Fang Yun nodded slightly to everyone and followed the eunuch toward the imperial palace.
After a few steps, Fang Yun seemed to remember something. His gaze swept across the sky, then returned to normal.
The capital lay a thousand li from Ning'an. Snow had fallen in Ning'an, but the capital's skies were clear.
Yet after Fang Yun glanced at the sky, dark clouds gathered within a radius of several hundred li, and a cold winter rain began to fall.
By custom, the Temples of Sages in each city would not block such a drizzle. But banquets were now being held in the imperial palace and along Black Tortoise Avenue, so the Temple of Sages released its power to keep the rain from the palace surroundings. Rain fell only beyond a li from the palace.
It was already winter, and nearly all the leaves had fallen from the capital's trees. The drizzle made the scene even more desolate.
This banquet was far grander than the previous Early Spring Literary Gathering. The palace was festooned with lanterns and decorations, bright as day, with banquet tables everywhere.
Fang Yun entered the palace on foot, and everyone rose to cheer loudly.
"Congratulations to Void Sage Fang on becoming Zhuangyuan!"
"Congratulations to Void Sage Fang on becoming a Before the Sages Top-Ten Zhuangyuan!"
"Congratulations to Void Sage Fang on becoming the Human Race's first Before the Sages Top-Ten Zhuangyuan!"
Everyone found different ways to congratulate Fang Yun. Today was a day of great celebration, and many cast their usual restraints aside.
Smiling, Fang Yun passed through Heaven-Serving Gate and arrived outside Heaven-Serving Hall. This was the most prestigious location at the annual Top Scholar Banquet. Those seated before Heaven-Serving Hall were either high officials and dignitaries or members of distinguished families. Even the least