Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
Across the sixty-two prefectures and more than a thousand cities of the Great Zhou Dynasty, this imperial edict appeared in the skies above them all, as if it had descended from heaven.
Whether ordinary people or cultivators, everyone looked up at the edict. Gradually, looks of shock appeared on their faces.
A duke—after so many years, such an exalted honor had been bestowed once more.
The Great Zhou Dynasty had no kings of other surnames. A duke was already the highest noble title.
"The Fang Family already has Duke Zhenguo's Mansion. Why would they bestow the title of Duke Zhenyuan as well?"
"Exactly. This is the first time I've heard of someone being made a duke and then a marquis, too. Who is this Marquis of Xiaoyao?"
The Great Zhou Dynasty's territory was vast, and the Prefecture City Fang Family's influence was nowhere near that of the Wangdu Fang Family.
After all, their ancestors had followed the founding emperor in building the dynasty. They had helped establish it, and their disciples and followers were spread throughout the land. Their reputation was renowned.
"Immediately have our representative stationed in the Royal Capital send back word. Find out what's going on!"
Nearly every powerful clan, sect, or gang in the various prefectures kept "eyes" in the Royal Capital to monitor the latest developments.
But at present, many people in the Royal Capital were still completely in the dark.
News took time to travel. Emperor Hongtai, Li Chengxian, and the others had used Spiritual Treasures to hurry to Clear Sea City at great speed.
Only the nearby cities knew what had happened in Clear Sea City. At best, the news might have reached neighboring prefectures.
As for a grand measure like Emperor Hongtai's edict, which had been swiftly transmitted throughout