The officials of the Wu Kingdom were furious and frustrated. The Wu Lord had originally taken the lead in finding an opportunity for a grand literary contest against the Qing Kingdom. Barring any surprises, Fang Yun would also have gone to lend the Wu Kingdom his support, allowing it to overwhelm the Qing Kingdom in literary prowess. That was something every citizen of the Wu Kingdom wanted to see.
But now, Fang Yun seemed to have lost his chance to travel to the Qing Capital for the literary contest.
Not only were the Wu Kingdom's officials anxious, but the Jing Kingdom's officials were even more frantic. Like ants on a hot pan, they kept sending letters to Fang Yun or discussing matters among themselves through voice transmissions.
Officials closest to Fang Yun, especially Dong Wencong, Fang Shouye, and Feng Zimo, wished they could bear the Flood Dragon Sage's punishment in his stead.
Fang Yun's friends stared blankly toward the east. Only after a long while did Li Fanming say dejectedly, "I never imagined they would actually bring in the mighty Flood Dragon Sage to target Fang Yun! Forget it. There's no shame in losing to the Flood Dragon Sage."
"If any other Half-Sage dared come, the Sages would have acted first to eliminate the threat. But the Flood Dragon Sage is an ally of the human race. If he disciplines anyone below the rank of Half-Sage, it would be difficult for a Half-Sage to intervene."
"Why don't we ask Sage Chen of the Jing Kingdom to protect Fang Yun before the Flood Dragon Sage emerges from the water?"
"That won't do. Sage Chen is injured and ill, as everyone in the world already knows. If he acts and clashes with the Flood Dragon Sage, worsening his injuries, we will become