“Must you insist on this?”
Shen Yehong alighted from the sedan chair, her gaze fixed on Liuli.
“I have no intention of causing trouble for the royal family, but I also ask that the Princess not force my hand.”
Liuli flicked her long whip, exuding an imposing aura, as if nothing could instill fear in her.
“Very well, very well! A fine Senior Disciple of Shenji Mountain!”
Shen Yehong laughed heartily, “Today, I shall learn whether your whip is mightier, or my spirit sword!”
The onlookers retreated, anticipating a spectacle. One was a Princess of the dynasty, possessing the most precious of bodies; the other, the Senior Disciple of Shenji Mountain, the future leader of the sect.
In terms of both status and other aspects, these two were well-matched, considered paragons of their respective worlds.
Hu Yu, hiding behind, dared not speak. The situation had escalated to a point where a major confrontation seemed inevitable.
“Stop!”
A hoarse voice echoed from Shenji Mountain, “The royal family’s affairs are not for Shenji Mountain to meddle in. Liuli, return to the mountain at once!”
“This…”
Liuli’s brow furrowed. She recognized the voice of Daoist Jiulong. She had been ready to act, but now had no choice but to desist.
“What? Weren’t you just being arrogant?”
Shen Yehong’s expression was cold, “You dare to interfere in my royal family’s matters? You’ll regret it. Even if the Sect Master of Shenji Mountain were here, they would have to show me respect.”
“Princess Yehong, please mind your words!”
The aged voice spoke again, “Shenji Mountain does not participate in dynastic disputes, nor do we fear the royal family. Your recent remarks are disrespectful to Shenji Mountain, and you will find no place there in the future.”
Liuli gave a cold smile and said nothing further, compelled to enter Shenji Mountain.
As for Hu Yu before her, she could do nothing. Her sect had issued an order, and she had to comply.
Seeing that the situation was unfavorable, Hu Yu tried to flee, but was blocked by a guard, feeling even more aggrieved.
“What, trying to leave? It’s not that easy!”
Shen Yehong said coldly, “I’ll ask you again, do you know the whereabouts of that brat?”
“I’ve told you countless times, I’m not familiar with him. How would I know where he went?”
Hu Yu pleaded repeatedly, “Please let me go. Don’t hold this against me.”
“That won’t do!”
Shen Yehong sneered, “If you don’t know, then your life is meaningless.”
In an instant, Shen Yehong’s spirit sword lunged forward, showing no mercy.
The onlookers were terrified, never expecting a Princess of the dynasty to be so ruthless.
Witnessing this scene, Liuli’s expression shifted. 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 violently pushed back, her spirit sword flying from her grasp.
Lu Fan shielded Hu Yu behind him, his expression growing colder, “I have no quarrel with the Princess. Why are you making things difficult for me?”
“You audacious fool! How dare you attack this Princess!”
Shen Yehong spoke coldly, “This is the Great Yan Dynasty!”
“And so what?”
Lu Fan retorted 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 to my doorstep yourself!”
Shen Yehong sneered, “This is good. I’ll settle you here today, lest you ruin my plans in the future!”
“Are you afraid I’ll become the one you fancy?”
Lu Fan chuckled coldly, “Rest assured, I will have no romantic feelings for you. As for the fortune-telling, you needn’t take it too seriously!”
“Don’t speak 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 lunged forward towards Lu Fan, exuding a powerful aura.
As Princess’s guards, they were no ordinary individuals. Now that the Princess had given the order, they dared not delay.
“Just them? I doubt they’re qualified!”
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, not taking the guards seriously at all. In his eyes, these guards were probably insignificant.
The guards’ expressions turned hostile. Lu Fan’s words were clearly a sign of contempt, an act of utter audacity.
Seeing the scene unfold, Liuli could only watch helplessly, unable to intervene.
But in an instant, a powerful aura emanated from Lu Fan, pushing back the guards with a forceful gust of wind.
The surrounding onlookers gasped in surprise. They clearly hadn’t expected Lu Fan’s strength to be so formidable. To be the Princess’s guard, they were likely Venerable-level powerhouses. For Lu Fan to reach this level on his own was truly extraordinary.
Sensing the shift in the situation, Shen Yehong drew her sword once more, intending to force Lu Fan back. However, Lu Fan advanced instead of retreating, and in a blink, he was before her. He grasped her jade-like hand and sneered, “You do have some grace, but with such ruthlessness, I wouldn’t fall for you. Rest assured.”
Shen Yehong stumbled back several steps, “You dare to take liberties with me! If my father learns of this, he will surely break your dog legs!”
“Alas, this is not the imperial city.”
Lu Fan shook his head, “The guards you brought are no match for me. Most importantly, you yourself are in my grasp. You still speak so presumptuously. Believe it or not, I can end you right now!”
“You… you are shameless!” Shen Yehong’s face flushed slightly.
As a Princess of the dynasty, she was accustomed to admiration, and no one had ever dared to defy her will. Being treated this way by Lu Fan today felt like an unbearable humiliation.
Hu Yu stood stunned to the side, glancing at Lu Fan, never expecting him to be so… smooth.
“Whether I am shameless or not is not important,”
Lu Fan shrugged, “I do not wish to be enemies with the Great Yan royal family, nor do I wish to be too close to you. Henceforth, you walk your single-plank bridge, and I will cross my sunlit path. As for the omen at Jiulong Mountain, you shouldn’t take it too seriously.”
“You wish! Today you have humiliated me, and this Princess will make you pay dearly!” Shen Yehong said coldly.
“You truly refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!”
Lu Fan lunged forward, instantly seizing Shen Yehong by the throat. “Do you know that with just a slight squeeze, your life will be extinguished? It matters not if you are a Princess of the dynasty, or anyone of status.”
“Release the Princess! Don’t do anything rash!”
The guards shouted urgently, clearly startled. They had not expected Lu Fan to be so direct. This was a royal Princess! If anything were to happen to her, even they would be held accountable.
Lu Fan remained unfazed, his gaze fixed on Shen Yehong, “I will ask you one more time, are you still going to deal with me?”
“You can’t make me compromise!” Shen Yehong showed no fear. “If I die, you will never leave the Great Yan 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.