After subjugating the Underworld Dynasty, the Heavenly Emperor led the Heavenly Court army back to the Heavenly Court Dynasty.
This expedition held great significance for the Heavenly Court Dynasty. Now that the Underworld Dynasty had submitted, it would undoubtedly become the sole dominant power in the Heavenly Realm in the future.
"Little Lu, if you hadn't appeared in time today, I fear the Heavenly Court Dynasty would have been in trouble!"
The Heavenly Emperor looked at Lu Fan, his expression grave.
"Your Majesty flatters me!"
Lu Fan shrugged slightly. "Now that the Underworld Dynasty has been subdued, there should be nothing to worry about in the entire Heavenly Realm. This way, I can also cultivate in peace!"
"King of the Northwest, you performed admirably in today's battle!"
Xue Long spoke, "Is there anything you need? You can tell the Heavenly Emperor!"
"There's no need for that!"
Lu Fan shook his head. "I don't need anything. I just wish to retire to the mountains and forests, and never concern myself with worldly affairs again!"
"You, this kid, always speak in such a roundabout way!"
Xue Long rolled his eyes. "But then again, if that's truly how you feel, it's understandable. After all, retiring to the mountains and forests is something many people wish for!"
"You are the commander of the Heavenly Court, how can you retire to the mountains and forests!" the Heavenly Emperor said with a smile. "The entire Heavenly Court Dynasty will need you to lead it in the future!"
Lu Fan gave an awkward smile. "I'm afraid I don't have the ability. Your Majesty thinks too highly of me. It would be better to find another wise minister!"
"I believe you are the most suitable, and possess great courage. This would be a great joy for the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty!" the Heavenly Emperor said seriously.
Facing these words, Lu Fan smiled slightly. "Unfortunately, my heart is not in this. Your Majesty's words are of no use!"
The Heavenly Emperor immediately fell silent, a hint of embarrassment on his face. Lu Fan's words left him feeling helpless.
He had originally intended for Lu Fan to take charge of the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty, allowing him to retreat behind the scenes. However, Lu Fan's words clearly indicated his unwillingness.
"Your Majesty, these are the soul spirits of my Four Seas Water Tribes!"
Lin Xuan walked over, his expression extremely solemn. "My Four Seas Water Tribes are willing to submit to the Heavenly Court. I hope Your Majesty will not make things difficult for us!"
"The Four Seas Water Tribes have contributed. How could I make things difficult for you!" the Heavenly Emperor shook his head, a hint of confusion in his heart.
Lin Xuan's words were very puzzling to him.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Lin Xuan quickly clasped his fists, his eyes solemn. For things to have reached this point and ended up like this was already the best possible outcome.
After the members of the Four Seas Water Tribes had all departed, Lu Fan turned his gaze back to the Heavenly Emperor. "It is time for me to leave. Now that the Heavenly Court Dynasty controls the entire Heavenly Realm, I presume my presence is no longer needed!"
"Where are you going?" the Heavenly Emperor asked solemnly. "If it weren't for you, the Heavenly Court Dynasty would likely have been annihilated long ago. Therefore, I hope you will stay and inherit the position of Heavenly Emperor!"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the princes changed drastically. The position of Heavenly Emperor was something they were all vying for. They never expected the Heavenly Emperor to intend to pass the throne to Lu Fan. If this were to happen, it would be somewhat unfair to them.
"I am not interested in this position!" Lu Fan shook his head. "So Your Majesty need not worry!"
"It seems you, like me, wish to break through the calamity of this Heavenly Realm and enter the transcendent Divine Realm!" the Heavenly Emperor suddenly laughed. "It's a pity that achieving this might be extremely difficult, perhaps even impossible to accomplish in a lifetime!"
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. Although I am not sure if I can break through the calamity of this Heavenly Realm, I just want to try!" Lu Fan smiled. "Perhaps only by trying will I know if the calamity of this Heavenly Realm is truly that terrifying!"
The Heavenly Emperor nodded, understanding Lu Fan's sentiment.
However, since Lu Fan had his own thoughts, the Heavenly Emperor would naturally not obstruct him and allowed him to follow his own path.
"If King of the Northwest wishes to break through the calamity of this Heavenly Realm, perhaps you could go to Kunlun Mountain!"
Xue Long spoke, "In Kunlun Mountain lies the Kunlun Sect, the most powerful cultivation sect in the entire Heavenly Realm. There are unparalleled powerhouses there, and every hundred years, someone ascends to the Divine Realm!"
"Kunlun Immortal Mountain?"
Lu Fan hesitated, then nodded slightly. In fact, he had heard of Kunlun Immortal Mountain long ago. Learning of it again from Xue Long's lips held an extraordinary significance.
"You kid, you're not thinking of going, are you?"
The Heavenly Emperor chuckled. "If you really plan to go, then come with me. After all, I also need to go to Kunlun Immortal Mountain. We can keep each other company!"
"Your Majesty is also going to Kunlun Immortal Mountain?"
Lu Fan was somewhat puzzled, and his heart grew heavy. He hadn't expected the Heavenly Emperor to have the same intention.
"The matters of the Heavenly Court are almost settled. Naturally, I must also leave!"
The Heavenly Emperor nodded slightly, his expression serious. In truth, his ultimate aspiration was not to unify the Heavenly Realm, but to go to Kunlun, achieve supreme enlightenment, and seek opportunities in the Divine Realm.
Facing these words, Lu Fan nodded slightly. "I still need to travel around the Heavenly Realm. Since Your Majesty wishes to go to Kunlun, you may go ahead!"
"You, this kid, do you have other matters?"
The Heavenly Emperor was slightly stunned and somewhat helpless. He had hoped to have a companion, but he hadn't expected Lu Fan to have his own agenda.
"A difficult journey, with my heart set on Kunlun!"
Lu Fan smiled. "I have not yet reached the Heavenly Lord realm, so I may not have the qualification to enter Kunlun Mountain. Therefore, I wish to cultivate diligently for a few years!"
After Lu Fan's words, the Heavenly Emperor said nothing more. Everyone had their own path to walk, and it was understandable.
At this point, everyone could understand that Lu Fan and the Heavenly Emperor's paths were clearly not aligned.
After leaving the imperial capital, Lu Fan traveled west, seeking his own Dao, and also preparing to head to Kunlun.
Meanwhile, within the Heavenly Court, the Heavenly Emperor was quite frustrated. He wished he had a companion, but looking across the entire Heavenly Court, there was no one who could accompany him.
It seemed the path to godhood was rather solitary.
At the Ten Mile Tea House, Lu Fan paused, sensing a familiar aura, and looked inside.
"What a coincidence, I didn't expect to meet you here!"
Bei Cheng looked at Lu Fan, his expression quite serious.
"It is indeed a coincidence!"
Lu Fan smiled and walked towards the tea stall, stopping beside Bei Cheng. "It's been a while since our last battle. How have you been?"
"If it weren't for you, I might be living better than I am now!"
Bei Cheng's words were meaningful and carried a hint of blame.
Following these words, Lu Fan let out a light laugh, unsure how to respond.