"[Proxy Authority - Heaven Dou Empire]*
*[Available Decrees: 1/1 this month]*
*[Input Decree: Text will be issued by Wei Lian as Imperial Order]*
Xiao Zhan dipped his brush in ink. He didn't hesitate.
_Decree: All unregistered Spirit Masters above Rank 40 are to report to their nearest City Lord office for 'Imperial Audit' within one month. Non-compliance is treason. Compliance grants 100 gold and title of 'Imperial Consultant'._
He handed it to Wei Lian through Liu Feng.
"Why?" Su Yin asked, reading it over his shoulder.
"Because every assassin, every rogue elder, every hermit who thinks he's outside the world will have to choose," Xiao Zhan said. "Come into the light and I'll know your name. Stay in the dark and you're a criminal. And criminals are resources."
The Decree went out. In thirty days, Heaven Dou's City Lord offices were flooded. The Empire got a census of its hidden monsters. The Veil got a shopping list.
Xiao Zhan burned 100 Influence.
*[Influence Burn Activated]*
*[Ignoring Level Difference]*
*[Target Selected: Dugu Bo - Rank 91 - Titled Douluo 'Poison', Martial Soul: Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor]*
*[Backlash: Major. Estimated Soul Power Damage: 40% temporary, 7% permanent]*
*[Proceed?]*
Dugu Bo lived in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. He hated Spirit Hall. He hated authority. He had a granddaughter.
_Yes._
The pain was worse this time. He collapsed, vomiting blood. Rank 61 to Rank 37. Seven percent gone forever. He'd be Rank 57 when he recovered.
But when he woke three days later, he had a second Titled Douluo.
*[Marked: Dugu Bo - Rank 91 - Loyalty: Absolute]*
*[Mark Slots: 7/6 - Limit Broken]*
*[Current Influence: 250]*
*[Dynasty Lv.2 Effect: Two Titled Douluo Marked. New Title Gained: 'King Without Crown']*
*[New Function: Throne Quest - Unite 3 Kingdoms under Proxy Authority to unlock System Third Evolution]*
Xiao Zhan sat up. His body hurt. His soul felt hollowed out. But he smiled.
Two kingdoms down. One to go.
"Su Yin," he said. "Where's the Spirit Hall's Pope now?"
She checked her paper. "Wuhun City. Preparing for the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament. Six months."
"Six months." He looked at his hands. Rank 57. Two Titled Douluo. One Crown Prince. One Eunuch Chief. Three thousand four hundred members.
"Plenty of time," Xiao Zhan said. "Tell Commander Yue. The Veil goes to war."