"But his strength is so formidable, eliminating him won't be easy!" Gu Hai stated frankly, "Moreover, this brat managed to kill over a dozen Venerables. Could he already possess Heavenly Venerable strength?"
"Heavenly Venerable?"
Shen Zhanguo's brow furrowed. "If that's truly the case, then this matter is indeed difficult to say."
"Then what should we do?"
With a grave expression, Gu Hai inquired again. If Lu Fan remained unchecked, even he harbored apprehension.
After all, this was no trivial matter, and it involved far-reaching consequences, especially since he had already made a move against Lu Fan, who would surely bear a grudge.
"I will dispatch someone!"
Shen Zhanguo said coldly, "Anyone who dares to offend this prince, I will tear them to shreds."
"With the prince personally sending someone, it will surely yield twice the result with half the effort!"
Gu Hai's face lit up with joy. He then bowed slightly, revealing a hint of smugness. He had been worried, but now it seemed his fears were unfounded.
After a short while, Gu Hai left the imperial city, appearing quite leisurely. However, Shen Yehong arrived at the First Prince's palace, his face etched with displeasure.
"Big Brother, did you send someone to deal with Lu Fan?" Shen Yehong asked.
"You're referring to that brat who doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth?"
Shen Zhanguo replied indifferently, "Your news travels fast. It's a pity it wasn't successful, otherwise, I would have made that brat pay. Daring to offend me will not end well."
"Big Brother is truly dense. Do you think what you did is beneficial to you?"
Shen Yehong stated directly, "If something happens to him, you'll likely be the one in trouble!"
"Ridiculous. I, the dignified First Prince of the Taiyan Dynasty, what trouble could I possibly have?" Shen Zhanguo said coldly.
"Do you know why Second Brother is so eager to curry favor with him?"
Shen Yehong shrugged. "Big Brother should know that I have entered Tongtian Academy, and they are all students of Tongtian Academy. Within Tongtian Academy, they are highly regarded by the elders. If anything were to happen to them, the elders would surely seek an explanation, and even Father Emperor would find it difficult to handle."
"They are also from Tongtian Academy?"
The First Prince's brow furrowed, and his expression instantly shifted. If that were the case, he would have to think twice before dealing with Lu Fan and the others, lest it cause unnecessary trouble.
"That's right, they are all from Tongtian Academy!"
Shen Yehong stated directly, "If anything happens to them, Tongtian Academy will surely seek an explanation. At that time, Big Brother will surely be reprimanded by Father Emperor, and it might even affect his succession."
"How do you know so much?"
Shen Zhanguo frowned. "Did Second Brother tell you?"
"It's obvious to everyone in the Taiyan Dynasty who is vying for succession between the two of you."
Shen Yehong stated directly, "Second Brother has been currying favor with the people from Tongtian Academy to increase his bargaining chips. If it's truly needed, it won't be good for Big Brother."
"So, according to you, I shouldn't have moved against your friends?" Shen Zhanguo narrowed his eyes. "You've always been indifferent to matters of the imperial city, yet now you care so much. I suspect it's for your friends?"
"Big Brother, I'm saying all this for your own good. If you think I'm pleading for them here, then consider me to have said nothing."
Shen Yehong stated directly, "Let alone whether you can kill them, even if you did, you would still be the one to suffer."
"Then what should I do?" Shen Zhanguo frowned. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't have paid them any mind, but Lu Fan and the others were not ordinary, and thus not so easy to deal with.
"Naturally, you should treat them with courtesy and personally go to apologize."
Shen Yehong stated directly, "Only then can they see your sincerity, and at least they won't be your enemies."
"You want me to go and apologize?"
Shen Zhanguo sneered. "You've really calculated this well!"
"I'm telling you the truth. If you're unwilling, then I can't do anything about it!"
Shen Yehong stated directly, "This matter is not something I can control. Everything still depends on Big Brother!"
"Absolutely impossible. I, the dignified First Prince of the Taiyan Dynasty, how could I bow down to them!"
Shen Zhanguo shook his head, his gaze becoming even colder, without any hint of reservation.
Faced with these words, Shen Yehong frowned. "Since Big Brother is so resolute, then consider me to have never said this."
After saying that, Shen Yehong prepared to leave but was called back by Shen Zhanguo. "Forget it, forget it. Since they are disciples of Tongtian Academy, it's not good for me to be their enemy. You personally lead the way, and I will go and apologize."
"Does Big Brother truly mean this?"
Shen Yehong's face lit up with joy. "If that's truly the case, it will only bring benefits and no harm to Big Brother!"
Shen Zhanguo said nothing more. If it weren't for his apprehension towards Tongtian Academy, he wouldn't have considered apologizing. However, with matters having reached this point, he could only do so, lest it have adverse effects on him in the future.
Not long after, Shen Zhanguo boarded a carriage and left the imperial palace, heading towards Shenxian Ju. His expression had become quite solemn.
"Big Brother, when you show goodwill, you can't have a stern face, otherwise, they won't feel your kindness!"
Shen Yehong said, "You must do as I say."
"I know, I know!" Shen Zhanguo waved his hand, feeling somewhat wronged. He, a prince of the imperial dynasty, had to apologize to others. If this were to get out, what would happen to his reputation as the First Prince?
At this very moment, Lu Fan and Bi Qing were conversing in the courtyard. Upon seeing several carriages arrive outside Shenxian Ju, they were somewhat puzzled. As they observed closely, they realized it was Shen Yehong and Shen Zhanguo.
"Why is he here? Is he here to kill you?" Bi Qing instantly became vigilant. "But why is Shen Yehong accompanying him?"
"If he were truly here to kill me, he wouldn't be so blatant!" Lu Fan shook his head and chuckled. "He must have some other business."
As they were talking, Shen Yehong spoke, "You two don't need to look anymore. My Big Brother is here to apologize to you. He didn't know you were disciples of Tongtian Academy before, hence the previous offenses. Therefore, he hopes you all won't mind."
Shen Zhanguo also nodded slightly. "That is precisely my intention."
"So, the assassination attempt by the young master of the Gu family just now was instigated by the First Prince?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, with a meaningful look.
"That's right, it was indeed at my behest!" Shen Zhanguo did not conceal it. "If it weren't for that, they wouldn't have dared to act so rashly!"
"The First Prince is quite direct, actually not hiding anything!" Lu Fan said with a faint smile.
"Since I've come to apologize, sincerity must come first." The First Prince stated directly, "When the world was in chaos, I knew of your identities, and I would never have made a move against you. I hope you all don't misunderstand!"