After the emperor's decree was proclaimed to everyone, the atmosphere in the academy changed once more. The schools that had still been holding something back all brought out their finest skills.
Master the arts of letters and warfare, then sell them to the imperial house.
Even the most arduous studies ultimately served this purpose. Even the Luo Clan was no exception: the clan needed to keep establishing achievements to maintain its standing and reputation.
Now, the emperor's edict actually meant that the Register of Schools would be redrawn according to the academy debates!
This was simply terrifying!
It could even be called a matter of life and death!
A school without an entry in the Register of Schools was like a person without household registration.
The debates in the academy grew ever fiercer.
Naturally, the debates did not last just a single day.
This gave many schools opportunities to adjust, draw nourishment from the exchanges, and seek weaknesses. Those better at learning could naturally turn the tables and strike back.
More often, however, the schools with strength in numbers could analyze their opponents' weaknesses faster, fully displaying the strength of their foundations.
From the first duel to the death, a bloody air began to spread. A dark atmosphere shrouded the entire academy, sending chills through everyone, yet also stirring an exhilaration from the depths of their hearts-an exhilaration at bloodshed.
To struggle against others-what boundless joy.
The course of the debates left many people incredulous. Dongist Confucianism, which had always held a firm grip on the court's highest offices, was battered senseless. The other branches of Spring and Autumn Confucianism had spent far too long studying its flaws, waiting for a chance to knock it flat before all the world.
Unless something was truly flawless, no one could withstand others'