96: The undercurrent beneath the throne and the emperor's decree
The edict of Great Qin · First Emperor, like a clap of thunder, exploded across the entire World Channel.
One Punch, One Sobbing Monster: "Holy crap! This isn't giving anyone a way to live! First Emperor is forcing all SSS-level big shots to take sides!"
White Whore in the Waves: "More than just taking sides, he's clearly trying to bring all top combat power under his control! Those who comply, he'll give them a 'Great General' to be; those who don't, he'll slap a big label on them, 'Enemy of the World'!"
Saint Hall · Caesar: "Hmph, what big talk. Who does he think he is? Does he really think this continent is his backyard?"
Abyss · Morgana: "Hehehe, he's strong now, with over a dozen SSS-level enforcers under him, so he really does have the capital. Caesar, how about we two families join forces and give him some fun?"
On the World Channel, a storm was brewing again.
Some were enraged by First Emperor's domineering methods, some were watching from the sidelines, gloating, but more, were the silent SSS-level rogue lords who had been called out by name.
They became the center of this storm.
Within the Celestial Court guild channel, the atmosphere also grew somewhat heavy.
MyoSuSeiKa: "Big shot, this First Emperor is too domineering! He's practically calling you out by name to go to Xianyang Plain! If you go, isn't that walking into a trap? If you don't go, you'll offend the strongest force in the entire First Sequence... What should we do?"
Five Elements Reversal: "He's very clever. He's using 'righteousness' to hijack everyone. During the peace period, he can't use force, but he can use this method to isolate us and put pressure on us. Once the peace period ends, he can legitimately launch a purge against all 'disobedient ones'."
Yi remained silent, but his constantly flickering avatar also showed his inner turmoil.
They had just joined Celestial Court, thinking they had found a reliable backer where they could develop steadily, but they didn't expect that in the blink of an eye, they would become a thorn in the side of the world's number one guild.
Everyone's gaze subconsciously converged on the ID that had remained silent from beginning to end.
Tian Ze.
Facing this 'open conspiracy' that would make anyone feel tricky, how would he respond?
Lin Feng leaned back on his throne, his fingers gently caressing the ugly-cute toad statue that MyoSuSeiKa had just presented, his face showing no emotion.
Tian Ze: "A bunch of chickens and dogs, do they even deserve to be called Emperor?"
A light, dismissive rhetorical question instantly dispelled the heavy atmosphere in the channel.
MyoSuSeiKa's eyes instantly lit up: "Big shot, do you mean... we ignore him?"
Tian Ze: "Let him wait. My Xianyang Palace is not a place just any cat or dog can enter."
Lin Feng replied in First Emperor's tone.
That undisguised contempt and mockery made MyoSuSeiKa and Five Elements Reversal pause for a moment, then they couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Yes, what were they afraid of?
Their backer was the man who could overturn an entire war zone by himself! He was the monster who could summon hellish dragons and possessed the Divine Bird Fortress!
What was a mere Great Qin Empire?
Just as the atmosphere within Celestial Court was relaxed, on the World Channel, the storm suddenly escalated.
An SSS-level lord with the ID 'Mad Blade' seemed to have reached his limit and openly challenged him in the channel.
Mad Blade: "First Emperor? Bah! He's just relying on numbers! Does he really think he's someone important? If he's got guts, wait until the peace period is over and fight me fair and square! Don't you dare pull these sneaky tricks behind my back!"
These words were like a barrel of gasoline poured onto an already raging fire.
Almost the instant he spoke.
Great Qin · First Emperor's golden ID once again, reigned supreme.
Great Qin · First Emperor: "Foolish bravery, utterly ignorant. Since you are so eager to die, I shall grant your wish."
Buzz—!
A system announcement that no one had anticipated suddenly lit up!
World Announcement: Great Qin Empire leader "First Emperor" used his talent skill - [Son of Heaven's Decree]! Designated target [Mad Blade], applied punitive status [Heaven's Punishment]!
Heaven's Punishment: For the next 24 hours, Lord "Mad Blade's" resource production efficiency is reduced by 50%, and all building construction and upgrade times are increased by 50%. This status cannot be dispelled by conventional spells.