Crimson Flame Alliance The integration of the old place went faster than expected.
Soros was familiar with government affairs, and with Old Jack's assistance, the taxes and household registrations of the seven cities were quickly re-clarified. Black Wind City's 30% tax reduction policy began to be implemented in each city. Bader took his original team and cooperated with Hosen went around to clean up, and several small forces that couldn't see the situation clearly and wanted to take over the mountain as king were quickly eliminated. The leaders' heads were hung on the city walls, and the banditry in the territory was cleared. Murphy's supervision team also set up a racket, began to clean up internal discipline, and dealt with several incidents of withholding military pay and bullying civilians.
The situation initially stabilized, and Lin Qin summoned all senior executives.
Dragon Rock Hall, located at Black Wind City, was originally the hall of the city lord's palace. There were many more people present, except Hosen, Old Jack, and Soros These core members include, Murphy, and Bader, as well as several newly promoted former Crimson Flame Alliance middle-level officers, as well as several local family representatives who chose to surrender.
Lin Qin was not sitting on the large chair. He stood in front of everyone, his eyes scanning the familiar and unfamiliar faces.
"From today on," he said, his voice was not loud, but the entire hall fell silent instantly, "All activities of Radiant Church and Dark Church are completely prohibited within the territory of Dragon Rock Territory."
These words were like a piece of ice smashed into boiling oil, causing everyone's expressions to change suddenly. Ban the two Theocracy? In the Yulan Continent, no force dares to do this. Radiant Church believers are all over the human country, and Dark Church also has a deep foundation in the northern part of Chaos Territory. This is equivalent to declaring war on two behemoths at the same time.
Soros's face changed several times, and he took a step forward, with a cautious tone. "Sir, is this move... too hasty? The two Theocracy forces are intertwined and have many believers. If they impose a ban, I'm afraid it will cause turmoil. Can we restrict it first and then slowly implement it..."
"No need." Lin Qin interrupted him, leaving no room for negotiation. "Either you don't do it, or you do it absolutely. There is no place for God in my territory."
He looked at everyone, his eyes calm but with unquestionable power. "Give me the order, three things."
"First, notify the entire territory. All Temple of Light and Temple of Darkness will be closed within ten days, and all clergy must leave the country. Those who remain after the deadline will be treated as spies and will not be shot."
"Second, confiscate and destroy all scriptures, icons, and emblems of the two Theocracy. Anyone who has private possession of it among the people will be severely punished if discovered."
"Third, any form of public preaching and gathering of believers is prohibited. Anyone who violates the order will be killed."
Three orders, all of them bloody, with the smell of iron and blood.
Old Jack took a deep breath and was the first to bow. "Yes, Master." This matter mainly fell on the internal affairs system that he was responsible for.
Hosen grinned, showing his white teeth. "Don't worry, sir, if any magic stick dares to prick you, I will chop him up myself!"
Soros, Murphy, and Bader exchanged glances, suppressed the turmoil in their hearts, and responded in unison, "Yes!"
The order spread throughout the eight cities of Dragon Rock Territory as quickly as possible. At first there was dead silence, and then a huge uproar broke out.
In Crimson Flame City, the core city of the original alliance, the reaction was the most intense. Hundreds of believers gathered in front of Temple of Light in the center of the city. Most of them were residents of the city, including businessmen, craftsmen, and ordinary civilians. At this moment, their faces were filled with anger and confusion.
"Why? What's wrong with our belief in the God of Light?"
"The priests of the temple healed our illnesses and enlightened our children. What did they do wrong?"
"This is blasphemy! You will be punished by God!"
In the crowd, a middle-aged man wearing coarse cloth waved his arms with a flushed face. "We can't accept it! We want to petition the lord!"
An old man next to him quickly stopped him. "Don't be impulsive! Haven't you heard about Black Wind City? This new lord is true to his word and his methods are ruthless!"
"Are we just going to watch the temple being destroyed?" the middle-aged man growled unwillingly.
Similar controversies are taking place all over Dragon Rock Territory. Many believers are secretly working together to prepare a joint petition. Some local families who were already suspicious of Lin Qin's rule have also begun secret activities, preparing to take the opportunity to cause trouble.
On the evening of the second day after the order was issued, Soros privately asked to see Lin Qin.
"Sir," Soros said with a solemn expression, "The response from each city was more intense than expected. Especially at Crimson Flame City, someone has been secretly working together to organize a large-scale petition. Some local families are also waiting and watching, and they seem to want to use the topic to their advantage."
Lin Qin was wiping his Heavy Sword, without raising his head when he heard the words: "Tell me the important point."
"My subordinates are worried that if they are suppressed forcefully, large-scale riots may occur. We have just taken over these cities and our foundation is still shallow..."
"So?" Lin Qin put down the wiping cloth and looked at Soros.
Soros took a deep breath. "My subordinates suggest that the deadline can be slightly relaxed? For example, give the believers a buffer time so that they can slowly accept..."
"No." Lin Qin flatly refused, "Ten days, no more than one day. What you have to do now is to ensure that the order is executed, not to bargain."
Soros opened his mouth, but finally swallowed his words. He understood that this lord's decision could not be changed.
"So... what if there was a massive riot?"
"Treat it as a rebellion." Lin Qin's tone was terrifyingly calm, "Hosen and Bader's troops are already in place. Remember, kindness will only make the enemy think you are weak."
Soros's heart trembled, and he finally fully understood Lin Qin's determination. This was not an impulsive decision, but a well-thought-out purge.
At the same time, the garrison troops in various cities have begun to take action.
In Crimson Flame City's military camp, Hosen is assigning tasks to his officers.
"Listen up," Hosen stood on the high platform of the school grounds with a loud voice, "When the ten-day deadline is up, the lord's order will be carried out immediately. The first brigade is responsible for blocking the streets around the temple, the second brigade is responsible for dismantling the temple, and the third brigade is on standby at any time to deal with possible riots."
A young officer couldn't help but ask, "General, what if... what if civilians block it?"
Hosen glanced at him coldly. "The lord has an order, and those who disobey the order will be killed without mercy."
There was silence on the school grounds, except for the sound of the flags blowing in the night wind.
In another corner, Bader was inspecting the soldiers' equipment. He ran his thick fingers over the sharp blade and nodded with satisfaction.
"Cheer up!" Bader said angrily, "If anyone is timid during this operation, don't blame me for being rude!"
The soldiers agreed in unison, but many of them still had uneasiness in their eyes. Most of them were locals, and some of them had family members who were believers of the God of Light.
While the military is making intensive preparations, private undercurrents are also surging.
Crimson Flame City In a house in the West District, representatives of several local families were having secret discussions.
"This is an opportunity." A middle-aged man with a goatee lowered his voice, "Lin Qin This move will definitely cause public outrage. We can take this opportunity..."
"Don't act rashly." Another fat businessman shook his head, "Haven't you seen that person's methods? Soros adults are all convinced, we..."
"It's because Soros has given in that we have to take action!" A young and energetic nobleman said excitedly, "Are we going to watch our ancestors' beliefs being trampled on?"
Similar secret talks were held in multiple cities at the same time. Some people advocated taking the opportunity to start an uprising, some suggested waiting and watching, and some were already secretly contacting forces outside the city.
On the last night before the deadline, Lin Qin stood alone on the highest point of the Dragon Rock Hall, overlooking the sleeping Black Wind City.
Pallas's voice sounded in his mind, "Master, the reactions from all over the country are very intense. Tomorrow's operation may not go smoothly."
"I know." Lin Qin's gaze swept across the scattered spots of light in the city, "But this move must be made."
"Why do you have to be so tough? Isn't it safer to take things step by step?"
"We don't have time." Lin Qin's tone remained calm, "The two big Theocracys will not give us a chance to develop slowly. Rather than wait for them to take root within us, it is better to uproot them now."
Pallas was silent for a moment. "I understand. I will patrol the sky above Crimson Flame City tomorrow, just in case."
"Hmm."
The night is getting darker, but many people in the eight cities of Dragon Rock Territory are destined to have no sleep. Believers pray all night in front of the temple, officers are making final arrangements, local forces are plotting in secret, and ordinary civilians are waiting in fear for the arrival of dawn.
The ten-day deadline is here in the blink of an eye.