Family Management Game In Immortal Continent Chapter 848: Year 686

[Year 686]

[Six years following the setback in Shadowfell Prefecture. The Wu Race senses more and more that the Azure Dynasty approaches its final decline.

Three mighty totems—Divine Bird, Moon Dragon, and Red Sun—remain in recovery inside the captured lands, expecting reinforcements from other Wu tribes to unleash a huge joint assault on Shadowfell Prefecture.]

In this year, the Li family kept operating in the shadows, fully occupied with absorbing the benefits seized from the Zhao Clan.

A spirit boat dropped from the skies over Azure Cloud.

The figure at the front of the vessel exuded a natural sense of aristocracy.

His striking features showed a hint of concern, yet when he noticed the endless blizzards that once plagued Azure Cloud Prefecture had disappeared, giving way to a vibrant picture of abundance, a seldom-seen grin appeared on his lips—only for that familiar sorrow to reclaim it soon after.

As he reached the entrance to the Merit Grotto-Heaven, the Li Family Head, Li Xinnian, stood ready alongside his spouse.

"Hahaha, Nephew Xinnian."

Crown Prince Fei Heng rushed to leap from the spirit boat without delay.

Guided by a group of Li family escorts, he stepped into the Merit Grotto-Heaven.

For many years now, he had borne the Crown Prince title and worked in the imperial court.

Returning to the soil where he once labored in the fields for three centuries, a flood of feelings washed over him uncontrollably.

Over a mere two decades or so, the Merit Grotto-Heaven brimmed even fuller with spiritual essence.

Once they entered the central chamber, Li Xinnian called for tea to be brought in.

Following some casual talk about the family's constant transformations in the last few years, Li Xinnian grinned.

"In the end, it's all thanks to the elders building such a strong base.

I, Xinnian, simply carry on their guidance, using the power they handed me to bring prosperity to our clan and Azure Cloud."

Li Xinnian harbored deep appreciation for Fei Heng too.

Lately, the Li clan hadn't sought any help from Fei Heng, but he still valued their past connection.

Whenever promising chances emerged, he made sure the Li clan gained from them, going so far as to suggest placing Li heirs in court roles—yet each proposal got turned down courteously.

"If the whole dynasty resembled Azure Cloud Prefecture, it would bless our Human Race immensely."

Fei Heng let out a wry chuckle.

"In the past, when I yearned to claim the Crown Prince position and grasp the court's vast influence...

But only after actually exercising that power in place of my Father Emperor did I grasp how carrying the burden of the Human Race feels like treading on fragile ice."

Li Xinnian's face stayed steady, even as his fingers fidgeted subtly within his robes.

"May I ask what support Your Highness seeks?"

"Shadowfell Prefecture."

Fei Heng cut straight to the point.

"The Wu Race's drive builds fiercer each day. Without curbing their boldness, Shadowfell Prefecture faces grave danger."

At these words, Li Xinnian offered a wry smile.

"Your Highness, Azure Cloud Prefecture dispatches aid annually.

Your Highness knows our circumstances well; the folks of Azure Cloud Prefecture endured two conflicts in the Duravia Trade Prefecture. My Li clan has barely recovered its strength."

"No, that's not what I meant." Fei Heng released yet another wry laugh; he genuinely understood parts of the Li family's history—they had devoted their lives to warfare.

Though the Immortal Zhao Clan was destroyed, the Li clan didn't match the might of genuine secluded powers; they had scant experts at the Void Refining stage.

Forcing the Li clan into a major clash with the Wu Race would amount to hurling them into flames.

In such a case, other hidden groups might well overrun even Azure Cloud Prefecture.

Fei Heng continued,

"I'm aware the Li clan holds a strong tie with my older brother, the Fourth Prince.

Numerous hidden powers I summoned to Duskwild Prefecture have attempted to broker peace, yet none succeeded.

With no other option, I must request the Li clan's involvement."

Li Xinnian paused briefly, then inquired, "There's something Xinnian can't quite fathom."

"Go ahead, say it."

Li Xinnian went on,

"In those days, the Fourth Prince fell out of His Majesty's grace and got exiled to Duskwild Prefecture.

After so many ages—ten thousand years gone by—why is the Fourth Prince rising up like this now?"

"I haven't a clue." Fei Heng knitted his eyebrows.

"I sent letters asking about it, but Brother Fourth Prince ignored every one.

He just demanded I get out of the way at once and stop blocking his Path of the Human Emperor."

Li Xinnian felt baffled but held back from probing more; not even Ancestor Yaowen had uncovered the cause of those ancient events.

Still, with Fei Heng seeking his aid, he agreed, "On the issue of convincing the Fourth Prince toward peace, I, Xinnian, shall notify the elders."

"Hahaha, perfect! If you can talk sense into him for a while, I'll lead the strike on the Wu Race without worries," Fei Heng boomed with laughter.

While the pair conversed, a yell erupted abruptly from beyond the chamber.

"Who? Who's planning to lead the charge against the Wu Race?

Those wretched Wu barbarians are utter filth!

They stormed my Buddhist temple out of nowhere—terrified this old woman into running away fourteen times!"

Li Kuanghua marched inside, teeth clenched in fury.

Fresh from her journey, she clearly simmered with outrage still.

She shot only a quick look at Li Xinnian and Fei Heng before flopping into a nearby chair, fuming hard.

She grabbed a teacup off the surface and chugged a swig without manners.

Smack!

Before the duo inside could wrap their heads around how Li Kuanghua's small, charming build hid such a fierce temper like a wild beast, she'd already banged the cup down, seized Fei Heng, and begun hauling him toward the exit.

"Come on! We're off to battle the Wu Race! Rally the forces from every one of the Dynasty's thirty-six prefectures and eradicate them for good!"

"..."

While being pulled away, Fei Heng slapped a palm to his brow.

Why did every soul in the ancient Li family turn out to be such 'hobmeat' troublemakers?