Hundreds of silver-armored guards were already stationed outside the imperial palace, with several great generals standing by, fully prepared.
With silver-armored guards in front and behind, and several great generals present, Lu Fan, Li Jingjing, and Zhantai Ruomei were instantly surrounded, unable to move. Thousands of onlookers stood far away, watching. No one dared to step forward.
"Who are you? How dare you cause trouble in front of the imperial palace? Are you tired of living?" one of the great generals roared, pointing at Lu Fan.
"Someone who meddles in other people's business!" Lu Fan slowly drew out the golden, dagger-like treasure sword. Infusing it with his inner energy, the sword rapidly enlarged, transforming into a magnificent, golden, shining great sword. He then said with a flourish.
In the Tai Ming Yu Tian Kingdom, the Heavenly Emperor recognized this sword. It should be recognized here as well! Could this item be like the Imperial Sword?
However, things clearly took an unexpected turn. The great general merely glanced at the golden great sword, then suddenly waved his hand, "Hmph! Like to meddle? Kill him!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... The surrounding silver-armored guards immediately lunged at Lu Fan and the other two. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh... Streaks of sword light rained down upon Lu Fan and the others.
"Damn it... It's not working! Alright! Since they have strength, why rely on looks!"
Bang... Lu Fan stomped his foot fiercely, causing the ground to tremble. A vast aura rippled outwards. Whoosh... whoosh... The charging silver-armored guards were instantly sent flying.
"Ah..."
"Ah..."
Li Jingjing and Zhantai Ruomei cried out in surprise and flew into the air.
Lu Fan reached out abruptly, grabbed their small feet, and with a slap, placed them on his shoulders.
"Master! Next time you stomp, give us a heads-up," Zhantai Ruomei said, pouting.
"Alright! I used a bit too much force! Since they're forcing me to kill, today I'll unleash a massacre!" Lu Fan declared. With a thought, he summoned ten silver longswords. A powerful sword formation's aura rapidly spread outwards, radiating waves of killing intent!
"Little hero... Please, please stop...!" At this moment, two figures flew out from the imperial palace, shouting as they flew, "Little hero! Our Heavenly Emperor requests your presence!"
Whoosh... The numerous silver-armored guards surrounding Lu Fan retreated.
Lu Fan looked at the two figures who had emerged. They were likely ministers from the palace. Both had panicked expressions.
"Lead the way!" Lu Fan gently placed the two beautiful girls down from his shoulders.
The two ministers immediately led the way, and the many silver-armored guards parted to the sides, clearing a path.
"My goodness! So it's true that someone can break into the imperial palace!"
"This kid is too imposing! Amazing! Truly amazing!"
Among the thousands of onlookers, some exclaimed in disbelief. It seemed like the first time in many years that someone dared to be so audacious, defying the will of the imperial palace.
Lu Fan and the two women followed the two ministers into the imperial palace. The palace was equally luxurious. The Heavenly Emperor of the Tai Huang Zeng Tian Kingdom was a man of medium build, neither fat nor thin, but with a somewhat fierce expression. He sat on his throne, clad in dragon robes, his face looking rather displeased.
"Kid! Who exactly are you? And how did you obtain that sword in your hand?" the Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor asked Lu Fan sternly.
"Hmph! None of your business! It's me who's here to demand an explanation from you! Why do you unjustly accuse people, disregard the lives of the populace, and force them to mine for you?" Lu Fan slammed his treasure sword onto the ground. Crack, crack, crack... The bluestone beneath his feet instantly showed web-like cracks spreading outwards.
"This kind of work naturally requires the populace to do it. If they don't do it, should I, the Heavenly Emperor, do it myself? Should my many ministers do it? Then what use are the city's residents?" the Heavenly Emperor said, frowning.
"Damn it... What you said... makes sense!" Lu Fan swallowed hard. This fellow wasn't entirely wrong.
"Then fine! If I were the Heavenly Emperor, and you became a commoner, you would willingly do hard labor, wouldn't you?" A murderous glint flashed in Lu Fan's eyes, and his killing aura instantly spread. Swish... swish... swish... Ten silver great swords slowly appeared around him, shimmering with silver light.
"Your Majesty...!"
"Your Majesty...!"
Many ministers in the great hall looked at the Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor with alarm, clearly not wanting the Emperor to offend this young man. The sword was something they couldn't withstand!
"Then fine! What do you want?" The Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor's face contorted for a moment, but he eventually softened his tone.
"Those who commit evil must be severely punished, regardless of whether they are officials or commoners.
Furthermore, for every effort, there is a reward; for every action, there is compensation. Laws must be rewritten, and the people sent home. If you want people to labor for you, you must offer corresponding compensation. Even if you are the Heavenly Emperor, you cannot act arbitrarily," Lu Fan said coldly.
"Severely punished?" The Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor's mouth twitched. You're speaking too easily. That's my son! How can I punish him severely? And compensation? That would mean spending my own money!
"Alright...! Hmph! As you say! Issue back pay to all laborers." The Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor said with a very displeased expression.
"Ten times the back pay!" Lu Fan snorted coldly. It was evident that this fellow was greedy for wealth and had likely committed countless wicked deeds. If I don't act ruthlessly, I'd be doing him a disservice.
"Ten times?!!" The Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor nearly jumped up.
Bang... The great sword in Lu Fan's hand suddenly moved. Crack, crack, crack... The web-like cracks on the ground spread outwards again, covering half the palace in an instant.
"Fine! Fine! I agree!" The Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor's mouth twitched, and he said fiercely.
"Let's go!" Lu Fan said with a cold smile and turned to leave.
"Master! That old fellow doesn't intend to let us leave just like that!" Li Jingjing whispered into Lu Fan's ear.
"Hmph! That's exactly what I want!" Lu Fan chuckled coldly. He could tell that the Tai Huang Zeng Tian Emperor was not willing. Then let the storm come even fiercer. It would be a good opportunity to see what the so-called Thirty-Six Heavens truly possessed! It would also allow me to gauge how strong my innate realm truly is!
Leaving the Tai Huang Zeng Tian Kingdom, Lu Fan and the two young women immediately flew towards the Qing Ming He Tian Kingdom. Upon reaching the border between the Qing Ming He Tian Kingdom and the Tai Huang Zeng Tian Kingdom, Lu Fan found a flat spot and took out a barbecue grill and some ingredients.
"Master! Are you planning to wait here for people from the Tai Huang Zeng Tian Kingdom to come and settle the score with us?" Li Jingjing asked while grilling meat.
"Of course! Since they want to deal with us, they will naturally choose to do so outside their national borders to avoid causing trouble. This place is just right! I just don't know what methods they will use! I'm rather looking forward to it!" Lu Fan said with a slight smile.
"Hmph, hmph, hmph, hmph... You are indeed quite clever, young man, but you will regret it once you know!" Suddenly, a sinister voice echoed in their ears, but no one could be seen.