The Tianheng Continent is vast and home to countless races. After millions of years of war, these races formed a strict hierarchy based on four levels: Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Huang.
The most powerful and advanced race is the Heaven-level race. Although few in number, they control most of the continent's resources and enjoy nearly all privileges.
Next is the Earth-level race. They are also few in number, control abundant resources, and enjoy significant privileges.
Following them are the Xuan-level races. Their numbers are much larger compared to the first two, but their status is significantly lower. The elves are one of these races.
At the bottom are the Huang-level races, the most numerous but the lowest in status. They are left with meager resources and no privileges, often oppressed and exploited. This group includes humans and barbarians.
Li Mufan had fully absorbed the memories of his predecessor and understood the significance of the Xuan-level race. However, as someone who had grown up under the red flag, he found it difficult to accept such a rigid and hierarchical racial system.
After a long hesitation, Li Mufan seemed to make a decision and was about to speak when suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves echoed from nearby!
Startled, he looked up and saw a personal guard in red armor approaching, and he let out a sigh of relief.
The guard dismounted in a panic. Upon seeing His Majesty and the guards standing before him, he immediately knelt on one knee, saying, "Zhang Tie, Captain of the Guards Battalion, reporting to His Majesty!"
Li Mufan nodded. "At ease."
Liu Long, standing beside him, quickly asked, "Tietou, I sent you to Canaan Pass to gather information. What did you find?"
At this, Zhang Tie glanced hesitantly at Li Mufan, then at Liu Long. He hesitated, unsure of how to proceed.
Sensing something was wrong, Li Mufan frowned. An ominous feeling crept over him as he shouted, "What did you find out? Speak!"
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! King Cheng ascended the throne yesterday!"
Li Mufan sneered, unsurprised. "So, that traitor has finally taken the throne."
Seeing that the king remained calm and unshaken, Zhang Tie cautiously continued:
"Your Majesty, the enthronement ceremony was conducted by Prime Minister Wang. The Princess herself presented the Sun and Moon Scepter, read out your ten major crimes, and announced your death. King Cheng declared that after three years… after three years…"
"Three years from now, what?" Li Mufan asked coldly, his face darkening with rage. He already had a vague idea of what was coming.
Zhang Tie trembled as he spoke, glancing nervously between the king, Liu Long, and Fan Qingyue, who remained silent and downcast. "After the three-year mourning period, King Cheng will marry the Princess."
"Scoundrel! Traitorous wretch!" Li Mufan roared, his mind flashing back to the events of his wedding day. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.
"So that's why she kept urging me to drink that day! She wanted me drunk so they could steal the scepter and move all the troops guarding the royal city away!"
Everyone's hearts sank as the realization hit— the Princess had been part of the coup. Watching their young king seethe with rage, the guards stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
"Liu Long! Prepare my horse! We ride back to the palace at once, and I'll tear that traitor apart myself!"
Blinded by fury, Li Mufan was ready to storm the royal city.
Liu Long jumped to his feet and shouted, "I will follow you, Your Majesty, and personally see to it that these adulterers are punished!"
Liu Long's temper was just as fiery. Seeing his king about to be betrayed like this was unbearable.