The five clerks immediately flushed red with excitement. They had never imagined they would receive the attention of a dignified Void Sage!
Using the power of an Official Seal to keep watch over someone continuously consumed Literary Qi. Though the consumption was slight, it still became no small burden when added together.
Many clerks' eyes lit up. The main reason they had not dared to help Fang Yun was their fear of retaliation, but with the Official Seal watching over them, they no longer had such worries.
Even some officials' expressions changed. Fang Yun was so generous toward the clerks who pledged themselves to him; if ranked officials joined him, the benefits would surely be tremendous.
Chief Clerk Shen Ming snorted coldly. "How can Void Sage Fang, with his lofty status, go last? If he appears last, people will surely accuse a dignified Void Sage of being timid and hesitant, afraid to compose a lyric! Besides, the county magistrate is the most honored person in a county and should set an example even at a Literary Assembly. Most importantly, all the acting county magistrates of the Ten Kingdoms have likely been releasing works one after another these past few days. Some may even have already entered the Ding Ranking on the Literary Ranking. Void Sage Fang naturally ought to suppress them as soon as possible!"
Thus, many of the scholars present began to echo him.
"Who would dare go before a Void Sage?"
"You may be willing to show off your axe before Lu Ban's door, but I certainly am not!"
Fang Yun listened coldly to their discussion. No wonder they had invited so few people. Those who came were all their confidants, most likely to prevent their true intentions from leaking out.
Once Fang Yun left, the more than