After discussing the matter of killing monsters, food and drinks were served, and the sixteen people began to drink and eat. Soon they began chatting about various topics, including stories of ancient sages, current officials, experiences of killing monsters, secrets of the imperial examinations, and interesting events in the academy. The atmosphere was great, without any hostility or conflict.

Fang Yun listened carefully to these stories to broaden his knowledge and observed the people. He found that although they were not perfect, they were all sensible. People like Liu Zicheng were few and far between.

They talked about the upcoming state examination to select Presented Scholars, in which all three classes would participate. Only two from the second class and one from the first class, last year's Accomplished Scholar Li Yuncong, would participate.

Then they started discussing the classics, policy essays, and poetry. They mentioned that the state examination no longer tested knowledge of the Path of the Saints.