"Who is responsible for this!"
The Heavenly Emperor's gaze turned cold. "Dare to commit such an act, do you not consider the Heavenly Court to be anything?"
Facing the Heavenly Emperor's fury, no one dared to speak further. They all lowered their heads, fearing his wrath.
After all, they were not entirely sure who was behind this. However, remaining unharmed was the most sensible approach.
"As for who is responsible, I implore the Heavenly Emperor to investigate!" Lu Fan said, cupping his fists. "To have a Saint Emperor realm expert involved, it's likely that even within the Imperial City, there are only a few such individuals. This should help narrow down the targets!"
Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Wen's expression instantly soured. "Northwest King, your words seem to imply it's me. If one can command a Saint Emperor realm expert, I should be among them, shouldn't I?"
"Grand Tutor Wen, you jest. I did not mention you. Why do you speak up so quickly? Could it be that it was indeed you?"
Lu Fan smiled, his gaze fixed on Grand Tutor Wen, a chilling glint in his eyes, as if he could sense the subtle shifts on Grand Tutor Wen's face.
At the same time, Grand Tutor Wen glanced away, saying no more. Instead, he turned to the Heavenly Emperor. "Your Majesty, the assassination attempt on the Northwest King is indeed no small matter. This must be thoroughly investigated to provide the Northwest King with an explanation!"
"Grand Tutor Wen, have you thought of a solution?"
The Heavenly Emperor narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting back to Grand Tutor Wen, becoming sharp.
"To investigate the hidden culprit, we can only dispatch the Dragon Court!" Grand Tutor Wen stated directly. "If we can find that person, it will also clear our names and prevent us from being questioned like this!"
The Heavenly Emperor was quite pleased with this suggestion. The Dragon Court was the imperial guard, possessing formidable investigative capabilities. Sending them to investigate this matter should be highly effective.
"Grand Tutor Wen shows great concern for this matter!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly, his expression calm, yet a sense of inexplicable suspicion lingered towards Grand Tutor Wen.
"There's no other way. Someone assassinating the Northwest King is an act that shakes the very foundation of our Heavenly Court. Such a thing cannot be tolerated!" Grand Tutor Wen stated. "Therefore, it must be investigated thoroughly to provide the Northwest King with an explanation!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, remaining silent. However, a sense of anger brewed within him. Although he didn't know who was responsible, he could vaguely feel that the matter was not as simple as it seemed.
"Northwest King, since things have come to this, I will entrust this matter to the Dragon Court. They will surely uncover the truth and provide you with an explanation!"
The Heavenly Emperor spoke with a cold demeanor, clearly angered by the incident and unwilling to let it go.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Lu Fan quickly cupped his fists, his expression solemn. The situation had escalated to this point, and it was beyond his control. All he could do was wait for the Dragon Court to reveal the truth.
"Seal the entire city immediately. No one is permitted to leave the Imperial City without authorization!" the Heavenly Emperor commanded coldly. "Once the matter is investigated and the culprit is found, the city will be unsealed!"
Upon hearing this, many court officials present changed their expressions. They had not expected the Heavenly Emperor to seal the entire city in pursuit of the perpetrator.
"This matter is of great importance. If the person is not apprehended, it will be a grave insult to our Heavenly Court!"
The Heavenly Emperor stated coldly. "If anyone confesses now, I might spare their nine generations of kin. However, if they are discovered, their nine generations will be annihilated without mercy!"
The faces of the assembled officials shifted, but they dared not speak further. The Heavenly Emperor's words clearly indicated his immense rage. If the culprit was not found, he would not be able to rest easy.
They exchanged glances, but none dared to say anything more. This matter was clearly not a good omen for any of them, as it was of considerable consequence.
Lu Fan's expression remained indifferent to the Heavenly Emperor's words, and he said nothing further. He could see through the situation clearly.
Meanwhile, Grand Tutor Wen's expression was somewhat grim. Such a grand mobilization made him uneasy.
"Your Majesty, this course of action may not be prudent!" General Chen cupped his fists and said. "While this matter is of great importance and concerns the safety of the Northwest King, sealing the entire city will likely lead to widespread rumors and even widespread panic throughout the capital. What then?"
"Are you questioning my decision!"
The Heavenly Emperor's gaze fell upon General Chen, a cold light in his eyes. "Or perhaps, you are the culprit? Otherwise, why would you object!"
"Your Majesty, I am loyal to the Heavenly Dynasty and would never commit such an act!"
General Chen stated repeatedly. "Everything I have said is for the sake of the entire Heavenly Dynasty. I hope Your Majesty will see clearly!"
"Enough, no more words are needed!"
The Heavenly Emperor said coldly. "My decision has been made, and no one can defy it. If you dare to speak again, do not blame me for not warning you!"
General Chen's face fell. The Heavenly Emperor had never spoken to him in such a manner before, and his words today cast a shadow over his expression.
At the same time, General Chen bowed his head, daring not to say anything further.
Since the Heavenly Emperor had spoken so firmly, he had no choice but to comply. After all, this was no trivial matter. If he were to displease the Heavenly Emperor even slightly, he would likely suffer greatly.
"General Chen, I understand that you are saying this for the sake of the entire Heavenly Dynasty. However, if this matter is not investigated thoroughly, the Northwest King will not rest. So, you need not worry too much!"
Grand Tutor Wen smiled faintly. "Once the true culprit is found, an explanation will be provided!"
General Chen nodded slightly, not saying much more. At this point, he understood that this was not something he could change.
Lu Fan observed all of this but remained silent.
He also wished to see the capabilities of the Dragon Court. If they could truly bring the hidden perpetrator to light, it would be for the best.
After leaving the court, Lu Fan proceeded into the Imperial Palace.
The Heavenly Emperor had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing Lu Fan's arrival, he stepped forward to greet him. "Northwest King, you truly impress me. To dare such a gamble! Do you realize that bringing a million-strong army into the Hell Dynasty could plunge the entire Imperial City into dire straits!"
"I am fully aware!" Lu Fan nodded. "But if we do not act, how can we turn the tide? After all, Jiuzhou City has been lost. This could potentially ignite endless conflict. Therefore, it is better for us to take a risky move, like 'Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao'!"
"Well said, 'Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao'!"
The Heavenly Emperor was quite pleased. "It seems my decision back then was not mistaken. You have satisfied me greatly!"