As the judging proceeded, the examiners murmured among themselves. Zhao Qianzhang stepped forward and said, "Void Sage Fang, I must give you some unfortunate news. Since you do not specialize in the Craftsmen School, there will be a ceiling on your Literary Rank. Whatever your previous Literary Rank was, the Literary Qi you ultimately receive can only restore you to that rank. Moreover, the higher your Literary Rank, the harder it is to trigger the bells. The Literary Qi required for a Great Scholar to advance is staggering, so once you reach Great Scholar, one toll no longer means one realm."
Fang Yun said, "I understand. If triggering the bells at Great Scholar and above were enough to advance one's Literary Rank, the Craftsmen Realm would probably have tens of thousands of Great Scholars."
"I'm glad you understand. That means we cannot be certain how many tolls you will trigger this time."
"The Literary Qi can be received in installments, correct?" Fang Yun asked.
"Indeed it can."
"Good. Then regardless of how much Literary Qi I receive this time, I will only advance to the Fourth Realm. As for the remainder, we can discuss that after I advance to Literary Ancestor," Fang Yun said.
Zhao Qianzhang said delightedly, "Does that mean you are about to advance to Literary Ancestor?"
"I can advance at any time, but I am waiting for the most suitable opportunity," Fang Yun said.
"Very well," Zhao Jiuzhang agreed.
Finally, the examiners, led by Zhao Qianzhang, carefully channeled power into the Mechanism Bell beside Fang Yun.
The Mechanism Bell beside Fang Yun rang.
Next, the great bell of the Craftsmen Institute tolled once, followed by a succession of tolls from the main bell of the Divine Craftsmen Hall.
Dong... dong... dong... dong... dong... dong... dong...
The two