After making some preparations, Lu Fan and Beicheng set off.
The death of eight thousand Black Armored Guards in vain was a significant blow to Beicheng.
The grand procession that had departed was now returning with him alone, making him feel even more dejected.
After several days of travel, Lu Fan and his companions arrived at the imperial capital, where many people were already gathered to welcome them.
"Prince Beicheng, your safe return is truly a blessing from Heaven!"
The ministers bowed, not daring to overstep their bounds.
"It seems you already know about my expedition to the barren lands!" Beicheng inquired.
"The Prince nearly lost his life while eradicating the Dragon Extermination Hall. The Heavenly Emperor was extremely worried!"
The ministers declared, "Your Highness's safe return is now a fortune for the Heavenly Court!"
Beicheng nodded slightly, paying little attention to these flattering words.
Accompanying Lu Fan and the others to the imperial court, the civil and military officials also cast their gazes, inadvertently resting on Lu Fan.
Lu Fan was the King of the Northwest. They had not been present when he was enfeoffed, but they knew that Lu Fan was chosen by the Heavenly Path and was destined for great things.
"Beicheng, you have worked hard on this mission to eradicate the Dragon Extermination Hall!" the Heavenly Emperor's voice boomed. "I heard it was the King of the Northwest who saved you!"
"Indeed!"
Beicheng nodded, "If not for the King of the Northwest's intervention, this humble son would likely not have returned!"
"Are there truly so many experts in the Dragon Extermination Hall?"
The Heavenly Emperor frowned, "Even the eight thousand Black Armored Guards could not retreat unscathed!"
"The mere Dragon Extermination Hall is nothing to speak of!"
Beicheng chuckled lightly, "However, there are likely hidden matters behind this Dragon Extermination Hall!"
The ministers were surprised, and Beicheng's words made them suspicious and curious.
"Heavenly Emperor, the mastermind behind the Dragon Extermination Hall is likely someone within the imperial court!"
Lu Fan spoke, not holding back at all. The matter had already occurred, and he had no intention of concealing anything.
The entire hall erupted in an uproar, disbelief evident on everyone's faces. If Lu Fan's words were true, the implications would be immense.
"King of the Northwest, do you have any evidence for your claims?"
Prince Beihai asked, the corner of his mouth curling up slightly, exuding an air of authority.
"Naturally, I do not!"
Lu Fan shrugged slightly, "But you should all know that in such a vast dynasty, besides sects, no one else could possess such power!"
"That is correct!"
Prince Beicheng nodded, "Moreover, the black-clothed man admitted before his death that he came from the imperial capital. More importantly, his backer must hold a high position in the imperial capital!"
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone trembled and looked towards the other princes. Those who held high positions in the imperial capital were likely only the princes themselves.
"Without evidence, do not speak carelessly!"
The Heavenly Emperor frowned. This matter was of great importance, and an investigation would inevitably implicate the innocent.
"My words are all true. If Father Emperor does not believe me, he can send people to investigate this matter!"
Prince Beicheng clasped his hands in a salute, "More importantly, this mastermind has colluded with the Hell Dynasty!"
The Heavenly Emperor abruptly stood up, his expression instantly turning grim. If it were other matters, he might not have paid much attention, but if it involved the Hell Dynasty, he dared not be careless.
The Hell Dynasty had been restless, plotting to attack the Heavenly Dynasty. The dynastic conflict would begin before long.
If there were individuals from the Hell Dynasty within the Heavenly Court, it would undoubtedly be a devastating blow to the entire Heavenly Dynasty.
"We implore the Heavenly Emperor to thoroughly investigate this matter and not allow this person to ruin the foundation of the dynasty!"
Many ministers clasped their hands in salutes, their expressions solemn. They were well aware that this matter was extraordinary.
The Heavenly Emperor frowned and said in a deep voice, "Today's morning court is adjourned. As for the matter of the Hell Dynasty, I will personally send people to investigate in secret!"
Everyone clasped their hands in salutes. They naturally dared not defy the Heavenly Emperor's decision.
After the Heavenly Emperor departed, Prince Beihai looked at Beicheng, "Second Brother, have you been scared? How could the mere Dragon Extermination Hall be related to Hell!"
"There are things you do not know, and even if I told you, it would be useless!"
Beicheng's expression was indifferent, and he never paid attention to Prince Beihai's doubts.
"Hmph, Second Brother, your tone has become much bolder since returning from outside!"
Prince Beihai said dismissively and turned to leave. As for who the mastermind was, he simply didn't care.
"Second Brother, you must have had a hard time going to the barren lands this time!"
Bai Long strode forward, a smile on his face.
"It was not hard!"
Beicheng chuckled lightly, "But what I said today is true!"
"If Second Brother says so, then there is naturally no problem!"
Bai Long nodded, "We will definitely find out who is responsible!"
After Bai Long left, Beicheng looked at Lu Fan, "Who do you think is responsible?"
"There are many princes in the imperial capital, and I cannot discern!"
Lu Fan shrugged, "Everyone is a suspect!"
Beicheng immediately showed a wry smile. Lu Fan's words made him feel somewhat helpless.
After leaving the imperial palace, Beicheng took Lu Fan to a courtyard. "This is the Northwest King's Mansion specially built for you by Father Emperor. You can live here when you return to the imperial capital in the future!"
"The Heavenly Emperor is very thoughtful!"
Lu Fan nodded and walked in directly. The Northwest King's Mansion was very large, several times larger than other courtyards.
After resting in the courtyard for a while, several eunuchs arrived at the Northwest King's Mansion, which made Beicheng somewhat puzzled.
"King of the Northwest, the Heavenly Emperor invites you to dine with him!"
The old eunuch said, "Please accompany me to the palace now!"
"Dine with him?"
Lu Fan was somewhat confused and surprised. He naturally did not expect the Heavenly Emperor to invite him.
"Did they call for me?" Prince Beicheng asked, his expression serious.
"This..."
The old eunuch was slightly taken aback, his face showing embarrassment, unsure how to answer.
"Cough, cough... If they didn't call, then they didn't call!"
Beicheng coughed a few times, feeling very helpless inside. He was a prince, yet he did not receive a summons, while Lu Fan was treated with such importance.
Leaving the Northwest King's Mansion, Lu Fan arrived at the imperial palace. The imperial palace appeared somewhat dim at night. The old eunuch led the way, smiling as he said, "The King of the Northwest is young and has extraordinary demeanor. He will surely be a dragon among men in the future!"
"You flatter me!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly. He seemed to have guessed the reason for the Heavenly Emperor summoning him to the palace.
Inside a palace, the Heavenly Emperor stood, his expression profound. Seeing Lu Fan's arrival, he smiled and said, "It's rare for the King of the Northwest to visit the imperial capital. Please join me for a few drinks!"
"The Heavenly Emperor summoned me, likely for other matters!" Lu Fan said with a smile. "Why not speak frankly? If I can help the Heavenly Emperor, I will naturally not shirk my duty!"