"Of course, the Sect decided them. The Array Department doesn't have that kind of authority. It was a joint decision by the Sect's four core departments." As he spoke, Fang Qing snuck a glance around the room before continuing, "However, these debate topics are suggestions our Array Department put forth after years of careful consideration."
Zhang Deming stared blankly for a moment, then gave Fang Qing a speechless look. "Don't give me that spiel," he said. "Besides, kissing up to the other departments right in front of me isn't a particularly smart move."
"Er..." Fang Qing froze, trying to salvage the situation. "I mean..."
"That's enough. I didn't call you here to have you kiss my ass!" Zhang Deming cut him off.
Fang Qing stopped and said respectfully, "Please, Master, speak."
Zhang Deming asked, "You said the Array Department spent years researching these topics. In that case, is our second topic—the conference's fourth topic overall—about calculation?"
