Dragon King: Throne of Demons and Gods - Chapter 64: Chains of Ambition

The Fourth Brother had squandered his wealth through gambling, leaving their mother in a critical state. To make matters worse, the creditors even asked them to sell Manbao to settle the debts!In the village, whispers spread that the golden days of the Zhou Family's cherished Manbao were over. Their elderly mother clung to Manbao's hand, tears streaming down her face.However, Manbao tightly grasped a system in her hand, a tool that would lead her and her brothers and sisters-in-law to reclaim their fortunes. They ventured into agriculture, cultivating land, growing medicinal herbs, and establishing shops, steadily improving their lives.As their situation improved, concerns shifted to Manbao's marital prospects by the sister-in-laws.“Mr. Zhuang's grandson is an excellent match – educated and well-spoken. He is just perfect for you.”“No! You should consider Mr. Qian's youngest son, who is handsome and well-mannered. You can count on him never to defy you.”Suppressing a smile, Manbao responded, “My heart is already set. I choose Bai Shanbao, my childhood friend whom I've playfully scolded since we were young.”

The year 1847

In this world, orphans or just anyone without any hope for this world can apply to become a “walking target”. Their sole purpose is to be a practicing dummy for the students of the sect who train to become “Demon Hunters”. These students need “walking targets” to test their training on living, walking beings of flesh and blood.
In exchange, they will be provided with food & shelter.
Their existence value is lower than a slave, but if they manage to survive a few years they can receive a life long pension.

Xiao Han is such a “walking target”. One time he witnessed a powerful Demon Hunter disposing a demon. When the demon died, a fragment of the demon that managed to escape entered Xiao Han’s heart. No one saw that, and even Xiao Han himself only felt some discomfort for an instant.

But that thing in his heart soon gave Xiao Han visions, and the first one is of a cultivation method which allows Xiao Han to absorb damage to enhance his body. A perfect cultivation method for a “walking target”.

- Description from Novelupdates

I’m an imperial uncle; his imperial majesty’s uncle.

Once, someone with nothing better to do took a comprehensive survey of the current dynasty, and summed up the imperial court’s three great cancers.

Wang Qin leads in corruption; the treasury is never full.

Yun Tang favours a few, forming cabals; leading to corruption in our politics.

Prince Huai plays with power, and serves as the head of a hundred poisons — thus causing instability to the throne.

When they talk about the most venomous of vipers, the wicked one who plays with power, the biggest cancer of them all, they’re talking about me: this insignificant prince, Prince Huai, Chengjun.

I can only say that I feel rather hapless in the face of these theories.

In truth, I have been ever dutiful, ever devoted, devoid of intention to monopolise power, and possess even less of a heart to covet the throne. In the entire imperial court, I dare say there is no loyal subject more loyal than I.

But, most tragically, in all the realm, the matter of my being a loyal subject is something that not many would believe.

- Description from Novelupdates