Steady rain had failed to drive the bustle from the Divine Capital.
The Qionghua Banquet had suddenly been announced two days earlier than planned. Even those who had known the date beforehand couldn't help feeling startled.
Even the ordinary people of the Divine Capital sensed that something was amiss.
But the decision had been made, and there was little anyone could say about it.
The Qionghua Banquet was to be held at Yulin Garden, the imperial garden in the Outer City.
The factions that had come for the exchange had already arrived, as had the young disciples of the major sects.
For this grand event, the Great Jin emperor, Zhao Mingyu, who was rumored to be in poor health, would preside in person.
All eleven members of the Great Jin Council of State would be in attendance!
It was an unprecedented level of ceremony!
The Great Jin Council of State determined the overall direction of the empire. It usually consisted of representatives from each of the eight great clans of Great Jin, along with three more seats controlled by the Zhao Family.
Even the imperial family had to secure the approval of most of the great clans before issuing policies concerning major matters of state.
Yulin Garden was an imperial garden in the Outer City, situated beside a lake. A gentle river flowed below it, with flat ground along the banks and a small, mirrorlike lake nearby. In the distance stood a grove of fruit trees.
Far from the bustle of the Divine Capital, it had the feel of a secluded paradise, yet still retained the stately grandeur of an imperial garden.
The grounds were spacious enough to accommodate the many young talents attending.
Aside from their strength and extraordinary talent, nearly all the young elites invited to this Qionghua