After some preparations, Lu Fan and Bei Cheng set off.
The death of eight thousand Black Armored Guards in vain was a significant blow to Bei Cheng.
The mighty entourage that had set out was now returning with him alone, making him feel even more disheartened.
After several days of travel, Lu Fan and his group arrived at the imperial capital, where they were met by many people.
"Prince Bei Cheng, your safe return is indeed a blessing from heaven!"
The ministers bowed, not daring to overstep.
"It seems you already know about my trip to the wilderness!" Bei Cheng inquired.
"The Prince narrowly escaped death while exterminating the Dragon Annihilation Hall, and the Heavenly Emperor was very worried!"
The ministers said, "Your safe return is now a fortune for the Heavenly Court!"
Bei Cheng nodded slightly, paying little attention to these flattering words.
Arriving at the imperial court with Lu Fan and the others, the civil and military officials also looked on, their gazes inadvertently resting on Lu Fan.
Lu Fan was the King of the Northwest. They were not present when he was enfeoffed, but they knew that Lu Fan was chosen by the Heavenly Road and was destined for great things in the future.
"Bei Cheng, you have worked hard in exterminating the Dragon Annihilation Hall this time!" The Heavenly Emperor's voice sounded. "I heard it was the King of the Northwest who saved you!"
"That is correct!"
Bei Cheng nodded. "If it weren't for the King of the Northwest's intervention, your son would likely not have returned!"
"Are there really so many experts in the Dragon Annihilation Hall?"
The Heavenly Emperor frowned. "Eight thousand Black Armored Guards could not retreat with their lives intact!"
"The Dragon Annihilation Hall is nothing!"
Bei Cheng chuckled. "But there might be something unknown behind the Dragon Annihilation Hall!"
The ministers were surprised, and Bei Cheng's words made them suspicious and curious.
"Heavenly Emperor, the mastermind behind the Dragon Annihilation Hall is likely someone in the court!"
Lu Fan spoke without any reservation. The incident had already happened, and he had no intention of concealing anything.
A stir went through the entire hall, with everyone in disbelief. If Lu Fan's words were true, the implications would be immense.
"King of the Northwest, do you have any evidence for what you said?"
Prince Bei Hai asked, a slight smirk playing on his lips, carrying an air of dominance.
"Naturally, no!"
Lu Fan shrugged slightly. "But everyone should know that in a vast dynasty, besides sects, no one else could possess such power!"
"That is correct!"
Prince Bei Cheng nodded. "Moreover, the black-clothed man admitted before his death that he came from the imperial capital. More importantly, the person behind him must hold a high position in the imperial capital!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone trembled and looked towards the other princes. Those with high positions in the imperial capital were likely only the princes.
"Without evidence, do not speak rashly!"
The Heavenly Emperor frowned. This matter was of great importance, and an investigation would inevitably implicate the innocent.
"Your son speaks the truth. If Father Emperor does not believe, he can send people to investigate this matter!"
Prince Bei Cheng cupped his hands. "More importantly, the person behind this has colluded with the Hell Dynasty!"
The Heavenly Emperor stood up abruptly, his expression instantly turning grim. While he might not have paid much attention to other matters, he dared not be careless when it involved the Hell Dynasty.
The Hell Dynasty had been restlessly plotting to attack the Heavenly Dynasty, and the dynastic struggle would begin before long.
If there were people from the Hell Dynasty within the Heavenly Court, it would undoubtedly be a devastating blow to the entire Heavenly Dynasty.
"We implore the Heavenly Emperor to thoroughly investigate this matter, lest this person destroy the foundation of the dynasty!"
Many ministers cupped their hands, their expressions solemn. They were well aware that this matter was extraordinary.
The Heavenly Emperor frowned and said solemnly, "The morning court ends here. As for the matter of the Hell Dynasty, I will personally send people to investigate in secret!"
Everyone cupped their hands. They naturally dared not defy the Heavenly Emperor's decision.
After the Heavenly Emperor departed, Prince Bei Hai looked at Bei Cheng. "Second Brother, have you been scared? How could a mere Dragon Annihilation Hall be connected to Hell!"
"There are some things you don't know, and even if I tell you, it would be useless!"
Bei Cheng's expression was indifferent, and he never took Bei Hai's doubts to heart.
"Hmph, Second Brother, your tone has become much bolder since returning from outside!"
Prince Bei Hai said dismissively and turned to leave. As for who the mastermind was, he didn't care at all.
"Second Brother, you must have had a difficult time traveling to the barbarian lands this time!"
Bai Long approached with a smile.
"It was not difficult!"
Bei Cheng chuckled. "But what I said today is true!"
"Since Second Brother said so, there naturally won't be a problem!"
Bai Long nodded. "We will definitely find out who is responsible!"
After Bai Long left, Bei Cheng looked at Lu Fan. "Who do you think is responsible?"
"There are many princes in the imperial capital, and I cannot distinguish them!"
Lu Fan shrugged. "Everyone is a suspect!"
Bei Cheng let out a wry smile. Lu Fan's words made him feel helpless.
After leaving the palace, Bei Cheng took Lu Fan to a courtyard. "This is the Northwest King's Mansion built for you by Father Emperor. You can live here when you return to the imperial capital in the future!"
"The Heavenly Emperor is indeed thoughtful!"
Lu Fan nodded and walked in. The Northwest King's Mansion was vast, several times larger than other courtyards.
After resting in the courtyard for a while, several eunuchs arrived at the Northwest King's Mansion, which puzzled Bei Cheng.
"King of the Northwest, the Heavenly Emperor invites you to dine!"
The old eunuch said, "Come with me to the palace now!"
"Dine together?"
Lu Fan was somewhat puzzled and surprised. He naturally did not expect the Heavenly Emperor to invite him.
"Did they call me?" Prince Bei Cheng asked, his expression serious.
"This..."
The old eunuch was slightly stunned and looked embarrassed, not knowing how to answer.
"Cough, cough... If I wasn't called, then I wasn't called!"
Bei Cheng cleared his throat, feeling extremely helpless. He was a prince, yet he did not receive a summons, while Lu Fan was treated so ceremoniously.
Leaving the Northwest King's Mansion, Lu Fan arrived at the palace. The palace at night appeared somewhat dim. The old eunuch led the way and said with a smile, "The King of the Northwest is young yet remarkably poised, destined to be an extraordinary figure!"
"You flatter me!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly. He seemed to have guessed the reason for the Heavenly Emperor's summons.
Inside a palace, the Heavenly Emperor stood tall, looking profound. Seeing Lu Fan arrive, he smiled. "The King of the Northwest has finally come to the imperial capital, so please join me for a few drinks!"
"The Heavenly Emperor summoned me, likely for other matters!" Lu Fan said with a smile. "Why not be direct? If I can help the Heavenly Emperor, I will naturally not refuse!"