Reversed—Everything Had Turned Upside Down
The Ten Great Golden Clans were remarkably quick to act. Though arrogant, they became exceptionally levelheaded once they calmed down, and their efficiency and execution were astounding.
In just one hour, they had settled on a strategy. The patriarchs of the Ten Great Golden Clans personally issued an announcement, claiming that everything was the work of Multi-Eye, Linghua, and the others conspiring with the Surface Humans to overthrow the underground world. The so-called Mandate of Heaven and the prophet's predictions were nothing but seditious lies they had fabricated to mislead the public. Their crimes were unforgivable; their goal was to sow discord within the underground world and drive it further apart.
The announcement denounced Linghua, Multi-Eye, Copper Coconut, and the others as traitors to the Underground Race who had betrayed their own people, and as the dregs of the Ten Great Golden Clans.
It also called on the descendants of the Golden Clan who had joined Linghua and Multi-Eye's rebellion to turn back before it was too late. They must not be misled or provoked; they had to face reality and remember their heritage. The clans promised not to hold them accountable as long as they turned back in time. Not only would they be forgiven, but their previous treatment would also be guaranteed. The order of the Three Academies would remain unchanged. Outstanding individuals could even be promoted. With so many Purple Gold Ribbon Grand Scholar and Gold Ribbon Grand Scholar positions vacant, several would surely be filled by promoting ordinary scholars. They guaranteed that talented people would be valued and given the chance to distinguish themselves.
Furthermore, in view of the underground world's postwar decline, the Ten Great Golden Clans would invest vast resources in infrastructure and establish all kinds of academies. There