All was quiet outside the Fang Household. Lei Zhongmo stood motionless, holding thorn switches in both hands, while the other members of the Lei Family stood silently beside him.
The sun slowly climbed higher.
After a long while, someone in the crowd suddenly said in a hushed voice, "Void Sage Fang is back."
The crowd parted to either side like a tide, revealing Fang Yun, Yang Yuhuan, Yan Yukong, Kong Delun, and several members of the Kong Family strolling toward them.
Fang Yun cupped his hands toward the crowd and smiled. "A minor matter between the Lei Family and me has disturbed you all. I am truly ashamed."
"No need to be ashamed. We enjoyed watching it!" a Hanlin Academician of the School of War called out, drawing chuckles from the crowd.
Fang Yun hurried toward Lei Zhongmo, saying as he walked, "Mr. Zhongmo, what are you doing? Get up, put away those thorn switches, and get dressed. What virtue or ability do I possess to warrant your confession? I knew you were coming today, but not at what hour, so I ate at the Kong Family before returning. Had I known you would arrive so early, I would certainly have come home sooner."
As he spoke, Fang Yun snatched the thorn switches from Lei Zhongmo's hands, tossed them onto the ground, and helped him up.
"Thank you, Void Sage Fang, for graciously sparing me punishment. I have sinned..." Lei Zhongmo sighed repeatedly.
"You are too courteous, Family Head Lei. This was nothing more than a clash of pride. If we speak openly and face each other honestly, all our grievances can be wiped from the ledger." Fang Yun smiled as he looked steadily at Lei Zhongmo.
"Void Sage Fang truly is magnanimous. We of the Lei Family had our