roster. This must be your first attempt at its trials?"
"Indeed." Fang Yun continued upward without even looking at them.
"Then I wish you victory the moment your horse arrives, Void Sage Fang! May you clear all seven halls in a single day!" the Metropolitan