A hundred lifetimes of cultivation, merely seeking immortality in the cultivation world.

Chapter 196 The Struggle for the Crown Prince

"Perhaps..."

The sixth brother, Zhao Rucheng, was still deeply troubled. He recalled how the third brother, Zhao Rushi, had been stripped of his control over the mines by Zhao Rushou for stealing from the Dajing Kingdom, and had ended up mentally impaired and deranged.

Although he wanted to remind Zhao Ruchan to be more careful, Zhao Ruchan's confident demeanor made him unsure of what to say.

Perhaps Zhao Ruchan was right; there was no trap involved, and he was just overthinking things.

"I know you are always cautious, but you only need to think for a moment to realize that the ones who will ultimately benefit from the rising price of elixirs are Zhao Rushou and his daughter."

"Human hearts are the most selfish thing in the world. Even if they want to deal with us, how could they possibly give up the huge profit of hundreds of thousands of spirit stones?"

"Therefore, there is definitely no trap set for us in this matter of elixirs. We just need to keep buying more and more! That's enough."

Zhao Ruchan patted Zhao Rucheng on the shoulder.

After several rounds of explanation, Zhao Rucheng's concerns were finally dispelled, prompting him to take out tens of thousands of spirit stones from his savings and combine them with the funds from various branch sects to continue purchasing pills and raising their prices.

Meanwhile, the Zhang family was located on the northern cliff.

A middle-aged man dressed as a scholar, seemingly ill, sat upright in the hall, with Zhang Tianyan and Zhang Tianlie, the nominal eldest sons of the Zhang family, standing on either side.

The scholar coughed, his face growing increasingly pale and bloodless. Yet, the elders below dared not slacken their vigilance in the slightest.

This is because although Zhang Shizheng is physically weak and sickly, he is a true half-step Foundation Establishment cultivator and is also the Zhang family head appointed by the Supreme Being of the clan.

Zhang Shizheng forced himself to stay alert, coughed a few times, and said impatiently, "I have already read the matters you have reported. Since you all think this matter is worthwhile, then go and do it."

"It just so happens that you all hope I will pass away soon, so that Tianyan and Tianlie can take over from me."

"This matter can also serve as a test. Regardless of who benefits the most and who suffers the greatest loss to the Zhao family, I will advise the Master to entrust all business affairs of Da Jing and Da Yong to them. You should all do as you see fit."

Dajing and Dayong are the two most prosperous countries under Yunxia's rule. The main cultivator in the country is even at the Foundation Establishment stage. As a result, the business in these two countries accounts for 30% of the Zhang family's income. It is usually controlled by the family head, so it is very important.

By bringing this matter up, Zhang Shizheng had practically made it clear that he was going to choose a successor.

However, everyone's expression changed, and they dared not be happy at all, because his words about the death of the heavens were truly terrifying.

Although the patriarch is ill, he still has a powerful figure backing him up, so how could they dare to offend him?

"Father..."

Zhang Tianyan hesitated, wanting to say that he had no such intention, but seeing his father's pale face, the words stuck in his throat and he couldn't say them.

Zhang Shizheng's gloomy eyes swept over Zhang Tianyan's soft face, and he felt a sudden disappointment, but he didn't say anything.

Zhang Tianlie was much more direct, coldly saying, "Which scoundrel dares to wish for Father's early death? I will chop him up alive."

The elders below the stage twitched their faces and hurriedly praised him, knowing that Zhang Tianlie was not just talking nonsense. He was truly unscrupulous, doing things only in accordance with his Dao heart, and was willing to draw his sword and kill people.

Zhang Shizheng's expression shifted slightly, a barely perceptible hint of relief flashing across his face, but it quickly returned to its gloomy state. He waved his hand, his words devoid of any anger: "Get lost. If you have anything to say, we can talk about it after this matter is over."

Zhang Tianlie cupped his hands in a respectful gesture: "I will certainly not disappoint Father."

Watching Zhang Tianyan and Zhang Tianlie leave the hall, Zhang Shizheng felt a pang of bitterness.

boom!

Before he knew it, the jade cup in his hand had been crushed.

Even if Zhang Tianlie is good, what can he do?

Even if he is very intelligent, what can he do?

That master had already decided their fate. Whether it was the cowardly Tianyan or his good-natured son Tianlie, they were ultimately nothing more than playthings in the master's hands.

Not only should one offer oneself as His sustenance, but one should also offer one’s own son as His sustenance.

"Shiqi, you're so cruel, so heartless!"

Zhang Shizheng seemed to be crying and laughing at the same time, as if he had gone mad.

Zhang Shizheng's voice pierced through the hall, and the surrounding maids quickly covered their ears, afraid of hearing these rebellious words and angering the master.

Above the void, there is a blessed land, where celestial music lingers and white mist swirls.

The immortal opened his eyes slightly, his gaze cold and devoid of any emotion. Zhang Shizheng's cries were reflected in his eyes through the mirror.

However, he remained indifferent. The past events floated before his eyes, and he looked at Zhang Shizheng with amusement, as if he were nothing more than a speck of dust.

Zhang Tianyan and several elders returned to the palace.

His eyes darkened: "I hope my uncles will help me. My sixth brother is now uncontrollable. If I lose to him again in this matter of manipulating the clan's elixirs, then when Father Bingming Zhenren arrives, not only will I lose my chance to become the head of the family."

"Even you all will probably be settled by him."

The elders exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts, but all agreed.

"That child is indeed becoming more and more spoiled. Before Tianyan could even finish speaking, he couldn't wait to answer and prove his filial piety."

"Tianyan, rest assured, all of us will do our utmost to help you this time."

"only..."

An elder hesitated for a moment before cautiously inquiring.

"Is the patriarch's illness truly as serious as it appears? If so, perhaps we should make plans as soon as possible?"

"Intend?"

Zhang Tianyan nodded, his gaze piercing through the palace, carrying a hint of malice.

"That old bastard has already decided to make Zhang Tianlie the head of the family. So what if I'm the eldest son? I'll still suffer at his hands. Even though I've tried my best to gain his favor, has he ever even glanced at me? Has he?"

Everyone remained silent. Zhang Shiye, the elder of the seventh branch of the clan and Zhang Tianyan's biggest supporter, hesitated and said, "Perhaps the patriarch has his reasons..."

"Difficulties? What difficulties does he have!"

Zhang Tianyan smashed the porcelain cup in his hand on the ground, about to lash out, but then he thought that if he really argued with Zhang Shiye, he might alienate everyone, so he could only take a deep breath.

"His greatest sorrow is that I am still alive!"

"Then how should we proceed with this matter of the elixir? If the patriarch is truly unwilling to give us even the slightest chance, I'm afraid our efforts will be in vain."

Zhang Shiye sighed; he wasn't afraid to do his part for Zhang Tianyan.

After all, Zhang Tianyan's maternal clan was his own family, and the two were bound together from birth. However, he worried that no matter how hard he tried, it would all be a waste of money and effort.

"Just do your best."

Zhang Tianyan clenched his right hand so tightly it almost hurt, but he was completely unaware of it and whispered.

"From beginning to end, I have never placed all my hopes on the old man. Calling him the head of the family is a way of showing him respect."

""

"But in reality, you and I both know that he's nothing more than a dog of a real person!"

"What I'm going to do isn't to show him, but to prove to the real person that I have the ability and ambition to become the head of the family, and that I'm even more... obedient than Zhang Tianlie!"

Zhang Shiye remained silent as he listened to Zhang Tianyan speak of his father and that immortal being who was clearly his elder brother but had already achieved Foundation Establishment.

He felt a sudden bitterness in his heart, but being so used to being silent, he couldn't even express this bitterness.

"Of course, that would be too much of a reliance on fate."

Zhang Tianyan looked at Zhang Shiye and said coldly, "I would like to ask Uncle Shiye to keep an eye on Zhang Tianlie for me. If he lets his guard down, please tell me immediately."

Why are you staring at him? Are you trying to kill him?

Zhang Shiye was greatly alarmed. He didn't ask, but he had already guessed some of Zhang Tianyan's thoughts. After a long while, he said woodenly, "Is it really that bad?"

"That's exactly right."

Zhang Tianyan stared into his eyes.

"Besides, he certainly won't let me go, so why should I let him go?"

"Uncle, what are you still hesitating about? Do you only abandon your ridiculous kindness when we die at your hands?"

""

"Tianyan, stop pushing me..."

Zhang Shiye's eyes darted away, struggling to avoid Zhang Tianyan's gaze. After a long while, he finally gasped, "I...I know, I already know!"

"I will help you investigate, but I will never personally take action against Tian Lie."

If they could, who would want to kill their own kind and earn the reputation of murdering their own family?

But he knew that by then there was no way to avoid it.

If Zhang Tianyan fails to ascend to the throne, all those who follow him will lose power. Even if they manage to survive, it will be impossible for them to obtain more resources or for their relatives and descendants to maintain their wealth.

No matter how benevolent Zhang Tianlie is, he will not allow these relatives of Zhang Tianyan to occupy important positions in the clan, nor will he allow their descendants to benefit from his favor.

As a monk.

If I were to lose this wealth and status, it would be no different from death.

Zhang Tianyan snorted coldly and did not insist any further. Although he was missing Zhang Shiye, a half-step Foundation Establishment cultivator, the other elders around him were enough to help him kill Zhang Tianlie.

A magnificent palace.

Zhang Tianyan's beloved Zhang Tianlie sat in the center, his eyes thoughtful, his fingers tapping slightly.

"Elder Biao, in your opinion, is it too late for the Zhang family to enter the fray now? How can we maximize our family's interests and surpass Zhang Tianyan's?"

Old Biao smiled, revealing two large yellow teeth.

"Young Master, this matter is easy. In fact, the outcome of this battle is not determined by how much we gain."

"7

Old Biao kept it a secret, speaking in a mysterious tone.

"You know that simply taking what you want is enough, so why does the patriarch insist that the Zhao family should suffer the greatest losses?"

Zhang Tianlie frowned, understanding Biao Lao's meaning, and shrewdly took out a bottle of pills.

Old Biao was overjoyed upon seeing this. He swallowed a Dragon-Tiger Pill and then said leisurely, "Young Master, I'm afraid that my family and the Zhao family will soon be at war."

"Is war really going to break out?"

Zhang Tianlie stood up in shock.

"Although the Zhao family has not yet reached the Foundation Establishment stage, they have a profound foundation and have been passed down for hundreds of years. They are bound to possess the skills of a True Person. I originally thought that my family was merely following old practices and seizing their resources. I never expected that they would harbor such a disgraceful and ruinous intention?"

Zhang Tianlie was deeply worried.

It wasn't that he was worried about not being able to fight the Zhao family, but that once the war started, there would inevitably be casualties. After all, as he said, the Zhao family's foundation was unfathomable, and if it really came to the point of being ruined, who knows how many of their clansmen would die.

"To destroy the Zhao family name is not the case. After all, the Zhao family is a Foundation Establishment clan and cannot be treated like those rogue cultivators in sects. If we destroy the Zhao family name today, I'm afraid this calamity will also befall us in the future."

Old Biao comforted him.

"This is merely to inflict pain on the Zhao family so that we can better divide their power and confiscate their wealth. Young Master, you already have over 300,000 spirit stones under your name, and with the help of many elders, Zhang Tianyan will certainly not pose much of a threat."

"Once we buy and sell a large quantity of pills on the market, we will then rally many alchemists to drive down the price of pills. At the same time, we will spread the word that the recent increase in pill prices is merely a covert manipulation by the Zhao family for their own wealth. With such overwhelming power, the Zhao family will inevitably fall into a trap and suffer huge losses as pill prices collapse."

"But Elder Biao, even if the price of pills temporarily collapses, with the Zhao family's resources, they can still hold out until the secret realm of the Great Jing Kingdom opens before selling them. How can that cause them any losses?"

Zhang Tianlie frowned and immediately noticed the problem.

"Young Master, it's merely a mere early Foundation Establishment stage secret realm. Without the permission of a True Immortal, how could it possibly be opened?"

Old Biao smiled and said mysteriously.

a few days later.

Just as Elder Biao had said, the secret realm showed no sign of opening; on the contrary, it was lifeless and devoid of any news.

Zhao Ruchan, along with his third, sixth, and eighth brothers, gathered together, extremely anxious and worried.

"How could this be? Why would Zhao Rushou sell off so many pills at once when she's making a fortune?"

"I told you long ago that we must be careful and be wary that this is a trap set by Zhao Rushou."

The resentment in Lao Liu's eyes was almost tangible.

"But you, Second Brother, you insist on ignoring the potential dangers for the sake of immediate gains. It is true that Zhao Rushou can earn more spirit stones by holding onto the pills and refusing to sell them. However, if they were to sell them after we entered the market, they could swallow up all of our branch families."

"Compared to the meager profits from selling pills, wouldn't the stable annual income of over a million spirit stones after they swallow us up be far more enviable?"

Zhao Ruchan was panting heavily.

He hated it, hated that Zhao Rushou hadn't died yet, even though he had clearly fed him countless amounts of poison, yet still...

It has survived until now.

He hated the father and daughter, who had completely humiliated him. He feared that once this matter was over, they would take advantage of the momentum generated by the sale of the pills to annex all of them from the branch families.

All of these branch families should be used as provisions to support his cultivation.

"No, no! We still have a chance!"

Zhao Ruchan's eyes were bloodshot, and he wailed.

"We can still borrow spirit stones from the Zhang family. The current losses are not too great, and we still have the pills we acquired."

"If we persevere for a little longer, once the secret realm opens, we will surely be able to earn back everything we have lost."

"At that time, we can still rely on the Zhang family, still divide up the wealth under the main lineage, still live freely and accumulate strength, and even break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

The group exchanged glances, and after careful consideration, they realized that what Zhao Ruchan said made some sense. They hadn't lost yet and still had a chance to turn the tables on Zhang.

Although it would inevitably bring the blame for betraying the Zhao family, if it succeeded, it would all be worth it.

"Something terrible has happened, sir!"

As everyone's expressions varied, a hurried voice came from outside.

"The price of elixirs has plummeted, and the Zhang family has also gotten involved, selling off large quantities!"

"Our business is finished, completely finished!"

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