"Go on, we're listening." Zhang Zhixing looked determined not to let the matter drop.
Fang Yun sighed softly and began to speak. Everyone thought he was about to offer criticism, and they all wanted to see how Yan Yukong would react.
"If I absolutely had to find a flaw in this poem, it would be this: this is the Farewell Spring Literary Gathering, yet his poem reads more like a welcome to spring. Inappropriate! A flaw!"
As soon as Fang Yun finished, laughter rose all around him. Yan Yukong laughed hardest of all.
Zhang Zhixing said indignantly, "How is that finding fault? You're just brushing us off! The prescribed subject of this poem is 'Spring,' not 'Farewell to Spring.' Farewell to Spring is the gathering's theme, not the poem's subject. You have to seriously discuss its shortcomings, or you're showing contempt for this literary assembly!"
"Exactly! You're showing far too much contempt for us senior students. No, you have to criticize it!"
"You have to bite harder! This so-called flaw is just scratching an itch through a boot!"
Even some of the new students felt that Fang Yun was protecting Yan Yukong.
Fang Yun looked troubled. "That wouldn't be right, would it? I've already pointed out a flaw. I can't keep picking at it. Zhang Zhixing, you're covering the sky with one hand at this gathering. Watch out, or I'll complain to the teachers at Chongwen Academy!"
"Complain? Suit yourself. But before you do, you have to point out Yan Yukong's mistakes for me!" Zhang Zhixing spoke with utter conviction.
Everyone found it increasingly amusing. They would never again get to see the senior students drive a Void Sage into such a corner, so they joined in the teasing, demanding that Fang Yun stop dodging the serious issues and give