As it happened, the forces each country sent to the River Viewing Terrace usually traveled in two separate groups.
One group went to compete. Led by the prodigies representing their country, with powerful warriors at their head and a small squad of soldiers in escort, they usually set out first.
The other went to watch the ceremony, made up mostly of dignitaries from home. They might be there to broaden their horizons, take part in negotiations... the reasons varied.
The former counted as a campaign; the latter was merely a pleasure trip, so the two groups did not set out together.
Of course, the so-called "freedom to attend the ceremony" applied only to the six great hegemonic nations of All-Under-Heaven.
Though the River Viewing Terrace was vast, there were not nearly enough places for everyone to watch.
Aside from the six foremost powers, the quota for every other country was very limited.
Unlike the sharply divided forces of many countries, Mu Kingdom's procession was somewhat different.
Those going to compete and those going to watch set out at the same time, with the second group following close behind the first.
At the very front was the contingent headed to compete in the Yellow River Assembly.
The three prodigies representing the country were escorted by the Cangtu Divine Cavalry, mounted on giant wolves.
Those powerful, majestic Divine Wolves were enough to make anyone who saw them tremble.
Not far behind them...
Some rode horses, some rode in carriages, and some walked. The procession looked more like a sightseeing party.
The nobles had brought plenty of servants and slaves to wait on them, keeping everyone busy and making the whole procession even more bloated.
Or, to put it another way, grand and imposing.
Namodo, the Golden Crown High Priest leading the group,