The Imperial College Sacrificial Officer might not boast a reputation that shakes the world, yet he was certainly not someone to be taken lightly—at least, the Zong Zheng wouldn't dare to slight him.
Although he had come bearing an Imperial Decree, one of his objectives was indeed to undermine the Sacrificial Officer's face. Yet he made sure everything he said and did was within the bounds of propriety, lest he give them a foothold.
So, although they approached with imposing momentum, the Zong Zheng and his entourage nonetheless made their way to the mountain on foot.
This, however, afforded Jiang Li ample time.
By the time Jiang Li obtained the Bright Pearl, the Zong Zheng had only just led the Southern Heavenly Department's people halfway up the mountain to the Imperial College's gate.
Beyond the gate lay a plaza, with a solemn and austere three-zhang tall sage's stone statue in the center, before which all passing scholars bowed deeply in salute.
