Xiao Yunlong's arrival in the capital this time was met with widespread attention. However, all factions chose to observe, refraining from any rash actions. A significant reason for this was their awareness that the Northern King of Xiao had now fully matured.
A year ago, while Xiao Yunlong was already formidable, his personal cultivation had not yet caught up. Furthermore, his youthful impetuosity often led him to make mistakes, particularly being susceptible to schemes from within his own ranks.
But this time was different. Upon learning that the Northern King of Xiao had single-handedly slain the Red Robe Grand Tutor of the Snow Wolf Kingdom, all factions understood that conventional methods would be utterly ineffective against this most brilliant new star of the Dragon Kingdom.
Of course, the lack of movement from the major powers in the capital did not signify their willingness to concede. In reality, everyone knew this was merely the calm before the storm.
It was conceivable that the capital would soon be engulfed in a tempest, perhaps even a bloody storm!
In the afternoon, under the gaze of many, Xiao Yunlong finally arrived at the capital. The ancient city walls, bearing the marks of time, now stretched before him, and the millennium-old imperial capital finally revealed itself to the public.
Although this was not Xiao Yunlong's first time entering the capital, it was his first entry after assuming the mantle of the King of the Northern Territory, making it a moment of special significance.
Soon, Xiao Yunlong reached the very spot where he had been ambushed previously, just a few hundred meters outside the ancient city walls, in the outskirts of the capital.
"Time flies so quickly. In the blink of an eye, more than a year has passed. But I am now entirely different from who I was then!"
Xiao Yunlong smiled faintly, instructed Jun Bufan to stop the car, and then pushed open the door, stepping out.
No one had come to greet him, a situation Xiao Yunlong had anticipated. Despite his immense fame in the Northern Territory and his significant contributions to the Dragon Kingdom, his current status and position would become rather awkward upon arrival in the capital.
Although the Dragon Kingdom had verbally agreed to bestow upon him the title of Heavenly Strategy War God and grant him residence in the Heavenly Strategy Mansion over a year ago, no formal documents had been issued, nor had any conferment ceremony taken place. Thus, he was not yet officially recognized as the Heavenly Strategy War God.
Xiao Yunlong smirked playfully at this, then slowly walked forward with Liu Ruyan.
His several great generals followed closely behind. As for the thirty thousand Dragon Blood Guards, they remained at their post, showing no intention of entering the city.
According to the laws of the Dragon Kingdom, even kings of the four territories were forbidden from bringing their armies into the capital city. Doing so would be considered an act of treason. Therefore, they could at most escort him to the outskirts of the capital.
As the area had been cleared in advance, few pedestrians remained along the roadside. People could only watch from a distance, wondering who this young man entering the city was, possessing such an impressive entourage.
Amidst the murmurs and discussions of the crowd, Xiao Yunlong, wearing his usual golden mask, and Liu Ruyan, her face veiled by a light gauze, slowly ascended the city walls.
Standing tall on the ramparts and gazing into the distance, where the thirty thousand Dragon Blood Guards stood in formation, Xiao Yunlong suddenly spoke, "Announce to the entire city, inform Lan Yongzheng and Lan Mingyu to take responsibility. If they personally come to confess and take their own lives within three days, I will not pursue them to the bitter end. Otherwise, their entire clans will be annihilated!"
"Yes!" The great generals behind him cupped their fists in acknowledgment.
Afterward, Xiao Yunlong descended the city walls, re-entered the car, and the entourage proceeded towards the northern district of the capital. The thirty thousand Dragon Blood Guards were left at the temporary camp ten miles outside the capital, designated for the Northern King.
An hour later, the car traversed half of the capital and finally arrived at Beiyun Residence, the exclusive mansion of the King of the Northern Territory in the capital.
The previous occupant of Beiyun Residence was naturally the Old Northern King. Having not visited for over three years, Beiyun Residence had fallen into disrepair. Although servants periodically helped with cleaning and maintenance, preventing complete abandonment, it still appeared somewhat desolate.
Beiyun Residence occupied a considerable area, spanning over ten mu. Various rockeries and pavilions were scattered throughout. As the Old Northern King had a fondness for Jiangnan-style gardens, Beiyun Residence was built upon and renovated from the former estate of a high-ranking official from a previous dynasty.
After settling into Beiyun Residence and having just finished a cup of tea, the impatient Tu Fu could not help but ask, "My Lord, when are we going to the Heavenly Strategy Mansion? Should we just storm in tomorrow?"
Xiao Yunlong smiled upon hearing this and replied, "No rush. Firstly, the matter of Lan Yongzheng and his son has yet to be resolved. I need to extract information from them about the families and forces involved in the ambush against me. Secondly, Ruyan will be registering for university tomorrow, so I will accompany her to Imperial Capital University first!"
"I see. But there's no need to hurry; we're already in the capital anyway!" Tu Fu nodded.
Xiao Yunlong turned to Pan Chaofeng and instructed, "During this period, cooperate with the Black Armored Guards and focus on investigating the movements of the Wang family!"
As of now, the only confirmed entity targeting him was the Wang family. Although Xiao Yunlong knew that the Wang family, as one of the four great aristocratic clans of the capital, was definitely involved in the ambush against him a year ago, he currently lacked direct evidence, making it impossible for him to directly confront them.
However, it was worth noting that the Wang family's status as one of the four great aristocratic clans of the capital implied considerable underlying influence. The current head of the Wang family, Wang Youdao, was a high-ranking official in the Heavenly Strategy Mansion. Although Wang Youde, the second master of the Wang family, was a businessman, his endeavors had led to the Wang family's industries spreading across the nation.
Most formidable was the patriarch of the Wang family, who was the fourth master of the Wen Tian Pavilion, wielding immense power!
"Also, make sure the Black Armored Guards thoroughly investigate the remnants of the Wonderful Sound Sect, Wei Qianqian. If nothing unexpected occurs, she should be within the Wang family!" Xiao Yunlong added after a moment's thought.
"Yes, my Lord!" Pan Chaofeng, now solely responsible for intelligence matters, cupped his fists and withdrew.
It was already night. After a day of travel, and having eaten dinner, everyone chose to rest.
The night passed without incident. The next morning, after breakfast, Xiao Yunlong and Liu Ruyan headed to Imperial Capital University. This time, he drove himself, without any subordinates or escorts.
After all, given Xiao Yunlong's current cultivation and strength, if anyone could still harm him, bringing more subordinates would be of little practical use.
Today was the day Liu Ruyan would report for university registration. Xiao Yunlong merely intended to accompany her to school, wishing to avoid causing too much of a stir or drawing attention.
Both were dressed ordinarily, not in any designer brands. They appeared to be in their mid-twenties, looking no different from any ordinary couple.
Imperial Capital University was considered the highest institution of learning in the Dragon Kingdom. Xiao Yunlong, once a diligent student, had once aspired to enter this university during his high school years. Unfortunately, family circumstances changed, and his life's trajectory took a significant turn.
Therefore, this university held a special significance for Xiao Yunlong personally. Even as the King of the Northern Territory, upon entering the university grounds, he still felt an inexplicable excitement and a sense of reverence.
Liu Ruyan was delighted that Xiao Yunlong had personally accompanied her to university. In the previous semester, due to Xiao Yunlong's busy schedule, he couldn't visit her in the capital, and her life was almost exclusively confined to a monotonous routine, rarely venturing beyond the university campus.
Students milled about the campus in twos and threes, some chatting animatedly, others walking briskly, but each face radiated youth and vitality.
Soon, Liu Ruyan led Xiao Yunlong to the graduate registration area for the Chinese Department.
Coincidentally, Liu Ruyan's roommate, Ma Erlan, was also present.
"Ruyan, you're here too! I thought you wouldn't be able to come until tomorrow!" Ma Erlan exclaimed happily. She was a petite woman.
"I originally planned to register tomorrow, but my fiancé happened to have business today, so..." Liu Ruyan shrugged slightly and gave a knowing look.
Ma Erlan was stunned. She looked at Xiao Yunlong closely, her eyes wide with disbelief, and asked, "This is... your fiancé? My goodness, Ruyan, you're engaged? This is truly unbelievable! As one of the three campus beauties of Imperial Capital University, the 'Flower of Chinese,' you're engaged? If this news gets out, the entire university will be in an uproar!"
Liu Ruyan chuckled, "Keep your voice down. There's no need to publicize this."
Despite Ma Erlan nodding repeatedly, the news still spread, and within half an hour, it had circulated throughout Imperial Capital University.
"What did you say? The 'Flower of Chinese' is engaged? How is that possible!"
The most vocal reaction came from Fang Chengcheng, the "Prince of Business Administration," who was widely considered Liu Ruyan's most ardent admirer!