Chapter 648: Chapter 437: Cause and Effect

Lu Qing looked towards the direction of the voice.

He saw several figures standing by the window of a restaurant not far away, looking down at the street below.

Among them were two people Lu Qing recognized.

They were Manager Wei and the County Lord, Yan Canghai.

As for the person who had just spoken, it was a young man, about twenty years old, dressed in luxurious attire, whose face bore some resemblance to Yan Canghai.

Behind him stood several imposing guards, exuding the essence of the Innate.

Hearing the young man’s words, Yan Canghai’s face did not look too pleasant.

“Seventh brother, what is your real purpose for coming here? You can tell me now, surely it’s not just to see me make a fool of myself?”

“Why, aren’t we brothers, after all? Can’t a younger brother visit his elder brother?”

The young man in luxurious clothing said with a smile.

“Brothers?” Yan Canghai finally couldn’t hold back, sneering, “Wasn’t it a ploy set up by you brothers that led me to be banished here by Father King?”

“You really can’t put it that way, fourth brother.”

The young man in luxurious clothing did not get angry and continued smiling, “At the time, we merely mentioned that secret in passing, and it was you who couldn’t help but go inquire with Father King, thus violating his taboo.

How can you blame us for setting up a trap to harm you?

If it weren’t for your excessive curiosity, how would you have been banished here by Father King?”

Yan Canghai was taken aback and found himself speechless.

Because he knew that, if he were to reflect on it, his own reckless actions were indeed largely to blame.

After a long while, Yan Canghai took a deep breath.

“Alright, I won’t argue with you about this matter, but don’t beat around the bush with me either.

Just be honest, why have you come here this time?

And with Father King’s birthday approaching, aren’t you afraid of losing favor by venturing out now?”

Yan Canghai said.

“It seems, fourth brother, you still hold a lot of resentment towards me. Well then, let me be frank.”

The young man in luxurious clothing finally assumed a serious demeanor, “I came this time on the occasion of Father King’s birthday.

I want to prepare a special birthday gift for Father King and hope that you can assist me.”

Yan Canghai was stunned, then sneered, “In this desolate area, what treasures could there possibly be?

Besides, Yan Cangshan, why should I help you?

If there really were a treasure, wouldn’t I present it to Father King myself?”

“Fourth brother, you caused a considerable stir back then, do you think a mere birthday gift could appease Father King?

I believe just seeing your name could still ignite his anger, wouldn’t it?”

The young man in luxurious clothing countered.

Yan Canghai fell into silence.

He knew that Father King had never quite let go of his anger towards the deeds of the past.

This was something that had been frequently mentioned in letters from his mother consort.

She had repeatedly warned him not to return to the royal capital until Father King had completely cooled down.

Even letters must be written sparingly, to minimize his presence.

Lest one day Father King recalls, and punishes him again.

The young man in luxurious clothing saw his silence and continued, “Fourth brother, you should understand, without a royal decree from Father King, you cannot leave Cang County unless you renounce your royal status.”

Yan Canghai remained silent.

Renouncing royal status would mean giving up everything.

Not to mention whether the Yan Family would consent, even if they did, his mother consort would likely be affected.

“So, fourth brother, if you help me this time, in the future, when I ascend the throne, I can revoke the royal punishment against you.

You could go wherever you desire, be it returning to the royal capital or traveling the world, entirely at your will.

I might even grant you a fief.”

The young man in luxurious clothing said.

“Ascend the throne?” Yan Canghai looked at the young man in luxurious clothing with a quizzical smile, “Father King is still in good health, what makes you so certain that you could ascend the throne?”

“That’s not something you need to worry about, fourth brother.” The young man in luxurious clothing said mildly, “However, I can reveal to you, I have recently gained the support of ‘Heavenly Elder’.”

“Heavenly Elder has chosen to support you?!”

Yan Canghai was visibly taken aback.

“Indeed, and let me share another piece of information with you, fourth brother.

Some time ago, with the changes in Heaven and Earth, ‘Heavenly Elder’ sensed something profound.

He succeeded in breaking through barriers, advancing to a realm above Innate.”

“A realm above Innate!”

Yan Canghai was once again visibly shaken.

“Yes, a realm above Innate,” said the young man in luxurious clothing, “so fourth brother, do you still think I have no chance of ascending the throne?”

Yan Canghai’s expression turned hesitant and indecisive.

‘Heavenly Elder’ was originally the most powerful individual in the Royal Family.

He had a significant say over the succession of the throne.

Now having broken through to a realm above Innate.

If he truly expressed support for Yan Cangshan, probably more than half of the remaining elder members of the Royal Family would choose to support him.

Housekeeper Wei, on the side, was equally taken aback in his heart.

Nonetheless, he did not show any expression on his face.

Truth be told, although he heard such exhilarating news about the succession of the throne.

Yet up till now, he did not know the reason why County Lord had him accompany him here.

Could it be to involve the Wei Family in the contest for the throne?

“How do you want me to help you?”

After a while, Yan Canghai suddenly asked.

The young man in luxurious clothing smiled slightly, “Well, it’s quite simple. I’ve heard that fourth brother gets along very well with Lin Zhirui, a True Disciple of Tianji Building, and you are close friends.

I’ve heard he is currently in Cang State, so I wish for you to introduce me, as I have something I need his help with.”

“You want to see Zhi Rui?”

Yan Canghai showed a very unexpected expression.

He did not expect that what Yan Cangshan wanted help with would turn out to be this matter.

However…

He frowned and said, “Zhi Rui has always been reluctant to meet outsiders. I’m afraid it’s challenging for me to do this.”

“I know disciples of Tianji Building prefer not to engage with outsiders, but if you, fourth brother, could introduce us, I would owe you this favor.”

“Why do you need Zhi Rui’s help? Why don’t you tell me first, and I’ll listen to see if Zhi Rui might agree.”

The young man in luxurious clothing gave Yan Canghai a deep look, but he soon relaxed his expression:

“In truth, it’s no major issue. Not long ago, I happened to acquire a map from some people.

However, the map contains a cipher. I’ve searched throughout the royal capital for talents and experts, but none could decipher the meaning of the encrypted message.

I’ve heard that disciples of Tianji Building are the most knowledgeable.

They possess knowledge of the heavens above and the earth below, with incredible abilities in calculation and deduction.

Hence, I want to ask Mr. Zhi Rui to help interpret the cypher on the map.”

“What kind of map is so important to you?” Yan Canghai grew more curious.

The young man in luxurious clothing had already reached this point, so there was no need to keep secrets.

“This map I obtained from a minor family that had gotten into trouble.

The family itself is nothing special, but their ancestors once boasted a rather remarkable individual.

I wonder if you, fourth brother, have ever heard of the name Li Weitian?”

At this point, Lu Qing finally understood.

Why, when he had passed above the county town earlier, his heart and spirit suddenly felt a twinge of unease.

The reason lay here.