"I'm merely speaking the truth. If the Heavenly Emperor is unwilling to listen, then consider my words unsaid!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists again, his expression even more solemn, as if everything had unfolded naturally.
"I like your straightforward nature, boy. You don't beat around the bush!"
The Heavenly Emperor nodded slightly. "You've passed the fifth level of the Heavenly Road assessment, and you're bound to be a rising star. Therefore, you must contribute to the Heavenly Court and the Dynasty. This is your duty, and the Heavenly Court is in dire need of capable individuals!"
"The Heavenly Court Dynasty is so vast, with countless experts. Why would the Heavenly Emperor say such a thing?" Lu Fan was somewhat surprised.
"What you see is only the surface. The Thousand-Year War is likely to begin soon, and it will be a bloody conflict. Therefore, I hope you can lead the younger generation to grow quickly so that you can contend with the Underworld Dynasty!" The Heavenly Emperor's gaze was serious.
"The Underworld Dynasty?"
Lu Fan's brows furrowed slightly. He had heard of this term, but he hadn't expected the Heavenly Emperor to be so solemn about it.
"How about this! I'll confer upon you the title of King of the Northwest! You will govern the younger generation from now on, and I'll assign you a team. What do you say?" the Heavenly Emperor's voice rang out again.
"I haven't even reached the Martial Emperor realm. How can I take on this responsibility?" Lu Fan showed embarrassment, his expression serious.
"You can!"
The Heavenly Emperor stated directly, "Moreover, with this status, no one within the entire Heavenly Court will be able to make things difficult for you in the future!"
Eunuch Liu stood by, inwardly shocked. While he knew the Heavenly Emperor valued Lu Fan, he never imagined the Heavenly Emperor would directly bestow a royal title.
It was unheard of for a non-royal to be enfeoffed as a king within the Heavenly Court Dynasty. The Heavenly Emperor's entrustment of such a heavy responsibility to Lu Fan was utterly baffling.
If Lu Fan were truly made King of the Northwest, his status would be equivalent to that of the imperial uncles, demonstrating immense power.
"Since the Heavenly Emperor trusts me so much, I can give it a try!" Lu Fan nodded. "However, within the Imperial City, there are those who wish to harm me. If I truly become the King of the Northwest, can I pursue this matter?"
"Rest assured, I will thoroughly investigate this matter for you!" the Heavenly Emperor stated directly. "Anyone who dares to act within the Imperial City clearly does not hold me in regard. If these people are not brought to justice, where is my Heavenly Emperor's authority?"
Lu Fan nodded slightly, his eyes serious. Gaining the Heavenly Emperor's approval was extremely important to him. Just those few words from the Heavenly Emperor had already eased his mind considerably.
"I see you've reached the bottleneck of the Martial Emperor realm. Why don't I lend you a hand?"
The Heavenly Emperor's voice sounded, and he sent a stream of spiritual energy from his palm, instantly channeling it towards Lu Fan. Feeling the powerful infusion of spiritual energy, Lu Fan's body seemed to swell slightly. He hadn't expected the Heavenly Emperor to be so direct.
Eunuch Liu stood by, his heart also filled with shock. Such an action from the Heavenly Emperor was something even the imperial princes likely never dreamed of receiving. Lu Fan, merely an outsider, was being personally assisted by the Heavenly Emperor, which was enough to show how highly he was regarded. Su Dan Novel Network
After completing the spiritual energy infusion, the Heavenly Emperor spoke again, "You will soon feel the opportunity to reach the Martial Emperor realm. When you break through, don't be too eager to cultivate. Stabilizing your realm forcefully will lead to better progress!"
Lu Fan nodded solemnly, deeply grateful for the Heavenly Emperor's actions.
"This is the King of the Northwest Token!"
The Heavenly Emperor declared, "Once you take office, the entire Northwest will heed your summons. With the King of the Northwest Token, you can mobilize all the experts of the Northwest!"
Lu Fan slowly accepted the token, his heart trembling. He hadn't expected the Heavenly Emperor to trust him so implicitly. The entire Northwest of the Heavenly Court Dynasty was now placed in his hands so openly, without any apparent concern.
"Alright, I'm a bit tired. You may both leave now," the Heavenly Emperor said, waving his hand, appearing rather nonchalant.
Lu Fan held the token, his emotions a complex mix. He had arrived in the Heavenly Realm not long ago, and unexpectedly, he had become a king, the King of the Northwest, which caught him off guard.
"King of the Northwest, I'll escort you out of the palace!" Eunuch Liu became instantly respectful. His previous demeanor had vanished, and he dared not say anything more.
Lu Fan's enfeoffment as King of the Northwest meant he held significant power. It was likely that even many imperial uncles could not suppress him.
Even he was perplexed as to why the Heavenly Emperor would entrust him with such a crucial role. Was it merely because he had passed the fifth level of the Heavenly Road?
Meanwhile, Prince Beicheng was waiting outside. Upon seeing Lu Fan and the others arrive, he stepped forward and smiled, "How did it go? What official position did Father Emperor bestow upon you?"
"King of the Northwest!"
Lu Fan produced the token, his gaze even more placid, as if the title of King of the Northwest meant nothing to him.
Gazing at the token, Prince Beicheng was stunned. His eyes widened with shock. "This is... the King of the Northwest Token. How is this possible? How did the token end up in your hands!"
"Prince Beicheng, he is now the King of the Northwest!" Eunuch Liu interjected. "According to the rules, you probably have to show him some courtesy. After all, he is now a non-royal king, and in terms of both actual power and status, he is no ordinary person!"
"Cough, cough..."
Prince Beicheng coughed a few times, his face instantly showing embarrassment. Even many of the imperial princes had never had the opportunity to obtain the King of the Northwest Token. To think that Lu Fan had so easily become the King of the Northwest left him feeling rather resentful.
"Actually, I didn't want it, but there was no other way!"
Lu Fan shrugged slightly, his expression even more indifferent, as if all of this meant nothing to him.
At the same time, Prince Beicheng almost spat out a mouthful of blood. Especially Lu Fan's remark, which filled him with displeasure. In his eyes, Lu Fan was simply showing off, and it was blatant.
After leaving the Imperial Palace, Lu Fan and Prince Beicheng went to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion and began drinking again. To celebrate Lu Fan becoming the King of the Northwest, Prince Beicheng had even summoned the best companions for drinking.
"Now that you are the King of the Northwest, I'm afraid no one will dare to touch you!" Prince Beicheng smiled. "This means that no matter how long you stay in the Imperial City, you will be absolutely safe. After all, if a King of the Northwest truly belonged to the Imperial City, the Heavenly Court would never let it go. They would dig three feet into the ground to find that person!"
Lu Fan nodded, agreeing with this point.