Chapter 96: 5.17 Western Fantasy

Filled with guilt, that woman naturally wanted to eliminate everyone who knew the truth of the past, ensuring it would never see the light of day again.

After the crown prince’s death, the emperor was also killed by Os Tianluo, who then installed a puppet emperor—a weak and incompetent figure—to rule the largest and most powerful human empire while he pulled the strings from behind, wielding absolute power and doing as he pleased.

Meanwhile, the common people, who had once lived decent lives, were plunged into an era of desperate struggle for survival. The once-peaceful continent was now roiling with unrest.

Kurle, the Holy Son of Light, was ultimately defeated and killed as a villain, simply because Os Tianluo envied his talent, background, appearance, and abilities—and coveted control over the major religious orders, including the Church of Light. Thus, Kurle met a tragic end, dying with his grievances unresolved.

Siaoser remained roommates with Ya Angluona, and the two developed subtle feelings for each other. However, due to Os Tianluo’s targeting, they both ended up as collateral casualties.

As for Davist, he seemed like nothing more than an obscure background character who barely appeared at all.

Another part of the story involved Orvia, who had transmigrated into this world, adding her own narrative as an outsider. Many hidden plotlines gradually came to light through her perspective.

In the storyline Orvia witnessed, Davist wasn’t entirely absent—he had merely appeared briefly. Originally, Davist was described as an insignificant, envious figure from the Lexi family who, driven by greed for the family’s wealth and resentment toward Os Tianluo and his father’s status, attempted to rebel—only to be brutally suppressed.

Since it was a minor incident, it didn’t occupy much space in Orvia’s version of events, nor was it elaborated on. The suppressed rebel wasn’t even named, so Yi Lingfan never realized that person was Davist.

Yi Lingfan sneered. *Birds of a feather flock together—what a perfect match of scoundrels! Their talent for twisting the truth is truly a family legacy!*

In the later stages of Orvia’s experience, she also clashed with Davist. By then, both Orvia and the Os Tianluo brothers had learned the truth of the past.

However, they believed that *to the victor go the spoils*—since Davist’s family had lost, they should accept their defeat with humility. Besides, the Lexi family had been insignificant back then—how could it compare to the colossal empire they now controlled? Wasn’t it all the result of their father’s hard work? Thus, they schemed to ensure Davist, who they accused of *trying to steal their inheritance*, would never expose the truth.

In reality, Davist had only sought them out to learn the whereabouts of his birth parents—whether they were alive or where they were buried, so he could pay his respects. He had never once thought of laying claim to the Lexi family’s wealth.

But as the saying goes, *a guilty conscience sees guilt everywhere*. Os Tianluo and his brothers, obsessed with power and wealth, assumed everyone else was the same—so they decided to *strike first*.

As for Kurle… Yi Lingfan’s expression darkened, his fury burning hotter by the second. He wished he could turn back time, return to that world, and drag Os Tianluo and Orvia into torment—making them experience what it meant to *long for death yet be denied it*, to suffer a living hell!

Orvia knew that Os Tianluo had twice broken into Kurle’s parents’ tomb. The first attempt ended in heavy losses, but the second time, for some unknown reason, he succeeded despite suffering significant damage. He obtained the legacy left behind by Kurle’s parents, unlocking the greatest *cheat* of all.

The reason? Os Tianluo had already clashed with the Church of Light, killing the Holy Son Kurle in the early stages—securing a temporary victory while deepening the irreconcilable hatred between the two factions.

At first, Yi Lingfan thought Os Tianluo targeted Kurle out of jealousy—envious of his status, looks, abilities, and talent. But now he understood: Os Tianluo’s goal from the start had been Kurle’s life.

On the surface, it seemed like Kurle had been killed, his body destroyed beyond recovery. In truth, Os Tianluo had secretly abducted him, faking his death. As for why he stripped Kurle of his powers and took him away unconscious… it was to drain his blood—using it as a *key* to bypass the barrier around his parents’ tomb.

The amount of blood required to break the barrier would have been enough to kill Kurle.

Later, though Orvia was initially unaware, once she learned the truth, she tacitly approved of Os Tianluo’s actions—even helping him lure Kurle into a trap—all to obtain the treasures and legacy inside.

Kurle had underestimated Orvia. Knowing the brothers had a strained relationship, and unaware of his own parentage, he never imagined they would set aside their feud to unite against him.

Though clever and full of cunning ideas, Kurle was still inexperienced in the ways of the world. Having lived a privileged life, he was no match for the ruthless, scheming nature of Os Tianluo and Orvia.

Had Yi Lingfan not intervened, Davist—even with Anxiula’s financial support—would have been too frugal to splurge on better accommodations, opting for the cheapest dormitory instead. Thus, he would never have become Kurle’s roommate.

Now that Yi Lingfan knew what the Os Tianluo brothers had done to Kurle, he was furious beyond words. His beloved Kurle—so brilliant, so radiant—had met such a wretched end?!

The system’s little glowing orb fluttered around Yi Lingfan, trying to soothe his maxed-out rage. Remembering the happy life he and Kurle had shared in the previous world, Yi Lingfan exhaled deeply, calming slightly.

**Yi Lingfan:** *…But I’m still so angry!*

Sulking, Yi Lingfan snorted, packed up, and prepared to move to the next world.

**Yi Lingfan:** *Baby’s upset, baby’s throwing a tantrum, baby needs kisses, cuddles, and to be lifted high by his lover!*

With that childish mood, Yi Lingfan bid farewell to the system’s orb and departed for the next world.

The Great Zhou Dynasty was prosperous and thriving, ruled by a wise emperor, assisted by virtuous ministers, and guarded by mighty generals. The realm was harmonious, and the people grew wealthier by the day. Unlike other nations, the Great Zhou did not look down on merchants—successful traders enjoyed considerable status. Thus, the economy flourished.

The wealthiest merchant family in the Great Zhou was the imperial merchant house of Chi. After generations of business, the Chi family was indisputably the richest in the land. However, the Chis strictly focused on commerce, never dabbling in politics or other fields. This made them a favored ally of the ruling class—providing ample financial support without encroaching on their power.

Though individual favors from the nobility were small, accumulated over time, they formed a formidable network of influence. The Chi family was also adept at maintaining low profiles, ensuring smooth operations and earning them a respected reputation. Even high-ranking officials thought twice before provoking them—no one knew the full extent of the Chi family’s hidden power.

Despite their status, the Chi family upheld excellent values. Though small in number, they were tightly knit. Chi men married later than most but were famously devoted, rarely taking concubines. Their households were harmonious and joyful.

It was no wonder Chi men were the dream husbands of countless young noblewomen.

The Chi family was also deeply involved in philanthropy, earning widespread admiration—a reputation built over generations, further strengthening their influence.

The previous Chi patriarch and his wife handed over the family business to their eldest son, Chi Huai, once he turned eighteen and completed his training. They then left to enjoy their retirement, entrusting their younger son to the care of the elders.

The two brothers were extremely close, so the parents had little to worry about.

Chi Huai, now the new patriarch, had long been aware of his parents’ carefree nature. Sighing, he shouldered the family’s responsibilities—and within two years, he managed the vast Chi enterprises with remarkable success.

Handsome, dignified, and accomplished, Chi Huai was the object of countless secret admirers. Matchmakers flocked to his door, but he turned them all away.

As a Chi, he believed in finding true love—not settling for an arranged marriage.

The Chi family, open-minded as always, respected his wishes. After all, late marriages were a family tradition.