The Northern Empire's sphere of influence was extremely vast, the largest among the five great empires, and it had countless dynasties that were subordinate to it, numbering nearly a thousand, of which the Longgan Dynasty was one.
Among the many dynasties, the Longgan Dynasty was not the most powerful, but it was extremely resilient and one of the longest-lasting dynasties.
The Longgan Dynasty was backed by the Jinsong Mountains, which were rich in mineral resources. This attracted the envy of many surrounding dynasties, often leading to wars and conflicts.
The Longgan Dynasty faced numerous crises of national extinction, but ultimately survived, and its legendary stories are countless.
Thirty li outside the capital, there is a peach orchard, which is in full bloom at this time. The small bridges and flowing water make this place particularly warm and inviting.
In the very center of the peach orchard, there is a pavilion, where the spring breeze brings a unique and beautiful feeling.
Inside the pavilion sat two young men, one of whom was Meng Fan, who had nothing better to do.
This world holds little value for him now that he is only one step away from attaining the Great Luo realm.
His advancement to immortality was entirely due to a bug in the system, which allowed him to perfect multiple immortal techniques.
That one instance of the system's domineering function not only lowered the quality of the spiritual energy of the entire Qingxuan Continent by a level, requiring decades to replenish itself, but also damaged the Heavenly Dao itself.
Therefore, no matter how much Meng Fan cultivates, he cannot break through to the Great Luo realm with the existing resources of this world.
However, Meng Fan was not without things to do. Although he had achieved perfect cultivation, he followed the path of integrating the three thousand laws into himself, and could continuously comprehend the mysteries within them to enrich himself.
Although this world cannot compare to the Immortal Realm, its various laws are not inferior, making it perfect for him to comprehend.
Moreover, his subordinates also need time to achieve greater success, which is why he decided to spend a hundred or two hundred years settling down in this world, which would benefit both himself and others.
Another reason is that Meng Fan cultivates the law of cause and effect. He knows that this world has enabled him to achieve his immortal body and has even caused damage to the heavenly Dao of this world, thus forming a cause and effect. He stays here to repay this cause and effect.
Meng Fan diverted a portion of his mind to immerse himself in the Dao of Heaven, comprehending the world and the flow of its laws, while he himself refined pills to pass the time.
Having heard about the Longgan Dynasty, he was overcome with restlessness and decided to come here in person. Seeing the magnificent Peach Garden, he led a few people to settle down here and live there ever since.
The other young man drinking tea with him was also no ordinary person; he was Qin Feifan, the fourth prince of the Longgan Dynasty.
Just like his name suggests, Qin Feifan displayed extraordinary talent from a young age, with abilities no less than those of Chu Di Zhao Feng. However, he knew how to conceal his talents and keep a low profile; otherwise, he would have long become the target of suppression by many princes.
Even so, he was under considerable pressure. Faced with his brothers' schemes and plots, and his father's authority, he walked on thin ice, proceeding with extreme caution.
Two months ago, when he returned from inspecting the barracks outside the city, he discovered this peach orchard and was attracted by its beautiful scenery, which is how he met Meng Fan.
When he first met Meng Fan, he only thought that the young man in front of him, who was not much older than him, was a rich man who was just cultivating his mind here.
Only after spending time with him did he realize how terrifying Meng Fan was. Putting aside his martial arts skills, his extensive knowledge and insightful opinions were far beyond what his advisors could match. This was no ordinary rich young master; he was practically a hermit!
Qin Feifan drank the tea in his cup and said enviously, "Brother Meng, this place is truly a paradise on earth. If I were to leave the court, I would also seek out a secluded mountain forest to live a carefree life."
Meng Fan looked at the slightly overweight man in front of him and shook his head, saying, "If you were to leave the court, you probably wouldn't be able to live a life like mine. Born into an imperial family, you will never be able to live an ordinary life."
Qin Feifan liked being here because Meng Fan didn't care about his prince status at all. He could say whatever he wanted without any regard for taboos, something he couldn't hear outside.
“Brother Meng is right. My father is now terminally ill and beyond saving. I imagine the court will be in chaos soon, and I will no longer have time to sit here and enjoy tea with you.”
A hint of fatigue flashed across Qin Feifan's face, clearly indicating that he was not having a good time.
"Since ancient times, emperors have always been involved in conspiracies and schemes to ascend to the throne. You have conquered the wilderness and recovered cities, achieving remarkable feats. In the local areas, the administration is simple and the laws are clear, and taxes are light. You have a good reputation and are already the target of many princes. I don't know how many conspiracies and schemes are brewing around you. One wrong step and you will become a living hell. You must be more careful in the future."
Qin Feifan said with a wry smile, "At this moment, my mind is in turmoil. I don't know my father's intentions, nor do I know my brothers' methods. This prince is truly inhuman!"
Meng Fan teased, "Oh? Then what were you doing lying low for so many years? You must have had quite a few trusted confidants while leading troops into battle. If you wanted to be a wealthy man, why would you do all that?"
"Oh dear! Brother Meng, please give me some face. I just blurted things out in the heat of the moment. Besides, I'm truly in a state of utter confusion right now. If... if Brother Meng could come out of seclusion..."
When Meng Fan heard that Qin Feifan had actually invited him to come out of seclusion, before he could refuse, Cao Zhengchun, who was boiling water nearby, sneered, "Hmph! How could my young master be under your command? Young people should know when to advance and retreat. There are some people that a mere prince like you can't persuade."
As they spoke, the originally bright red peach blossoms around them were covered with layers of frost, and this ten-mile peach garden seemed to have instantly gone from spring to deep winter.
Qin Feifan realized he had misspoke, but he also knew that Meng Fan wouldn't blame him for it. However, this Senior Cao was different; he was a true master, far more terrifying than his top guest advisor.
He quickly clasped his hands and bowed to Cao Zhengchun, saying, "This junior spoke without thinking, and I hope Senior Cao will not take offense. It's just that I haven't been able to sleep at night these past few days and have been in great pain, which is why I said such nonsense."
Cao Zhengchun was only trying to scare him. Seeing Qin Feifan's sincere attitude, he didn't intend to pursue the matter further. He withdrew his supernatural powers, and the cold of deep winter disappeared. The peach blossoms bloomed bright red again, exuding vitality.
Seeing Cao Zhengchun still warming tea on his own, Qin Feifan dared not say anything more.
Meng Fan laughed and said, "Where there are no oil lamps, there are livestock everywhere at night. You should change your strategy. If you hold out for too long, you will lose. Why not take the initiative and attack? If you defeat everyone else, you will be the only one standing. Even if you have weaknesses, you will be the only one standing!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Feifan seemed to wake from a dream and immediately bowed to Meng Fan, saying, "Brother Meng, your words are truly worth more than a thousand words. I feel as if I have been enlightened and have a clear idea. I will go and make arrangements now, and I will come to bother you again in a few days."
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