Family Management Game In Immortal Continent Chapter 783: Crush The Zhao Family
Previously on Family Management Game In Immortal Continent...
"A span of one hundred and sixty thousand years... how is it possible for someone from that era to survive until this day?"
Su Chen’s face darkened with a grim intensity.
Throughout his travels across the world, he had faced many adversaries. Yet, compared to the current Zhao Clan, those former enemies seemed like minor inconveniences.
Nevertheless, as he observed Li Yuanshang, the youth seemed far more composed than Su Chen, despite being the junior.
Li Yuanshang spoke in a low tone, "Granduncle likely possesses some knowledge regarding the Dao of Formations. Practitioners of the Dao of Formations rarely share the same style. Even those within the same school of thought will arrange their formation foundations differently.
However, the spiritual formation manipulating the climate in the Duravia Trade Prefecture is a perfect match for the one discovered in the ancient ruins—down to the most microscopic detail of the power of Rules."
"The most logical conclusion is that the creator of that formation... remains among the living. As for the secret of their longevity, Granduncle might find answers by consulting the clan elders."
Su Chen nodded in response, though his spirit was weighed down by anxiety.
A moment later, Su Chen inquired, "That individual with the naturally seductive bones... even if the clan dispatched me, how could I hope to rival him? Is it possible that..."
"The Old Ancestor has commanded the destruction of the Zhao family."
Li Yuanshang’s expression remained serene.
"Crown Prince Sheng is a man of stubborn and willful character. For the last century, his ties with the Zhao Clan have grown incredibly deep.
They seek to mirror my Li family in various sectors, particularly in commerce.
With the backing of Crown Prince Sheng, the Zhao family’s businesses are expanding rapidly; the Spirit Stones they accumulate are used to fund the Crown Prince's private military forces.
The Zhao Clan boasts a population of one million. Years ago, twenty percent of the imperial officials were purged by Crown Prince Sheng, and today, many Zhao clansmen occupy vital positions within the court."
"And the reason Crown Prince Sheng relies so heavily on the Zhao family is entirely due to his Crown Princess."
As Li Yuanshang finished speaking, an imperial carriage pulled by eight heavenly horses appeared, traversing the clouds.
A hundred officials gathered to pay their respects while flower petals descended from the sky—a truly magnificent display of power!
Pearl curtains shielded the interior of the carriage, where two celestial figures were visible.
The man was clad in a golden flood dragon robe, exuding an aura of high nobility, while the woman beside him was elegant and opulent, radiating a natural, seductive charm.
It was Crown Prince Sheng and his consort!
"The origins of the Crown Princess’s arrival at the Crown Prince's side remain a mystery. Her name is Lin Wan."
Li Yuanshang and Su Chen both knit their brows as they gazed upward, feeling the heavy pressure of royal authority emanating from the approaching carriage.
A practiced merchant's smile appeared on Li Yuanshang’s face, but the voice that reached Su Chen was cold and ominous.
"Since her arrival, the Zhao Clan has tethered itself to Crown Prince Sheng.
It is because of her influence that the Zhao Clan treats my Li family with such contempt.
Granduncle, take a close look at that Lin Wan—is that a man or a woman?"
"I..." Su Chen felt a wave of horror wash over him.
He grasped Li Yuanshang’s implication. However, the realization left him stunned; it appeared he had consistently underestimated the family’s reach, and more importantly, the family’s... audacity.
...
"Wan'er."
Seated within the carriage, Crown Prince Sheng was the embodiment of imperial majesty.
With such a beauty at his side, his demeanor was exceptionally bright and spirited.
He laughed heartily, turning toward the woman in the purple palace dress whose eyes remained clear despite her alluring aura.
"That is the Merchant Li family. Hahaha, over the years, the Li clan of Azure Cloud Prefecture has been incredibly foolish, choosing to align with Min Youguo.
This branch of the Li family entered a marriage pact with the Min family, so I decided to teach them a lesson."
"Had my Father Emperor not commanded me to refrain from moving against the Azure Cloud Li clan, I would have erased them from existence long ago.
Now that the Merchant Li clan and the Imperial Preceptor have requested my presence, I suspect they have seen the error of their ways and wish to return to the proper side.
However, realizing only now that the world's destiny lies with this Crown Prince... is simply too late!"
The carriage, drawn by eight steeds, hovered in the sky for a long duration, purposely intended to intimidate the Li clan.
Crown Prince Sheng looked down with a mocking sneer, but upon noticing that Lin Wan was not smiling, his expression shifted to a frown.
"My love, what troubles your heart today?" Crown Prince Sheng’s voice turned tender.
He had known many concubines, but in the year of his investiture as Crown Prince, he encountered Lin Wan.
At that time, her dance was full of ethereal grace; a single performance was enough to win his heart.
Even after many years, Lin Wan remained the only true love of his life.
For her, he had dismissed his other consorts and ignored the protests of his own children.
"Your Highness." Lin Wan was dressed in magnificent regalia, yet she maintained an air of delicate innocence.
Even so, her natural, seductive charm was impossible to hide; every gesture she made evoked a desire to protect her.
At this moment, she looked toward the Merchant Li family estate with a look of deep uncertainty.
"I do not know why, but upon arriving at the Li family estate today, I feel a suffocating dread in my chest."
"Hmph, it must be that the Li family is simply an eyesore to you, my beauty."
Crown Prince Sheng snorted coldly, drawing Lin Wan into his arms before sighing,
"Do not worry. Father Emperor will not permit me to wipe out the Li family just yet.
But when I finally ascend the throne, the Li family can be erased with a simple gesture.
We have a long future ahead of us; why let a minor family like the Li clan trouble your mind?"
"Your Highness." Lin Wan’s expression became even more conflicted.
"Your Highness, in the future, please stop involving yourself in the conflict between the Zhao and Li Clans. Let them settle it themselves. Wan'er can no longer keep the truth from you. Wan'er..."
"I am aware." Crown Prince Sheng’s eyes softened instantly. His hand stroked her back as if feeling the finest jade.
"You were placed at my side by the Zhao family. I am no fool.
The Zhao Clan uses you, and they possess the greed of wolves—I know this well. But what does it matter?
The world is full of such ambitious people; it has always been this way. Yet, those who truly understand me as you do are rare.
I will give the Zhao Clan whatever they desire. Think of it as the price I pay to set you free."
Lin Wan attempted to speak further, but Crown Prince Sheng silenced her with a shake of his head.
"I have no interest in your past. The court labels me a Self-indulgent Ruler. Fine, then I shall be one.
This world is meaningless to me. Forget the Li family—I would trade the entire world just for you."
Hearing those words, Lin Wan’s eyes brimmed with tears, her voice trembling with emotion.
"The world is already falling into chaos. I do not wish for Your Highness to suffer.
Once the Zhao Clan secures the Azure Cloud Prefecture, I will finally be myself. I will find a secluded place with Your Highness to live out the rest of our days."
"Hahaha, wonderful!"