Lu Fan's expression turned serious, "The Zhao family can be ruled out. As for the other two major families, I still can't see who it is!"
"The waters of this imperial city are truly deep. If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have thought it was the Zhao family's doing!" Duan Tianya realized with a start.
Just then, Lin Guoping walked in from outside the inn. Upon seeing Lu Fan, he asked with concern, "Brother Lu, are you alright? I only just received the news!"
"I'm fine!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "Brother Lin, there's no need to be so formal, coming all this way!"
"Brother Lu, as the驸马 (fù mǎ - consort to the princess), you were targeted for assassination. How could I not come and check on you!"
Lin Guoping said repeatedly, "The Zhao family is truly ambitious, to stoop to such deeds!"
"Brother Lin, why do you say that!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "We still don't know who is responsible!"
"It was my mistake!"
Lin Guoping quickly said, "Last time at the ancient battlefield, Zhao Tianyun gave the 驸马 all sorts of trouble. I thought this matter was the Zhao family's doing, but that's purely speculation."
"Our Zhao family will not take the blame for this!"
As they were talking, a voice rang out. Zhao Tianyun, accompanied by a group of Zhao family experts, arrived, looking imposing.
"Brother Zhao, you still dare to show your face after such a major incident!"
Lin Guoping chuckled, "Did Old Master Zhao not warn you?"
"I truly didn't expect that after our usual good relationship, you would plot to harm me!"
Zhao Tianyun said coldly, "The assassination of the 驸马 was not done by the Zhao family. In this imperial city, only the three major families dare to do such a thing. Since you are here now, it must be you!"
"What do you mean by that?"
Lin Guoping smiled, "Are you implying that I sent people to assassinate the 驸马, and then framed the Zhao family?"
"Otherwise?"
Zhao Tianyun said coldly, "I truly misjudged you back then, to believe someone as insidious as you!"
"Brother Zhao, don't say the 驸马 doesn't believe it. Even members of the Zhao family wouldn't believe this was my doing!"
Lin Guoping sneered, "If it were truly my doing, I would never appear here at this time."
Zhao Tianyun didn't argue, but looked at Lu Fan, "Although I have had some past grievances with you, our Zhao family can guarantee that this matter was definitely not done by the Zhao family!"
"Young Master Zhao, when did I ever say this matter was related to the Zhao family?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, "Why are you so agitated? Could it be that this matter is indeed related to the Zhao family?"
"Even if you don't say it, you will think so in your heart!"
Zhao Tianyun stated directly, "But this matter was definitely not done by me! I didn't come here today out of fear of you, but simply to prevent the Zhao family from being implicated."
Lu Fan smiled faintly, not taking it to heart. Even if this matter was not the Zhao family's doing, Lu Fan certainly didn't like Zhao Tianyun.
"Brother Zhao, you're making such a fuss. Anyone who didn't know would think you've come to cause trouble for the 驸马!" Lin Guoping chuckled.
"I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly, and the Lin family's true colors will be revealed then!"
Zhao Tianyun snorted coldly and turned to leave. He knew very well that no matter what he said now, it would be useless.
"Brother Lu, do you think this matter was done by the Zhao family?"
As Zhao Tianyun left, Lin Guoping asked in surprise.
"How could I possibly know!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "Does Brother Lin have any insights?"
"I actually think this matter was not done by the Zhao family!"
Lin Guoping said directly, "If it were truly the Zhao family's doing, why would Zhao Tianyun come here!"
"You've hit the nail on the head!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "Since it wasn't the Zhao family, could it be, as Zhao Tianyun suggested, the Lin family?"
Lin Guodong trembled slightly, "Brother Lu, please don't joke. How could the Lin family make a move against Brother Lu!"
"I was just saying, Brother Lin, don't take it to heart!" Lu Fan waved his hand.
Lin Guoping showed a smile, but his heart was stirred. Lu Fan's words were perfectly timed.
After everyone had left, Duan Tianya said, "My Lord, who do you think is responsible?"
"That's not important!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "My purpose in coming to the imperial city this time is not to be the 驸马!"
"My Lord is preparing to act?" Duan Tianya smiled.
"I will enter the palace tomorrow!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "After I clarify the situation, I will look for the whereabouts of the Spirit Gathering Bottle."
"My Lord, have you considered the imperial family's reaction after you obtain the Spirit Gathering Bottle and leave?"
Duan Tianya said solemnly, "The imperial family's pursuit will surely be more dangerous then!"
"With that old man around, no one dares to trespass into the Sword Furnace!"
Lu Fan shrugged, having found a good backer.
Duan Tianya gave an awkward smile and didn't say much more.
Meanwhile, in a tavern opposite the inn, Bai Hu took a sip of wine and sneered, "I didn't expect such a good show in this imperial city!"
"Young Master, who do you think is responsible?" Tian Lao asked, looking somewhat surprised.
"Whether it's the Zhao family or the Lin family, it's all good for us!"
Bai Hu sneered coldly, "I was originally planning to deal with this brat, but it seems I don't need to make a move!"
"In that case, do Qing Long and the others not need to come to the imperial city?" Tian Lao asked.
"Of course they do!"
Bai Hu said softly, "If the three major families can't take care of him, then I will!"
"Young Master, he is the 驸马 now!"
Tian Lao's expression turned solemn, "If something happens to him, it will involve the Eight Princes' Mansion, and it might cause huge trouble!"
"No matter!"
Bai Hu waved his hand, "If this brat is not eliminated, I will not be at peace!"
Tian Lao stood aside, deep in thought.
The next morning, Lu Fan arrived at the imperial palace and headed towards its depths.
The last time he came to the imperial palace, he hadn't paid much attention. This time, he naturally had to take a good look.
As long as he found the Spirit Gathering Bottle, he could leave the imperial city without getting married. This would bring him some comfort.
If he were to marry Princess Linglong, Lu Fan would inevitably feel guilty. After all, in the Spirit Realm, marriage was taken very seriously, let alone marrying a princess of a dynasty.
After walking in the imperial palace for a long time, Lu Fan arrived beside a palace. This palace looked grand and out of place with the other palaces.
"Treasure Gathering Hall!"
Lu Fan glanced at it and smiled. He hadn't expected to find it so easily.
"Isn't this the 驸马?"
Just as Lu Fan was about to enter, a sarcastic voice called out.
Lu Fan stopped and turned to look, "So it's Steward Li!"
"This is the Treasure Gathering Hall!"
Steward Li smiled, "Why has the 驸马 come to the Treasure Gathering Hall instead of the Princess's residence?"
"I've just arrived at the palace and am not very familiar with it!"
Lu Fan said with a wry smile, "I don't know where the Princess lives. I came to the palace naturally to find her!"
"Turn left from the Treasure Gathering Hall and you will reach the Princess's palace!"
Steward Li smiled, "驸马, you must be more careful next time. The Treasure Gathering Hall is a sensitive area, and even the Princess dares not to intrude rashly!"