No matter where they were, anyone who took down an Imperial Proclamation immediately drew the attention of the local officers.
After the Imperial Proclamation was posted throughout the realm, more and more people took it down, and news naturally reached Heaven-Bearing Prefecture at once. The fastest reports arrived within a month of its distribution.
These reports were first gathered at the Directorate of Celestial Observations, which then reported them to the emperor.
Although Sima Xiao had expected people to take down the proclamation, he had never imagined they would respond so quickly. Following the emperor's instructions, he could only go straight to the palace to report.
In the Imperial Study, Sima Xiao stood before the emperor who had summoned him, bowed, and delivered his report.
"Your Majesty, people in Longwind Prefecture and Azure Province have already taken down the Imperial Proclamation. Quite a few have responded-more than a dozen."
Delight appeared on the emperor's face.
"News already, so soon? When will they arrive? Is there any word of the Old Celestial Master?"
Sima Xiao hurried to reply.
"Your Majesty, there is no news of the Old Celestial Master yet. Those who took down the proclamation will come to the Capital City in succession from their respective regions. However, I have one concern."
"Speak freely, my minister Sima!"
The emperor looked amiable now. After much hesitation, Sima Xiao could only steel himself and speak.
"Your Majesty, my colleagues at the Directorate of Celestial Observations and I estimate that, with this proclamation issued throughout the realm, the number of respondents may exceed expectations. When so many masters of magic and accomplished experts gather in the Capital City, relying solely on our original arrangements may invite trouble."
He paused before continuing.
"Among these masters, there will surely be those who fish in troubled