"Who can know? After all, within the royal family, not many people are trustworthy," Lu Fan shrugged slightly. "It seems I need to leave the capital as soon as possible. Only then can I preserve my life. Otherwise, within this capital, my life might be in peril!"
"It's not that exaggerated. You've at least crossed the fifth step of the Heavenly Road; you are no ordinary person!" Prince Beichen said directly. "You must have sensed it yourself. I heard that when you were assassinated, an ultimate master intervened and saved your life!"
"I truly didn't expect Prince Beichen's information to be so well-informed, knowing what just happened!" Lu Fan smiled slightly. "Indeed, a master saved me, but he didn't reveal himself. As for who he is, I'm still unclear!"
"Actually, all of this is insignificant. As long as you are alive, it's enough!" Prince Beichen said directly. "If I'm not mistaken, the Emperor's decree should arrive soon. By then, it might not be possible for you to leave the imperial city!"
"Decree?"
Lu Fan was slightly stunned, his heart filled with surprise. He found Prince Beichen's words somewhat inexplicable.
"Can there really be a summons?" Princess Beimei asked, her eyes filled with joy.
If they could receive a summons from Tian Di, they could directly enter the imperial palace and secure an official position. In the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty, that would be quite prestigious. Especially for someone with Lu Fan's formidable talent, many would flock to curry favor.
"Generally, those who enter the Heavenly Road receive a royal summons. Moreover, his situation is not simply about entering the Heavenly Road!" Prince Beichen said seriously, quite confident in this regard.
As they were conversing, a procession arrived outside the inn. An old eunuch slowly dismounted, exuding a unique aura, even a hint of imposing majesty. Although merely a eunuch, his powerful presence caused everyone present to feel a sense of awe and even deference.
"Isn't that Eunuch Liu? A prominent figure in the Heavenly Court!"
"Who says not! I've heard that Eunuch Liu is extremely powerful, serving by the Emperor's side. I didn't expect him to personally leave the palace. It seems someone else is to be summoned to the palace!"
"Does that even need to be said? It must be that person who passed the Heavenly Road!"
"That's right, who else could it be? After all, only he has such qualifications!"
A murmur of conversation arose, and everyone spoke in hushed tones, not daring to offend Eunuch Liu in the slightest, even lowering their voices.
"By the Emperor's decree, why do you not come out to receive it!" Eunuch Liu's voice rang out, carrying an air of authority. As someone serving by the Emperor's side, his authority throughout the Heavenly Court Dynasty was extremely high.
Lu Fan and the others hurried out to greet him, not daring to be negligent. The aura emanating from Eunuch Liu alone made them feel intimidated, and they dared not offend him easily.
"So Prince Beichen is also here!" Eunuch Liu glanced at Beichen before quickly cupping his fists. He didn't dare to be overly arrogant, as the person before him was a prince, and no matter how favored he was, he wouldn't dare to act presumptuously.
Prince Beichen nodded slightly but didn't pay much attention, standing aside as if everything unfolding was within his control.
"The Emperor summons you to the palace!" Eunuch Liu looked at Lu Fan. "You boy have passed the fifth step, and your future is boundless. It is your honor to be personally summoned by the Emperor!"
"The Emperor summons me?"
Lu Fan's brows furrowed slightly. If he refused now, it might cause unnecessary trouble. However, the thought of going to the imperial palace alone made him feel somewhat uneasy.
"You don't need to worry too much. I can accompany you to the imperial palace," Prince Beichen said with a smile. "Moreover, your father has summoned you, and you have no reason to refuse. So, you should go with Eunuch Liu!"
Lu Fan felt helpless and nodded slightly. If he refused now, his life might be in danger, as it would be defying the Emperor.
The grand procession moved through the imperial capital. Lu Fan and Eunuch Liu sat in the carriage, appearing somewhat out of place. Prince Beichen also accompanied them, looking nonchalant.
"Eunuch Liu, did Father mention anything when he summoned him to the palace?" Prince Beichen's gaze fell upon Eunuch Liu, filled with curiosity.
"This old servant is merely a messenger. As for what the Emperor intends, this old servant truly does not know!" Eunuch Liu replied with a smile, daring not to reveal anything. After all, serving the Emperor required utmost discretion. Even though the person before him was a prince, he couldn't disclose too much, lest it lead to a fatal consequence.
Prince Beichen didn't press further, as he naturally understood the rules of the palace.
Not long after, Lu Fan was brought to the Imperial Garden. Within the garden, a middle-aged man in dragon robes stood slowly, accompanied by several guards whose imposing auras made it impossible for anyone to approach easily.
"Your Majesty, the person has arrived!" Eunuch Liu cupped his fists, his expression becoming cautious. Serving by the Emperor's side, he naturally had to be meticulous and not show any negligence.
The Emperor nodded slightly and then turned abruptly. The aura emanating from him caused Lu Fan to involuntarily step back a few paces. Such a powerful aura was precisely why he could become the Emperor and the ruler of the Heavenly Court Dynasty.
"You are Lu Fan?" the Emperor asked, looking at Lu Fan, his face devoid of any pretense.
"I am Lu Fan!" Lu Fan cupped his fists, his expression serious. The Emperor's sudden summons had caught him off guard.
"You don't need to be overly concerned. I summoned you today primarily to see you. To reach the fifth step of the Heavenly Road at such a young age, you are truly a prodigy of our Heavenly Court!" the Emperor said with a smile. "All citizens of our Heavenly Court Dynasty need to contribute to our Heavenly Court Dynasty. Tell me, what position would you like to hold?"
"This..." Lu Fan stood there, his face instantly turning awkward. "To be frank, I am not interested in any official positions within the Heavenly Court Dynasty. The reason I came to the imperial capital was merely to test the Heavenly Road!"
Eunuch Liu frowned. Lu Fan's words had touched upon the Emperor's majesty, causing him to break into a cold sweat and tremble all over.
The Emperor's brows furrowed slightly. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to speak in such a manner, which was beyond his expectation and put him in a difficult position.
"Young man, this is a golden opportunity. His Majesty has extended an offer, why do you refuse!" Eunuch Liu interjected.