The Jia Residence was now decked out with lanterns and festive decorations, and it had enough guest rooms to accommodate the many distinguished guests who had traveled far and arrived early.
Still, spacious as the Jia Residence was, only renowned veterans of the martial world or outstanding young talents could stay there.
They had to be at least at the fifth or sixth turn of the golden body, or near the top of the Human Ranking.
Other guests would have to make do with inns in the city.
"So many famous experts."
Xu Fei followed the others into the garden. Among the rockeries, streams, and pavilions, people stood chatting in twos and threes, and he recognized many familiar faces.
"Yes, this could already be considered the Martial Arts Assembly of Sichuan and Shu."
Li Bashan surveyed the scene with a smile, though something inscrutable flickered in his eyes.
As governor-general of Sichuan and Shu, his reputation in the martial world still fell short of Elder Jia's.
But he was less skilled, so there was little he could say.
Their names had been announced when they entered, and people were already watching the entrance. Seeing them come in, quite a few approached of their own accord.
"Greetings, Governor-General Li."
"I trust you've been well, Governor-General."
"Brother Xu, it's been a long time..."
The commotion was mainly due to Li Bashan, though everyone greeted Xu Fei along the way as well.
Even Jia Hao, who had remained in the inner courtyard, came out accompanied by several friends.
Jia Hao looked rather thin and wizened, his skin somewhat dark. His movements seemed slow, like those of an ordinary old man.
Yet the moment he emerged from the inner courtyard, he carried an aura that naturally made him the center of attention. He smiled