Spring warmed the brocade-like rivers and mountains.
The ancient capital Chang'an had come alive again, recovering its bustling prosperity. People gathering from every region had nearly clogged the city gates.
Chang'an would hold its founding ceremony in a few days. Its national name would be Yan. After several centuries, another Human Emperor would ascend the throne and unite the realm. How could anyone miss such a momentous event? The crowds were truly a sea of people. Those of high status naturally had official residences or inns to stay in, or simply moved into the private estates of Chang'an's nobles. During this time, inn prices in Chang'an had risen more than tenfold, yet rooms remained in short supply.
Even the brothels were full. They offered both a place to stay and a perfectly legitimate chance to chase flowers and seek willows.
Even more people made do by pitching tents outside the city or beside lakes within it. The city's residents had invented homestays ahead of time, making a small fortune on this grand occasion.
The Cultivation World had also sent people to observe the ceremony. Chunyang Palace and the Western Teachings unceremoniously became honored guests, while the other sects and Rogue Cultivators had no part in it. The truly important figures could not be bothered to come; representing them were the stone-faced Purple Void Pan Hongzu and the jade-faced young monk Chen Jia. After all, the two had protected the emperor for many years and earned great merit through bitter toil.
The human race's fortune was now flourishing. Ordinary demons, monsters, ghosts, and spirits avoided it like the plague, much less dared cause trouble in Chang'an.
The imperial palace had already been completed, grand and majestic, no less impressive than the Former Tang Dynasty's.
Within the palace, Jiang Mian wore a