More precious still, Lay Scholar Qi's reputation was not only illustrious but as spotless as jade. This was what drew the Seven Flood Dragons-or rather, Shang Huaitong-like a thirsty steed racing toward a spring.
The Seven Flood Dragons already dominated Bowang. Their hopes of advancing further rested on Shang Huaitong, while his stairway to heaven lay in Shaolong Sword Cultivation Academy.
Luo Defeng had never doubted the man's aptitude or character, and the man had not disappointed him. Although his beloved disciple had brooded for several days after returning without gaining admission, to Luo Defeng, the news that his admission next time was assured was already a tremendous satisfaction.
The only uncertainty was the reputation the Seven Flood Dragons and his beloved disciple had acquired over the years.
However hard they scrubbed it clean, things that had happened always left traces. There was no evidence, of course, but none was needed. If even a few rootless rumors reached that lord's ears, matters risked slipping out of control.
In matters of reputation, the best strategy was never to dig down to the roots, but to respond through reputation itself.
Qi Zhaohua's reputation was jade-pure. Standing beside the gentle, broad-minded man, she made them a pair as radiant as a clear breeze and a moon after rain. Every nebulous rumor would collapse without a fight-could someone like Lay Scholar Qi possibly shelter a villain?
Thus, proof came without proving anything. Qi Zhaohua stood like a luminous pearl, and with Shang Huaitong leaning upon her, all the shadows on him were driven away.
And this was merely the passive benefit. What the woman actively planned for him was to build a lofty platform out of herself and the Egret Isle Poetry Gathering, raising him high enough to ensure that when the superintendent arrived,