What Makes a Tyrant

Hidden Dragon Commandery, Dragon Guard Pass.

Dragon Guard Pass had once stood nearly a hundred meters high and more than ten meters thick, completely sealing the route through the Dabie Mountain Range. A hundred thousand regular troops had been stationed there. As the gateway to Hidden Dragon Commandery, its garrison had now grown to a hundred and fifty thousand. Its height remained unchanged, but its walls were now more than thirty meters thick, broad enough for ten horses to gallop abreast.

Banners crowded the ramparts. Bows and spears stood like a forest, and sharp blades glinted with a chilling light. Two divisions alone—five thousand soldiers each—guarded the entrance. Beyond the pass, the crowd stretched for more than ten miles, a dark mass like a swarm of ants. They numbered in the hundreds of thousands, several times the size of the garrison, and more figures kept arriving.

Dragon Guard Pass had always allowed free passage, a display of Hidden Dragon Commandery's confidence and generosity. Its sudden strict inspections alarmed and bewildered many. But with King Wuhuan about to found a dynasty, countless people still wanted to reach Hidden Dragon City, whether to join the excitement, seek profit, or see the spectacle. This time, however, Otherworlders clearly made up the majority.

The notice outside the pass explained matters plainly. Hidden Dragon City's population had reached six million, far beyond its capacity. To preserve stability and avoid disrupting the city's layout, no one else would be admitted unless invited, carrying travel papers, or holding a position of standing.

The reason was genuine. Ordinary people could only sigh and regret arriving too late, and no serious trouble broke out.

"Sir! I'm a merchant. Those are my goods behind me!"

A merchant led his caravan forward for inspection, steeling himself as he discreetly offered a