"I only feel my spiritual power surging within me now. Is this the strength of a Martial Emperor realm expert?" Lu Fan spoke, his eyes filled with joy. Even he hadn't expected the power of a Martial Emperor realm expert to be so formidable, which brought him a pleasant surprise.
"That's right, it is indeed the strength of a Martial Emperor realm expert!" Liu Ruyan said, "Congratulations, you've broken through to Martial Emperor in such a short time. This is the best possible outcome for you. With a Martial Emperor realm expert taking over the position of Northwest King, no one will be able to raise any objections!"
"I am the Lord of the Heavenly Court, appointed as the Northwest King. Who dares to object!" Lu Fan shrugged slightly, a smile on his face. This was considered a stroke of luck in his life.
However, at this moment, Lu Fan frowned, "Why don't I see Ling'er? Didn't he enter the royal city much earlier?"
"You've been in a coma for the past few days, and I didn't want to search for him!" Liu Ruyan shook her head. "Under normal circumstances, he should have appeared by now, but I haven't seen any sign of him these past few days!"
"How could this happen!" Lu Fan's brows furrowed slightly, his gaze shifting. He hadn't expected Ling'er, who had come to the royal city to deliver a message, to simply disappear.
"It's not scary that he's missing, but it's scary that he's missing with the Northwest King's Token. This is no trivial matter!" Liu Ruyan said.
"Are you implying that someone from the King's Mansion apprehended him?" Lu Fan frowned, then suddenly stood up, "Let's go to the Northwest King's Mansion!"
Liu Ruyan nodded. This was the only way to uncover the truth. As for whether it was someone from the Northwest King's Mansion, even she wasn't entirely sure.
Not long after, Lu Fan brought Liu Ruyan to the Northwest King's Mansion. Guards were stationed there, looking vigilant, as if no one could pass their swords.
"I am the Northwest King!" Lu Fan stepped forward. "Who is managing the Northwest King's Mansion now?"
The guards glanced at Lu Fan, a smile appearing on their lips, their eyes filled with disdain. It seemed to them that Lu Fan was just a vagrant.
"Go wherever it's cool, kid, and don't cause trouble here!" a guard said. "Someone was causing trouble here a few days ago and was immediately arrested. He also claimed to be the Northwest King, oh no, he should be the Northwest King's friend!"
"Who is in charge here!" Lu Fan's eyes darkened, carrying a chilling coldness. Every word he had spoken was perfectly fine, yet he was met with such mockery. How could he accept this?
"What, are you serious, kid?" the leading guard said. "Let me tell you, this is the Northwest King's Mansion. Those who dare to cause trouble here will die miserably. You'd better be sensible and leave now, or you'll regret it!"
"You have quite the nerve to speak to the Northwest King like that!" Liu Ruyan exclaimed. "I think you've got a death wish!"
"Just two Martial Emperors, and you dare to claim to be the Northwest King here? Do you really think this is the Northwest King's Mansion, a place you can come and go as you please?" The leading guard's imposing aura was evident, and he showed no concern.
"It seems we'll have to force our way into the mansion today!" Liu Ruyan said coldly, a hint of anger in her voice. Being ridiculed like this was unbearable.
"Try it if you have the guts!" The many men responded unceremoniously, their anger rising. As guards of the Northwest King's Mansion, how could they be threatened?
Liu Ruyan didn't hesitate. She moved forward instantly, attacking the guards with a surging aura that seemed exceptionally fierce. The guards' expressions shifted upon seeing this. They hadn't expected Liu Ruyan to be so direct and unapologetic, intending to force her way in.
"Stop them!" The leading guard said coldly, his imposing presence radiating immense power. In that instant, the guards all attacked, attempting to suppress Liu Ruyan.
Liu Ruyan, however, was unfazed. Her aura continuously expanded, directly knocking down the guards with apparent ease, as if they were insignificant in her eyes.
"How dare you lay hands within the Northwest King's Mansion!" At that very moment, a cold voice rang out. A white-haired old man slowly stepped forward, exuding an aura of supreme authority. Seeing this, Liu Ruyan quickly stopped, looking towards the old man. The elder appeared refined and dignified, seemingly not an ordinary person.
"Steward Zhao!" The guards all cupped their fists, showing great respect and deference to the white-haired elder before them, not daring to show any negligence.
"You are the steward of the Northwest King's Mansion?" Liu Ruyan sneered. "The Northwest King has arrived, and you don't come out to greet him, yet you dare to put on airs here. I think you're quite the character!"
"In recent years, many people have impersonated the Northwest King, but none have managed to deceive us!" Steward Zhao chuckled. "What proof does he have to demonstrate that he is the Northwest King?"
"I have no proof!" Lu Fan shrugged. "Because my proof is in your hands. Isn't my Northwest King's Token also with you?"
"Ridiculous!" Steward Zhao said coldly. "As the person in charge of the Northwest King's affairs, I naturally have to handle matters properly. If you cannot provide a reasonable explanation for your identities, then you will have to await us in prison!"
"I said I am the Northwest King, and you don't seem to believe me!" Lu Fan shrugged. "Now that the Northwest King's Token is in your hands, how can I prove it?"
"You and that woman must be in cahoots, right?" Steward Zhao said coldly. "Tell me, where did you steal the Northwest King's Token from? Perhaps we can spare your lives. If you remain stubborn, don't blame me for being ruthless."
"You make it sound as if we really stole it?" Liu Ruyan said softly. "Who has such audacity to do such a thing?" Steward Zhao frowned. Even now, he couldn't quite believe Liu Ruyan's words, as this matter was of great importance. If he made a mistake, even he would be punished.
"The Northwest King's Token and I have long since formed a connection. If you hand it to me, I can summon it!" Lu Fan stated, his expression calm. With these words, Steward Zhao was instantly swayed and handed the Northwest King's Token to Lu Fan.