After that, the banquet did not last much longer.
Inside the hall, the smell of blood mingled with the fragrance of spirit dishes, creating a strange, oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe.
In truth, Qing Chen had long expected that these people would not sincerely submit.
They sat here only because they were cowed by his fearsome reputation for slaying a Nascent Soul in battle and his illustrious military achievements.
But that was not enough.
He had to declare his stance: he would rebuild Qiongzhou and ensure his decrees flowed unimpeded, openly and aboveboard.
What he wanted was absolute control-only one voice throughout Qiongzhou!
Qing Chen swept his gaze over the crowd below, silent as cicadas in winter.
"Today's banquet ends here."
"The Seven Orders of Qiongzhou are hereby promulgated and shall apply throughout the province. I will give you five years to adjust."
"Within those five years, those who settle their accounts, compile registers, and voluntarily report to the General's Residence may receive lenient treatment, at my discretion, for minor past transgressions, or even priority under the new policies."
"After five years..."
He paused, the corner of his mouth curling into a chilling arc.
"If anyone still pays lip service while defying me in secret, clings to luck, thinks they can deceive heaven and cross the sea, or believes my blade is not sharp enough..."
His gaze passed over the pool of blood on the floor that had yet to dry, and the Southern Yue Cave Lord who had barely half a breath left.
"The Zhang Lineage of Yuxi Prefecture is your example. Do not say you were not warned."
"You may leave."
There was no impassioned conclusion, no hollow courtesy.
No wasted words, no reassurance-only a final ultimatum.
Wanted to test his limits?
They could! They