Here to Take Things

Fang Yun stood at the ship's prow, looking down below.

Chimes and great bells, battle-axes and feathered banners—the music and dance were all in place.

Armored soldiers stood in ranks, lanterns lit the way, and the ceremonial guard was complete.

Among them stood a middle-aged man past thirty, clad in a bright yellow Dragon Robe and wearing a black imperial crown. Strings of jade beads hung down before him, obscuring part of his face.

Fang Yun recognized him as the Qing Lord. His eye sockets were slightly darkened, however, and Fang Yun's Medical Way learning revealed that this ruler had indulged himself to excess and hollowed out his body.

Their gazes met, both faces expressionless.

The Skyfaring Tower Ship slowly descended. The instant it landed, someone called out, "Strike up the music!"

Drums and music rang out together. The Qing Lord took the lead and personally stepped forward. Behind him came the nine honored guests, followed by Qing Kingdom's high officials, then Xiang Prefecture's officials, its renowned elders, and finally its young people.

Between Qing Kingdom's high officials and Xiang Prefecture's officials stood ten elderly men dressed in white Metropolitan Graduate robes.

The ten elders said nothing and released not the slightest trace of power, yet with a casual glance, Fang Yun noticed what set them apart.

A faint Killing Intent drifted around the ten elders. Those nearby unconsciously kept their distance; even ordinary Hanlin Academicians seemed desperate to avoid them.

All ten looked at Fang Yun as well.

Their nearly tangible Killing Intent crashed into his face. Fang Yun saw only a field of blood-red before him, as though the whole world had been veiled in crimson.

Fang Yun did not use his Literary Guts to disperse this unknown force, for it had been formed from the Metropolitan Graduates'