Inside the City Lord's manor, a middle-aged man was practicing Tai Chi, exuding a powerful aura, each movement performed with precision.
"City Lord, I heard a King of the Northwest has arrived. I wonder if he'll make a strong first impression!" Steward Wu approached. "Should we prepare? After all, the King of the Northwest is an enfeoffed noble. If he's displeased with our actions, it could be troublesome!"
"King of the Northwest?" The Lord of Dragon City sneered. "He's just a greenhorn. I can handle him. Besides, I heard he hasn't even reached the Martial Emperor realm, so there's nothing to fear!"
"That may be so, but he is the King of the Northwest!" Steward Wu spoke with seriousness, clearly concerned.
"I know what you mean, but some things shouldn't be viewed so superficially. Even if that kid is the King of the Northwest, he won't cause much of a storm. A few boxes of spirit stones will suffice!" The Lord of Dragon City said dismissively, not giving it much thought.
Steward Wu nodded slightly at these words and didn't dare to say more. Since the Lord of Dragon City himself was unconcerned, he wouldn't press the matter.
Just then, outside the City Lord's manor, a crowd had gathered, watching with curiosity, unsure of what was happening.
Steward Wu furrowed his brow and stepped outside the manor, unaware of the situation. However, he wouldn't allow anyone to disturb the City Lord's cultivation.
A short while later, Steward Wu arrived outside the City Lord's manor, accompanied by a group of guards.
"What's going on?" Steward Wu asked, his brow furrowed. He looked at Jiu Long and Qian Da Fu, surprised to see them in such a disheveled state.
"Steward Wu, this young man's strength is formidable. I am no match for him, which is why I am in this predicament!" Jiu Long said repeatedly, his expression grave. He knew very well that at this critical juncture, he had to make an example of Lu Fan, or he would lose all standing.
"Young man, they are all from Dragon City. Are you not showing them due respect by acting this way?" Steward Wu said coldly, looking at Lu Fan with evident displeasure.
"Tell the Lord of Dragon City to see me!" Lu Fan said with a cold, indifferent expression. He hadn't intended for things to escalate to this point.
"You are hardly qualified to see my City Lord!" Steward Wu stated directly. "I advise you, young man, not to stir up trouble. Release them and apologize, and perhaps the City Lord's manor can be magnanimous!"
"I'll say it again, tell the Lord of Dragon City to see me!" Lu Fan said coldly, with an air of dominance.
"Truly unappreciative of a good offer. I didn't want you to resort to violence, but you are incorrigible!" Steward Wu's imposing aura surged, his spiritual energy flowing. Having served the City Lord for years, his strength was considerable.
Seeing this, Qian Da Fu's face lit up with joy. This was ideal. If Lu Fan could be dealt with, then everything would be fine.
Sensing the powerful aura, Lu Fan remained unfazed, only sneering, "Do you really think your meager abilities can do anything to me?"
*Boom...*
At that instant, a thunderous sound erupted. Steward Wu was sent flying backward violently, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He could never have imagined Lu Fan's strength to be so terrifying, catching him completely off guard.
The surrounding spectators were utterly stunned. They knew very well that Steward Wu was no ordinary person. For Lu Fan, so young, to inflict such damage on Steward Wu was simply unheard of.
Qian Da Fu's mouth hung open, speechless, a myriad of emotions churning within him. Even he had not anticipated Lu Fan's strength to be so immense, leaving him flustered and unsure of what to do.
Having finished, Lu Fan looked towards the City Lord's manor, his expression growing colder.
"Who exactly are you!" Steward Wu, heavily injured, stared intently at Lu Fan, his heart filled with shock. He could never have imagined Lu Fan's strength to be so great, leaving him dumbfounded.
"I am the King of the Northwest!" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "My visit to Dragon City this time has truly opened my eyes!"
"The King of the Northwest! You are the King of the Northwest!" Qian Da Fu stood dumbfounded, his expression changing drastically. He had never imagined Lu Fan to be the King of the Northwest. If that were true, he had landed himself in immense trouble.
"Is he really the King of the Northwest? How can the King of the Northwest be so young?" Many people exclaimed, their hearts filled with doubt, especially as they looked at Lu Fan.
At the same time, Lu Fan's gaze turned towards the City Lord's manor. "Where is the Lord of Dragon City!"
As his voice boomed, a figure slowly emerged from the City Lord's manor, exuding an aura of authority. He looked directly at Lu Fan, "Who are you, daring to act so wildly within the City Lord's manor!"
"I am the King of the Northwest!" Lu Fan stated coldly. "Are you the Lord of Dragon City?"
"The King of the Northwest?" The Lord of Dragon City glanced at Lu Fan and immediately sneered. "Your tone is quite bold. To be so arrogant at such a young age, what proof do you have that you are the King of the Northwest?"
"This is the Northwest King's Token!" Lu Fan was not polite and directly produced a token. This was a token given to him by the Heavenly Emperor, so there was no doubt about its authenticity. Moreover, this token represented supreme authority. If it weren't for this critical moment, Lu Fan wouldn't have bothered to take it out.
"The Northwest King's Token!" Many present were startled and filled with apprehension. They had not expected the Northwest King's Token to appear here, catching them completely off guard.
Even the Lord of Dragon City frowned. He had initially thought Lu Fan was joking, but now that Lu Fan could actually produce the Northwest King's Token, it meant he was indeed the King of the Northwest.
With this realization, the Lord of Dragon City quickly cupped his fists. "Your subordinate, the Lord of Dragon City, greets the King of the Northwest!"
The people within the City Lord's manor also bowed in unison, not daring to hesitate. Only Qian Da Fu stood stunned, his face contorted with bitterness. He had never imagined that Lu Fan was truly the King of the Northwest, without a shadow of a doubt, leaving him utterly flustered.
"Within Dragon City, the taxation issue is extremely severe. Is this all due to your arbitrary decisions?" Lu Fan inquired, directly addressing the core of the matter. He intended to get to the bottom of things during his visit to Dragon City, as he would not tolerate any unlawful acts within its borders.
"King of the Northwest, your journey must have been arduous. Please enter the manor and rest for a while, and I will explain everything to you at leisure!" The Lord of Dragon City said, cupping his fists in a show of deference.