Messages came pouring in from every direction. There were simply too many, so Fang Yun left them unanswered for the time being. He even set aside government affairs and closed his eyes to rest.
After noon, Fang Yun received a message from Gao Mo, then rose and went outside to stand in the courtyard of the Left Prime Minister's Office.
This time, the elders of the Hall of Punishment arrived without any pomp, descending straight from the sky into the Left Prime Minister's Office before accompanying Fang Yun into the conference room.
The table was long and rectangular. Fang Yun sat on one side, while the elders of the Hall of Punishment sat opposite him.
Teacups stood in a row on the long table. Steam rose from them, but instead of curling gently upward, it swayed as though caught in a gale and quickly dissipated.
The elders of the Hall of Punishment said nothing. Fang Yun was silent as well.
After a long while, Fang Yun said, "You know the Miscellaneous School intends to use the Lü Marquis Seal, don't you?"
Gao Mo, who was closest to Fang Yun, surprisingly said nothing.
Elder Han Yulong said, "We have already learned of this. However, without Saint Zong's intervention, it will take them a considerable amount of time to activate the Lü Marquis Seal together. Moreover, the Hall of Punishment has received word that their Lü Marquis Seal will target only the Jing Kingdom, not you."
Fang Yun nodded. "In other words, the rumors on the Discourse Ranking are true. Your Hall of Punishment has reached some sort of agreement with the Miscellaneous School?"
The Great Scholar elders exchanged glances. Finally, Gao Mo spoke with difficulty. "It is indeed as you say."
"I have no interest in the internal affairs of your