A tide of black-clad figures surged towards Lu Fan, their movements accompanied by forceful winds that instilled a sense of awe. No one had anticipated the situation escalating to this extent.
Witnessing the scene, Lu Fan offered a faint smile. "I never expected them to deploy a half-Emperor to deal with me. They truly think highly of me!"
"You will surely die today, boy. Offending the Fifth Prince is not something you can bear!" Ghost Elder's voice, hoarse, echoed.
Lu Fan's brow furrowed slightly as he unleashed his power. In the blink of an eye, several figures fell by his hand, seemingly without any ability to resist, appearing as mere withered bones before him.
Ghost Elder's expression shifted upon seeing this. He hadn't anticipated that someone as young as Lu Fan would possess such formidable skills, catching him off guard.
"These scumbags are no match for me!" Lu Fan shrugged. "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you; I'm not dying today!"
"Presumptuous brat, daring to act so arrogant after offending the Fifth Prince!" Ghost Elder's voice was icy. He formed his hand into a claw and lunged at Lu Fan, his attack appearing exceptionally fierce. He was a late-stage Martial Emperor, and ordinary Martial Emperors bowed before him, let alone Lu Fan.
Sensing the terrifying aura, Lu Fan retreated continuously, his brow creased. Even he hadn't expected Ghost Elder's strength to be so immense, catching him completely off guard.
After taking a few steps back, Lu Fan looked at Ghost Elder. "I truly didn't expect your strength to be this formidable. I've learned a great deal!"
"Die!"
Ghost Elder wasted no further words, seemingly aiming for a swift conclusion. His aura reached its peak.
Meanwhile, many in the imperial capital watched, wondering what was happening. Upon realizing it was Ghost Elder battling Lu Fan, they were somewhat shocked.
"Isn't that the person who attempted the Heavenly Road? It seems he offended the Fifth Prince and is now being assassinated!"
"Who's to say otherwise! This is why one should remain low-key. Otherwise, you might not even find your corpse!"
"Don't speak carelessly. In the imperial capital, making baseless accusations can lead to dire consequences!"
A murmur of conversation arose, with people expressing their suspicion about the unfolding events.
Lu Fan's body suddenly recoiled, and he spat out a mouthful of blood, his face paling. He hadn't anticipated that Ghost Elder's strength would be so overwhelming, leaving him unable to resist.
Within the imperial capital, many were aghast, not expecting this generation's prodigy to perish here today. It was a cause for regret, as few, if any, had managed to reach the fifth step in centuries.
"You shouldn't have come to the imperial capital!" The black-clad figure's voice was cold. In an instant, he lunged towards Lu Fan, exuding a powerful aura.
At that very moment, the black-clad figure's aerial strike landed forcefully. However, a hidden aura suddenly appeared, repelling the attacker. The immense power startled the black-clad figure, forcing him to quickly evade.
Spectators in the imperial capital wondered who had intervened with such terrifying might, leaving them perplexed.
Simultaneously, Lu Fan scanned his surroundings but saw no one, a hint of suspicion in his heart.
"Thank you for your assistance, senior!" Lu Fan cupped his fists, his gaze sweeping the area, but still finding no one, a sense of bewilderment growing within him.
"Are you alright?" Liu Ruyan rushed over, her brow furrowed. She had been in her room until the commotion started, and upon rushing out, she found Lu Fan severely injured.
"I'm fine. Someone saved me!" Lu Fan shook his head. "I just don't know who this expert is, but they are so powerful that even a Martial Emperor couldn't withstand a single wisp of their aura!"
"Someone that powerful is helping you?" Liu Ruyan sounded perplexed. If Lu Fan's words were to be believed, it was indeed astonishing.
Lu Fan nodded and said no more. The events of the day had been quite impactful for him.
Across the imperial capital, rumors quickly spread, with many pointing fingers at the Fifth Prince. It was widely known that the Fifth Prince wished to kill Lu Fan, a fact he had openly declared, leaving no room for doubt.
At the inn, upon hearing the news, the Northern County Princess quickly arrived and asked Lu Fan, "Did my Fifth Brother really do this? He's truly audacious. I will report this to His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor and make him pay!"
"He's a prince. What does it matter if the Heavenly Emperor is angered?" Liu Ruyan shrugged. "Would he kill his own son?"
The Northern County Princess was taken aback, unsure how to respond. As Liu Ruyan had said, it was futile, regardless of what happened, for a prince was the one who wanted Lu Fan dead.
"It might not be the Fifth Prince!" Lu Fan shook his head, his expression grave. "This matter is likely not that simple. If it were truly the Fifth Prince, he wouldn't have acted so brazenly!"
"If not the Fifth Prince, then who else!" Ling'er shook her head. "I believe it was him; only he could have done something like this!"
"We need to investigate this further, but one thing is certain: this has nothing to do with the Fifth Prince. Someone is likely trying to frame him!" Lu Fan shook his head, appearing to understand the intricacies of royal power struggles.
At the same time, everyone was puzzled, especially by Lu Fan's words, which made them wonder who else it could be if not the Fifth Prince.
"If not the Fifth Prince, then perhaps it was Prince Bailong," Liu Ruyan casually remarked, seemingly unconcerned.
"Impossible! How could Brother Bailong do such a thing!" The Northern County Princess quickly interjected. "Lu Fan is my friend. What benefit would Brother Bailong gain from doing this to him!"
"Prince Bailong invited him to be his advisor, but he was refused. Isn't that reason enough?" Liu Ruyan smiled faintly.
"You need evidence to suspect anyone. Don't spout nonsense and damage our friendship!" The Northern County Princess spoke again, appearing somewhat angered. At least, in her opinion, Bailong was incapable of such an act.
Lu Fan remained silent. Even he suspected that Bailong was involved in this matter.