The long caravan stretched for dozens of meters. Banners of all kinds of sects fluttered in the wind, a riot of color that dazzled the eye.
Disciples and elders from the various sects climbed down from their carriages and mounts one after another. Young and old alike, some wore luxurious sect robes, while others were clad in rustic animal hides. Some carried themselves with lofty confidence, others were quiet and reserved. All manner of people from the martial world had gathered here.
The few sect leaders at the head of the delegation spotted Xu Yanli approaching at an unhurried pace. They hurried forward and bowed in greeting, their manner extremely respectful. "We pay our respects to Your Highness, Prince Xiaoyao!"
"You have come from afar and endured a long journey. Thank you for your efforts." Xu Yanli wore a gentle smile, his tone unruffled. "Your lodgings are ready. Please enter the city and rest. On the day of the opening ceremony, I'll host a banquet in your honor."
The sect leaders thanked him repeatedly, then followed the guiding officials into the city in orderly fashion to settle in.
Xu Yanli stood beneath the city gate, watching the procession depart.
This was only the first group of guests.
Over the next ten-odd days, sects, academies, and diplomatic delegations from across the continent streamed into Ming Capital without pause.
Three months of preparations flashed by. By half a month before the tournament opened, the vast city of Ming Capital was completely packed.
Every inn in the city was full. Even ordinary families opened up spare rooms to accommodate visitors from afar. Restaurants and taverns were packed from morning till night, and the streets teemed with people jostling shoulder to shoulder. Accents from every corner of the land mingled together, making the whole