"One hundred and sixty thousand years... how could a person from one hundred and sixty thousand years ago live until today?"
Su Chen's expression was grim.
In his years of roaming the world, he had encountered his fair share of enemies. Yet, compared to the Zhao Clan of today, those past foes were nothing but trifling matters.
But looking at Li Yuanshang, this brat appeared even calmer than him, the elder.
Li Yuanshang whispered, "Granduncle should know a thing or two about the Dao of Formations. Those who practice the Dao of Formations in this world are rarely alike. Even within the same lineage, the arrangement of formation foundations varies greatly.
However, the spiritual formation changing the weather in the Duravia Trade Prefecture is identical to the one found in the ruins—even the most minute details of the power of Rules are the same."
"The greatest possibility is that the one who laid the formation... is still alive. As for how they survived, Granduncle might want to ask the clan elders."
Hearing this, Su Chen nodded, his heart heavy with worry.
Immediately after, Su Chen asked, "That man with the naturally seductive bones... even if the clan sent me here, how could I possibly be his match? Could it be..."
"The Old Ancestor said to crush the Zhao family."
Li Yuanshang's expression was tranquil.
"Crown Prince Sheng is obstinate and self-willed. Over the past century, he has grown very close to the Zhao Clan.
They imitate my Li family in many things, such as commerce.
The Zhao family shops are supported by Crown Prince Sheng and are gradually opening up; the Spirit Stones earned are used by Crown Prince Sheng to raise a private army.
The Zhao Clan has a million members. Years ago, twenty percent of the court officials were killed by Crown Prince Sheng, and now, many Zhao clansmen hold key positions in the imperial court."
"And the reason the Zhao family is so heavily relied upon by Crown Prince Sheng is all thanks to that Crown Princess of his."
As Li Yuanshang's voice faded, eight heavenly horses could be seen pulling an imperial carriage through the sky.
A hundred officials stood in welcome, and flower petals drifted down from the heavens—a truly magnificent spectacle!
Pearl curtains hung from the carriage. Within, two celestial silhouettes could be seen.
The man wore a golden flood dragon robe, radiating nobility, while the woman was graceful and luxurious, exuding an innate, seductive charm.
Crown Prince Sheng and his Crown Princess!
"No one knows how the Crown Princess appeared by Crown Prince Sheng's side. Her name is Lin Wan."
Li Yuanshang and Su Chen frowned as they looked up, feeling the oppressive aura of nobility approaching with the carriage.
A merchant's smile floated onto Li Yuanshang's face, yet the voice that reached Su Chen's ears was sinister and eerie.
"But ever since she appeared, the Zhao Clan has clung to Crown Prince Sheng.
It is also because of her that the Zhao Clan holds my Li family in no regard.
Granduncle, look at that Lin Wan—is she a man or a woman?"
"I..." Su Chen was horrified.
He understood Li Yuanshang's meaning. But he couldn't help but be appalled by it; it seemed he had always underestimated the family's power, and underestimated the family's... guts.
...
"Wan'er."
On the carriage, Crown Prince Sheng truly exuded imperial nobility.
With a beauty by his side, he appeared even more bright and cheerful.
He laughed loudly toward the woman beside him, who wore a purple palace dress and possessed a gaze that was clear despite her seductive charm.
"That is the Merchant Li family. Hahaha, these past years, the Li clan members of Azure Cloud Prefecture have been utterly foolish, aligning themselves with Min Youguo.
This Merchant Li family formed a marriage alliance with the Min family, so this Crown Prince taught them a lesson."
"If not for Father Emperor telling this Crown Prince not to move against the Azure Cloud Li clan, I would have long since made the Li clan vanish from the mortal world.
Now that the Merchant Li clan and the Imperial Preceptor have invited me, I fear they have realized the error of their ways and wish to return to the right path.
It's just that realizing now that the great trend of the world lies with this Crown Prince... is a bit too late!"
The eight-steed imperial carriage lingered in the sky for a long time, intending to give the Li clan members a show of dominance.
Crown Prince Sheng looked down at the ground with a sneer, but seeing that Lin Wan beside him was not smiling, he couldn't help but frown.
"My beauty, why are you so heavy-hearted today?" Crown Prince Sheng's tone was gentle as he spoke.
He had possessed many concubines, yet in the year he became Crown Prince, he met Lin Wan.
Back then, Lin Wan had danced with fluttering grace; one dance was all it took to capture his heart.
Even though many years had passed, Lin Wan remained the truest love in his heart.
For her sake, he had driven away all his concubines, refusing to listen to a single word of persuasion from his own children.
"Your Highness." Lin Wan was dressed in regal splendor, yet she maintained a petite and innocent appearance.
Even so, it could not conceal her innate, seductive charm; no matter what she did, she elicited a sense of pity and affection.
At this moment, she gazed at the Merchant Li family estate with a complex look in her eyes.
"I don't know why, but arriving at this Merchant Li family today, I feel a stifling panic in my heart."
"Hmph, I imagine the Li family is simply an eyesore to my beauty."
Crown Prince Sheng let out a cold snort, pulling Lin Wan into his embrace, then sighed,
"Do not be anxious, my beauty. Father Emperor will not allow this Crown Prince to exterminate the Li family.
But once this Crown Prince ascends the great throne, the Li family can be destroyed with a mere wave of my hand.
You and I have long years ahead of us; why let a trivial Li family weigh on your mind?"
"Your Highness." Lin Wan's gaze grew increasingly complex.
"Your Highness, in the future, please do not concern yourself with the affairs of the Zhao Clan and the Li Clan any longer. Just let them fight it out. Wan'er can no longer hide it from you. Wan'er..."
"I know." Crown Prince Sheng's gaze instantly softened. His large hand stroked Lin Wan's back as if caressing warm jade.
"You were sent to this Prince's side by the Zhao family. I am not a fool.
The Zhao Clan exploits you, and they harbor the ambition of wolves—how could I not know? But what of it?
There are countless people in this world with such ambition; it has been so since ancient times. Yet those who understand me as you do are few and far between.
Whatever the Zhao Clan wants, I will give it to them. Consider it the price I pay to redeem you."
Lin Wan wanted to say more, but Crown Prince Sheng shook his head.
"I do not want to know about your past. The entire imperial court says I am a Self-indulgent Ruler. Very well, then I am a Self-indulgent Ruler.
This world means nothing to me. Let alone the Li family—even if it were the entire world, I would willingly trade it for you."
Hearing this, Tears filled Lin Wan's eyes, and her voice choked with emotion.
"The world is already in great chaos. This concubine does not wish for Your Highness to be troubled.
Once the Zhao Clan has obtained the Azure Cloud Prefecture, this concubine will be herself for once. I will find a place with no other people with Your Highness to spend the rest of this life."
"Hahaha, good!"