"Who dared to do this!"
The Heavenly Emperor's eyes flashed with coldness. "To commit such an act, do they not put the Heavenly Court in their eyes?"
Facing the Heavenly Emperor's rage, no one dared to speak further. They all lowered their heads, fearing that the anger would be directed at them.
After all, they were not entirely sure who was responsible for this. However, no matter what, it was wisest not to incur his wrath.
"As for who is responsible, I implore Your Heavenly Majesty to investigate!" Lu Fan said, cupping his fists. "To have a strong expert of the Immortal Emperor realm act, one might struggle to find many even within the Imperial City. This way, the target can be narrowed down!"
Upon hearing these words, Grand Tutor Wen's expression instantly soured. "King of the Northwest, by what you say, it sounds as if you are speaking of me? If one can command an Immortal Emperor realm expert, I should be among them, shouldn't I?"
"Grand Tutor Wen, you jest. I did not speak of you. Have you come forward so quickly because you are indeed the perpetrator?"
Lu Fan smiled, his gaze fixed on Grand Tutor Wen, with a hint of coldness that seemed to sense the subtle movements 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 and said, "Your Heavenly Majesty, the assassination attempt on the King of the Northwest is indeed no trivial matter. This incident must be thoroughly investigated to provide the King of the Northwest with an explanation!"
"Grand Tutor Wen, have you perhaps thought of a countermeasure?"
The Heavenly Emperor narrowed his eyes and looked back at Grand Tutor Wen, his gaze 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 Emperor's enforcer and possessed formidable investigative capabilities. Sending them to investigate this matter should allow them to navigate the situation with ease.
"Grand Tutor Wen is truly concerned about this matter!"
Lu Fan smiled slightly, his expression more serene, as if harboring an inexplicable suspicion towards Grand Tutor Wen.
"There is no other way. Someone assassinating the King of the Northwest is akin to shaking the very foundations of our Heavenly Court. Such actions are absolutely intolerable!" Grand Tutor Wen stated directly. "Therefore, it is imperative to investigate thoroughly to provide the King of the Northwest with an explanation!"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, remaining silent. However, he harbored a surge of anger regarding this matter. Though he did not know who the perpetrator was, he could vaguely sense that the situation was not as simple as it seemed.
"King of the Northwest, 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 expression, clearly angered by the incident and unwilling to let it slide.
"Thank you, Your Heavenly Majesty!"
Lu Fan quickly cupped his fists, his expression one of solemnity. The situation had escalated to this point, and it was beyond his control. All he could do was wait for the Dragon Court to uncover the truth.
"From this moment on, the entire city is to be sealed. No one is permitted to leave the Imperial City without authorization!" the Heavenly Emperor declared coldly. "Once the investigation is complete, the city will be unsealed!"
Upon hearing these words, many of the court officials' faces changed. They had not expected the Heavenly Emperor to seal the entire city in pursuit of the culprit.
"This matter is of great importance. If we fail to apprehend that person, 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 surely be exterminated. There will be no mercy!"
The faces of those present shifted, but they dared not say anything further. The Heavenly Emperor's words clearly indicated his immense rage. If the culprit was not apprehended, the Heavenly Emperor would not be able to rest easy.
They exchanged glances but dared not speak further. This matter was clearly not a good omen for them, as it was of considerable consequence.
Lu Fan regarded the Heavenly Emperor's words with a detached expression and remained silent. He understood the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, Grand Tutor Wen's expression was somewhat troubled. Such a grand mobilization made him feel uneasy.
"Your Majesty, I fear this may not be advisable!" General Chen cupped his fists and said, "While this matter is of great importance, concerning the safety of the King of the Northwest, sealing the entire city will likely lead to rampant 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 glint in his eyes. "Or perhaps, you are the culprit yourself? Otherwise, why would you object?"
"Your Heavenly Majesty, I am loyal to the Heavenly Dynasty and would never commit such an act!"
General Chen said repeatedly, "Everything I have said is for the sake of the entire Heavenly Dynasty. I hope Your Heavenly Majesty will discern the truth!"
"Enough, there is no need to say more!"
The Heavenly Emperor stated coldly. "My decision has been made, and no one can defy it. If you dare to speak again, do not blame me for not issuing a warning!"
General Chen's face fell. The Heavenly Emperor had never spoken to him in such a manner before, and his words today cast a somber shadow over him.
At the same time, General Chen felt compelled to cupped his fists and dared not say anything further.
Since the Heavenly Emperor had spoken in such a manner, he could only comply. After all, this was no trivial matter. If he inadvertently displeased the Heavenly Emperor, he might find himself in dire straits.
"General Chen, I understand that you are speaking for the sake of the entire Heavenly Dynasty. However, if this matter is not thoroughly investigated, the King of the Northwest will not let it go. So, you need not worry too much."
Grand Tutor Wen smiled faintly. "Once the true culprit is found, a satisfactory explanation will be provided."
General Chen nodded slightly, saying no more. At this juncture, he understood that this was not something he could alter.
Lu Fan observed all of this but remained silent.
He was also curious to see the capabilities of the Dragon Court. If they could truly unmask the hidden perpetrator, it would be for the best.
After leaving the imperial court, Lu Fan proceeded to the palace.
The Heavenly Emperor had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing Lu Fan's arrival, he stepped forward to greet him. "King of the Northwest, you truly make me look at you in a new light. To take such a gamble! Do you know that by leading your million-strong army into the Hell Dynasty, you risk plunging the entire Imperial City into dire straits?"
"I am well aware of that!" Lu Fan nodded. "But if not for doing so, how could we turn the tide? After all, Kyushu City has been lost. Hmm, it could very well ignite endless conflict. In that case, it is better to take a risky move, like a feint to save the besieged Wei."
"Well said, a feint to save the besieged Wei!"
The Heavenly Emperor was quite satisfied. "It seems my past decision was not wrong. You have greatly pleased me!"