211: Stupid dude

Michael's calculations were clear and precise.

Not only did he want to completely foil Lucifer's 'battery-stealing' plan, but he also wanted to use this opportunity to severely weaken the Dark Angel Clan.

When two fight, a third party benefits.

He understood this principle.

"Issue my secret order," Michael commanded his confidant again, "Have 'Nightingale' find a way to ascertain the exact coordinates of Tianwu World, and... the true strength of those so-called Cultivators."

Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

...

The scene, once again, returned to Tianwu World.

Eastern Region, Yu Yuan Continent.

There were still twenty-eight days until the day Lu Yuchen, the Sect Master of Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, would begin his lecture.

But the Yu Yuan Continent was already overcrowded.

Martial Artists who had rushed from all over, like migrating fish, packed this once-peaceful land to the point of being impassable.

Inns were full, restaurants were full, and even some remote dilapidated temples were occupied by various 'heroes and champions'.

The air was filled with the smell of sweat, alcohol, the rust of weapons, and... a strong scent of gunpowder.

After all, Martial Artists, for the most part, were hot-tempered individuals. Drawing swords at the slightest disagreement was commonplace.

And as the nominal ruler of the Yu Yuan Continent, the Da Xuan Dynasty, was currently experiencing unprecedented glory and... challenges.

Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.

A young man dressed in a dark Xuan Dragon Robe, with a handsome face and an air of composure and dignity between his brows, was quietly reviewing memorials.

It was none other than the protagonist's youngest Disciple, the current ruler of the Da Xuan Dynasty—Ying Ziliang!

In just a few months, under his iron-fisted and decisive methods, the Da Xuan Dynasty's territory had expanded several times over! The few small nations that had stubbornly resisted were all annexed by him!

He slowly put down the vermilion brush in his hand, closed his eyes, and felt the surging power within him, like a mighty river, along with the mysterious sensation connected to the entire Imperial Dynasty's Luck. A satisfied smile curved his lips.

Golden Core 4th Layer!

This was the terrifying power of being blessed by Imperial Luck!

In just a few months, his cultivation had broken through several realms!

"It's about time for court."

Ying Ziliang tidied his Dragon Robe, stood up, and walked towards the Golden Imperial Hall.

...

"Your Majesty! Your subject has a memorial to present!"

In the Golden Imperial Hall, an old official with white hair and beard tremblingly stepped forward, his face filled with worry.

"Speak," Ying Ziliang sat calmly on the Dragon Throne, his voice even, yet commanding respect.

"Reporting to Your Majesty!" The old official's voice carried a hint of indignation, "In recent days, a large number of foreign Martial Artists have flooded into our Yu Yuan Continent. These individuals are unruly and lawless! They fight in the streets, destroy civilian homes, and even... even many innocent common people have tragically died in their conflicts!"

"Just yesterday, in Yizhou City, two Martial Emperor experts from different Sects fought fiercely over a minor dispute! They actually... actually razed half of Yizhou City to the ground! The casualties among the common people amounted to several thousand!"

Boom!

Upon hearing this, the entire Golden Imperial Hall instantly fell into a deathly silence.

Ying Ziliang's face, which had been somewhat nonchalant, instantly became covered in frost.

Terrifying pressure surged out from within him.

"How outrageous!"

"Simply outrageous!"

"A bunch of lawless madmen! Do they truly believe that My Da Xuan is a place where they can run wild as they please?!"

He abruptly stood up, a terrifying killing intent erupting from his deep eyes.

"Issue My decree!"

"Effective immediately, the 'Seven Edicts of Da Xuan' shall be promulgated throughout the entire Yu Yuan Continent!"

"Whoever enters My Da Xuan's territory, no matter where you come from, what your status, or what your cultivation, must obey this decree! Violators..."

He paused, his voice chilling to the bone, devoid of any emotion.

"Shall be executed without mercy!"

...

An hour later.

Seven edicts, considered the most stringent and overbearing in the history of the Da Xuan Dynasty, spread throughout the entire Yu Yuan Continent with lightning speed!

First, all cities within the territory are under curfew! After sunset, anyone found wandering the streets shall be killed!

Second, private duels are forbidden! Anyone engaging in combat within the city, regardless of reason or identity, shall be killed upon discovery!

Third, weapon control! Except for government officials, no one is allowed to display weapons in public places; violators shall be killed!

Fourth...

The seven edicts, each one bloody, each word striking at the heart!

All the Martial Artists in the Yu Yuan Continent were stunned the moment they saw these seven edicts.

They've gone mad!

This Da Xuan Dynasty has absolutely gone mad!

Since ancient times, which Imperial Dynasty dared to impose such strict restrictions on Martial Artists?!

This was practically making an enemy of all the Martial Artists in the world!

Yu Yuan Continent, a small city named "Qingfeng," inside a tavern.

It was already bustling with noise and discussions.

"Damn it! This Da Xuan Dynasty is too disrespectful to us Jianghu folk!" A burly man with a rough face slammed his wine bowl heavily on the table, spitting as he spoke.

"Exactly! I've been roaming the Jianghu for decades, and this is the first time I've seen such an overbearing Imperial Dynasty! It's simply outrageous!"

"I think this Da Xuan Dynasty has gone crazy for money! They want to use this opportunity to extort wealth from us!"

For a time, the tavern was filled with indignant shouts and curses.

Just then, in a corner, a scholar who seemed a bit clever spoke softly.

"Everyone, calm down."

"Do you know who stands behind this Da Xuan Dynasty?"

Everyone was stunned by his words.

The scholar took a sip of tea and slowly uttered five words.

"Tai Xuan Immortal Sect."

Boom!

These five words, like a thunderclap from the Nine Heavens, struck everyone's head!

The entire tavern instantly fell into a deathly silence.

The various 'heroes and champions' who had been indignant and clamoring to show the Da Xuan Dynasty a lesson just a second ago were now like ducks with their necks squeezed, mouths open but unable to make a sound.

Their expressions were even more varied and colorful.

Tai... Tai Xuan Immortal Sect?!

Is it that Immortal Sect whose Sect Master's single word caused the entire Tianwu World to go crazy?!

On the second floor of the tavern, in a more elegant private room.

Several young Young Masters, dressed in luxurious brocade robes and clearly of extraordinary birth, also heard the discussions downstairs clearly.

"Hmph! A bunch of cowardly good-for-nothings!"

One of the arrogant youths sneered with disdain.

"A mere Da Xuan Dynasty frightens them like this?"

"Indeed!" Another youth with a pointed nose and monkey-like cheeks echoed, "We are all from prestigious Families, and our Families all have Martial Venerable Old Ancestors overseeing them! How could we be afraid of a newly emerging force that has just begun to show its prominence?"

"In my opinion, this Da Xuan Dynasty is merely borrowing prestige and putting on a show!"

The leader was a handsome youth with a jade-like face, but his eyes held a hint of gloom. He fanned himself, a smug smile on his face.

"Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, after all, is an Immortal Sect, emphasizing detachment from worldly affairs."

"Will they offend these top forces behind us for the sake of a mortal Imperial Dynasty?"

"This Young Master doesn't believe it."

Clearly, these fools, who had been too well-protected by their Families, simply did not know how to write the word "fear."

In their view, the law does not punish the masses.

Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, surely, would not truly make an enemy of all the Martial Artists in the world for a mortal Imperial Dynasty, right?

They were too naive.