The civil and military officials stood in formation, waiting in the square.
The commoners who had come to witness the ceremony were on the raised platform to the left. Though they were all standing, a Magic Array that restored their energy was slowly operating, so no one need worry that anyone would be unable to hold out.
A raised platform had also been built on the right side of the square, but it stood empty, without a single spectator.
Only after the officials had completed their worship would they take their places there to "witness the ceremony." Only then could aristocratic-clan scions like Chongxuan Sheng, who lacked the official status to participate in the "Grand Master Ceremony" but were qualified to witness it, enter the square.
By then, the middle of the square would be the stage for those few young people.
Overnight, a Danbi Terrace had been raised opposite the main gate of the Imperial Ancestral Temple. It was naturally the seat of the Supreme One, signifying that the Great Qi Emperor would join the emperors of past generations in admiring the Empire's outstanding talents.
The Dragon Throne and Phoenix Throne at the very top had long since been prepared, but both were empty.
His Majesty the Great Qi Emperor was currently offering sacrifices inside the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
The Danbi Terrace extended down to a landing halfway along. Several tables had been set up on this platform, the places reserved for the princes and princesses.
Below that came another stretch of Danbi Terrace, and then the square.
Jiang Wang had no attention to spare for the complexity of the "Grand Master Ceremony's" rites or the grandeur of its specifications.
He sat quietly, eyes closed, gathering his strength.
His posture was upright, his breathing long and steady.
Such composure