Previously, during the Spiritual Conference of Huanghai, the number of disciples who participated was about the same as now. But the meaning was different for this social gathering. The Celestial Sect of Wonders seemed to be hinting that they were going to challenge all the other sects.
Regardless whether it was the disciples of the Celestial Sect of Wonders or disciples from the other sects, they were prepared for this.
That was why when Shi Tianhao announced that everyone would be separated into groups, the disciples from the other sects seemed to object to the arrangement.
That was because the Celestial Sect of Wonders had the most disciples in this gathering. Once they gathered together, their overall strength was the greatest.