As Qi Zhongbin approached step by step from outside, the many officials and Imperial Guards beyond the Golden Hall were the first to see an old man coming toward them under a eunuch's guidance.
He had the bearing of an immortal, his hair and beard snowy white. Amid so many people in splendid clothes, with quite a few clad in armor, his plain attire only made him seem further removed from the mortal world.
As Qi Zhongbin passed, many officials looked toward him, and the Imperial Guards, attendants, and eunuchs all turned to watch.
Everyone felt puzzled, everyone felt astonished, and more than a few could not help feeling excited.
Even those harboring doubts had to admit that, at first glance, the newcomer truly possessed the air of an extraordinary master.
Yet Qi Zhongbin, the focus of every gaze, showed no trace of nervousness. As he walked onward, he saw a magnificent gathering, surrounded by brilliantly luminous official auras.
Smiling and occasionally stroking his beard, Qi Zhongbin sometimes gave an official outside the hall an extra glance. Whenever he did, that person's destiny was a little different from an ordinary person's.
"This way, Old Celestial Master!"
"Very well!"
The guiding eunuch smiled as he invited Qi Zhongbin up the steps. The old man looked up at the Golden Hall above. Oh! Its light shone even more brilliantly, wreathed in purple qi.
Inside and outside the Golden Hall, this grand autumn court assembly gathered all the brightest stars of Great Yong's flourishing age. It could well be called the greatest gathering in the mortal world today.
As he climbed the steps, the Old Celestial Master's figure gradually appeared outside the Golden Hall. The court officials entitled to stand within, along with the reigning emperor, all turned to look.
In truth, even