Whatever the Violet Star Spirit Lord in the heavens thought, the mages' audience at the palace had certainly opened the eyes of the emperor and his officials.
Even some ministers who had vehemently opposed the Magic Appraisal Assembly changed their attitudes after witnessing the mages' genuine abilities, to say nothing of those officials who were already the emperor's yes-men or put their own interests above all else.
After the mages demonstrated their true abilities, dignitaries began making frequent visits to certain waystations and residences specially provided for mages who had taken down the Imperial Proclamation.
The Magic Appraisal Assembly had yet to begin, but quite a few mages had already earned enough to fill their pots and bowls to overflowing.
Perhaps because the year's end was approaching, or perhaps because of the Magic Appraisal Assembly, the atmosphere in both the court and the streets of Capital City grew increasingly lively, with sights rarely seen in previous years.
People in magical robes could be seen on the streets of Capital City from time to time. Whether they were genuine mages or impostors, they all had to put on the air of an accomplished master.
Those setting up fortune-telling stalls or offering face readings to passersby were beyond counting, and there was no telling how many swindlers were mixed among them. After being fooled a few times, ordinary residents of Capital City began steering clear of certain mages.
Sure enough, when Qi Zhongbin arrived at the teahouse that day, besides the greetings from some early patrons, he received an earful of complaints from the proprietor, who came over personally to brew his tea.
"Ah, Mr. Qi, did you run into any mages on your way here?"
After sitting down, Qi Zhongbin glanced outside.
"Look, isn't there one right outside?"
The proprietor