"Must you be this way?"
Shen Yehong alighted from the sedan, her gaze fixed on Liuli.
"I have no intention of causing trouble for the royal family, but I also ask that the princess not make things difficult for me."
Liuli flicked her long whip, exuding an imposing aura, as if nothing in the world could instill fear in her.
"Very well, very well, a fine Senior Disciple of Shenji Mountain!"
Shen Yehong laughed heartily, "Today, I shall have the pleasure of learning whether your long whip is mightier, or my spiritual sword!"
The onlookers retreated to the sides, anticipating a good show. One was a princess of the dynasty, possessing a body of immense value, while the other was the Senior Disciple of Shenji Mountain, the future leader of the sect.
In terms of status and other aspects, these two were well-matched, both considered prodigies of their respective domains.
Hu Yu, hiding behind, dared not speak. Matters had reached this point, and a major confrontation seemed inevitable.
"Stop!"
A hoarse voice echoed from Shenji Mountain, "The royal family's affairs are not for Shenji Mountain to interfere with. Liuli, return to the mountain!"
"This..."
Liuli frowned. She recognized the voice of the Nine Dragon Daoist. She had been ready to act, but now she had no choice but to desist.
"What, weren't you just being arrogant?"
Shen Yehong's expression was cold, "To dare meddle in my royal family's affairs will bring you nothing but trouble. Not just you, even the Sect Master of Shenji Mountain would have to show me deference."
"Princess Yehong, please mind your words!"
The aged voice sounded again, "Shenji Mountain does not participate in dynastic disputes, nor do we fear the royal family. Your recent words were disrespectful to Shenji Mountain, and you will not be welcome there in the future."
Liuli gave a cold smile and said nothing more, having no choice but to enter Shenji Mountain.
As for Hu Yu, she could do nothing. With the sect's orders, she had to comply.
Seeing that the situation was not favorable, Hu Yu attempted to flee, but was stopped by a guard, feeling even more aggrieved.
"What, you think escaping is that easy?"
Shen Yehong said coldly, "I'll ask you one more time, do you know the whereabouts of that brat?"
"I've told you how many times, I'm not familiar with him. How would I know where he went?"
Hu Yu pleaded repeatedly, "Please let me go, and don't hold this against me."
"That won't do!"
Shen Yehong sneered, "If you don't know, then your life has no meaning."
In an instant, Shen Yehong's spiritual sword darted out, showing no mercy.
The onlookers were terrified. They never imagined that a princess of the dynasty would be so ruthless.
Witnessing this scene, Liuli's expression changed. If Hu Yu were to die here, it would greatly damage the reputation of Shenji Mountain.
*Zheng...*
Suddenly, a crisp sound rang out. Princess Yehong was forced back, her spiritual sword knocked from her hand.
Lu Fan shielded Hu Yu behind him, his expression growing colder, "I have no quarrel with the princess, why are you making things so difficult for me!"
"How dare you attack this princess!"
Shen Yehong spoke coldly, "This is the Taiyan Dynasty!"
"So what?"
Lu Fan said coldly, "Does being a princess give you the right to do as you please?"
"Hmph, I was just looking for you, and you've come right to my doorstep!"
Shen Yehong sneered, "This is good. Today, I will deal with you here, so you don't ruin my plans in the future!"
"Are you afraid I'll become the one you fancy?"
Lu Fan smiled coldly, "Rest assured, I will have no romantic feelings for you. As for the divination at Jiulong Mountain, you needn't take it too seriously!"
"How dare you spout such nonsense!"
Shen Yehong's face turned ashen, "Seize this brat and let him know the consequences of offending this princess!"
"Your subordinates obey!"
Numerous guards attacked, advancing towards Lu Fan with an imposing aura.
As princess's guards, they were no ordinary individuals. With the princess's command, they dared not delay.
"They are likely not qualified enough!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, not taking the guards seriously at all. In his eyes, these guards were insignificant.
The guards' expressions turned hostile. Lu Fan's words were clearly a sign of contempt, bordering on audacity.
Liuli, witnessing the scene, could do nothing to intervene and could only watch silently.
But in an instant, a powerful aura emanated from Lu Fan, forcefully repelling the guards with a gust of strong wind.
The onlookers nearby showed surprise. They clearly hadn't expected Lu Fan's strength to be so formidable. To be a princess's guard, they were likely Venerable-level experts. For Lu Fan to achieve this level on his own was truly extraordinary.
Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, Shen Yehong drew her sword again, attempting to force Lu Fan back. However, Lu Fan advanced instead of retreating, and in a flash, he was before her, grasping her jade-like hand, and said with a cold smile, "You certainly have some flair, but with such ruthlessness, I wouldn't be interested. Rest assured."
Shen Yehong recoiled several steps, "How dare you lay hands on me! If my father finds out, he will surely break your legs!"
"Unfortunately, this is not the imperial city."
Lu Fan shook his head, "These guards you brought are no match for me. Most importantly, you are in my hands. Yet you still speak so arrogantly. Believe it or not, I can take your life right now!"
"You... you are shameless!" Shen Yehong's face flushed slightly.
As a princess of the dynasty, she was accustomed to admiration and had never been defied. Being treated this way by Lu Fan today was a profound humiliation.
Hu Yu stood stunned to the side, glancing at Lu Fan. She hadn't expected him to be so... slick.
"Whether I am shameless or not is not important."
Lu Fan shrugged, "I have no desire to be enemies with the Taiyan royal family, nor do I wish to be too close to you. From now on, you walk your single-plank bridge, and I will cross my clear-water path. As for the divination at Jiulong Mountain, you needn't believe it too fervently."
"You think not! You have humiliated me today, and this princess will make you pay tenfold." Shen Yehong said coldly.
"You truly refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"
Lu Fan lunged forward, instantly gripping Shen Yehong by the neck, "Do you know that with just a slight exertion of force, you will be dead? It matters not whether you are a princess of the dynasty or anyone of status."
"Release the princess, do not act rashly!"
The guards shouted urgently, their hearts filled with alarm. They clearly hadn't anticipated Lu Fan's directness. This was the esteemed imperial princess. If anything were to happen to her, even they would be punished.
Lu Fan remained unfazed, his gaze fixed on Shen Yehong, "I'll ask you one more time, do you still intend to deal with me?"
"You cannot make me compromise!" Shen Yehong showed no fear, "If I die, you will not be able to leave the Taiyan Dynasty. My father will surely hunt you to the ends of the earth."
"Since you are so eager to die, I shall grant your wish!"
Lu Fan's palm surged with spiritual energy, carrying a faint killing intent.