The city buzzed with anticipation as people eagerly looked forward to the second grand banquet. Rumors and speculations circulated among the citizens about what might happen at the banquet, and the excitement only grew as the day drew nearer.
Shops and businesses in Frost Hold took advantage of the excitement by offering special deals and promotions related to the tournament and the various participants. They sold commemorative items featuring the faces of the young masters who had shined during the battle royale, as well as books and scrolls containing the poetry of Han Cai, the famous poet of the Sky Soaring Sect.
The day of the grand banquet finally arrived, and the streets of Frost Hold were filled with throngs of people making their way to the royal palace. The air was thick with excitement, as everyone wanted to witness the historical event and be part of the celebration.
The royal palace was decked out in lavish decorations, and the banquet hall was set up to accommodate a large number of guests. The atmosphere was lively, with musicians playing festive tunes and entertainers performing acrobatics and dances to keep the guests amused.
As Han Cai accompanied the Sky Soaring Sect Master to the grand banquet, he couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the event. The royal palace had gone above and beyond, transforming the outer grounds into a massive banquet hall that could accommodate hundreds of thousands, if not million, of guests.
The northern end of the banquet hall featured a raised platform where the royal family, guests of the royal family, top powerful families of Yin, top powerful sects of Yin, and royal envoys from other kingdoms were seated. The royal family occupied the center seats, while the guests and envoys were arranged on both sides.
Below the massive platform, luxurious seating arrangements were provided for nobles, aristocrats, and courtiers. Outside the perimeter of these luxurious seating arrangements, a vast ground was set up with seating for the general public to join the banquet.
Soon, all the seats were filled, and Han Cai found himself seated beside his Master on the massive platform close to the royal family. Wang's family's young master was actually sitting beside Han Cai, informing him about all the envoys from various countries who were visiting the banquet today.
From the Shang country, the envoy was a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze and an air of authority. He had a neatly trimmed beard and wore a luxurious robe adorned with intricate patterns of dragons and phoenixes, signifying the power and prestige of the Shang country.
The envoy from the Qi country was a tall and imposing woman with an aura of grace and poise. Her dark hair was pulled back in an elegant updo, and she wore a flowing silk gown in the Qi country's traditional colors, which seemed to flow like water as she moved.
Representing the Wu country was a wise-looking, elderly man with a long white beard that reached his waist. His eyes sparkled with intelligence, and he wore a simple yet sophisticated robe embroidered with the symbols of the Wu country. His presence commanded respect, and it was evident that he was well-versed in the ways of diplomacy.
The Xuan country's envoy was a striking young man with a confident smile and an athletic build. His piercing eyes revealed his determination and ambition, while his attire displayed the Xuan country's rich cultural heritage with elaborate patterns of mythical creatures and vibrant colors.
Lastly, the envoy from Feng country was a beautiful woman with a mysterious aura that captivated everyone around her. Her long, flowing hair was like a cloud around her face, and her gown seemed to shimmer like the wind, reflecting the Feng country's affinity for the elements. She carried herself with an air of mystique that drew people in, making her presence impossible to ignore.
As Han Cai took in the diverse array of envoys, he realized the significance of this grand banquet. It was not just a celebration of the patriarch's return but also a testament to the Yin country's influence and power in the region.
The guests at the grand banquet took their seats. It became apparent that this time there would be no mingling among the attendees. Instead, everyone waited anxiously for the arrival of the royal patriarch, the emperor, and their family.
Soon, the announcement was made, signaling the arrival of the royal patriarch. The banquet buzzed with anticipation as everyone stood to show their respect. The royal patriarch entered the hall, his features aged and worn but still radiating wisdom and authority. His eyes sparkled with an inner fire, and he exuded a sense of calm and power.
Accompanying the royal patriarch walked the mother of the emperor; her regal bearing and gentle demeanor were a perfect complement to the patriarch's presence. Following them were the emperor and empress, their regal countenance unmistakable. Behind them, the siblings of the emperor walked with quiet dignity, followed by the young princes and princesses of the royal family, their youthful energy adding a touch of liveliness to the procession.
As the royal patriarch and his entourage made their way to the platform, Han Cai felt the urge to scan him but quickly dismissed the thought. Remembering the cost of such an action, he decided it was not worth the risk, as his instincts told him there was nothing to fear at the moment.
The royal patriarch took his seat upon the central throne, with the empress's mother sitting beside him. Below their thrones, the emperor and empress took their seats, and the princes and princesses occupied their designated places.
With a wave of his hand, the royal patriarch proclaimed, "Let the grand banquet commence."
This time, the quality of the food and spirit wine served surpassed even the previous banquet. Han Cai reveled in the exquisite flavors and aromas that graced his palate. An array of sumptuous dishes filled the tables, from succulent roasted meats to delicate steamed dumplings filled with an assortment of savory and sweet fillings. Exotic seafood dishes showcased the bounty of the seas, while an assortment of vegetarian dishes catered to those with more delicate tastes.
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As I was getting a lot of pen requests. Instead of releasing one 1500 word chapter, I decided to release two thousand words chapters. Thank you for all your support and comments. They really keep me motivated to write more.
Gifts are always appreciated, but golden tickets and power stones matter a lot too.
If we reach 1000 power stones, I will release a supplementary chapter.
If we reach 1000 golden tickets, I will release five supplementary chapters.
Thank You
