The Blade Wasn't Sharp Enough, Much Less Ruthless Enough

Ghost Ridge Palace had launched a sweeping Noble Family Reform throughout the Three Prefectures, targeting the Noble Families and Powerful Clans entrenched across the various regions.

In the past, every one of these Noble Families and Powerful Clans had been local tyrants operating in their territories for centuries, with connections as tangled as the roots of an ancient tree.

Through cultivating their family disciples, they had also built an unshakable foundation in both wealth and martial power, becoming tigers crouching on their own ground. They had even actively supplied talent to the sects and Imperial Court, increasing their own influence.

Even the increasingly declining Great Li Dynasty had been powerless against them, forced to let these Noble Families and Powerful Clans run rampant and seize control of local authority.

Yet all this changed with a single decree from Ghost Ridge Palace. In Qingzhou, Qingzhou, and Chongzhou, these Noble Families and Powerful Clans, accustomed to living the good life, suddenly encountered a winter unlike any they had ever known.

As soon as Ghost Ridge Palace's various harsh taxes were implemented, they descended like a flood of ferocious beasts, drawing fierce condemnation from the Noble Families and Powerful Clans and provoking a chorus of opposition.

But words were the weakest of weapons. Ghost Ridge Palace's iron fist and absolute power showed these Noble Families and Powerful Clans exactly how Devil Dao cultivators conducted themselves.

Anyone who resisted Ghost Ridge Palace's tax reforms would have their household confiscated and their entire lineage exterminated. All their property would be seized by the state and become Ghost Ridge Palace's wealth.

Such incidents were not isolated. They were everywhere.

Far too many Noble Families and Powerful Clans were attached to their wealth and unwilling to give up the fat meat in their bowls.

Some dared not