Qing Kingdom, Old Peach Residence.
In the courtyard atop the mountain, two men played Go.
The two players looked exactly alike, down to every detail of their bearing and breathing.
If there had to be a difference, one held black stones, while the other held white.
Upon the board, the stones manifested the shapes of mountains and rivers, gathering the roars of dragons and tigers.
Several hours had passed, yet not a single stone had been placed on the board.
A stone fell like a mountain.
Upside-Down Peak Mountain, Academy of Literary Trust, where Great Scholars of the Miscellaneous School gathered.
Inside the hall, the many Great Scholars of the Miscellaneous School fell silent.
After a long while, Zong Ganyu, seated at the head, slowly said, "What are your thoughts on the Clerk Examination?"
No one spoke. After a long time, Hong Maoshan, the renowned Miscellaneous School Great Scholar of Qing Kingdom, said, "Half a Miscellaneous School."
The Great Scholars wore varying expressions. Several breaths later, someone finally asked.
"Half a Miscellaneous School, or half a Miscellaneous School?"
Hong Maoshan said helplessly, "If it were merely half a Miscellaneous School, why would we have gathered here?"
One Great Scholar said, "In that case, we must obtain the Clerk Examination at all costs! At present, there are only two paths. Either forcefully bring down Sacred Way Suppression, compel Fang Yun to bow his head and admit his error, and hand over the Clerk Examination with both hands; or step forward for peace talks, agree to abandon Qing Kingdom, and ask Void Sage Fang to grant the Clerk Examination to the Miscellaneous School Sacred Way."
"Hmph, those words reek of provocation! I say there is only one path: use Sacred Way Suppression and Saint Zong's fury as threats, pay the price of