After they finished talking about killing demons, the wine and dishes arrived, and the sixteen people from Classes Two and Three began eating and drinking in high spirits.
Before long, they were chatting about everything under the sun: stories of ancient sages, the private affairs of current officials, experiences hunting demons, secrets of the imperial examination, amusing incidents at the Literary Academy. The atmosphere was excellent, without the slightest hint of backstabbing or hostility.
Fang Yun listened carefully, broadening his knowledge while observing the others. He found that while none of them could be called perfect, they all knew where to draw the line. People like Liu Zicheng were rare after all.
Before long, the conversation turned to this year's Provincial Examination for Provincial Graduates. Everyone in Class Three would take it, while only two from Class Two would participate. Class One had only one candidate: Li Yuncong, last year's top Academy Student.
The group then began discussing Classic Interpretation, policy essays, and poetry. The Provincial Examination no longer tested Appeal to the Sage's Words.
When poetry came up, they asked Fang Yun to explain some things. Unable to refuse, Fang Yun found several key points on writing poetry in Strange Book World, then combined them with what he had learned over the past few days and mentioned several things they might not have known.
The Academy Students were so absorbed that they neither ate nor drank. A few even took notes as they listened, afraid they might forget.
After Fang Yun finished speaking, no one said a word. Some continued writing down notes, while others reinforced the lessons in their minds.
Near seven in the evening, there was a knock on the door, followed by three people pushing it open and entering.
The Academy Students in the room initially