Some people looked intrigued. They had come to this literary assembly mainly to watch the literary contest. If the two sides never clashed, they might as well have attended an assembly in one of the kingdoms' capitals. This was precisely the scene everyone wanted to see.
Now that the Qing Lord could no longer resist making a move, it was clear that the Qing Kingdom had prepared a wealth of tactics.
The stir in sections A and B quickly drew the attention of those in section C, then spread to the other sections.
Thus, hundreds of thousands of scholars turned toward Fang Yun and the Qing Lord. Anyone who was a Metropolitan Graduate could hear their conversation even from a distance.
Fang Yun's friends from the Sacred Ruins, led by Yan Yukong, all looked over.
Yan Yukong said quietly, "With the Qing Lord stepping forward, this cannot be taken lightly."
Yan Yukong was both a native of the Qing Kingdom and Fang Yun's friend, so at a time like this, he could only remain neutral. Li Fanming, however, understood his meaning and immediately sent Fang Yun a private voice transmission.
"Only after Yan Yukong's reminder did I understand. Earlier, the Qing Lord used the 'Three-Tassel Heaven-Level Crown' to insult you and the Jing Kingdom. Although your response was rather blunt, no one could find fault with it. This time, be careful. Don't attack the Qing Lord personally, or the Qing Kingdom's officials will probably step in to denounce you and cause an uproar. Once the literary assembly descends into chaos, you'll lose face and grow angry, and they'll have achieved their purpose."
Fang Yun naturally understood this perfectly. He nodded lightly in thanks, then looked at the Qing Lord. Just as he was about to speak, Minister of Literature Jiang