Brush Like Blades, Poetry Like Swords

The Qing Kingdom's Literary Prime Minister rose and said, "Void Sage Fang's poetry and prose are worth far more than a thousand gold coins per word, let alone an original first draft. Though those without guilt are merely clansmen implicated by association, or people like these who were sold into bondage, and may be exchanged, their numbers are immense. They have already grown accustomed to the Qing Kingdom, and returning to the Jing Kingdom may not be what they desire. It would truly be inconvenient. I hope Void Sage Fang will not take offense."

The Qing Lord cut in, "What the Literary Prime Minister says is right. I ask Void Sage Fang to be understanding."

Yet Fang Yun replied expressionlessly, "Settle them in Xiang Prefecture. That would be very convenient."

The Qing Lord sharply sucked in a breath, his face flushing crimson with rage. The fists of every Qing official clenched tight, their joints crackling as one and all nearly burst from fury.

Fang Yun's words were practically saying that Xiang Prefecture belonged to the Qing Kingdom now, but would soon become part of the Jing Kingdom!

He treated the people of Qing as though they were nothing!

The Jing officials had been angry before, but now they secretly laughed. No wonder Fang Yun could become a Void Sage—his mouth alone could infuriate Jing people to death.

A chill flashed through the Qing Lord's eyes. His heavenly might loomed like a mountain as he slowly said, "According to Void Sage Fang, is Xiang Prefecture of my Qing Kingdom an object already in your pocket?"

"Things are accomplished by those who act," Fang Yun said.

The Qing Lord suddenly smiled. "How about this? If you succeed in the Literary Battle for a Prefecture, then I shall agree to let you exchange