The Forbidden Ways of the Crown Prince isn't just a male power fantasy stallion novel; it's the epitome of the genre. To be more specific, it is a demon-fighting cultivation novel with an absurd length, an MC who broke every unspoken rule of the universe. As for his harem, it's so colossal and ever-expanding that even the most ardent reader would need a detailed flowchart and perhaps a couple of interns just to keep track of all the names and backstories. Every girl encountered by the MC became an integral part of his ever-expanding harem, catapulting the novel to unparalleled heights as the number one stallion novel on the market. 

Now, this isn't your average, run-of-the-mill male power fantasy. Oh no, this is the crème de la crème, the Holy Grail of demon-fighting, cultivation adventures with a harem so mind-bogglingly vast, it's practically a city-state. Imagine a novel so sprawling that you'd need a three-ring binder and a whiteboard just to keep track of all the love interests. Seriously, even the most devoted reader would need a cheat sheet that rivals the complexity of quantum mechanics to keep everyone straight.

And let's talk about our main man, Zhao Lian. Forget your typical, mildly rebellious hero who occasionally bends the rules. Zhao Lian is the type who looks at the rulebook, scoffs, and then proceeds to light it on fire while riding a dragon and juggling flaming swords. Nah, he was more like the guy who'd break every rule in the universe just for kicks. His heart? Well, let's just say it was darker than a moonless night, and his kindness? Reserved for the VIPs in his harem, thank you very much.

Zhao Lian's journey to becoming the ultimate stallion of the cultivation world didn't start with demon-slaying and harem-building, though. No, back in the good old days, he was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed sect newbie, just trying to make a name for himself. 

Ah, the good old days, before betrayal reared its ugly head in the form of his so-called 'brother,' Liang Chen. Betrayal, harem drama, and demon-slaying? It's all in a day's work for Zhao Lian, the ultimate stallion of the cultivation world.And boy, did it turn sour quickly for Zhao Lian. One minute, he's living the dream, and the next, he's got more drama than a daytime soap opera.

But Zhao Lian didn't just stop at betrayal and heartbreak. Oh no, he catapulted himself into a whirlwind of demon-slaying, backstabbing, and harem-building, with a flair that would make Casanova blush and Bruce Lee nod in approval. Each girl he encounters, be it a celestial beauty or a demonic seductress, gets a one-way ticket into his sprawling harem, making the novel's length and character list balloon to astronomical proportions. 

Every encounter, every fight, every melodramatic twist adds another layer to this overstuffed burrito of a novel, catapulting The Forbidden Ways of the Crown Prince to unprecedented heights as the ultimate stallion saga in the literary market. It's the kind of novel that doesn't just raise the bar for male power fantasies—it takes the bar, bends it into a pretzel, and then uses it as a weapon in a not so epic battle scene. 

So grab some popcorn, and buckle up for the rollercoaster ride of Zhao Lian's life, as narrated by yours truly, Du Rui, faithful reader and occasional commentator on all things undead. Liang Zhiguan, born from the unholy union of a demon lord and a deity (yeah, try wrapping your head around that one), gets ditched in the human realm like yesterday's leftovers. But fear not, a kind family scoops him up and raises him like their own, complete with an older brother figure, Liang Chen, who's more of a father than a sibling.

Now, here's where things get spicy. Liang Zhiguan's ticket to greatness? None other than Lan Jieyu, the sect master extraordinaire. But guess what? Lan Jieyu's got a soft spot for Liang Chen, so poor Zhiguan gets stuck with the short end of the stick and a side dish of mistreatment. And just when you think the family drama couldn't get any spicier, Liang Chen goes all soap-opera villain on us, discovers his little bro's demonic roots, and decides the best course of action is a one-way ticket to the afterlife for Zhiguan. 

But hold on to your hats, folks, because here comes the plot twist to end all plot twists: Xue Xinyu swoops in like a hero in shining robes (or, you know, a slightly tattered robe) and takes Liang Zhiguan under his undead wing. Zhiguan undergoes a transformation more astonishing than a reality TV makeover, emerging as Zhao Lian, the undead wonder with a harem that would make Casanova envious and a serious vendetta against Xiao, the reigning champion of the undead realm. And as for the rest? Well, let's just say it's a tale as old as time, with a few undead twists and turns along the way. (I forgot the rest)

Ah, the tangled web we weave in the world of cultivation dramas! I almost forgot the pièce de résistance—Xiao. His backstory is so detailed, it's like the author was earning a PhD in melodrama. Created specifically to give Liang Zhiguan a run for his money, Xiao is the kind of rival who's got a backstory so intricate, you'd swear he was the protagonist of his own spin-off series. Seriously, his character development has more layers than an onion, and it's just as likely to make you tear up.

Xiao isn't just there to give Zhao Lian a hard time; he's a full-on antagonist with motivations, tragic backstories, and enough unresolved issues to keep a therapist busy for decades. His existence alone makes you wonder if the author had a checklist titled "How to Create the Ultimate Drama Factory" and ticked off every box twice for good measure.

Picture this: Xiao, aka Xue Xinyu, swoops in to save the day after Liang Chen pulls a disappearing act on poor Liang Zhiguan. But wait, there's more! After Xue Xinyu kicks the bucket, he loses more memories than your grandma after a wild night of bingo. Suddenly, he's got beef with Zhao Lian, and they're duking it out like mortal enemies, all while blissfully unaware of their shared history.

Now, let's talk about why Zhao Lian couldn't recognize his former teacher even if his life depended on it (which, let's be honest, it often does). Xiao didn't just get a subtle makeover; he went full extreme home undead edition. We're talking about a personality overhaul, a complete appearance swap, and a name change so drastic it'd make witness protection jealous. The guy probably even forgot how to tie his own shoes, if he even bothers with shoes in the afterlife. So next time you're watching a cultivation drama and scratching your head over some bizarre plot twist, just remember: when undead ex-teachers are involved, anything goes.

Now, let me regale you with tales of Xiao, the crown prince of the undead realm of 'Ende'—the guy who put the "dead" in "dedication,"don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Xiao is the only reason I kept flipping those pages... well, maybe just a tiny bit. You see, not only was Xiao the crown prince of Ende, but he also held the prestigious title of the strongest undead creature in existence. Talk about raising the stakes!

But wait, there's more! The author, in their infinite wisdom (or maybe just favouritism), decided to give Xiao more character development than a full season of a prime-time drama. Yeah, you heard that right. We're talking full-blown arcs, emotional depth, the whole undead enchilada. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, there was this whole memory loss subplot. Xiao's memories were scattered like Easter eggs at a toddler's hunt, and our boy Zhao Lian was left playing the role of the memory whisperer, trying to piece together the puzzle like a discount Sherlock Holmes.

Xiao's backstory reads like a tragic opera, with a hint of comedy that only an undead character could pull off. He wasn't just the crown prince of Ende; he was also the guy every other undead creature either feared or admired, usually from a safe distance. His story was filled with enough twists and turns to make a pretzel jealous. One minute he's the brooding anti-hero, and the next he's giving a heartfelt monologue that would bring a tear to a zombie's eye. And just when you thought it couldn't get any juicier, the memory loss subplot comes in hot, like a curveball out of left field.

And who was there to catch this curveball? None other than Zhao Lian, the undead sensation and harem king extraordinaire. Navigating the treacherous waters of forgotten memories and ancient rivalries, Zhao Lian had to piece together the scattered fragments of Xiao's past, all while dealing with his own array of undead adversaries and romantic entanglements. It was like watching a reality show where everyone's a ghost and the prize is ultimate power.

But alas, dear reader, just when things were reaching peak juiciness, the author pulled the ultimate rug-out-from-under-your-feet plot twist and erased the whole darn thing from existence. Poof! Like it never happened. Talk about ghosting your readers, am I right? One minute you're neck-deep in intrigue, the next you're left staring at a blank page, wondering if you've stumbled into a literary black hole.

Honestly, with all these name changes and identity swaps, you're probably as confused as I am. So, let's simplify things. The main character's given name is Liang Zhiguan, but his courtesy name, because one name is never enough, is Liang Zhiwei. But wait, there's more! After he shuffles off his mortal coil, he gets a new undead alias: Zhao Lian, the harem-collecting, rule-breaking sensation of the afterlife.

Xiao, on the other hand, was born with the mouthful name Huai Xiaozhun. After ascending to peak master, he gets a snazzy new title, Xue Xinyu, because apparently, managing a peak requires a whole new persona. Then he kicks the bucket and morphs into the prince of all things undead, adopting the name Xiao, with the courtesy name Xiao Bingxuan. Though let's be real, he likes to keep it casual with just Xiao, because why complicate things more than they already are?

So, to recap: Liang Zhiguan = Liang Zhiwei = Zhao Lian, and Huai Xiaozhun = Xue Xinyu = Xiao Bingxuan = Xiao. Got it? Good, because I'm already dizzy.

Now imagine poor Du Rui, our unsuspecting reader-turned-accidental-character, trying to navigate this chaotic mess. Where in the seven hells am I? his inner monologue screamed, laced with a colourful array of expletives that would make a sailor blush. Who would've thunk it? This laid-back bookworm, who once struggled to keep up with the convoluted plot and endless character list, now finds himself smack dab in the middle of this... well, let's call it a 'masterpiece' for lack of a better term. With a groan that could wake the dead (and possibly startle a few undead), he peeled himself off the bed, feeling as lost as a chicken trying to solve a Rubik's cube.

Standing up, Du Rui shuffled towards the mirror like a detective in a B-list mystery flick, squinting at his reflection as if expecting it to morph into something more heroic or at least less bewildered. Yep, same old face staring back, same questionable taste in pyjamas. But now, thanks to the universe's twisted sense of humour, he was a living, breathing character in this literary dumpster fire.

Raising his head, Du Rui pondered, Not only have I transmigrated into the worst novel, but I'm also the antagonist? What was his name again... Huawei? Let's stick with Huawei-something for now…

Huawei-something, to be precise, was Huai Xiaozhun, the man who became a peak master and later adopted the name Xue Xinyu, ultimately ascending to the position of Crown Prince of Ende, known as Xiao. He was the sect master who took Liang Zhiguan in as his only disciple after years of not accepting any disciples.

"Am I supposed to be the bad guy now? Do I at least get a cool villain monologue?" he muttered, trying to recall if the antagonist's job description included anything glamorous like world domination or, at the very least, a really snazzy outfit.

As Du Rui gazed into the mirror, he couldn't help but smirk at the sight of Xiao's former glory, now embodied in Xue Xinyu. Preening like a peacock, he admired his reflection, revelling in the undeniable handsomeness that now graced his form. "Well, well, well, look who's a stud muffin," he chuckled to himself, striking a pose that screamed "Peak Master chic." 

Sure, it wasn't his original body, but hey, who's complaining when you've got looks that could stop a charging bull in its tracks?

Even in Zhao Lian's eyes, he was described as the most handsome man he had ever met, despite their adversarial relationship in the end.

With a resigned sigh, he slumped back on the bed, pondering his fate in this zany, undead-filled narrative. "Alright, Du Rui, it's time to step up your game. If I'm stuck here, I might as well make the best of it. Maybe I'll be the first antagonist to win over the readers with charm and a really detailed harem management plan."

It didn't take long for Du Rui, now going by the name Xue Xinyu, to determine which arc he had landed in. The discovery of a pendant—a familiar one, mind you, given to the original Xue Xinyu (who, for simplicity's sake, we'll now refer to as Huai Xiaozhun) by none other than Liang Zhiguan—served as a bright neon sign pointing to their current location in the literary labyrinth. This nifty trinket revealed that Xue Xinyu was already knee-deep in his role as Liang Zhiguan's teacher, situating our tale somewhere within the epic tapestry of the Qi Yun Peak arc.

Just as Du Rui was wrapping his head around this revelation, a loud knock reverberated through the room, jolting him from his thoughts. He spun around, heart racing like he was about to face an audit. "Come on in," he called out, voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. The door creaked open, revealing Lǐ Tāo, who strolled in with the casual air of someone walking into a friend's kitchen for a snack. "You're finally up, Xinyu Da Ge," Lǐ Tāo said with a grin, making himself at home at the tea table in Huai Xiaozhun's meticulously organised room.

Lǐ Tāo, the prince of Lingyun Peak, was a rarity in the novel. Lingyun Peak, being the top sect, was not only the strongest but also the sole sect with a prince. Before Xue Xinyu became Xiao, he and Lǐ Tāo were very close. Their backstory, while not deemed important by readers and thus never published, could be surmised from the rest of the story.

To clarify, Lǐ Tāo and Huai Xiaozhun were soulmates, a fact that became evident only upon Huai Xiaozhun's death. This revelation occurred during his final moments when it was mentioned that their red string of connection had been severed. While this concept might not be immediately clear to all readers, it holds significant meaning for many Asian people. 

Now, for those unfamiliar with this concept, it's a big deal—akin to finding out your favourite character has been killed off in the final season. The red string symbolises a deep connection between soulmates, whether they are lovers or platonic partners. It's a metaphor for an unbreakable bond that, once severed, means it's time to break out the tissues and brace for the emotional rollercoaster.

Peering at Lǐ Tāo with all the intensity of a detective solving a mystery, Xue Xinyu's curiosity bubbles like a cauldron of curiosity soup. Were they soulmates of the romantic variety, or were they more like best buds? And let's not forget the 'Xinyu Da Ge' bit—talk about throwing fuel on the curiosity fire!

"My apologies, I must've been very tired," Xue Xinyu remarks, his nerves concealed beneath a calm exterior as he responds. Practically becoming a talent in acting simply by reading books, he chuckles inwardly. "I see. Have you slept well? I made sure Liang Zhiguan wouldn't wake you up," Lǐ Tāo inquires. Liang Zhiguan's mention prompts Xue Xinyu to wonder where he is. Unsure whether or not he should ask, he contemplates his response. "Thank you for being so caring. Where might Zhiguan be?" Xue Xinyu queries as he takes a seat across from Lǐ Tāo.

The room around him was a haven of understated elegance, adorned with carefully chosen decor that exuded tranquillity. Delicate tapestries, embroidered with scenes of serene mountain vistas and flowing rivers, graced the walls, their colours shifting subtly in the morning light that streamed through tall, ornate windows. The scent of freshly brewed tea in the air. 

Looking toward the door, Lǐ Tāo gestures for him to enter. This simple gesture lets Xue Xinyu know that Liang Zhiguan is awaiting his teacher's approval to enter the room. As Liang Zhiguan enters, holding three cups of tea, he sits down next to Xue Xinyu. "Good morning, Shizun," Liang Zhiguan greets. Liang Zhiguan is such a pure soul, despite the hardships his brother imposed on him and the near-fatal encounter, he remains untainted, saved by Huai Xiaozhun.

It's almost saddening to realise that Liang Zhiguan will soon lose this innocence. "Good morning, Zhiguan. How did you sleep?" Xue Xinyu asks as he takes one of the tea cups Liang Zhiguan brought. Seeing them now, you might assume they're a happy family, though that illusion would quickly shatter if you knew the backstories of each character.

"I slept well, Shizun. I hope you rested just as comfortably. We ensured you had a chance to sleep longer," Liang Zhiguan replied with a smile so sincere it could melt the heart of a stone statue. "May I take a sip of my tea?" he added, his eyes wide with earnest anticipation.

This simple request tugged at Xue Xinyu's heartstrings. It was a stark reminder of the boy's past, treated more like a servant than a family member. "Of course, Zhiguan. You don't need to ask for something so basic," Xue Xinyu reassured, forcing a smile that he hoped conveyed the warmth Huai Xiaozhun gave off.

As Liang Zhiguan takes a sip, Xue Xinyu couldn't help but wonder about his age. It was around his coming-of-age when he died, lost his Shizun, and became an undead creature of Ende. "Zhiguan, how old are you right now?" Xue Xinyu asks, taking a sip of his tea, which, by the way, was very well made.

"I'm turning 15 soon, Shizun," Liang Zhiguan announces casually, sending Xue Xinyu into a momentary state of shock. Three more years felt like an eternity in his current predicament. Xue Xinyu nearly spits out his tea in disbelief, only to realise he's not reading a dramatic novel scene but rather sitting right in front of Liang Zhiguan and Li Tao.

Collecting himself, Xue Xinyu manages to regain his composure, although his expression still resembles that of a startled cat. Liang Zhiguan rushes over, concern etched on his face, while Li Tao joins in, both looking at him as if he's about to explode like a faulty firework.

"I'm fine. It's just that you're growing so fast," Xue Xinyu blurts out, his eyes widening as if Liang Zhiguan had just announced he's sprouting wings and planning to fly to the moon for tea with the Jade Rabbit. It's not that Xue Xinyu is bad at acting; it's just that sometimes his "reader side" kicks in, making him feel like he's performing in a poorly scripted community theatre play instead of living a life now filled with plot twists and questionable narrative choices.

To be precise, Xue Xinyu is still reeling. I mean, who wouldn't be if they suddenly found themselves transmigrated into a book and conveniently forgot about 90% of the plot? Well, maybe not exactly 90%, but close enough to make him panic. He can remember important details when it counts, but right now, he's drawing a complete blank on the entire plot, like trying to recite Shakespeare after a brain freeze.

Chuckling, Liang Zhiguan sits down again, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and genuine concern. "You needn't worry about that. I will still be your student after I come of age," he reassures, his tone as sincere as a puppy promising not to chew on your favourite shoes again. It wasn't that which Xue Xinyu was afraid of; rather, it was the grim reality of what would happen to the boy after his inevitable demise. The problem is, there's no way for Xue Xinyu to change it, no matter how many times he mentally drafts alternate endings.

The room around them, despite the tension, exudes an air of serene elegance, almost mocking the chaos brewing within Xue Xinyu's mind. It's a place where every detail seems meticulously designed to promote tranquillity and reflection, with walls adorned in rich tapestries depicting tranquil landscapes and shelves lined with delicate book sets that seem more suited for a museum exhibit than everyday use. Sunlight filters through tall, ornately carved windows, casting gentle, golden rays that dance across the room's lush, and patterned rugs.

The circumstances surrounding Huai Xiaozhun's demise were as swift and seemingly immutable as a lightning bolt striking down a tree in the middle of a sunny day. His parentage or origins weren't explicitly detailed in the book, leaving readers perpetually guessing. Was he born a human? A half-demon? A misplaced celestial being? The book remained infuriatingly vague, offering about as much clarity as a foggy morning in a swamp. Huai Xiaozhun found himself accused of harbouring a type of demonic Qi, a claim seemingly confirmed through some nebulous form of testing that was never quite explained, much like those DIY home DNA kits that tell you you're 3% Martian.

However, prior to his death, Huai Xiaozhun had never practised dark magic or anything of the sort, which made Xue Xinyu unsure about the claims mentioned in the book. Moreover, it was never clarified whether the accusations held any truth, as they could have been made up by higher authorities.

The true loss for Huai Xiaozhun lay in misunderstandings and baseless rumours. Fueled by these accusations, individuals were driven to attempt his murder. However, being a Peak Lord, Huai Xiaozhun was too hard to simply murder so they cunningly lured him into a trap. Ultimately, it was Li Tao who pushed him off a cliff, resulting in Huai Xiaozhun's demise as his Qi was severed.

"My soul cried out for justice, but it was drowned in the silence of betrayal." This was Huai Xiaozhun's last sentiment in the book, a phrase so dramatic it would make even the most seasoned telenovela actors weep. Not only was he accused of a crime he didn't commit, but he was also betrayed by his childhood friend and soulmate, Lǐ Tāo, who turned out to be the Judas of the Qi Yun Peak.

Perhaps in this universe, things wouldn't end so tragically for Xue Xinyu. Maybe he'll even uncover the truth, perhaps with the help of a witty sidekick and a series of conveniently placed clues that would make Sherlock Holmes jealous. Who knows? Maybe this time, Xue Xinyu will get to the bottom of the mystery, expose the true villains, and clear Huai Xiaozhun's name. Or maybe he'll just bumble his way through, relying on sheer luck and the occasional deus ex machina to save the day.