That night, in the Zhao Family's ancestral mansion in downtown Tianhai City, countless Zhao Family members hurried back from all over, luxury cars filling the driveway.
In an elegant and luxurious room inside the mansion, an elderly man with white hair, a wrinkled face, and pale complexion lay in bed.
This old man was no stranger—he was Zhao Qingzhi, the legendary figure who elevated Zhao Family to Aristocratic Family status.
But legend and greatness were powerless against time.
Once imposing and commanding, Old Master Zhao now lay weak in bed, eyes closed, breathing aided by a machine.
Beside his bed stood the current Zhao Family leaders and their direct heirs.
Among them was Zhao Ling'er, wearing a white dress radiating an immortal aura, extraordinarily beautiful, standing behind a middle-aged man.
The family looked upon Old Master Zhao with deep sorrow.
To them, Zhao Qingzhi was not only a respected elder, but the founder of Zhao Family's legend and their rock-solid anchor.
With him, they dared to confront any force.
If Zhao Qingzhi passed, their status would fall by at least fifty percent.
The Zhao Family's current standing was comparable to top Aristocratic Families and relied entirely on Zhao Qingzhi.
If he left, though their family rank would remain, their status would be no more than a slightly above-average Aristocratic Family, no longer comparable to the truly ancient top families.
"Beep beep beep."
The top doctors from around the world examined Old Master Zhao's condition with advanced instruments.
"Mr. Zhao."
After a few minutes, a middle-aged doctor quietly approached the man standing in front of Zhao Ling'er—a middle-aged man.
The man was Zhao Qingzhi's eldest son and current head of Zhao Family, Zhao Wuji.
"How is the result?"
Zhao Wuji took a deep breath and asked heavily.
"The illness came suddenly. Old Master Zhao is very old. He likely only has two or three days left, maybe less."
The doctor spoke solemnly.
Hearing this, all Zhao Family members behind Zhao Wuji looked sorrowful at Old Master Zhao.
Zhao Wuji's face was equally heavy.
He finally waved his hand, dismissing all doctors.
After the doctors left, Zhao Wuji gave a glance to the family members, signaling them to leave as well.
Though puzzled why Zhao Wuji wanted them out at this moment, as the family head, Zhao Wuji's orders were obeyed.
The family members gradually left the room.
Once the room was empty, Zhao Wuji also left.
He led the family members to the adjacent room.
"Big brother, Father doesn't have much time left. We should stay by his side. Why do you ask us to leave?"
A middle-aged man resembling Zhao Wuji immediately asked upon entering.
This man was Zhao Wuji's second son, Zhao Xuankun.
"Yes."
At Zhao Xuankun's question, everyone in the room looked at Zhao Wuji in confusion.
"I have a method to prolong Father's life, but it comes with a great cost. I want to hear your opinions on whether to pay it."
After a moment of silence, Zhao Wuji slowly spoke.
"Life-prolonging method? Big brother, are you serious?"
Hearing this, Zhao Xuankun and others' faces hardened as they looked at Zhao Wuji.
"If it weren't true, why would I say it?"
Zhao Wuji shook his head.
"Big brother, why ask for our opinion? No matter the cost, we must prolong Father's life."
Hearing Zhao Wuji's certainty, Zhao Xuankun said immediately.
"Yes, uncle, Zhao Family flourishes because of grandpa. His prestige is why we exist. Prolonging grandpa's life is most important."
"Exactly, uncle, you don't even need to consider our opinion. You should prolong grandpa's life immediately."
"Uncle, what is the method? How long can it prolong life?"
Other Zhao Family members asked following Zhao Xuankun.
"If you think it's a cost I wouldn't bear, you're wrong."
"I'm consulting you because the price is enormous—so large that even Zhao Family will be seriously injured."
Zhao Wuji smiled bitterly.
"If even Zhao Family will be severely damaged, big brother, what is the cost?"
Zhao Xuankun's eyes narrowed as he asked solemnly.
"Thirty percent of Zhao Family's total assets."
After a pause, Zhao Wuji slowly said.
"Thirty percent of Zhao Family's assets?"
"Ridiculous! Who dares ask for such a lion's share?"
"Thirty percent of Zhao Family's assets? Is he crazy?"
"Zhao Family's assets alone rival top Aristocratic Families. Thirty percent is as much as an ordinary Aristocratic Family's wealth. Who would dare covet that?"
"This person deserves to die for his arrogance."
After Zhao Wuji's words, Zhao Family members present grew furious.
"Big brother, how long can this method prolong Father's life?"
Unlike others, Zhao Xuankun wasn't angry but asked.
"Minimum three years, maximum ten years."
Zhao Wuji said solemnly.
"Prolong Father's life by three to ten years? And give up thirty percent of Zhao Family's assets? So what?"
"As long as he can take it, give it to him."
"But I fear Zhao Family can give, but he cannot take it."
Zhao Xuankun gave Zhao Wuji a meaningful look.
"Yes, Zhao Family's power today doesn't allow just anyone to take assets."
"Greed can kill the snake that swallows the elephant. Even if Zhao Family agrees, can he really take it?"
The Zhao family members gradually understood and said loudly:
"Do you think this is something I haven't considered?"
"If I agree to his terms, Zhao Family must truly hand over thirty percent of assets."
"He will definitely take it."
Zhao Wuji said solemnly.
"Who is he?"
Hearing this, Zhao Xuankun immediately asked with a serious face.
"Xuanling Yao Family—a medical aristocratic family that has existed almost since Great Xia's founding. With a history of thousands of years, their strength is unfathomable. Even at his peak, Father treated Yao Family with great respect."
Zhao Wuji said gravely.
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